There’s no denying that OFWs and their families love balikbayan boxes. In fact, reports say that there are about 400,000 of them being sent to the country every month. Of course, everyone was enraged when the Bureau of Customs (BOC) previously proposed that, for security purposes, opening the boxes would be mandatory. Fortunately, that regulation has been dumped and so Pinoys do not have to worry about it.
Still, if you are doubtful about the system, you can actually escape all the headache by not sending a balikbayan box. There are good alternatives you can actually consider.
1) Sending Cash
Of course, the first option is to send your family some cash. Instead of having to stuff a box with shirts, perfume, chocolates, and lots of other goodies, you can send money and let them buy what they need and want. This will save you from the hassles of purchasing stuff plus the potentially expensive shipping fee. In addition to that, the money will reach your family quicker than a balikbayan box would. You can likewise avoid delivery delays or missing items as some recipients actually experience.
2) Investing On What Matters Most
While everyone of us loves receiving goodies from abroad, the fact remains that most of what we get out of that much-awaited box is simply temporary. They will only last for a while and then they’re gone.
So although balikbayan boxes are regarded as sweet expressions of love from the OFW to his or her family, the things that matter most should never be at the mercy of those that matter less.
Putting some of your earnings into investments – such as a college fund – can be a big help. It may not be appreciated as easily at the moment but it definitely ensures a bright future for your children.
3) Building A Business
Speaking of investments, establishing your own business can be an excellent initiative. Spending your salary on non-essentials can take its toll and so setting aside some of it and starting a business, whether a franchise or your own idea, can be fantastic. It teaches responsibility to your family and makes them more self-reliant, and so they do not have to depend on you each time there are any emergencies.
OFWs have different ways to make their families happy and if you would consider these three suggestions, apart from the usual balikbayan box, then you are definitely doing something right.