Just like any relationship you hope to build and make last - finding the right person to understand your needs is a must.
Build A Partnership - Build An Empire |
Finally, I was able to attend Session 4 of the Money 4 Life Workshop facilitated by Coach Aya Laraya at the Brighter Life Institute. Session 3 was all about Finding The Right Advisor. This session made me feel confident that I can now, ask the right questions. Yes, when it comes to investing for the future, bad questions also exist. So you need to be careful and take all matters in your life into consideration.
I myself haven't found an advisor yet. Why? Because I know that sharing my financial lifestyle with a stranger can be unnerving and isn't as quick and easy as SpeedDating.
I know, I know, the clock is ticking - the more chances I let pass, the more time is wasted wherein I could've secured our future. It makes me paranoid about what could go wrong. I remember writing about my experience a few months ago, when my Dad underwent angioplasty and there was the feeling of helplessness and regret that we didn't invest earlier. (Sun Life: On Preparedness, Financial Indpendence and Every Juan's Changing Needs)
Furthermore, our experience taught me so many things about the importance of investing for the future. It made me stop and rethink my life goals. As I grew older, I keep noticing things in my lifestyle that aren't beneficial to me or my family. That's when I realized, there are habits that we need to give up in order to make way for more productive ones.
Thanks to Coach Aya Laraya, I realized that it is time. Time for me to seek advice and guidance from a Sun Life Financial Advisor. But in my case, sometimes, THEY find you.
I myself haven't found an advisor yet. Why? Because I know that sharing my financial lifestyle with a stranger can be unnerving and isn't as quick and easy as SpeedDating.
I know, I know, the clock is ticking - the more chances I let pass, the more time is wasted wherein I could've secured our future. It makes me paranoid about what could go wrong. I remember writing about my experience a few months ago, when my Dad underwent angioplasty and there was the feeling of helplessness and regret that we didn't invest earlier. (Sun Life: On Preparedness, Financial Indpendence and Every Juan's Changing Needs)
Furthermore, our experience taught me so many things about the importance of investing for the future. It made me stop and rethink my life goals. As I grew older, I keep noticing things in my lifestyle that aren't beneficial to me or my family. That's when I realized, there are habits that we need to give up in order to make way for more productive ones.
Money 4 Life Session 3 with Coach Aya |
Thanks to Coach Aya Laraya, I realized that it is time. Time for me to seek advice and guidance from a Sun Life Financial Advisor. But in my case, sometimes, THEY find you.
So a day before giving birth to my baby girl Iluminada Martina, I met with my soon to be financial advisor/manager, as I myself intend, well, more like truly decided to become a financial advisor as well - Ms. Agnes Cuaso, whom I met at the Sunlife Millenial event in Aracama,BGC.
You see based on what Coach Aya made me see, it was the actual meeting with Ms. Cuaso that made me realize the 5 things to consider on your journey to finding the perfect financial advisor that will meet your needs:
1. Be emotionally ready - it may sound simple and you might ask me why, it's because there are some intimate things about your financial habits and your personal life that you will only feel comfortable to share when you are open and ready to share.
I am a motormouth, my life is basically an open book but when it comes to my income, debt and spending habits - you have to be some special kind of patient person to understand.
2. Be ready with your questions - when choosing a professional to handle your finances which equates to sharing a part of yours and your family's future, you need to ask a whole bunch of questions. Are both your goals attainable and realistic? Through this, you will have an idea if your visions and perception about finances are aligned.
Some of the best questions to ask according to Coach Aya are: your chosen financial advisor's
•Professional experiences
•Personal experiences (related to your goals)
•Preferred clients - don't waste each other's time
•Compensation scheme/fee structure
•Limitations
3. Acknowledge your weaknesses - let your advisor point out your areas of improvement - let them show you your spending habits that aren't going to benefit you and your family. This is the reason you are outsourcing your flaws - draw strength from your advisor - compliment each other.
4. Be somebody you would like to meet - in order to find the perfect advisor that will understand your needs, be amiable, be open and be someone who would go out of their way to help someone else. Be the kind of helper that you would like to help you.
5. Be clear with your goals - the best thing to remember when looking for the perfect financial advisor for you is to
have a very vivid idea of where your professional relationship and your future in terms of investment would like to go. Remember, you are going to work together to map out your future - think ahead before you finally choose who you would feel comfortable sharing all your details and goals with.
"Sometimes all we need is a sound advice from someone from the outside yet you feel comfortable enough to let inside"
Because the search for the perfect financial advisor is the first step in living and embracing a brighter life.
I'm ready for my journey to begin with SunLifePH. 😄
I love everything youve mentioned. Sometimes we tend to spend our money over liabilities just because they make life convenient. But nothing beats sleeping at night soundly knowing that you have enough savings for your family just in case. A clear goal is definitely helpful in order for us to know our priorities.
ReplyDeleteHmm, no.1 pa lang "Be emotionally ready" hindi na ko papasa. hehehe! I'm not really comfortable sharing my financial lifestyle with stranger. It seems like that it is not easy to find the right FA.
ReplyDeleteevery wise mom should know how to save and invest for the family. i agree with all your info. maybe its time to contact my FA from sunlife. we have met already, but the transaction didn't push thru last year because of personal reasons
ReplyDeleteAs a breadwinner working mommy, I came to realize how to spend money wisely at a young age. We've experienced having a lot and we learned a lot from empty pockets. Your insights are helpful to every family that are aiming to invest and save for the future. I just been approved for my Sunlife insurance :)
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Wish I knew about this before I got my Sun Life plan. Have to get in touch with my FA for some Q & A na. :)
ReplyDeleteVery helpful points Mommy especially to those who are planning to get a plan. We had a bad experience with our FA (from a different company). Choosing the right advisor is really important :)
ReplyDeleteThis was one of the things I did when I turned 30. I felt that I needed to fix my life financially as to be secured. Now, it's time to rethink where I'm spending to save more!
ReplyDeleteNice and informative post... It pays to have a financial advisor and become responsibly ready and equipped with enough savings for the future of the family. Sun life has been gaining popularity and i might consider it in the future. We actually had started investing since 2006 from other financial institution and its worth it..
ReplyDeleteSayang, kahit isa hindi ako naka-attend sa mga talks ng Sunlife. Ive been with Sunlife for almost 3 yrs now and I've known my FA from my previous work and we become friends. She knows my financial capability and my goals which is very important on starting your investment or retirement.
ReplyDeleteI really think I would push through with Sunlife. Good thing I know someone already from there ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely something we'll be looking into!
ReplyDeleteHaving a financial adviser does sound like a great idea. The key is finding a good match. It does take a lot of opening up and trusting.
ReplyDeleteI think I need a financial coach and mentor. I mean, I'm pretty savvy when it comes to financial terms so I theoretically knew what to do but I lack discipline and motivation!
ReplyDeleteAs with everything, preparing and asking relevant questions especially when it comes to your finances helps talaga. Doesn't hurt to discuss this with someone who knows what they are doing as well, like Sunlife.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely a must! Money matters are a delicate topic, and you need the right person you feel compatible with so that you can be more comfortable.
ReplyDeleteWith two cute bebes, yes, this is the right time to start your journey. You're young pa nga so tamang tama lang.
ReplyDeleteIt's the perfect time to think of the future while enjoying the present. Mas madali huminga pag meron kang ineexpect na brighter side in the future. So let's all invest.
ReplyDeleteWow! It is good that ul start early. When did u give birth sis ?
ReplyDeleteI agree that we need to look for a food financial advisor that will care and understand our needs. It ia really more on saving and knowing what you will need and you want to improve. Thank you for the tips.
ReplyDeleteVery helpful in choosing your right finance advisor which is very critical nowawadays. Thank you for sharing mommy.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely something that could help to gain financial freedom. I already discussed getting an insurance to hubby and he said yes. We just wait for the perfect timing. I will let hubby read this post so he can be informed as well. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI hope they can help someone like me who has no specific goals XD
ReplyDeleteI should have taken this journey when my kids were really small. You know, sending a kid to college is really hard these days. But, it's never too late.
ReplyDeleteI think it's really hard to look for the perfect FA no? It has to be someone you trust and who knows what you need.
ReplyDeleteThese are insightful. Thanks for sharing, now I know what to remember when I decide to finally try investing
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