THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced last May 19 the decision of the Monetary Board to hike rates by 25 basis points (bps) effective May 20. Some analysts expect the Monetary Board to hike benchmark rates by 75 bps this year to tame inflation and reduce currency risks after the US Fed (US Federal Reserve) hikes its benchmark rates. … 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
Many people are losing jobs every day for reasons beyond their control. Even if you have a great position right now, it might not be there in six months. Like the Philippine weather that could change any time and become increasingly difficult to predict, the concept of job security is becoming obsolete. I had been … Read more
In most of the financial planning seminars that I have conducted, I’ve always asked the audience, “Who among you want to be rich?” Definitely, all hands would be up. No one dreams of being poor. My next question, “Who among you are willing to do whatever it takes to be rich?” Still all of them … Read more
You’re listening to a very powerful motivational speaker inside a huge conference room. Before ending his talk, he throws out this question: “Who wants to become successful?” Everybody’s hand goes up in the air, which leaves you no option but to raise yours as well. After all, who doesn’t want to become accomplished in the … Read more
When we were in school, it was not only parents but also noteworthy students who were grade-conscious. Exam results, medals, and recognition became the bases for favors, especially during shopping sprees. Grades turned out to be the ultimate bargaining power! Students who were described as carefree and infamous, on the other hands, were the ones … Read more
More than a decade ago, I sailed with a rigorous, flamboyant, and quite an influential Swedish Captain. He was considered fierce-looking due to his immense built and strong foreign features. In fact, if it is your first time to sail with him, the tendency is to be afraid and aloof. Just like in any other … Read more
Talking about life insurance is never a “fun” conversation on board the ship. Most seafarers view life insurance as an expense but never an investment neither a form of savings. In fact, life insurance sounds morbid because it always signifies death. Although it is true that life insurance might not be an investment but it … Read more
This article was written by Kyle Kam, Digital Marketing Specialist, MoneyMax.ph. Working abroad opens you up to all kinds of experiences. Many Filipinos dream of working abroad. Those who do find employment there do so in order to be able to provide for their families back here. To date, the number of Filipinos leaving the country to work abroad … Read more