Economics

Riding the Inflation Wave: How to Budget Without Breaking the Bank

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Hey savvy spenders! Ever feel like your money is doing a disappearing act lately? As we gear up to face the upcoming year, there’s no denying the elephant in the room – inflation. But fear not, because I’ve got some tips on how to rock the year despite the economic rollercoaster.

What’s the Inflation Buzz About?

Alright, let’s break it down in simple terms. Inflation is like that sneaky friend who keeps borrowing your stuff without asking, only this time it’s your money losing value. Prices of things you buy are going up, and your hard-earned cash doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. Annoying, right?

Budgeting Battles During Inflation

The Money Squeeze

So, your paycheck is looking the same, but those grocery bills and rent notices? Not so much. It’s like your wallet is playing hide-and-seek, and it’s winning. Time for a budget reality check!

Rolling with the Punches:

Inflation is like that surprise party you didn’t ask for. One day, your favorite snacks are a dollar, the next day, poof! They’re two bucks. Keep your budget flexible and be ready to roll with the punches when prices decide to do the cha-cha.

Emergency Fund

Your Budget BFF: Imagine your emergency fund as your financial superhero cape. Prices soaring? Unexpected car repair? Having that stash of cash ready to swoop in and save the day will keep you from singing the budget blues.

Essentials First, Fun Later

We get it—Netflix, takeout, and that extra shot of espresso are life’s little joys. But when prices are doing the inflation fandango, prioritize the essentials like rent, groceries, and utilities. Fun can come later; survival is the name of the game.

Budgeting Hacks for Inflation Fighters:

Smart Savings Play

Stashing cash under the mattress won’t cut it. Look for savings options that give inflation a run for its money, like investments that have historically danced circles around rising prices. A little research can go a long way.

Consider diving into the world of investments, and let the savings calculator be the compass guiding your journey. Crunch the numbers to assess potential returns, risks, and the overall impact on your financial goals. It’s like playing the stock market but with a safety net made of calculated decisions.

Debt Dilemmas

If you’ve got loans, it’s time to tackle them head-on. Utilize this loan calculator to create a repayment plan. It will not only calculate the total interest paid throughout the loan’s duration but also provide insights into regular monthly, bimonthly, or weekly payments. Your debts will gradually decrease if you set realistic goals, giving you the confidence to take control of your financial situation.

Haggle Like a Pro

Goal Setting Galore Are prices going up? It’s negotiation time. Don’t be shy to haggle your way to a better deal. Whether it’s your cable bill or your favorite local burger joint, a little charm can sometimes keep your budget intact.

Goal Setting Galore

Set financial goals that excite you, with the help of the budget planning calculator, you can create a budget that fits your needs and obtain a clear picture of your cash flow. Whether it’s a dream vacation, a new gadget, or paying off a loan, breaking it down makes it more achievable. Celebrate the small victories on your journey to financial success.

Inflation-Proof Your Budget Conclusion:

So there you have it, budget buddies! Inflation might be trying to steal your financial thunder, but with a bit of strategy and a dash of budgeting brilliance, you can stay one step ahead. Keep your eyes on the prize, stay flexible, and remember—your budget is your financial superhero cape in this inflation-fueled adventure. Let’s keep on budgeting like the rockstars we are!

Unlock health goals and safeguard your assets with health insurance

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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the crucial role of good health in our lives. As a result, many individuals are seeking to ditch old unhealthy habits and adopt new and beneficial ones.

Maintaining good health shields you from financial ruin, particularly in the Philippines, where the surging cost of medical treatments can wipe out the savings of an average wage earner.

Prevention is always better than cure, however, there is no foolproof way to ensure a life free from illness and disease. The next best thing for you to do is to get a health insurance plan that will protect you and your loved ones from the escalating cost of medical care.

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Here are some things you should know and questions to ask yourself before getting a health insurance plan

Is getting Health Insurance during medical inflation worth it?

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According to Francesca Tolentino, Affinity Partnership Manager, Health & Accident Team of Sun Life “It’s now a fact that medical inflation is a part of life”.

These days, a medical emergency can quickly deplete your resources due to soaring medical inflation. In addition, medical expenses could not end with your stay in the hospital. Therefore, having health insurance is a crucial financial precaution to take in the event of unanticipated medical emergencies.

In addition to providing coverage for medical expenses, purchasing a health insurance policy has a number of other advantages that can protect your finances, such as tax advantages, cashless claims, and more.

Benefits of Having a health Insurance

Expenses for inpatient care and medical expenses are covered

Hospitalization bills, can be a significant financial burden. A medical emergency can deplete your savings and even lead to debt. However, a health insurance plan can cover hospitalization and other medical bills, depending on the policy you choose. This enables you to receive necessary healthcare without worrying about the financial strain.

Depending on your provider, you may get access to medical consultations, tests, and preventative care services without spending from your pocket. Providers often have a network of affiliated doctors, clinics, and testing centers that they directly pay for.

Preventive measures for future illnesses

Health insurance also offer protection from future ailments, particularly those that could be fatal and become more common as you age. When you become ill later in life, you might not be able to buy an inexpensive health insurance coverage.

Emergency assistance is provided

Health insurance policies frequently cover emergency services, sparing you from the high costs of ambulance and emergency room treatments. You can get quick medical care without worrying about the cost until you’ve recovered fully.

Back up protection

Having your own health insurance plan gives you additional security outside of your HMO, even if the majority of workplaces offer health benefits to their employees through group insurance policies. It also comes in handy when you’re no longer employed.

Factors That Influence the Price of Health Insurance and Is Health Insurance Expensive?

Garett Maralit, Muti-awarded Financial Advisor and Sales Manager of Sunlife said “If we want to fix our finances, we have to go back to the basic – budgeting,”

Having insurance will cost an arm and a leg is the biggest misconception people have about insurance. Many people have put off purchasing insurance because they believe it will be more expensive than the protection it will provide.

Listed are some factors that will impact the prices of your premiums

Age of the Insured

There are certain diseases, disorders, and other health issues that people are more likely to develop as they age. Thus, they end up utilizing more healthcare services than younger individuals. As you get older, it’s likely that your health insurance rates will climb as a result of the insurers’ expectation that you’ll need more medical attention.

Type of Plan Chosen

Not all insurance policies are created equal; some could have more expensive rates. As a general rule, your out-of-pocket costs will be lower the more expensive the premiums are. Your premiums will rise if you add extra benefits and riders.

Additionally, some insurance products come with investment options included. Take some time to research your options because investment-linked policies can cost more or less than traditional or guaranteed policies.

Duration of policy

Your total premiums may increase the longer you are under your policy’s protection. The rise in healthcare costs as well as other economic concerns may be crucial. Policies that provide coverage beyond the age of 60 are likely to have higher premium prices since older persons are often regarded to be more prone to illnesses and other medical issues.

Pre-existing medical conditions

Risks for various chronic illnesses and other forms of disorders will vary depending on a person’s health status. Pre-existing medical issues will be taken into account by insurance carriers when calculating the premium costs for each policy holder.

You could be forced to submit to medical exams when enrolling for a health insurance plan, as well as to divulge any pre-existing ailments or a family history of specific illnesses.

Conclusion

When you do your research, finding the best health insurance plan is simple. It may appear pricey at first, but it is a priceless investment that will protect you and your loved ones in difficult times. At the end of the day, purchasing a healthcare plan is always a wise decision.

To know more about Sun Life Philippines, visit: https://www.sunlife.com.ph/en/

When it makes sense to Rent vs Buy?

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House ownership is everyone’s dream because that is how we have been socially and emotionally conditioned. However, gradually, a slow shift in choosing a living place has been happening. People have been knowing the value of renting apartments alongside buying importance.

It is crucial to understand each benefit and negative aspect of buying and renting before taking a decision. Before we get into the pros and cons of renting versus buying a house, here are some questions you should ask yourself and discuss with your family. They will surely assist you to decide about buying a villa or living in a rental home.

Some of the possible questions could be: Whether you will prefer to high budget or a low one? How much time do you want to live at a particular location? Will you have enough money for house repairs and proper maintenance? Do you choose flexibility above stability or the other way around?

Pros of Renting

Easy-to-Follow Procedure

Undoubtedly house renting is a straightforward procedure. You are not required to go through time-consuming processes such as mortgage applications and home inspections. You are free to change your payment terms after exploring a new spot for yourself whenever you want. You can simply calculate how much rent you will pay by using an online calculator.

Adaptability

Renting provides you with the desired flexibility. You can select an option between renting and buying by taking care of your budget and preferences. You can also choose to relocate if your current residence is unappealing. On the other hand, buying a home may bind you to the same location in the long run.

Ease of use

Because of the lifestyle of convenience it provides, renting is quickly becoming a preferable option for many home seekers. Your owner will ensure the home’s security and you don’t need to worry about your house when you are not there. You can also use amenities like swimming pools and fitness centers without paying extra because the cost is included in the rent.

Cons of Renting

Instability

Genuinely, renting endeavors financial freedom but it is instable. Without ownership, you are not safe to stay in a longer run. Furthermore, your rent is likely to rise after each lease review. In addition, if you lose your work unexpectedly, you may also struggle to pay your rent.

Rental Requirements

You have to abide by the rental agreement’s conditions while renting a house. You cannot renovate, decorate, or make any changes to the house without the property owner’s permission. These requirements are somewhat restrictive and may limit your comfort. Furthermore, breaking these rules may land you in hot water and result in eviction.

There are no financial incentives

Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for various financial incentives when purchasing a home. Figure your loans, and you will see that homeowners may benefit from tax breaks, rebates for energy efficiency, and easy credit access. The landlord’s equity can be used to secure financing for other investments. Renting a home may help you build your credit, but it does not have any financial benefits.

Limited Equity

Although renting allows you to direct your funds to other investments, it has low equity. In essence, you cannot accumulate equity because the house does not belong to you. The landlord gains equity as the value of the home rises. While you are economically stagnant, your monthly rent is also assisting the homeowner in building equity.

Pros of Buying

Great Investment options

The most precious thing you can own is your house. Additionally, its value will progressively rise over time. Once the house is paid for, you will always have a place to live, regardless of what occurs, and you will be able to leave it to your heirs, giving them a significant advantage in life. Moreover, if you want your property to be sold, you will get a greater return.

Builds up Equity

The value of the property you own makes up your equity. When you pay off your mortgage or when the market value of your property grows, equity can grow organically. Making additional mortgage payments might also help it grow. Here’s how to determine your equity and access it.

If you’ve made additional payments to your loan, you may be able to redraw it or refinance it for a cashout. The money can then be utilized for remodeling, purchasing a new vehicle, or even as a down payment for a different home.

Owning a property is a great long-term investment

Renting a home entails paying your landlord and then having nothing to show for it the following month. Homeownership is a great investment because it forces you to save. When you buy a house with a 30-year mortgage and make monthly payments, you will eventually be able to sell it. However, if you rent a property for 30 years, you will never receive any of your monthly rent payments back.

Besides, owning a house gives you a sense of satisfaction that you can live in this house for as much time as you want and no tenant can put pressure on you to pay rent.

Earn extra money by renting out a room.

Being a homeowner, you can earn a handsome income through rent. You could hire a long-term tenant to rent out your basement or look for short-term tenants by renting out a room. Everything depends upon your owner about pricing. Therefore, you can charge according to yourself. There is no landlord to ask permission from or roommate to persuade.

The Cons of Buying

High Upfront and Maintenance Costs

Without a doubt, moving into a rental is less expensive in the long run than purchasing a home. If you’re like the majority of first-time buyers, you’ll need to be accepted for a mortgage and have funds set aside for the down payment and closing expenses. Although you have ownership of the house, you have to maintain it and a huge amount could be utilized for maintenance. You have to be more conscious and alert that everything is all right. So, before investing, always calculate your payments accurately.

Building Equity is time taking

Owning a property is no different from other investments in that it carries risk. Real estate values might decrease, and home equity doesn’t always increase. Economic circumstances at the regional or local level may cause home values to stagnate or decline. Additionally, you might have to accept a lower offer if you need to sell your house in a buyer’s market. Due to your high loan level in the early years of your mortgage, it is challenging to increase your equity through mortgage payments.

Additionally, selling a home often takes far longer than selling things like stocks when you eventually decide you need access to all the equity you’ve built up.

Difficult to move or relocate

Renting gives you a lot more freedom when it comes to relocating. While job transfers and relocations are simple to accomplish when renting, they may be quite difficult when done as a homeowner. The duration of the selling and purchasing processes can be a significant source of stress. Therefore, owning a property is generally not the best choice if you desire the freedom to move to a different place for a new career.

Wrapping up

So, which option is better, either renting or buying? The answer is that there isn’t a clear winner when deciding between renting and owning a property. The choice is unique to each individual and depends on several variables. Also learning how to utilize an online calculator will be great help to make a wise decision. Before considering renting or buying, it is still best to spend your time evaluating affordability and the effect it will have on your existing financial condition.

In the end, you’ll need to consider your goals—not only for where you’ll reside but for your whole financial situation. Although owning a home requires a substantial financial commitment and can provide a good sense of security and control, it may not be the best option for you in the long run.

Although renting may seem like “throwing money away,” it may be the ideal option for you if you value flexibility, minimal maintenance living, and the freedom to use your money for other things like investment or vacation.

Earn more with EastWest’s USD Savings and Time Deposit accounts

Whether you’re saving up your US dollars for a future trip, or using them in other ventures like putting up your own business or keeping them in your portfolio for versatility and diversity, you’ll be glad to know that you can reclaim some more financial power by putting those dollars to work and making it earn more than just leaving it in a non-interest bearing dollar account.

That’s why EastWest has just the right US dollar deposit products for you with the US Dollar Savings and Time Deposit accounts. You can open an EastWest US Dollar Savings account with a minimum opening balance of only US$200. At US$500, you can start enjoying an interest rate of 0.125% p.a., which is one of the highest interest rates for USD savings among banks in the Philippines.

For more US dollar earnings, you can choose to open an EastWest US Dollar Time Deposit account for as low as US$1,000 with an interest rate of 0.425% p.a.* for a 1-year time deposit. If you open an EastWest US Dollar Time Deposit account via EastWest Online or Mobile, you can get a bonus interest rate of 0.125% p.a. on top of the base rate, which grows the more you deposit and the longer you keep it!

What’s more, there are no fees for over-the-counter deposits of foreign currency at EastWest.

What are you waiting for—it’s time to make your US dollars work harder for the future by opening a US Dollar Savings and Time Deposit account with EastWest! To get started, you can request for a callback by visiting https://www.eastwestbanker.com/deposits/foreigncurrencydeposit.

Teach your child to effectively manage their money

Managing your finances takes effort and consistency, which pay off when you become financially stable during any situation. These days, it is more crucial than ever to be on top of your finances—to survive and even thrive financially during challenging times.

Financial literacy advocate and EastWest SVP and Head of Regional Branch Banking Ivy Uy stresses the importance of managing money efficiently starting at an early age. “We need to take what we know now and teach it to the next generation, and this includes how to be money smart,” she said. “We can start by teaching our kids how to save money—establish the mindset of saving for the future and develop the habit.”

Here are some ways to introduce the concept of saving to children.

Establish needs and wants

Explain the difference between needs and wants. Necessities include food, basic clothing, shelter, healthcare, and education, while wants are the extra things like a cool toy or a trendy gadget. “Advise your child that when it comes to spending, they should prioritize what they need over what they want and only consider buying what they want if they have the budget for it,” Uy said. “Teach them one of the golden rules when it comes to spending: if you see something you like, ask yourself first if you truly need it.”

Help them get started with an allowance

Allowances are usually given when the child enters his/her pre-teens but you can always start teaching them how to save at a younger age by giving them a small monthly allowance or pocket money. When they have their own money to take care of, they will have a better idea on how to save and spend wisely.

Set savings goals

Let them take on a goal that they want to have, like saving up for a new toy, and plan the steps to reach that goal, such as saving up a specific amount from their allowance for a set number of months. This will help motivate them to start saving money and set the foundation for bigger savings goals in the future.

Set budgets and track expenses

Teach them to set a spending budget per month and stick to it. It will help them to write down their daily expenses so that they can be more aware of where their money goes and be able to review their spending patterns at the end of each week. This will also help them reach their savings goals more effectively.

Teach them how to earn their own money

Aside from their monthly allowance, give them the opportunity to work for more money, such as doing extra house chores (on top of the standard ones). This will help them understand the value of hard work and hard-earned money.

Lead by example

“Kids are very keen observers, so they will notice whether or not you’re able to practice what you preach,” Uy said. “So it’s essential to also be on top of your own finances including income, expenses, budgets, savings, investments, and more. Your kid will eventually see that you are financially empowered and equipped to teach them everything they need to know.”

Open a bank account for your child

It’s never too early to set up a deposit account for your child, which can also give them an idea on how to save in a bank and earn interest, such as EastWest’s Kiddie Savings Account. It is an interest-earning Peso savings account for children 18 years old and below that comes with a passbook to easily keep track of their savings. All you need is at least Php 2,000 to open an account and earn interest at an annual rate of 0.125%. Interested applicants may visit www.eastwestbanker.com/deposits/pesosavings to learn more.

Introduce effective budgeting tools

As your child enters his/her teens, they will have more control over their money and their own expenses such as food, transportation and gas, books and school supplies, extracurricular activities, and entertainment. Now that our quarantine restrictions have eased, they are able to do things which they were unable to in the past two years.

To help them properly manage their expenses and promote responsible spending, you can introduce them to more EastWest products:

• Give them control over their budget by loading their allowance into an EastWest Visa prepaid card. This will allow them to only spend within their budget. Plus, with this card, they can experience cashless purchases online and at Visa-affiliated stores, enjoy exclusive privileges with partner merchants, and conveniently access funds from ATMs worldwide, while being protected with best-in-class security through the card control facility. The card’s balance can be reloaded easily via EastWest online or mobile. Interested applicants may visit www.eastwestbanker.com/prepaidcards to learn more.

• Get them acquainted with the concept of credit by applying for an EastWest credit card and sharing your spending privileges with your child through a supplementary card. You may assign a monthly sub-limit that they can use to pay for purchases when they are shopping on their own, or for possible emergencies, without having to worry about overspending. To learn more about the different EastWest credit card variants, visit www.eastwestbanker.com/creditcards.

“There are so many benefits to teaching your child how to save and spend responsibly. They learn to be disciplined, goal-oriented, organized, hardworking, and independent. With these strong values in place, they will become ready to conquer the real world with financial security in their future,” Uy concluded.

BPI Sinag evolves to achieve more inclusive and sustainable growth

BPI Foundation, the social development arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), officially launched the 8 th iteration of its flagship program, BPI Sinag, which champions the social enterprise (SE) sector in the country.

With this year’s theme: BPI Sinag Evolution, the program aims to elevate its impact and achieve inclusive and sustainable growth by implementing for the first time, a multi-stakeholder approach, highlighting three vital pillars: the social entrepreneurs, the educators, and the intervenors or sub-sectors. BPI Foundation has committed Php3 million worth of cash grants for these pillars this year.

BPI Sinag Evolution is also aligned with the National Social Enterprise Development Roadmap, one of the accomplishments of Sinag Spark last year, translating the roadmap strategies into viable programs.

Introduced in 2015, the BPI Sinag program was initially conceived as a business challenge for social enterprises (SEs). It has now evolved into a growing ecosystem that continues to bring together not just the country’s visionary entrepreneurs, but also mentors, investors, and other stakeholders with a collective goal of inclusive and sustainable growth through social entrepreneurship.

Over the years, the program has supported 238 SEs nationwide and awarded over Php20 million cash grants to help them strengthen their enterprises, widen their reach, and further uplift the lives of their communities.

“Evolution best represents the enhancements in our Sinag program over time to better address the needs of the broader SE ecosystem,” said BPI Foundation Executive Director Owen Cammayo. “Doing well by doing good as an economic and social imperative is more relevant now more than ever. This is the perfect time to increase our collective efforts to become more inclusive, responsible, and sustainable when doing business. This is the essence why we strongly support social enterprises.”

Delighted to continue its long-time partnership with BPI Foundation in empowering social enterprises, Bayan Academy President and Chairman Prof. Francisco “Jay” Bernardo said, “BPI Foundation together with Bayan Academy and other program partners will contribute and make available suitable resources to assist social enterprises in their journey to evolve. The BPI Sinag Evolution program fully supports the promotion of an enabling environment so social enterprises cannot just merely survive, and it doesn’t stop at thriving, but also allowing them to evolve.”

During the virtual launch, four Sinag alumni, JT Solis of Mayani, Catherine Diquit of Likhang Maragondon, Cecille Virtucio of Batangas Egg Producers Cooperation, and Lorielinda Bella Rago-Marte of Tagolwanen Women Weavers Association also talked about their experiences on how the program helped grow their social enterprises. “Kami ay maliit na social enterprise lamang and we are only months-old noong sumali kami dito. Because of BPI Sinag, we had a better understanding kung ano ba ang social enterprise. We met so many inspiring people.

Nagkaroon kami ng better connections and network. The funding that we got from BPI Sinag really help us kasi ngayon nakapagpagawa na kami ng manufacturing hub,” said Ms. Catherine Diquit of Likhang Maragondon.

Together with its main implementing partner, Bayan Academy, BPI Foundation will continue its partnerships with BPI’s microfinance arm, BPI BanKo, together with Ayala Land, Start Up Village, and Villgro Philippines. As part of the program’s evolution, the foundation also sealed a collaboration with Entrego to boost the market access of SEs by providing reliable logistic solutions for the safe and timely delivery of their products.

Business challenge for social enterprises

The “Sinag Evolution” business challenge will open its doors again to social enterprises. Of 60 SEs who will qualify for the bootcamps and mentoring sessions, the Top 25 will be shortlisted for the selection of the Top 10, who will receive as much as Php300,000 cash grant.

Aside from the cash grants, BPI Foundation will provide Sinag SEs with an MBA-like experience through virtual mentoring sessions, which will include sessions on business strategy and planning, marketing, operations, finance, organization & HR development, and social innovation, among others. Sinag SEs will also benefit from market access through the Sinag Sari-Sari Store in Ayala malls nationwide through its partnership with Alagang Ayala Land.

The business challenge is open to social entrepreneurs who are 18 years old and above leading a registered social enterprise that has been operating for at least six months. The application period will run until June 30, 2022.

New offerings for the academe and sub-sectors

With the multi-stakeholder approach, the “Sinag Evolution” will also give opportunities to the members of the academe and the support intervenors of SEs through a customized management program and competition.

Aiming to encourage academic institutions to be at the active forefront of social entrepreneurship, BPI Foundation offers the BPI Sinag Social Entrepreneurship and Management Course for Educators. The course, which will focus on effective methodologies in teaching social entrepreneurship management, is open to the members of the academe, including school heads, administrators, and lead teachers who specialize in general entrepreneurship and business management.

The deadline for applications is on June 10, 2022, while the training will be from June 13 to 17. The participating educators will then submit their proposals and present them to an esteemed panel of judges. Five educators with the best proposals will win a cash grant of Php100,000 each.

For the SE Intervenors and Subs-sectors, BPI Foundation aims to collaborate with various organizations, including corporate foundations, NGOs, civil society organizations, and other government agencies, in promulgating social entrepreneurship as part of their corporate social responsibility programs.

The participants will be given the chance to learn about social entrepreneurship management and frameworks that may be used as interventions in the community that they support. In addition, they will be asked to present proposals to integrate social entrepreneurship in their existing programs to achieve better social impact in the communities they serve.

Interested participants may register until August 12, 2022, while the five-day bootcamp will be held from August 22 to 26. Five participants with the most viable proposals will win a cash grant of Php100,000 each.

To know more about Sinag Evolution, visit https://www.bpifoundation.org/page/bpi-sinag and follow BPI Foundation on Facebook and Instagram.

Digital real estate selling made easy by Lumina Homes; commission rate increases 6%

Lumina

Real estate is one of the few industries that thrived during the pandemic. But as with other sectors, only brands that can quickly adapt to full digitalization and drive online sales can see light in the post-pandemic world.

Lumina Homes, the ever-innovative housing brand for the middle-income Filipino, continues to be at the forefront of digital real estate selling.

Not only has the company become a go-to brand for homeowners and investors during the lockdowns, it has also been offering a unique opportunity for candidate sellers.

Aside from providing regular training and webinars about digitization in the real estate industry, Lumina continues to provide digital tools that make home selling easier to its partner sales network.

Lumina Homes Online

The one-stop-shop online reservation portal makes it simple for accredited brokers and sales agents to hold the preferred unit on behalf of their customers. Once the seller has reserved units in the available inventories for their clients, Lumina Homes will automatically send a reservation payment link to their email addresses.

An Interactive Project Map also allows both buyers and sellers to view Lumina Homes’ available units in the subdivision map. This gives them a better idea of the unit’s exact location within the subdivision, similar to how you reserve a plane or theater seat when making an online reservation.

Lumina Online University

Gone are the days when candidate sellers and partners travel to Lumina’s physical offices to formalize their training.

Today, they can receive their certifications in the comfort of their homes by attending Lumina Online University’s two-level learning course.

The Beginner’s Course includes modules about the Fundamentals of Lumina Homes and Lumina Online Training System Guide, while the Advanced Course includes modules about Recruitment and Training, Facebook Marketing, and Digital Marketing.

Sellers’ Portal

All the mentioned digital tools can be accessed through the Lumina Sellers’ Portal—everything a seller needs to know about Lumina Homes’ condo units or house and lot packages. It’s also where sellers can track upcoming events and activities, promos, and ongoing sellers’ incentives. They can also check pricing updates, view maps, see a complete directory of Lumina offices and site locations nationwide.

Lumina Homes takes pride in introducing these sellers’ portal even before the pandemic happened, a proof of its forward-thinking characteristic that it wishes to extend to its sellers.

As such, site visits or trippings are easily scheduled online, which can also be done through 3D virtual tours, to the excitement of interested homeseekers during the lockdowns.

Virtual Tours and Online Appointments

Lumina is equipped with a virtual 360-degree house tour of its best-selling homes, so sellers and homebuyers can have a walk-through of their home models online. Homeseekers, with the assistance of their brokers or agents, can easily search for their dream home through Lumina’s digital solutions. They can choose from virtual home and subdivision tours, book online appointments, and pay through digital wallets and digital banking.

Lumina Homes’ official website, www.lumina.com.ph is an effective venue to explore its best-selling home models in 3D: Angelique at 35 square meters with two-bedroom and one carport provision, and Angeli at 42 square meters with three-bedroom and one carport provision.

There’s also a virtual tour of Lumina’s signature showcase area, which offers a preview of a Lumina Homes community.

Earn more at Lumina Homes

Lumina Homes has recently increased the commission rate by 6% for its partner sales network, on top of other perks and promos, such as “Complete It to Win It,” where sellers can get additional cash incentives as they guide their buyers through the homeownership journey.

Be an accredited seller of Lumina Homes today! Register at https://sellers-portal.lumina.com.ph/accreditation or contact (0917) 629-6523.

Filipino Bloggers Network holds 10th Annual Thanksgiving Party

It was a decade ago when the Filipino Bloggers Network (FBN), one of the most active Philippine-Based community of bloggers and influencers in the country, held its first-ever Thanksgiving Party in a hotel in Quezon City.

This coming December 12, FBN will hold its 10th Annual Thanksgiving Party virtually to reacquaint with fellow members around the country and reminisce 120 months of challenges and cheers; 3,650 days of networking; countless stories and priceless memories.

Although the gathering will still be online just like last year, FBN members anticipate the annual get-together as an opportunity to make new friends and catch up with old pals they have not seen for a while, not to mention the chance of winning some exciting prizes from the games and raffle draws. Representatives of different PR groups and brands will also grace the event to personally thank members of the online community who have supported them in the past years.

FBN currently has around 2,000 members across the country and abroad and continues to expand as it provides a venue for Filipino bloggers to interact with other members, even those based overseas. Moderating the discussions and posting opportunities from several brands are co-admins Divine Reyes and Richard Mamuyac and Lariza Garcia.

This year’s celebration is supported by the following generous sponsors:

BRANDS

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Get your finances back on track after the holidays

One challenge most Filipinos face following the extravagant holidays is getting back to their budget after overspending. The new year is here so it's time to make do with our promises of turning over a new leaf when it comes to our finances.

Bouncing back from a financial setback is not as hard as it seems. By taking these steps to recovery, adapting a better way to save and spend next time will be effortless:

1. Recap your expenses to know where you start

The best way to start assessing how much you need to get back into your cash flow is taking note of how much you’ve overspent the last two months. Being aware of the gap makes it real in your head and you will most likely be motivated to spend less in the coming weeks.

This also allows you to break down how much you need to set aside each pay day so you dont get intimidated by the gap you have in your finances.

2. Tighten your belt (for now) and focus on investing

Though returning to your regular spending habits seems like something you can do after the holiday rush, its wisest to discipline your buying arm. Dont jump at the first discounts you see in malls or another best buy just yet. Instead, now could be a great time to start setting aside for the future and keeping your money safe with a unit-linked life insurance plan. BPI-Philam’s got a good array of insurance plans from their Wellness Series that meet your specific needs and fit easily in your monthly cash flow.

Unit-linked products like Life Ready Plus give you the necessary protection you need through insurance while allotting a portion of your premium on building your wealth. Keeping another set of funds you wont be able to disrupt with impulse buys grows your money better and makes sure you have it when you need it. Even better, all products under the Wellness Series empower you to live a more active and healthier life through Philam Vitality. The free program with your policy encourages activity by rewarding you with great discounts on gym membership, medical and lifestyle services, and fantastic freebies! Talk about more for less!

3. Use this time until the next holiday to improve your budgeting skills

Some people will advise you to start saving up for your Yuletide expenses as early as now so you don’t end up blowing your Christmas bonus all in one go. Others will tell you to build a holiday fund by selling items you don’t need or use, gradually growing it throughout the year.

Whatever you decide on, choose a budgeting strategy that's doable for you. By personalizing your saving style, you’ll be more flexible when it comes to setting aside money and be more creative with the money you have forexpenses.

And like the better adage says: practice makes permanent, so keep at it until it becomes an unbreakable good habit.

Lastly, it never hurts to ask. So when you find yourself scratching your head on possible "How-Tos; but don’t really know what to do, BPI-Philam’s got your back. You can visit their website for some great financial tips or drop them a question on Facebook. They’ve also got financial experts in any BPI and BPI Family Savings Bank branch in the country ready to help you get more out of your money.

So get to it! Visit www.bpi-philam.com for more details or get connected at www.facebook.com/BPIPhilamOfficial today.

Market Outlook 2017 of Sun Life Philippines

Last Tuesday January 24th 2017, I was invited to the Market Outlook 2017 of Sun life Philippines. Even though I worked in the bank before I never gotten around to learn more about investing in the stock market as I was more focused in saving for my retirement fund. Sun Life opened my eyes to more opportunities that 2017 offers even if the market shows us a short-term volatility the forecast is still positive with a growth on the GDP of 6.8% to 7%.

Mr. Michael Enriquez, Sun Life’s chief investing officer said that with the growth of consumer and government’s upcoming plans on infrastructure spending the outlook remains bullish . He enumerated some factors that boost the economy on the consumers end which I have listed below for your reference.

Although the market looks promising it is quite alarming that there is weakening of Peso against the U.S. Dollar equivalent to Php50-$1 and plus the drop of the PSEI (Philippine Stock Exchange Index) . This might be the reason why some of us are very cautious in terms of taking risk. Mr. Michael Enriquez assures us that this is a good time to buy when the stock prices are cheaper as it will reap more gain once the market goes up.

As for those who are already invested in Sun life Prosperity fund, it already yielded result as per Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc.President Valerie Pama said “We’re delighted that our investors are reaping the rewards of their commitment to invest for the long-term, and we hope to see more Filipinos treading the same path so they too can experience financial security,”

Taking Risk in Mutual Fund Investment

Investing for the future is critical nowadays and with more Filipino’s are taking risk especially millenials who became young investors due to the long-term gains. Not everybody have the luxury of time, effort and determination in learning how to trade and check the movements of the market. So mutual funds is one solution in regards to diversifying the investments. I have summarized the definition and benefits of having a mutual fund.

What is a Mutual Fund?

Benefits of Sun Life Prosperity Funds

Affordability: For a minimum of Php 5,000, one can jump start an investment account and be on his/her way to prosperity.
Higher potential returns*: The Sun Life Prosperity Funds is a family of funds that caters to various risk appetites and investment horizons. Whether you’re a conservative or aggressive, short term or long term investor, at least one fund is suitable for you to achieve your investment goals.
Diversification: For as low as Php 5,000, your investment is instantly diversified among different financial vehicles in order to minimize risk.
Flexibility: Risk appetite tends to change over time and should you feel like changing where your funds are placed, you can do so accordingly up to four times in a year at no charge!
Liquidity: Sun Life offers the option to redeem fund shares any time on a business day at the current fund value.
Professional Portfolio Management: The Sun Life Prosperity Funds are managed by top notch investment professionals who are dedicated to ensuring that the funds generate the best returns over the long term.
Global Expertise: Sun Life Asset Management Company, the fund manager and distributor of the Sun Life Prosperity Funds is a member of the Sun Life Financial Group of Companies operating in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, China, India, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Patience is a virtue on people who want to gain financial independence. If you are thinking of ways to keep you money whilst letting it grow then investment goes a long way. Especially nowadays when inflation affects the take home pay . I used to think as well that a savings account can cover some of my future endeavors but with the price hike and depreciation of the currency I am willing to take risk. As time is up the essence in letting your investment grow. So If you have retirement plans and future stability goals then investment is a risk worth taking.