Financial Literacy Level

Let's be honest here. I am just like any other girl who is not susceptible to the instant gratification after shopping. It may be a small thing or a big ticket item. I do like being able to buy what I want or need. That is the reality of being human.

At my age, I should already have mastered the financial skills needed to survive in this "buy me" world. My pitfalls: I don't have a regular job. I can't keep an expenses list regularly. I am a bit easy to bend to some temptations. But what I can say is that I got some principles and ideas on finances, even though it's a bit scattered.

Here are things that I learned from my father, a retired skilled government employee, who kept his job for more than 30 years. He hardly took vacations at all, sent 3 people to university for that diploma that evaded him decades ago partly because his parents cannot afford to send him to school, took on parttime jobs and unending loans. People of their generation are made of sterner stuff than millennials of today. He might not have to school, read tons of financial books, and earned a big salary but he has some wisdom when it comes to basic finances.

First, live within your means. If you cannot afford something, try to do without it or make it yourselves like simple toys for kids and stuff like that. People existed without a lot of things before and so can you.

Second, if you're are going to borrow money, make sure that you pay it back on time and it will be used for something that will also create money in the long run and not just to satisfy a fleeting want.

And beware of banks. Getting your money is their business. Unless you are confident that you can outwit them or at least get even, never take out a loan that you might have trouble paying back. Better go with the loan sharks! Kidding!

Third, take advantage of government insurances and other programs backed by the government. These would usually provide a safety net for the employed and even tax breaks.

Fourth, if you're employed, find other legal ways to earn that will not necessarily interfere or cause a conflict of interest to your current job.

Fifth, work, work, work. BUT never forget the sixth ----

Have faith!