Getting into business is one great option if we want to earn more income, either it is small or big. However, it is not easy to put up a business, you have to take risks and under go some adjustments especially if you’re going to start from scratch.

Franchising business is said to be a great way to get into business. In just a certain amount, you can start with your own business  as easy as 1-2-3. Franchising comes in different packages depending on the kind of business. Have you seen food kiosk in LRT/MRT Stations and even in Malls? those are all franchise. And mind you, the earnings per day is enormous!

Here are the reasons why you should choose to go franchising:

• Most of the Franchise business has a name for itself already, you don’t have to go over advertise (ie. Jolibee, Siomai House,7 Eleven)
• It comes with a package deal
• The Franchiser will be the one who will look for a perfect location (or if you have your location in mind, you can suggest and talk about it)
• Some franchiser includes hiring of laborers as part of the package including their uniforms (ie. Siomai House)
• Food Franchise are less cheaper, most of this food kiosks are famous because it caters pinoy and street foods.
• You can choose from variety of franchise like coffee shop, computer shop, bakery, pawnshop, fast food, food kiosks, RTW, etc.
• Franchiser will help you get started from business processing to advertising.
• Free seminars and trainings fro franchisee and its employee.
• Space rents is cheaper (depending on the location) LRT/MRT Station space rents costs P900 per day.
• Franchising costs P50,000-P4,000,000.

If you want a secure business, then choose franchising. In franchising, you don’t have to start from scratch, the business is already established long before you start!

1. Keep a record or memorize your credit card number and your issuing bank’s contact details which can be found at the back of your credit card.

2. If you are issued a PIN (Personal Identification Number) for ATM Cash Advance Transactions,  memorize it and destroy the mailer on which it was sent to you. never change your PIN to combination that could easily be identified such as your birthday.

3.  Keep a copy of your transaction receipt so you can match them against your monthly statement of account. Report any charges that you do not recognize immediately or within the designated timeline stated in your statement of account.

4. Never share your credit card details and PIN to any person. Transactions that use your credit card number and PIN may be charged to you.

5. Notify your issuing bank of any changes in your contact details and address.

6. Personally hand over your credit card to the cashier when paying for transactions.

7. Always make sure that the amount on the transaction slip is the actual amount of your purchase before you sign. Never sign a blank transaction slip.

8. Make sure to secure your card while shopping. If your card get lost, immediately call your issuing bank to avoid paying fraudulent transactions.

9. To ensure that you are not logged on to a spoof website, check the URL address starts with “http”. Moreover, there should be a padlock icon located at the lower right portion of the webpage to indicate that it is a secured website.

10.  Your issuing bank will never call you to ask for your credit card or your account information. Should you receive such calls or letters, always call your issuing bank on the number at the back of your credit card for verification.

11. Endorse or sign all credit cards as soon as they are received from the bank.

12. Keep a list of your credit card numbers and the card company’s call center/ emergency hotline numbers in case of diputes, questions or to report a lost or stolen card.

13. Never allow the use of your credit card as reference (credit card number) or as an identification card.

14. Take note whether your card is held for more than the regular time. Be alert when it is not returned to you after an unusually long period.

15. Keep your credit card in a secure place.

*This article is published in Philippine Star, March 25, 2009.

Despite of the economic downfall felt in the country today, Social Weather Stations showed their latest survey that there are lesser Filipino Families suffered from hunger this year.

From 23.7% or 4.3 million familes who suffered from hunger last December survey, the statistics showed 8% low to  15.5% or 2.9 million this year. This was despite of theincreasing unemployment and left and right layoffs from the company.

SWS asked 1,200 household families across the country this question: “Nitong nakaraang tatlong buwan, nangyari po ba kahit minsan na ang inyong pamilya ay nakaranas ng gutom at walang makain? (In the last three months, has your family experienced hunger and did not have anything to eat?)”

The survey also shows that residents in Mindanao and Metro Manila  were the least hungry. In Mindanao, statistics shows a great development from 33.7% number of hungry families down now to 11.7% or 490,000 families.

From 23% estimated hungry families last december, Metro Manila bounce back to just 17.3 or 430,000 families.

Luzon’s statistics also decreased from 20% last years now down to 15% or 1.2 million families. Visyas also showed a decrease from 20.7% last year to 19.7 or 730,000 families this year.

The government were glad on the survey reports shown by SWS and credited that the government’s programs against proverty and hunger are indeed doing great.

We just wish that this good developments will continue and finally elliminates hunger in the country in the coming years.

Usually, when summer hits the country, most cities and baranggay conducts free livelihood programs that aims to encourage its people make their summer worthwhile by learning new things that will eventually change their lives.

There are such like Basket Making, T-Shirt printing, Food processing and other substantial livelihood workshops that can help you create a small business in the future.

Especially for homebased individuals like mothers or those who just got kicked out of work, grab this opportunity to learn new things that will help you on your financial needs.

Enroll yourself, remember that education is ageless. Make your summer memorable by making yourself productive. Learn new things and explore in small business!