#ReaderAsks: How Did You Learn About the Stock Market & Could You Suggest Books?

While I may not be an expert when it comes to investing in the stock market but I've been getting emails from some of my readers asking me on how they could start investing in the stock market, what books should they read so they could jump start into investing, what is a good online broker in the Philippines and the basic questions that someone who has just recently realized the value of investing in the stock market would ask. 

Therefore, I would dedicate a blog post each week in trying to answer these questions. To ask questions, feel free to tweet me on Twitter using the hashtag: #ReaderAsks. I will try to answer each of them the best that I can based on my experience and from the tips of those who know better than I do. So without further ado, here's a question from Joann:

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Hi,

I stumbled on your site while reading about mutual funds. Anyway, I've read that you're into stock market? How did you learn about it? Could you suggest sites or books? I'm really interested about PSE and investing. 

Thank you so much

Joann

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How Do You Learn to Invest in the Stock Market?

While there may be a lot of blogs and resources (here's a complete list of my resources and links to the blogs that I frequently visit for tips and updates) wherein you could read about firsthand experiences of people who have long been investing in the stock market, the first and most important step is to visit the official website of the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. wherein you could learn about the commonly used terms, the risks of investing, the minimum amount required to invest, among others. Familiarize yourself with the website and the most commonly used terms so you will have an idea once you start investing. 

What Are the Listed Companies in the PSE?

Since the listed companies are identified through their tickers, you can use this symbol look up tool in the PSE site so that by the time that you're investing, you will not have a hard time memorizing or looking the tickers and company names up. It would greatly help if you keep the said tool handy. 

What Books Do You Suggest?

When I started investing, I didn't really had the chance to read a lot of books since I focused on the latest trends so I consulted my favorite blogs instead. I was also very fortunate to have found group mates who sent me e-books to read such as Security Analysis 2nd Edition, Stock Market Strategies That Work and Benjamin Graham's The Intelligent Investor. If you wish to have a copy of these ebooks, simply follow me on Twitter, use the hashtag #ReaderAsks and I'll send you a copy to your email for free. I don't want to give out my email address and I am always on Twitter so that's the best way to get in touch with me. 

Should you have any questions about investing in the stock market, don't hesitate to send me a tweet and I will do my best to answer them here in my blog. 

For the meantime, you might want to check out my other investment related posts. See you till our next #ReaderAsks session!

The Little Things Every Newbie Should Know About the Stock Market

How to Invest in the Stock Market for Your Retirement [Video]

Should You Invest in Your Kids' Education? A Journey to Financial Stability with Your Family

Surviving the Recession by Quitting Your Job

photo by pfala

How I Turned My 100 to 100,000 in 10 Steps

 The Importance of Saving

While there's no easy and quick way to turn your money into bigger amounts and longer digits, it is always possible to reach your goal once you put your dedication to it. There is no magic trick either. The way I turned my Php100 to Php100,000 is not from some get rich quick money investment scheme. 

The journey to getting more than you currently have without sacrificing too much is both fun, challenging and fulfilling. The following tips which I will be giving to you are the steps which I took in order for me to turn my meager money into the amount that I wanted to have.

Everyone Can Have 100,000

The main purpose of this article is not to brag but to demonstrate that once you  dedicate your mind and actions into something you want to accomplish, you would be able to do so. May it also serve as an inspiration to those my age that no matter in what situation you are, you would be able to reach your goal as long as you constantly work on it and believe in yourself. 

1. Find someone who can inspire you to reach your goal

What drives a person to constantly work on his goal is to have someone inspire and constantly motivate them to keep doing and keep going where they want to. I have been working in a call center for over 6 months when a friend asked me how much money was I able to save. Since it was my first ever full-time job, I wanted to reward myself with various things that I want so I splurged my salary into various bags, shoes and dresses that I could lay my eyes on. Then the reality hit me when my friend asked me about my savings. I felt guilty that I haven't even taken any step or effort to try and save because I indulged into buying the things I thought I deserve. 

From that time on, I was like a drug addict who decided to quit what I was addicted to. Trust me, it was difficult.  Especially when I pass by boutiques that display the latest fashionable bags and shoes!

However, I have already decided. It may not be easy, but it IS possible.

Find someone who could push you to your limit and constantly motivate you to work out on your goal. Later on, it has also helped me when I added my mom to my inspirations since we live in the same house and she would always follow up on my goal. Think of someone whom you feel that inspires you to be better. 

It could be your boyfriend, your best friend, your pet, your teacher. Just think of anyone. Do it. Now!

2. Opening a Bank Account - Not the ATM

Getting to my goal wouldn't be possible had it not been for the steps which I took after that single most important decision to save. Clutching my Php100, I opened a savings account with a local bank. Don't open an ATM account! You would be easily tempted to withdraw your savings with such an easy access. It would defeat the purpose of saving. Also, opening a regular savings account requires lower maintaining balance when compared to that of ATM account. 

3. I Got a Savings Account...Now What?

Just like everyone else, I struggled keeping up with my goal. You know my story. I don't have rich mom and dad to turn to when I don't have money to put on my piggy bank. Just like you, I wondered if my savings account would survive. 

4. Frugality goes a long way

Remember my addiction to shoes? I quit that. I also made sure that I differentiate the need from my wants. The needs needed to be taken cared of while the wants needed to be cut off. Everyday I would remind myself of the 6 digits of the money which I always wanted to get my hands on. Every day I would go to work with much clearer purpose that I want to save. When I got my salary the next month, I paid my tithing, paid my bills, bought my essentials and everything went straight to my savings account. 

No more new shoes since I only have a couple of feet to wear them so why invest in twenty? No more new bags. I only have two shoulders that could carry them. With that thought in mind, it was much easier not to give in to the temptation of buying new things. 

5. You can skip meals but not your savings

No, I don't really encourage skipping meals but you get the idea. Skip your favorite TV show if you must but never skip a month without putting a few bills on your savings account. Once you skip, you will be tempted to skip a few more, then a few more months until you get used to the habit of skipping to the point that you will no longer to dedicated to save. Trust me, skipping is just as addictive as shopping. 

6. Monitor and compare

Do not be afraid nor be discouraged to monitor your savings. Sometimes the amount for a specific amount could be higher than the others but don't be sad. Instead be glad that you are able to save more in some months than the other but don't rest on your laurels either. Monitoring your savings will also help you to assess what extra mile have you done for a specific month why you were able to save much more than the others.

7. Let your inspiration be your constant motivation

Remember the inspiration I told you about? There would be times in your saving journey when you would constantly tempted to splurge into unnecessary things again. However, you could bank on your inspiration and turn it into your constant motivate to battle those temptations. Since my mom is one of my inspirations, I would always talk to her about my goals and being ever supportive that she is, she would always remind me when I tend to forget. Talk with your inspiration and let them know about your plans so they could assist in reminding or helping you reach your goal.

To give you an inspiration on how one could constantly be motivated, kindly watch the video of how a young man rose above all the trials in his life and eventually became an inspiration to millions. Despite how difficult the goal may be, you are given the ability to be able to get through all the challenges and eventually reach your goal.

8. Get a job and a second job

In my article 3 Effective and Practical Ways of Saving Money, I emphasized the importance of having a job and a second job. There is no way I would be able to reach my goal of turning my 100 into 100,000 if I didn't have the income to eventually save. Think of a hobby or skill that you have which you could eventually monetize on such as cooking, writing, sewing or just about any skill that you could make money from. Don't waste time, be sure to get a job that requires such skill. 

9. Invest in the stock market

I only learned about how investing in the stock market while you are young in the latter part of my journey. I wish I knew about it sooner so I could have turned my 100 to 200,000 or maybe 500,000 - the possibilities are endless. (The greater the risk too, I must say ;) Investing in the stock will not only help you increase your money but it will also help boost your country's economy. It will teach many principles on how to better manage your finances and will also teach you on how to better disciple yourself, develop entrepreneurial mindset and of course, be able to gain more returns on your investment (ROI).

10. There's no magic trick

I told you, there's no magic trick in turning your 100 to 100,000. You just need to have that goal and constantly work on it. Last year, I was able to withdraw P110,000.00 from my savings from my savings account in order to pay for my rent-to-own townhouse's down payment.

May this inspire you to make the most of what you have - whether it be talent, trust or money. Be sure to make it a goal to double, triple or to multiply what you have by deciding what you want, identify steps on how to achieve them and be undaunted when challenges come - for surely they will. And yes, your Php100 could be turned into Php100,000. I just did! :)

3 Times More Fun with Divoom Divo High Quality Speaker System

Hey there!

I thought I had cool enough built-in speaker system. 

Be sure to watch the video below to see how Meagan (my laptop) performs - er, the speaker system.

I thought just being able to listen to my favorite Boyce Avenue tracks with the aid of my laptop's internal speak system is cool enough. Until I saw Unbox Philippines well, unboxed the Divoom Divo Speaker System.

Then I realized, I could actually triple the fun with these 3 reasons how the Divoom Divo High Quality Speaker System could help make my current setup become way much cooler!

1. Great Design

The Divoom Divo speaker system could really my existing setup with its great design and with its compact size, one could hardly believe it's packed with so much features such as the following:

       * Crystal-clear Sound:Precision-engineered 1.5” 
          speaker drivers pure,distinct full-spectrum audio
       * Deep Bass:Powerful 4”(100mm) Long-throw
          subwoofer is built-in
       * Space-saving design:Compact,Stylish but serious
          performer of great sound
       * Sense-control:Pet Divo’s ear to control the sound
          conveniently
       * Shiny colors:Complement your decor

photos from Unbox

With so much powerful features, I was like, "No way, they can't be all contained in such a small speaker system!" Oh well, one could just wonder they could fit all the awesomeness in there.

2. Easy Touch

With easy touch button to control the sounds, could this device get any more cool?! 

3. Compact Design and Variety of Colors

Apparently the answer is a resounding YES.

The Divoom Divo speaker system is not only packed with high quality features, it's actually compact that you could bring music anytime, anywhere with you!

Oh well, this would make it 4 times cooler than my existing speaker system but definitely worth mentioning since the Divoom Divo speaker system could actually allow me to choose from not just two but four variety of colors such as white, green, read and black! 

Just when I thought my existing setup is cool enough, it could actually get even way cooler with Divoom Divo speaker system ;-) 

Be sure to connect with Unbox and Divoom Divo on Facebook! 

My Mom Has a New Favorite, And I'm Loving It!

Hey there! It's Jonha.

I'm my mom's favorite. 

Well, er, mainly because I'm her only daughter. :D

All my life I have all her love. And it's all mine alone.

Until recently, I've started to see some changes.

I guess she's got a new love. 

Well here's the story. 

After a long day's work, we would eat merienda.

We both love to share a liter of our favorite soda. 

I guess all Filipinos love an ice cold drink. 

Until one day, my mom announced that she would no longer drink our usual "ice cold drink".

I was like, "No way! It has been our love for like forever!"

She told me that things has to change.

It's like when you're a kid, you would die if your parents won't bring you to Jollibee.

Then as you grow a bit older, you would start switching to McDonald's. 

In short, my mom has fallen in love with something else.

She added that as time passes by (she'd hate me if I'd say 'as she grows older') ;-)

She started to become conscious with her food intake

She actually has her maintenance of different medicines already

So she's said that she has to couple the healthy diet with healthy drink

Alright, so we agreed on drinking That-Fitness-Drink

It was great, it has 3 flavors but my favorite is always and like forever out-of-stock

We got tired of it.
We got tired of liking a flavor we can't drink and settle with other lesser in-demand ones

Then, lately mom has completely lost her love for those two drinks - Ice Cold and That-Fitness-Drink

She's loving something else...

Here ya go, Minute Maid Pulpy Orange-Mango Drink -  the main reason why my has lost her love on me our former love - ice cold drink and fitness drink

Since my mom has become more health conscious, she started to look for healthy orange juice drink that suits her healthy diet

 

I tried it...

 And oh boy - me loves it! haha

Seriously, at first gulp the pulpy and 'no preservatives added' claims seemed unreal to me.
But I guess it's the kind of juice drink that as you continue to drink, the more you will love and appreciate it. 

It was my fault because I didn't shake it so I didn't get to taste the pulpy goodness at first gulp. ;-)

So as you can see, I've already finished the whole Minute Maid healthy pulpy drink before I got to my senses and took a photo of it. ;-)
It honestly tastes good that I could say it's the only drink that you would really love even until the last drop of it. Kasi may pulp talaga eh, haha. 

Now I don't really mind if my mom loves something new - because we both love it!

You're Not Just a Woman - You Run the World

You Are Beautiful, You Are Special

Hello ladies!
Please know that you are special for who you are. You are beautiful because you are unique.
You are beautiful because you get up every time you fall and you don't let every trials crush you.
You are beautiful because you are God's greatest creation.
You are beautiful because you are a daughter of God.

Below are just some of the most empowering quotes about women and for the women. 

The practice of putting women on pedestals began to die out when it was discovered that they could give orders better from there - Betty Grable

I would rather trust a woman's instinct than a man's reason. - Stanley Baldwin

One is not born a woman, one becomes one. - Simone de Beauvoir

A woman is like a tea bag: you cannot tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water. - Nancy Reagan

Women are never stronger than when they arm themselves with their weaknesses. - Marie de Vichy-Chamrond



Women are meant to be loved, not to be understood. - Oscar Wilde

There is in every true woman's heart, a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.

Because I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed. If I fail, no one will say, "She doesn't have what it takes"; They will say, "Women don't have what it takes"-  Clare Boothe Luce

If a woman is sufficiently ambitious, determined and gifted - there is practically nothing she can't do -  Helen Lawrenson

Nobody objects to a woman being a good writer or sculptor or geneticist if at the same time she manages to be a good wife, good mother, good looking, good tempered, well groomed and unaggressive- Leslie McIntyre

Woman must not accept; she must challenge.
She must not be awed by that which has been built up around her;
she must reverence that woman in her which struggles for expression. - Margaret Sanger

A woman is the full circle.
Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform. - Diane Mariechild

Women really do rule the world. They just haven't figured it out yet. When they do, and they will, we're all in big big trouble. - Doctor Leon

Who Run the World -  Girls

Women, we really run the world because when you save a girl, you save generations.

Modess: Di Ka Lang  Basta Babae (You're Not Just a Woman)

In line with this, Modess would like you to realize your worth and your potential by sending over these cute "Di Ka Lang Basta Babae" t-shirts. Thank you Modess for empowering and inspiring women!

Royal Date with Daniel Matsunaga - Veet Me Winner

It's like I've waited my whole life for that one night - together - me and Daniel Matsunaga on a 'royal date' 

Daniel Matsunaga during our Veet Me date. He's a total *amazeballs

He taught me how to use the chopstick - the real Japanese way.

Helped me fix my iTouch, knows about stocks, he's a total quality person talaga.

(You may click on each photos to enlarge)

Who is Daniel Matsunaga?

It's been a week now since I had the chance to date with the Philippines' hottest knight - Daniel Matsunaga - but I still couldn't forget about that special night when I got to learn more about the Brapanese hunk, had a superb make over by Ate Chichi Sotomil and everyone was super nice it felt like everything were just a dream.

Wait, hold on one second...you don't know who Daniel Matsunaga is?! 

Either you've been hiding on a cave or you just can't believe I had such luck, eh? Well, apparently, some of the people on my network don't. 

So, to start with, he's the latest addition to the Regal Babies along with other hunks such as JC Tiuseco, Ervic Vijandre, Ian Batherson, and Fabio Ide. 

Beyond the good looks and great body, Daniel Matsunaga is a well-grounded person who knows how to make his fans feel special and definitely a perfect date for any woman. 

Preparation for the Veet Me Date

You might be wondering how in the world did I get a chance to date with him. Well, it all started with the Veet Me 2011 campaign wherein at the end of the contest, one lucky fan could get to date the Brapanese hunk. I took a chance, traveled to Boracay with my friends (who were both pressured to prepare for their exams the week afterwards - I owe you big time!), campaigned in almost all the social media accounts I have and to cut the long story short, we did it! 

We Veet the Bad Guys! (Below is a copy of the video just in case you wanna see the winning entry)

Veet Me 2011 Winners

Here are the list of Veet Me Winners

1st prize - JONHA DUCAYAG REVESENCIO - VEET ME! - VEET THE BAD GUYS. 

2nd prize - MA EDNA CECILIA RAMOS - VEET ME! - BE MY PRINCE JUST FOR A NIGHT!

3rd prize - JOANNE RAAGAS - VEET ME! - CINDERELLA. 

Consolation prize: Mary Michelle dela Cruz, Jacquelyn Mampolino, and Pia Mitzi Receno.

Things You Don't Know About Daniel Matsunaga

1. Stars are ----

Daniel Matsunaga is not only good looking but a total gentleman!

......Dumb?Cool? Well, he is kind! In the very essence of the word. Isa Marfori, the Brand Manager for Veet Philippines related a story of how Daniel is proven to be such a gentleman and really a nice guy. She mentioned that Daniel was such a professional person because he really did his job with his best during one of their events wherein he needs to kiss 25 women in the cheek and give them flowers and he did it with his signature smile.

Daniel Matsunaga driving a cute 1958 Volkswagen for our surprise date to Chelsea

Give it a few more months, let him master his tagalog (did I mention he said he learned English in 2 months? Awesome!) and I see that he will become like Anne Curtis who has worked so hard to get to where she is now. I don't know about you but I've got a feeling that Daniel Matsunaga is gonna succed in the showbiz industry. His looks coupled with his great attitude has marked such destiny. :-)

2. He used to play the stock market

Being someone who's addicted to the stock market and investing, it's such a delight to know that he used to play, er, invest in the stock market. Right after we were introduced, he heard we were discussing about the stock market and he was kind to give his two cents about the subject and oh boy, he knows a lot! He reminded me of my mentor who warned me about the dangers of the game.

The car looks so cool but since it's vintage - er, Daniel prefers calling it relic - he said it was kind of difficult to drive. Now, he drives me crazy - literally! haha

3. God fearing

Daniel Matsunaga - amazeballs! He sure deserves all the admiration of his fans because he's not only humble and helped me fix my iTouch but above anything else, he is such a God-fearing person. He related a story which he considers funny but I would consider *amazing*. He said that during his visit to China, he was stranded in the airport for like 4 hours. He waited for someone to fetch him but no one arrived. He then walked a bit farther from the airport hoping he could call for help only to see all his coins consumed by the telephone booth. He said it was one of those frustrating times in his travel that he decided to sit down and ask help from The One who never lets us down. Offering a quick prayer, he decided to look at his right to see a man sitting right beside him with a placard that reads, "--------aga" He related that he was relieved and rejoiced at how the Lord works.

Thanks for the gelato! 

During the special dinner, we talked about a lot of random things like what really makes him happy to which he responded, "To be with my family".

Trivia: Did you know that Daniel Matsunaga loves mash potatoes? 

When asked if there's a single advice he could give everyone, he simply said, "Just have faith in the Lord and in what you do". He related several more stories about how he worked hard to where he is now and many other inspirational encounters on how he proved that the Lord really works in glorious ways. 

4. Easy to talk to

He's so easy to talk to that I didn't feel I was talking with a celebrity. He actually offered to call one of my friends so he could thank them for helping me out with the video but I suggested that we record a video of him thanking them instead. I joked that there's over 30,000 votes and over 600 likers on Facebook so he has to name each one of them!  Below is a video of Daniel thanking the wonderful people who helped me out during the contest. (You know who you all are :-)

5. Football or Medicine

If not in show business, Daniel Matsunaga said that he would either be studying medicine or playing football. Aw, I could only imagine what a blissful view it would be to see him hanging out with Phil Younghusband and the rest of the Azkals.

Dessert! Kasing sweet ni Daniel

With the powerful women- Ate Chihi,Stefhanie,and Maffy Silvala (ahem)

With Ms. Marichu Gozun and Ms. Isa Marfori, the Brand Manager of Veet Philippines and my knight and shining iPad ;)

Thank You Veet!

I don't know about you but I think Kate Middleton and my dress during that night were siblings ;-)

I would forever be grateful to Veet for letting me have this great opportunity to meet and be inspired with the awesomeness of Daniel Matsunaga and get my hands on my dream gadget - an iPad - 64g baby! :-) Thanks for that special night with the Philippines' most awesome knight. 

A SPAtial Saturday in Spa Riviera and Christine's Salon

Refreshing Body Scrub and Revitalizing Foot Scrub from Spa Riviera - Manicure and Pedicure from Christine's Salon

I'm typing a bit slowly as I'm afraid that my manicure done at Christine's Salon by Ng Ruby might be messed up. Christine's Salon is the name that most women here in Iloilo trust when it comes to great hair styling, manicure and pedicure. When I asked my co-workers at Callbox as to what salon provides the best manicure and pedicure, they'd answer me in unison - Christine's Salon. I went there at around 7:00 in the evening after my very relaxing and truly pampering body and foot scrub from Spa Riviera. 

Spa Riviera is no new name when it comes to spa services. They provide a wide range of relaxing and really satisfying services from body massage, body scrub, facial, scalp treatment, waxing (leg, arm, bikini line) and you could actually choose from their add-ons such as back scrub, scalp treatment and aromatheraphy facial. 

In preparation to my Veet Me date with Daniel Matsunaga, I decided to pamper myself with a body scrub and foot scrub. While I enjoyed the Java body scrub (they use Citrus), I am totally hands down with their foot scrub. I'm not sure what Elna used on my feet but all I know was I fell asleep so easily because it was so relaxing to the point I didn't want to leave. There's nothing spectacular about the body scrub experience unlike what I had at My SPA Therapy Center. However, Spa Riviera wouldn't be the leading spa center in Iloilo for nothing. The staff were friendly and helpful. And oh, did I mention that all their body scrub and massage service already include sauna? 

Spa Riviera has various packages at P399.00 only. 

a. Body Massage

Herbal Heat

Mandi Susu Facial

b. Body Massage

Herbal Heat 

Asian Foot Massage

c. Body Massage

Herbal Heat

Body Scrub

Add-ons (you can only avail them at P99 only if you've availed of the services above)

a. Scalp treatment

b. Back scrub

c. Aromatheraphy Facial

Today was a truly relaxing and SPAtial Saturday. After my foot scrub at Spa Riviera, I felt like I'm ready to have my feet veeted by Daniel. :-) Should you wish to contact Spa Riviera, feel free to ring them at 509-0209.