Random | 2022 Wishlist and Resolutions

Time flies really fast! It’s already two weeks past the start of 2022, before we know it and given this continuous rise of Covid cases, December will be here once again without notice, just like last year.

But before that, let’s start our 2022 right. I know it’s a cliche to always come up with our wishlist and resolutions every start of the year but, whatever, I’d like to do it once again. Normally, my wishes revolves around material things but this year, my wishlist is totally different. It’s more about saving money and investing while my resolutions are focused on good health habits. Here are my 4 wishes and 2 resolutions this 2022.

Double My UITF Fund

First on my list is to double my Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF). I’ve started my investment journey last 2017 but I only bought my first UITF fund last 2019 using GCash's GInvest by Atram. It started as just a sort of game for me and my friends so we can join GCash promos that time but I took it seriously since then. Initially, I only subscribed to Atram's Money Market Fund but I withdrew the small amount I saved there and transferred to Atram's Global Technology Feeder Fund. This feeder fund is more risky but I'm looking for long term investment here so I just accumulate shares every payday, consistently.

Now, aside from my GInvest, I also have BPI UITF. I’m trying to do “trading” in my BPI UITF by subscribing and redeeming my shares in a short period of time but I only do it when I have gains. If I lost (paper loss) or the unit value of my shares is lower than when I bought it, I do cost averaging and buy additional shares when the price dips and then sell it only when I have gains. In BPI UITF, I only subscribe to BPI Invest Philippine Equity Index Fund because I can easily track it by monitoring the PSE Index. My goal is to double by BPI UITF fund and consistently add shares for my GInvest.

Note: The funds mentioned here are not a recommendation, they are highly risky. Please do your own research and subscribe only to funds you have researched thoroughly. And please only invest money that you won't be needing at least in the next 5 to 10 years so you can weather market fluctuations. If you just need to park your money for a short term, go for low risk funds like Money Market Fund. I'll create a separate  post about the different UITF funds available next time.

Double My Emergency Fund

For my emergency fund, I’m using GCash’s GSave as my savings account. My GSave account was initially created in 2020 also for GCash promo purposes but now am using it to build up my emergency fund. I make a deposit to it every payday, immediately after my salary was credited to my payroll account. 

For those building their emergency fund too, use GSave. It has higher interest rate compared with the traditional bank. It’s also risk-free since it’s covered by PDIC.

Pay-Off My Credit Card Debt

I know some of you may find my financial approach kinda wrong, that I should pay my credit card debts first before saving but this is what works for me.

I tend to spend and charge my spending on my credit cards only to realize at the end of the month that I overspent. I used to think it’s okay, I’ll pay my CCs first and then I’ll start saving, again only to find out in the end that I don’t have any savings also. To be able to do both, I started to allocate certain amount on my savings (emergency fund) and bought UITF shares every payroll religiously. These are the first things I do whenever I received my salary every 15th and 30th of the month. Whatever’s left, I will allocate for my CCs (I have 2; one I used for my essentials which I pay fully every month and the other one for big ticket or unplanned spending). Because of this approach, I was able to limit my unplanned spending. I still have unpaid balance because of my previous spending habit but I plan to pay all of it this year.

Create a Blog Post At Least Once A Month

I promised myself to spend time on things or activities that are worthwhile and limit my screen time from useless activities like playing games and scrolling through social media posts. But since I’m used to always checking my phone, I decided to just go back to blogging. At least in blogging, I’ll be able to practice writing again and still use my phone. 

But instead of me posting more travel stories (I don’t have any because of the pandemic btw) it will be more about savings and investments now. Of course, I will still write about travels and food adventures and I will still posts photos of anything and everything (because why not, I love taking pictures 😉).

Phone Down/Ready for Sleep by 12MN

This I struggle a lot but I’m trying my very best to really put down my phone and be ready for sleep by 12MN. So far, I was able to control myself and put down my phone on or before 12MN. Hopefully, I can do this whole year round especially that soon, we’ll be going back to office for work. Staying healthy is also a must nowadays so I better sleep and rest right.

Get Back to My Daily Exercise Routine 

Back in 2020, exercising became part of my routine. I exercise at home for 30 minutes every other day and if quarantine rules allow, jog/walk in the park for an hour or two every weekend. 

But when I started my current work (lost my previous job and became part of jobless Filipinos last 2020 also), I forgot all about exercise and healthy habits. In 2020, I lost 15 pounds. I ate healthy, too.

Last year however, I gained back  the 15 pounds (and some more) I lost in 2020. I also was prescribed amlodipine for my hypertension last year and until now, I’m still taking it. I’m still hoping I could reverse this by eating right again, by sleeping right and by living right through healthy habits.

Join me in quest for a healthier and happier life this 2022. Let’s get back to shape; physically, mentally  and financially. Happy, healthy and prosperous 2022 everyone. 😊