Financial Planning for Pinoys

Grateful for so much 💖🙏🏼

RASON BAKIT AKO DI MALUHO

📌 10 BEST FINANCIAL ADVISE. ✍️

1. Don't buy an expensive phone. A new version will come out even before you've finished paying for it.

2. Don't buy an expensive bag. Replicas are scattered everywhere. Only a trained eye will see that it's genuine.

3. Don't buy expensive shoes. You can't walk like a duck trying to keep it from deforming with every use.

4. Don't buy expensive clothing. You can't walk around showing the small tag behind your nape.

5. Don't buy an expensive watch. A 100-peso vintage watch online looks good too, and all kinds will tell the same time.

6. Don't buy expensive undergarments.
It's not allowed to walk in public wearing only a Victoria's Secret bra and panties.

7. Don't buy expensive cars. It depreciates with every kilometer it runs. Your 1.2 Million-Peso SUV will sell for only 500K.

8. Don't buy a huge house. Too much space creates distance between family members. They'll grow old and leave anyway.

9. Always settle for the justified price. You can do more with two for the price of one.

10. Remember that it's not the brand that carries you. It's how you carry the brand.

Ctto.

Bakit ang clingy ng beshie ko? 😅😅😅

Love you BH! 💖 Thank you for being my answered prayer.

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BE SPECIFIC IN YOUR PRAYERS, and TRUST THAT GOD WILL ANSWER THEM IN A WAY THAT IS BEST FOR YOU.

Because the insurance industry is different from other industries as we are offering something intangible, I've always prayed for a "MAGALING" na leader when I started this career 10 years ago. God answered that prayer when I was in IL.

But in May 2022, I changed that prayer. "LORD, BIGYAN NYO PO AKO NG MAGALING AT MABAIT NA LEADER." I asked God for someone who will help me grow in this career, who has the same passion as me in the work that we do, and most importantly, whose values are aligned with mine. At the back of my mind, I was hoping that my boss then would magically "transform."

BUT GOD HAS HIS WAYS.

In May 6, 2022, I received a message request from my Branch Head and leader now, Evangilyn Repil Cortez! Grabe, ganun kabilis sumagot si God! Probably because He knows that I really needed this, or God knows exactly what we need even before we ask.

But because I was focused on the "magical transformation," I told Ms. Evangilyn that I am affiliated with IL, and said thank you for the offer. But she never gave up on me. She would check on me every so often, and would ask to meet with me everytime they have an event near Tarlac. She is from Alabang.

After five months, I reached my breaking point at work, went back to our chat, and told her, "Mam, tignan ko na po ung offer nyo."

After she presented their compensation package, without exaggeration, "nalula" talaga ako Beshie! And to think that I am already from an insurance company, that huge comparison was definitely something!

Long story short, I was tagged in December 27, 2022, and became part of Aries and Arians Branch, under BH Evangilyn.

As the days go by, I become more greatly convinced that she is my answered prayer. I have grown by leaps and bounds because of her leadership -- imagine Boracay, dinner with Anne Curtis and Pico de Loro in the past 10 months!
She has that immeasurable passion for the work that we do.
And our values are aligned, doing this because it is our life's purpose.

And the "nakakalulang" compensation? That is icing on the cake!

I am grateful to be home at Manulife, and even more grateful to be home at Aries and Arians Branch 💖

THANK YOU GOD FOR BLESSING ME WITH PEOPLE I NEED THE MOST, AT YOUR MOST PERFECT TIME, AND IN YOUR MOST PERFECT WAY.

All these for Your glory. Amen.

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Oftentimes, I cannot help but think na sa dinami-dinami ng Branch Head na pwede ko mapuntahan sa Manulife, si Ms. Evangilyn pa from the South ako napunta! Truth be told, wala ako kahit isang kakilala from Manulife then! That was definitely God working -- and I did not have a single clue back then!

Maybe you did not see this post, and read this long, at random. If you have been praying lately for the same prayers that I had, we are having a career preview this Monday, November 13, at Shakey's Tarlac at 5pm. I will also share with you the family culture that we have in our branch, and the icing on the cake that I've mentioned above. Send me a message so I can save you a seat.

Be very blessed and have a great weekend! 💖

Recently, I try to connect with nature everyday.

It made me see how big the universe is.
It made me see how big God is.
And if God made all of these, I know that God will take care of my itsy bitsy problem.
And so I stop worrying.

🙏🏼💖

Be very blessed!

P.S. Photo was taken at 530am today, while I do my laundry, after taking my daughter to school for her fieldtrip. Life is beautiful! Grateful for so much.. 😇

Silence holds immense power in human interactions and communication. Knowing when to stay silent can prevent misunderstandings and preserve relationships. Here are seven instances when it's crucial to maintain silence:

1. When You Don't Know the Full Story: Speaking without complete information can lead to misconceptions and misinformation. It's wise to stay silent until you have a comprehensive understanding.

2. When You Feel Too Emotional: Emotions can cloud judgment. If you're overwhelmed by feelings, it's better to wait until you've calmed down to express yourself effectively.

3. In the Heat of Anger: Words spoken in anger can cause irreparable harm. Taking a pause to cool off prevents saying things you might later regret.

4. When Your Words Can Offend: Think before you speak, especially if your words could hurt someone's feelings or insult them. Silence in such moments demonstrates empathy.

5. If Your Words Can Destroy a Friendship: Friendships are precious. Avoid speaking in a way that jeopardizes these bonds. Silent restraint can maintain the friendship's integrity.

6. If You Can't Talk Without Yelling: Yelling rarely leads to productive conversations. Stay silent until you can discuss matters calmly and rationally.

7. If Your Silence Can Save Bonds: Sometimes, silence speaks volumes. Your choice to remain quiet can prevent conflicts and save relationships from deteriorating.

In these situations, silence isn't a sign of weakness but a testament to your emotional intelligence and a willingness to protect and nurture your connections with others.

If you or know someone who needs to read this, click the SHARE button below.

‼️LONG POST‼️

"HOPING MORE PEOPLE GET THE KIND OF QUALITY VALUE ADDED SERVICE THAT YOU PROVIDE CLIENTS."

I received this message from a client and friend this morning, which is very timely as I was in a phase where I felt frustrated and disappointed in myself, thinking that I could have done more during the past couple of months.

Something unexpected happened two months ago that added to my long list of things to do and people to meet with (not work-related), which led me to sort of "slow down" at work. That pause, plus the week-long vacation last week, gave me the time to think of what I really want in life, for myself, long term.

I was also able to watch Live to 100 on Netflix and I learned that PURPOSE, or what the Okinawans call as Ikigai or Plan de Vida for Costa Ricans, contributed to their long and happy lives. This is the reason why they get up every morning. One centenarian from Nicoya, at 100 yrs old, wakes up at 4am, and works until 10am because of his "reason for being."

Also, I got reconnected to people who tirelessly do what they do, every single day, like Bo Sanchez, because of that purpose. Everytime I feel the need to "plug in," I know that I always have his FB page and my spiritual family, The Feast Bay Area, to turn to. I'm grateful that they never stopped serving. As selfish as it may sound, san na lang ako pupunta if nawala sila, db? They have been my home for more than 10 yrs.

Last night was my first practice of yoga, and met Teacher Bai of Peace Love Yoga Tarlac. She asked, if we take off all our hats -- as a wife, mom, daughter, sister, employee, etc. -- who are we, really? Again, that lead to PURPOSE and what she calls LIFE MISSION.

Having said all of that, I realized that the unexpected thing that happened last Sept lead to so many far more important things, one of which is this message below leading me to my PURPOSE. I am happy to have found mine. My reply was, "it is my pleasure to serve." To my dear client and friend, THANK YOU! You know who you are 😊

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P.S. It is very rare to see people post about their frustrations and disappointments on social media. And today I had the courage to do so. As Brené Brown said, "Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability and authenticity."

P.S.2 I recently changed my page's name back to Financial Planning for Pinoys -- because that is who I am -- sharing with you blog posts of my financial journey from 2012, with bumpy roads, detours, fast lanes and all -- and I pray that this may help at least one person who may be on that same page as me. I am excited to be writing again! 😊

I pray that you find your PURPOSE, too, incase you haven't found it yet. And if we can actually live to 100, now at age 41, wala pa pala ako sa kalahati! Our very best is still yet to come 🙏🏼💖

Be very blessed!

This.

And today, unexpected matchy matchy with our SMT.

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FEB 2023 and SEPT 2023

First photo was me nung kakapasok ko pa lang sa Manulife, meeting my Branch Head and recruiter personally for the first time. She found me on LinkedIn.

Second photo was taken today, almost nine months with Manulife. I was wearing the same top and same shoes -- but I look different -- happy and without any sign of stress! 😅

As Steve Jobs said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”

I am satisfied with the great work that I do, and now with a great company, and under the wings of the "mabait and magaling" na leader that I prayed for, BH Evangilyn Repil Cortez.

Grateful to be finally home 💚 Our best is still yet to come 🙏🏼💖

P.S. Maybe in my future COPs, I can add to my value proposition that "nakaka-GLOW UP" (Gaby's words) sa Manulife." 😁

And having self-confidence and sense of fulfillment, especially for us full time moms who have devoted our lives to raising our kids and taking care of our family, that makes !

"WHEN MY HEART IS OVERWHELMED, LEAD ME TO THE ROCK THAT IS HIGHER THAN I." - Psalms 61:2

Received these awards for the Month of August for Tarlac:

🥇TOP 1 Financial Advisor in Net Issued Case
🥈TOP 2 Financial Advisor in Production Credit
🥈TOP 2 Unit Head in Team Net Issued Case
🥈TOP 2 Unit Head in Team Production Credit
🥉TOP 3 Unit Head in Team Active Agent Count

THANK YOU SO MUCH to our dear clients for your trust and for your referrals, to our ever supportive SMTs, to our leaders and to our mentor and Branch Head, Ms. Evangilyn Repil Cortez.

To my team, Blazing Arians Unit, this is OURS! I am grateful for each of you and I am very proud of you all! 👏👏👏 Know that some of our best days are still yet to come! 💗🤗

THANK YOU, Father. I will not stop dreaming big dreams because I know that You are a BIG GOD. All these for Your glory! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

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For everything else that you want to achieve this year, thank you Nike for this reminder.

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Looking back, as I was starting as a Unit Head in Manulife, building a team of more than 10 Financial Advisors, qualifying for incentive trips, and being recognized as Top 1 Unit (in NICs and Tagged Recruits) and Top 1 FA (in NICs) in Tarlac were merely dreams I had with my Branch Head Evangilyn Repil Cortez.

I was even doubting myself and my capabilities then, telling her, "Kaya ko po ba yan BH?" She said, "Just do our advocacy, and follow our process, and everything else will follow."

With hadwork and God's grace, IT DID!

To date, Blazing Arians Unit has 14 Financial Advisors.
I qualified for the Rookie and Sophomore Boracay Conference.
And I was awarded as Top 1 Unit Head both for NICs and Tagged Recruits, and Top 1 Financial Advisor for NICs -- with icing on the cake as it was our President and CEO and National Agency Sales Head who handed me these awards! (See my pinned post.)

Whether you want to be MDRT this year, or qualify as Senior FA, or enjoy that International Conference in Iceland, JUST DO IT.

For nothing is impossible with HIM. Have a blessed Sunday, everyone! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

DEFINE IRONY.

This time, it was me asking my Doctor client, "NAGYOYOSI PO KYO? UMIINOM PO?" during their policy application! 😅😁

Thank you Dr. Allen and Dra. Selle for your continuous trust and support. Grateful to be of service in helping you minimize the gap and prepare for your future financial needs 😊

P.S. If you want to know the formula in managing your monthly cashflow, and would want to know how much you need for estate planning (learn about the legal way and cheaper way of paying for your estate tax), or retirement planning, etc., send me a message and I would love to do this with you for FREE. I am being trained by a Registered Financial Consultant, and their usual rate is Php2,500/hr for this service. I can also do policy review of your existing policies. Thank you and looking forward to serving you 💗

Today's workplace 💗💗💗

FIND YOUR LIGHT AND GROW TOWARDS IT.

🥇TOP 1 Unit Head in Tagged Advisors for July
🥈TOP 2 Unit in Net Issued Case for July

Grateful for my teammates.
Grateful for our clients.
Grateful for our families and loved ones.
Grateful for our mentor and leader, and SMTs.
Grateful for Manulife.

Thank You, God, for leading me towards that light where I continuously grow.

Congratulations to us again team, Blazing Arians Unit! All these for God's glory.

🙏🏼💗

Rookie Superstar Awards (RSA) Level 1 and Level 2 Qualifiers, and Financial Advisor Recruiters (FARs) all in one frame! Proud of you, team! 🎉🎉🎉

Grateful for a fun and fruitful August Unit Meeting!!!

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YESTERDAY WAS SO SURREAL Yes, I have imagined receiving an award from Manulife, as this is one of our Blazing Arians Unit's Vision. Also, because the body achieves what the mind believes.

But never have I thought that it will be this soon as I have been with the company for only seven months, this many, and with our President and CEO, Mr. Rahul Hora, and NASH Mr. JF Salazar next to me and my team during their Tarlac Visit!!!

🥇TOP 1 Financial Advisor in Net Issued Case
🥈TOP 2 Financial Advisor in Production Credit
🏅HealthFlex Producer
🥇TOP 1 Unit Head in Net Issued Case
🥇TOP 1 Unit Head in Tagged Financial Advisors

Among all these, I am most proud that our Unit was able to serve and help 44 clients navigate through their financial journey from where they are today to where they want to go, allowing us to live out our advocacy and purpose as Financial Advisors.

CONGRATULATIONS, too, to our teammate Mon Esteban -- one of Tarlac's HealthFlex Producer!

THANK YOU SO MUCH Marley Tallada, Lhay Lapid, Mon Esteban and Salandanan Kevin for making time to celebrate this life's snapshot with me. Blazing Arians was very well-represented yesterday!

To everyone, we all have that "hugot" and answer to "para kanino ka bumabangon." But do not just find your why. FIND YOUR STRONGEST WHY. And believe that our very best is still yet to come!

God be praised! 🙏🏼💖

Nine months ago, I prayed that God takes me where He really wants me to be. Continuously growing and being my happiest in this career and in this company, I knew that being a Unit Head at Manulife is the answer to my prayer.

And because of this, I always thank God in advance for bringing the right people to our team at His most perfect time, and for protecting our team from the wrong ones.

Always trust God in the process.

🙏🏼💖

DO WHAT YOU LOVE AND YOU WILL NEVER HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MONDAY.

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Because it was Gaby's birthday yesterday, I asked her first if it's okay if I work and drop by Shakeys for our July COP to accomodate new recruits. She said YES.

And sometimes, I take days off work -- regular days -- to be with them 💗

This is one of the many things I love with this career. My children never felt like my work was taking my time away from them, because it gives me MORE TIME to be with them.

Second thing is working with amazing people. The first time I stepped into Manulife Tarlac Office six months ago, Sir Karl Sta Maria said, "We will give you all the support you need."

And he really meant it! Sobrang ramdam po namin un!! Thank you to our dearest SMTs!

Again and again, Thank You, Jesus for taking me and my team here at Manulife at Your most perfect time. All these for Your glory. 🙏🏼💖

P.S. I received an update from our SMT Daniel Almario, too, that our Unit's first tagged FA, March tagged, Ms. Marley Tallada, qualified for ROOKIE SUPERSTAR AWARD LEVEL 2!!!

And that our April tagged FAs, Mon Esteban Lhay Lapid and Riza Espinosa, are on track to becoming RSAs as well!!! Yay!!!

Proud of you, team!!! 👏👏👏

Recognized at today's Branch Assembly for our June production.

CONGRATS TO US TEAM, Blazing Arians Unit!!! 👏👏👏

THANK YOU SO MUCH to our mentor BH Evangilyn Repil Cortez, to our very supportive SMTs Sir John Agustin, Sir Karl Sta Maria, Sir Enrique A. Miranda and Sir Daniel Almario, and to our dear clients for trusting us as your partner in your financial journey.

To God be all the glory 🙏🏼💖

8:50 PM

Last meeting to cap off Monday -- at ang saya! Hindi mo iisipin na life insurance ang pinag uusapan namin! 😅

Thank you!!! 💗💗💗

Coaching and mentoring with our new Financial Advisors! Grateful to be surrounded with fun people at work! 💖💖💖

Happy Monday, everyone!

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When client meetings can be this fun 😁

Grateful for weekend work 🙏🏼💖

BLAZING ARIANS REPRESENT at last Saturday's COP!

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Had my first client meeting for June. As soon as my doctor client saw me, he said, "Mam, ang formal mo naman."

😁😁😁

Hope you find that courage.

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Grateful for work, and grateful that I can work from anywhere!

Ang sarap pala mag office sa Clark Marriott Hotel!!! 😁😁😁

And thank you Manulife because your generosity enabled the "kuripot" in me to say YES to this 5-star (overnight) luxury!

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*Candid photos taken by Gaby. Although I spend so much time working, she and Elise never felt work was taking my time away from them -- because I spend so much more time with them 💖 Excuse the double chin, hindi po ako naka-anggulo jan! 😁

LICENSING EXAM + TRAINING + EARLY MOTHER'S DAY + BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION ALL ROLLED INTO ONE DAY!

This was held last Saturday. And I am grateful for my Unit's commitment at binigay nila buong Sabado nila for Manulife without any excuses -- even as part timers.

Team, I am excited for your own meaningful success stories SOON through Manulife! To God be all the glory! 🙏🏼💖

Happy Mother's Day Ms. Annie and Ms. Kreng!!
And Happy Birthday Teacher Jade!

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Today's automated God Whispers message, which was very timely as if it read the post I wrote last night -- which was about God answering our prayers at His most perfect time..

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God is always with us. Have a grace-filled Wednesday, everyone!

REMEMBER WHEN YOU PRAYED FOR WHAT YOU HAVE NOW.

Six months ago, I prayed for God to put me where He wants me to be -- a place where I would grow and be able to live out my purpose. I then became Unit Head at Manulife's Blazing Arians Unit.

I also prayed for a leader na "magaling at mabait," and whose values are aligned with mine. I met my mentor and Branch Head through a message request she sent me in May 2022. I replied to her in October. Sya pla ung matagal ko ng pinagdadasal, hindi ko lang pinapansin! Thankfully, she did not give up on wanting me to be part of her branch. She is everything I need in a leader, and so much more -- plus may bonus pa na super supportive SMTs!

Even my car now is an answered prayer, too! One time, I asked Gaby and Elise, "Naisip nyo ba dati na ibibigay ni Daddy itong Everest nya sa atin?!?" That was our biggest "budol." 😁 But seriously, God blessed me with a very hardworking husband who wants to provide us with a comfortable life.

God is a Father who wants to give what is best for us, His children. Keep praying. And keep trusting that in His most perfect time, when we are ready, He will give us what we have been praying for.

Thank You, Jesus, for answered prayers. All these for Your glory. 🙏🏼💖

"SUCCESS IS A TEAM SPORT." - Simon Sinek

This April, I finally have my first batch of tagged Financial Advisors under my team. (Like I mentioned in a past post, mahirap pong makapasok sa Manulife.)

Our goals for the month included 4 active agents and 200,000 PC cumulative.

I have exactly 4 tagged agents -- two of them tagged on the last week of April. One of them had to do manual submission. The challenge now was activating ALL of them to achieve one of our goals.

Just on the last week of April (drum roll please 🥁🥁🥁), we had a total of 11 policies submitted, with contributions from EVERYONE! Cut off was extended up to April 30 at 6pm. We were able to comply to all additional requirements at 5:35pm.

By God's grace, all of these policies were approved at 540pm. Bigla pong nag brownout sa amin ng 550pm due to heavy rain. If napaaga po ang brownout, baka hindi po kami umabot. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Our Unit capped off April with 4 active agent count and surpassed our 200,000 PC target!!!

That meant 100% productivity ratio, 100% Rookie Superstar Award Level 1 Qualifiers, and achieving our April parameters!

Thank you BH Vanj for being my cutoff buddy, and dear SMTs for all your support!

THANK YOU TEAM for your dedication and commitment, at sa pagpupuyat natin hanggat di nasa-submit lahat!

And today, WE CELEBRATED THIS WIN! We had so much learning and fun, ate a lot, and took many photos! It is always a pleasure to be working with all of you!

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR EVERYTHING!

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P.S. As soon as I told my kids that my team and I will be celebrating at Café Josefina, they asked if they could join and invite friends. I happily said yes. They love my job as much as I do because I get to be productive at work even while I am with them 💖

P.S.2 On our next Unit meeting, mas madami na po kamiiii!!! 🎉🎉🎉

How amazing it is to be looking forward to Monday morning meetings and this excited to see my bosses?!? After the meeting, tinanong ko agad si Sir Henry kung kelan ko sila makikita ulit! Haha! That excited! 😅

More than fun, I have truly found JOY AT WORK! 💖🙏🏻

THANK YOU SO MUCH po to our super supportive SMTs! It is a great pleasure to be working with all of you!

Take time to recharge this weekend 💖🙏🏻

Mon and I used to be competitors during our pharma days. And it still feels surreal that today, we are working with one company, and in one team, now as Financial Professionals. Welcome to the team!!! 🎉💖

Life is indeed full of wonderful surprises! And our best is still yet to come!

Let's tick off those goals, shall we? 😊

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And of course, big thanks to Abbey for being the ever supportive wife! Excited to have your "bilin" come true!!!

* If you haven't tried it yet, visit Esting's along Bypass Road here in Tarlac City. They serve the best bellychon in town, and they have super sulit summer promos, too!

FROM CLIENTS TO FINANCIAL ADVISORS..

As existing policyholders, they find value in the work that Financial Advisors do, and they know how this career can also help them in achieving their goals and dreams -- not just for themselves, but for their families, too!

Welcome to the team Ma Cristina, Annie and Riza!!! Excited for you!!!

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*This is our first Unit Meeting and surprisingly, they know each other! Nice! 😊

**If you are looking for purpose, a career shift, or an additional income source, among others, kindly send me a PM for a career preview. This may be for you.

***And yes, we took advantage of today's holiday. As Financial Professionals, we don't mind working on holidays. 😊

Be very blessed! 💖🙏🏻

May the risen Christ fill your heart with joy, bring you new hope, and bless you with peace. Amen.

Happy Easter, everyone! 💖🙏🏻

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