Rule Of Trilogy

A Tribute to Fathers

2011-06-22T07:30:00.001+08:00

When I was a kid, one of the things I was most proud of was being born on the 6th day of my birth month because my tatay (father in the Tagalog dialect) was born on the same day but in a different month. I remembered nanay (mother) saying that we shared a lot in common because we were both born day of our birth months. I didn’t understand her then, but to be honest, I did grow up to be more like my dad.

Tatay spent a hard life earning money in order to raise us but never complained once. He made sure his kids would finish education by working hard in his tailor shop, which he built up for years. He worked with his hands and enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment that went with it. He was a man of few words, soft spoken. His strong character as well as his gentleness and sincerity of heart won him many friends.

Last sunday was Father’s day, and even though my tatay has been gone for a few years now, I can still recall how kind and patient he was. He's always in my heart. How could he not be?

Another dad who made a profound influence in me and my life is my husband. He taught me that life is not just about myself. He taught me the value of communication, of playing time and not just time for work, of interdependence at home. Even with his busy schedule, he finds time to watch a movie, chat, have fun, wine and dine, and exercise with me.

Today most especially, fathers hold a special place in my thoughts. They remind me of the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet "Alef" which means an ox. This letter which stands for strength, a leader, or what is first, is used in the Hebrew word for father (ab or av), symbolizing that a father is the leader or the strength of the family. To all fathers, here's a unique workout which beautifully mirrors you, like the ancient character Alef!

Want to find out more about the rest of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet? Strengthen yourselves and move through the PraiseMoves Alphabetics!

Financial Literacy Online for OFW’s

2011-05-30T08:23:00.005+08:00

If you are among the many Filipinos working abroad, have you asked yourselves these questions?

Kabayan,ilang taon ka na bang nagtatrabaho?
May naipon ka na ba sa ilang taon mong pinaghirapan o walang natitira sa kinikita mo buwan buwan?
Hanggang kailan mo balak magtrabaho sa labas ng bansa?
Pag balik mo ba sa Pinas, may maiuuwi ka bang pera para sa iyong kinabukasan?

So you are earning a higher salary outside the Philippines and would like to have a source of income when you return to your home country but do not know how. Where do you keep a part of your money for your future plans of either going back home or of simply making your earnings grow? Check out this news article and find out for yourself that the place where we Filipinos usually think of first, is NOT actually the best place to keep our money for investments! Financial literacy program for OFW families crucial.

In its commitment to make a difference for Filipino families in any part of the world, IMG Corp., the Philippine’s first and leading financial distribution company providing total financial solutions, would like to present the Wealth Academy Online Learning Series. With these online materials, IMG aims to answer every Filipino overseas’ need for valuable information on financial management and entrepreneurship concerns.

Experience the world-renowned benefits of IMG-Wealth Academy trainings, no matter where you live and work. Our distance education is of no cost. The 1 to 1.5 hour modules offer compelling and informative content in video format. It is also possible to have live engagement with a dedicated training specialist.

Whether you want to go the next level from OFW to OFI (overseas Filipino Investor), are thinking of putting up your own business in the Philippines or abroad, or simply dreaming of going back and helping our communities realize their potentials to be economically prosperous, the Wealth Academy Online Learning Series will help you apply world-class financial principles and tools tailor-fitted to the Filipinos to better generate wealth from our own resources back home.

For inquiries about our online seminar topics, please contact:

Marivic Vidaure
Financial Planner
IMG-Wealth Academy
3/F King's Court 1 Bldg.
Pasong Tamo Cor. Dela Rosa St.
Makati City
Tel: +632 812 2551 loc. 115;
Mobile nos: +63917-9535265/+63923-7104401
Email : mdvidaure@yahoo.com
Website: www.img-wealthacademy.com
You may also reach us through ym: mdvidaure

"The real OFW hero is also an investor in RP." Hansen Sy - Philippine Daily Inquirer — March 16, 2011

Productivity through financial wellness

2011-05-02T10:28:00.003+08:00

Over the years, companies have been giving more attention to physical wellness, team building and leadership training programs to increase workforce productivity. I, for one, used to avail of these perks in my former job at a multi-national company through seminars like “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” team building outings, reimbursable medical expenses and paid annual membership to a gym near the office. Today, these programs are also being used as a tool to attract potential applicants or partners in businesses. Ultimately, these are made available to motivate people, generate more income and attain production targets. As a proof, a 2009/2010 Tower Watson Staying@Work Report reveals that “companies with the most effective wellness programs have an 11% higher work force productivity and 28% higher shareholder returns over a period of five years.” But if overall staff well-being and a highly engaged workforce are directly proportional to their productivity, what about the people’s financial condition?

Today, we live in a fast-paced world. We are exposed to more stress factors at work. More and more jobs require multi-tasking and flexibility to undertake shift work on short notices. Mergers and acquisitions continue to develop and change the ways of our working habits. This largely explains the amount of money currently being invested in people’s health. According to NSCB, the Philippines’ total health expenditure reached P181 billion in 2005. Yet only 35% of all health expenditures are being provided for by the government. Additionally, even worries over finances lead to job stress, which then results to reduced productivity. A lot of employers are not aware of this but this is an often neglected fact.

My financial mentor, one of the humblest and dedicated financial planners I know in the Philippines, was invited to speak in Cagayan de Oro by a local leading company in the packaged foods industry. He shared this theory:

Financial stress = job stress = reduced productivity

He narrated, “Financial stress is equal to physical and mental stress. When people do not know how to manage their money (are in debt, for example), there is a huge problem. I know people whose ATM cards are being kept by their lenders. They report loss of card to their employers and so request to have their salary given to them directly. When lenders withdraw from their ATM accounts, they are no longer able to receive payment because of their debtors’ empty funds. The lenders are often forced to wait outside the workplace to collect payment, and the debtors, afraid of not being able to pay, would make an excuse to absent themselves from work! – This is a classic tale of unproductiveness translating to company loss.”

Another consequence of financial stress at work is dishonesty. “When people have money problems, they are led to using company equipment or properties for personal consumption. Often, a staff undergoing personal financial crisis would get resources from his company rather than pay out of his own pocket.”

According to a survey conducted by Citibank in 2008, the average Filipino has a financial IQ of only 47.8%. The Wealth Academy, therefore, aims to increase financial literacy among Filipinos. It created strategies that intend to increase the productivity and competitiveness in the country’s labor force. With the belief that there is a need to educate people on how to manage their hard-earned money the right way, the Wealth Academy came up with a series of trainings in the areas of financial literacy, discipline, and a winning mindset, among others.

Are you managing your own people? Why not celebrate Labor Day and recognize the work of your business partners and office personnel for their growing contributions to your workplace by hosting a FREE financial management seminar? You may have included physical and personal development wellness in your programs, but without training your people regarding proper financial management, it will still be a great challenge for you to increase productivity and motivate them! Managing a company is like managing a country. If your people are still suffering from money problems, it will cost you. If each family in your country is still experiencing financial difficulties, it will cost you. It is true that, “Healthy people cost you less and make you more.” Likewise, financially distressed people will cost you more and will make you less!

Request for a FREE seminar for your company at mdvidaure@yahoo.com. Increase your people’s financial wellness, increase your productivity!

Counter stroke by walking!

2011-04-11T15:16:00.001+08:00

Many may think that only old people experience stroke. The fact is, those hit by this sudden disabling attack are now getting younger and younger. I remember a friend who recently passed away at the age of 30 because of stroke. At first glance, you would not think him sick at all.

Usually those at risk are those whose parents have had stroke or heart attack, those aged 55 and above, with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, are smokers or exposed to second-hand smoking, diabetic, overweight, and those with heart disease.

According to the American Stroke Association, there is an increase in number in the younger generation dying of stroke. Here in the Philippines, 1.9% of the population or 63,000 people are dying of stroke every year. Thus, it is very important to know the symptoms for early detection and bring remedy to the problem:

• Paralysis on one side of the body
• Numbness
• Slurred speech
• Sudden nausea and possible vomiting.

Healthy lifestyle is still the best solution to fight off stroke or “the loss of consciousness caused by an interruption in the flow of blood to the brain.” Avoid fast food, eat right and exercise. One way of reducing the risk of stroke by as much as 20% is by walking. According to a study conducted in the US by the Cooper Institute, “walking 5 times a week for 30 minutes a day at a rate of 3 miles per hour (or 120 steps per minute) reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke by 58%.”

Do you want to discover the many benefits of regular walking like weight loss, longevity, brain health and spiritual fitness? There is a way to get into shape and avoid future health risks!

Are you searching for an exercise program that can adapt to your specific needs? That will keep you motivated & encouraged? That you can follow whether you’re at work, at home, or while traveling? Learn now about the Power Promises Walking Workout Program at PowerPromises.com!

INVESTITUDES

2011-03-21T08:32:00.003+08:00

Inspired by the eight beatitudes contained in the gospel, I listed the ways financial blessings can be attained. If we live by them, our actions (or investments) will ultimately lead us to great reward (By the word “invested,” I mean “devoted” or “endowed”).

Invested are the financially poor, for theirs is the glory to success How many people do we know who were once unimaginably poor but have eventually climbed up their way to success (the likes of Gokongwei, Henry Sy, and even of a former presidential candidate who claims to have been once belonging to the poorest of the poor communities. As his jingle goes, “Nakaligo ka na ba sa dagat ng basura?”)?

Invested are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted When we are grieving for the loss of our loved ones, we mourn less when we know they invested on what we may have thought we do not need earlier yet we will come in handy during this time – insurance!

Invested are the meek, for in time they shall harvest more We tend to buy things we want like signature clothes, high-technology gadgets, and anything en vogue rather than those things we only need, not realizing that we could have invested more for our future when we grow older and weak, and no longer able to earn a living.

Be humble. Do not live beyond your means.

Invested are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied As a preacher in jeans, Bo Sanchez says, “If you want to grow your wealth, you need to grow yourself… if you’re serious in growing your wealth, you need to make a commitment to never-ending growth.” The problem is that we tend to pay more for amusement (like movies, concerts, outings, etc.) rather than invest more on our own education or self-improvement.

Invested are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy A lot of times, it is easier to forget what a friend owes you than forgeting the money you lent to someone you barely know. Do not forget to invest time and good relationship with others! “If I have the gift of prophecy, I may understand all the secret things of God and have all knowledge…if I do not have love, then I am nothing.” – 1 Corinthians 13:2.

I remember having broken my colleague’s branded powder press. I was so nervous that I had to pay for it but thank God she was forgiving that I got off the hook! She remembered that she also once owed another friend for something she did wrong. Good thing she experienced being forgiven herself!

Invested are the pure of heart, for they shall see gold It is always better to have good intentions in creating a business. A regular salesperson would sell anything to a customer. But a man with a mission, normally would recommend to people what he would only buy for himself.

Invested are the fisher makers, for they shall be called millionaires The more you teach men how to fish, the more sources of income you will develop. A Chinese proverb says:

If you want one year of prosperity, grow seeds.
If you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees.
If you want a lifetime of prosperity, grow people.

Train people how to take charge and multiply your talents in them!

Invested are they who are mocked for the sake of innovativeness, for theirs is the way to opportunity. People with bright ideas are often called crazy people. But oftentimes, they are great inventors. Take for example Mr. Manny Pangilinan’s “corporate activism ." In a speech he made in Ateneo in 2006, he shared, “When we invested in PLDT seven years ago, we faced the massive task of repair and renewal. Critics told us that we couldn’t change the culture of monopoly, that misdemeanors in PLDT couldn’t be eradicated, that our fixed line business had no future. But we made the tough and unpopular decisions at PLDT. Like reducing the number of employees from 14,000 to 9,000. Like changing dubious practices and encouraging honesty and transparency. Like converting the mindset of bureaucrats to that of innovators and entrepreneurs… »

So do not be afraid to do things you have never done before. Embrace change! Do not be afraid to commit mistakes. You will never know what may hit you!

I Love Savings!

2011-02-14T10:48:00.003+08:00

When I was little, I used to save part of my school allowance and put it in my piggy bank. When I got a little bigger, I opened a junior account in a bank which after a while closed down for reasons I could not comprehend at that time yet. I was so scared that my savings would not be returned while I was queuing for such a long time along with other people who also wanted back their money.

When I reached college, I kept on keeping a portion of my allowance for the sole sake of saving for the rainy days but did not really have a specific objective in doing so. My parents would pat me on the back particularly when they would find out that I was able to lend my elder siblings some money in times of need - something they did not expect from me, being the youngest member of the family. Come to think of it, lending money was not really part of my plan while I was saving. If I were my parents now, I would not be so proud!

Now that I have my own job and family, I still love saving! The only difference is that before, I did not have any clue about how money works. I used to put my money in short-term vehicles (like the “paluwagan” or savings and loans associations where money does not grow more than 2%). When money is used properly, it can have the greatest impact that can boost the profitability of any money-growing business. Every investor should know how this really works. Do you want to learn how I grew my money to 20% since the last time I checked my account? Here is one way of putting your money to work for you: Investing in Mutual Funds Results in Huge Earnings. I challenge you to learn more and achieve higher earnings!

If you want to view this on The Philippine Star’s website, just click the link below:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=655311&publicationSubCategoryId=74

Whether you are a big or a small-time investor who wants to move up to the next level, someone who aspires to be his/her own financial adviser, an investor who wants to save more by placing his/her investments more strategically and effectively, the Wealth Academy Program is guaranteed to be extremely useful! The Wealth Academy invites you to its FREE series of seminars on financial literacy. There is no other school like it! This is the only financial management program geared to help current and future investors to mold them in their right role to maximize their potential and create real value for their money.

This program has limited seats with pre-registration required. Please give me a call at 0917-9535265 or send me an email at mdvidaure@yahoo.com for inquiries. You may also check details and all other upcoming seminars at www.img-wealthacademy.com.

Losing weight after the holidays

2011-02-01T08:21:00.005+08:00

Last Christmas, most of us have eaten excessively. A lot of people gained weight and had higher cholesterol level. As a response to bulges and the flabs, many are offering different types of quick fix solutions such as easy-to-take diet pills, various fad diets and costly fat-burning equipment and procedures. But what do doctors simply recommend? Healthy food, a moderate lifestyle, and exercise! Although losing weight may take a while following these simple steps, the important thing is that they are the safest.

Eat right!

Here are some recommendations from medical experts on TV:

-Buy lean meat or cut off the fat from the meat you bought before cooking.
-Instead of frying, grill or steam your food.
- Use vinegar to add flavor instead of salty sauces.
- Consume oil and salt moderately.
- Use a small plate in gatherings. Do not take second servings.
-Before eating, drink a glass of water to easily feel fullness.
-Clear soup is better than cream soup.
-Consult with a doctor before you take slimming medicines.

Exercise!

Before beginning any exercise program, it is advised to check with your healthcare provider especially if you are pregnant or nursing, elderly, or have any recurring conditions. It is a must to exercise but it is equally important to know what possible adverse consequences to expect when we are to engage ourselves in any kind of physical activity.

Things to remember when exercising:

-Start with 5-10-minute warm up exercises (For example, march in place, then move your legs and arms. Or step side to side or do step touches).
- Find an exercise you enjoy. Common cardio activities can be latin workouts, hiphop dances, walking, running or biking. By simply standing and sitting down, you can already perform exercises effectively (if you want to build your balance, avoid touching the chair for support). If you want to just burn calories, a 30-minute exercise program is fine. If your objective is to lose weight, you may need to do longer cardio exercises.
-Do not forget to also cool down at the end of your workout. It is much like driving where you have to gear down first and then stop. It is bad for the heart to stop abruptly when exercising.
One awesome activity I know to achieve weight loss and overall fitness is called PraiseMoves. It builds strength, flexibility and balance.

(Warming up before the worship. We put on the Full Armor of God

with the Couples for Christ SB2B at MHC Gym, Paranaque)

No time nor budget to go to the gym? Enjoy working out in a cozy home-setting (or outdoor) with the new AM-PM PraiseMoves DVD! Warm up your body and begin the day by renewing your mind on the Word of God. Then relax and unwind at the close of day. Feel stress and tensions dissolve with PraiseMoves postures that lengthen and tone your muscles while refreshing your heart and mind in the Lord!

No equipment? No exercise device? With PraiseMoves, there are only a few things that you will need: Water to keep yourself well hydrated; an exercise mat or a towel, bear feet or socks (if you want to wear them), a facial cloth when you put your forehead to the floor when you get down, a scarf or a belt to help you with stretching your shoulders and arms back, and exercise blocks that you can use to help you reach the floor when you are stretching towards it.

But you know what is the really exciting thing about PraiseMoves? Being able to incorporate the Word of God into your workout. Visit www.praisemoves.com to learn how to transform your workouts into worship! Learn about other Christian fitness DVDs, classes and training to become a Certified PraiseMoves Instructor!

Your financial future can start today!

2011-01-17T13:29:00.007+08:00

I hope everybody is doing great on these first days of 2011!

I just read a very interesting article on the renewal of the mind from the January edition of the newsletter “Food, Fitness & Faith.” What I learned from it could be applied to all my activities, on health and financial issues, for this bright and exciting year ahead.

Usually, what comes to mind at the start of each are resolutions – what we ought to be and what we ought to do for a better us in the future. But do these resolutions really work in the end? The fact is, they don’t usually last as we expected them to. The main reason? We tend to change things around us first, before we even change ourselves within. Look at the people who are fond of quick weight loss schemes. They change their eating habits to their own detriment. Instead of eating what is nutritional to their body, they restrict themselves of certain types of food, favoring fad diets (I admit. I was one of them!). Another example, compulsive buyers of exercise equipment and gadgets. After a while, their purchases become mere displays in the garage or the attic. Easy come, easy go!

So what is the problem? The problem lies in the mind.

This is the same for finance. There are two types of people with different mindsets: the savers and the investors. Savers focus on yield, on short-term, and timing. He is a one-time investor and believes that investing is the same as gambling. On the other hand, the investor simply focuses on achieving his investment goals. The problem is that we want so much, so soon, and so fast, while investing takes process and has to be for the long term. In the newsletter I just quoted, the author says “Valuable and long-lasting change starts in our mind. Until we open up and allow this shift of mindset, most attempts will fail.” Investing is not just making your money help you make money. It is a continuing process. It is not all about investing, your attitude is more important. The bigger issue is not to earn more, but to save more.

This year, decide to change from the inside out. Develop a habit of creating your dream financial future first. Make it a plan to educate yourself more on the current trends and financial solutions. Realize that you cannot do things on your own, and so find mentors or a support group to coach you especially in times when you are tempted to go back to your old self. You may read a lot of parenting books, but unless you have a child you cannot understand what parenting is all about. Likewise, unless you have investments, you cannot fully understand what investing is all about. So learn from the mistakes and experiences of financial experts. Lastly, if your plans from the past years didn’t seem to work, why do the same things all over a gain? As a favorite quote of mine for this year goes, “If you want something to be different, you must do something different.” – Anon.

Click here to learn more about the process of investing (money cost averaging, assets allocation, diversification, etc.). Start building your solid financial future today!

Maintaining muscle mass

2011-01-07T08:30:00.004+08:00

Puffy eyes for sleepless nights due to jet lag, dead toe nails for excessive walking, dry skin and hair due to extremely cold weather, irregular bowel movements because of foreign types of food in the digestive system - these are but some of the adjustments my body went through during my travel to Paris and Rome! But I am not complaining. I had such a great time strolling, exploring and eating in these wonderful cities!

Although I may have met my daily physical activity level in terms of walking (I think I did more than 10,000 steps a day!), I failed to do my usual load-bearing exercises because I was always on the move. I wanted to make the most of my limited time to see old and new friends in these two very rich cities (historically and culturally speaking). Besides my busy schedule, the winter season was a big challenge for mobility! I initially had stiff hips and legs and poor control over my body movements. I didn’t realize how tough it was to exercise in such a cold environment. But I know that excuses are unacceptable!

Two weeks after dropping my whole exercise routine, I am finding it difficult to return to my workout. With all the holiday festivities during Christmas and New Year (great food and wine, late nights, reunions with balikbayan relatives), I am all the more tempted to put exercise on hold. But the more I delay, the more I come to realize the truthfulness in one training principle called “reversibility.” What does it say?

Let’s take for instance, when you don’t turn on the engine of your car and you leave it parked over a period of time, eventually the engine will not work properly. In the same manner, if we don’t use our muscles, bones, lungs and heart, we lose their normal functional ability. They naturally deteriorate. Another example is when you get a leg injury and you immobilize the injured leg (ex. use of orthopedic cast), over time, that body part will no longer function correctly. Then after a month, when you finally remove the cast, what do you notice? The leg that was encased got thinner. It’s not because of the cast but because the injured leg has not been used and so the muscles shrunk. What happened to the non-injured leg? It became bigger because it compensated for the injured leg by carrying all the weight of the body.

To be more visual, if you look at the skin of very old people, notice how their wrinkled skin waves when they wave at you? Why? Because of muscle loss. Because of lack of exercise and the natural aging process, the muscles shrink. That’s why for the young and elderly alike, it is important to do resistance training to keep muscles toned and better bone density (more resistance training or load-bearing activities means increasing bone density). So if you are exercising on a regular basis, you will start to gain muscles, become stronger and be more flexible. When you become injured or when you travel and you start to become lazy, what will happen? Whatever you gain, you will lose - which is exactly what happened to me! When I decide to go back to exercise, I know I will have to start again at a low level and then gradually build up. I cannot workout at the same intensity right away because I already lost my strength.

Good thing that anyone can, in fact, prevent the speed of atrophy. In her book, “Fitness after 40,” orthopedic surgeon Vonda Wright writes, “… although muscles can deteriorate with time, studies show muscle atrophy is reversible at any age.” I may be too occupied or too chained to my desk or business travels at times, but one thing is for sure. If I want to become healthier as I age, I must use my muscles or I will soon lose it! So come on, move those muscles !

Plan to succeed!

2010-12-08T08:20:00.002+08:00

One of the things I would miss about my current job (when I leave someday) is the privilege to attend different conferences. I get to personally meet and listen to various political figures and national icons.

Just last week, I heard the new Secretary of the Department of Energy speak about the energy situation in the Philippines. He said that for 2013 until 2016, projects are already in place in order to avoid possible shortage of electricity in the country. However, the problem still lies for 2011 and 2012, whilst this period should have been addressed in 2008 and 2009.

In another event, an international fitness trainer shared his personal experience with co-trainers from other parts of the world. He said that the secret of excellent trainers is that they are not only passionate about the piece of fitness program they create, nor the mere end result of their training, but they are also very much interested about the planning stage in their career. They plan with passion! They have both long term (i.e. healthier attitude, better lifestyle) and short term goals (i.e. programs, structures).

As another year concludes, I have been attending many business planning sessions inside and outside work. Everyone seems to be busy carrying out their SWOT plans for their companies and organizations, preparing for their Christmas parties, or planning how to spend this Christmas season with their loved ones. Obviously PLANNING is something we cannot do without IF we have an objective in life. It does not go out of season, whether during working days and even on holidays. Planning is definitely an essential part to success!

If you can plan for short-lived parties, why not plan for your long enjoyment in the future? If you can plan for your company’s success, why not plan for your own? If you can set goals for others to succeed, why not create your own objectives? Have you got plans for 2011? If not, consider asking yourself:

1. What do you want and why?
2. Where are you now?
3. Why are you in your current situation?
4. How do you get what you want?
5. Do you know if you can get what you want?

If you find it difficult to reply to these questions now, it is never too late to find the answers. At the Wealth Academy, planning is the no. 1 criteria for success. People are taught, guided and mentored on areas of personal financial management not only to create wealth but also protect it. The average person, even the poor, has an equal chance to become successful because they are given the right information. If your goal is to achieve a better future, send me an email at: mdvidaure@yahoo.com.

Plan for what is ahead. Now is the best time! Tomorrow maybe too late.

Remember, most people do not plan to fail, they just fail to plan!

Wealth in Stocks

2010-11-15T08:01:00.004+08:00

I was recently at a market briefing called, “Riding the Bull with Growth Companies.” The guests included the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) and speakers from the Philippine Stock growth companies, Banco de Oro, DMCI Holdings, ICTSI, Metro Pacific Investments and Alliance Global. Discussed were the different companies’ development and prospects for the coming years. The objective of the event’s organizer was to bring about to the audience the mindset to ride the bull market with confidence, or simply put, to help clients become smarter investors, and therefore lead to the development of the much needed mass retail investors in the country.

A speaker mentioned that in the past, capital was the reason for success in the Philippine market. According to him, “…Because there was a shortage of capital, the business group that was very good in finance & in marketing was the one that succeeded very well.” Today, however, capital is no longer a critical advantage with business groups.

In the past, people say that the stock market was only for people who have money and good connections. A wealthy person has a financial adviser and has to invest in millions. These days, almost anyone can participate in the stock market by turning on the computer and being online. With a minimum of P5,000, one can already invest (succeeding investments are up to the depositor’s discretion). Now, it is only a matter of learning how to get started and engage in the wealth building business by owning a part of growth companies.

With the advancement of the internet, more local investors are starting to realize the benefit of investing in the stock market. “After shares of trading tuned at 64% from 50% two to three years ago, evidence shows that the stock market rewards insightful decisions in well managed and reputable companies,” revealed the PSE. According to a recent study, “Online investors have increased to a remarkable 46.8% in 2009. In terms of the number of trade, online trade accounted for 12.8% of the total trade in 2009 to account for around 49 B PHP in value turnover for the same period.” With the current upgrades in the market and available advancements in technology, the PSE is seriously planning to make life easier for more online traders, esp. for Overseas Filipino Workers.

Although there is an increase in the number of people investing in the Philippine stock market, most savings are still placed in regular banks, limiting the growth of money to less than 1% to 4%. But in the stock market, by merely investing at a rate of P2,000 a month, you can already project a growth of P5 million in 20 years! Isn’t that great? You can make a fortune even from small amounts! The stock market really has the capacity to allow your money to grow. The question now is how to pick good quality stocks, with a choice of over 250 companies in the PSE. Stocks are just one of the many investment vehicles you can learn at the Wealth Academy.

I encourage you to know more about how to earn millions and how to handle money properly. Become wealthy by knowing the right information! Join our free seminar on wealth management! Click here for more details.

“Markets are up, now what?! - Skills Required in Riding the Bull” this Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010

To all IMG associates: I hope you can join us on Wednesday's with the amazing Markets Are Up, Now What?! Rex Ma. A. Mendoza, the country’s top investment guru (http://www.rampveradvisors.com/key_executives.php)!

For beginners in wealth building, learn about Wealth Accumulation and Investment Strategies!

Send me an email at mdvidaure@yahoo.com to register for these FREE events.

Health tips from a linguist

2010-10-12T11:09:00.003+08:00

A friend of mine was invited to be a resource speaker for a ministry involvement program in Cebu. She asked me to go with her and be their French language resource person. I did not think twice to say yes because I was interested in the topic which was assigned to her (Cross-Cultural Communication /Language Learning and Worldview). Also, I told myself that I would only teach French for an hour for three days. In addition, I would learn from the experiences of missionaries to different cultures. True enough, the participating students were international! They were even of different ages, educational background and status in life!

For three months, the students are taught to:

• learn how to plant indigenous churches (churches that fit to cultures different than their own),
• learn languages without existing textbooks using new approaches by linguists, and
• understand people with a different world view or mindset and impart the gospel to them.

My friend, aware that I am into fitness instruction, asked me to also conduct a workshop that would relax the students and relieve them after much stress from previous days of exams and other activities. So I taught them a fitness program incorporating deep stretching, gentle movement, combined with Scriptures verses for stress relief, flexibility and strength. Check out this link for more information: www.praisemoves.com.

In one session, the topic was about “Worldview and Bible Translation.” My friend spoke of the three substructurings of worldviews called “themes,” “paradigms” and “models,” and one of the Biblical themes she discussed was God as a forgiving God to Christians. Little did I think that even with such a topic, which was seemingly unrelated to the physical body, could lead us to talk and think about health. According to her, there are four negative emotions that cause people to get sick:

• Fear – Are you fearful? Are you worried for what may happen in the future? Some Christians still hold on to fear, even though Someone has already made 365 promises against fear. We can, in fact, go through each one of God’s promises a day. So vanish fear away!
• Anxiety - If only we will learn to throw all our anxieties to God, casting all our cares upon Him, we can avoid the negative emotions which are very potent in destroying us physically.
• Guillt- Have you done something in the past but have not yet surrendered it 100 % to God. Are you pulling yourself down because you are the only one who knows it? Release it to God and ask for forgiveness. The blood of Jesus can wash it away.
• Unforgiveness – It is said that “An unforgiving spirit is like drinking poison and thinking the other person will die.” If we truly experience God’s forgiveness, we can definitely forgive. If God can forgive us, who are we if we cannot extend the same forgiveness to others?

Studies have shown that these four negative emotions cause hypertension, cancer, constipation, diarrhea, itching, and skin diseases. They cause havoc inside our bodies, secreting all our weaknesses. If we keep holding on to them, we will soon be constipated in no time! These, I firmly believe, are NOT part of God’s plan! Besides, didn’t He make a promise on that too in John 10:10? (The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.).

What about you? Any health tips to share?

Homemakers, Moneymakers

2010-10-04T13:05:00.002+08:00

They say, “Home is where the heart is.” But why do most parents spend more time out of the home?

Nowadays, children are left with nannies, helpers, grandparents, or relatives. One working parent is no longer sufficient to raise a family. Gone are the days when the husband takes the role of the sole breadwinner and the wife as the homemaker. The wife is now forced to work, if not burdened to find other sources of income while making sure that the household chores are done.

I have been part of the active population since the age of twenty. Married for 12 years and with three kids, it has now become more difficult to decide if and when to quit my job when the demands of my family increases. I believe there’s no one most qualified to look after my children than myself. But when our income just cannot seem to pay for the needs of the household, leaving my spouse to generate income seems no longer to be the best solution. But if I decide to quit working temporarily to have more time at home, I am also worried that my skills might become outdated and therefore, make it harder for me to someday find employment again.

I am certain that there are others like me who want to personally take care of their family and therefore, do not want to get tied to their jobs. But if they stay at home, won’t their special skills and talents come to waste if they do not make use of them? Another concern is that homemakers, mostly wives, are not able to contribute to retirement funds, and therefore, they become more "economically vulnerable" if left financially unprotected by the breadwinners.

Whatever your case may be, you are not alone! The good news? I have found people who actually work towards the objective of personally taking care of their families and at the same time, working on their daily and future needs. Like me, they want to be able to work without being forced to because they have to earn money. They want to be able to retire sooner than the normal age of retirement. They want to enjoy life with their children and spouses while they could. I am not talking about fictitious people here but real and dedicated people who spend their free-time achieving their goals:

- A retired overseas Filipino worker (OFW), now an OFI (overseas Filipino investor) is currently building up a team of OFWs to become investors themselves so that when they go back to their homeland they will be able to retire comfortably with sufficient funds.

- A retired doctor, who went to medical school to please her parents, now finds more time with her children and husband after deciding to pursue a career in the financial industry.

- A retired chemical engineer now a registered financial planner, has become the CEO of a leading international financial services company advocating financial literacy for Filipinos. He discovered his household helper mistreating his child and so had to fast-track his plans of taking the responsibility of being the sole breadwinner in his family so that his wife can stay at home.

- A full-time lawyer teaches others part-time in order to increase other people’s awareness of the latest and proven-effective financial solutions.

It is great to know that you can now actually have both sides of the coin – whether you decide to stay at home and consider working part-time, or stay with your present job while setting a definite date for you to retire! There is in fact a perfect opportunity for everyone who aspires to break out from the bondage of financial insecurity. Get to know more people like the ones I mentioned to you above, and ask how they have made it to their dreams and how you can reach yours too? Ask me more at mdvidaure@yahoo.com.

Protect your kids from the internet

2010-09-20T11:25:00.003+08:00

The Internet is an amazing tool for research, entertainment, education, and much more. It makes one’s job easier. It’s like a big encyclopedia. I still remember when my eldest son first learned how to use the internet : surfing for his assignments and projects, playing online games, looking for game tips and techniques, watching cartoon videos and a lot more. But my worry was for the pop ups of malicious advertisements, or if he accidentally views sites that are restricted? As a working parent, we cannot be with our children at every click. So how can we protect our kids without being there all the time?

Here’s a good resource I have found while surfing the net: K9 Web Protection. "It is an internet filtering and parental control solution for home Windows or Mac computers. It puts you in control of the Internet so you can protect your kids.” And what’s good with this ? It’s for FREE!

So let the kids surf!

Want to get rid of body fat?

2010-09-07T09:25:00.002+08:00

There are people who get frustrated because they cannot seem to get rid of fat even with strict diet and regular exercise. Obesity becomes a problem especially when serious medical conditions manifest. Being overweight, particularly among women, brings a high risk for having diabetes, hypertension, and menstrual problems. Obesity can also affect women’s fertility.

But what really keeps people fat?

Lifestyle is the No. 1 culprit. According to a survey conducted for Reader’s Digest magazine, “82 % of the Filipinos admitted that they don’t have the willpower to resist good food, and only 38 % have ever tried to lose weight.”

There could also be genetic factors to consider since overweight parents will most likely have obese offsprings. When one parent is obese, a child has a 40 % risk of being obese. If two parents are obese, the risk increases to 80 %.

Still, there are metabolic diseases like hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus which cause people’s metabolism to slow down. Other factors have to do with medications, sleep patterns, environment, fasting, semi-fasting and under-nutrition.

So how can we address unwanted excess weight? The answer lies behind the reasons why or how we acquired it. There are cases when it is just recommended to see a doctor. To be safe, it is best to have one’s body mass index (BMI) measured. BMI is “a tool that physicians use in evaluating a person's health status by measuring the amount of body fat based on one’s height and weight (http://pcos.about.com)”.

Planting seeds of discipline, like the following examples, can be another effective solution to obesity:

1. Eat breakfast
2. Drink plenty of water.
3. Cut out sugar, especially the processed kind.
4. Eat raw vegetables.
5. Tummy curfew (Take control over late-night snacks.)
6. Get sufficient exercise.

Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Significantly, Galatians 6 speaks of sowing to the Spirit. “The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature, will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Therefore, LASTING lifestyle change comes from developing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, and NOT the perfect diet, nor exercise regime.

To know more about planting seeds of discipline, learn the Basic Steps to Godly Fitness, or click here to find out about PraiseMoves classes in your area.

Make your money grow

2010-08-31T06:52:00.006+08:00

“Money does not grow on trees!” We usually hear this from our parents when we ask for things which oftentimes, they cannot afford to buy. I never thought I would use the same line when I became a parent myself!

MAKING MONEY is important. We need money to pay for our and our children’s education, our bills, our loans, our business’ requirements, etc. It is difficult to sustain oneself, raise a family, maintain a business without it, or having it, but not sufficiently. But learning how to SAVE and GROW your hard-earned MONEY is just as important. If you are already making money, wouldn’t it be great to know how to optimize its use and get a higher rate of return? You can actually feel like money grows on trees, but ONLY IF you know where to plant them!

If your investments go into loanership investments like savings, time deposits and cash value, your return will be as low as 1-4%. If it goes to ownership investments like mutual funds, stocks, equity return, you may get as high as 12% or more. So where do you want to place your investments?

Listed below are the performances of some of the top Mutual Fund companies in the Philippines today.

Source: Rampver Strategic Advisors (RSA)

Do You Want Your Money To Grow?

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Be your own financial adviser!

2010-08-23T11:15:00.006+08:00

Can you imagine running off with more than P100 million of your clients' money? Read this article to find out how a former officer of today's leading financial services company did it: Citibank Exec Goes Missing - Millions Stolen. Is he in deep trouble! The bank filed criminal and civil cases against him.

But my sympathies are with the clients who were victimized. From the report, it appears that the bank still has not refunded their money. Considered as "high-net-worth individuals," these clients are said to "enjoy various privileges including premium information and assistance from a dedicated wealth management team." But is letting somebody else manage your account really such a good idea? Based on this news, I think nobody would ever want to enjoy such a privilege. This experience should prompt people to be their own financial adviser! This is another wake-up call telling us:

Be mentored
Don't rely on other people to plan your financial future.
The best person to protect and handle your money is You!

Invest time to become financially educated! Click here to get started.

Balancing contemplation and action

2010-08-11T23:01:00.008+08:00

Last July, my husband and I joined 40 other couples who gathered for the week-end Marriage Enrichment Retreat (MER) at Capuchin Retreat Center, a formation house situated at a 10-ha land in Lipa, Batangas. It was organized by Couples for Christ (CFC) to help couples discover more intimately the meaning of marriage vocation within the context of God’s plan.

During a mass celebrated by Fr. Ernesto Garcia, he spoke about Mary and Martha. Fr. Nitoy, as he is oftentimes called, said that at first reading, we may conclude that while Martha does good in preparing food and drink for the guest, it is Mary who does the right thing by listening to the word of God. He emphasized though that there should always be balance in contemplation and action.

Last Sunday’s gospel from church discussed things of which we worry about and occupy us (Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also). For some of us, it may be our personal needs like money and clothes. For Martha, it was how to please her guests. But does the Lord really tell Martha to stop what she was doing and join her sister at his feet? Does the Lord favor a person of contemplative life more than an active one?

There are many aspects to consider in life: physical wellbeing, financial health, relationship with friends, family and neighbors, career life, married life, and of course, the thing that matters most - Christian life. The problem is when we think about Christianity, some seem to face difficulties in relating and applying it to all aspects of life. What am I talking about?

- When I was in Grade 5, my siblings and I would be in church the whole Sunday without realizing our mom was getting furious because we spent more time in church than at home on weekends.

- Somebody told me when I was younger that dancing is a worldly thing to do, will not serve God’s purpose and therefore, not for me to pursue. I later learned this activity that I loved doing could be used for God’s glory.

- A friend’s aunt is contented to live her lifetime as a missionary even though her relatives worry about the financial obligations required to support her. Her niece wishes that her aunt would take some initiative to earn some income to support herself and her ministry.

- And there are those who are very active in church and yet hardly know their children’s whereabouts.

Fr. Nitoy pointed out that there should be a balance between contemplation and action. It is true that there is no better part than to focus on “where Mary is.” BUT there are many other things in life that we should also work on in order to live a good life (the Christian way). In his book, “How to Turn Thoughts Into Things,” Bo Sanchez writes, “Remember: Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God…” If God is first, then there must be a second, a third, a fourth…” Which aspect in life do you think you’re missing at?

-If you want to avoid sickness and do your best to raise your family, then act on it. Live a healthy life, exercise, visit a doctor if necessary, and learn from the advices of fitness experts. Want to transform your workout into worship? Click here to find how!

-If you want to have financial security for your family, or want to raise money for your own ministry, then give time to gaining financial knowledge from different sources. Find a mentor who can help you find new ways to get financial independence. Learn how to earn extra income. Attend seminars on finance. Look for useful information (books, internet, industry reports, etc.). St. Teresa of Avila also acknowledges the importance of money in accomplishing God’s work when she said, “Next to God, we need money.”

-If you want to enhance your relationship with your parents, spouse, children, or friends, then spend quality time with them. Watch a movie. Play with the kids. Have dinner together. Go out on a date. The key is to be at the right place, at the right time, with the right heart, “and whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord (1 Cor. 10:31).”

So go on and CONTEMPLATE about the things that you want to do, but in the end, be sure to ACT on them.

First step to financial freedom

2010-08-02T12:48:00.007+08:00

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Find your passion, realize your dream

2010-07-26T10:00:00.002+08:00

I simply love dancing. When I was a child, every time I hear upbeat music, I would turn the rhythm into a dance and feel absolutely wonderful! In high school, I loved going to parties and discos, and danced until midnight (my mom would fetch me so I could go home safely. Did I feel like Cinderella!). The audio speaker was my favorite partner because it didn’t get tired. I also remember joining dance competitions and programs with friends to showcase our talents.

Exercising, a close cousin of dancing, is another natural drug for me. When I enrolled in a basic fitness class, I loved preparing for my workout. I enjoyed choosing the best steps and weaving them together. After creating my routine, I would give it to our class and get the chills thinking nobody would like it, but still, I got thrilled sharing my craft! I loved learning new things about fitness and culling the best ideas from other fitness professionals.

As I watched the movie Streetdance 3D, I recalled how dancing used to lift me up (and how lovely London is)!

Scenes from Streetdance 3D near the Tower Bridge in London

Streetdance 3D, may be a flop for certain people! I agree that there were dull moments due to some poor acting and lack of creativity in script and in the storyline. But I’m not surprised. British films often send me to sleep. I can’t even find myself laughing at their cartoons or comedy films. Cultural difference, maybe? Still, I love dancing, and that’s what made me watch (plus the 3D effects of course)! One lesson from the movie which I had to learn myself: Keep reaching for your dream but never stop at where you’re good at!

For a time, I thought my dancing skills and interest in fitness were only good for when I was in high school. I never thought I could make use of my interests and possibly share my skills with others. Because I know my passion, I joined a group where I could exercise (by dancing for example) and learn more how to be fit. I became a Certified PraiseMoves Instructor (To find out about a gentle way to exercise, go to: www.praisemoves.com). For a while, I had to learn to find another angle to my passion. I had to learn that the only way for me to enjoy life, even until at a ripe age, was to stick to my core gift !

Have you discovered YOUR gift? Click here to know how I discovered mine.

What do muscles and money have in common?

2010-07-19T11:05:00.004+08:00

When you think about muscles, you don't usually think about money, and when you think about money, what's it got to do with muscles? The truth is, muscles and money share a number of things in common.

1. Both can mean everything.

For some, whose profession may require bodybuilding, modeling, or acting, muscles can make a whole lot of difference when they expose themselves to the public. They need to feel good and look good to make a living. Working out is already part of their lifestyle to stay in business.

For others who simply want to get fit, muscles are simply neat to have. "The pursuit of muscle is sometimes written off as pure vanity. But the practical and health benefits of more muscle mass are substantial. Strength and muscle are associated with increased longevity, better immunity, improved insulin sensitivity and more." - Adam Steer

Besides, who would not want to be healthy and look gorgeous at the same time? The same is true with money. Who would not want to earn some? With money, people can buy a lot of things. They can gain access to everything, even pay for the latest technologies to get the muscles they want.

2. Both can mean nothing.

Let's face it. We can have all the money we want and build all the muscles we need to look our best. But still, there are things which money cannot buy, things which cannot be replaced. Who would trade good health, appetite, sleep, security?

Money, though it does make a difference, should not be treated like it is everything. Just like muscles could make us look good but should not be our main concern all the time. What is the most important? Balance!

3. It takes discipline to sustain them.

Our muscles need to struggle to make us stronger.

"In a trained adult, THE most important factor in muscle growth -- far beyond eating and even hormone balance -- is mechanical stress. You need to constantly put progressive mechanical stress on your muscles to make them grow." -Brad Pilon

Money works in the same way. It takes effort to save, patience to wait until your money multiplies, and practice to improve self-control in order to avoid over-spending.

4. Both need regular check-up.

As we age, our bodies deteriorate. This is why we need to exercise - to avoid any sickness as a result of inactivity. But first, we have to see a fitness expert to look at our needs - what physical activities do we need to avoid. What types of limitations, if any? What types of exercise are recommended? How much weight should we lose or gain? Should we eat less? Should we eat more?

In matters pertaining to money, we find help to determine financial solutions to our problems. We try to reduce our liabilities and prepare for our retirement plan, our children's education, an emergency, loss of a job, or any form of disaster which may happen in our lives.

When we build a house, we want to build it right. So when we build a financial future, we also want to build right. The problem for many of us is that we never build anything. We do not plan ahead. We just make money. Most of us know how to work for money, but do not know how to make money work for us. Do you have an idea how money works?

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To be or not to be RICH?

2010-07-03T10:41:00.003+08:00

A priest once told me that in the near future, there wouldn't be any more middle class. Either one would be rich or poor. Middle class is shrinking and it would soon become nothing. “Where do you want to be?” he asked me.

Of course, I did not completely take his word seriously until I read NSCB’s (National Statistical Coordination Board) article on “How rich is rich?.” Using the Family Income and Expenditure Surveys (FIES) and other indicators, NSCB statistics showed that, as of 2010, a family would be classified as rich if it is earning at least P199,927 a month or P2,393,126 per year. The amount is higher than the 2006 threshold of at least P166,673 a month or P2 million annually. Dr. Virola, the author, said that as of 2006, the rich comprised just 0.1%, or 19,738 families of the estimated 17,403,483 households nationwide. Their ranks, he added, have been dwindling "from 0.3% in 2000 (51,160 families) and 0.2% in 2003 (25,849 families)." According to Dr. Virola, this decline "would not have been so bad" if it had led to more middle-income families -- defined as earning from P294,296 to P2,393,125 annually. Instead, those in the low-income class -- earning less than P294,296 per year -- consistently expanded.

So, on which side do you want to be – rich or poor? Let’s admit that nobody wants to be poor. The question is how do we get rich? One of my financial (and spiritual) mentors told me, “You have to know what you want to be truly rich.” As for me, it pays to know what you do not want in order to achieve your goal.

As I write this blog, I am at the hospital looking after my sick mom. Sadly, she and my father, are one of the many families who failed to plan for what is ahead – no pension, no protection, no savings. I look at her and think that when I grow older, I do not want to pass on to my children the worries of paying for my health needs. I do not want to let my children neglect to put some savings aside for their future and their family needs, just to be able to shoulder mine. I do
not want to NOT be able to give gifts to my grandchildren when it is their birthday or when I feel like giving them a reward for a job well done. Besides, it is greater to give than to receive!

A few days ago, we watched the Philippine President Inauguration Day, one of the most memorable events in our nation's history. Many expect the new government under the leadership of President Noynoy Aquino to give hope to every Filipino. But does our hope really lie on his leadership? Will he change our lives and make us rich?

The only person that you know who can make a change is you. You cannot control our country’s economy BUT you can control your own. You cannot control our country’s financial future, BUT you can control yours. You cannot control the money market fluctuations, BUT you can profit on these fluctuations.

Choose to be rich! CLICK HERE to know where and how to begin.

What you must know to achieve total health

2010-06-01T10:09:00.004+08:00

I just finished reading the most influential book on exercise in my life: “Basic Steps to Godly Fitness.” Crafted with simple instructions and humor, this book was written by American Women’s Fitness Specialist and certified personal trainer, Laurette Willis, the founder of PraiseMoves.

This easy-to-read book is essential if you are searching for ways to be both physically and spiritually healthy. It guides the readers to learn the right eating habits, what food to eat, and how to spot fad diets. I remember I used to follow a type of diet that guaranteed quick weight loss and overemphasized one specific type of food. It did help me reduce weight quickly, but it also caused me some side effects - dehydration and skin rashes. A quick fix is never a wise decision! As they say, “Knowledge is power,” and with knowledge, no one can fool you to buy into any fad diet (or any fitness products or services, for that matter) that you won’t need!

In her book, Willis suggested a shift to “a new paradigm.” Instead of using the USDA’s Food Guide Pyramid, she introduced a new food plan - the "Food Circle," bringing the attention of the reader to the center of the circle, where nutrient-dense foods are highlighted, instead of the top of the more familiar Food Pyramid, where foods to be used sparingly like fats and sugar are placed.

Towards the end of the book, Willis talked about how she came up with PraiseMoves, the Christian Alternative to Yoga (Discover how the author experienced the danger in yoga! Be warned!). This gentle stretches and strengthening form of exercise is designed to physically move us to better health and flexibility while moving us spiritually to get closer to God (instructions, illustrations and benefits of each PraiseMoves posture, PLUS a guide for fasting, a 21-day Step-UP program, basic recipes, and more, are included in the book). After all, I Cor. 6:20 says, “you were bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

I encourage you to read this book for yourself. I want you to experience a total makeover, inside and out. That's why I'm giving you this incentive - a 60% discount! Get the details here: Faith & Fitness Products.

Why you need passive income

2010-05-24T10:37:00.001+08:00

Just imagine. If you can no longer go to work the next morning, how long will you survive without your active income? What is the actual number of years you will survive when you stop working? That’s the measure of your wealth!

Frankly, I don’t know a lot of people who can afford to quit their jobs right now to retire, find another job, or simply enjoy their life to the fullest. No, not just yet! If asked, “How many sources of passive income do you have?” Most of us answer, “None.”

To emphasize the need for passive income, let me first describe what active income is. Active income is the income we get from our current jobs. It is the reason why we go to work day in and day out. If we work in an office, it’s where we get our money to pay for our food, shelter, clothing, education, bills, etc. The doctor gets his source of income from his patients, actors from their movies, OFWs from their work contracts, and boxers from their matches. But realize that even if you are the greatest doctor there is, will you still get your income when you no longer have patients? Even if you are the most famous actor in the world, will you still get your income if you are no longer offered to do movies? If you are an OFW and you no longer have contracts to work abroad, will you still be able to receive salary? Even if you are as strong and as fast as Manny Pacquiao in boxing, don’t you need a match to get paid for your profession?

Realize that no matter how good you are with what you are doing, if you have no clients, it is useless. You may be the best but without activity, you will get no active income. Thus, income is good only while your activity lasts, and only if you are able to create sources of passive income.
– the income that keeps coming even if you have already stopped working.

What happens on the day when you can no longer work? Thus, while still young and strong, it is necessary to create sources of passive income. We have to learn how to invest so that we can accumulate sources of passive income. The great thing about passive income is that it requires little maintenance and management as well as makes a fortune from a small amount.

There are three main sources of passive income:

1. Interest income – from investments (like mutual funds)
2. Royalty income – e.g. Composers get their income from the songs that are used in movies, sang by bands or singers. If you get a franchise of McDonald’s, you pay 5% of your annual income to the McDonald’s main office because you are using its name, system and technology.
3. Rental income- from condo units, apartments, or expensive equipment.

On our next blog, we will teach you another way how to earn passive income. Don’t miss it!

Succeed through words of affirmation

2010-05-16T22:44:00.007+08:00

Ever wonder how great achievers succeed in life? Or how the biggest weight losers get started to get to their ideal weight? They start with a goal, and with a goal, they visualize what happens in the future. How? Most goal achievers and fitness trainers I know use affirmations to get what they want in life. They speak to themselves with positive talks, believing things have already happened even before they have.

Here are some examples which I used for myself:

"I'm really happy and grateful that I'm traveling back soon to Singapore. My employer is offering free accommodation and a round-trip ticket to anyone who gets promoted before August of this year!" - Obviously, I'm expecting a promotion.

A month before I received my fitness instructor certification, I used to tell myself, "I better prepare for my workout routine. I will soon teach it to my students."

If you're trying this out for the first time, it may sound corny for a while but later on, I'm sure you'll see the point. It takes practice! If you practice statements of goal achievements as if they've already happened, you'll soon reach your goal before you know it.

And you know what? There's one source I know which is limitless when it comes to words of affirmation – and that’s the Bible! It’s much more effective to speak with boldness the Word of God through words of affirmation such as “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am strong in the Lord and the power of His might. I’m more than a conqueror through Him who loves me!” (Phil. 4:13; Eph. 6:10; Rom. 8:37). So why don't you say a verse in the first person now and take God's Word personally? See what happens! You can use Scriptural affirmations to take the Word of God personally for your life. An alternative way to reading God's is listening to and speaking Scriptures aloud (“Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” Romans 10:17).

Here’s a resource you can listen to, give to a loved one who needs healing, or use for your church library.

Healing Scriptures CD God’s Promises for Healing

If you want to get the CD at a discounted price of P600 (plus local delivery charges), you can call Marivic directly at 0917-9535265 or email at mdvidaure@yahoo.com. The first two person who order will receive a FREE prayer cloth! You will surely like combining this prayer cloth with the Healing Scriptures CD.

Want to order Prayer Cloths? Order for just P150 each!
Examples of Scripture and affirmation from Prayer cloth:

Psalm 107:20 "He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them
from their destructions."
God's Word is healing.

Nahum 1:9 "...affliction shall not rise up the second time."
This sickness shall leave and not return.