Rediscovering Christmas’ Joys Without Breaking the Bank

CHRISTMAS is often described as “the most wonderful time of the year.” But for adults, it can sometimes feel more overwhelming than magical. While children gleefully count down the days, thrilled by the prospect of gifts and holiday fun, adults often wrestle with financial concerns, packed schedules and the weight of high expectations. The magic … Read more

Budget Now, Invest for the Future: Finding Balance This Holiday Season

Psst… hindi ka nag-iisa. Kung pakiramdam mo na parang hindi mo alam kung paano pagkakasyahin ang budget ngayong holidays habang iniisip pa rin kung paano makapag-invest para sa future, maraming nakaka-relate sa’yo. Hindi madali ang pagsabayin ang mga bagay na nagpapasaya sa pamilya ngayon at ang mga hakbang para sa kanilang kinabukasan. Alam namin, Christmas … Read more

Redefining Retirement for Modern Filipinos

RETIREMENT — once seen as a sunset, a slow fade into the twilight years of life — is being reimagined by modern Filipinos. Today, retirement is not just about resting after decades of hard work; it’s about embracing a new dawn full of opportunities to reinvent oneself, pursue passions and live life with renewed purpose. … Read more

Enjoying Vacation Without Breaking the Bank

SUMMER is the perfect time to take a break from the daily grind and embark on an adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of sandy beaches, bustling cities or quiet mountain retreats, the anticipation of a vacation is thrilling. However, the excitement can quickly turn to stress when you start thinking about the costs involved. With so … Read more

Recognizing warning signs of financial trouble

AS we enter Fire Prevention Month, a period marked by heightened awareness of fire safety and preparedness, it’s crucial to protect our physical environment from wildfires and safeguard our financial well-being from potential economic fires. Just as this season’s hot and dry conditions increase the risk of fires, economic factors can also create explosive situations … Read more

Building a lasting relationship with money

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

Best financial strategies for 2024

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

The Silent Wealth Killer

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

Strategies for preventing financial losses during times of inflation

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

Avoid Being a Victim of Revenge

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