The latest and the best financial news, tips and tricks.
Congratulations for surviving 2020! We’re not psychics, but we’re guessing that one of your resolutions is to start budgeting and saving money. Now those are resolutions worth keeping. But in order to see a resolution through the end, it helps to have some budgeting acronyms to help remind you of your cause. Also, they’re just fun to memorize! Let these simple acronyms serve as roadmaps to help you better budget and save your money for 2021. Feel free to share these to everyone you know. 8 Simple Budgeting Acronyms to Remember Y.O.D.O. (You Only Die Once) Because YOLO is so last decade and it also doesn’t make sense. Think about it: how many times do you wake up every morning and live? If you’re reading this, the answer should be “plenty of times.” Now how many times do you not wake up? That’s right, you only die once. Hopefully, realizing your mortality will also help you realize the value of saving money. It’s time to abandon the YOLO mindset and start adapting the YODO mindset. Have you earned enough money to have a comfortable retirement years later? Do you have insurance or even a memorial plan? If your answer is no, then you really need to start saving and budgeting as early as now. Add YODO to your list of budgeting acronyms if it helps you keep track. Read more: 8 Financial Mistakes Single People Make A.B.C. (Allocate, Budget, Cut) Budgeting is as easy as ABC, literally. If you’re having a hard time remembering how to budget, try memorizing one…
Technology connects people in a matter of clicks even when they’re miles apart. But like any good thing, there’s also a dark side to it. Having a fairly visible online presence—and sometimes any online presence at all—can open one up to the risk of online scams. Nobody likes getting scammed, but not everyone knows how to secure themselves against online scams. How do you ensure your safety when making financial transactions over the internet? First, be aware of the common online scams to avoid falling prey to them and losing your hard-earned money. Online Shopping Scams Online scams in the Philippines are on the rise, based on the latest data from the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (1). Most cybercrime complaints that the PNP receives come from victims of online shopping scams. How Online Shopping Scams Work An online scammer pretends to be a legitimate seller using a fake ad on an authentic e-commerce platform, social media site, or a fake website. The fraudster tricks a customer into paying for a non-existent product and then delivers nothing and runs away with the money. Other online scammers are a little more clever. They’re good at deceiving people with their cunning sales pitch, making it appear they’re selling a genuine product. The customer then receives a fake product or one that’s entirely different from what’s advertised. How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams 1. Learn How to Spot an Online Scammer When buying items online, watch out for red flags. Here are the common warning signs of online shopping scams: Products with incredibly…
If the holidays is not only for children, who else is it for? Well for one thing, it’s also for millennials working hard to make Christmas happen. And if you’re reading this, you’re probably searching for Christmas gift ideas to give your Secret Santa for your upcoming office party. Reader, you’ve come to the right place. Now that we’ve covered some Christmas gift suggestions for tech lovers and car enthusiasts, let’s see what gift ideas for millennials we can generate this week. We grouped our gift suggestions according to their price ranges. So without further ado, gift away! Gift Ideas for Millennials Under P1,000 Xiaomi Portable Handheld Fan Price: PHP 668 Best Christmas gift for: Daily commuters Unfortunately, public transportation is now the most comfortable way to go to the office. But most millennials have to deal with cramped buses and jeeps everyday. Ease their hardship with this nifty handheld fan from Xiaomi. It has a high battery capacity and has three modes of wind speed for every heated situation. Give them the gift of cool this holiday season. Available at: Lazada (1) Read more: Holidays in the Philippines and Long Weekends Guide Pop Culture Funko Pops Price: PHP 595 – PHP 995 Best Christmas gift for: Pop culture geeks While the intended market is children, most millennials are out there collecting these cool figurines for themselves or for selling. There’s always a Funko for every kind of fandom, so why not give your Marvel fan officemate a Thor Funko? You get to choose from thousands of Funko designs so you’ll…
The real estate and tourism industries in the Philippines are booming—and what better way to take advantage of it than offering your property on digital home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb? Airbnb is an online marketplace that connects travelers seeking accommodations and hosts looking to list their properties. In recent years, the company has seen tremendous growth in the Philippine market, with people preferring to book Airbnb accommodation than hotels. Compared to traditional types of accommodations, Airbnb listings offer cheaper rates and more personalized experiences for guests. Got a property in a great location you want to list? You can easily earn extra income when you become an Airbnb host. This guide gives you the rundown on how to start hosting on the popular home-sharing platform. 7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Hosting on Airbnb While making money from listing your property on Airbnb sounds like a good idea, you have to make sure it’s the right decision before you dive in. Consider different important factors when deciding to become an Airbnb host. Here are several questions you must ask yourself before starting to host on Airbnb. 1. Do I Want to Start a Business? Becoming an Airbnb host is no different from being an entrepreneur. You have to put in the effort, time, and money to make it profitable and worth your investment. And just like setting up any kind of business, you need to take some crucial steps, like conducting market research and creating a business plan, to ensure you’re starting off the right foot. 2. What are My…
Paying bills is something everyone hates to do, but have to. If you think lining up at the bank or a bills payment center is such a hassle, imagine how more difficult it was to our parents many years ago. They had to go to each utility company’s office like Meralco and PLDT just to pay their bills. So consider yourself lucky to be in this digital age when practically everything can be done online, including bills payment. You can pay bills online anywhere and anytime using your mobile device with an internet connection. No more missed due dates and penalty fees! You can pay bills online—including utilities, credit card bills, government fees, tuition, loans, and insurance premiums—using a mobile wallet, mobile app, or a website of an established bills payment center in the Philippines. Advantages of Paying Bills Online Online banking allows you to do banking and other financial transactions through secured websites or mobile apps. Being able to pay bills online means that you eliminate the hassle of having to leave a comfortable spot just to get something done. Here are some of the benefits to paying your bills online. No commute Because your bank is within reach via your smartphone or desktop, you save time, energy, and transportation money. Even if payment centers are a few blocks away, paying bills online means you won’t have to leave your home for a task that simple. No tellers Long lines at banks or payment centers tend to take forever and as a result, you spend most of your day…
“How much can I earn with Airbnb?” You probably have this question in mind while deciding if you should start hosting on the online home-sharing platform. Of course, you want to make sure it will be worth the time, money, and effort you’ll be investing. So take your time in evaluating if becoming an Airbnb host will be a lucrative online business for you. Here’s everything you need to know about how to make money with Airbnb (and how to maximize your profit) in the Philippines. Is Airbnb Profitable? Good news—the Airbnb potential income looks promising for enterprising people who have a property to lease out. Airbnb hosting is a good opportunity to earn passive income, especially for OFWs, retirees, and millennials. First, there’s a high demand for short-term rentals in the Philippines. Property consultancy Colliers International notes the current trend of foreign and domestic tourists, millennials, families, expats, and the staycation market seeking vacation homes for shorter periods (1). With Airbnb, listings can go monthly or weekly, or even as short as daily. Another factor that makes Airbnb hosting profitable is the affordability of property prices in the country. In fact, the Philippines is one of the Asian countries with the cheapest real estate prices (2). The yield is even higher if you have an existing space to lease out. To earn money on Airbnb, you don’t have to buy a new property. If you have an extra room in your home, you can have it listed on the home-sharing app and start earning income from it. Read more:…
They say you can always make money in the Philippines if you’re smart about it. That can’t be farther from the truth. You can start a small business or invest on something profitable while you’re working a full-time job, like most adults do. You can also earn passive income by converting your home into countless property investment opportunities out there. That’s right—your lovely home can provide you with extra income. If you have been blessed to own a large home, a condominium, or any piece of property, there are more ways to use them than just living on it. Make your home work for you with these worthwhile opportunities. Property Investment Opportunities in the Philippines Bedspacing and Condo-Sharing The most common property investment out there is to let someone share it with you. Tenants are always on the lookout for places to live, especially in business hubs like Ayala and Ortigas. If you have a property in those areas, take this opportunity to earn passive income by welcoming bedspacers to your spacious home. The more the merrier, as they say. Of course, screen your tenants before accommodating them. They will stay with you for a long time, so it’s best to establish at least a casual relationship with them. Read more: Rental Law in the Philippines: Everything You Need to Know List Your Property on Airbnb If you don’t like the idea of having a tenant for a long time, choose to house short-term tenants. How? By becoming an Airbnb host and having your lovely home listed as a temporary…
Flying home to the Philippines soon? Looking forward to reuniting with your loved ones to celebrate the holidays? As the excitement for your homecoming builds up, so is the stress that comes with all the preparations. With all the things balikbayans have to take care of before their trip back home, it’s easy to forget those that really matter for that much-awaited vacation. Keep these OFW and balikbayan tips in mind to make the most out of your short stay in the Philippines during the holiday season. 14 Balikbayan Tips for Returning Overseas Pinoys 1. Set a Reasonable Budget and Stick to It You don’t have to be unreasonably stingy when you’re back home. After all, you’ve been working so hard and fighting homesickness abroad to provide for your family. As a generous provider, you’d want to treat them to a grand salo-salo, shopping spree, out-of-town trip, or anything that will make them happy. Even so, it’s still important to plan your expenses before you go back home, so you won’t overspend and get broke even before you return to your overseas employer. To set your budget, list down all expenses, such as for shopping, family getaways, and emergencies. Then set aside money for them and bring home just that amount. 2. Inform Only Your Loved Ones Of course, relatives and friends you haven’t seen in a long time would be happy to know you’ll be returning to the Philippines. But you don’t have to post about it on social media before you leave. If everyone knows you’ll be coming…
Travel insurance is usually not a priority during travel planning. You’re reminded of it only when the airline tries to sell you one as you book your flight, or when it’s required for your visa application. You wonder: “Do I really have to buy travel insurance? Or is it just an unnecessary expense?” Some travelers may need it more than others. And some people might find that the coverage may not be worth the cost. To decide whether to get this type of insurance or not, it’s best to understand how travel insurance in the Philippines works and when it’s good to have one or not. What is Travel Insurance? Travel insurance is a type of insurance that provides protection against unforeseen inconveniences and mishaps during a trip. It covers events such as lost passport, lost or delayed baggage, trip cancellation, accident, medical expenses abroad, and death. When Should You Buy Travel Insurance? The reason travelers get this insurance coverage is to travel with peace of mind. Generally, getting travel insurance in the Philippines is a good idea because it reimburses non-refundable travel expenses. Here are different situations when buying insurance is a must. 1. You Don’t Have Life or Health Insurance Travel insurance is useful for travelers who have no life or health insurance coverage, especially those with dependents. Even if the odds of illness or death while traveling are low, you’d want to have the kind of protection you don’t currently have, for when you need funds to cover your medical expenses until you return home. Read more: Starting a…
Got no gifts yet for your family, friends, officemates, and inaanak? Start your holiday shopping as early as September! Whip up your Christmas shopping list and find stores that let you save money instead of burning a hole in your pocket. We curated the best payday promos for September 2019 that offer discounts, freebies, and other value-for-money deals. Apart from payday sale events at various establishments, also included here are payday promos for travel and dining that are perfect for family celebrations and gatherings this holiday season. Payday Promos for Holiday Shopping S&R Members’ Treat Promo period: September 25 to 29, 2019 Great news for S&R members! All 17 S&R warehouse clubs in the Philippines are offering various deals, including buy-one-take-one promos, sale on global brands, and 50% discount on select items. Members also enjoy fuel discounts at participating Unioil stations nationwide during the S&R payday promo period. Save PHP 3 per liter of diesel or PHP 5-7 per liter of gasoline! Just present your S&R membership card when you gas up at Unioil. True Value Pre-Holiday Sale Promo period: Until September 30, 2019 Looking for affordable and practical gifts to buy for the holidays? Consider buying home improvement items. The True Value store in Shangri-La Plaza may just have what you need, from kitchenware to storage organizers. Save as much as 70% when you shop during the promo period. Forever 21 Mega Sale Promo period: September 27 to 29, 2019 Need to update your wardrobe? Head over to Megatrade Hall 2 at SM Megamall and save up to 70%…
Before, the stereotype of stock market investors was like this: executives in their 50s to 60s earning a substantial salary and having millions of pesos for investments. But times have changed. The 2018 Stock Market Investor Profile report of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) notes that nearly two-thirds of those who invest in stocks nowadays are young investors, most of which are 30 to 44 years old (43.1%). Millennial investors in the 18-29 age group are also on the rise, comprising of 21.5% of total stock market accountholders in 2018 from only 16.2% in 2017. More and more Filipinos realize the importance of starting early when it comes to investing in the stock market. And there’s no better time to do it than today. But don’t dive in yet without knowing the basics. Get your headstart with this simple guide to stock investing for beginners in the Philippines. What are Stocks? Stocks are shares of ownership of a company listed in the PSE. When you purchase stocks of a PSE-listed or publicly owned corporation, you become one of its shareholders or stockholders, which means you’re a part-owner of that company. You can join in the company’s growth and profits in the future. But this also means you may lose some of your investment if the company performs poorly or suffers a loss. What is Stock Market? The stock market is where stocks are bought and sold to investors. Companies that need to raise funds for business expansion to sell a minority part of its ownership—also called stocks or shares—to the…
There’s a reason why the Philippines is considered a third-world country. According to a statistics report[1] from the Asian Development Bank, 21.6% of Filipinos live below the national poverty line. While there are legitimate reasons why we remain a poor country (corruption, politics, natural disasters, etc.), we also have to look into our Filipino traits and values. Because whether we admit it or not, we have cultivated negative Filipino traits that severely affect the way we handle our money. For every good thing foreigners say about us, we also have these Filipino traits that make our lives worse without us even knowing it. It’s time to acknowledge and get rid of them once and for all. 8 Negative Filipino Traits That Will Keep Us Poor Filipino Time It’s ironic that the first item on the list is Filipino Time[2], our natural tendency to be late. We are so obnoxious about other people’s time that we invented a nickname for being late and made it a national identity. Have you ever organized an outing with your friends and set up a meeting time, only for them to show up an hour after? It’s really annoying. It’s all fun and games until you apply it on a professional level. Try practicing Filipino Time on a job interview and you’ll get yourself a one-way ticket to the unemployment line. This type of behavior indicates laziness, and you’ll definitely get nowhere if you don’t change it this instant. Successful people didn’t wait for success to come to them, you know. Read more: 10 Highest-Paying…
Which video streaming platform is worth your money and viewing attention—Netflix or iflix? iflix entered the Philippines in 2015. With over 15 million subscribers, iflix brands itself as the world’s leading entertainment service for emerging markets. Then came Netflix Philippines a year later. Now, it has grown to over 151 million paying streaming subscribers worldwide and over 6.56 million free-trial customers (as of second quarter 2019). These two video streaming giants have redefined the way Filipinos, especially the younger audience, watch movies and TV shows. People nowadays prefer to stream or download videos through video-on-demand services than go to the cinemas or even get cable TV subscription. Subscribing to these new platforms allow viewers to watch anywhere and anytime—without any ads—on their devices. The latest Battle of the Brands edition evaluates and compares the different aspects of using the two most popular on-demand video streaming services in the Philippines. Whether you’re choosing which service to subscribe to for the first time, or deciding to continue or cancel your current subscription, this Netflix vs iflix comparison review is for you. Keep reading to make an informed choice on where to have your binge-watch sessions. At a Glance: Netflix vs iflix Comparison Here’s a quick comparison table highlighting the basic similarities and differences between Netflix and iflix: Netflix iflix Access to movies and TV shows online Unlimited Unlimited Content availability Mostly Western shows Mostly Asian shows Compatible devices Laptop/PC, smartphone, tablet, Smart TV, game consoles, Chromecast, and Blu-ray players Laptop/PC, smartphone, tablet, Android TV, Samsung TV, LG TV, and any TV…
Dengue in the Philippines has always been a national concern, especially during the rainy season. From January 1 to August 3, 2019, the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 188,562 dengue cases—the highest in the last five years. To date, the mosquito-borne viral disease has killed 807 people in 2019. The increasing cases of dengue in the Philippines have prompted the DOH to declare a national dengue epidemic in early August. Is your family protected against dengue? Make sure you’re equipped with knowledge about preventing this disease, detecting its signs and symptoms, and how much dengue treatment would cost. Dengue Prevention Tips The most effective way to prevent dengue, according to the DOH, is to observe the 4S strategy: Search and destroy, Self-protection measures, Seek early consultation, and Say yes to fogging. 1. Search and Destroy Mosquito Breeding Places People can get dengue through a bite of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus. The most important dengue prevention method is to eliminate the breeding sites of these mosquitoes. Dengue-infected mosquitoes lay eggs in containers and spaces that hold clear and stagnant water. So search inside and outside your house for anything that collects stagnant water, such as the following: Flower vases Empty tin cans and bottles Old rubber tires Rain barrels Rain gutter Trash can Pots Unused buckets Pet water bowls Water containers The area under the aircon vents Dish dryer Clean these containers out. Replace the water in flower vases, and cover water storage containers when not in use. Keep your home well-lit, too,…
Telecommuting is an emerging trend for Filipino professionals today, with the proliferation of coworking spaces all over the Philippines. Although working from home is the cheapest option for freelancers and small business owners, it isn’t always the best choice. Sometimes, you need to rent a coworking space when you have to hustle through deadlines, meet your clients, or need a quiet space to come up with ideas. This is where coworking offices make life for independent workers a lot easier. Going beyond merely providing a space for work, shared offices offer practically everything needed to get things done—from fast internet and free-flowing coffee to printing services. Some of the best coworking spaces even offer entrepreneurs a virtual office for business registration and correspondence. They also cater to different budgets and needs with their flexible rates set hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and/or quarterly. Here are the best coworking spaces for rent based on rates, amenities, accessibility, and customer ratings and reviews. The prices listed below are mostly for hot desks. Builtable Coworking One of the best affordable coworking spaces in Metro Manila, Builtable is highly rated by customers online for its high-speed internet (up to 250Mbps), accessibility (located near MRT Shaw station, jeepney terminals, and malls), among others. This coworking space in Mandaluyong provides an environment conducive for work and collaboration. It also holds workshops that help people start a small business. These features make Builtable perfect for small startups and digital-based companies. It’s also suitable for freelancers who need a place that allows them to concentrate and be productive at…
Overseas Filipino workers are the country’s modern-day heroes. They work in a foreign land in the hopes of providing a better future for their loved ones. Payday Friday for them doesn’t mean eating in a lavish restaurant. It usually means heading to the nearest remittance center to send money to their families back home. Earning in foreign currency allows greater purchasing power for Filipinos, and supposedly, a larger opportunity to save and invest. However, based on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 2nd Quarter (2019) Consumer Expectation Survey[1], only 33.9% of the households surveyed put OFW remittances into savings and only 7.6% put them into investments. OFWs and their families need to realize that they cannot work abroad forever. Sooner or later, they will need to retire and won’t be earning as much as they used to. So they need to make their money grow, and earning money in foreign currency is fuel to the fire. They can invest more money and in more options. Whether you want to prepare financially for your post-OFW life or build your retirement fund, here are the best investments for OFWs you may consider. 1. Real Estate Real estate is one of the preferred investments for OFWs because a home is a tangible asset compared to stocks and mutual funds. Another is the personal benefits of having your own place. Earning in foreign currency allows OFWs to invest in real estate in the first year or two of them working abroad. Compared to those working in the country, it may take years to be able to save…
Just like muscle building, achieving success takes time. It involves building a habit, which allows your small results to snowball into something bigger in the future. Just like how Manny Pacquiao exercises every day so he can win an upcoming fight. This goes the same way financially. The little consistent things you do for your financial matters provide a glimpse of your financial future. So if you don’t have good money habits, don’t expect to yield good results. You see, success is not an accident. It’s intentional. If you want to achieve your financial goals, learn from the money habits of highly successful millennials. Money Habits to Reach Your Financial Goals 1. Investing early to create passive income Don’t wait for your senior years before you decide to make any investments. The best time to start an investment for millennials is now. One benefit of investing early is that you can have better financial results at a later time. Passive income may come from different forms such as pension, dividends, capital gains, and other insurance benefits. Make ways for you to make investments. This will only be possible if you don’t embrace the idea of “YOLO”, leading you to habit number two. 2. Delaying instant gratification Did you just lay eyes on cool sports shoes while strolling inside the mall? Suddenly, you imagine yourself preparing for your next mountain hiking activity. While you still have shoes that you can use for your upcoming adventure, you’re still tempted to buy a new pair. Don’t. You don’t need it. Wants should only…
CompareAsiaGroup[1], Moneymax’s parent company, welcomes Experian[2] as a new investor, leading the latest US$20 million first close of our Series B1 round of funding alongside a strategic partnership. What is Experian? Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. They empower consumers and their clients manage data with confidence. They help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime. Experian operates across 39 countries. They are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. What does this mean for us? CompareAsiaGroup’s position as one of the leading online financial marketplaces in Asia makes it an ideal partner for Experian as both companies have a shared mission to improve the financial lives of consumers. Apart from the funding, CompareAsiaGroup and its subsidiaries in four markets (MoneyHero[3] in Hong Kong, SingSaver[4] in Singapore, Money101[5] in Taiwan, and MoneyGuru[6] in Thailand) will benefit from utilizing Experian’s technology, particularly Experian One, Experian’s cloud-native platform. This will deliver access to Experian’s Digital Onboarding Platform, Decision Management, and Eligibility Scoring services. With this, CompareAsiaGroup is able to intensify its focus on providing enhanced customer solutions. Read more: 10 Reasons Why Moneymax is a Trusted Personal Finance Platform in the Philippines CompareAsiaGroup CEO, Sam Allen shares: This partnership further strengthens our ability to empower people to build healthier financial lives, a shared mission for both CompareAsiaGroup and Experian. We look forward to connecting more customers with the…
In the past five years, Moneymax has helped millions of Filipinos compare and choose the right car insurance, credit card, and loan. Our goal is to make the number bigger in the next five, 10, or even 30 years. While doing this, we ensure that you, our client and reader, receive the best service and website experience possible. We take pride in having dedicated teams for dedicated needs, whether it be for getting insurance or comparing cards. In this three-part series, we are happy to interview one of our clients, Michael Benavidez. Michael, who is a retired US Navy personnel, has been getting insurance from Moneymax for three years. Know his story and how we were able to help him below. Read more: 5 Years of Moneymax with SGI Philippines Hi, Michael! How did you learn about Moneymax? When I purchased my car, it came with insurance already. So after a year, I was asking around for a renewal, a nice and good one for me because I’m very particular. However, asking wasn’t getting me anywhere. So I checked online and Moneymax had my attention by having the insurance companies being compared with. How did Moneymax help you get your car insurance? Moneymax gave me the sense of having an insurance that would fit my budget and would give me the sense of security for my family. Over here, getting insurance is an option as compared to the US where it is a requirement. Having a car there is not a luxury but more of a necessity. Insurance is a…
“Helping Filipinos live healthier financial lives” is the ideal that Moneymax lives by. For five years we’ve been working hard to improve our platform and services to help you find the right car insurance, credit card, and loan. We do this by helping you compare products from insurance companies and banking institutions. However, presenting these products isn’t as easy as 1-2-3. To ensure that you get the best deals, we work with such companies so they can give you the best offers through the Moneymax site. For this we are grateful and looking to expand our list of partners. As we celebrate five years of Moneymax, we spoke with one of our first car insurance partners, SGI Philippines, as represented by their General Manager Farhat Hussain. Read on our short interview below and learn how Moneymax partnered and grew with the company. How long have you been working with Moneymax? How did the partnership begin? SGI Philippines has been working with Moneymax since 2015. It was logical for SGI and Moneymax to work together given the kind of business we are in. However, our offices being next to each other played role of a catalyst in the beginning of the partnership. How is it like working with Moneymax? How can you describe your company’s relationship with us? Moneymax has been appreciative of SGI’s business philosophy. Our relationship is very mutual. How did Moneymax help SGI grow? Moneymax, with its existing volume of business has significantly helped SGI in growing its business. Up until now they are contributing to our business…