I worked in a bank for five years handling investment products. I got way too comfortable with it that when I decided to turn my back from the corporate world, I invested the little money I have in time deposit. The interest rates were high back then. I wish I could still say the same today. The yield is too low it's like keeping my money in my piggy bank. Still, I was too stubborn to look for other options because I find it comfortable.
Financial Independence Month
Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. invited me yesterday to attend the launch of the Money for Life initiative held at Makati Shangri-la. In line with the company's declaration of June as the Financial Independence Month, they have partnered with 8990 Holdings, Inc., one of the top mass housing developers in the country, for efforts to promote financial literacy.
My Journey To Financial Independence
I entered the freelancing world in 2008 and explored the exciting life of blogging in 2013. I was not earning as much as I used to. It was a lifestyle-changing reality I had to deal with. No regrets, really. I'm broke most of the time but I can say I'm happy doing what I love. I am managing to save a little once in a while but I have no specific financial plan.
I signed up with Coach Aya to help me determine my short-term and long-term goals, priorities and plans to achieve financial independence. Like I've mentioned, my knowledge about investment products is limited. Same with insurance.
Sun Life Aims For 5 Million Clients By 2020
Many Filipinos are not investing in financial products because they are unaware of its importance. Sun Life aims to educate the people to address this problem.
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| Sun Life President and CEO Ms. Riza Mantaring |
Rise PH is a five-year growth plan rolled out by Sun Life of Canada in its aim to serve five million clients by year 2020. It champions financial inclusion in the Philippines where only a small percentage of the whole population utilizes financial products such as insurance and investments.
"Despite the bright prospects that the country's economy has, prosperity still hasn't trickled down to the more disadvantaged sectors of society. We have to address this," Sun Life President and CEO Riza Mantaring said. "Sun Life would like to see more Filipinos looking forward to a brighter future and the whole country rising to greater heights. We would like to start by targetting five million clients in five years."
While it may seem like an ambitious goal, Mantaring believes that it's best to set the targets high. "At Sun Life, we always dare to dream big - more so if the stakes are high. This is the country's future we're talking about, after all," she explained. "Setting high targets will push us to do more, and will allow us to make a greater contribution to our country's future."
Money For Life
Money for Life is a comprehensive, customizable financial planning program that will ensure a client will have sufficient funds for every stage of his life.
Sun Life will bring to different locations the "Bus to the Future" equipped with VR headseats where the public can view a 360-degree visual reality video transporting them to different scenarios based on their chosen life stage. This will enable the viewer to live the dream for a minute and be encouraged to start planning for their future through Money for Life and Sun Life's insurance and investment products.
Catch the Bus To The Future at the following locations:
June 11 - Bonifacio Global City High Street
June 19 - Eastwood
June 25 - SM City Cebu
July 2 - Solenad, Nuvali
The students are also encouraged to start planning for their financial goals. The Bus To The Future will also park at these campuses:
June 2 - Mapua Institute of Technology
June 12 - Ateneo Graduate School of Business
June 16 - De La Salle University
June 17 - University of the Philippines Diliman
June 20 - San Sebastian College
June 24 - University of San Carlos Cebu
June 29 - Lyceum of the Philippines Manila
June 30 - University of the Philippines Los Banos
There will be Sun Life financial advisors on site to accommodate inquiries.
Money For Life e-Planner
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| Sun Life Asset Management President Ms. Valerie Pama |
If you are more comfortable doing your transactions online, Sun Life has made it easy for you through Money for Life e-Planner. All you have to do is go to www.moneyforlife.com.ph and start your financial planning. Through the e-Planner, you can get product recommendations and even purchase mutual funds products from Sun Life Asset Management Co., Inc.
Start your journey to financial independence for as low as P5,000. Affordable, right?