Opening a Savings Account for Kids is Easy

Interested in opening a savings account for your kids? It's actually very easy! We have been planning to open a savings account for our eight-year-old daughter for the longest time but haven't gotten around to it until now. We decided to deposit cash gifts she collected over the holidays and other gifts she would be receiving in the future. She was very excited with the idea of having a passbook in her name, too.

We first inquired over at BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) - SM Fairview branch but they only open accounts for kids 10 years old and above. We then dropped by BDO (Banco De Oro) and they allow parents to open savings accounts for kids of all ages (even newborns!) for initial deposits of as low as P100.

BDO asked us for the following requirements:

- ID picture (1"x1")
- Photocopy of birth certificate (bring original for verification)
- Photocopy of school ID (also bring original)

- (Some branches may ask for 2 valid IDs from the accompanying parent. Better call the branch nearest you before paying them a visit, just to be sure.)

Then we filled in an application form and that's all! We got in a bit of a dilemma in the part where my daughter was asked for three signature specimen. She claims that she signs her name with a heart (a star sometimes, whenever she feels like it) and asked me if that's okay. I thought about it and said well, she should probably not, just keep it simple, you know. I just told her to write her name - in cursive if she wants, for a bit of drama. When that's over and done with, we waited for a bit and then we got our (well, her) Junior Savers passbook!

On the way home, we talked about how we would deposit money she saves from her allowance to her account, and of course ma and pa will also put money in there from time to time, for her future. Oh boy, it felt so good and we were both so excited you'd think we deposited a million pesos in there (we did not, trust me). I am hoping my daughter grows up knowing the value of money and may she learn how to handle finances way, way better than I will ever know how to. ;)

7 Tips to Help You Through Your Kid's First Hospitalization

August 20, 2011 – Holly's first hospitalization.

I stood there, in the pediatrics section of the ER, waiting for the staff to prepare our room. Holly's fever is at 38° already and her cough just wouldn't stop.

As I stood by our station, holding the sick baby as she wouldn't stay in bed, I listened with sadness at the outbursts and screams of the sick children around me. Never did I expect this to be emotionally draining, stressful, and just downright depressing. I went into this battlefield unarmed, thinking that this won't be any different than a regular check-up. It was a good thing I took a quick shower.

5 Simple Budget-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Mother's Day

I'm sure you're excited for Mother's day. It's that one special day where mothers are remembered, loved a hundred times over, and of course pampered twice as usual (think a day at David's Salon).

We especially love this day because it's an opportunity to make our own moms feel special. We want to let them know just how loving, selfless, and beautiful they are, so we do our best to make them twice as happy on Mother's Day.

But wait, do you have the budget for your planned surprise? Are you quite tight on cash right now that you can't celebrate Mother's day the way you wanted to?

Why Young Married Couples Should Strive to Live on Their Own

Investing in a place to live in is a big step for newly married couples, especially young ones. Those who cannot yet afford to buy a piece of property usually opt to rent or live with their spouse's parents. The latter is not uncommon especially in the Philippines, where close family ties are part of the culture. Renting, on the other hand, is a commitment that requires hardwork and financial stability.

For those who are just starting to build their families, it is definitely easier to live in the same house as your parents to whom you do not have to pay monthly rental fees. Ideally, your new home should be ready before you get married but sadly, this is not always the case. There is nothing wrong with living with parents or in-laws. However, I still believe that every young couple should strive to find their own place separate from the elders. Why?

Being Married and Living with Parents

Here in the Philippines, extended families living under one roof are not uncommon. As a matter of fact, close family ties is a fundamental part of the Filipino culture. In poverty-stricken homes, parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents sleep side by side on the floor. In our society, the idea of sending the elderly to nursing homes is frowned upon – regardless of class.