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

Building your best portfolio

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

Investing during war time

As investors, we know too well that volatility is part of the game, whether it is war or time of peace. That is why it is a good investment to have an alternative asset that will add to your diversification, which will then help reduce overall portfolio volatility. And now is a good time for you to check the health condition of your portfolio.

Managing your financial plan when interest rises

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

The Best Christmas Gift

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

Do Christmas songs affect consumer spending?

Jose Mari Chan meme is becoming a usual trend over the social media every September. It’s an indication that Filipinos are quite excited for a long Christmas celebration that will happen. Then the moment malls open on the first day of September, the long-playing Christmas songs will start to be heard until January of next … Read more

How to Handle A Money Conversation During A Crisis

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