“For each ten coins I put in, to spend
but nine.”
Arkad, the richest man in Babylon start his
teaching session by asking the 100 men of their trades and labors. Each student
has their flows a stream of coins large or small according to his ability. Then
he continued that each of people that desire to build a fortune should start
utilizing that source of wealth which he already has established.
Then Arkad taught the first cure to a lean
purse; for every ten coins you placed within your purse, take out for use but
nine. In our modern days, it means we should keep the 10 percent of our salary
first then use the ninety percent. We have our job to start with, however small
or big salary is we can start with it because it continuously flows to us as we
do our work.
When I started to receive my salary as an
OFW, I usually remit to my family back in the Philippines, pay for my house
rent, food, utilities, transportation etc. what is left is some little extras
that I will also use up before my next salary. Although, I plan on saving but I
didn’t know how.
Until I came home for vacation
in 2007, my sister gave me a book authored by Mr. Francisco Colayco, “Pera Mo, Palaguin Mo”. His first
principle is somehow same as what “Arkad” is saying, “Pay yourself first”. Take 10 percent of your total income and save
it. This ten percent is like our salary for our labor. The equation he
introduced is: Income – Saving = Expenses. I sometimes practiced this equation
until I was hit by the recession (more of this later).
When I became a Christian, I
desired to give back 10 percent as my tithe to the Lord. So my new equation is:
Income – Tithe – Saving = Expenses. It did wonders to me because I never really
ran out of money in my pocket. Somehow, I manage to get by with 80 percent of
my salary. Although, there may be times that I was really short but God’s
provision is always on time, He is moving in amazing ways. Some other times I
acquired debt but I was able to pay these debts on time. For more stories on
tithing, please click here.
Saving should be a habit and as
an OFW we should realize it sooner or later as being an OFW is not for a
lifetime. We should take advantage of the opportunity while we are abroad and
earning an ample amount of money.
Although I realized that a bit early but I
didn’t really get serious about doing it, until the recession hit in 2008 and
continued until I was laid off in 2011. I may have some savings but it was only
enough to pay for my monthly expenses for at least 2 months. I realized that I
should have saved more considering that I am earning an ample amount of salary before
the recession but I didn’t really take it at heart. Tsk, tsk, tsk.
Right now, I am wiser (I guess) than before.
Less0n learnt, be serious in giving back 10 percent back to the Lord,
religiously save 10 percent of salary and budget the 80 percent. In this way, I
can start to fatten my character and purse.
Great things come from humble beginnings, so
start small and start now.
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