Innovating Tradition: Forest Lake’s Creative Tribute to the Dearly Departed
A Festive Twist on All Souls’ Day Forest Lake is revolutionizing the All Souls’ Day celebration with our campaign, “Di Mo Ine-expect, no? ‘Di Ordinaryong Undas 2023.” Moving away from the traditionally somber observance, Forest Lake introduces a festive element, aiming to honor the dearly departed with creative initiatives and innovative services. As a premier memorial park in the Philippines, we will transform iall our parks into vibrant spaces from October 28 to November 5. Each park is uniquely decorated to reflect the local culture, offering Instagram-ready spots, attractions for children, light shows, and film screenings. This celebration of life underscores the importance of remembering loved ones with joy and positivity, without overshadowing the essence of the season. Enhancing Memorial Experiences Forest Lake enhances the memorial experience with services like “Libing Anywhere,” allowing families flexibility in choosing any Forest Lake park for burial, regardless of the original lot purchase location. They also offer “Libre Burol,” providing free funeral services at Forest Lake Memorial Chapels. Additionally, recognizing the digital era, Forest Lake enables online lot purchases, simplifying the process for customers and investors alike. Discover more about Forest Lake’s unique approach to memorializing loved ones in the original article on Inquirer Memories.
Celebrating Excellence: Forest Lake’s Triumph at the 9th National Sales Convention
A Night of Pride and Achievement We at Forest Lake are thrilled to share with you our recent achievements and future aspirations. Our 9th National Sales Convention, held at The Bellevue Hotel in Alabang, was not just a celebration but a reaffirmation of our commitment to excellence, themed “PRIDE” (Passion & Reliability In Delivering Excellence). It was an occasion to honor our dedicated partners and acknowledge their vital contribution to our growth. 2022 was a landmark year for us, with record-breaking revenues of P2.17 billion and a 12% increase in net income. We expanded with new parks, marking it as our most profitable year yet. Our network of over 35 parks across the Philippines is a testament to our focus on celebrating life and creating family-friendly, nature-themed spaces that cherish life’s precious moments. The convention was also an opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, who are the driving force behind our continuous evolution and success. Looking ahead, we are set on achieving even greater heights. Our National Sales & Marketing Head, Carlos Miguel Locsin, emphasized the importance of maintaining our leadership in the industry through a more organized regional approach and enhanced support for our partners. Celebrating over 25 years in the memorial park sector, we remain dedicated to providing personalized service and creating spaces where family memories can be celebrated and cherished. Join us as we continue to grow and serve with pride and excellence. For more information on our journey and services, feel free to read the detailed article on our recent convention and achievements at Forest Lake’s 9th National Sales Convention.
PhilHealth for Senior Citizens: What You Need to Know
A great inevitability of life is that our body tends to be more prone to diseases and health risks as we age. Various medical institutions tend to emphasize this fact, and it is a main selling point among many health insurance companies. For this reason, senior citizens are encouraged to be more responsible for their health. They are advised to take better care of themselves by performing exercises appropriate to their condition, having regular checkups, and minding what they eat. Unfortunately, senior citizens are often deterred by exorbitant medical fees and expensive hospital costs, considering that most of them are relying on their pensions and retirement funds. However, this does not always have to be the case—especially in the Philippines. Should there be any need for medical checkups, hospital confinement, and other healthcare needs, seniors can take advantage of their PhilHealth benefits. While most seniors are aware of the standard twenty percent discount in hospitals, there may be benefits that they are uninformed about. So, as a senior citizen of the Philippines who regularly made contributions to PhilHealth while employed, what benefits do you have? And how can you process your claims? To find out, read below: PHILHEALTH BENEFITS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS a.) Inpatient Benefits PhilHealth’s inpatient benefits allow a certain amount to be deducted from the total of a senior citizen’s total private hospital bill. Hospital bills typically include hospital charges and the doctor’s fees, and the amount to be deducted (which varies on a case-to-case basis) depends on the patient’s condition or disease. b.) Outpatient Benefits Senior citizens are also entitled to outpatient benefits which include hemodialysis sessions, radiotherapy sessions, and outpatient blood transfusions, which senior citizens suffering from cancer or kidney ailments can take advantage of. Apart from all these, senior citizens are also entitled to TB-DOTS Package, which is worth Php4000, Animal Bite Package, worth three thousand pesos, and the cataract extraction package, which is worth Php16,000. Lastly, elderlies may also avail of the primary care benefits 1, otherwise known as the TSeKaP (Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya). c.) TSeKaP (Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya) Benefits TSekaP Benefits is a program that includes preventive befits such as regular BP measurements, smoking cessation counseling, digital rectal examinations, and lifestyle modification counseling. Other diagnostic medical examinations such as urinalysis, chest x-ray, fecalysis, fasting blood sugar, lipid profiling, and sputum microscopy. d.) No-Balance Billing Policy Senior citizens confined in accredited public hospitals will be able to avail of the No-Balance Billing Policy (NBBP). This means that senior citizens in public hospitals no longer need to pay anything upon discharge. However, this is subject to some rules and is typically done on a case-to-case basis. e.) DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course) Senior patients who require first-line drugs or anti-retroviral treatment for any HIV/AIDS-related diseases may avail of the DOTS package. The package includes diagnostic exams, consultation, and prescription medicines provided that seniors visit a PhilHealth-accredited DOTS center in their vicinity. f.) Z Benefits Package Senior citizens who are diagnosed with diseases that are medically and economically catastrophic need not worry. While these diseases require senior citizens to undergo long-term and expensive treatments, they can make use of their PhilHealth benefits. With PhilHealth’s assistance, the potential financial blow will not be as exorbitant as it would be without the coverage. Diseases that are covered under the Z package are: Early stages of breast cancer Standard risk for coronary bypass graft surgery Early stage of cervical cancer Prostate cancer with low to intermediate risks Acute lymphocytic/Lymphoblastic Leukemia with standard risks Z morph external lower limb prosthesis: Initial prosthesis from knee down (left, right, or both) Total Hip Prosthesis, cementless Kidney Transplantation for End-Stage Renal Diseases (Low Risk) Partial Hip Prosthesis (bipolar) Implants for Hip Replacement: Total Hip Prosthesis cemented Implants for Fractures around the Hip (Multiple Screw Fixation) Compression Hip Screw Set Femoral Shaft Fractures (Intramedullary Nail with Interlocking Screws) Proximal Femoral Locked Plate Locked Compression Plate (LCP: Broad/Metaphyseal/Distal Femoral) HOW SENIOR CITIZENS BECOME PHILHEALTH MEMBERS 1.) Lifetime Members People aged 60 and above or retired senior citizens who paid no less than 120 months of contributions are lifetime members. Also, it is worth noting that lifetime members get a free lifetime coverage premium. This means that there is no longer a minimum payment requirement for them to claim their benefits. 2.) Automatic Members With the Expanded Senior Act or RA 10645, all senior citizens who are aged sixty and above are considered PhilHealth members automatically—even if they did not pay for monthly contributions. These non-paying senior citizens also get a free lifetime coverage premium like any lifetime member. BOTTOMLINE As a senior citizen, availing of PhilHealth benefits can be a huge help to defray medical costs and lessen pecuniary burdens—especially in times of prolonged hospitalization. That said, one of the best courses of action to take is to research the various aspects of your medical needs and how government institutions can aid you.
Perks of Being A Senior in The Philippines: Senior Citizen Benefits to Take Advantage Of
Turning sixty is quite a significant event in many Filipinos’ lives. For many, it is a time for celebration—an event that opens doors to many perks and opportunities. For others, it is a time of dread, and for most, it is a time of relaxation. Considered as one of the most awaited milestones in life, reaching the age of sixty in the Philippines means that you get the opportunity to retire from work and spend more time with the people you love. Indeed, many may even say that it is so much more fun to be a senior citizen in this country. And why is this? Well, for starters is that the government offers senior citizens various discounts and benefits that will aid elderly Filipinos manage their finances better in their retirement years. In a sense, it is a way of giving back to the elderlies who have served and worked throughout their adult years, and allows them to enjoy their retirement years without so much of a worry. REPUBLIC ACT 9994 (Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010) Under this law, Filipino citizens who are sixty years old and above are considered seniors. This law also provides additional benefits and privileges to senior citizens. Succinctly put, Republic Act 9994 is the governing law that implements all the guidelines and rules in availing of senior citizen benefits and discounts. It is also the same law that designed and legalized the implementation of the senior citizen ID. Today, the senior citizen ID card is the Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) ID card is the only one that is recognized. Some seniors may be under the impression that any form of identification card that shows they are old enough may be used to avail of senior citizen benefits of discounts. However, this is a common misconception. The Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs is the only legitimate body mandated by law that can issue an identification card or document that proves an individual’s entitlement to senior citizen discounts and benefits. There is no need to pay a fee to avail of a senior citizen card as it is free. SENIOR CITIZEN BENEFITS 1.) Health or medical-related privileges a.) Senior citizens are entitled to a twenty percent discount and VAT exemption on the purchases of generic or brand medicines and drugs. When Executive Order No. 1044 took effect, a further 50% reduction in the prices of medicines for top chronic diseases (diabetes, chronic kidney disease, asthma/chronic pulmonary disease, cancer, and hypertension) was implemented. The passage of this law means that senior citizens can enjoy an additional fifty percent discount on top of the twenty percent discount they already enjoy. b.) Senior citizens are also given the privilege of free services in all service wards of government hospitals, medical facilities, home health care clinics, and outpatient clinics. c.) Before Republic Act 9994 was passed, only indigent senior citizens were entitled to PhilHealth coverage. However, with the law’s passage, all senior citizens, regardless of status in life, are covered by PhilHealth’s health insurance program. 2.) Transportation privileges Senior citizens are entitled to a twenty percent discount and VAT exemption on domestic air and sea travel, including booking. Apart from that, they are also entitled to a twenty percent discount on food and drinks, medicines, services, and recreation inside the ship. Senior citizens also get their own special lane which shall give them a priority. In case no check-in counter is available for them, they should be given priority handling and processing. The same applies to public railways such as MRT, LRT, and PNR and public utility vehicles (buses, jeepneys, taxis, and shuttle services) Additionally, senior citizens are exempt from payment of passenger terminal fees in airports and seaports. 3.) Travel, entertainment, and recreation Senior citizens are entitled to a twenty percent discount and VAT exemption on room accommodations and other amenities in hotels and resorts or any other similar establishments. They are also entitled to the same discount in restaurants, and when orders are made via delivery, discounts can be applied, provided that the senior citizen card number is provided while making the order. Moreover, the senior citizen ID card should also be presented upon delivery to verify the senior citizen’s identity. 4.) Utility discounts Senior citizens can avail of a five percent discount on the monthly utilization of electricity and water. However, meters for water and electricity should be registered in the name of the senior citizen residing therein to avail of the discount. Moreover, monthly consumption should not exceed one hundred kilowatts per hour and thirty cubic meters of water. For senior citizens living in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)- accredited senior citizen centers and residential care institutions or group homes, senior citizens are entitled to a fifty percent discount on all electricity, water, and telephone consumption. 5.) Taxation Senior citizens are exempted from the payment of Value Added Tax on any purchase of goods and services discussed in the Republic Act. They are also exempted from paying individual income tax if they are minimum wage earners.
Senior Citizen Discounts: Are You Taking Full Advantage of Your Benefits?
One of the best things to look forward to when you hit sixty is the myriad of benefits and discounts you can enjoy as a senior citizen in the Philippines. For many individuals, it is, indeed, more fun to be a senior citizen here—and even more so in recent years. The Department of Labor and Employee (DOLE) recently put out a mandate on strengthening the programs that provide benefits to elderly Filipinos. If you are a senior citizen or are tasted to take care of a senior member of your family, you should be aware of the various benefits and discounts you or they are entitled to. That said, you need to equip yourself with information that will enable you to assert your rights under the law or render proper care to your older relatives while ensuring they are enjoying the full benefit of the law. More importantly, if you are not a senior citizen yet, this article will aid you in preparing for the future when you reach your senior years. So, start familiarizing yourself with senior citizen privileges while you are still young and able so that when the time comes that it is your turn, you will not be ignorant of what you are entitled to. WHEN DO YOU BECOME A SENIOR CITIZEN IN THE PHILIPPINES? Based on the Republic Act of 9994, which is also commonly known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, Filipinos are considered senior citizens when they reach sixty years old. Under this Republic Act, all Filipino residents aged sixty years or older are automatically entitled to senior citizen benefits and privileges as afforded by the law. It is also worth noting that this law extends to dual citizens who have resided in the Philippines for at least six months. WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS BENEFITS A SENIOR CITIZEN CAN AVAIL OF IN THE PHILIPPINES? Under the Republic Act (Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010), senior citizens in the Philippines are entitled to these benefits in the Philippines: a.) Retirement Benefits from SSS, GSIS, and PAG-IBIG b.) Discounts in special programs for senior citizens c.) Express lanes for senior citizens in all commercial establishments and government offices d.) Free flu and pneumococcal vaccinations for indigent senior citizens, e.) Training Fee exemptions on social and economic programs f.) Scholarship and financial assistance for senior’s education in public and private schools. g.) Free medical and dental services in government facilities h.) Income tax exemption for minimum wage earners MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS Under Republic Act 9994, senior citizens were afforded PhilHealth benefits. However, this was further strengthened by Republic Act 10645, which was enacted in 2014 and provided mandatory PhilHealth coverage to anyone above sixty years old. Essentially, this coverage is provided in addition to the 20% discount and VAT exemption every senior citizen is entitled to. CASH BENEFITS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS Cash benefits are also given to senior citizens in the Philippines. Under Republic Act No. 10868, which is also known as the Centenarians Act of 2016, seniors who reach the age of a hundred years old will receive a cash incentive of Php100,000. Apart from this centenarian incentive, indigent elderlies below the poverty allowance can also receive a monthly stipend of Php500, which is a subsidy program by the DSWD. COMMUTING BENEFITS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS Senior citizens in the Philippines get to enjoy queueing priority. This means that elderlies have special lanes in supermarkets, drug stores, fast food restaurants, banks, LRT, and MRT stations. Establishments without senior citizen lanes are required to prioritize elderly clients under Republic Act 9994. DEATH BENEFITS OF SENIOR CITIZENS Families of deceased senior citizens can claim a twenty percent discount on funeral and burial services. Death benefit extends to hospital morgues, caskets or urns, embalming, and cremation services. If the deceased senior citizen was a member of the SSS, their family could claim an SSS death benefit provided that the deceased paid at least 36 months of contribution before the semester of their death. WHERE CAN YOU AVAIL OF SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNTS IN THE PHILIPPINES? Under the Republic Act, elderly Filipinos aged sixty and above are entitled to a twenty percent discount and are exempted from paying value-added tax on applicable goods and services for their use exclusively. They can take advantage of these privileges using both cash and credit card payments. Below is a list of where they can avail of senior citizen discounts: Medicines- Senior citizens can enjoy a discount on generic and branded medicines, vitamins, and mineral supplements (with a doctor’s prescription) Medical Supplies and Equipment- Hearing aids, wheelchairs, dentures, crutches, etc. Domestic air and sea travel fares Public land transportation fares Professional fees of licensed health workers and attending physicians Hotels and resorts Medical and dental services in private facilities (Lab tests such as X-rays, blood tests, etc.) Restaurants Recreation centers Places of leisure (cinemas, theaters, concert halls, parks, museums, etc.) Funeral and burial services for deceased senior citizens
A Better Place: Why Forest Lake has grown to be the largest cemetery brand in the Philippines
Growing to be the largest cemetery brand in the Philippines Every time a loved one passes, we like to think that we are sending them off to a better place—free of pain and worry from the life they are leaving behind. This resonates with Forest Lake’s vision of building a better place where generations of family memories are treasured, immortalized and celebrated by the living. Largest Memorial Care Brand Forest Lake has been providing Filipino communities with professional services for 24 years now—from opening its doors for the first time in 1997 at Zamboanga to becoming the largest memorial care brand in the country, the company has remained true to its promise of providing affordable, easily accessible and dignified places of rest for the Filipino. Throughout communities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the signature personalized touch and nature-themed parks have set Forest Lake apart. Its mark of excellent service has made it the preferred memorial park of Filipino families and trusted brand honoring the memories of their loved ones. A Place for Every Family Aside from its wide-open spaces that bring you closer to nature, Forest Lake Memorial Parks also takes pride in its efficiently-designed and family-friendly parks, allowing everyone to have a meaningful experience every time they visit. Forest Lake Memorial Parks is headquartered at the third floor of Alexcy One Building, 51 President’s Avenue, 1718, Parañaque City. For more information, email info@forestlakeparks.com or visit https://forestlakememorialparks.com. You can also like and follow Forest Lake on Facebook @ForestLakeMemorialParks and Instagram @forestlakememorialparks.
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.