Faith-based investing in the Philippines

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Have you heard about this concept of investing?

It may be new for some people but it has existed in the past few decades in other countries. For some it is a form of religious-based investing using the principles and teachings according to one’s belief and denomination. It is somehow helpful in providing spiritual guidance on one’s financial growth although churches or religions are nonprofit organizations and they do not issue stocks or shares.  In the Philippines, there are no religious-based index funds or financial products available in the market. However, first- world countries such as the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia, the Middle East and our Asean neighbors like Malaysia and Indonesia have religious-based investment products based on Koran do exist in great numbers and people of different religious denomination invest in it.

Understanding the Philippine Stock Market

Updated: February 13, 2014: 12:00 pm

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The second half of 2013 was a thrilling event for those who invested their money in stock market making tremendous profit with this type of direct investments. Many have gone up and seen the rise of the Philippine Stock Exchange  Index (PSEi) to 7,000 mark with people celebrating in sheer numbers to see their money grow.  However, stocks have seen downside when profit taking took place in end of December 2013 days before Christmas time but surely I am optimistic about this and looking forward on a better this year 2014.

Many people ask this question on how to invest in the stock market and why invest in the stock market? How much can a stock or equity profit?

How to turn Garbage to Money

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“An average Filipino generates 0.3 and 0.5 kg (rural and urban areas, respectively) of solid waste daily according to The Philippine Brown Environment (September 2005)

I have seen this tarpaulins and banner across our street and even outside my workplace. Our community leaders in our subdivision and baranggays are asked to follow the rules and regulations in waste segregation of our garbage. The local government units in our city has been spearheading this system of segregation since 2009 and local environmental board officials through the help of the local media, homeowners association and the local parish church have disseminated the information, educated local folks and help the community in spreading the word on implementing the solid waste segregation using the local Material Recovery Facility (MRF) nearby. Republic Act No. 9003 considers “waste as a resource that can be recovered”, emphasizing on recycling, reuse and composting as methods to minimize waste in short the Good Practice of the Three Rs’ are Reuse, Recover and Recycle.

“In a 2011 news article, a single Metro Manila resident produces 0.7 kilograms a day of trash wherein a  person is 0.3 kilogram in which is higher compared to the global average. Metro Manila alone produces a fourth of the Philippine garbage according to Emy Aguinaldo, executive director, of Department of Environment and National Resources –National Solid Waste Management Commission on that report.” 

A trash can be simple candy wrapper thrown away, a piece of used writing paper or plastic water container refuse we used after drinking, or a tin can of a sardine just to name a few examples.  Once a trash accumulates and not properly disposed or thrown away incessantly especially in a canal or sewer systems can clog the waterways and cause massive floods, water-borne illnesses and others that can affect us and also mother earth with the effects of climate change we experienced during Typhoon Ondoy (“Typhoon International Code: Ketsana”). The recycling effort can also reduce the trash in our landfills creating more space for other purposes it may serve.

PERSONAL FINANCE 101 FOR PINOY FREELANCERS

PERSONAL FINANCE 101 FOR PINOY FREELANCERS

By: Benedict Baluyut, RMT, REB, RFP

 “Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” - 1 Peter 5:7.

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In recent years, freelancing has become a trend for many Filipinos who are seeking extra work to augment their income.
But though freelancers or independent contractors have flexible time and can enjoy their assignments or work than in regular employment, they have disadvantages too, from uncertainty of work to income, company benefits, paid holidays and even bonuses.
Are you prepared? Are your experiencing mishaps arising from unforeseen circumstances and that require utmost urgency?
Here are ten ideas that you can use in preparing yourself for the best or worst in life.