Ang Pera at Pamilya

#KABAYANASK

Hingi po sana ako ng views and advice ninyo regarding po sa financial support sa parents / family natin. I have siblings and still depending on me and nasa right age na din sila added pa dito ang parents ko din. Mabigat na po para sa akin dahil hindi na ako nakakapag-ipon din halos.
I am an OFW and expected magpadala ng pera monthly sa pamilya.
Thank you po sa advice.
Via FB PM

My Reply:
Dear OFW Child,

As an OFW, I have encountered also so many kabayans with same concern, continous support to our family and sometimes extended family.

Providing for our parents and extended family is an acquired virtue actually. Masasabing kinaugalian na din natin bilang tanda ng pagmamahal at pagsukli sa nagawa para sa atin in return. A positive virtue masasabi para sa isang anak masasabi sa ating mga Pilipino. Pero anumang sobra ay nakakasama nga din.

Every family has their own values and culture. Always nasa pag-uusap.

But anyway have this simple guidelines that might help you along the way.

a. – Am I capable of helping my parents (family)
My own financial situation is it stable?
If meron or kaya mo pa din ba magtabi para sa sarili mong retirement, if lifetime support ang needed?

b. Are they capable of working and earning?
How about other roles of siblings?
Napakahirap na saluhin lamang natin lahat, talagang we will end up zero pagdating ng panahon. Sana mapag-usapan din ng buong family kasama mga kapatid or minsan pati mga asawa din para mag-kaunawan ng lubos.

c. – What can you gently offer them instead of monthly sending money like business.
Sometimes we need them to convince na magkaroon ng earning activity on their own, maging productive, para kumita din iyong napadala sa kanila and we should inform them paano kung may ‘di inaasahan din mangyari sa atin.

I know ‘di easy ang ganitong usapin sa family natin, minsan kasi tayo lamang aasahan or isa tayo sa bread winner or eldest.

I am sending you the best of luck, in talking to your parents and family members. Always ask God favor.

A multi-award-winning blogger and advocate for OFWs and investment literacy; recipient of the Mass Media Advocacy Award, Philippine Expat Blog Award, and Most Outstanding Balikbayan Award. Her first book, The Global Filipino Bloggers OFW Edition, was launched at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. A certified Registered Financial Planner of the Philippines specializing in the Stock Market. A recognized author of the National Book Development Board of the Philippines. Co-founder of Teachers Specialist Organization in Kuwait (TSOK) and Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK). An international member of writing and poetry. Published more than 10 books.  Read more: About DiaryNiGracia

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