Category: Mind-Setting

Financial Independence: What It Is and How to Get There

Meet Pau. As a 21 year old college student, Pau is feeling confident that he’s well on his way to having a great life ahead. What with more than enough college funds (thanks to his parents for investing on education!) left in the bank to get him through college without any hitch, with fairly decent grades, and with just two more years to get a degree —yes, Pau will definitely have a fighting chance to be successful in life after he graduates, right?

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Well, it’s true that having a college degree these days will give you an edge in the job market; but, to be honest, it’s actually just the first step. To be truly successful in life, you have to be financially independent.

No, we’re not just talking about not having to depend on your parents for monetary support. True financial independence may not mean the same thing for different people as we all have different goals in life. But, in general, it basically means having enough money to be able to live comfortably for the rest of your life. Continue reading Financial Independence: What It Is and How to Get There

The Heart of The Deal: How To Create A Fun Yet Affordable V-Day Celebration

Can you afford to be in love?

This was the question I posed to our millennial attendees and friends from media during a Valentine forum a couple of years ago where I shared the stage with finance personalities and entrepreneurs Wilson Lee Flores, Aya Laraya, and Marie-France President George Siy.

The forum discussion focused on finding the real costs of the different stages of love, from courtship, marriage, and starting a family. Each of the invited speaker shared their wisdom on relationships and discussed how money plays a big role in making each relationship work out successfully.

And as the youngest speaker in the event (ehem), I was given the topic about quantifying and qualifying the costs of courting and being romantic, with a killer line that made the audience go nuts:

“If you’re not able to support the costs of courtship, then you won’t be able to support your partner when you get married.” Continue reading The Heart of The Deal: How To Create A Fun Yet Affordable V-Day Celebration

Financial Blunders OFWs Should Avoid This Christmas Season

It’s that time of the year again when Christmas carols are played continuously in malls, and you’re starting to feel that itch for shopping while waiting to come home from abroad. Many OFWs take a break from their grueling jobs overseas to spend the holidays with their family and friends in the Philippines. When this happens, it also means that they will be spending money – and huge amounts, most likely.

OFWs love to enjoy their short vacation, so they spend a good chunk of their money on parties, dining out and shopping with and for family members. It’s a lot easier for them to spend what they’ve earned abroad since they get more out of the exchange rate, and the prices here are mostly cheaper. Continue reading Financial Blunders OFWs Should Avoid This Christmas Season