My Inspiring Success Story

Yesterday, I read a Facebook post from my favorite magazine asking for inspiring stories that they could feature in their coming issue. I immediately brought out my laptop and began writing MY inspiring story. I have emailed them my entry, and now I am keeping my fingers crossed hoping that I will be chosen. But just in case I don't, I thought of sharing my entry with you.

FROM BROKE TO FINANCIALLY FREE

I am Joan Veronica Trojillo, 31 years old, married and mother of two kids. Let me share you my story.

I was a graduate of Tarlac State University. Because I was the youngest and the only girl, my parents did not allow me to study outside our province. Because of this, I felt like I had limited opportunities compared to those who graduated from known universities. But this eventually was not a hindrance at all because I was able to work immediately after graduating. My first job was as a bank teller and then after a year, I made a career shift and worked as a medical representative. That is what I have been doing for the past nine years. I am blessed to be working for a great company. I enjoyed the benefits as an employee, the perks of being a field man which includes a company car with free gas, sales incentives, and bonus up to 17.5 months.

But inspite of all these financial blessings, I would always find myself stressed everytime the bills would arrive in the mail – utility bills, credit card payments, loans, and other household expenses – and I do not know where to get the money to pay for all these. I had zero savings, no investments either and I was practically down with debt. I had a negative net worth. If you would ask where I spent all my money, fellow Cosmo girls would know the answer, and that is SHOPPING! Since my job does not include a time in and a time out, I spend dead hours at the mall almost everyday, window shopping at first and then actually shopping for things I do not really need. I used to have more than enough pairs of shoes, tons of bags, a different colored watch for every outfit, plus the latest gadgets. They were more than enough that people would ask me why I still keep buying. As the old cliché goes, shopping then was therapy for me. It de-stresses me.

Then the unavoidable happened. I had no money to pay for bills which are necessities, and I had no one to borrow money from. I ended up selling my things on Ebay, Facebook groups and I even held a garage sale at home. Handing my precious bags, shoes, watches and gadgets to their new owners was painful. Not only because I was losing them, but because I was losing them at a way cheaper price. Eventually, I learned to detach myself from these material things and I realized that they were not really investments, even if the advertisements say so. With these, I was able to pay the bills and then had my credit cards cut. Up to this writing, I still do not own any credit card, and that is by choice.

After ten years of being employed, with my monthly earning just coming and going, my financial breakthrough started to occur last March 2013. I attended a financial seminar for the first time by the Truly Rich Club. Through this, I became aware of the many other sources of income, the ways of investing, telling your money where to go instead of asking them where they went (my favourite quote), and that the main purpose of wealth was to help others.

I applied everything I learned from that seminar. Everytime money would come in, like my salary, incentives, allowances and bonuses, I would divide them into five envelopes – 10% worship (tithe), 20% wealth (investments), 10% want (shopping!), 10% wellness (long term goals) and 50% wallet (expenses). With this strategy, I never felt deprived nor broke. And yes, living way below your means is possible. Proof? I survived!

Through that seminar, I also learned about the beauty of online marketing. I enrolled in an online course, which costs five digits by the way (I never thought I could afford that in the past), and I came to realize and develop my passion for writing. I have started building my blog on personal finance management. My blog is Financial Planning for Pinoys. I feel blessed because I am able to inspire my readers through their positive feedbacks thanking me how these practical tips have helped them. I dream of writing my own book by this year. With that, I also enrolled in another online course which teaches me how to write a book and publishing it on Kindle Amazon. The goal is to help solve financial issues of fellow employees, and also to earn income through royalties.

I have also learned how to invest in stocks. The stock market is now my big piggy bank, preparing for my early retirement. My goal is to stop working before I reach 40. I have also opened accounts for my two kids. Since time is our greatest ally in building wealth, I know they will become millionaires by the time they reach college.

I have also signed up for membership sites and I earn commission through affiliate marketing. This is another source of passive income for me.

Because I love to travel and still love to shop, I have opened an online store selling clothes which I have personally bought from other places. Not only was I providing quality clothing at a very affordable price to customers, I was also helping other people earn as my resellers. We made a great sale last December during the holidays. At the end of 2014, I am aiming to become a wholesaler.

God opened another door of opportunity for me through another business. And most recently, He brought me the right people as my team. We are now in the process of setting everything up and we will be opening this January. What a way to start the year!

 

From being broke, I now have a positive net worth and I am very happy about it. All these in a span of only six months! I now have savings and growing investments, and I never feel stressed because of being broke anymore. I am even able to support ministries and sponsor children. Plus the increasing number of people that I am being able to help through my blog and my business. Truly, I am very blessed!

Yes, you can turn your finances around. If I was able to do it, so can anyone else. You just need to have a dream of how you want to see yourself in the future and set a deadline for it, the discipline to tell your money where to go, and the determination to act on that dream. Recognize every opportunity and have the courage to take that chance. You are more than the brand of your shoes and bags. If you would want to splurge, choose self-growth. I attend seminars almost every month because there is always something new to learn. I encourage that you do, too.

My prayer is that you reach your goals in life. And when you have succeeded and achieved financial freedom, remember to use wealth to love others.

Make Money With Stocks Seminar

Investing in the stock market is very much like any other business where you buy a product to sell to someone else at a profit. Many of the same rules and principles apply.

Too many investors treat their stock market investing more like gambling at the casino. Successful and profitable investors know the difference.

The stock market is a great equalizer where people with small amounts of money can earn the same way that the “Big Players” do. It does not matter how much you start with if you use sound business techniques for your investing. What does matter is how you make your investing funds work for you.

While knowing the basic business and stock market strategies is important, the PSE has its own investing characteristics that every investor needs to understand.

 

 

How You Will Benefit

• Make more money investing in stocks without all the worry
• Keep money you make from profitable trades and not lose it
• Find out how the professionals invest in the stock market
• Understand the peculiarities of the PSE to help you invest
• Stick to a sound investing plan that works best for you

What You Will Learn

• The Business Model for Investing
• Finding the Right Purchasing Manager – Fundamental Analysis
• Working With Your Marketing Manager – Technical Analysis
• Buying the Bargains – Identifying the Best Price
• Selling For a Profit – Knowing the Right Price and Time to Get Out
• When to Have Your Midnight Madness Sale – Unloading Unprofitable Merchandise
• Enhancing Your Bottom Line – Money Management for Investors
• Why “Winners” Turn Into “Losers”
• Identifying New “Fashion Trends” in the Stock Market
• How to Make Your Small Business Grow Large
• Running Your Investing Business in the Philippines – Why It Is Different

Attend “Make Money With Stocks: Invest Like It’s a Business (and Not a Casino)” on September 14, 2013, 8:00am-12:00pm, at the PSE Auditorium, G/F Philippine Stock Exchange (Tektite Towers), Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

This seminar will take you from feeling that you are at the mercy of market forces to being in control of your investing business. You will gain both knowledge and confidence as you learn how to design your stock market business to successfully Preserve Your Capital and Maximize Your Profits.

To register, click here.

How To Become Wealthy Even If You Do Not Have 20 Years To Invest In Stocks

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I have been talking to my friends and workmates who are almost of my same age, which is in our early 30s, about personal financial management. Some are even younger. And yes, they are considering growing their money in the stock market.

But there may also be some, readers of this blog or other articles about stock market investment, who are wondering if they could still be wealthy even if they are in their late 50s.

Making millions in the stock market takes a long time, around 20 years at least. This is the main reason why we are encouraged to start at a young age. But if you want to grow your wealth in 5 years, do not look at the stock market. As what my mentor says, look at entrepreneurship.

Work on Your Cash Machine, Not on the Stock Market

When I attended the Truly Rich Club's Wealth Summit last March 2013, I met the Mastermind group of mentors. All of them are very wealthy now. Each of them started from a small business from various industries. And now, the Stock Market is multiplying what they are earning through their businesses.

Business and the Stock Market

 

If you are still young, I encourage that you do the same. Do what the rich do. Get into business, preferably a business that is related to your passion and core gifts. Then grow your earnings in the stock market.

 
Be very blessed!
 

The Main Purpose Of Wealth Is To Love Others

Last week, I attended an orientation for another possible income stream. We were asked to briefly introduce ourselves. When it was my turn, I told the group that I am an employee working as a medical representative, I manage an online clothing store, I am an affiliate marketer for certain brands, membership sites and events, I blog about personal finance management, I invest in the stock market and I have another business on the way with a partner.

Yes, a do a lot of things. I make the most out of my 24 hours everyday. And you may ask, "WHAT FOR?" 

Later that day at work, I was telling my MD about the many things that have been keeping me busy these days. To my surprise, he shared a Bible verse with me about greed. He thinks I am doing all these for the love of money. Honestly, to have that reputation was a sad fact. I just told him what my real purpose was, which is to love others, and a "WOW!" was his reply. Well, at least I was able to change the way he thinks about me.

We, at the Truly Rich Club have been taught by our mentor that "the main purpose of wealth is to love others." We are encourgaed to earn more, but live a simple life, so that we could help people in need. 

My income may have increased but I still wear the same watch, still prefer using my "unsignatured" bag, rented the same apartment with my husband and lived in the same house with my parents. We are not frugal, but we are not luxurious as well.

Aside from my goals for myself and for my family, I have included child sponsorship and charity work to my list of dreams to accomplish. Recently, I have received a handwritten letter from my first sponsored child thanking me and telling me that I am a part of their live now. Wow! When your Php600 per month goes a long way for people in need, sends a child to school and create livelihood programs for their community, that was definitely something.

Over the weekend, I visited Anawim, home of the abandoned elderly, for the first time at Montalban, Rizal. Thinking how their families could have abandoned these helpless elders instantly brought tears in my eyes. Most likely, it was because of poverty. And this made me realize that if I do not save or invest today, I may end up as a resident of Anawim myself. My goal is to become a donor, and not otherwise.

When I signed up as a pilgrim for Anawim last week, the first thing I had in mind was to bring joy to our lolo's and lola's with my mere presence. True enough, having visitors brought twinkle in their eyes and smile on their faces. But what the experience actually did for me was beyond extraordinary -- a certain happiness that I cannot explain. I remember what my mentor says, "Give and you shall receive." True enough, I gave my little time for them and I received so much in return.

Ask yourself, "Why do I want to be rich?"

And I pray that you have the right reasons.


Want to gain financial freedom and spiritual abundance at the same time? Join the Truly Rich Club today. Click here. 
Interested in child sponsorship through World Vision? Click here.
Have time and donations for Anawim? Click here.

How To Truly Invest In Banks

I have a workmate who lives a frugal lifestyle. He lives way below his means. He only buys new clothes, shoes, and even undergarments during our national conference, which happens twice a year. According to him, this is because he saves his money in the bank. He feels his money is most secured by doing this.

I tell him that he is actually losing his money, the purchasing capacity of his money in particular, by keeping his money in a savings account. This is also true even in time deposit. He could not believe what I was saying.

Based on the Philippine Deposit Rates in our country today, most banks offer a mere 0.25% interest per year for regular savings account. The highest interest rate given is 1.375% for time deposit of your Php5M minimum with a holding period of one year.

But how does your money in bank depreciates? The answer is because of inflation. Last January 2012, the inflation rate in the Philippines was as high as 5.2%. Currently, it it at 2.5%. Yes, it is lower now compared in the past because of our growing economy, but it is still higher compared to the interest rates that your money earns in banks.

Invest in Banks

 

My mentor taught me that if we want to truly invest in banks, buy shares of that bank through the stock market. Personally, I have shares of the biggest banks in the country today. I have BPI (Bank of the Phil Islands), BDO (Banco de Oro) and MBT (Metrobank). 

Investing in the stock market allows your money to earn at 12% to 20% per year, way higher compared to putting your money in banks, and beating inflation rates.

Banks are ideally for your emergency fund and business only. And besides, banks use your money and invest it in the stock market, wherein they earn through capital appreciation and dividends. 

 If you want to truly invest in banks, buy the bank.

How? Two ways.

You can directly invest in the stock market, with you choosing which stocks to buy, when to buy and when to sell. You can start doing this with as little as Php5,000 to open an account with an online stockbroker. The simplest and most effective way to learn how to do this is through signing up at Bo Sanchez' Truly Rich Club. CLICK HERE.

You can also invest in the stock market indirectly through financial institutions and insurance companies. With Insular Life, which is the first and the largest Filipino-owned life insurance company, you can start investing with as little as Php20,000 per year. Aside from growing your investment portfolio, you are growing your insurance coverage through this as well. You can request for a FREE quotation by filling up our form HERE.


Grow your wealth while preserving your fund's real value.


To understand this fully, please watch the short video below.

P.S. I hope you find this post helpful and finally ACT on starting your journey towards financial freedom through investments.

Splurge When It Comes To Self-Growth

There are two kinds of growth in life and in business: Progressive growth and quantum growth.

Progressive growth is moving from step 1 to step 2, step 2 to step 3, and so on. Quantum growth is leapfrogging from Step 1 to Step 10 -- all in one stride. 

And my mentor taught me that the only way to quantum growth is by having mentors. And true enough, based from my experience, that is where Quantum Growth happens. Mentors may come in form of a book, a seminar or conference, audio talk or video talk, newsletter or eReport, or an online course, or coaching program.

The biggest roadblock in having a Mentor is that they do not usually come cheap. Nor are they free. As a matter of fact, having a Mentor is expensive. So we ignore the opportunity to learn, and keep looking for free.

Remember that you are your most important investment. Do not be cheap on yourself. Invest in yourself, invest in your self-growth, and whatever you spend will be nothing compared to the profits you will earn when you have experienced Quantum Growth.

Avoid the free lunch attitude. 

I Do Not Stop Learning, and I Continue to Pay for My Learning

 

Above is a photo from my first splurge on self-growth: Wealth Summit held last March 2013. It was a splurge because registration for this two-day seminar costs almost Php20,000! I did not want to put my hard-earned money to waste so I chose to apply all that I learned from the seminar.

After that, I began to develop my passion for reading. Robert Kiyosaki, Bo Sanchez, Larry Gamboa and Dean Pax Lapid became my Mentors through these books. Almost every week, I would buy a book on financial management, business and investment. There were times when I would finish a book in 24 hours. Now, my collection of financial books is so much more compared to all the novels I've read in the past ten years combined!

I have also enrolled in an Online Marketing Course that costs Php18,000. Through it, I have learned my love for writing, which eventually resulted to the birth of this blog.

Two weeks ago, I have attended the Money Expo which costs Php1,500 for a one-day pass. Before that, I attended a seminar on making money through Foreclosed Properties. Last week, I was at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business Forum. Next week, I will be playing the Cashflow 101 and listen to lectures on Stock Market Investment and Foreign Exchange. 

If given the opportunity, I would like to attend the TRC Super Conference in October at the luxurious Shangri-la Mactan which costs Php70,000 for four nights (exclusive of airfare). And even the Rich Dad seminar by Robert Kiyosaki which I heard costs Php200,000 for three days only. Well, who knows, maybe one day, I will be there. 

On top of all these, I have been a member of the Truly Rich Club for more than a year now paying monthly fees. I receive my regular Stocks Update, Powertalks and Wealth Strategies newsletters.

I pay a lot for my self-education. And the truth is, every peso is worth it. I keep reading, and attending seminars because there is always something new to learn.

Now, merely four months after that Wealth Summit, I have started two businesses, my two daughters and I have been investing in the Stock Market, I do affiliate marketing for huge brands, I have no bad debt, and I have found ways on how to make money work for me. (Drum roll please!)

So, do not look for free.
Pay to get Mentors.
Pay for your self-growth.

Marriage, Money And Everything Else In Between

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Among other things, the most common source of disagreement between couples is financial handling. This means big trouble when the two are opposites in the way they handle money. One may be frugal while one is a lavish spender. One may be an impulsive buyer while the other is an investor. Well, the list goes on.

Going Backwards

Yesterday, I was reading a book by one of my favorite authors, Bo Sanchez. The book was "How to Find Your One True Love." Since Kiyosaki and Stocks Update were my usual reading list, this was a breather. Let me share a few excerpts from this book:

• Make decisions only when you feel good about yourself. Figuratively, don't make decisions during the night of confusion. Sleep over it, and make decisions when you wake up in the morning and feel better.
• We think that God's will is found out there, somewhere in the stars. That's not true. God's will is found within. Ultimately, God's will is your deepest desire.
• Contradicting desires create contradicting results. Where there is no clarity of purpose, no great thing will be achieved.
• Don't rebound. Wait for at least six months of mourning and adjustment before entering into another relationship (Popoy and Basha, six-month rule, not three).
• For those who are considering "consecrated celibacy," there is no point sitting on the fence. Jump into the water and get your feet wet. If you like it, stay. If you don't, get out and find another pool.
• You can't meet THE GUY unless you meet lots and lots of guys.
• Go out and live life to the full. Expand your territories. Broaden your horizons. Conquer the world. Go out! Single life is a fantastic life to really live!
• Empirical evidence has shown that the more similarities you have with your spouse, the greater chances you have for a happy marriage.
• Real knowledge comes only when you're physically with the person, seeing him (not just hearing him or reading his words) respond to real-life situations.
• You don't need a magical first moment to meet your potential husband. The important things are mature character, financial responsibility, the ability to commit, compatible mission and values..."
• Marriages with the least adjustments are those between friends who have known each other for years before they realize that they're good marriage material.
• When a woman has a positive outlook in life, she's a magnet.
• The key to being interesting is to be interested. And there is something that men need and are hungry for like a guy thirsting for water in the desert -- Affirmation.
• Modesty wins every time. Modesty attracts good potential husbands. Immodesty attracts lust -- and guys who would never respect you.
• Have passions. Have beliefs. Have preferences. From the very start, be your best self, but be yourself nonetheless.
• Be as pretty as you can be.
• A man will always hunger after what seems to be out of his reach. And he will value that which he sacrificed a lot to gain. And he will hold of little value to things he gained easily. In other words, a man is attracted to a woman who is not looking for a man (in a desperate way). So allow him to pursue you.
• The moment your boyfriend thinks he's got you under his thumb, he'll feel the chase is over. He's got to know you've got passions, interests and missions apart from him. He's got to know that he's part of your world, but not all of it.
• Follow these two rules: 1.) Singles, tell yourself over and over again: I'd rather remain single than be married to the wrong person. 2.)I won't entertain anyone to be my boyfriend until that person has been sober from his addiction for at least a year. The person must change now -- not after I say yes to him.
• Someone who lies to his parents will one day lie to his wife. Lying, cheating and stealing come from a bankrupt character.
• Create you list of "Must-Have" and "Must-Never-Have." And as much as possible, do not compromise these lists.
• Look for a man who loves his parents, loves his siblings, loves the poor... and the probability is high that he'll be loving you, too.
• You're first move is not to look for Mr. Right. Your first move is to work on yourself so that you become Ms. Right. And when you become Ms. Right, you become a magnet. You attract him to your life.

My message here is simple. If you are married to your One True Love, there is a greater chance for a happy and loving marriage. And money? It will never be an issue.

I am very blessed because my husband and I never argue about money. He spends on the present (necessities) while I spend on the future (investments).

Dreaming of finding your one true love? Click the link on the left One True Love Club.



Reference:

1. How To Find Your One True Love by Bo Sanchez