Tag: finance

Money Can’t Buy Happiness—But It Can Buy Your Freedom

We’ve all heard the saying: “Money can’t buy happiness.” And it’s true—no amount of money can fix a broken heart, heal a grieving soul, or fill the void of a life lacking purpose. But there’s another side to the story, one that often gets brushed under the rug in idealistic conversations: money may not buy happiness, but it can buy you freedom. And freedom, when used well, often leads to happiness.

Freedom to Say “No”

How many times have you said “yes” to things you didn’t want to do—just because you couldn’t afford to say no? A job that drains you, a toxic relationship you’re stuck in for financial support, a city you hate but can’t leave due to rent prices.

Money changes that. With enough financial security, you’re not trapped by survival. You can walk away from environments, people, or obligations that drain your peace. You get to make decisions based on desire instead of desperation.

Freedom to Invest in What Matters

True freedom isn’t about sitting on a beach all day (though, hey, that’s nice too). It’s about being able to pour your time, energy, and resources into the things that align with your values.

Maybe it’s starting a nonprofit. Maybe it’s staying home with your kids during their early years. Maybe it’s traveling the world, writing a book, or taking a sabbatical to work on your mental health. Money buys you the option to do these things—without it, those choices are often just dreams on a vision board.

Freedom to Stop Hustling for Every Penny

Financial stress is one of the top causes of anxiety, burnout, and relationship conflict. Living paycheck to paycheck doesn’t just wear out your wallet—it wears out your soul. When you have money, you buy back time. You can outsource the chores you hate, work fewer hours, or quit side gigs that are slowly eating away your joy.

It doesn’t mean you won’t work hard—but it means you’re not trapped in a constant state of hustle just to survive.

So, Is Money the Goal?

No. Freedom is the goal. Money is just the tool. Chasing money for the sake of luxury, status, or competition will never fulfill you. But using it intentionally—to create space, peace, options, and rest—can bring you a life that feels rich in every way.

So the next time you hear, “Money can’t buy happiness,” remember: that’s only half the truth.

Because freedom? That’s pretty damn close.

Do I need a CFO if I have a J1 visa? (Philippines to USA)

YES! YES! YES!

YES, you need to have a CFO!

A CFO sticker from them!

If you answer yes to the questions below, then YOU MUST have that CFO sticker/paper with you:

Do you have a J1 visa?

Is it your first time to go to the US with a J1 visa?

Again, if your answer is yes to those two questions, then regardless of your category YOU MUST APPLY at the CFO office to get one.

I am a government employee and returning after 5 months from an exchange program, do I need a CFO?

YES! YES! YES! Regardless if you are working in the government or private office in the Philippines or even if you are unemployed, you will need a CFO before your departure.

In some cases it takes a week or two to get an appointment with CFO or for your sticker/paper from CFO to arrive to you, so make sure to plan ahead of time on getting yours.

And, if you are so close to the date of your departure before realizing that you needed one, go straight away to the CFO office in Quezon City because calling them is a bit of a challenge but getting one from their office will usually take less than a day if you have complete documents. They are only open Mondays thru Thursdays, 7am-5pm.

The CFO has an assistance desk at NAIA Terminal 1 that is open from 5am until midnight Mon-Fri except regular holidays, but you will have to call them 2-3 business days before your flight.