'Lucky' and 'unlucky' signs in Year of the Horse

MANILA – A Hong Kong-based feng shui expert has revealed his predictions for various animal zodiac signs as Chinese New Year nears.

The Year of the Wooden Horse will commence at 12:01 a.m. on January 31, although Joseph Chau Kam Shing stressed that the formal duration of the year will be from February 4 at 6:03 a.m. to February 3, 2015.

While not all signs are “lucky” this 2014, Chau said these can be reversed or enhanced through the use of charms. Some of them include treasure buckets for wealth, a jade dragonhead fish for career, a jade master protection pendant for safety, longevity coins for health, and a Mandarin duck for romance and relationships.

For overall luck, one may try the benefactor jade, he said.

In a press conference at the Mandarin Oriental Manila on Monday, Chau shared his 2014 forecast for each animal sign.

Here are his predictions:

Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

Zodiac’s nature: Cheerful, charming loyal, friendly, hardworking, independent, energetic, subjective and self-centered

General forecast: More or less, they will be quite emotional and under stress at work. It is important that they know how to relax more and stay quiet for self-protection. On the other hand, they have to keep a low profile and be patient to avoid unnecessary rumors and jealousy.

On money: It is neither too good nor too bad. Horses will have a stable and satisfactory income, but they should still cut down their unnecessary expenditures.

On relationships: Lovers should be patient with each other. Married Horses should keep away from temptation or they will face separation. They must be careful with the way they handle their relationship to avoid any conflict especially in the lunar months of February, March, May, September and December.

On health and safety: Horses should pay attention to road safety, stay away from sharp objects and beware of problems with the eyes, heart, high blood pressure, stroke and cardiovascular system. It is important that they do not go to funerals or wakes during the whole year. To enhance their luck, they should have a blood test or oral prophylaxis in the beginning of the year.

Goat (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991)

Zodiac’s nature: Honest, sincere, kind, helpful, creative, peaceful, intelligent and artistic. Good-natured and generous, but sometimes can be undisciplined and irresponsible. Indecisive but at times too passive.

General forecast: Luck is pretty good for Goats, and 2014 is a productive year for them. They will have the wits and courage to solve problems and challenges at work without too many difficulties. Their hard work and outstanding performance will bring promotion to them sooner or later. However, they must not rely too much on others to take over responsibilities as this will result in failure.

On money: Financially, this is a fortunate year for Goats. They will enjoy stable financial fortune with abundant profits in business incomes. Consider investing or buying property.

On relationships: They will get along with others due to the existence of the lucky star. Romantic sparks with the opposite gender are ignited easily. Single Goats will enjoy a congenial relationship and married Goats will experience harmony in family life.

On health and safety: Goats must pay special attention to their health and schedule a medical checkup after the Lunar New Year. They should go on a diet and be cautious about food hygiene, and drink Chinese herb soup to prevent intestinal and lung problems. Female Goats have to beware of gynecological problems. They should also pay attention to road safety.

Monkey (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 2004)

Zodiac’s nature: Lively, quick-witted, intelligent, inventive, innovative, independent, a fast learner with good memory, good in social skills but can be selfish and egotistic. Good at problem-solving, but prone to laziness.

General forecast: This is a tough year for Monkeys as there will be more work and less profit. It is difficult for them to see any important breakthrough in their careers, and business will be sluggish. Unless they have a very strong will to work hard, their success will not come easy. Despite this, they will be busy and will travel quite a lot throughout the year. They should consider working abroad or developing their business overseas.

On money: Money luck is weak. They should not expect too much or they will be deeply disappointed. If they want to buy property, they have to be very careful or they will be cheated on. Monkeys should also lessen expenses and try their best not to be involved in debt.

On relationships: The romantic star is dim. They won’t have much luck in love affairs this year as it is quite difficult for them to attract and impress others.

On health and safety: The health of Monkeys will be quite weak both physically and mentally this year, so they should do their best to take care of themselves. Have a medical checkup at the beginning of the year and try to go on a break.

Rooster (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1981, 1993, 2005)

Zodiac’s nature: Courageous, honest, hardworking, productive, resourceful, capable, confident, good communicator. Dramatic but reputable, works systematically, takes good care of the family, handles finances well.

General forecast: This is a creative year for Roosters. They will have better luck and they will be braver in fighting for their success this year. This is a good year for them to exhibit their talents and skills. However, it is important that Roosters be on guard against conceit and impulsiveness. They need to be patient, maintain their level-headedness and work hard so their problems will be solved.

On money: It is beneficial for them to make investments, such as starting a new business or buying properties.

On relationships: This will be a very romantic year for Roosters. They can get along well with the opposite gender and can have a relationship that is both enriching and exciting. Married Roosters should stay away from temptation to avoid extramarital affairs.

On health and safety: Roosters should have enough rest and pay special attention to their diet and hygiene to avoid sickness. They should also avoid indulging too much in night life or sensual pursuits that will hurt their health.

Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)

Zodiac’s nature: Honest, loyal, responsible, sensitive, moral, trustworthy, imaginative, guarded, practical, realistic, generous.

General forecast: This will be a busy year for Dogs. They have to understand the saying, “no pain, no gain.” Despite this, they will have many chances to exhibit their talents and skills.

On money: Financially, they will have pretty good luck. They will have stable incomes and their investments will bring satisfactory profits to them. It is crucial that they do not risk their money in speculative investments or gambling.

On relationships: This is a fortunate year for Dogs in romance, which will be enriching and varied. They will be quite attractive this year and they will have a busy social life with many activities.

On health and safety: There is a tendency for poor health and Dogs are likely to get hurt easily. They should keep away from dangerous activities to avoid accidents. It is advisable to have a medical checkup in the beginning of the year and avoid going to funerals or attending wakes.

Pig (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)

Zodiac’s nature: Courageous, sensitive, indulgent, sensual, cheerful, generous, tolerant, hates quarrels, not good in handling money but can be a perfect friend

General forecast: The luck of the Pigs is smooth and prosperous this year. They will be able to surpass their competitors in business if they take initiative and seize opportunities in advance. They will be even more successful if they can keep a positive attitude throughout the year. However, they should avoid being too indulgent.

On money: It is neither too good nor too bad. They will have many opportunities to earn money compared to the previous year. Still, they have to watch their expenses very carefully to avoid overspending.

On relationships: They will be quite popular with the opposite sex. If they show that they are caring and tender, they will get a nice surprise in return. However, they have to learn to be patient and be considerate of others.

On health and safety: Pigs have to do more exercise to keep fit. They also have to pay attention to problems of the heart, stomach and urinary system.

Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996)

Zodiac’s nature: Charming, resourceful, hardworking, intelligent, determined, bright, sociable, highly ambitious

General forecast: Their luck is fluctuating from time to time and they will face lots of problems and hindrances at work. This not an ideal year for Rats to change jobs or expand their business – it is better for them to concentrate on their present position.

On money: There will be easy wastage of wealth, so they should be extra cautious in handling their finances. Even as they reduce unnecessary expenditures, they also have to broaden their sources of income. They should not try their luck in high-risk investments or gambling as they are bound to lose.

On relationships: Single Rats should try to take this good opportunity to plan for marriage. On the other hand, married Rats should stay away from temptation to avoid extramarital affairs. They will suffer from loneliness if they are not frank with their beloved.

On health and safety: They have to pay attention to their health and personal safety. Rats tend to suffer from headaches and insomnia, so they should get enough rest.

Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)

Zodiac’s nature: Patient, hardworking, reliable, courageous, loyal, intelligent, helpful, self-confident, conventional, brilliant in organizing, natural-born leader, works systematically, responsible toward family, believes in authority, may sometimes be too stubborn

General forecast: Luck for the Oxen this year is half-good and half-bad. For their protection, they have to keep a low profile and be patient in work or business. Oxen must not be too greedy and too stubborn. They should accept advice from others and try to improve interpersonal relationships.

On money: They will have a steady income from different sources, but they should watch out for easy loss of money or wastage of wealth. Oxen must keep a close eye on their finances and spend within their limits.

On relationships: They are filled with romantic sentiments and are very passionate in the pursuit of love. Married Oxen must be careful with their relationship and stay away from temptation to avoid extramarital affairs.

On health and safety: Oxen will have a tendency to indulge in sensual pursuits, but they should know how to resist the temptations or their health will be seriously affected. They also have to pay attention to their diet to avoid digestive problems.

Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)

Zodiac’s nature: Rebellious and dynamic but royal, a natural leader, daring, passionate, hasty, courageous, active, self-assured, quick-tempered by considerate, likes freedom

General forecast: This is an important year for Tigers as it is a good opportunity to achieve their ambitions and gain success. Things are going smoothly and they will be able to stand out from the others, reaching the peak of their career. It is most important that they be on guard against conceit and impetuosity. On the other hand, they have to be humble to avoid personal disputes and rumors lest they provoke the attention of hypocrites and jealous people.

On money: Tigers will be quite fortunate this year in money affairs, which will be stable and shining. The busier they are, the better luck they will have. It is a good time for them to invest their money in new projects, but they should avoid any speculative investment or their profits will end up in major financial loss.

On relationships: Tigers will have better luck in love in the first half than in the second half of the year. Single Tigers should have the initiative to attract the opposite gender so that they will be able to bear fruits of love. Those who have been going steady for a number of years should consider getting married within the year.

On health and safety: They have to relax more and do more soft physical exercise to avoid minor sickness. They should pay attention to their personal safety, especially road safety. Beware of abdomen and loin problems.

Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)

Zodiac’s nature: Clever, peace-loving, generous, intuitive, egotistical and sensitive, intelligent in business, moody, indifferent

General forecast: Things will go smoothly and there will be better luck at work. However, Rabbits may also experience obstructions and problems internally and externally with tremendous stress. It is most important that they stay away from rumors and personal disputes.

On money: Money luck is smooth and better than last year. Career development is ideal – if Rabbits want to strive for the best, there will be many opportunities open for them. Businesses related to fashion and beauty will have pretty good profits.

On relationships: Single Rabbits can get along extra well with people of the opposite sex, with a chance for love to blossom. Married Rabbits will enjoy a happy family life, but they should keep a distance from the opposite sex to avoid excessive enthusiasm or they will fall into a love triangle.

On health and safety: They have to relax more to release work-related stress, and try to do more exercise and not be too emotional to enjoy a peaceful life. Female Rabbits will have a chance to get pregnant, so they should pay close attention to their diet and personal safety.

Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)

Zodiac’s nature: Independent, enthusiastic, magical, intuitive, shrewd, successful, daring, materialistic, very lucky, can be stubborn and impulsive, somewhat proud and quick-tempered but always attractive

General forecast: There will be a great opportunity for Dragons to realize their ambitions and to strive for success. If they work hard enough, sooner or later, they will have a good chance to get a promotion. However, they should be humble after success to eliminate attacks from envious people.

On money: Dragons won’t have too much luck in money affairs this year, but they will have a satisfactory income. They have to be more careful and conservative with their investments, especially speculative ones. This is not a suitable time for Dragons to expand their business.

On relationships: The romantic star is dim and fluctuates from time to time. Conflicts will arise easily. Dragons must be patient and calm in their relationship. A sense of forgiveness must be implemented at home. Single female Dragons should not be blinded by new suitors or they will be cheated on.

On health and safety: Dragons must take extreme care of their health or personal safety, and pay close attention to family members. They are prone to accidents and must avoid dangerous sports, especially water activities. It is best for them to have a medical checkup at the beginning of the year.

Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)

Zodiac’s nature: Philosophical, deep thinkers, wise, calm, understanding, intelligent, mysterious, self-regulating, emotional, charming, intuitive

General forecast: The Year of the Horse is a good year for Snakes. Although there may be problems occasionally, the bad luck can still change into good fortune. This will be a good opportunity for Snakes to realize their ambitions and gain success.

On money: Money luck is quite smooth for Snakes this year. Business income is stable and they will have many chances to earn money from different sources.

On relationships: Single Snakes will have many opportunities to get along with the opposite gender with a relationship that is enriching and exciting.

On health and safety: Snakes have to pay close attention to their diet – it is easy for them to suffer from high blood pressure, heart and eye problems. Female Snakes have to beware of gynecological problems. They should not go to funerals or attend wakes.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Top 3 financial moves you should make in 2014

MANILA, Philippines – As rising interest rates and global financial issues loom in 2014, financial advisor Salve Duplito said there are top three financial moves that Filipinos should consider making in the new year.

Rebalance your investments

Duplito said shifting funds to other investments and cash saving instruments depending on your needs is a good idea to start the year.

“If you have short-term needs like tuition, shift your money into cash or near cash instruments like money market funds or time deposits,” she said on ANC’s “On The Money.”

“Make sure you have cash reserved for buying assets when the opportunity looks right,” she added.

Pay off consumer loans

Duplito said paying off consumer loans should be prioritized because now “is the worst time to be in debt.”

“For long-term loans, lock in at the lowest rate possible as interest rates may be on the uptrend,” she said.

Duplito also noted that one of 2013’s black smudge is credit card debt. As of June 2013, Filipinos spent P150 billion using their credit cards.

Make sure you are not under-insured

Lastly, Duplito said you should protect yourself with insurance before investing your money.

But she also stressed to think twice before subscribing to an investment-linked insurance at the danger of under-insuring yourself.

“Rethink your strategy, protection should come first before investing,” she said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Consumer trends to watch out for in 2014

MANILA, Philippines - 2014 is expected to bring challenges to Asia, amid political upheavals and economic slowdown. As we welcome the new year, here are some consumer trends that we should watch out for, according to Trendwatching.com.

"For those who adapt to Asian consumers’ rapidly changing needs, there are countless opportunities ripe for the picking. Brands that champion change – giving voice to the concerns of the masses, then answering them – will also win priceless consumer favor. But where brands fail to catch on fast enough, expect a new breed of Asian ‘civic-consumers’ to step in – showing off their resourcefulness with a dose of Made-in-Asia-for-Asia ingenuity," Trendwatching.com said in its December Asia Trend Bulletin.

1. Space strapped

Asia's megacities will face space constraints, with every square meter becoming worth more and more. Trendwatching.com noted that Asian citydwellers will be looking for "smaller, affordable and well-designed brand solutions."

"Searching for big opportunities in the coming months? Then think small: compact, foldable, stackable, modular, vertical, cantilevered, portable, flexible, even hidden. Remember: the goal is to squeeze more from less, and make Asian micro-living as efficient, creative and comfortable as possible," it added.

Among the companies that are capitalizing on this trend are IKEA with its compact furniture solutions; and Daewoo's mini, "wall-mounted" washing machine. The Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology is developing the Armadillo-T, an electric car that can be folded in half to save on space.

2. Secondhand status

A new generation of middle class Asians are starting to spend more, whether its on clothes, electronics or luxury goods. But many of these newly rich Asians still can't let go of their frugal nature, so they opt for the next best thing: secondhand goods.

"Whether buying marked-down luxury items, secondhand (design) fashion pieces, or consumer electronics, these consumers will seek status and access, but at a more affordable – and less intimidating – price point," Trendwatching said.

Examples include a nonprofit organization, Green Bug, that operates stores that specialize in secondhand items in Mumbai. In China, there is a growing number of stores selling secondhand luxury branded handbags and clothes.

3. Faithfacturing

With many young Asian consumers preferring to keep their faith, brands should try to also cater to these religious consumers.

Trendwatching.com noted some apps are catering to Muslims, such as Crescent Trips which helps Muslim travelers keep their daily prayer requirements; and Peace Mobile app which contains Islamic content. An Indonesian magazine Hijabella, catering to modern Muslim women, was launched in 2013.

4. Crowdcracked

Young Asian "civic-consumers" are showing a desire to participate in efforts to solve social issues.

"Forward-thinking socially-minded entrepreneurs will already be working with communities to deliver crowd-powered solutions. Brands too should consider how to foster, support, incubate, include, and, yes, lead enthusiastic Asian consumers... As you head into 2014, think about how to behave and respond in a world where consumers have very different (read: higher) expectations around brand – and indeed consumer – participation and contribution," Trendwatching.com said.

Examples include Google's Crisis Map for flood victims in the Philippines, and Bribespot Thailand, an app that tracks incidents of bribery.

5. Made Livable in China

Chinese consumers are prioritizing health and safety in 2014, amid continued pollution problems and food safety scandals in China.

"Brands who believe that health is wealth should think beyond obvious medical sectors, incorporating affordable urban design or reliable ways to track information provenance. And don’t be afraid to use China as a launchpad: though Chinese consumers might be experiencing some of the most extreme environmental and health challenges, similar innovations will undoubtedly be welcomed by pollution-afflicted urban audiences throughout the rest of Asia too," Trendwatching.com said.

Examples include Panasonic's compact tabletop air purifiers; sale of sealed cans of oxygen; and the invention of a "breathing" bicycle (a modified bike with an air-filtration device to provide clean air).

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Dubai kicks off 2014 with dazzling world record bid

DUBAI - Dubai attempted to smash the fireworks world record as it ushered in 2014 with a bang, as a wave of pyrotechnics swept around the globe to celebrate the New Year.

The Middle East hub was hoping to break the Guinness World Record for the largest-ever display, pledging to set off more than 400,000 fireworks.

People crowded in the streets below took pictures on their mobile phones as the salvo lit up the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower at 830 metres high.

To the strains of Arabic pop music, the five-minute thundering display filled the skies above the United Arab Emirates' main city.

Kuwait set the record in 2011 with an hour-long blast of 77,282 fireworks.

Sydney had the first of the world's major pyrotechnic shows, with seven tonnes of explosives lighting up Australia's biggest city.

Fireworks shot off the Opera House for the first time in more than 10 years as part of the extravaganza, focused on the Harbour Bridge.

"The Opera House was fantastic," said Murphy Robertson, from Denver in the United States, after watching the Aus$6 million ($5.4 million) show which attracted some 1.5 million people to harbour vantage points.

"The thing that really got me was the sparks, the golden curtain of sparks going off the bridge."

Kiribati and Samoa in the Pacific were the first to see in the New Year at 1000 GMT Tuesday, in a wave of celebrations that will finish on the United States' remote Howland and Baker Islands at 1200 GMT Wednesday.

Tonga, located near the international dateline, was one of the first nations to say farewell to 2013, holding a prayer festival that culminated with a bamboo "cannon" fired into the air.

In Antarctica, passengers and crew on the Akademik Shokalskiy ship -- awaiting rescue after being trapped for a week in ice -- rang in the new year with a specially composed song lamenting the "great shame we are still stuck here".

In Hong Kong, the city's skyscrapers were lit up by a dazzling eight-minute pyrotechnics show fired from a one-kilometre line of barges along Victoria Harbour.

An estimated 400,000 revellers packed the shoreline to watch the show.

Further down, groups of teenagers gathered with sign boards offering "free hugs" to passers by.

"We're doing it because it's fun and it makes people happy," said 16-year-old local Wendy Yip.

In Japan, the celebrations were quieter. Small fireworks displays were held across the country. But millions of people turned out to local temples and shrines to greet the new year with contemplation and to pray for peace for relatives.

Muted celebrations in typhoon-ravaged Philippines

For areas ravaged by Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, celebrations were much more muted than usual.

In Tacloban, which bore the brunt of the November 8 storm, officials planned a midnight fireworks display to try to raise spirits in a region where nearly 8,000 died or are still missing.

In the ruined farming village of San Isidro, residents are still grappling with the overpowering stench of death as 1,400 corpses stacked in black body bags lay in a field, more than seven weeks after the tragedy.

Seoul rang in 2014 with a ritual clanging of the city's 15th-century bronze bell 33 times, reflecting the ancient custom for marking a new year.

In Singapore, people flocked to the financial district for fireworks while thousands of white spheres were launched on Marina Bay, holding residents' wishes for 2014.

Jakarta set up 12 city centre stages for performances to showcase the vast archipelago's kaleidoscope of cultures.

But in Indonesia's sharia stronghold of Banda Aceh, Islamic police seized thousands of firecrackers and cardboard trumpets after the city administration banned New Year's Eve celebrations for the first time.

In Mumbai, revellers celebrated a court victory over the local police force, which pushed back closing time in bars and restaurants to 5:00am instead of 1:30am.

In Rio de Janeiro, authorities are predicting that 2.3 million people -- a third of them tourists -- will crowd Copacabana Beach for fireworks and pop music as Brazil kick off a year that will see them host football's World Cup.

Major spectaculars will also light Berlin's Brandenburg Gate and central London when parliament's Big Ben bell chimes midnight.

Some 300,000 revellers are expected at the Champs-Elysees in Paris, while about a million people will gather in New York to mark the stroke of midnight and the traditional New Year's Eve ball-drop over Times Square.

Cape Town will have a free concert with fireworks and a 3D tribute to former South African president Nelson Mandela, who died on December 5.

In the Netherlands however, Dutch police arrested 100 youths who pelted firefighters with bottles and fireworks in a central town notorious for its unruly New Year celebrations. One man was killed by fireworks in the small northern town of Medemblik.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

7 firecrackers to avoid this New Year

Do you plan to welcome 2014 with a bang? A word of warning: as of Dec 30, the Department of Health has reported a 30 percent increase in firecracker-related injuries compared to last year.

"Out of the 253 firecracker injuries reported so far, 164 were caused by 'Piccolo'...a small tubular fireworks that whistles then explodes," reports ABS-CBNnews.com.

Call us kill-joys, but we feel we need to say this: Keep your hands off the firecrackers. And while we still have our digits intact, we're sticking our middle finger to these blasters:

1. Green Environmental Protection

The name doesn't fool us: Green Environmental Protection is being sold at PHP150 per box in Bocaue, Bulacan, and claims to be very safe and not produce waste.

2. Kiramisu

Kiramisu, sold underground in Divisoria for PHP50 "can split a pig's feet," according to the vendor we spoke to.

3. The Great Bawang Corsair

The Great Bawang Corsair, also sold in Divisoria's black market, promises a very loud boom at PHP10 per box.

4. Plapla

Plapla, another firecracker that has been declared illegal, cost PHP50 for 10 pieces, and can injure 6 persons in one blast.

For the complete list of 7 firecrackers to avoid, read the original story at the Coconuts Manila website.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

How Kathryn, Daniel are spending holiday break

MANILA -- On-screen partners and rumored sweethearts Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla are set to welcome 2014 with their respective families.

Bernardo has been enjoying her time at home, with the actress posting a photo of herself walking around their subdivision with her niece, Lhexine, and her pet dog.

Padilla, meanwhile, has been spending time with his family and friends in Hong Kong.

Dubbed as the Teen King and Queen of Entertainment, respectively, Bernardo and Padilla took a break after the debut of their horror film "Pagpag," which is one of the official entries to this year's 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival.

The two are lead stars of ABS-CBN's hit series "Got To Believe," which airs weeknights after "Honesto."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

How you can grow your money in 2014

MANILA, Philippines - It’s the time of the year when new year’s resolutions are made. Often, these have to do with improving one’s health and wellness. When thinking of these, why not try to include resolutions that will make you money smarter?

After all, being of sound financial standing could contribute enormously to both your mental and emotional well-being.

Since sound financial health results from good planning and discipline, it pays to have a few resolutions that can guide your decision making process in the months ahead. But as with all start-of-the-year promises, remember that resolutions only work if you keep them. Here are some seven suggestions on what you can look at to improve your financial health in the year ahead.

1. Set money goals.

Now’s a good time to set short-term, medium-term, and long-term money goals for you and for your family. Short-term goals would cover anything you’d like to do in the next 3 to 12months —possibly a gadget you’d like to buy, or a vacation you’d like to take.

Medium term would cover those plans you intend to do in the next five years — maybe purchase a car, or perhaps go back to school. Long-term plans would include a much longer horizon — say a comfortable retirement, or a vacation home.

List these down, plus timing when you would like to achieve them and how much you think they’ll cost. Knowing what you want is the first thing you need to be able to plan well.

2. Keep money records.

Gather records pertaining to your finances — your bank accounts, investments, credit card bills, tax filings, pay slips, to name a few. This will give you a better idea about your financial standing, and may provide you additional insight on your income, cash flow, and investment needs. Keep a record of these important documents. Many find this to be tedious and leave it for later, but later can be now and start you on the road to a better understanding of your money.

3. Have a budget.

Come up with a realistic budget that you can stick to. In creating one, make sure you look at all aspects of your life that you spend on. You may also wish to think of how your typical work day unfolds to identify the moments when you have to spend. For instance, on your way to work, you need to pay for gasoline or transportation. Once you get to the office, you need to buy breakfast.

Your updated records would provide important information you need in coming up with a realistic budget. Note that this budget is not only a tool that would help you manage your expenses and project your cash needs, but it could also help you achieve your financial goals in the long run.

4. Cut expenses.

Based on your budget and your updated records, you may be able to identify what you are spending a lot of money on. Look at those areas where you can cut expenses.

Could you have spent so much on gasoline because you are using a gas guzzler? Have you spent so much on car repairs because your 20-year old car is constantly breaking down? Are you spending way too much on food because you are getting your snacks and groceries from the 24-hour convenience store?

Of course, you may also have to do some cuts if you discover that you have spent way too much on something. For instance, do you really need to visit the coffee shop two times a day? Do you buy dresses weekly only to hoard them in your closet? Take a hard look at your life to know where you can make the cuts.

5. Save.

Pay yourself first whenever you receive your salary or earn a bonus. Do this before you spend on your other necessities. This way, savings becomes a basic need as well.

Most people prefer to pay off all their bills and buy the things they “need” before setting aside money for a rainy day. More often than not, they find there is nothing left over. But if you start the discipline of setting aside for your savings fund before settling all other expenses, you’ll find you have better chances of increasing your savings pot.

6. Invest.

Once you’ve built up a healthy savings fund, time to consider investing to make your money work harder for you. Whether it is for capital preservation or to grow your wealth, there are various investment funds and vehicles that may be worth looking at, depending on your individual needs. Consult a financial professional to better understand what will be best for your needs.

7. Live within your means.

There is nothing wrong with occasionally splurging on the finer things in life. You do have to reward yourself every so often However, it is necessary to know how much you can afford to spend on non-essential items.

People’s definitions of non-essential items would vary but they could very well include all expenses that you do not necessarily need, but simply want. Try to keep non-essential purchases up to a certain percentage of your income. This way, you can enjoy some things you’ve always wanted without necessarily busting your budget.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Analyst sees uptick in PH stock market in 2014

MANILA, Philippines – A veteran stock market analyst believes the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) will perform better in 2014 after it ended the year with the worst performance since 2008.

He said the rehabilitation efforts in the areas devastated by typhoon “Yolanda” in November will have a positive effect on the market in the new year.

“Being an optimist, I think there will still be an uptick in the market especially if we will have a good move in the reconstruction of the devastated areas. They may not be so big but they can contribute psychologically to the outcome and outlook of the market,” Inquirer columnist Den Somera told ANC on Monday.

The PSEi closed at 5,889.83, up only 1.3 percent for the year, after reaching an all-time high of 7,400 in May. But Somera predicts that the market will bounce back, and reach the 6,500 to 7,000 level in 2014.

PSE considers 2013 a “banner year,” as it was able to introduce new products and services such as exchange traded funds (ETF), Sharia-compliant securities, SGX-PSE MSCI Philippine Index Futures, Tradex and EDGE.

According to Somera, the introduction of ETFs will attract more investors into the country.

“It will attract more investors and attract more money in the capital market. I think the timing is good because we are back to square one, you cannot go any much lower unless there is a breakdown in the economy and peace and order in the Philippines,” he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Feng shui expert: 2014 not good for new relationships

MANILA -- If 2013 is the "best time to start over," 2014 is the "best time to go with the flow," according to a feng shui expert.

Citing her analysis of feng shui charts, Marites Allen said the Year of the Wood Horse, which will start on January 31, 2014, is not the ideal time to get into a relationship, tie the knot, invest or start a new business.

"This is actually the year in one sentence: going with the flow is key in the Year of the Horse," Allen said in a press conference on Tuesday.

"For relationships, you must do it before the end of the year... Relationships that would start next year are ill-fated. They're doomed. Heartbreaks and breakups are in store for them," she added. "But you can still take risks."

Allen said one can expect quick tempers and an "intense environment" to be common next year, noting the presence of two "aggressive sword stars."

Given these, the feng shui expert encouraged the public to maintain a positive attitude and to always think twice and take a step back before saying or doing anything.

"Expect to be misinterpreted a lot," she said.

'Lucky' signs

Allen went on to share which animal signs are "lucky" during the Year of the Wood Horse.

Aside from those who are born in the Year of the Horse, people under the Sheep and Monkey animal signs are predicted to get the energies of the "white star," which is associate with overall success, she said.

Other "lucky" animal signs include the Rooster, which is seen to have "heaven luck" or good karma, and the Rat, which is said to have more prosperity next year.

On the other hand, Allen said those who are under the Dragon and Snake animal signs may get into more arguments in 2014. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are more likely to suffer from illness; the Tiger and Ox may tend to be more violent; and the Dog and Boar may experience misfortune.

Allen stressed, however, that a person's luck does not only lie on his or her animal sign, citing human action and the environment.

"Pwede kasing lucky ang sign mo, pero puro nega (negative) ang mga tao sa paligid mo," she said, adding that these could be countered by certain feng shui-inspired charms.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com