Layman Investment

6 Ways To Earn From Your Passion

2017-09-02T21:47:00.002-07:00

You might not realize but you could be missing that opportunity to earn extra money from doing those things you love.

So, let me share with you 6 ways to earn or to make a fortune out of your passion:

1. If it is about collecting things, use your knowledge about it. You might have the idea where to find the best supplies with the cheapest price. Buy. And for sure, you know people who share the same interest. Sell.

2. On collectibles again, if you have the eye for "long term value", start collecting those which you think will become rare and wait until their costs shoot up. Either sell, or wait further til they cost you a fortune.

3. If its about a specific skill or hobby, make a sideline job from it. Be good at it and offer your service for a fair pay.

4. Hone your skills. Be one of the best. Make it your "job" and get paid handsomely for doing what you love.

5. Create a useful and valuable product (i.e. book, blog to monetize, a new toy, gadget, recipe, vlog). Use your passion and knowledge to create an edge and to make your product profitable.

6. Or, just like most people, you may not have the time or opportunity to directly monetize your passion. Then, do it on your leisure time to avoid burn out and to exercise your creative muscles. It will help you to function ar your best and get to do your job well for the rest of the week.

Regrets and Inaction

2017-02-19T06:51:00.003-08:00

The 3rd month of the year is coming and your age is increasing. Thank God you're still alive that He gives you another day to make your life better and for you to prepare a good one for those you love. If there's another tomorrow, that would be good. But if none, hope that you have done what you've been planning to do because saying that you want to do something doesn't equate to actually doing it. These are opposite sides of a coin.

Having great intentions is good. But results come only to those who take actions. Having fear is understandable. But using fear as an excuse is cowardice and irresponsibility. Decide, act and move. It might be uncomfortable at first. But getting used to discomfort is part of it and once results fall into your lap, you'll realize that everything is worth it. And the only thing that you'll regret is that you did not start earlier.

How's Your Hand?

2017-01-23T16:01:00.001-08:00

Even with the best hand, if you don't understand the rules of the game, you can still lose. Someone might look poised to succeed in life with his educational background, a good job and great health but if his mentality and actions do not maximize these advantages, failure is inevitable. We always seemed surprised to hear people succeeding out of no where. But if we look closely, a lot of those who reach the top are the ones who started out from the bottom yet hustle their way up against the odds.

Remember that the person who is more likely to succeed is not always the one who's dealt with the best hands in life but it is he who strategizes his way up no matter how bad the set of cards are being dealt to him.

#FinancialPlanningforLife

Use Your Today

2016-11-29T10:04:00.002-08:00

Today, reasons and excuses are easy, convenient and cheap. But tomorrow, the only currencies accepted are the solutions and preparations that you did earlier.

Start Young and Wise

2016-11-29T10:01:00.001-08:00

It is hard to be a breadwinner. And do you know what's harder? It is the situation of the breadwinner's dependents when suddenly, they are left on their own.

That's why I'm so glad to have persuaded this 24 yr old IT professional, an eldest in his family, to start with his investment early. He might have just began with his career but he understands fully the gravity of being prepared for anything. Currently, he has to support his two younger siblings in their education and his parents are already in their retiring age yet he's able to budget his salary and make room to what is essential for all of them.

And it's not a bad deal to put up with a Php 2500/month investment for 10 yrs and have 1M pesos life insurance, 500K pesos accident and disability coverage, and more or less 1 Million Pesos withdrawable money at age 50 in return. A bonus well spent? No. But rather, it is a bonus well allotted and utilized.

Are You Ready To Leave?

2016-11-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

It's that day again when families and friends troop to the cemeteries to remember and pray for our dearly departed. And because of the season, I remember that saying that we can't bring our treasures buried with us 6 feet under when our lives end. That's true. Yet unfortunately, it's not just material riches but the list of things we can't bring beyond our lives here on earth includes our debts, expenses and responsibilities on which some are even transferred to those whom we left behind.

And we call these people as our loved ones. Loving should be in action and not just in words. So rather than leaving them grieving and burdened with finances, why not prepare them at least in the financial sense? Save, invest, get an insurance. It will give you a peace of mind before you even rest in peace. And there are statistics that say those who prepare for it usually are the ones who live longer. I believe this because the mentality of those people who prepare have safer mindsets, health and situations than those happy go lucky people.

Drive Your Way to Investment Success

2016-07-26T10:35:00.001-07:00

Running your business is like driving a car. Motivation is the spark plug, your resources are your fuel and your driving skill is your investment knowledge.

I already met enough people who failed in their businesses by committing that mistake of thinking that motivation and resources are enough ammunitions to start and finish a battle. And it was a personal experience as well.

Your skill will always be critical. Sometimes, motivation acts like a hallucinating drug that makes you think you are invulnerable. And the danger doubles when you have that enough resources at your hand. You may be able to start the machine and be able to move initially with the momentum. But once you get into that bumpy road, without that necessary skill to get past through it, expect a lot of difficulties on your way or worst, a sudden halt with what you are doing.

Invest in enriching your skills and knowledge. Find your expertise. And when the driver is ready, the perfect car comes.

It's Not The Money

2016-06-09T22:36:00.000-07:00

Our problems with money does not come from neither the state of richness nor poverty. It is rooted from materialism and greed. You can be greedy and materialistic while being either poor or rich and they are what create discontent and envy. It is with detachment from material things, not with the proverbial "simple life" nor with affluence where you can achieve happiness and contentment.

Knowledge on Top

2016-04-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

In investing and entrepreneurship, it's not enough that you are inspired. Knowledge is more important. I find it amusing that a lot of would be entrepreneurs and investors spend 90% of their time attending inspirational talks and reading motivational books but put in sporadic efforts sharpening their skills on their chosen field. In the long term, what you do becomes a part of your life. Your inspiration might waive off but your knowledge stays with you and it will be your fuel to continue with what you do.

The Best Investment

2016-03-23T02:19:00.003-07:00

Do you know when can you say that you have found the best investment? It is when it puts you in a position to help others and gives you a chance to become a better person.

Online Games and Investing Mentality

2016-03-21T20:34:00.002-07:00

Your base was empty. Your command unit was a handful. Your fire power was weak. You could barely attack or defend. That's how it was when you were just beginning to play that addicting online game. But look, now you have a stronger base, powerful defensive weapons and a huge army enough to pulverize a huge enemy camp. So what did you do to arrive at this scenario from almost none at the start?

You managed to do with what you had. You bought only what you need. You utilized your few resources wisely trying not to waste anything. You were most of the time defensive and attacked only when the possibility of winning was big. Though of course, you sometimes gambled with calculated risks. Your first income was spent on things that will gain you more assets and money.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, that's just exactly what you need to do in real life if you want to grow your money. It's just funny that most people treat online golds more delicately than the one they worked hard for in real life.

What makes online gamers more prudent in handling their money is their commitment to grow their army and bases. They create their work plan around it. There's that clear ending in mind unlike in real life where most people don't take saving and investing seriously. Most think that all they need to do is to keep more money then that's it. It's a mistake. It may be effective to some but for the majority, it's impossible to save when you don't have a target. To have a clear course of action, you must have a specific and clear goal.

Sometimes, it makes life easier when you treat things like a game. But don't forget that understanding and love for it are essential to win big. Patience is needed at the beginning. Once you got a hold of it, had installed greater weapons and trained a huge army, then you can start taking larger risks by attacking bigger and richer camps for more mouth-watering loots.

Objective First

2016-03-17T04:23:00.000-07:00

You can't get lost driving or walking if you don't have a target destination. But if you do that, don't expect to arrive at a place you desire to go to. And you can't blame your car, your map or the road but you only have yourself to point a finger to.

When you invest, you should always have a goal. Whether it's for your retirement, for buying a house, a phone or a car, whatever it is, there must always be a target. To save money as a goal is also possible, but put a number in there so that you'll know if you're moving towards near it and also to be able to calculate if it's mathematically possible with the way you're doing it at the present.

Investing is not just an act but a discipline. You just don't do it. With your first peso, you must have an end in mind. Remember that your first steps are the most important in reaching your destinations. But in case you get lost in the middle, don't be afraid to ask for guidance from those who are more familiar with the directions.

Grab the Guava

2016-03-16T09:22:00.004-07:00

Whenever there's a news about our economy doing well, the usual reply you can read in the comments section is "'di naman namin ramdam yan (we don't feel it anyway)".

That would always be true for someone who doesn't have a job, does not invest nor study about it, does not spend wisely or does not save. I understand that there are limitations brought to us by circumstances like how we feel our government is neglecting us. But for us to feel the effect of a growing economy, we should be the one chasing its effect.

We can't be Juan Tamad waiting for the guava to fall. Stand up and grab the proverbial guava.

Be Selfless

2016-03-15T14:52:00.001-07:00

One of the worst enemies of would be investors is greed. And the best way to combat greediness is by selflessness. By prioritizing what's important in your life, you'll never go wrong with your decisions. You will consider everything before taking any step. You will not make crazy gambles. You will take calculated risks that will most likely ensure the best situations for your loved ones in a future that you may or may not be present at all. So have you asked your self how your loved ones would be if that future is tomorrow?

Bigger Picture

2016-01-19T13:19:00.001-08:00

When emotions are catching up on you, always try to view on the bigger picture. Remind yourself of the reasons why you invested into something, why you bought that stock, why you put your money in it. Remember all the factors that made you think that your decision was correct. Check if your your targets are still on view. Consider your time table. If majority of these parameters are still in parallel of what's happening now, then you don't have to worry that much. Breathe. Just keep a watchful eye.

But if you can't articulate any of the considerations above, it might mean that you didn't really put a lot of thinking before acting on your investments.Then you have all the reasons to be that nervous. But it's not too late. You still have time to change track and make better choices in the future. Learning thru experience still gives the best lessons. There's always the time to bounce (pun intended).

Own 2016 With Honesty

2015-12-30T23:23:00.000-08:00

You are working full time. You have many responsibilities as a breadwinner. There are bills to pay, a couple of loans, kids' education fees, daily expenses, etc. You have zero to small savings. Your hands are full and you lack time to check out on your investment options. You are always tired and working hard but yet they do not translate to improvement in your finances

That could be your situation in 2015. The good news is it was also the same with several people I know just a few years back who have turned their lives for the better ever since. It's not hopeless. I was also facing the similar case not too long ago but was able to find a way out of it little by little. And while I asked those people about how they climbed out of the hole, I found out that the common thing that helped us to begin moving away from that same situation was "honesty".

Honesty is not just a virtue which improves our relationship with people but also a character that would help us in building up our financial situation. Here's a list on how honesty helps you with your money woes.

Be honest with yourself. Is it really that you don't have what it takes to begin or you're just afraid of investing? Is your fear of the unknown worse than the fear of the inevitable which is your child's education expenses, your retirement, sudden loss of job, health deterioration and ageing?
Be honest on which things you really don't need. Then stop wasting your hard earned money on them. Rather set the money aside for more important things like investments.
Be honest with your investment knowledge. Even if I'm doing this for years, I still ask the more seasoned guys. Everything is a continued learning experience. Don't be shy if you know nothing nor too proud if you know a bit. Asking and studying will always do wonders.
Be honest with your targets and expectations. This is the only way that a financial advisor could direct you to the investment that would suit you.
Be honest with your situation. Stop fooling your self that you're just fine even if you're not. Stop making excuses for not beginning to save and to invest. Accept the reality that you have to do it now, no matter what.

Just be honest. Begin your investment and make it a habit. No need to start big. Just start. And when you say that you will, be honest.

Happy New Year.

Gratefulness is Wealth

2015-12-09T17:17:00.003-08:00

Health is wealth, and so is gratefulness. Motivation and a clear mind are necessary to make money. And one of the gateways towards it is by being thankful. When you appreciate the things you have, the people around you and the environment you are into, your decisions and actions will be better and your vision will be clearer. You'll see opportunities out of challenges and you'll see difficulties as part of your development. You'll become a better person and you'll attract more positive things.

Investing is Boring, Election is Exciting But

2015-12-06T19:18:00.004-08:00

People are on a high during elections and campaign seasons. We feel that the power is in us. We push names of those who think would save us from our current situation. Those who are sitting on the pedestal suddenly kneels in front of us just to get our support.

Elections and candidates usually give us hope for a better future. Some of them might be able to live up to their promise. But most of them don't. But really, it doesn't matter what they do or what policies they create if you don't act for your own future. We may be able to elect the best, but the person that will have the largest impact on your growth is yourself. Your vote won't give you money for your child's tuition fee, your medical expenses, for your planned car or house, your travels or your retirement fund, but your investment today will.

You won't get much high in investment though. It's a boring thing to do. You do due diligence, you research, you ask, you put money, and then you wait. Boring indeed. But your future self will thank your boring old self for doing so while you will forget the names of those you voted and campaigned for. But still, vote wisely. You will only get a better output out of an investment or an election if you use logic and reason more than emotions.

Hitting Big and Losing All

2015-11-27T13:19:00.001-08:00

Earning money is good. But keep in mind that it's never the end goal. Don't be too desperate and compromise morals just to have more. You might succeed in hitting a big one today then have your life gone the next day. Or you might live long enough to regret doing a grave thing in the past for the sake of money that will ruin the rest of your future.

Being a good steward of things here on earth is a responsibility given to us by God. We are expected to make good use of our skills, strength and talents to take good care of our family, surroundings and our own selves which includes financial matters.

Earning and building wealth to put into good use is always a great thing. But never forget that all material things are temporary. We might be capable to buy all the things we want but we can never afford to lose sight of the more important things in life which are everything beyond material things and money.

Aim for the Value

2015-11-22T18:42:00.003-08:00

If you want to earn for a living, your goal must not be how to make money. Your focus must be on offering something of value to others. It may be your skill, talent or some product that improves other people's lives. People pay for things that makes their lives better and easier. Look at yourself, then on the others. What problems do you have now and what could be your solution? Think of what you could do or create to make lives trouble-free. Then build it. Make people know about it and you can start from that.

Laziness Does Not Bring Contentment

2015-11-15T20:52:00.002-08:00

You call it prudence, others will see it as playing safe. Your passion for planning of your future is perceived by some as dissatisfaction and ungratefulness of your current situation. Laziness and hopelessness are sometimes interpreted by others as contentment. Or maybe to use it as an excuse to do something.

Contentment is not when you keep on complaining about your situation while criticizing those who are striving to improve their lives.

Investing for your future must not be mistaken as a sign of discontentment and ungratefulness of your current situation. It actually means you are grateful and contented with your life that you want your loved ones to feel the same or better even when you are gone.

When Is The Right Time To Invest?

2015-10-29T10:56:00.002-07:00

The most perfect timing to start investing is now. Tomorrow will be late. Yesterday is already past. Timing should be one of your last concern in investing. It should be which investment you want to start with and then begin right away upon decision.

Financial Literacy is Detachment

2015-09-22T01:45:00.001-07:00

Flashy cars, big houses, top of the line phone models, signature shoes and gears, these things are what usually capture the attention of those who get hooked and schemed by shady types of investments. And there are lots of them. Warnings are provided by the government authorities but many are still falling victims to them. Ignorance is one reason that it happens. But there are many who are supposedly smart people but still get caught on this trap not because they are not aware of the possibility of being scammed but due to a great attraction of a possible quick chance of a home run. Greed got into them and it is a far more dangerous black hole that pulls people strongly into the depths of poverty compared to ignorance.

It is also one thing that scares people away from legitimate investments. And many of those who got victimized couldn't move on and thought that everything else are the same. Whenever they hear someone talking about money and finances, they move away. Though it's really so easy to know whose professing real financial literacy from who's not.

If someone's teaching against materialism, showing you the way to detachment from worldly riches and becoming good stewards of what you have, then that is FINANCIAL LITERACY. It is really that simple. And that's also the only solution to work on your financial woes. The more you crave for more money without the correct mindset, the more financial problems you'll have. The more you detach yourself from material things, the more content and happy you'll become.

Budgeting Basics

2015-09-07T13:23:00.003-07:00

I lost a lot of money before but not because someone stole it but then, I didn't exactly know what happened that I just wished that I knew it was indeed robbed. And there were days that it felt like I got more stuff than what I could afford. It is like magic. But it's also called budgeting.

There are many techniques out there that offer ways of budgeting your hard earned money. For sure that many of them work since they are mostly based on experience. I tried using some of them. Some worked, some did not. But I noticed that it's not the technique that is causing me to fail or not in managing my finances. It's what I did first before applying the technique that gave better results. Or maybe it's just about it. I prioritize.

Budget consists of 2 major parts, money at hand and the things you need to pay for. Those which you are not capable of buying because of lack of money are categorized as out of budget. Therefore you allot your money only for the things that you need to make sure you are within your budget.

It's basic and I'm sure you know about this already. But there are still a lot of us that find budgeting too difficult even for those who get paid a lot higher than the average earners because we are not being honest with ourselves. Sometimes, you get confused with the things you really need from those you just think you deserve to have. There are things that you buy that you can't afford though there are cheaper options where quality is not sacrificed. And there are things you buy that you think you should have though you don't really need. There's also this tendency to upgrade just because you earned a bit higher even if it's not necessary.

Let's also not fool ourselves that we are "investing" on unnecessary clutters as discussed on this blogpost. These are the biggest killers of budget. We tend to justify buying the things we just like and then later on wonder what happened to our budget.

Bottomline is, you don't need to do any other budgeting technique when you only buy what you need which you are financially capable of including your savings and investments. By having the familiarity of your cash flow and the discipline to buy only the things you can't live without, you don't have to do budgeting any more in your entire life.

Ready to Get Down and Dirty

2015-08-25T14:56:00.001-07:00

I lost almost half of what I invested in the stock market last 2008. Just this Monday, Aug 24, things seemed to be repeating all over again. This might mean that it is or maybe it is not. No one really knows, though there are indicators that major corrections are about to happen. We have been enjoying bullish movements for the past years and we all know that it's gonna happen sooner or later.

I won't give tips on what to do about it. I'll leave it to those more experienced and seasoned traders. I read them also by the way. But what I just want to do here is to share to you and at the same time remind myself of what I experienced during the last recession. I saw people losing jobs then. Just one snap and they are jobless. Then stock prices were free falling. Foreign and local fundies were selling off and the individual traders were losing hard earned money. Property bubble was the culprit then. Now, they said it's the instability of some economies in Asia (China) and Europe (Greece, etc). Other factors come into play as well. Wars for example.

For the individual traders, it matters less what the cause is. The effect is what hits them directly into their pockets. We may be able to understand all these things and know the steps to do when it happens. But the most important thing I learned in 2008 was that, even if you think you know what to do, it's never that easy. You know the steps but will never be sure when to execute since the market cycle is only obvious on hindsight and not when you are currently in it. And then there's your emotion. There might be signals on what to do but your feelings will always get in the way.

As important as knowing what to do is to be prepared emotionally, physically and mentally for the grind. You must toughen up your skills, composure and physical body as much as you can. Your readiness will dictate what your actions will be during crisis. It will be a long tough battle so being generally healthy is of high importance. Make no mistake about it. It's a war out there.

Complacency and "peacetime" will provide you the moment to equip yourself but it is always during the moment of danger that your maximum potentials will be triggered. Your knowledge will be your ammunition. But if your body is not capable to carry out your game plan, every weapon that you carry will be useless. Also remember that the experience of how you handle these moments will be the most valuable lessons that you'll bring throughout your investment journey. Everyone of us will go through the same economic cycle bringing in the same fundamental knowledge of it. The differentiator would be nothing else but your self so being healthy is your best advantage.

So everyone, enjoy the ride and hold on to your seats as we go thru this roller coaster ride of stock market and investments.