CitisecOnline (COL) 2012 Market Outlook

Before I decided to invest in the Philippine Stock Market, just like any newbies, I had a lot of questions like to which broker should I go - online or traditional, which stocks should I pick, how much should I invest and many other investing-related questions. 

One of those questions is to which broker should I invest my money with. There are several online and traditional brokers in the Philippines (you may view a list of brokers and other things that every newbie should know here)  but I eventually went with CitisecOnline. There are many reasons why I chose them over the others such as most of my trader friends have proven the reliability of their service, customer service is great (important when you're trading) and unlike any other online brokers, they provide tips and seminars that will help better equip its traders and investors and be updated with the latest market trends like the one below:

What: 2012 COL Market Outlook

When: March 20th 2012

What Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Where: Meralco Theatre, Ortigas Avenue corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig City

How: Click here to register now or Call their Hotline 6-333-777

Do not forget to print out your e-ticket after registering online. This is to be presented at the registration table during the day of the event.

Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please click on the link to register online or call our hotline at 6-333-777 today.

Food and drinks are not permitted inside the auditorium.

2012 COL Market Outlook

Raising Money Smart Kids Workshop

Importance of Finance Education for the Kids

Parents invest so much on their kids education and would do anything they can to send their kids to the best schools they can. However, you kids don't just need the education provided in schools. 

More than anything else, they need financial literacy which could better help them in making smart financial decisions in the long run. If you want to learn how to raise money smart kids then I highly suggest the Raising Money Smart Kids Workshop by Rose Fres Fausto on March 17th, 2012, 1:00 - 5:00 PM at Crowne Plaza, Ortigas Center. 

For more details and inquiries, you may contact RFP through the following:

Email: info@rfp.ph or RaisingPinoyBoys@yahoo.com

Phone: 634-2204

Philippines: A Country to Invest in Long Term

Bloomberg reports that Philippines is a Leading Asian Tiger Economy of the World and Best Countries to Invest in Long Term

Philippines is getting more and more confidence from foreign investors as Bloomberg has reported it as a leading Asian Tiger Economy of the World and CNBC included it as one of the top 12 countries to invest in long term.

RCBC Bankard Visa Infinite

RCBC Bankard has just recently launched their newest credit card – the RCBC Bankard Visa Infinite. It is a premium lifestyle card that will bring shopping fun to a new and more exciting level. 

Called the RCBC Bankard Visa Infinite, it carries unique features that not only make shopping infinitely fun but definitely easy on the pocket. If you like to travel and shop, then this card is for you!  The Card brand ambassador is Lexi Schulze. 

Always on the forefront of innovative credit card products (I've previously write about RCBC Mercury Drug MyWallet Card) that make life easier and more convenient for cardholders, leading credit card brand RCBC Bankard has come up with yet another new addition to its wide roster of cards – the RCBC Bankard Visa Infinite card. A premium lifestyle card, this newest RCBC Bankard product to be launched in the market offers unique shopping and travel perks not commonly found in other premium credit card brands.

For one thing, it combines the strength and wide purchasing power of the Visa brand with the stability and innovative spirit of the RCBC Bankard brand. As a premium lifestyle card, RCBC Bankard Visa Infinite provides access to special privileges and rewarding experiences, here and abroad and gives its discriminating cardholders value for every charge they make because of the rebate and savings the card generates for them.

Discover the infinite joys of shopping with RCBC Bankard Visa Infinite’s exciting and unique exclusive features that include:
• A 5% rebate on clothing and apparel transactions at all retail shops; and
• No service fee for foreign currency transactions thereby generating savings for you when you use your card to shop or travel abroad.

In addition to these exclusive features, the RCBC Bankard Visa Infinite also offers the following exciting privileges:

• Travel Accident Insurance of up to P 20 million
• Emergency Travel Medical Insurance of up to P 2 million
• Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
• Access to over 600 Airport VIP Lounges worldwide through the Priority Pass Airport Lounge
• Use of International Phone Service
• Rewards points for every purchase
• Global Visa Infinite Privileges

As Bankard President & CEO, Oscar B. Biason proudly avers, “We are very excited about the launch of our newest premium card in the market – the RCBC Bankard Visa Infinite – because we are certain that it will change the way cardholders view the premium card. Not a stiff or serious card, the RCBC Bankard Visa Infinite will make shopping and travel both fun and rewarding for its cardholders. This we can guarantee.”

Iain Jamieson, Country Manager, Philippines, and Guam, Visa, said: “The Visa Infinite card represents the absolute pinnacle of Visa cards and as such offers benefits and rewards that will certainly fit the discerning lifestyles of RCBC Bankard’s premium customers. A Visa Infinite card can provide access to a wide range of memorable privileges and experiences both at home and abroad. We have partnered with some of the world’s leading luxury specialists to develop a range of exciting offers and packages, so whether it’s an overseas shopping trip, a relaxing weekend escape or a round of golf – RCBC Bankard Visa Infinite cardholders will be spoilt for choice.”

To make the entry of the card in the market even more exciting, Bankard is giving out free Limited-Edition Garment Bags to the first 1,000 RCBC Bankard Visa Infinite cardholders.

Learn more about this exciting new RCBC Bankard credit card by logging on to www.RCBCBankard.com. You can also call the Customer Service at 888-1-888 to apply or go here for details on how to apply.

With RCBC Bankard Visa Infinite, you will understand what shopping fun really means.

The Wrong Questions that Newbies Ask Before Investing

Investing is not something we've always been so familiar with. Even Warren Buffett started investing at the age of 11 (he started at a much younger age than most of us, maybe), he had his share of doubts and questions too.   Even Robery Kiyosaki, the author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad even had many questions to both of his dads when he was wondering how could get rich. You see, even some of the most wealthy and the most financially successful people started with a bunch of questions. Newbies in investing and trading often have the most interesting questions. 

But do you know that the questions you ask at the very first stage of your investment are the most critical and pivotal point of your investing path? These questions make up the most fundamental financial decisions as the first step often leads to the others as you progress towards your financial investing journey. Question like how much should you invest, what funds to invest in and where to invest are just some of the most vital questions that every person who wants to get started with investing. 

Now that we understand the importance of asking questions, we also need to understand the importance of stop asking the wrong questions and start asking smart questions because these questions are the most essential pieces that will lead you to a much clearer path of investing. Asking silly questions may get you in trouble (or your portfolio) and simply wastes your and the person you ask's time.

I may not be a finance expert, I still consider myself a newbie actually. So it surprises me when people really take some time to ask me questions about investing. While I try my best to answer the most questions I could, I feel that some of them either aren't really necessary when you're investing. Below are just some of the newbie questions that I think may not be completely wrong but could be improved when you really want to make intelligent decisions.

1. How much would I gain every month if I invest?

While we understand that the interest that will be gained from the investment may be important since we're investing so we could earn more, I think the question should be more focused on your personal risk appetite. That way, you may learn how to better control your investments and trades. Also, when you're investing in the stock market, you can't really predict as to how much you will gain the next hour. 

2. What stock should I buy?

You would say that it's an important question. Well yes it's an important question to ask yourself but not just anyone whom you try to consult - whether paid or not (especially if not paid). When I wanted to jump into the stock market investing bandwagon, I made friends with people who were long been trading so I could solicit tips and rumors. It worked fine for me as I've managed to find friends who were patient enough to share some of their stock picks with me. 

However, in the long run, the system just wouldn't work. If you're a newbie, you need to establish your own investing strategy so you will have a better foundation and understanding of what you're doing and not just depend on someone else's. That way, your financial decisions would become more responsible and solid as you get a better understand of your accountability. It feels so much better when you know you've chose the right stock because you had the fundamental background of why you did and not just because a colleague encouraged you into it. You will become more confident and independent. And that's where learning comes. 

When we start asking the right questions, we easily get across to the right answers and the financial journey becomes more fulfilling and more meaningful. Let's start asking smart questions today! 

How to Live Life Like Warren Buffett

While trying to reach my financial goals in life, there are several people that I look up to for inspiration and motivation. One of them is the ultimate finance genius - Warrenn Buffett. 

If you're like me and you've always wondered how did he acquire his wealth, how does he make such intelligent financial decisions, below are just some gold nuggets that if only we could all follow, we would all enjoy a much more bountiful and comfortable life. His ways are not always the easiest, but always worth the try. 

Thank you Issa of  You Want to be Rich for sharing this gold nugget on your Wall. 

Most Inspiring Women in Personal Finance

In everything we do, there's always some sort of motivating force that helps us to keep on moving. The same is true when we're trying to save more money or invest. I am currently in the process of compiling a list of the most inspiring women in the personal finance field. These women are not only the light of their home but have also served as a great inspiration for many people especially in the personal finance field. 

Photo Source: Allana Yao

May I invite my readers to share who do you think are the most inspiring women in the field of personal finance and how they were able to help you reach you financial goals through their blogs, their columns and other media that has not only inspired but also motivated you to do something towards reaching your goals. 

Please use the comment section to post your suggestions, recommendations and reasons or you may send me your suggestions on Twitter and Facebook.

I look forward hearing from you!