Beginner’s Guide to Investing
Beginner’s Guide to Investing Investments can be quite intimidating. If you are on the lookout for the best investment in the Philippines, you might be considering to invest in the stock market, on a house and lot, on mutual funds, or start a small business. You may lose a great deal of money if you are not aware of the techniques to successful investing. Investment options can provide additional income, and all assets may be focused on comfortable living for the future. Below is a general overview of where you can invest, as well as the best investment options in the Philippines for 2019. Where to Invest Money in the Philippines? Invest in yourself Your knowledge and skills are considered your top assets aside from money. So it is just appropriate to begin investing for yourself and your future. You can learn new skills or go for higher education which can be related to your field of interest to achieve enough preparation for career advancement. Career advancement opens opportunities for better income. Bonds As a beginner in investing, you may be cautious when taking large investment risks. This is the reason why low-risk investment channels such as bonds are ideal for beginners. The minimum investment for bonds is P5,000 to P10,000. Due to small risks, bonds may generate lower profits compared to other investments such as stocks. Yet investment through bonds is better compared to placing your money in a savings account. The interest rates are normally higher compared to deposit accounts and this is the reason why they gain higher returns. Mutual Funds Being able to invest in the stock market is perceived to be profitable. However, it can be challenging and overwhelming at the same time for beginners. This is why it’s recommended to place your money in a mutual fund. The minimum investment for mutual funds is P5,000. The money gets pooled for the funds of other investors, as professional fund managers put their investments in various forms like money market funds, stocks, and bonds. Mutual funds are regarded as one of the best investments in the Philippines for beginners. Best Investment Options for 2019 and Beyond Short-Term Goals Short-term goals entail, for instance, savings for an upcoming event such as a baby’s arrival or a wedding. If you are in need of a large amount in less than three years, then it is safer to invest small. Liquid assets are basically easy to buy and sell, like money market funds and time deposits, which allow your funds to grow through established maturity dates and interest rates. A house is regarded as an illiquid investment since it takes about two months or years to sell it. Time deposits, on the other hand, are considered one of the best investments for beginners who are doubtful due to certain risks but still want to earn higher interest rates compared to a traditional savings account. Most savings accounts normally have interest rates lower than 1%, yet time deposits can earn up to more than 4%. Money Market Funds Money market funds are essential for conservative and beginner investors who wish to make higher revenues compared to time deposits. They are regarded as an excellent investment for capital preservations that last about one year or less. Funds are normally invested in risk-free short-term securities, government treasury bills, and corporate bonds. Medium-Term Goals In terms of medium-term goals, it is advisable to put your money in a mixture of safe and risky investments. Equity-based UITFs and balanced funds are considered the best investments especially if you are in need of money in four to nine years. Nevertheless, despite the high risk of such funds, it lessens eventually since professional fund managers handle them. The responsibility of the fund manager is to select the holdings for equity and balanced funds, as its main objective is to increase returns while decreasing its risks. PAG-IBIG or SSS Investment Program The PAG-IBIG or SSS Investment Program can be considered as one of the easiest investments which the Social Security System (SSS) and PAG-IBIG Fund offers. The minimum monthly investment is P500 for the modified PAG-IBIG 2 Savings Program and P1,000 for SSS P.E.S.O. Fund. The Philippine government ensures both investment schemes and through this, you will have lesser chances of losing your savings. Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF) A unit investment trust fund (UITF) refers to pooled investment funds that are almost the same as mutual funds. What sets it apart from other mutual funds is that commercial banks offer UITFs. Since most of the banks in the Philippines are under the supervision of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, you can guarantee that UITFs are scam-free and safe. The minimum investment is P1,000. Variable Universal Life Insurance (VULI) A variable universal life insurance (VULI) plan is an investment that doubles. It serves as a way to protect your loved ones against any financial obstacle in case something unexpected happens to you as that of a serious accident or death. The minimum investment monthly for VULI is P2,000. You can make the best investment in the Philippines due to its liquidity, since you can avail of your funds after several years, and this can be of great help during financial emergencies. Balanced Funds Balanced funds may include high-risk holdings and conservative bonds. They are considered the best investments for reasonably aggressive and conservative investors who possess the willingness to invest their money for three to five years. Funding for your child’s tuition and retirement, for instance, are considered long-term goals that you need to save for. Long-Term Goals Long-term goals entail investments that have a lifelong impact not only to yourself but also to your family. It includes property investments, investment on a memorial lot, and stocks. Memorial Lot Investment Purchasing a piece of traditional land is regarded as a wise investment, yet it can cost a lot especially if you are still a beginner. Cemeteries are considered the best options for those who are searching for something
Best Investments Under Php 50K or Php 100K in the Philippines
Best Investments Under Php 50K or Php 100K in the Philippines Making money is hard, but making it grow is harder. People are always on the verge of running over the cliff of overworking and occupational stress because earning money has become the topmost priority of every individual today. If you are one of those that continually scratch their head in financial confusion and a tight budget, it’s time to invest your hard-earned cash for a fruitful return later. In the Philippines, the workforce with ages 20-30 is aware of their future financial needs yet decline to invest and save. This alone makes them vulnerable for fortuitous events that can damage a person’s financial capacity making them turn to debts. In light of this matter, we compiled the best investment options you have by spending Php 100,000 and less. Read on to find out. Future Career Growth Even if you are a proud working adult, your career growth shouldn’t stop to where you are now. Apart from investing your money, the most significant investment you’ll ever make in your lifetime is learning new skills, improving your capabilities, and those that are necessary for a higher step in your career. Whether it’s pursuing higher education, obtaining a different degree, taking that graphic design class and more definitely adds to your intellectual value, although you have to spend for its completion and you have to put in the effort for its mastery, you’re gaining knowledge that is beyond quantifiable. These skills, knowledge, and expertise will put you ahead of your competitors in a cut-throat place of employment and seeking new opportunities. Small Scale Business One of the greatest things about technology’s integration is its contribution to businesses. Now, you’ll have a platform to buy and sell, advertise, and interact with your target market for free. These avenues are identified as business websites or social media pages. You can invest for a small batch of products or goods and post them for sale in these pages and pretty soon, you’ll have people calling in for orders. For example, you bake fondant cakes for various celebrations. You can post your previous masterpieces as advertising tools and get referrals from family and friends. Memorial Lots Much like how real estate investment operates, memorial lots are unlike objects or assets that depreciate in value. It goes higher for each passing day. You can invest in a memorial lot for your own safety or purchase one and sell it to prospective clients. More so, it can serve as collateral if you intend to avail of a loan from a bank or a financial institution. SSS and Pag-IBIG Investment Programs If you don’t like working for your money to grow, you have the option to sit back and watch it flourish. In fact, with this choice, you can still go to your daily 9-5 office schedule and wait for your investment fund to grow. These are investment programs offered by PAG-IBIG and SSS. You have the Modified PAG-IBIG 2, otherwise known as MP2 and Personal Equity and Savings Option referred to as PESO Fund provided by PAG-IBIG and SSS respectively. For further details and requirements for enrolment, you can head over your nearest SSS or PAG-IBIG office. Insurance Plans A common misconception these days is that insurances are only for those that have the extra financial resource to invest. It’s a given that insurances are quite expensive, compared to other options mentioned in this article. But insurance claims will protect the greatest asset you have, your health, and those of your family members. There are a lot of insurance companies now that lowers their premium monthly payments to suit each Filipino’s needs. For a minimum of Php 600.00 per month, you can avail of a Php 50,000 benefit limit. Mutual Funds and Unit Investment Trust Funds Although they are similar to the fact that the money you have is pooled for funding, there is a single difference to these instruments. In mutual funds, your money is pooled to the funds for fund managers to utilize. These financial experts will handle your account and utilize it for either of the following: bonds, money market funds or stocks. You can invest in mutual funds for a minimum of Php 5,000.00 On the other hand, unit investment trust funds are commercially sold by private banking institutions. Both are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, bringing guarantee to first-time investors. Whatever investment option you choose, it would help to know the ins and outs of the process, so you can maximize your returns and efficiently make investing decisions without harming your finances at present.
Here’s Why You Should Invest in Properties in the Philippines
Here’s Why You Should Invest in Properties in the Philippines It goes without saying that if you want to achieve a wealthy status, you need to invest your hard-earned cash for an entrepreneurial venture, investment tools, or properties. Among the mentioned investment probabilities, most Filipinos gravitate towards the purchase of properties for future sales and maximize profits. If you were to ask Filipinos all around the country, they’d say that real estate properties are attractive because of its tangible features. Other investment tools are filled with available resources and impressive analytics that some don’t have the time to assess. But, this doesn’t mean that investing in properties isn’t daunting. In fact, it can be the riskiest decision you’ll make in your life. However, this shouldn’t stop you from investing. If you’re still not convinced as to whether you should consider investing in properties in the Philippines, we compiled reasons that might persuade you to think twice. Properties are for Long-term Success Just like wine, properties that mature in time are the best when it comes to investment. If you’re looking for quick cash, investment on properties won’t do you good as you’ll feel compelled to sell it now out of urgency or necessity. If you want to capitalize on your investment, be prepared to hold it for a long time. Constant Value Appreciation Since the real estate scene in the Philippines is location-based, the value for properties continues to steadily rise as the years pass by. As experts would describe it, the Philippines’ real estate scene is resilient as ever. The Rise of Philippine Online Gaming Operations Unknown to some, the establishment of Philippine Online Gaming Operations (POGO) has affected the properties’ prices throughout its operations. Although the recent trend is concentrated in the areas of Pasay, Paranaque, Makati, Taguig and Las Piñas, there is no telling when this will decline. You can take advantage of this moment now and reap the rewards later on. Quick Profit Opportunities Luckily for those who have properties in and around the Central Business Districts, they can sell their property now and still gain a massive profit from the transaction. However, if you don’t want to sell it, you can engage in transient homestays or through Airbnb rentals that offer flexible income opportunities for you. Low Supply of Properties In recent research, there is a considerable margin between the demand and the market of properties in Metro Manila that would cater to new families and newly-weds. Before you start purchasing properties for investments, make sure to target a market like the ones mentioned for a consistent high-demand of real estate. You can have one-bedroom or two-bedroom units of condominium, multi-units of the apartment and other options suitable for starting families. Value of Convenience and Proximity In the bustling metropolis of Metro Manila, people are always on the lookout for properties that offer proximity and convenience for their work and to avoid the struggles of daily commute like the heat and the traffic. If you have a property that is at the forefront of these strategic locations, you’ll make a hefty sum of sale from your investment. Affordable Financing Options If you were to look at bank interest rates or financial institutions’ prevailing interest rates, you’d drop your jaw upon seeing how high it can be. You can opt for an easy-to-own program that your buyer can later utilize for affordable ownership. It’s not enough to use this article as a basis for your decision. What you need is to go out and see the real estate situation by yourself. You can also read numerous resources online and talk to real estate experts for an objective evaluation. Always remember that investments work when an investor is willing to put in the effort of learning, patience, and time for his property to flourish.
Where to Invest Your Hard Earned Money
Where to Invest Your Hard Earned Money Earning money is as hard as working for it. To make the most of it, it is wise to know how to make that hard-earned money grow. It is good to stick to a savings or checking account if you are considering the future. However, this does not really make that much in terms of returns. This is where investment comes in. However, you need to do significant research with regards to the most ideal investment options for you and your family. Knowledge and understanding of such options will also help you grow your investment fund. Here are some options you can invest your hard-earned money on. Memorial Lots Buying a memorial lot is not just for family members who have departed. But it can be considered a worthwhile investment to begin with. Currently, local investors are looking for ways to diversify their investments in memorial lots. Investing in memorial lots has several advantages. It is more stable compared to other forms of industry and trade in terms of tangible investments. Value appreciation can be expected to occur yearly, and this enables investors to monitor and retain real returns. Memorial lots do not easily depreciate in terms of value. It is more affordable compared to other real estate properties, thus making it easier to sell. It can also be used as collateral once the owner has completely paid for it. Memorial lots also provide a “peace of mind” for investors because the constant maintenance of such properties is not required. There is perpetual memorial care, which the developer of the property takes care of. This includes the general maintenance of the park, regular grass trimming, and cleaning of the entire area. Most memorial lot investors earn at least 10% of their own investments once every two to three years. Their investment fund may also double if the owners decide to sell the memorial lot after five years. Real Estate Real estate properties may be considered a profitable investment. Yet, with the market’s current unpredictability in some areas, it may also be risky. Some owners decide to put their residential homes for rent in order to earn passive income. The recruitment of a property management company to handle the collection of rental fees, repairs, and searching for tenants is worth the investment as well. They may take a part of the monthly rent for the fees that they need to cover, while what is left goes to the owner. Nevertheless, mortgage terms and rates may vary for people purchasing a condominium or home as part of their investment fund. Stocks Another great option in terms of investments in the stock market. For stocks, the most effective technique is to take whatever money is left after all bills have been paid monthly and have it alternate between high-risk, moderate, and conservative investments. This will result in the diversification of your portfolio. It will also not leave the potential of earning a huge pay in terms of one of the investments. Bonds, which are related to stocks, can also be considered as another option for investing your hard-earned money. Mutual Funds and UITFs Unit investment trust funds (UITFs) and mutual funds are considered pooled investments for a rate as low as P1,000. You may also open an account with mutual fund companies through the help of a stockbroker. Generally,UITFs and mutual funds do not need sufficient effort and time as that of other investments like the franchise of a business or stocks. All UITFs and mutual funds are handled well through a professional fund manager. All it needs is the investment of the owner itself. Being able to obtain your first salary is somehow one of the most essential achievements you may have in life. Indeed, it is not that bad to enjoy the fruits of your labor since you have really worked hard enough for it. However, you should also have long-term plans regarding your finances. This is the reason why you need to invest a part of your hard-earned money to attain financial security in the future for you and your xxfamily.
Real Estate in the Philippines: 7 Things You Need to Know
What is Real Estate? Real estate is the property consisting of the land and the buildings built on it. It also includes natural resources such as crops, mineral deposits and water, as well as the air rights above the ground and underground rights below the earth. The term real estate means physical property. There are four categories of real estate: Residential real estate It is the category where the property is used for people to live on and cannot be used for commercial or industrial purposes. It includes both newly constructed or resale houses. The most common examples are bungalows, condominiums, co-ops, townhouses, and vacation homes. Commercial real estate This type of real estate is used solely for business purposes. These properties are usually repronted out to tenants for that purpose. This category comprises of shopping centers and strip malls, medical and educational buildings, hotels and offices. Apartment buildings, even though they are used for residential purposes, are often considered commercial because they are owned to produce a profit. Industrial real estate Industrial real estate includes all land and structures utilized for industrial activities. The buildings can be used for manufacturing, assembly, research, production, storage, and distribution of goods. Land It is a real estate without any structures. It can be vacant land (undeveloped, early development or reuse), working farm, ranch or a memorial lots or garden. Who can invest in Philippine real estate? It’s not difficult to assess if one should make a real estate investment. The country offers excellent investment opportunities for all kinds of investors, huge or first-timer alike. Success in the world of real estate is not a derivative of having a million-dollar investment. It’s enough that you have some start-up capital on hand as an initial investment. Getting a license is not required in real estate investment. Philippine real estate brokers have benefitted by having a real estate licensure. However, many people have earned well from buying and reselling properties. The best teacher is experience, but it’s not a requirement. All of those top real estate investors started from being inexperienced. Chances are, with a little bit of luck and a lot of real estate research, you’ll be at the top with them soon. Where are the best cities to invest in real estate? Discovering the best location is a huge part of a successful investment in real estate. Philippines has several prime locations and potential hotspots for investment. The property market in the Philippines is expected to achieve double-digit growth this year, with the following places listed below: Quezon City The highly urbanized Quezon City is home for about 3 million Filipinos. These entail an abundance of employment prospects, mostly young professionals, as well as recreational centers and wellness hubs. Investing in residential and commercial properties is encouraged. Makati City Makati is a place where there are around 60,000 commercial and retail establishments. Here the real estate investments are at a premium. Properties, especially in or around the Central Business District are the best target for any real estate investor. Numerous multinational firms, such as BPOs and POGOs, have set up their companies in Makati, transforming the city into a financial center. Office spaces here soaked up by these companies, as well as residential units for their employees. Baguio City The Philippines ‘ Summer Capital is a top tourist hotspot as well as a busy university town. Whether for travel or study, almost always someone will be searching for a place to reside in Baguio City. Without sacrificing value, real estate in Baguio City continues to be more affordable. At the same moment, despite ongoing growth, the town is wonderfully peaceful. Also, new ventures regularly appear, generating a growing market for commercial rentals. Gensan Officially referred to as General Santos City, it is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the Philippines. It is the shopping capital of the region, where residents from nearby towns and provinces visit the city to do some leisure activities. Its major economic activity is also primarily anchored into two industries: the agricultural and fishing sectors. Commercial and industrial real estate investments are promoted here. Gensan is also home to Forest Lake. It is a memorial park that has the most interred remains since the 70s. Their investors can be assured that they will be near their departed relatives and loved ones. It is also most accessible by public utility vehicles and private cars. In Gensan’s memorial park industry, there is a big room for investment. Aside from the use of the memorial property for interment purposes, its resale value is significantly higher than other forms of investment in real estate. When is the best time to invest in real estate? Philippines real estate investment is long-term and not an easy-money short-term venture. Often, the expectations of the buyer make real estate investments not perform as expected. Investing in real estate is being ready to keep that property for many years after purchase. Since it takes a long time to get a return of investment, the best time to invest in real estate in the Philippines is as soon as possible. As long as you have sufficient capital and made serious effort to research and study all the aspects, especially financially, that is the time to decide to get an investment. Properties such as a memorial lot, appreciate over time. The value of memorial lots is accelerating to a standard rate of 40% annually, and this rate is much higher for prime and accessible lots such as in Forest Lake, which is situated along the national highway with wider roads leading to the park. How does real estate in the Philippines fare? The Philippines enjoys a stable, robust property market. One evidence of this was the global financial crisis of 2008, which hit the U.S. hard but did not severely impact the Philippines. As a result, even if the market for Philippine Online Gaming Operations (POGO) passes its peak, the nation is anticipated to do just fine. Moreover, real estate demand
The Advantages of Investing in Memorial Lots
Death is inevitable, as they would always say. While it’s a wise decision to focus on the present, it’s even more sensible to prepare for what may come ahead, particularly death. We are all aware that at some point in our lives, we will need to face this reality and what better way to do it than to be prepared for it, right? Aside from preparing for your burial services and such, you should also not forget one crucial thing, and that is the memorial lot. Through the years traditions change, but one thing remains certain, laying the dead to its final rest is always a customary that’s non-negotiable. Because of this, a memorial lot can be a good investment, whether for personal or commercial purposes. Advantages of Memorial Lot Investments Planning pays off big time Just like acquiring regular real estate properties or other investment property, memorial lots will also require a lot of paperwork and time. Planning always proves to be more convenient, time-saving, and economical too, at most. Imagine if you need the memorial lot today or tomorrow without any investment, it will take so much work, time, and budget while still going through the grieving process. As a result, you will make do of a memorial lot that’s readily available, leaving you with no other options at all. At Forest Lake Memorial , we highly recommend that you start considering investing in memorial lots as early as now, while you still have plenty of time, and the price is still flexible. Just like any other real property investment, memorial lots increase its market value every year. In case you need an emergency fund, you can consider selling your memorial lot at a higher price. If a loved one passed away, you can also let them use the memorial lot, instead of buying a new one. It’s one thing less to worry about in the future Although death is something that you can never predict, you can always plan when it comes to the financial preparations that it may require. If you have already invested in a memorial lot, that’s one thing less to worry about in case something unforeseen happens. You will have more time to accomplish other requirements, and of course, your grieving process can be more reassuring. High return on investments According to memorial lot brokers, this type of investment property is now gaining momentum more than ever. The high return on investment from memorial lots is one of the main reasons for this, depending on how many years the property will take before reselling. The very minimal to almost no maintenance cost is also another reason why more and more investors are considering this type of investment. Unlike in condominiums and other real estate properties, there’s no need to repair anything regularly. Memorial lots stay as just empty lots and the most maintenance you’ll expect would probably just the regular grass trimming. Memorial parks are also most likely the ones to take care of such matters, so you also need not concern yourself about it. This investment property provides peace of mind A lot of people who invested in memorial lots were able to sell their lots at higher prices. Our sellers often receive thank you letters from clients who purchased memorial lots not just for themselves but also as a form of investment. One notable experience was from AM Tess Talamera who shares that her client used the earnings from the resale of her memorial lots to send her sons and daughters to school. One of her sons even finished Law because of her investment. Memorial lots are the only real estate investment you can make that’s protected against depreciation. Its value doesn’t become zero and it is good collateral since it’s a tangible asset. With all of these benefits, you can say that investing in memorial lots can give you peace of mind. Check out the memorial lot investments offered at Forest Lake Memorial. You can always drop by and sit with one of our brokers so you can find out more about it. It’s high time you start planning for the future, and when we say future, it doesn’t involve education and healthcare alone. After all, we are all heading towards the same direction, just not all at the same time. Now is the best time to invest in it.
8 Tips for Funeral Planning
8 Tips For Funeral Planning If two things are constant in life, it is change and death. While planning for a funeral is something that most people do not look forward to, doing so has its benefits. Not only does early preparation reduce family conflicts and stress, but it also helps save money, and give you time to commemorate the life your loved ones lived. Tips for Planning a Funeral If you are at a loss on where to begin, below are eight tips that will help you ease the heavy burden of funeral planning. 1. Seek for a pre-planning funeral advice For pre-planning funeral advice, it is best to go to a funeral home that has been around for many years. Doing so guarantees that by the time you or your loved ones pass on, the plans you have made for funeral will be followed until you or your loved ones are laid to rest. The risk of going to a new funeral home is that they could go out of business, which would mean that your pre-planned funeral might be decided by your next kin instead. 2. Plan for the future Before you or a family member dies, create a will and testament, trusts, advance instructions, and funeral plans with your family, so they are aware of your wishes. This way, conflicts about who will manage what will be avoided, and family assets are entrusted to the right people. 3. Body disposal There are four ways on how to dispose of one’s body: Burial – Burial requires a cemetery plot where you will bury the body, a casket where the body will lay rest, and a memorial marker to determine who is in the grave. Cremation – Depending on location, cremation is often cheaper than a burial, because you do not have to buy for a plot where you can bury the body. The urn where the ashes of your loved ones will be placed can be put anywhere you or your loved ones wish. Donating the body to science – Donating your body to science can save you funeral costs, and at the same time, it can serve as your last contribution to the world because you get to help doctors and scientists with their scientific research. Burial at the sea – If you are a veteran, sea burial is also an option for body disposal. 4. Renting saves money Renting a casket is possible, especially if you are to be cremated but still want to have a viewing. 5. Ask for funeral-planning guidance from memorial parks in the Philippines Depending on the funeral service you want to have, seeking guidance, comparing, and contrasting prices will help you with your finances later on. 6. Questions to ask memorial parks in the Philippines It will be helpful to ask questions that will make you understand how the process of cremation will work. What is the chain of custody to follow from death to casket or urn? Do you cross-check paperwork and identity when retrieving the body or delivering it to a third-party crematory? Do you know the crematory’s procedure? Do you label the wrist or ankle bands? If so, is a unique ID number provided and will it survive during the cremation process? 7. Limit visitation Limiting the days of visitation will bring down the cost of funerals. Not only it will lessen the financial burden, but the family left behind would also be able to mourn and start the process of moving on. 8. Spend time with family and friends Sometimes, the most meaningful funerals cost less. Honoring your loved one’s memory does not mean you have to spend a massive amount of cash just to have a beautiful funeral. As long as you are together on this journey, you can make new memories and move on as a family. No life is the same as the other. Every person has different passions, milestones, and legacies, and it is up to us, the family our loved one left behind, to tell the world how they were able to leave a mark in this world. By consulting with a funeral planner from reputable memorial parks in the Philippines, will help you how to have an unforgettable memorial service for your loved one – or even your very own if you plan in advance.
Explaining Death to Children
Death could be a challenging subject to talk about, especially with children not because they may not fully understand the concept of death, but because accepting why a certain loved one is permanently gone can be more difficult for them. Some parents or guardians might even be afraid to talk about death with or around children as they want to protect young minds from this inevitable reality. However, one should know that kids go through grief just like grownups. It’s even harder for them to cope with the loss when they don’t understand it the way adults do. This is why it’s important that we explain to them what death is in a proper and caring way. How to Explain Death to Children To help you through this journey, Forest Lake, one of the trusted memorial parks in the Philippines, compiled guidelines from experts on how to talk to children about death. Gauge the age Before talking to a child about death, you should be aware about their level of understanding. For instance, infants and toddlers cannot grasp death at all but they can feel what’s happening through your responses and the things that are going on around them. Preschoolers, on the other hand, can be more curious about death. Most of the time, they see it as a temporary state and that the dead loved one will come back soon. The best way to talk to a preschooler about death, especially when they ask, is by giving them answers that are grounded to reality. One example is informing them that their deceased loved one will not be coming back as the body cannot function anymore. Children of school age are able to understand the finality of death and it can haunt them more than the younger ones. They tend to be more wary of illnesses, accidents, and other causes of death, and might be more possessive and protective of you for a period of time. Pre-adolescents fully understand the death but can have a hard time expressing how they feel about it. According to child grief experts, the child’s age is the most important thing to consider before explaining death. Considering their age will also help you be more careful about the details you will open up. Talk in an honest but calm way We shouldn’t underestimate children. Most of them are smart enough to understand what you are saying. When finally having the talk about death, be clear. Don’t sugarcoat what happened but be mindful of how you relay the information to them. Being too blunt might You can start by telling them what happened to their loved one. Were they sick? If so, let them know that it is normal for people to get sick and sometimes the body could not take it anymore. Explain to them what they might see in the coming days – that they may witness family and friends crying and that they will be seeing their loved one inside a casket. Let them know that it is natural to feel sad and that they are allowed to express it. Tell them that the sadness they are feeling is natural and they are allowed to express it. Share that you are experiencing the same feelings and that you are always by their side. Find the right timing Discussing a sensitive topic such as death needs to happen at the right time. Like you, children could be in a state of distress. They could be confused with this sudden or unexpected event. The best time to talk with a child is when you yourself have clear thoughts and when you are prepared to answer their questions. During your exchange of feelings, have a certain amount of restraint. Instead of telling them everything in one sitting, give them brief but concise information and give them time to process it Let them grieve Children grieve in varying ways and as their guardian, be prepared to take on different kinds of responses. Some may grieve in silence while others may be asking for constant attention. No matter how they express sadness, it is necessary to give them the time and understanding that their need while they are grieving. Make them feel that you are there every step of the way. Aside from checking on them regularly and making sure their basic needs are met, connect with them emotionally. Cry and laugh with them and take time to listen on what they had to say. Remember the deceased in a thoughtful way You could make the healing process easier for the children by honoring the deceased through making scrapbooks, planting trees, releasing balloons, or just by having a light-hearted chat. Laughter is still and always the best medicine and it works well with children. Helping them laugh or smile in a particularly dire situation will aid in their recovery. Reading books or watching films that touch the topic of death in an appropriate manner is also one way to help children fathom what death really is and what one can do to immortalize the deceased. Finally, let them have a role in funerals or memorial services such as speaking a small eulogy, handing out flowers, or welcoming visitors. If it happens that a child doesn’t want to attend or even be involved in ceremonies, don’t oblige them. Instead, let them know that they can go to the funeral or the memorial grave whenever they are ready. In difficult times like death of a loved one, bereaved children need to feel heard, protected, and loved. Understand that talking to them about the current situation will help them recover and grow. Forest Lake talked to grief coach Cathy Babao to ask about how to approach children and explain death during their time of grief. Here are the highlights of the interview: Forest Lake: How does one approach a grieving child, assuming that the child already knows about the death of their loved one? How different would it be when approaching an adult? Cathy: This would really depend
Building Communication with Loved Ones during Bereavement
We can never prepare enough for the passing of our loved one. Because each family member grieves differently, communication is crucial during this challenging time. Being sensitive to how you are communicating with each other will help with planning the funeral service and may even strengthen and deepen family ties. Ways to Build Communication with Loved Ones during Bereavement Speak with Empathy Be open to the different emotions that your family members may be feeling. Be sensitive to the fact that some relatives may find it very painful even to just hear your dearly departed’s name. Be sensitive and choose your words when speaking of your deceased loved one. Define each family member’s role If you are part of the immediate family and no one has stepped up to the plate, then take the initiative to spearhead planning the wake and funeral service. Call for a family meeting as soon as possible and go through the steps of planning the service. You may want to read our previous blog post about “Planning a Funeral Service”. Once you have agreed on what needs to be done, assign each family member their specific role or roles as needed. Ensure that everyone has agreed, is aligned and on the same page with respective roles by clearly defining each one to the corresponding family members. Use non-verbal communication to offer comfort Where words can fall short, non-verbal communication may be more effective than speaking. Our touch, our embrace, and the way we look at each other can provide soothing comfort. Sometimes the simple warmth of your presence is enough to communicate love and care. Gestures such as cooking special meals for the bereaved or taking certain responsibilities for the funeral service are also samples of non-verbal ways of communicating that you care. Non-verbal communication can also soften intense feelings surrounding the grieving family and may make way for verbal connections. Surround yourself with love May Cardenas, Forest Lake Binan’s Funeral Director offers some advice. She says that in the event of death, be it sudden or something you have been preparing for, surrounding yourself with closest family members and friends will be helpful, particularly with decision making. May says, “These are people who know your loved one well enough so they can help you pick out the casket design or color, what clothes to be worn, what photo to have enlarged. They should also know you well enough to advise you if your budget is going astray.” May adds, “In my experience, there is always one family member or friend who takes on the responsibility of decision making when the immediate family is not up to the task. It is a huge responsibility since they stand to take the blame for everything if they decide on something the rest of the family doesn’t agree with. Surprisingly, every family seems to have that kind of relative or friend, and more often than not, they do help make things easier.” Healing through communication Grief is a journey that varies from one person to another. Communicating how you feel with your loved ones is one way of coping with the loss. This is because your family acts as a support group so that each one of you need not face this journey alone. Counseling with a professional grief coach is another option you can explore. As one of the leading memorial parks in the Philippines, Forest Lake aims to be “A Better Place” by offering the Good Grief Workshop Program with grief coach Cathy Babao as a support system for their clients coping with loss. If you are a Forest Lake client and would like to inquire about the Good Grief Workshops, please contact Meara at 09777234034.
How to Plan A Meaningful Memorial Service
Coping with a loved one’s passing is the start of a journey none of us may ever be prepared for. Planning a funeral service while going through a range of intense and varying emotions can truly be challenging and stressful. To help our readers during their difficult time of grief, Forest Lake sat down with May Cardenas, Funeral Director of Forest Lake Chapels in Binan, Laguna to ask her for advice and tips on how to plan a meaningful funeral service. May shares, “Thinking of this as two events, namely, planning the wake (first) and the interment day or cremation day itself (second) is one way of organizing your thought process for a well-planned funeral service.” Below is a list you can refer to which will be helpful during the planning. A list like this serves as a guide that can help you stay calm and focused as you work on all the little details of the funeral. Planning the Wake Where the wake will be held. Do you prefer holding the wake at a chapel, church, or residence? Take time to consider the following factors before deciding: Convenience and comfort of the location for your family and your guests Traditional practices and/or common superstitions – Most Filipino families have certain superstitions/traditions that younger generations are obliged to follow. Be sure to check with the deciding elders in your family so compromises can be made prior to finalizing the viewing location. Duration of the wake. How many days should the wake be held for? This is entirely up to the family. Some hold it for 3 days, some hold it until the 9th day while some hold it for as long as 2 weeks especially if they are waiting for relatives from abroad to come home and pay their respects. Serving of Food. You may serve whatever you think is appropriate depending on what your budget will allow and the time that you have for cooking and preparing. Finger foods are often advised because you can save time on preparation and they are easier to eat. Some families opt to hire a catering service so they won’t have to worry about the serving of food. If the wake is to be held at a funeral chapel, it is best to consider if there is ample space for your caterer to set up and serve food or if it would be more convenient to have them serve packed meals. It would also be helpful if you can assign a family member to monitor and buy food supplies for the duration of the wake. To have a eulogy or not? Eulogies are just now becoming popular with Filipino families. The more traditional families still prefer their rituals over a eulogy. Most modern families however, find that eulogies are a way to reminisce and celebrate the memory of their loved one. There is no right or wrong date to hold a eulogy. Often, eulogies are held on the last night of the wake since this would be the time most mourners would go, in case they can’t make it to the funeral. If you plan to hold it during the last night of the wake, make sure to ask your funeral home in advance if they can lend you extra chairs and tables, sound system, and what they usually provide for such programs (and the corresponding fees involved). Some chapels like Forest Lake Chapels Binan provide these as well as creating a video for the family as a complimentary service. Interment Day or Cremation Day Three Days Before. Whether you decide on a cremation or burial, make sure to arrange the schedule with the cemetery or crematory at least 3 days before the intended date. This way, the cemetery can prepare the grave site for you; or if cremation is your choice, the crematory can schedule you for the date and time. Both offices will then be able to tell you if they provide added services such as balloons, flowers for offering, interment program, etc… Two Days Before. At least two days before the interment or cremation day, coordinate with your funeral home regarding what you would like to happen. Chances are they can help you organize the day and even arrange the little details you may forget such as what music to play during the procession, flowers for offering, snacks and bottled water for your guests, thank you cards, etc… One Day Before. If you plan on having a mass on the day of interment or cremation, make sure to inform your servicing funeral home at least one day before so they can coordinate the travel time from place of viewing to the church, and then to the cemetery or crematory. More often than not, your funeral home should be able to advise you of the sequence of events and plan the best routes for your funeral cortege. Division of Roles. It is best to assign point persons to be in charge of certain tasks during interment and cremation day. One person can be in charge of food and drinks, another can be in charge of signalling the funeral crew when they can pack up the flowers, load the casket into the hearse, when to start playing the music for the funeral procession. Another can also be assigned to be the general spokesperson for the family if the eulogy is to be incorporated in the interment program. Keep in mind that many decisions need to be made quickly and it is normal to feel overwhelmed, so it is crucial that other family members are involved to help in the planning. A well-planned and organised funeral service is a wonderful way to celebrate the life of your loved one. If you are planning a funeral in one of our Forest Lake memorial parks in the Philippines, you may contact our site offices as stated here. You may also call our head office at (02) 809-4210. For chapel services in Binan, you may call (0917) 888 9955