AS the roses wilt and the Valentine’s Day chocolates are reduced to mere wrappers, February marks a transition from the euphoria of romantic gestures to the steadiness of everyday life. While the love and affection shared during this time are cherished, it’s also an opportune moment to redirect our attention to a different kind of … Read more
AS we welcome the dawn of a new year with the dazzling display of fireworks and joyous celebrations, it is essential to recognize the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the realm of personal finance. Much like orchestrating spectacular fireworks shows requires careful planning and precision, managing one’s finances demands strategic foresight and adaptability. … Read more
A SEASONED seafarer dwelled in a beautiful coastal province. I met him 10 years ago and attended one of my financial planning seminars when I was starting as a financial planner. With salt-kissed dreams of financial prosperity, he often gazed out at the boundless sea, envisioning a future of abundance. However, there was an ever-present … Read more
THE recent collapse of banks in the United States and Europe left many people worried about the safety of their own finances. Last March 10, US Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) took control of Silicon Valley Bank. Two days after, FDIC shut down Signature Bank after a run on its deposits by customers. Then on … Read more
PEOPLE are complaining about the high prices that we are experiencing nowadays. For example, in the last year, 2022, our average inflation was 5.8 percent, and the BSP Monetary Board forecast for 2023 will likely be around 2 percent to 4 percent inflation. Inflation has two sides: cost-push inflation is when the demand does not … Read more
YEAR after year, people promised something for themselves to improve with every new year. As a result, it’s the most exciting time of the year for gym owners. No, we’re not referring to the holiday season; instead, we’re referring to the January gym surge. In this crucial month, resolutions are formed and broken every year. … Read more
DESPITE lingering global economic concerns, the PSEi (Philippine Stock Exchange Index) sustained its upward momentum and settled closer to 6800 before the November 30 holiday. This then begs the question, is this the beginning of a new bull run, or is it just the usual Santa Claus rally or window dressing? With the latest development, … Read more
MOST Filipinos rely on social security for their retirement. However, despite the evidence in the past that depending on the government retirement program will surely lead us to despondent golden years. Still, from generation to generation, this is a considerable debate about whether to invest in it or just be faithful for the future. Of … Read more
Celebrations are a quick translation for “Christmas season’ for many Filipinos. Many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and seafarers also come home to their families for this annual merry making. This 2020 however, celebrations might not be the same due to the lingering effects of the pandemic on the Philippines. What could be the best way … Read more
Joe was 21 years old when the 2008 financial crisis happened. He still remembers how severely affected his overseas Filipino worker (OFW) neighbors were that time. He considered himself lucky because his uncle helped him finish college and get hired by the shipping company where the latter was working. But his uncle was due to … Read more