Effective Steps To Defrost Your Freezer

streetsmartmasterclass

3 Sep, 2021

Is it your turn to clean the fridge? Did your parents urge you to defrost the freezer before you can go out for the weekend?

Importance of Defrosting The Freezer

Defrosting a refrigerator is an essential process to eliminate odors and discourage bacteria from staying in the freezer. As large chunks of ice melt, the freezer will have more space for new and fresh food. Defrosting is also an efficient way to unclog condensation drains to prevent leaks.

Steps To Defrost Your Fridge

Here are simple steps to help you defrost your refrigerator.

Check the appliance manual

Refrigerator models may require similar ways in defrosting their freezer. However, checking your appliance manual can give you more information to properly take care of your device. It contains information such as how often you should defrost and other ways to avoid it while defrosting it. The user manual will confirm any doubts and unconfirmed expectations to properly take care of your device and increase its longevity.

Prepare the necessary cleaning materials

Preparing materials to help you defrost your freezer can help you concentrate on the task and save time. For this task, you will need the following: a large bowl, a clean cloth, several towels or cloths, ice boxes and buckets where you can store your food while defrosting, a cleaning liquid, and antibacterial surface spray.

Unplug the power source

Prioritize your safety before starting the task. Make sure to turn off the power source and unplug it to prevent accidents and electrocution. Then, you are now ready to open your fridge doors to warm the inside faster. Turning off the power source for eight hours is the best length of time to ensure that all ice has melted.

Clean the fridge of all contents

When you remove the contents of your fridge, you may get surprised to find food items that you have ignored for quite some time now. This is when you can decide which things you still want to keep or get rid of.

Meanwhile, you may wish to prepare cool bags, ice blocks and ice buckets to protect the contents while removing them from the fridge. Keeping them at a cool temperature preserves their flavor and freshness. Keep in mind that some food items such as chicken meat may lose their freshness once thawed. Thus, consuming some foods in advance may be a good idea before starting to defrost.

Remove the refrigerator’s shelves and drawers

Taking the shelves and drawers from the fridge will make you spot dirt and stains hiding in inconspicuous spaces in your refrigerator. After taking them out, make sure to wash these shelves and drawers with water and suitable washing liquid. Using an antibacterial spray and a clean cloth is also a good cleaning option.

Gather towels and pieces of cloth at the bottom of the freezer to prevent water leaks

As the ice melts, you should expect water to come out from the fridge. Thus, it is essential to protect your floor and the area around your freezer with towels and cloths to act as a buffer and prevent further messing up your kitchen.

Wait for the ice to melt

Melting the ice takes lots of time. If you are in a hurry, we can give you several tips to make the ice melt faster.

Alternative Ways To Melt The Ice Faster

Go back to your room and pick up your hairdryer. Yes, that’s right! You can use your hairdryer to melt small bits of ice as long as your refrigerator does not have Styrofoam insulation. While targeting these small bits, try using a soft, plastic spatula to remove the ice from the surface. Remember, avoid using sharp metal objects to remove the ice.
You may also want to use a fan and place it near the open refrigerator. Increasing the airflow will raise the surrounding temperature and speed up ice melting.
Placing a bowl of water inside the freezer may also speed up the melting.

Thoroughly cleanse the freezer from food leftovers

Then comes the time to clean the fridge freezer. You may need an all-natural cleaning solution to deodorize the fridge. You can also use a damp cloth to remove stains and spills.

Check the food items you want to return to the fridge

You’re almost at the end of the process! The fridge is already clean and free from chunks of ice. Before returning the food items, double-check if they are still frozen. Remember, raw meat and other products may not taste good anymore when you refreeze them. Thus, you may consider consuming them as soon as possible. Also, you may want to organize and rearrange the contents so they will look neat and clean.

Defrosting a refrigerator is something that you cannot learn in school. However, with this guide, you can now help your parents with this chore without any difficulty.

Don’t Miss These 5 Things When Preparing Your Grab Bag

streetsmartmasterclass

2 Sep, 2021

Boom! What happens when your comfortable sleep turns into a living nightmare? A crack splits the ground in two or a volcano spits its toxic fumes? You must be prepared to flee for safety immediately. Quick! Take your grab bag and run!

What’s a grab bag?

A grab bag should be a sturdy, preferably waterproof bag. Important documents and necessities must be packed securely. If Taylor Swift rode a getaway car, put the money in a bag, and stole the keys, you should learn from her mistake and pack ahead of time.

5 things you shouldn’t forget when packing your grab bag:

1. Water and food with a long shelf life

When calamities hit, people panic. Some people resort to hoarding and some to violence. Markets might close for an indefinite time and you may not have access to grocery stores, so it’s better to pack sustenance that can feed you for 3-7 days. Make sure to check your stock every once in a while to examine whether they’re about to expire and needs to be replaced.

2. Necessary documents

A catastrophe might destroy your hometown and might mean you’d have to start anew in a different city. You’d have to verify your identity, and having your original birth certificate, passport, and a recent photograph of your family and loved ones will make the process easier.

3. Medicine and first-aid kit

Especially if you have allergies or maintenance medicine; prescribed drugs, disinfectants, and ointment oils are also important! Similar to food, inspect the expiration date of your medicines, as well.

4. Map and/or compass

In the event that electricity and cell towers go out, looking for a signal and charging stations can be a pain. In order to reach your destination or evacuation site, it is important to navigate the roads accurately. Being conscious of your directions is extremely helpful. Hence, having a map or a compass is practical.

5. 2-in-1 flashlight and whistle

We’ve seen movies where a character asks for help using Morse code and a flashlight. In situations where you get stuck, you can still use a flashlight to seek help so you wouldn’t have to scream yourself hoarse. A flashlight and a whistle in your grab bag can stand in the way of life and death.

Grab bags increase our chances of survival! If you want to buy a ready-made grab bag, click here! In addition, this is a slightly cheaper alternative you can view.

To ensure you get the most favorable result, don’t put too much stuff that will lag you behind with its weight. Lastly, tailor its contents to your personal needs. You can even include card games! While there are grab bags online for sale, it’s best to personalize your grab bag to your taste and needs.

Moreover, no need to worry because we got you covered! First, here is a printable checklist to help you organize and a printable form where you can write down your local emergency hotlines.

Grab-Bag-Checklist Download

Grab-Bag-Resources Download

Budgeting 101: A Guide for Beginners

streetsmartmasterclass

1 Sep, 2021

Have you wanted to buy something you can’t afford? Maybe you even tried asking your parents, but they just won’t let you! Why not save parts of your allowance to save for the things you want to buy? Well, this article will tell you how to save for the stuff that you want.

To get that one thing you’ve been dreaming of but can’t afford, you have to learn how to budget. You might be wondering, what is budget? Well, a budget is an estimation of the costs and revenue over a specific period. Creating a budget can help ensure that there is enough money for the stuff you want and need.

The budgeting meaning or the definition of budgeting is creating a financial plan wherein you will have to allocate where to put your money. Through budgeting, your savings can be increased, or it can help you get the gadget you’ve been begging for from your parents!

How will you save your money?

You might be wondering how to budget? Well, there are five common types of budgeting methods: (1) traditional budgeting, (2) the 50/30/20 rule, (3) the envelope system, (4) savings first, and (5) the sub-savings account method. If you want to know which method is perfect for you, keep on reading!

Traditional budgeting

If you’re earning more than you’re spending, you can use this method. It’s pretty straightforward, wherein you list your income and your expenses. Afterward, you find the difference.

After doing so, you list down different categories. Set a budget for the amount you want to spend in each category, such as your food, electricity, education, and the like.

For example, if you have 1,000 pesos, you can allocate your 1,000 into different categories: food, actual savings, saving for the gadget you want, and school necessities. You can put 500 pesos for your food, 200 for the device you wish for, 200 for your school necessities, and 100 for your actual savings.

50/30/20 Rule

In the 50/30/20 rule, you break down your expenses into three categories: needs, wants, and savings. Fifty percent of your income is categorized into your needs, 30 percent to your wants, and 20 percent to your savings.

For example, you have 1,000 pesos. 50%, which is 500 pesos, will go to your necessities, such as your food and school necessities. 30%, which is 300 pesos, will go to your wants, such as the gadget you’ve been saving for. The remaining 100 pesos will be for your actual savings towards your future.

Contrary to the traditional budgeting method, you only have three categories to worry about instead of a dozen. So if you are turned off by the time and effort needed to do the traditional budgeting methods, then give this one a try.

However, spending can be an issue due to the small number of categories. To minimize this issue, make your allocated money for your expenses flexible to adjust the costs.

The Envelope System

In this system, you use your actual cash as your spending money.

The envelope system is pretty straightforward, wherein you put your money in separate categories. The envelopes are then labeled to match your categories. It’s a way to force yourself to accurately budget your expenses every month.

For example, your allowance costs 2,000 pesos per week. Then you budget 1,000 pesos for your food, 500 pesos for your savings, and 500 for school materials. When you receive your allowance, put the different amounts in their designated envelopes. Every time you need to buy your food, the money must only come from the food envelope. You must be disciplined enough not to open the others.

Constantly identify all your weekly or monthly categories and make an envelope for each of them. Use different colors to avoid any confusion and label everything.

Although, once your cash is all used up, you can’t get more. This method requires you only to use your money on hand. However, it’s ok to use one debit card for emergencies. Just make sure that you’re using it for an actual emergency, not for the upcoming Shopee sale.

So, what can go wrong?

You can either misplace your cash or be tempted to use it. Here are some quick fixes if you think you’re not disciplined enough to follow the envelope system religiously. You can hide your saved up money in zip-top pouches, hidden cloth pockets that are sewn into clothing, between the insole and bottom of a shoe, and messenger bags.

Savings First

This method primarily focuses on savings. In this method, you are supposed to save your money first, even if you have to compromise your supposed expense. Instead of using the traditional income – expenses = savings formula, this uses income – savings = expenses.

In this method, you set aside your savings then the remaining money is for you to spend. For example, if you’re given 2,000 pesos, you’ll save 1,500 pesos, and the remaining 500 pesos are for you to use. This method is the best fit for someone who struggles to save.

Simply put, a specific amount of money is set aside every time you receive your allowance. Through this method, you can prioritize your savings and make do with what’s left.

Sub-Savings Account Method

You open multiple savings accounts and put a specific purpose for each saving account. For example, you will use separate bank accounts for your daily expenses, actual savings, and the stuff you want to buy in the future.

You can also use different types of accounts for each. For example, in your savings account, you can use a checkbook to make it more difficult for you to use your funds. As for your expenses, you can use a digital bank account to make it more accessible for you.

Tips for Sticking to Your Budget

Different types of budgets methods exist to help control your spending, especially because maintaining a budget is challenging. Here are specific steps to make it easier for you to follow your budget plan.

Before you start doing your preferred budgeting method, make sure to review your income and expenses. Verify that your expected costs are accurate.
Despite your best efforts to adhere to any budgeting method and still falling short on your money, you can review your expenses. Try to refrain from spending items that aren’t your necessities. If not, try to lessen the cost. Trade your takeout to home-cooked meals that can be repeated.
If you are going over your budget, freeze your expenses. You can either completely stop spending or keep spending to a minimum.

In budgeting methods, it is essential to note that one does not fit all. Please take note that you should find what works for you and do it. We hope that this article clarified the budgeting meaning or the definition of budgeting, what is budget, and how to budget.

Picking the Right Method

Even if you pick the budgeting method that works the best for you, it takes time to get used to it, especially if you’ve never budgeted before. However, adhering to budget methods is similar to building a habit. As you do it more often, the easier it becomes to stick to it.

Your reasons why you want to budget should be clear to you. List down your goals and your whys, then constantly go back to them when it’s challenging to stick to your budgeting method. By doing this, you can regain your motivation to keep on improving your budgeting skills.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to revise your budgeting methods as needed. You can make adjustments or tailor them to your needs. This will make it more effective for you. If you discover that a budget method is not working for you, you can always change it as you see fit.

Try and try until you succeed!

Of course, you don’t have to adhere to the budgeting methods above strictly. Sometimes, you have to learn to treat yourself! Congratulate yourself for being disciplined enough and for following your road plan to financial success.

Budgeting methods that work for you will vary, especially since everyone has different sources of income and various expenses. Use the knowledge from this article as a stepping stone for you to achieve your financial goals.

Pick from the budgeting methods from above and try one for yourself. From there, you can determine which works the best for you. You can measure success by your level of contentment and the amount of money saved.

Investing for Students and Beginners: 9 Ways to Grow Your Money in the Philippines

streetsmartmasterclass

1 Sep, 2021

Want to enter the world of investing but do not know where to start? Fret not! This article will feed your curiosities about investment as this is catered to teach investing opportunities such as stock trading and real estate investing for beginners.

Engaging yourself in the world of investing not only grows your money, but hones your skills specifically in decision-making, risk-taking, and organizing. Money easily comes and goes. This is why it is essential for everyone — most especially the youngsters — to keep their interests soaring about the field of finances. Your future lies in your hands. Therefore, to all of the students, teenagers, and beginners, this is your sign to start planning for your future through financial investments!

“Let us say that you are financially free, what are the things you would do?”

For sure, this question made you pause for a second or two. It is really hard to imagine a world without ever considering the value of money. Some might answer that they would be traveling to different countries and some might be splurging on luxurious items.

It feels good to envision yourself living a bountiful life in the future. A life where money does not seem to be a problem. A life full of ease.

Why is Investing important?

Investing Provides Financial Security

Investing and stocks for beginners are essential to achieve financial security. Diversifying the allocation of your assets and budgeting your funds is important to prepare for your future, most especially for your post-retirement life. Financial preparedness serves as a safety blanket to protect yourself from future risks and emergencies that may come along the way. It is also a way for you to attain success and it really would not hurt to plan for your future as early as today!

Investing Teaches Independence

Immersing yourself in financial matters is very important for you to learn how to be independent and organized. It also gives you a clear vision of your goals, as well as the steps you are about to take in order to make those dreams into a reality. It also hones your skills when it comes to decision-making and financial resiliency.

TIP #1: Download and answer this printable worksheet titled “My S.M.A.R.T Goals” to help you visualize and to guide you on how you want your middle-aged life to turn out

SMART-Goals-Worksheet Download

Common Terms You Must Know in Investing

Are you still overwhelmed with what investment is? Fret not! Listed below are some of the common terms used in generating passive income. Familiarizing yourself with these words would serve as your ultimate guide as you venture more into the world of investing!

Stockbrokers

A stockbroker has to buy, sell, and trade stocks from a company to its stockholders. Stockbrokers may be in the form of an individual or a firm.

Dividends

Dividends are also a way to earn profit through stock investment. It is a company’s shared profits to its shareholders. It comes in different forms such as through cash, stock, and property.

Technical Analysis

Analyzing charts and trends are essential in stock trading for beginners. Hence, Investors must acquire analytic and decision-making skills in order to thrive in the field of investing. Candlestick patterns, for example, are used in deciding about the price trends, the market, as well as when and where to buy and sell stocks.

Risk

Investing is not always rainbows and butterflies, which is why you must gauge how risk-tolerant are you when it comes to investing your money. In line with this, higher-risk investments equate to higher returns while lower-risk investments have lower returns.

TIP #2: Answering Investment Risk Tolerance Assessments help you determine what your strengths and weaknesses are in creating your investment strategy!

Investment Avenues

Listed below are some ways wherein you can easily and accessibly start your investing journey!

Stock Investment

Minimum Initial Investment Deposit: Php 5000

Stock trading for beginners may seem overwhelming. But do not worry, it is just as easy as 1, 2, 3! Engaging in stocks makes you a part-owner of a company, making your earnings depend on the financial success of the company you choose to invest in. Therefore, It is considered as a high risk, high reward type of investment.

Tip #3: Enroll yourself in online courses such as stocksed.com. These types of courses target to teach stocks for dummies. It provides learners with basic knowledge about the Philippine stock market. Stocksed.com’s approach in educating people about the stock market is catered to Filipinos. The courses are taught using a mix of both Filipino and English languages, making it easily understandable for Filipino students and beginners to learn about the investing field.

Bonds

Minimum Initial Investment Deposit: Php 8000

In contrast to stock investment, bonds are described to be of low risk with low reward. Your earnings would not depend on the success of the company, but would rather give you a fixed amount over a certain period.

GInvest

Minimum Initial Investment Deposit: Php 50

This feature of the GCash app is the most simple, most accessible, and most affordable way for beginners to begin their investment journey! 50 pesos, a smartphone, and the GCash app are all that you need to start growing your money. The app also gauges how much you are willing to risk in order to guide you with the right investment option. Lastly, it also provides a hassle-free cash-in and out system given that everything’s accessible in GInvest.

PAG-IBIG MP2

Minimum Initial Investment Deposit: Php 500

Part of the PAG-IBIG program, this second cheapest option offers a tax-free, risk-free, and a short-middle term investment plan. PAG-IBIG MP2 is a voluntary program wherein one can earn through dividends — a portion of a company’s profit through dividends.

SSS PESO Fund

Minimum Initial Investment Deposit: Php 1000

The SSS PESO (Personal Savings and Equity Option) Fund is a voluntary investment program wherein all SSS members are eligible to apply. It caters to people who want to make the most out of their post-retirement life. It is risk-free and tax-free, wherein earnings are accumulated through compounding interests.

VUL Insurance

Minimum Initial Investment Deposit: Php 1,300-1,500

Combining insurance and investment in one, it is ideal for parents to apply for their children in order to safeguard their future such as their education. These types of insurance are handled by fund managers. Hence, making it ideal for beginners who have little to no knowledge about investment. VUL insurances allocate 5% to the cost of insurance, while 95% goes to investments. Just like stocks, it is also high in risks as it does not guarantee returns.

Real Estate Investing

Minimum Initial Investment Deposit: 20,000 pesos

Similar to stock trading, real estate investments are also dependent on a firm’s shares for earning, but in the form of properties and lands. Real estate investing for beginners might be a bit challenging compared to the others mentioned in this article, which is why it is considered to have a high-risk high reward ratio. It is ideal for long-term investors given that it deals with properties, such that land appreciates through time. Investing in rental properties that comprise this type of investment is the most ideal investment for starters.

Mutual Funds

Minimum Initial Investment Deposit: 5,000 Pesos

Mutual funds are the collated investments from different allocations such as in stocks and bonds. Investing in mutual funds is one of the most ideal for starters given that skilled financial investors would be the ones to handle and decide for the best investment options to increase your assets.

UITF

Minimum Initial Investment Deposit: 5,000 Pesos

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITF) are for long-term plans and are considered to have a high-risk-high-reward ratio. UITFs affect your share earnings as it is dependent on the fluctuation of interest rates and the performance of the market.

Let us All Invest for the Best!

Now that you already have a grip of what investing is, it is high time for you to decide what investment strategy works best for you!

Investing is an avenue for us to grow our assets. It also serves as a safety blanket to secure and provide for our financial needs that may suddenly arise in the future. Wealth investment has become more accessible all throughout the years, that is why it is important to provide opportunities in investing for students and beginners. Investing in your finances is a great step towards increasing financial literacy. Given the listed investment opportunities above, there are lots of ways for you to allocate and diversify your income. You just need to gauge what works best for you.

So what are you waiting for? Venture into the world of investing to grow your money and to live your life fully!

Find this article helpful? Share this link to inspire others, most especially students and beginners, to learn about stocks!