Tag Archives: financial literacy

Starting to Work On Your Success

November 17, 2015SaveArmand bengco, business, financial literacy, financial times, financial wellness, Francisco colayco, goals, invest, investing, mutual funds, pera palaguin, pisobilities, save, savings, successadmin

And here is how we want to help you get it! Follow the coming articles that will help those who want a refresher course…

Goal Setting Part 1

It has been more than eleven years since I started teaching how to care for your personal financial matters. From the many feedback I have received from readers, it is very clear that so many ordinary earning Filipinos do not know how to save and grow their money. The questions I receive are varied and detailed but the most frequent can be summarized into three:

1) How can I save?

2) How can I get into a business?

3) How do I invest in mutual funds?

Before even asking these questions, each person should first set their goals. The New Year is only about 45 days away, it is an opportune time to devote time on GOAL SETTING.

I always remind people that you cannot go anywhere if you do not first establish where you are and where you want to go. My favorite example is when you go to a Mall for the first time and you want to go to a particular store without wasting time because you are in a hurry. You can ask people around you but sometimes, they do not know or worse, they give you the wrong information. The best method is to look at the map in the mall and locate your store and how to go there.

This is the same routine you should follow when you want to save, get into business, or invest your money. When people realize they should save and grow their money, they are suddenly in a hurry to do it without any planning. They start asking around from people they know. Unfortunately, most of the time, they ask people who also do not know how but are so eager to pretend they know. They start getting wrong advice and end up losing money without even knowing how and why.

This need not happen if they followed the rule of GOAL SETTING. The first step is to establish a plan, which is your “map” or your financial goal. Note that most legitimate investments are sound investment instruments. They are all good investments. However, what is important is to be able to tell which one is suitable or best applicable to your needs. It is impossible to be able to discern which is the best for your personal situation unless you have your own financial plan based on your own specific timetable. We will talk more about goal setting in the next articles.

For added information, visit www.colaycofinancialeducation.com www.franciscocolayco.com and www.youtube.com/colaycofoundation at www.kskcoop.com. Tumawag sa 637 3741 o 637 3731 o 0917 863 2131. Our next seminar is on Nov. 28. Join it. Based on experience, we learn more when we have immediate feedback on our questions.

Listen to Pera Mo, Palaguin Mo every Monday on DZXL 558AM from 11am to 12 noon. You can also watch us on Pisobilities Reality every Tuesday, 8:30 pm, on Light Network Channel 33 and every Saturday on GMA News TV 11, 6am.

LATEST BOOK IN THE PERA PALAGUIN SERIES

October 26, 2015Saveactive income, Armand bengco, financial freedom, financial literacy, Francisco colayco, grow money, gusto kong yumaman, how much to retire with, investment opportunities, job opportunity, OFW, overseas Filipino worker, passive income, pera palaguin, pinalago, publicationsadmin

My new book sequel to the books I have written is available in National Bookstore and other bookstores and even directly from us at www.colaycofinancialeducation.com.

The title of the new book comes from the previous books. The first book was “WEALTH WITHIN YOUR REACH. PERA MO, PALAGUIN MO!” The second book was “MAKE YOUR MONEY WORK. PERA MO, PALAGUIN MO!”

This new book title is self-explanatory: “WEALTH REACHED. MONEY WORKED. PERA MO, PINALAGO MO!” The book investigates the lives of the various characters in the first two books and explains what they did in the past eleven years after reading my books and listening to my advice. It will make you believe that, if you had listened then, you would be in a better personal financial condition today.

I hope you were one of those who did listen. If you did not, it is still not too late. Get the book, read and analyze and convince yourself that you can do something. So many people have succeeded with very little required savings. What you need is a lot of Discipline and Determination. You can do it. Don’t wait for another ten years before you again regret that you did not do something. You can do it NOW!

I share with you now the various sharing of people regarding the books.

Mr. Hans B. Sicat,?President and CEO of the Philippine Stock Exchange says:

“Mr. Colayco shares the Philippine Stock Exchange’s vision in promoting a culture of savings and investments in the country. By starting and encouraging employees to save and invest, we are in fact contributing to the financial wellness of our work teams which should hopefully be passed on to their immediate environs and communities.”

Mr. Ignacio B. Gimenez?Chairman and President, PhilEquity Fund, Inc. notes that:

“Wealth Reached, Money Worked” is motivating and informative. After over 10 years in this advocacy, Topax’s message of financial freedom is enriched by the real experience of real people he and the Colayco Financial Education team have enlightened along the way. It really doesn’t take a lot of money and effort to be financially comfortable. The key to building wealth – time, patience and good decision making. More than ever Filipinos need to be wise with their money not just in choosing what to buy or how to spend their hard earned cash but in how to grow it. Easy to read and completely understandable, this book will help Filipinos explore the possibilities open, available and affordable to the ordinary income earning Filipino.”

Mr. Generoso Asuncion who has read the past books says:

“When I read the 2 books “Pera Mo Palaguin Mo 1 & 2” my view in life has changed. Asides from the books, I also watched Mr. Colayco in YouTube and read the articles in the web. He changed my life. I learned how to save money. I also share what I have learned to my kids, friends, my siblings and to the people I meet so they would know the right way to save money and attain financial freedom. Thank you so much Mr. Topax. You are the LIGHT in a dark place of poverty.”

Cayanong, a?Customer Service Representative, Convergys Philippines in 2013 says:

“I definitely enjoyed learning from Colayco Foundation. It brought a realization of how badly I manage my earnings, but it also opened the opportunity to start NOW. Start saving and investing. It made me aware of the need to secure my self and my family’s future.”

Mary Grace M. Orbase, a student in 2011 said:

“I am a 14 year old high school student soon to be third year high school student, I’ve read your book, Pera Mo Palaguin Mo! 2. It inspired me a lot. It guides me and enlightens me at my tender age. It really awakened me on how to handle my allowance-that there’s always savings. More power and good luck. I hope there will be a lot of high school students like me that will read and will be enlightened with your book :)”

RenzSumera, a?Licensed Chemical Engineer in 2012 said:

“I just graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering at the age of 21. I am currently looking for a career while at the same time studying for my board exam this November. I have read your two books, Money and Wealth and it really inspired me to value money and learn how to invest. I can’t wait to start earning active income and saving up to 20% of it for good investments. Thank you for writing those books and I hope that more fresh graduates like me or young professionals will read them and be inspired.”

Leonardo Alba, an OFW from Abu Dhabi said:

“I read your book over and over again because I was not able to understand some parts with one pass. But all in all the content was good and it even have matching examples. For now I will try to apply what I have read from your book.”

Cecilia T., 2012 said:

Your books are very informative and has simple information. This is important especially for a woman like me. This book is really a blessing. Natutoakokungpaanoiingatan at mapapalagoang finances ngakingpamilya.

Anthony Pinaglabanan, Iowa said:

Mr. Colayco was the one who influenced me in financial literacy 6 years ago, got some investments now and its working beating inflation and not still focusing to make it happen. My next project is to create passive income as I want to retire early to enjoy time with my family.

RazmonZamboanga, 2006 said:

Thank you for making not only our peramalagobut especially our mind. It was worth the trip from the province to buy your books. I travelled hundreds of kilometers and it had opened a million miles of opportunity and realizations. Talaganglumago. The PeraPalaguin Books made me realize that poverty can be caused by ignorance in managing your finances and not necessarily the inadequacy of financial resources.

SimpeRogie Magana-Co said:

You educate people on how to be financially literate by using simple language and practical examples. You continue to share valuable knowledge and personal experience in money management.

SimpeRogie Magana-Co said:

You educate people on how to be financially literate by using simple language and practical examples. You continue to share valuable knowledge and personal experience in money management.

Sarah Jane Mayola OFW said:

I heard of Colayco Foundation some time back when I was still working as a staff nurse at one of the hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I didn’t have the chance to start maybe because I was not ready yet or I was not that determined to make a change in my life. Now that I’m back here in the Philippines, I’m applying for a job again overseas. I just realized how important is proper investment and savings. All my savings are gone and for the meantime I’m working as a call center agent here in Makati. I only save Php1000 every payday but I’ve decided to start saving. This time I will set aside and keep my savings.

I hope these statements will help encourage you to read and study my books, if not for yourself, for your family members who have so much to gain by having a good basic education in their personal finance management. Check out www.colaycofinancialeducation.com for more information.

Spending on Gadgets and Insurance

September 10, 2014Plan, SaveArmand bengco, buying gadgets and insurance, Cash loans philippines, collective investing, easy money, effective investing, errors in investing, financial freedom, financial literacy, Francisco colayco, grow money, gusto ko ng pera, gusto kong yumaman, how much to retire with, how to grow money, How to invest in stock market philippines, insurance commission, investing tips, investment opportunities, Investments philippines, kalayaan sa kakapusan, maayos na pag-iinvest, Make money philippines, making investing decisions, Mutual funds philippines, paano gumastos nang tama, Paano kumita ng pera, paano mag-invest, paano magkapera, paano umutang, paano yumaman, pagkakamali sa investing, palaguin mo, pera mo, retirement, smart investing, stock market, succeess in investing, tamang paggastos, truly rich club, uitfadmin

According to a study from an insurance company, Pinoys prioritize buying gadgets and insurance equally. But why? What are the factors that come into play? And what does it say about our manner of prioritizing needs and wants?

Here’s Armand Bengco, our Executive Director at Colayco Foundation, to talk about the matter:

Want to watch more videos on personal finance? Visit www.pisobilities.tv today!

“Nang Magising si Juan” Episode 13 Sneak Peek

August 9, 2014Newsariel villasanta, Armand bengco, business philippines, colayco foundation, debt, financial empowerment, financial freedom, financial literacy, Francisco colayco, gma news tv, good business, gusto kong yumaman, how to be rich, how to borrow properly, investing for ofw’s, kapatiran sa kasaganaan, ksk coop, landbank, mang inasal, money, nang magising si juan, negosyo, ofw cooperative, paano mag-invest ang ofw, paano umutang, paano umutang nang maayos, paano yumaman, patok na negosyo, profitable business, red ants media, retirement, small business, the misadventures of ariel and maverickadmin

While there are some improvements in Ariel’s financial education on Nang Magising Si Juan, there is still a lot to ask for. In last week’s episode, Ariel ended up staying in a hotel because his electricity, water and telephone were cut off because he was unable to pay his bills. Ariel is not as poor as not to find money for his electricity but he is not careful. He forgot to pay the bills because he was too busy. I had to remind Ariel that he can pay for his bills even by cellphone.Now he has to use his credit card to pay for his hotel bill and that adds up to his expenses. Ariel didn’t even realize he was staying in aurumOne Makati Hotel that I own together with OFWs and members of KsKCoop.

At least, he remembered that he had to arrange for an interview with Ms. Yasly Corazon Jaen, Chief Admin Officer of Governance Commission for GOCC of LandBank Mobile Availer. He learned that it is easy to get a salary loan. When you avail of a loan, you should have a mobile phone because you apply by text and you get the approval also by text within three days and the money is deposited to your account with Land Bank.

Tomorrow Aug. 10, watch the Ariel and the members of KsKCoop as they meet up in Hong Kong to discuss the projects of KsK. We have sponsors for the show like Bulgar, Bounty Fresh Chicken Chooks-to-Go, Mang Inasal and LandBank of the Philippines. With them, we are able to give all Filipinos information while watching an enjoyable comedy show. Please pass the word to your family and friends.

“Nang Magising si Juan” Episode 12 Sneak Peek

August 2, 2014Newsariel villasanta, Armand bengco, business philippines, colayco foundation, debt, financial empowerment, financial freedom, financial literacy, Francisco colayco, gma news tv, good business, gusto kong yumaman, how to be rich, how to borrow properly, kapatiran sa kasaganaan, ksk coop, landbank, mang inasal, money, nang magising si juan, negosyo, paano umutang, paano umutang nang maayos, paano yumaman, patok na negosyo, profitable business, red ants media, retirement, small business, the misadventures of ariel and maverickadmin

Ariel, in Nang Magising si Juan last July 27, continues to believe that his real talent is in show business. He looks for ways and means to support his feeling and he joins the Chooks-to-go caravan. This is actually a good move on his part to understand his real passion. This is what we should all do to really discover if what we believe to be our capability is really true.

In joining the caravan, Ariel got himself into the groove of all the fun that Chooks-to-go caravan had to offer. He went to the extent of being personally involved in the activities, which was again very good to enlighten him. He was convinced that it was really his calling to be in the limelight and he made up his mind that he would be a good endorser of Chooks to go.

He thought he should resign from his job with Feeling Close with FJCshow and maybe even his job with PLDT. He went to me first to resign and tell me about his plans. I was surprised and kept asking him if he already had a signed contract. He was evasive and didn’t really confirm, but he was so sure he wanted to resign, so I accepted.

When Ariel went back to Chooks-to-go, he was shocked to learn that they already had a poster of their endorser. He didn’t even know!

Tomorrow, Aug 3 at 8am on GMA News TV, join Ariel again when he is seriously unable to pay his bills. On Nang Magising Si Juan, learn more about possible solutions especially regarding the mobile salary option of Land Bank.

Catch Nang Magising si Juan this Sunday, 8:00 am, at GMA News TV!

Nang Magising si Juan would like to thank its sponsors Bulgar, Bounty Fresh Chicken Chooks-to-Go, Mang Inasal and LandBank of the Philippines. With them, we are able to give all Filipinos information while watching an enjoyable comedy show.

BEWARE OF THE LATEST SCAM

August 2, 2014Newsaman future, Armand bengco, Cash loans philippines, companies that are scams, financial empowerment, financial literacy, financial scam philippines, Francisco colayco, get out of debt, grow money, grow out of debt, gusto ko yumaman, how to grow money, How to invest in stock market philippines, Investments philippines, iwas scam, KsKCoop, kumita ng para, lubog sa tang, Make money philippines, mastermind rodolfo miranda, online marketing, online scam, Paano kumita ng pera, paano maka-iwas sa scam, pagadian scam, pyramid scam, quickest way to get rich is to get rich slow, scams, scams philippines, sec, securities and exchange commission, truly rich club, upwarm limited corpadmin

by: Art Ladaga

A few hours ago, a man named Peter Jay Abrico who pretended to be linked to a certain government institution, solicited money from them, promising to return their money TWO TIMES ITS WORTH a few days after. In some cases, Abrico also gave extra items like a television and a pajero! Investors became suspicious when most of them complained that they were not able to get their money back afterwards. Eventually, Abrico was captured in Makati.

Scams like this are very rampant. There are still those who fall prey to these false opportunities for a chance to “get rich quick.” Sadly, the only ones who get rich quick in these cases are the scammers. On the other hand, the victims are left deeply traumatized for giving away a huge amount of money. It will take a long time until they are able to get back up again.

At these times, the words of Mr. Francisco Colayco strongly reverberates: the quickest way to get rich is to GET RICH SLOW! If one does not accept this fact, then one will continue to fall prey to the hundreds of false “opportunities” around And the only way to distinguish an authentic wealth vehicle from a false one is summarized in two words: FINANCIAL LITERACY! Only with the right and timely information can you guard and grow your wealth properly, and not become a victim of financial scams.

BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST SCAMS! Click here for a guide on the suspected and confirmed scams in the country.

Source:http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/07/31/14/cops-lose-millions-double-your-money-scam

* Art Ladaga is the current Programs Development Officer of Colayco Foundation for Education

“Nang Magising si Juan” Episode 11 Sneak Peek

July 26, 2014Newsariel villasanta, Armand bengco, business philippines, colayco foundation, financial empowerment, financial freedom, financial literacy, Francisco colayco, gma news tv, good business, gusto kong yumaman, how to be rich, kapatiran sa kasaganaan, ksk coop, landbank, mang inasal, money, nang magising si juan, negosyo, paano yumaman, patok na negosyo, profitable business, red ants media, retirement, small business, the misadventures of ariel and maverickadmin

Ariel, in Nang Magising si Juan last July 20, was feeling insecure about his not accomplishing much in his financial life. Together with his friend, Long Mejia, he tried to think up of businesses but because of other commitments, Long Mejia leaves Ariel on his own. Ariel decided to sell chickens because he loves to eat chicken and his best brand is Bounty Fresh Chicken, Chooks-to-Go. He bought frozen chicken from Bounty Chicken and started selling them house-to-house and store-to store. However, his selling was unplanned. He even ate some of the chicken that he was supposed to sell. He realized that he didn’t like that particular business because it was not a business that he really liked He realized that he could not go on without asking for advice.

He approached Armand Bengco, Executive Director of Colayco Foundation to help him. Armand explained to Ariel the basic concepts of setting up a business.

After hearing the suggestions, Ariel asks Armand Bengco if he would like to be a partner in his business by putting in money. Of course, Armand knows better. You should not agree to being a partner and especially not putting in money into a business that your partner has obviously no expertise in.

On Sunday, July 27, join Ariel again on Nang Magising Si Juan as he continues to try to set up a business. Ariel continues to believe that his talent is in show business.Ariel joins Chooks-To-Go’s Kwela Van road show to impress the brand’s marketing head and consider him as their newest endorser.

We have sponsors for the show like Bulgar, Bounty Fresh Chicken Chooks-to-Go, Mang Inasal and LandBank of the Philippines. With them, we are able to give all Filipinos information while watching an enjoyable comedy show. Please pass the word to your family and friends.

“Know Your Taxes” with Mon Abrea

July 21, 2014Plan, Saveabrea consulting group, Armand bengco, audit from b.i.r., audit from bir, auditing issues, b.i.r., bureau of internal revenue, buwis, capital gains tax, colayco foundation, csr philippines, entrepreneurship, financial freedom, financial literacy, Francisco colayco, got a question about taxes?, how do i deal with tax problems, how much tax should i pay?, how to avoid auditing, how to deal with tax problems, income tax, income tax return, investing, know your taxes, magkano ang babayarang buwis, maliit na negosyo, mon abrea, pisobilities business portal, planning, problema sa buwis, small business, smart business, tama ba ang buwis na binabayad ko, tamang buwis na babayarin, tax issues, tax philippines, tax problems, tax troubles, tax whiz, taxes 101, taxes for entrepreneurs, taxes philippines, v.a.t., value added tax, what to know about taxes, withholding taxadmin

Taxes are definitely part of the heightening political drama nowadays. With so much money lost to the pockets of many corrupt leaders, many Filipinos are becoming more concerned with their money. Thus, financial literacy becomes all the more important!

We are lucky to feature the renowned “Tax Whiz,” Mon Abrea, in one of our episodes in Pisobilities @ The Business Portal. He discusses the basic things you need to know about taxes, as well as the common tax issues among many Filipinos today.

Mon Abrea’s new book, Got a Question About Taxes is available at all leading bookstores nationwide! You can also order via the Colayco Foundation. Just call 637-3731 or 637-3741.

Get a copy now!

The Battle Wages On!

February 25, 2013Share1986, Armand bengco, being single, bo sanchez, budgeting tips, Cash loans philippines, chinkee tan, cory aquino, edsa 1, edsa 27, edsa revolution, february 25, financial freedom, financial literacy, financial management, financial planning, Francisco colayco, grow money, gusto kong yumaman, how to grow money, how to invest, How to invest in stock market philippines, invest, investability: mutual funds, investability: stock market, Investments philippines, iwas gastos, john calub, Make money philippines, mutual funds, Mutual funds philippines, ninoy aquino, Paano kumita ng pera, paano palaguin pera, pag-ibig, people power, people power 1, pera, pera at pag-ibig, perks of being single, personal finance, personal finance philippines, randell tiongson, stock marketadmin

by: Art Ladaga

Twenty-seven years ago, the Filipino people triumphed in overthrowing two decades of oppressive dictatorship. Democracy was restored not through guns, tanks, or any military arsenal, but through flowers, rosaries, and one unified desire. People Power I was proof that when people band together- known as the Power of One– they can create miracles and liberate a country from tyranny.

Twenty-seven years after People Power I, many of our countrymen remain within the shackles of financial tyrants. This is the new battle being waged: the battle for financial freedom! According to Francisco Colayco, financial freedom is when you can maintain your desired lifestyle without the need to work. Only in eradicating these three tyrants will financial freedom be realized.

POVERTY: Poverty is a lack of basic necessities, but it is also more than that. According to Nobel Prize laureate Amartya Sen, poverty is also capability deprivation (i.e. not being able to do anything and be productive). One reason why there’s capability deprivation is due to lack of education. Education enables us to recognize opportunities for active and passive income. Sadly, our present educational system grooms us to be hardworking employees. There will come a time that you can no longer work. You might be earning six or seven digit salaries now, but when you retire, you will not be able to maintain your lifestyle without passive income. Thus many people remain poor because they do not know how to utilize earning income actively AND passively!

FINANCIAL IGNORANCE: Having a lot of money does not guarantee financial freedom. Knowing how you use and grow it makes a significant difference in your financial life. In a recent study, Citibank reported that the country’s financial score was 53 out of 100. This means that more Filipinos are now becoming savvy in handling their finances. This is definitely good news, but we cannot be complacent.

The massive financial scam in Pagadian City (2012) was a major eye-opener to the dangers of financial ignorance. In the website of Philippine Daily Inquirer, I read about a man in Pagadian City who committed suicide three months ago. He invested all of his retirement money in an opportunity he did not fully understand. When the culprits had gotten away with his money, he experienced depression to the point he decided to end his life! If spending on seminars about money and investing is expensive, financial ignorance is 1000 times more!

GREED: If your only goal in life is having lots of money, you have a major problem! Seeking money for itself poses a real internal dilemma. The Buddha once remarked, “Greed is any imperfection that defiles the mind.” Indeed, how many lives and relationships were ruined because of financial greed? Greed entraps you in a vicious cycle of acquiring. You cannot stop gorging on money because it’s never enough. That is the delusion of it! Eventually you will reach a point that you will internally “blow up,” wrecking your life and the lives of others in the process. In the effort to obtain everything, you lose everything!

The battle for financial freedom is an ongoing-battle. Financial freedom for our countrymen will only be attained through eradicating the three tyrants. Defeating all three is not easy, but it’s not a hopeless cause. Learning from People Power I, only through the Power of One will these three tyrants fall. And it will be possible if all Filipinos will fight as one, under the banner of FINANCIAL LITERACY!

Financial literacy opens the doors to various earning opportunities, thus helping eradicate poverty. You also become more competent and knowledgeable in handling money, thus helping eradicate financial ignorance. And you become goal-oriented in earning money, thus helping eradicate greed. Only through learning proper financial management grounded on proper values can we expect the rise of a ONE WEALTHY NATION!

Thus, THE BATTLE WAGES ON!

Sources:

Alipala, J., & Umel, R. (2012). Teacher kills self after losing all his money in scam. Inquirer Global Nation. Retrieved from http://globalnation.inquirer.net/56146/teacher-kills-self-after-losing-all-his-money- in-scam?ModPagespeed=noscript

Dumlao, D. C. (2013). Filipinos more savvy about finances, study shows. Inquirer Business. Retrievedfrom http://business.inquirer.net/105779/filipinos-financial-quotient-at- record-high-online-poll-shows

*Continue the legacy of EDSA! Achieve financial freedom NOW. Colayco Foundation for Education Inc. is offering two financial seminars this March 23: INVESTability: Stock Market and INVESTability: Mutual Funds. Just click the links for more details about the two seminars.

* Art Ladaga is the current Programs Officer of the Colayco Foundation for Education, Inc.

Women & Money

February 25, 2013SaveArmand bengco, babae at pera, being single, bo sanchez, budgeting tips, Cash loans philippines, chinkee tan, easy money, easy money para sa kababaihan, financial literacy, financial management, financial planning, Francisco colayco, grow money, gusto kong yumaman, how to be rich, how to grow money, how to invest, How to invest in stock market philippines, invest, Investments philippines, iwas gastos, john calub, Make money philippines, Mutual funds philippines, Paano kumita ng pera, paano palaguin pera, pera, personal finance, personal finance philippines, randell tiongson, suze orman, women and finance, women and moneyadmin

Reminiscing events from 1 year ago and the product of a moment.

I was initially unbelieving that it was me she was calling when Suze Orman invited ”the Filipino author who is present here” to the stage during her February 25 talk (2012).

I do not know Suze Orman personally although I enjoy watching her shows. I did not know that her friend Doris Ho, whom I also just met that morning gave her my set of books when she arrived in Manila. After the short conversation on stage, I sent a text to our Executive Director Armand Bengco, who was at that precise time in Hong Kong talking to our KsK Multipurpose Cooperative members. I texted him that an amazing thing just happened! Suze Orman, Top USA Financial guru invited me to join her on stage this morning as she was giving a talk sponsored by BPI at The Fort. Suze gave a terrific talk and it was almost unbelievable how much she cares for Filipinos and has the same line of thinking in personal financial education as I do. Suze committed to help us educate more Filipinos and I look forward to an active collaboration with her!

Of course our excitement was and still is pitch high and this article that just reached me is a perfect way to share with you what kind of a person Suze Orman is. I am definitely proud to have been singled out by her during that talk and I look forward to a collaboration with her on our common mission.

_________

FEBRUARY 25, 2013

Meeting Suze gave the push needed for a new book to come about – Easy Money Para sa Kababaihan, ang natatanging libro tungkol sa pag-hawak at pagpapalago ng pera na para sa babae!

SRP Php95 – Available very soon in all leading bookstores

SUZE ORMAN GAVE FILIPINOS A MONEY TALK

Published in ENews of Asia Society

March 1, 2012

Suze Orman, America’s most trusted financial advisor, was in town last February 25 to give a talk on taking control over one’s personal financial power. Approximately 700 guests filled the NBC tent Saturday morning to attend the Bank of the Philippine Islands event and listen to the “one-woman financial advice powerhouse” as described by US Today. A two-time Emmy-Award winning television host, she was in Manila to keep a promise made to her friend Doris Magsaysay-Ho, chairwoman of Asia Society Philippines, to help and inspire Filipinos in their need for financial literacy.

“Hope is not a financial plan,” stated Orman who highlighted the jackpot-mentality that some Filipinos have when it comes to their money. One shouldn’t rely on the lottery and simply hope for the best or simply keep the money in your house safe and sound; you need to take control of the opportunities available when it comes to your finances.

Having been raised in an unruly neighborhood on the south side of Chicago, Orman was no stranger to poverty. She used to live in her car and waited on tables earning $400 a month for seven years until she dreamed of owning a restaurant of her own at the age of 30. Having heard her dream, one of her regular customers collected the contributions of other customers tantamount to $50,000 to lend to her for 10 years without interest. She took her money to Merrill Lynch to put in a money market account but the broker made her sign papers to make it seem like she was a sophisticated investor who was qualified to invest in stock options. Within three months, she lost the money.

Realizing she couldn’t pay back the $50,000 with her job as a waitress, she applied as a broker at Merrill Lynch and was hired due to the affirmative action that the company had to hire women. However, her boss informed her she would be fired in 6 months.

Studying as a broker, she learned that it was part of law as a broker not to invest someone’s money in a way that he/she could not afford to invest it. She proceeded to sue Merrill Lynch for the bad handling of her $50,000 and because of the ongoing case, Merill Lynch could not fire her.

“Always do what is right than what is easy,” she said. The broker who lost her money was let go, her boss moved on and in 2 years she became one of Merill Lynch’s top producers and earned her $50,000 back with 18% interest.

For young people and their finances, Orman expressed the importance of saving a portion of their earnings regularly as early as possible. “The quickest way to get rich is to get rich slow.” stated Francisco Colayco, a well-known author who was brought to the stage by Orman herself. There isn’t a get-rich-quick formula to achieving one’s wealth, but wealth can be gained by saving and investing continously slowly but surely.

On the Philippines, Orman stated we shouldn’t go the way of the US where they allowed their economy to grow on credit, lending to people who could not afford to pay it back. “Build this country on cash so that it could never collapse, then you can change lives,” she said.

Orman’s talk and very first appearance in the country that day to the 700 guests and employees of BPI indeed proved to be a success. Her message has provided inspiration to those who seek to gain financial freedom.