Credit cards have been vilified by personal finance experts like Dave Ramsey. For example, Ramsey often tells his audience on his radio show to use debit cards and get rid of their credit cards to avoid overspending. Let’s face it. When it comes to credit card use in America, consumers are racking up credit card…

Do you have a Philippine Social Security System (SSS) account? Skip the hassle of branch visits and long queues—everything you need is just a few clicks away. With a My.SSS online account, you can easily pay your contributions and generate your PRN without ever stepping into a branch. If you haven’t set up your online…

Credit cards have become more than just a convenient payment method—they’re also key to financial management for many. Plus, proper credit card use is also good for building a credit history. If you’re holding one of the issued 11.8 million credit cards in the Philippines, you enjoy the perks of swiping it whenever you shop…

Credit cards unlock the door to discounts, perks, and flexible payment options like 0% installment and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL). When choosing a credit card, the word best is subjective—it may be the best for you but not for others. That’s why selecting one isn’t easy. Your lifestyle, financial capacity, and spending habits are…

I believe knowledge is power. What you consume online reflects what you value as an individual. For example, if you follow influencers who talk about personal development, it shows that you want to invest in this area. The same goes for personal finance experts’ and investors’ content. If you want to manage your finances better,…

Finding a reliable and trustworthy kasambahay and yaya is no small feat. Juggling a career, children’s needs, and household responsibilities can sap all your energy and patience. So, where do you start? Whether you’re hiring for the first time or looking to change existing arrangements, make sure you’re prepared, too. Remember that having an extra…

One of the best things about having a cashback credit card is earning cash rebates on your spending. If you’re looking for one that covers almost all spending categories, Security Bank Cashback Platinum is an excellent choice. You can earn up to 5% cashback on different categories. Although earning rebates every billing cycle is quite…

Imagine you just checked your credit card mobile app and saw that your bank increased your credit limit to six figures. Are you happy? I bet you are. You may have considered withdrawing funds using the cash advance feature for fast cash withdrawals. While a cash advance may seem like an easy gateway to borrowing…

If you’re a regular GCash user, you probably have seen UNO Digital Bank ads on your screen prompting you to open a new savings account. Like you, I was curious about this digital bank that offers high interest rates on savings and time deposit accounts. How high? It’s a whopping 6.50% p.a., better than GoTyme,…

That shiny plastic card inside the mailing envelope can make or break your finances. Some credit cardholders often get it for the wrong reasons, like spending more on credit or being lured in by a flashy sign-up bonus or a welcome gift. If you’ve signed up and activated the card and can’t control your spending,…

Have you seen an ad or random post on your feed where a seller brags about a six-figure income on the dashboard and credits dropshipping? Perhaps that’s why you’re wondering if dropshipping is a profitable business. I’m not going to discredit sellers who are earning thousands of dollars from dropshipping. I believe it has potential…

Have you ever thought about the financial risk you’re comfortable with? Well, it’s a big deal if you’re exploring investment options. If you’re aiming for major financial goals like retirement or college funds for your kids, getting your risk just right matters a ton. Sadly, here’s the truth: a significant portion of the Filipino population…

Have you been looking for a moneysmart way to earn high-interest rates with savings accounts?  Putting your money in commercial banks can be discouraging, given that you earn about less than 1% annually from savings accounts. With digital banks giving Filipinos the liberty to open a savings account online, there’s no excuse for not setting…

Thanks to digital banks like CIMB Bank, SeaBank, GoTyme Bank, and Maya Bank (formerly PayMaya), opening a savings account takes about ten minutes or less. Even traditional banks like Maybank, UnionBank, and RCBC have upgraded their registration processes—all these can be done through your smartphone. Fun fact: In a survey conducted in the fourth quarter…

Getting married and starting a new life together with your significant other should be an exciting time filled with hope, dreams, and plans for the future. The recent break up — calling off their engagement — of Dominique Roque and Bea Alonzo has sparked gossip among Filipino netizens about the real reason behind it. Is…

Make money work for you. This is typical financial advice from veteran investors, but it’s easier said than done. Imagine making a singular investment and witnessing cash flow without lifting a finger. While passive income serves as a delightful reward for minimal effort, it’s crucial to note that constructing this income stream demands both time…

Discussing finances with young individuals isn’t always an enjoyable subject. However, acknowledging the importance of addressing money matters, especially the concept of saving, which is crucial for developing essential life skills. This challenge isn’t exclusive to adults; even they grapple with it, resorting to retail therapy as a coping mechanism for life’s daily stresses—ultimately leading…

As a voracious reader, I believe that reading books about investments, personal finance, and real estate is the best way to become financially literate. Unfortunately, not all of us have the luxury of the late billionaire Charlie Munger, who spends up to ten hours a day reading books, newspapers, and journals. So, whether you’re starting…

The concept of new beginnings is exciting for many people, fostering a sense of enthusiasm to embark on fresh projects, hobbies, or activities, particularly at the start of a new year. Among the commonly chosen New Year’s resolutions, saving money stands out. According to a Discover Happy Habits study, 49% of participants had identified saving…

Inflation is an unavoidable presence in any economy. Like a persistent fly, it can multiply despite efforts to swat it down. Embrace it as one of life’s constants, alongside taxes and death. Living costs are escalating each year, and inflation rates in the Philippines have hovered between 1.25% and 5.21% over the past seven years.…

Retirement might be the least you have in mind in your 20s and 30s. But if there’s one thing you can do to secure your future, prepare for it as soon as possible. Time is of the essence when it involves compounding interests. Reality check: In 2023, the Philippines has around 7.6 million citizens aged…

In a world where change remains constant, managing finances requires discipline and smart choices. Rising prices and growing family needs make finding extra money or side hustle a life goal. The right credit card in your pocket can be a helpful tool for financial flexibility. When it comes to cashback cards, the most exciting part…

Looking forward to your annual 13th-month pay or bonus? Wondering how to spend it this year? Whether it’s a new gadget, a home appliance, a luxury bag, or an exciting trip to Japan or South Korea, the possibilities are endless. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with spending your hard-earned money. According to a JobStreet survey,…

A Facebook ad on your feed promises a zero downpayment option and a monthly amortization of ₱15,000 for a 2-bedroom condo unit in the city center. In a perfect world, you simply contact the agent, sign the papers, and pay your monthly due. Imagine your dream of buying a home is one call away. Apparently,…

Access to the Internet is a privilege, yet it’s also a responsibility as online scammers are elevating their tactics to lure unsuspecting netizens. From phishing attempts on your emails to questionable financial offers, there is no shortage of security threats online — in fact, the Philippines has seen a significant rise in different online scams,…