One of my new year's resolutions is to be able to read at least 10 books this year. But more than novels and fiction books, I want something more substantial and could contribute to my newly ventured career. So after a long thought, I finally bought a finance book. Why a finance book? Firstly, to be effective in teaching or promoting financial literacy among Filipinos (which is my current career being a Sunlife Financial Advisor), I must be knowledgeable on the subject. Secondly, because this book that I bought had convinced me with all the awards and good reviews it received that it is worth reading.

Pera Mo, Palaguin Mo

Francisco Colayco is a well-known name in the financial industry. This book shows just how much respect he really deserves in the field of financing. The book shows that hard work really pays off in the end. He also wrote about the different obstacles and failures he had to go through in order to reach his present state of "financial freedom. He also made me realize that it is okay to take risks and fail, for this will teach you something. Truly an inspiring story from someone who I actually thought had everything from the start. But no, he really started from a humble beginning.

I highly recommend this book to all the Juan Dela Cruz out there who wants to get out from the world of financial obstacles and experience financial freedom. To be informed is the beginning. Application of the things written in this book will not only teach you the value of your hard earned money, but also the value of disciplining and motivating yourself which will always come in handy in every aspect of our lives.

Stay positive! And pass it on!

At long last! I was able to purchase a planner for myself for 2013. It took me 4 National Bookstore branch to find this because all seems to be out of stock. Well why not? To incorporate positivism in your organizer may just be the little help you need to push yourself to achieve what you want. And that is what this planner is all about. I posted on my previous entry Christmas Wishlist that I would like to have a Belle de Jour planner. Well, if you really want it, you're gonna get it:



The Belle de Jour planner comes in different types to suit every female's preference. This one I chose because its simple and it conveys my perspective for 2013 and that is ... everything is possible! There are little notes and quotes inside the planner to somehow give you boost when you're starting to feel down. There's also a page for you to create a mood or visual board of what you want to achieve this year. A page for listing down your short term and long term goals is also provided. Then from that list you can pick what are your top priorities and how can you achieve them. Each month also comes with a page dedicated to encourage you if you want to develop a new habit.

Just a trivia, this is the first time I am going to use a planner all my life hahaha! I know I should have used a planner a long time ago but did not. I was really unorganized person and never do planning at all. I have lots of dreams and goals but never list them down. But for 2013, let's see how this planner could change my lifestyle. After all, my 2013 planner says it all, everything is possible.

The Belle de Jour planners are available at selected National Book Store, selected Powerbooks Store, selected Fullybooked branches of course, and Belle de Jour Power Planner website where you could order online.

Seeing the country's economy rise up and getting better everyday would be the one of the best news to start the year. For everybody's information, Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. or PSEI made another milestone by hitting 6000+ index level!

I know, I know, most Filipinos would never appreciate this improvement in our stock market because really, what's in it for us? Let me share to you a few things I know.

1. Economy rising. Though it would never be felt instantly for an ordinary Juan dela Cruz like me, I believe that the raise in the stock market would also mean an improvement in the financial system of our nation. If the  stock market continuously augments (and I really wish it would!), little by little the lives of the many would also improve.

2. More investors for the country. Because of the growing economy and the promising future the PSEI indicates, more and more investors would put in their investments in our country and trust our local market. It could also mean more business investors would dare to start or expand their business in our country. Of course, that would mean more and more jobs which is probably one of country's needs right now.

3. Financial literacy for all people. The progress of the stock market could also be an indication that more and more Filipinos below the elite class, are beginning to learn and be aware of the different investment vehicles they could use in order to achieve financial freedom. As an advocate of financial literacy among Filipinos, I hope that the boost in stock market would encourage more of our countrymen to give themselves a chance to grow synchronous with our economy by seeking education about financial management. This is a necessity if you want to achieve a life of comfort.

Of course, for someone who relies on the newspaper regarding the economy, let me tell you that all these are just my plain observations.

For the mean time, let us all be positive about 2013 and let's all work together for the greater good of everyone. I wish the Philippines would grow and develop more to become not just a third world country but a country full of hope.

Stay positive... and pass it on!

from the Philippine Stock Exchange Inc website

A lot of things happened to me in 2012. It was a very challenging year for me I must say. With all the changes that occurred in my life, some made me happy, some made me cry, some made me mad, all of it, I am grateful. I've learned a lot from 2012. So even if there are many not so good times, I am still thankful for the memories and the learning it brought me.

Now 2013 is a new year with a whole new perspective for life. I was able to cope with 2012 and so I know whatever will happen in 2013, I will face it with more enthusiasm knowing that everything is under my control if only I let myself take over and not the circumstances.

This 2013 I will give out the best that I can. I will not let fear interfere! Its time to take risks, challenge myself, do more than what requires of me, discover more things and discover the best I can be of myself. Its new year and I believe this calls for a new me. 2013 is the year for making things happen!

Let's all start the year right, stay positive and pass it on! Discover the new you, a better you in 2013! Let's do this!

Believe in yourself!

Get back in shape!

Save more!

Enjoy life!

Learn something new!

Travel

Take risks!

More family time!

And for the last piece of advice... make sure you do this every single moment of opportunity you can...

Always be a blessing to others. That way, you could always say your year has been done right.