VULs, or Variable Universal Life insurance plans, are one of the most widely marketed financial products in the Philippines. You’ve probably heard about them through friends, family, or a financial advisor offering life insurance with an investment component. At first glance, they sound ideal: life insurance and investing in one plan. But if you go … Read more
It took me a long time to write about this. VULs (Variable Unit-Linked insurance plans) are a controversial topic, and I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit reading through Reddit rabbit holes and finance threads. A lot of people have VULs, and many are wondering why their “investments” aren’t really growing. If you’re … Read more
Budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need fancy tools or an accounting degree to take control of your money. What you do need is a system that reflects your real life, especially if your income isn’t the same every month. Budgeting is the bedrock of personal finance. Every financially successful person who built … Read more
Tita’s Note: This piece is something I originally wrote years ago for another blog, sometime around 2021–2023, right after the pandemic. I’ve been thinking about it again lately, and I feel it still resonates, maybe even more now. Minimalism isn’t just about the things we own, but also about how we spend our time and … Read more
Look, not every post needs to be a deep dive into freelance life. Sometimes, it’s just vibes. I promise I’ll go back to the useful tips, tools, and Tita wisdom. But for now, let’s lighten the mood. Here are 13 random facts you didn’t ask for but now have to read: 1. I think I’m … Read more
This month officially marks one year since I last hopped on a plane. And for someone who used to book 2–3 trips a year, that’s a big change. Travel has always been my reward and my reset button. But this past year looked different, not because I couldn’t afford to go, but because I made … Read more
Money isn’t just about math. It’s shaped by our families, culture, and what we saw growing up. And for many Filipinos, that includes habits and beliefs we never questioned because they were “just how things are.” But some of those habits are quietly holding us back. This isn’t about blaming our parents or shaming anyone. … Read more
I’ve recently read a news article about credit card debt in the Philippines reaching “critical risk” levels, and it struck a chord with me. It reminded me of a challenging time that shaped how I handle money now. In my 20s, I carried over ₱100,000 in credit card debt. I was young, new to the … Read more
The internet has been buzzing with frustration over the “new” 20% tax on savings. Social media is full of angry comments, and clickbait-y headlines didn’t help either. Here’s the truth: the 20% tax on savings interest is not new. It has been there for years. To illustrate, below is a screenshot of my interest earned from … Read more