Author: Investa

Graduating from college is an exciting milestone that marks the beginning of a new journey in your life. As a fresh graduate, the world is a basket of opportunities and possibilities you should conquer. Stepping out of your comfort zone and facing the challenges is often daunting. Thus, Planning for your future during this transitional phase is vital to ensure a smooth and successful transition into the professional world. 

Set Realistic Goals

After graduating from college, Fresh graduates often feel pressured and intimidated by the real world, leading them to create significant goals for their career journey. However, these objectives are usually all over the place and often need proper planning. 

Hence, It is important to define your goals in planning your future. Start by identifying your passions, interests, and strengths. Reflect on what inspires you and what you envision for your future. A clear vision will guide you in making strategic choices and setting achievable objectives. Setting short-term goals is a way to achieve your major milestone. Align your action plan with your passion and aspirations and break them into smaller, actionable steps. This approach will give you a roadmap and help your journey be more sustainable. 

To tell you a story, Mark and Jonathan are fresh graduates from Far Eastern University. They aim to find a job and start working as soon as possible to start their career journey. However, the two approached this differently.  

Jonathan has one goal, and that is to find a job quickly. He is obsessed with working in a company and only focuses on his primary goal. However, he has no concrete plan on how to achieve that goal. On the other hand, Mark set small and attainable goals. He compiled his portfolio, built his resume, and called his supervisors to request a recommendation letter. He focused on the process rather than the goal itself. 

Set Up Your Credentials

In today’s highly competitive job market, having relevant work experience is vital. Setting up your resume and portfolio is essential to showcase your strengths and skills. You may compile your certifications from seminars and Internship certificates from companies you worked at. You may also seek recommendations from your professors and intern supervisors to enhance your resume further, as It can give you a competitive edge and increase your employability.

Build Your Network And Connections

Engage in career fairs, networking events, and industry conferences to expand your professional network. Building relationships with professionals in your desired field can open doors to internships, mentorships, and job opportunities. Additionally, consider joining professional organizations or associations related to your field of interest. These organizations offer valuable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development programs that can enhance your skills and boost your career prospects.

Improve Your Work Experience

Seek internship programs and volunteer opportunities that align with your career goals. This experience will improve your social, professional, and technical skills as you experience the professional world and collaborate with your colleagues. You may also consider pursuing additional certifications or online courses to enhance your overall skill sets. Because companies often look for competence and skills rather than just your diploma. Thus, to stand out among others, you need to gain those experiences and develop essential competencies. 

Plan Your Finances

Early financial planning is essential in planning for your future, as this will set a strong foundation for your future financial stability. Budgeting money can be your practice for your financial journey. You can start by evaluating your financial situation and creating a budget that accounts for your expenses, such as student loan repayments, rent, utilities, and daily living costs. 

Through this, you can avoid splurging and overspending on non-essential assets and focus on one. 

Remain Adaptable: This Is Not A Race

Lastly, it’s important to remember that this is not race, and everyone has their phase. So don’t compare yourself to your friends, because this can distract you from achieving your goals. Focus instead on your self-growth and development, and if you encounter situations that do not go according to your plans, remain adaptable and open to new opportunities. Your career path may not unfold exactly as planned, and that’s okay.

The Final Word

Your early career years might be daunting and intimidating. However, with the right mindset, you will come out victorious. Embrace the journey and instill resilience, adaptability, and a positive attitude. Believe that you can do great things, and everything will follow. This world is for you to conquer.

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If you haven’t heard about it yet, Pag-IBIG MP2 is one of the BEST investments available for Filipinos – consistently providing high returns for a very small amount of risk. The Modified Pag-IBIG 2 (or Pag-IBIG MP2) is a voluntary savings program for members who want to save and earn more compared to the regular savings program.

Highlights of the Pag-IBIG MP2 

Here are some of the key features of the Pag-IBIG MP2 that make it a solid investment:

• High interest rates: The savings fund has constantly performed well throughout the decade. Participants have been enjoying rates above 5% for multiple years now. Interest rates even reached a high of 8.11% back in 2017, with the latest for 2022 giving a solid return of 7.03%
• Government-guarantee: The Philippine government guarantees the safety of the participants’ money. If something goes wrong, participants will still receive their principal.
• No limit: Compared to digital banks, a Pag-IBIG MP2 account doesn’t have a limit. You can put in as much money as you want. Just take note that for contributions above P500,000 you need to do so through a manager’s check.
• Tax-free dividends: Earnings made from the this are also tax-free.
• Flexibility: You can choose to deposit one-time or make regular monthly deposits. You can also choose to receive your dividends yearly or have it continually compound throughout the years. During emergencies, you also have the option to withdraw all your funds.

Applying for a Pag-IBIG MP2 account

To be able to apply for a Pag-IBIG MP2 account, you should be one of the following according to the organization:

• An active Pag-IBIG member with at least one monthly contribution in the last six months
• A former Pag-IBIG member with other sources of income and has made at least twenty four (24) monthly contributions 
• A former Pag-IBIG member who has reacquired their citizenship and has made at least twenty four (24) monthly contributions

If you meet the requirements above, the easiest way to get your Pag-IBIG MP2 account is to apply for it online. Here’s how you can do so:

1. Start your application through this link: https://www.pagibigfundservices.com/MP2Enrollment/ 
2. Input the your Pag-IBIG Membership number, name, and date of birth.
3. Specify the amount you want to contribute every month to the Pag-IBIG MP2 fund.
4. Set your preferences such as how often you want to receive the dividends, what your mode of payment will be contributions, and where the funds will be sourced from.
5. Afterwards, you should receive your MP2 account number which you’ll use to make your payments.

Making contributions to the Pag-IBIG MP2

There are different ways to invest or make contributions. The easiest way would be to have your employer automatically deduct the funds from your salary. If that isn’t an option, you can also do so through different over-the-counter options. Another easy way to invest in the Pag-IBIG MP2 is to do so through e-wallets. GCash and Maya now allow you to make contributions through their apps, usually through the pay bills feature. Just keep your MP2 account number in hand, since you’ll use this no matter which payment method you use. 

Is investing in this worth it?

The Pag-IBIG MP2 is a solid savings program to join. Aside from the high-interest rates, it’s also somewhat risk-free given that the government guarantees at least the principal. If you’re just starting to invest, this can be a solid starting point for building a diversified portfolio to help you achieve financial freedom. 

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Money is an integral part of life. It allows us to avail services and make our lives easier. Thus, teaching our children how money works may help them to have a fortunate future and guide them for their future financial journey. Therefore, The primary financial fundamentals should be taught to our children for them to learn how money works and the importance of saving it.

Entrust Them

You cannot teach your child to ride a bike without them riding an actual bicycle. The same goes for teaching finances. You can only teach your child how to save money by giving it to them.  

Constantly reminding them to save will not work; they must experience it firsthand. How can they save, If they don’t have money to keep it? Entrusting them with least money is a big step for them to realize its power and value. Through this, you can instill habits and develop their decision-making skills.  

Give Them a Piggy Bank

By depositing spare coins and bills into a piggy bank, children are encouraged to set aside a portion of their earnings or allowances regularly. A piggy piggy bank also provides a tangible means for children to save money. This hands-on experience teaches them the value of money and helps them develop essential financial management skills. Physically placing money in a piggy bank promotes the concept of delayed gratification, children learn to accumulate more significant amounts over time by resisting immediate spending. 

Set A Goal

You can only start a journey with a destination. The same goes for financial savings for your children. Giving your children goals to work towards instills a sense of purpose and direction. When children have a clear objective, such as saving for a toy, a bike, or a special outing, they become motivated to set aside their money instead of impulsive spending it. Goals create a sense of anticipation and excitement, transforming saving into a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

To give you an illustration, Once you have given money to your children, you should suggest a goal for them to achieve, such as saving for a toy, a bike, or a book they have always wanted. Through this, they can have an apparent reason to save up. 

Provide Incentives 

Offering incentives will make their saving journey sustainable in the long run. Parents create a positive association with saving money in their child’s minds. Rewards and instant gratification naturally drive children; incentives tap into this innate desire. Whether it’s a small treat, additional pocket money, or a special outing, these rewards motivate children to set aside their money instead of spending it immediately.

Let’s take a look at this example, Jake is teaching his children to save for the toys they always wanted. He advised his children to save a total amount of 500 pesos. This amount is a massive goal for children, but if you give them milestones such as a chocolate bar for every 100 pesos they have reached, it will give them a sense of accomplishment. Thus, it is more achievable for them to reach their goals. 

Be An Example

As parents, our actions and behaviors profoundly impact our children’s development and learning. When teaching children the importance of saving money, being a good example is a powerful tool. Children are highly observant and emulate the behaviors they witness in their parents or guardians. By exhibiting responsible saving habits, such as budgeting, setting financial goals, and making wise purchasing decisions, we provide a tangible and relatable model for our children to follow. 

To tell you a story, Mark starts saving his money because he saw his parents achieving their goals, such as buying a phone, a bag, and a bike. Thus, this gives him the idea of, “If I learn to save my money, I can also buy the thing that I want” Setting a good example is enough to teach your children to save. 

The Final Word 

Parents should initiate ways to teach their parents to save and how money works. But by teaching them the importance of money at a young age, they can avoid future financial problems such as overspending or financial mismanagement. By enforcing these tips may help and serve as a guide for you to teach your children the basic fundamentals of saving. 

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Side hustles are rising in popularity amongst young Filipino workers. Part-time jobs, freelancing projects, or even contractual tasks all fall under this. There’s no specific boundary between what can be considered a primary job or a side hustle. Generally the latter refers to activities that augment your monthly income. 

How can side hustles help you reach financial goals?

Many consider cutting down expenses first in order to help uplift their financial situation. However, cutting down costs can only get you so far. Increasing your income through side hustles will be a big help since it will help you have more options. More options for needs, and of course the capability to save and invest more. Of course, just ensure your unnecessary expenses don’t rise alongside your income.

Popular side hustles among Filipinos

It might seem hard to look for side hustles at first, but you’ll quickly find out that there are a lot of opportunities available. You just need to assess what you can offer, and start looking. Here are some popular side hustles:

1. Freelancing: Freelancing by far is one of the most popular side hustles among Filipinos. Freelancers are considered self-employed workers. They don’t have long-term commitments to any single employer. You basically offer certain skills to clients who have certain short-term needs. Whether if its creating graphics, excel sheet templates, or even digital marketing for a campaign, you’ll find that there are a lot of people or businesses willing to pay for such services.
2. Buy and sell: This one is a straightforward side hustle. If you’re good at looking for bargain deals, this could be a solid opportunity for you. With the rise of e-commerce, many have started buying different items. From watches to sneakers, all you have to do is be knowledgeable enough about the ongoing rates people pay for these items and try to source them through bargains.
3. Ridesharing/Deliveries: As more and more people procure services from Grab, Foodpanda, and the like, ridesharing and making deliveries has become a common side gig. Usually, these apps work by letting riders or drivers set when they want to accept passengers or deliveries. If you’re fond of just driving around or riding a motorcycle, this might be a fun one for you to try. 
4. Small business: A small business can be complicated, but it also has the capacity to become a passive source of income. You can start selling pastries, run a shoe-cleaning service, or even become a distributor of certain goods. Just keep in mind that this could be time-consuming. You would also need capital to get started.
5. Content creation: Most think that you need to have a huge following to make money creating content. While you do need to gain traction, you don’t need millions watching you to make money. Once you reach a certain milestone, you can already start earning from your content through affiliate marketing. 1,000 followers is usually a good milestone to start earning from content. It’s easier said than done but is very much achievable. 

Last words

All of these side hustles can make a big impact on your finances. However, make sure to find one that you can enjoy. Working a full-time job while doing a side hustle that you don’t enjoy can easily burn you out. As always, look for something that still helps you maintain balance in your life. Of course, it also helps to find like-minded people who you can talk with. Make sure to check out Investment and Money Tips Philippines if you want to look for ideas or thoughts on different side hustles! 

Lastly, make sure to invest a portion of your money along the way. The end goal should always be to make your money work for you. 

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In our lives, choices constantly confront us. Whether it’s deciding what college degree you should pursue, how to spend your leisure time, or even what to have for lunch, every decision we make involves an inherent trade-off. This trade-off is known as the concept of opportunity cost. Let’s discuss the significance of opportunity cost, its influence on decision-making, and its impact on our lives.

What Is Opportunity Cost? 

Have you ever experienced accepting a scholarship grant from a university in your hometown and ended up knowing that you got the scholarship you applied for abroad? This is one example of opportunity cost, which refers to the value of the next best alternative foregone when making a decision. It encloses the potential benefits we sacrifice by choosing one option over others. But we must be mindful of every choice we make because every judgment comes at a cost. 

To better understand how opportunity costs work, we will look at stories that require decision-making and analyze how we can resolve them effectively. 

Career Building: Choose Wisely

Toma and Kahane are both graduates of Ateneo De Manila University. They both applied for a marketing position abroad in a multinational brand and fortunately, they got accepted as a marketing associate. However, they approach their career-building differently. 

Toma’s goal is to find a job quickly to buy a house and a car. Thus, he accepted the offer. Kahane, on the other hand, declined the offer. Because he knew that some other companies he applied to are willing to pay a higher salary than he deserved considering his skills. 

Opportunity cost significantly impacts our professional lives. Choosing one career path often means forgoing potential opportunities in other fields. Assessing the long-term consequences and potential benefits of each choice is crucial. Recognizing opportunity cost allows us to make career decisions that align with our passions and aspirations.

Financial Investments: The Trade-Offs

When the pandemic struck the Philippines, the market was in turmoil as everyone withdrew their assets from their stock trading. Joanne is one of the stockholders who withdrew their shares from a specific company. She took her assets to have financial security amidst a crisis. 

One year after the lockdown, pharmaceutical companies are developing a vaccine against COVID-19. Aggressive investors saw it as an opportunity to invest and support the company’s research. However, Joanne is still skeptical and decides to buy an aircon since she is working from home. 

After a year, the stock prices went up after the vaccines were proven effective and distributed worldwide. This led to Joanne realizing that financial decisions are rife with opportunity costs. When we decide to hold our money, purchase goods, or make any financial commitment, we must consider the trade-offs involved. Understanding opportunity cost in financial decision-making helps us make wise choices and achieve our financial goals.

The Final Word

Opportunity cost is ubiquitous in our daily lives, as choices constantly confront us. For instance, choosing to eat at an expensive restaurant alone vs. going to a cheaper place to eat but with friends or family. 

Opportunity cost is an essential concept that permeates every aspect of our lives. By recognizing the inherent trade-offs and evaluating alternatives, we can make informed decisions that align with our goals and aspirations. Whether pursuing a career or making financial choices, opportunity cost guides us toward a path of conscious decision-making. Embracing the hidden trade-offs inherent in every choice empowers us to shape our lives in ways that optimize our well-being and fulfillment.

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Unemployment benefits are government-provided financial assistance programs. The goal of which is to support those who lost their jobs and are still looking for new employment.

While not known to many, the Philippines’ SSS provides unemployment benefits in the form of cash to those who fit the criteria. Here are some of the requirements you should know about, along with the process involved.

Qualifying Conditions for Unemployment Benefits

The SSS grants unemployment benefits to members who are involuntarily unemployed. This could be due to company downsizing, closure of operations, or cost-cutting measures being taken. Of course, this would mean that employees who lost their jobs due to misbehavior or negligence aren’t qualified. According to the SSS, these prohibit individuals from receiving the unemployment benefits:

• Serious misconduct
• Willful disobedience to lawful orders
• Gross and habitual neglect of duties
• Fraud or willful breach of trust/loss of confidence
• Commission of a crime or offense
• Analogous cases like abandonment, gross inefficiency, disloyalty

Generally, the individual should also not be older than 60, along with other age-related restrictions. The applicant should also meet the following criteria:

• Has made at least 36 monthly contributions
• 12 months of which should be in the 18-month period right before the involuntary separation

Applying for Unemployment Benefits

The process is fairly simple and can be done through the SSS’ members portal. Those looking to apply for unemployment benefits will need to present an original and photocopy of one of the following:

• UMID
• SS Card
• Alien Certificate of Registration
• Driver’s License
• Firearm Registration
• License to Own/Possess Firearms
• Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence
• NBI Clearance
• Passport
• Postal Identity Card
• Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book
• Voter’s ID

If none of the above are available, two different IDs can be used instead. However, both of them should have the person’s signature and at least one of the two includes a photo. 

In addition, a DOLE certification is also required. For OFWs, a certification should be acquired instead from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). 

The Amount of Unemployment Benefits

An qualified unemployed individual can receive 2 payments, each worth 50% of their average monthly salary credited (ASMC). For example, a person who earned PHP20,000 for 10 months and PHP30,000 for the following 10 months will have an ASMC of PHP25,000. He or she is entitled to 2 payments worth PHP12,500 each.

The money will be credited to the individual’s SSS UMID card, or to a UBP Quick Card Account. 

Last Notes

Something that needs to be remembered when applying for unemployment benefits is that the documents provided should all have coherent information. The SSS has rejected thousands of applications over the recent years largely due to discrepancies. 

You also don’t have to worry about paying back the cash received since this is a benefit, not a loan. Again, the goal of unemployment benefits is to help individuals get back on their feet after losing their jobs.

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Investing is a way to make your money work for you. It allows your money to grow and gain interest in the long run. However, Investing is not just a one-time transaction. It is a process where you have to stay diligent in order to maximize your returns. This article will give you tips on how to keep investing consistently. 

Know Your Investing Goals 

To help you invest consistently, you must first know your Investment goals, which will give you a big picture of your investment blueprint. For instance, before you decide to put your money into PAGIBIG MP2, which has a lock-in period of five years. You should first determine if your investment is a long-term type of investment or a short one. But what is the difference between the two?

• Long-Term Investment

A long-term investment is a strategy to invest your capital for a long time. This type of investment leverages time to maximize investment and yield high returns. For example, Mark bought a one-hectare land property eleven years ago for two million pesos. He waited a couple of years before he sold his property for triple the price because the land value had appreciated over the years. 

• Short-Term Investment 

 On the other hand, a short-term investment strategy is where an individual invests in assets intending to hold them for a relatively short period, typically less than one year. Swing trading is an example of short-term investing as the market is volatile. You need to know when you should buy low and sell high. 

Create A Separate Account

Creating a separate investment account may help you segregate your savings, emergency, and healthcare fund. For example, you can make a different bank account solely for cryptocurrency investments. Another one for emergency funds, just in case something urgent came up. Through this, you can sort out your assets efficiently and serve their purpose while avoiding mixing your capital with other funds. 

Build Your Habit Loop: Set A Reminder 

Setting a reminder is essential to build a habit of investing consistently. According to the book “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg, there are three stages in a habit loop— Cue, Routine, and Reward. 

It will help if you start first with your cue. It might be an alarm from your phone every 15th of the month to invest in a cooperative fund in your office. This alarm can be your cue to walk to the cooperative office of your company and deposit your share. Once you build this system, you will have a routine of walking every 15th of the month to the cooperative office, paying your share, and becoming your monthly habit to invest. 

Track Your Investments 

Tracking your investments may encourage you to maintain your assets and invest consistently. Observing the market trend lets you understand what you should do to mitigate the effects of market volatility. This lets you know where to put your capital and yield high returns. You can use tools to monitor your investments, such as the InvestaWatcher. 

Investing Should Not Be A Sacrifice: Celebrate Small Wins 

Some people fail to invest consistently because they view it as a sacrifice rather than an opportunity and a process. For example, Anne is targeting to invest nine thousand monthly in a mutual fund with her fourteen thousand salary. Thus she chooses to deprive herself of eating at her favorite restaurants to meet her investment goal. But the reality is, delaying gratification is often a skill that only some possess. 

Therefore, you should occasionally take a bite of your cake to keep you motivated to invest consistently. It might be treating yourself in a restaurant if your investment yielded a high return in a specific period. Through this, your investment journey can be sustainable in the long run and have a higher possibility to invest consistently. 

Final Word

Investing is a powerful tool that allows your money to work for you and grow over time. It is not a one-time transaction but a process that requires consistent effort to maximize your investments and achieve their full potential. To invest consistently, it is essential to have a sustainable investing approach and a clear understanding of your investment goals.

Overall, consistent investing, thoughtful goal setting, organization, tracking, and a positive mindset, can lead to financial growth and success over time.

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