I want to go home
By Efren Ll. CruzQUESTION: I have been working outside the Philippines for some years now. I am now 40 and thinking of returning to the country. Can you help me plan for this major life event?—OFW via Skype and e-mail
QUESTION: I have been working outside the Philippines for some years now. I am now 40 and thinking of returning to the country. Can you help me plan for this major life event?—OFW via Skype and e-mail
QUESTION: I have been trying to save but it’s like fighting a losing battle as I keep on nibbling away at my savings until they’re all gone. It’s like going on a diet, that’s the word die with a “t.” Do you know of an effective way of saving?—Housewife from Quezon City via e-mail.
Question: How do I choose stocks to include in my portfolio?—Middle East OFW via email
Answer: On the assumption that you have already figured out what you need to earn, what your risk profile is and whether you can invest directly, here is a non-comprehensive guide for your direct investing in stocks, which was derived from the process of choosing election candidates.
Now that I am in the stock market, how do I know if I am earning enough? What measures do I use?—Participant at EnRich CD-RW personal finance training
Q: I recently invested in stocks. I tried to diversify by buying a good number of them. Unfortunately, only less than half of the stocks I bought are making money. To top it all, the stock market has been falling in the past few days. Please advise me what to do. – Sent through “ask [...]
I have been hearing about the foreign “hot money” inflows to the Philippines. What is the significance of this to local entrepreneurs and investors? Should an OFW like me grab this moment to invest in stocks as well?—Dennis from KSA
Question: I am an overseas Filipino worker, aged 27. I have just started earning serious money and I want to invest some of the excess. Would you have any tips for a beginner like me?—sent via e-mail
QUESTION: I have been hearing a lot about how people made money in the stock market and how the Philippine Stock Exchange Composite Index (PSEi) has been reaching new highs. Is this now the best place to invest in the country?—EnRich training participant.
I have heard a lot about the benefits of investing in mutual funds. But I do not know where to begin. Can you give me advice on the process of choosing a mutual fund?—Sent through Ya!man mobile app’s “Ask an Expert”
Question: As a full-time real estate broker, I am always on a feast-and-famine cycle. No matter how much I budget, I can’t seem to stretch my income until the next sale. I managed to invest in a taxi that’s now fully paid, but the daily income is not enough to pay bills, especially with two kids to send to school. Do you know of a financial program or investment scheme I can avail myself of where there is feast so that I avoid famine—something like a salary or regular income from investment?—Submitted via Facebook
Question: I have tried the many personal finance lessons I’ve read about in the past months. While many of them make a lot of sense, I realize that practicing personal finance lessons is as much behavioral as it is technical. Do you have any suggestions on how to apply these lessons from the behavioral side?—Makati-based employee looking for effective personal finance solutions
I have time and again found myself buying stuff that I don’t really need because of sales offers and gimmicks, especially during the Christmas season. What is the best way to avoid unwanted spending?—Heavy holiday season shopper
