Grow Your Money: 5 Smart Investments for Filipino Working Moms
It’s not ideal to live from one paycheck to the next.
But as hardworking Filipino moms, we know that we deserve financial security and stability. We want to create a better future for ourselves and our families.
Here’s the reality: most Philippine households cannot live on one stream of income alone.
Yes, we have big dreams of a comfortable life for our families. However, relying solely on job income may not be enough to achieve all our financial goals.
That’s why we need to explore smart investments for Filipino working moms. These are opportunities that can help grow our money and secure our future.
Are you ready to take control of your financial future? Read along and let’s make our hard-earned money work for us!
Why Smart Investments for Filipino Working Moms Work
When you think of the word “investment,” what comes to mind?
While some people see it as a way to grow their money over time, others may see it as a risky and complicated endeavor that will eventually cause you to lose money.
Here’s the thing: investing doesn’t have to be complicated or risky at the same time.
Not in this day and age.
In fact, with the right knowledge and strategy, smart investments can help us achieve our financial goals and provide a secure future for our families.
Photo by Kindel Media
The Power of Flexibility is in Your Hands
As working moms, we need options that can adapt to our ever-changing lifestyles and financial situations.
Let’s face it: working on minimum wage can make it challenging to save and invest large sums of money.
That’s why smart investments for Filipino working moms focus on flexibility.
One option is to start small with a regular savings plan.
There are a lot of banks that allow you to open a savings account by paying a minimal fee but with no required maintaining balance.
That’s the comforting part – knowing that we have a (small) portion of our income readily available for unexpected expenses and emergencies.
If you have more buying power, you have the flexibility to put your money into investment vehicles that have higher chances of generating returns.
Remember, you have the power to choose the investment that works best for you and your financial goals right now.
Besides, 6 months down the road, who knows what opportunities may arise for you? By being flexible and open to new investment options, you can take advantage of potential growth and maximize your returns.
Smart Investments Work with Compound Interest
OMG, is that another big word I need to know???
Hang on, it’s not as complicated as you think. Sure, it may sound complex, but it’s a simple and effective way to grow our savings and investments exponentially over time.
Compound interest is the interest earned on the initial investment and accumulated interest from previous periods. It grows exponentially over time, like a snowball effect.
Let me break it down for you.
Imagine you invest a certain amount of money, let’s say Php10,000, with an annual interest rate of 5%.At the end of the first year, you would earn Php500 in interest, bringing your total investment to Php10,500.
But here’s where things get interesting.
Provided that you don’t touch that money, in the second year, you earn 5% interest not just on your initial Php10,000, but also on the additional Php500 in interest you earned in the first year.
So now, the basis of the 5% interest is PhP10,500. Your total investment becomes Php11,025.
As time goes on, this compounding effect continues to work its magic. The more years pass, the more your investment grows exponentially. And that’s just one investment. Imagine if you had more.
Better Chances of Financial Stability and Security
Financial stability and security are crucial goals for any working mom, and smart investments can play a significant role in achieving them.
Smart investments for Filipino working moms work because they prioritize exactly that.
As a working mom myself, I understand the importance of protecting our hard-earned money. I definitely don’t want to risk it on unstable investments that could potentially wipe out our savings.
That’s why it’s crucial to choose smart and reliable investment options that can lead to a steady and secure financial future.
You Can Pave the Way for Financial Freedom
Let’s face it: we all have financial aspirations.
I mean, who wants to wake up worrying about where to get the money to put food on the table? To pay at least the minimum amount due on your credit cards? To settle your notice of disconnection electricity bill?
Photo by Karolina Grabowska
Investing wisely can pave the way for financial freedom, allowing you to break free from these worries and live life on your own terms.
By making smart investment decisions, you can create a source of passive income that will continue to grow over time.
5 Smart Investments for Filipino Working Moms
While most of us live on minimum wage, setting aside a small amount to invest can make the world of a difference for your financial situation.
Consider these smart investments for Filipino working moms. This is the first step toward securing your financial future.
1) GFunds by GCash: A Good Starting Point
GCash is one of the go-to cashless payment platforms in the Philippines, and it also offers an investment feature called GFunds, which is one of the smart investments for Filipino working moms who are just starting their investment journey.
GFunds allows you to invest your money in different funds such as stock market index funds, bond funds, and money market funds. You can start with as little as 50 pesos, making it accessible even for those on a tight budget.
That’s right – you get to decide on your “risk appetite,” so whether you’re a conservative or aggressive investor, GFunds has something for you. Plus, the platform provides regular updates on your investment’s performance, so you can track your progress effortlessly and make adjustments whenever necessary.
2) Pag-IBIG MP2: Secure and High Returns
When you think of Pag-IBIG, I’m sure the majority of you think of short-term loans and housing loans.
But did you know?
One of the smart investments for Filipino working moms is the Pag-IBIG MP2 program.
Source: Pag-IBIG
This government-backed program is a 5-year maturity savings facility for Pag-IBIG Fund members, offering higher dividends. It’s also open to pensioners and retirees who were former members.
Once you enroll (online or at the Pag-IBIG branch nearest you), you will be given an MP2 Savings Account. For a minimum of PhP500 for each remittance, you can start growing your savings with Pag-IBIG MP2.
The best part is that you have the flexibility to choose how much you want to contribute and how often. Whether it’s a monthly contribution or a lump sum payment, you have the freedom to tailor your investment strategy according to your financial goals and capabilities.
Plus, your tax-free dividends payout schedule can either be annually or after the 5-year maturity date compounded annually (yes, compounded interest!).
Moreover, Pag-IBIG MP2 provides regular updates on the performance of your investment, allowing you to monitor its growth over time.
3) Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A Safe and Profitable Option
Investing in real estate properties is a big decision. It takes a lot of time AND money to choose properties that can generate a steady income.
But what if I told you there’s a smarter way to invest in real estate without the hassle and hefty capital requirements?
Enter Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).
REITs are like a stock corporation that owns income-generating real estate assets such as apartment buildings, hotels, office spaces, and resorts, to name a few.
When you invest, you get returns from the rental income and other fees generated by these real estate assets. These returns are distributed as REIT dividends in the Philippines.
The best part is, that you become a part-owner of these real estate properties without having to invest a significant amount of capital or buy the real estate asset itself.
Pretty cool, right?
Now, like with any investment, there are corresponding risks if you go with REITs. But the nice thing about investing in REITs is the easy entry and exit.
Unlike traditional real estate where your money is tied up with a single property, REITs enable you to trade shares on the stock market, providing liquidity and portfolio flexibility.
For a minimum investment of PhP5,000, the potential rewards can be quite substantial. This right here becomes one of the smart investments for Filipino working moms.
4) Business Ventures: Tapping into Entrepreneurship
Photo by Marcial Comeron
Ask yourself, “Do I have that entrepreneurial spirit to start my own business?”
Well, let me tell you – if you try to answer that right now, you might end up realizing that you don’t. What happens next? You lose the chance of embarking on a journey that could have transformed your life.
As a Filipino working mom, you already have a unique set of skills and experiences that can be leveraged to start your own business.
One avenue to explore is the world of e-commerce.
With the rise of online shopping, there are endless opportunities to create an online store and sell products or services that cater to the needs of your target market. Whether it’s handmade accessories, clothing, or even digital products, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
Another option is to consider franchising a food business.
Successful franchises in the Philippines offer flexible business models that cater to busy working moms. From fast food chains to coffee shops, various options are available that provide steady revenue with the support of an established brand.
You can also venture into being a life insurance agent, where you can provide financial protection to individuals and families while earning commissions.
There are so many companies that offer multiple plans. Sun Life, AXA, PRU Life, and Manulife are just a few examples of reputable insurance companies in the Philippines.
5) Freelancing Your Services: A Booming Philippine Side Hustle
The gig ecomony is booming, and freelancing is a great way for Filipino working moms to tap into their skills and expertise while having the flexibility to work from home.
I myself have been doing ghostwriting for over five years. It’s a side hustle that has provided me with additional income while allowing me to juggle my responsibilities as a working mom.
If you have a knack for writing, drawing, or designing, becoming a freelancer on Fiverr or Upwork can be a great way to earn income. Many businesses and individuals need quality social media content for their niche audience, and with AI technology, you can leverage your skills to provide valuable services remotely.
As long as you have wifi and a computer with reasonable specs, this side hustle can be one of the other smart investments for Filipino working moms.
Photo by RDNE Stock project
Any Investment Tips for Filipino Beginners?
It’s exciting to venture into these smart investments for Filipino working moms.
Now that we understand the importance of investments and the power of compound interest, let’s explore some essential tips for beginners like us who are just starting their investment journey.
Define Your Financial Goals
The harsh reality of living in the Philippines is that the majority of the population is still living on a day-to-day basis. From paycheck to paycheck, many Filipino working moms struggle to make ends meet.
However, by setting clear financial goals, we can break free from this cycle and start our journey towards financial independence.
When defining your financial goals, it’s important to be specific.
Better yet, begin with the end in mind.
Ask yourself questions like: What do I want to achieve with my investments? Is it for retirement? Education for my children? Buying a house?
By having a clear vision of what you’re working towards, you can better align your investment strategies to meet those goals.
Educate Yourself
Investing can seem daunting at first, but don’t let that deter you.
Photo by George Milton
REITs, for instance, is a good investment opportunity, but if you don’t read up on basic real estate laws and regulations in the Philippines, you may miss out on valuable information that could impact your investment decisions.
Fortunately, there are numerous resources available online and offline to help you educate yourself about investing.
From books and blogs to seminars and courses, make it a point to learn as much as you can about different investment options, strategies, and risk management techniques.
Remember, all investments come with risk, but with knowledge comes power. So, take the time to educate yourself and become a confident investor.
Start Small and Gradually Increase
You see, you don’t need a large sum of money to start. Begin with what you have.
I mean, the fact that you’re already reading this article means that you’re taking the first step toward smart investments.
Bravo!
Keep in mind that small beginnings lead to significant financial accomplishments. Of course, caveating that starting small doesn’t mean you should overlook the potential returns and risks associated with your investments.
It’s essential to make informed decisions, even if you’re starting with a small amount.
Who knows? Later on, you’ll get to diversify your investment portfolio, on the way to building a solid foundation for your future.
Investigate Before You Invest
Social media has the power to influence you and your decisions.
I mean, you go on Facebook and you see a page with so many followers and testimonials claiming to have found the secret to success in investing and earning money fast.
It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and make impulsive investment decisions based on what others are saying. But as a Filipino working mom, it’s crucial to investigate before you invest.
Before jumping into any investment opportunity, do your due diligence.
Research the company or investment platform thoroughly. Look for reviews, read up on their track record, and analyze their financial statements. You also have to understand the risks involved and compare returns.
Remember, investing is not a gamble – it’s about making informed choices.
Don’t rely solely on hearsay or popular trends. Seek advice from financial experts or consult professionals who can guide you in making informed choices.
Be Patient – Investments Are Not Get-Rich-Quick Schemes
As Filipino working moms, we have embraced the virtue of patience in our households.
We need to do the same when it comes to investments.
Contrary to what some may claim, investments are not a shortcut to instant wealth. They require time and dedication to yield fruitful results.
Avoid the temptation of get-rich-quick schemes that promise extraordinary returns in no time.
They can be very tempting, I’m telling you. Searching YouTube will lead you to loads of videos that claim to have found the “secret formula” for making millions overnight.
But as a smart Filipino working mom, you know better than to fall for such empty promises.
Investments should be approached with a long-term mindset. It’s about building wealth gradually and steadily over time. This requires patience and discipline.
Photo by SHVETS production
Remember, slow and steady wins the race.
Be Smart with Your Money
In conclusion, these smart investments for Filipino moms can kickstart your journey toward providing a more secure and stable financial future for you and your family.
However, it’s important to approach them with caution and a smart mindset.
Be curious, flexible, and patient.
Trust me, these qualities will help you navigate the world of investments and make informed decisions.
Remember, investing is not about blindly following trends or seeking overnight success. It’s a gradual process that requires careful consideration and planning.
Good luck on your journey to financial independence!