Ending the Year Strong and Proud

AS we approach the end of another year, many of us are left reflecting on the goals we set and the progress we’ve made. The reality, however, is that life rarely unfolds according to our plans, especially when it comes to personal finance. Perhaps you started the year with ambitious goals — to save more, … Read more

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

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

Navigating high inflation and managing education costs

AS Filipinos brace for another year of financial uncertainty, continuous high inflation remains a pressing concern. This economic challenge not only affects everyday expenses but also adds significant pressure on personal finances, especially with the incoming tuition fee season for the new school year. The reality of high inflation High inflation impacts every facet 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

Reach your financial goals with an annual review

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

Retiring during rising inflation

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