Investing takes many forms. You can invest on things like shoes, bags, jewelries, on real property like house, lot, condo unit, cars, or on farming like cattle, pigs, or crops, and you can invest on paper assets such as Mutual Funds, Stocks Equities, Cooperative Shares or even direct corporate shares.
If you are first time investor, in view of these many and beautiful things you can invest on, you will have to learn how to, and which one to start with. This is very tricky task as there are those who will offer you these investments in exchange for your hard earned money. They will tell you or dictate to you which one to start with and if you are not in the know the proper way of which to choose, you will end up losing bigger opportunities for your money, or worse, you lose your money outright.
So how do you choose which to start with and which to choose from the whole array of investment possibilities? Let me share to you some practical ways I use .
There are three things I recommend you do: 1. Always counter check if it is really an Asset or Liability based on Robert Kiyosaki's definition, 2. Calculate or check prevailing rate of return, 3. Get a coach.
In my experience, based on Philippine scenario, real property trends, and the Stocks Market Trends, the best so far to invest in is on Mutual Funds and Stocks Equities. I should have deferred investing on real property which for the last 15 years had not grown more than 20% each year which one Mutual Fund has performed on the average in the last 16 years.
Once you have built up your paper assets, then you can buy at a bargain real properties or assets because CASH is KING!
If you want to learn more and wan to be coached how to do proper investing, please feel free to contact me or give me a feedback.
God bless!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Spend Now or Later? Save Now or Later? Christmas Commercialized....
Every-time the last three (3) months comes, the Christmas frenzy heightens up. Christmas bazaars, Christmas Sale and thus Christmas spending abound. It is a beautiful season of giving but I hope we do not over do it. I hope and pray we can be spared from the commercialism of Christmas. I hope too that we have the right direction and answer to the question: Spend now or later? Save now or later?
We must be thankful for all the blessings we have received and show our gratitude by giving to people and institutions. We must carry on with the tradition of gift giving and still be able to save for future needs. How do we do this? Very simple. We stick to our prosperity formula. Income- Tithes(10%) - Savings(20%) = Expenses (70%). Since there will be an inflow of money which is our 13th month pay, we must ensure we allocate the amounts the same way and not go beyond the 70% of the Cash In-Flow.
We also have to ensure we only buy things that we really need and give also things which people can make use of and more importantly a basic need. For institutions that we would like to help, cash gifts is most appropriate. For individuals, and loved ones, we should identify what do they really need, which we also can afford.
We must not fall for SALE items which we actually do not need or we still have. Do not fall for nice items to replace old ones that are still usable. Many fall for new LED TV or a touch screen phone, to add on to their still working TV or phone. Big purchases like new cars also happens during this season as the cash inflow is really huge, but how about next month? Will there be another 13th month pay?
So there you are friends, I submit that we must spend now within our means and not later for this is the season of giving. And we must consistently do it even if it is not Christmas. Giving must be consistent and all through out the year. That's the real spirit of Christmas.
I also propose we save now and not later at least 20% of the total cash in-flow. And we must not fall victim to the commercialized Christmas.
Spend within your means for what is needed and save whatever you can consistently this Christmas and through out the year!
Happy Spending and Saving!
We must be thankful for all the blessings we have received and show our gratitude by giving to people and institutions. We must carry on with the tradition of gift giving and still be able to save for future needs. How do we do this? Very simple. We stick to our prosperity formula. Income- Tithes(10%) - Savings(20%) = Expenses (70%). Since there will be an inflow of money which is our 13th month pay, we must ensure we allocate the amounts the same way and not go beyond the 70% of the Cash In-Flow.
We also have to ensure we only buy things that we really need and give also things which people can make use of and more importantly a basic need. For institutions that we would like to help, cash gifts is most appropriate. For individuals, and loved ones, we should identify what do they really need, which we also can afford.
We must not fall for SALE items which we actually do not need or we still have. Do not fall for nice items to replace old ones that are still usable. Many fall for new LED TV or a touch screen phone, to add on to their still working TV or phone. Big purchases like new cars also happens during this season as the cash inflow is really huge, but how about next month? Will there be another 13th month pay?
So there you are friends, I submit that we must spend now within our means and not later for this is the season of giving. And we must consistently do it even if it is not Christmas. Giving must be consistent and all through out the year. That's the real spirit of Christmas.
I also propose we save now and not later at least 20% of the total cash in-flow. And we must not fall victim to the commercialized Christmas.
Spend within your means for what is needed and save whatever you can consistently this Christmas and through out the year!
Happy Spending and Saving!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Which Is BetterTo Invest On?...Mutual Funds or Equities (Stocks)?
Investing is always , I should say, MUST always be based on a SPECIFIC financial goal. Financial goals is the amount of money we want to accumulate on a defined period of time or number of years for a certain purpose. You must not invest just for the sake of "pogi points", or as a status symbol . If you do investment without a goal, I would liken that to you riding on a bus without a definite destination. So the first requisite to knowing WHAT option is better to invest on is to define first WHY we are investing.
Okay, now that the WHY is settled, then you need to know the difference between MUTUAL FUNDS and STOCKS. I have written earlier in this Blogspot detailed explanation of the differences between the two but let me summarize it here for you... Investing in MUTUAL FUNDS and STOCKS are the SAME. It only differs on who actually manage your funds that you will put into STOCKS. MUTUAL FUNDS are money we put into a pool of fund s which we allow an EXPERT FUND MANAGER to handle how , when, and what STOCKS to buy as regulated also by Securities and Exchange Commission. Investing in STOCKS on the other hand requires you to have the access to a broker, either On-Line (we recommend Citisec On-Line) or any certified , listed broker for STOCKS you intend to buy. It is YOU and nobody but YOU who will define which STOCKS to buy, HOW much, and WHEN.
Investing in MUTUAL FUNDS therefore is much easier, as the role of the investor is simply to put money into the fund, while investing in STOCKS needs active participation from the investor.
However, the thrill and excitement that goes with full control in what STOCKS you invest on is not the same in investing in MUTUAL FUNDS.
So, now you can make a decision on which way to go...invest in MUTUAL FUND or Invest in STOCKS... I say do both. Start first with MUTUAL FUNDS and develop the habit, then proceed to invest in STOCKS once you have the needed skills.
Happy Investing....
Okay, now that the WHY is settled, then you need to know the difference between MUTUAL FUNDS and STOCKS. I have written earlier in this Blogspot detailed explanation of the differences between the two but let me summarize it here for you... Investing in MUTUAL FUNDS and STOCKS are the SAME. It only differs on who actually manage your funds that you will put into STOCKS. MUTUAL FUNDS are money we put into a pool of fund s which we allow an EXPERT FUND MANAGER to handle how , when, and what STOCKS to buy as regulated also by Securities and Exchange Commission. Investing in STOCKS on the other hand requires you to have the access to a broker, either On-Line (we recommend Citisec On-Line) or any certified , listed broker for STOCKS you intend to buy. It is YOU and nobody but YOU who will define which STOCKS to buy, HOW much, and WHEN.
Investing in MUTUAL FUNDS therefore is much easier, as the role of the investor is simply to put money into the fund, while investing in STOCKS needs active participation from the investor.
However, the thrill and excitement that goes with full control in what STOCKS you invest on is not the same in investing in MUTUAL FUNDS.
So, now you can make a decision on which way to go...invest in MUTUAL FUND or Invest in STOCKS... I say do both. Start first with MUTUAL FUNDS and develop the habit, then proceed to invest in STOCKS once you have the needed skills.
Happy Investing....
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Why I do what I Do... My Full Credentials
Ruben VC. Santiago Jr.
Provincial Address: Blk. 19 Lot 1 Sherwood Ave., Sherwood Hills,
Brgy.Cabezas, Trece Martires City, Cavite
Mobile: 0920 902 1217
Email: benj5_santiago@yahoo.com or richbenj.santiago@gmail.com
EDUCATION
Post Graduate: College of St Benilde, DLSU Diploma in Organizational Development (April 2000)
Tertiary: Adamson University B.S. Mechanical Engineering (Graduated October 1978)
Secondary: Manila High School
Elementary: Tambo Elementary School
ACHIEVEMENTS
Consistent Scholar, National State Scholarship Grant
Consistent Top Ten Student in Elementary and High School
Passed Mechanical Engineering Board Examination
JIPM Certified TPM Trainer
WORK-RELATED EXPERIENCE:
Technical and Financial Consultant: January 2009 – Present. Conducts regular Seminars on Financial Literacy and Wealth Management as IMG Marketing Director and do specialized and public seminars on TPM, Problem Solving, Six Sigma, 5S, and Team Building Workshops.
Currently engaged with several companies on 5S TPM Implementation. Have more than 100 clients on financial planning and strategies, including investing and wealth and personal protection plans.
Quality and Reliability Assurance /Technical Training Director : OSE Philippines – May 2006 to Jan 2009. Responsible for Quality and Environmental Management and Technical Training for a Continuous Quality Improvements. Planned, prepared and executed activities that led to ISO14001 Certification of OSE in 2008. Developed and implemented computer based documentation and tracking systems for operational data/records, and On-line Specs and Documentation.
Technical Director : OSE Philippines – May 2002 to 2006. Responsible for the Assembly Process Engineering , Test Engineering and Business Development including New Product, Package Qualification and Yield Improvements in Assembly and Test and Technical Training and Development .
Resolved the Package Crack Issue on SOP 8 Mtx, Qualified into production 3 major Taiwan Customers generating additional 30% revenue for the company. Had been able to improve the Overall Assembly Yields by more than 0.2%. Was able to elevate to Supplier #1 OSE rating to one of the major customers. Had been instrumental in achieving more than 250K$/Year of Cost and Productivity Improvements
Developed Operator, Technician, Engineers and Managers, Training and Development Roadmaps. Conducted Technical Training and Team Building sessions for all levels of the organization.
SMT Assembly Process and Equipment Engineering, PDIP EOL Manufacturing, Technical Training, TPM Office Department Manager, and ATP (P1/P2) Process Control: Amkor Technology Philippines- 1992- May 2002 Responsible for the Process Engineering of SOT, PLCC , SIP, SOIC Packages of ATP2.
Launched the Amkor Anam University, and the TPM Office. Responsible for both the Technical Training needs and the OD Interventions including ladderized employee promotion roadmaps and succession planning.
Set-up the SMT Process and Equipment Engineering Start up team. Resolved the issue on Splate Machine strip jamming. Had set-up the Technical Training Section, and the Total Productive Maintenance Systems.
Developed and trained Amkor team members on Poka Yoke, Technical paper Writing, and 16 Steps Problem Solving Methodology.
Trained in the USA and Japan on TPM and certified as JIPM TPM Instructor with certification number 889. Set-up and driven the company towards JIPM TPM Assessment. Major improvements in company’s KPI and 5S Housekeeping had been achieved in both Operation Areas and Offices.
Chaired the Amkor Joint Engineering Council for Excellence and set-up internal Technical Symposium for fan in and fan out of successful projects.
Was recognized in 1996 as Amkor Technical Fellow for his Major Contributions and Promoted to Department Manager Level same year.
Technical Services Manager :Pricon Microelectronics- Bicutan, 1991-92 -Responsible for the Facilities Engineering, Assembly and Test Engineering, and General Services which includes Janitorial and Service Bus.
Qualified into production a major board stuffing product for a Japanese Customer that contributed at least 10% of the revenue. Had instituted Systems improvements in Process Specs generation and implementations. Improved the Facilities Equipment Uptime especially the Power Generator Sets. Improved the Plant 5S and Housekeeping. Improved the revenue on recycled materials and eliminated pilferage. Improved the Bus Service of the company.
Mold Process Engineer to Front of Line Assembly Process & Equipment Engineering Manager: Intel Phil.- Bangkal Makati, 1981-1991. Handled the process and equipment sustenance and improvements from Die Prep to Wirebond. Driven the resolution of Foreign Material problems of EPROMS. Resolved the Mold voids issue from more than 1% to less than 0.2 %. Had been able to improved overall assembly yields by at least 0.5%. Had qualified new mold compound materials for better reliability and yields. Was trained in the USA for Contamination Control and was able to bring down the particle issue on EPROM devices from more than 1% to less than 0.1%. Instituted numerous yield and productivity improvements meriting 3 Divisional Awards. Was named as Intel Key Employee on 1986 for his major contributions.
Instructor : Adamson University- San Marcelino Manila, 1978-81. Handled Mechanical Engineering subjects from basic courses such as Machine Shop Practice to Power Plant design.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
FOUNDING CHAIRMAN – Semicon Electronics Training Council (1996-1999)
PAST CHAIRMAN- Association of Semicon &Electronics Manufacturing Engineers of the Philippines (1997-1999)
PAST CHAIRMAN- SGS Industry Advisory Board (1999-2001)
PRESIDENT- Collegio de Sta Rosa Parents Teachers Association (2007- 2009)
FOUNDING CHAIRMAN- Gentri Partners Venture Multi-purpose Cooperative (2008- Present)
ASSISTANT BREAKFAST HEAD- Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals – TMC (2009-Present)
BCGG HEAD- Magis Deo Community (2008- Present)
Provincial Address: Blk. 19 Lot 1 Sherwood Ave., Sherwood Hills,
Brgy.Cabezas, Trece Martires City, Cavite
Mobile: 0920 902 1217
Email: benj5_santiago@yahoo.com or richbenj.santiago@gmail.com
EDUCATION
Post Graduate: College of St Benilde, DLSU Diploma in Organizational Development (April 2000)
Tertiary: Adamson University B.S. Mechanical Engineering (Graduated October 1978)
Secondary: Manila High School
Elementary: Tambo Elementary School
ACHIEVEMENTS
Consistent Scholar, National State Scholarship Grant
Consistent Top Ten Student in Elementary and High School
Passed Mechanical Engineering Board Examination
JIPM Certified TPM Trainer
WORK-RELATED EXPERIENCE:
Technical and Financial Consultant: January 2009 – Present. Conducts regular Seminars on Financial Literacy and Wealth Management as IMG Marketing Director and do specialized and public seminars on TPM, Problem Solving, Six Sigma, 5S, and Team Building Workshops.
Currently engaged with several companies on 5S TPM Implementation. Have more than 100 clients on financial planning and strategies, including investing and wealth and personal protection plans.
Quality and Reliability Assurance /Technical Training Director : OSE Philippines – May 2006 to Jan 2009. Responsible for Quality and Environmental Management and Technical Training for a Continuous Quality Improvements. Planned, prepared and executed activities that led to ISO14001 Certification of OSE in 2008. Developed and implemented computer based documentation and tracking systems for operational data/records, and On-line Specs and Documentation.
Technical Director : OSE Philippines – May 2002 to 2006. Responsible for the Assembly Process Engineering , Test Engineering and Business Development including New Product, Package Qualification and Yield Improvements in Assembly and Test and Technical Training and Development .
Resolved the Package Crack Issue on SOP 8 Mtx, Qualified into production 3 major Taiwan Customers generating additional 30% revenue for the company. Had been able to improve the Overall Assembly Yields by more than 0.2%. Was able to elevate to Supplier #1 OSE rating to one of the major customers. Had been instrumental in achieving more than 250K$/Year of Cost and Productivity Improvements
Developed Operator, Technician, Engineers and Managers, Training and Development Roadmaps. Conducted Technical Training and Team Building sessions for all levels of the organization.
SMT Assembly Process and Equipment Engineering, PDIP EOL Manufacturing, Technical Training, TPM Office Department Manager, and ATP (P1/P2) Process Control: Amkor Technology Philippines- 1992- May 2002 Responsible for the Process Engineering of SOT, PLCC , SIP, SOIC Packages of ATP2.
Launched the Amkor Anam University, and the TPM Office. Responsible for both the Technical Training needs and the OD Interventions including ladderized employee promotion roadmaps and succession planning.
Set-up the SMT Process and Equipment Engineering Start up team. Resolved the issue on Splate Machine strip jamming. Had set-up the Technical Training Section, and the Total Productive Maintenance Systems.
Developed and trained Amkor team members on Poka Yoke, Technical paper Writing, and 16 Steps Problem Solving Methodology.
Trained in the USA and Japan on TPM and certified as JIPM TPM Instructor with certification number 889. Set-up and driven the company towards JIPM TPM Assessment. Major improvements in company’s KPI and 5S Housekeeping had been achieved in both Operation Areas and Offices.
Chaired the Amkor Joint Engineering Council for Excellence and set-up internal Technical Symposium for fan in and fan out of successful projects.
Was recognized in 1996 as Amkor Technical Fellow for his Major Contributions and Promoted to Department Manager Level same year.
Technical Services Manager :Pricon Microelectronics- Bicutan, 1991-92 -Responsible for the Facilities Engineering, Assembly and Test Engineering, and General Services which includes Janitorial and Service Bus.
Qualified into production a major board stuffing product for a Japanese Customer that contributed at least 10% of the revenue. Had instituted Systems improvements in Process Specs generation and implementations. Improved the Facilities Equipment Uptime especially the Power Generator Sets. Improved the Plant 5S and Housekeeping. Improved the revenue on recycled materials and eliminated pilferage. Improved the Bus Service of the company.
Mold Process Engineer to Front of Line Assembly Process & Equipment Engineering Manager: Intel Phil.- Bangkal Makati, 1981-1991. Handled the process and equipment sustenance and improvements from Die Prep to Wirebond. Driven the resolution of Foreign Material problems of EPROMS. Resolved the Mold voids issue from more than 1% to less than 0.2 %. Had been able to improved overall assembly yields by at least 0.5%. Had qualified new mold compound materials for better reliability and yields. Was trained in the USA for Contamination Control and was able to bring down the particle issue on EPROM devices from more than 1% to less than 0.1%. Instituted numerous yield and productivity improvements meriting 3 Divisional Awards. Was named as Intel Key Employee on 1986 for his major contributions.
Instructor : Adamson University- San Marcelino Manila, 1978-81. Handled Mechanical Engineering subjects from basic courses such as Machine Shop Practice to Power Plant design.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
FOUNDING CHAIRMAN – Semicon Electronics Training Council (1996-1999)
PAST CHAIRMAN- Association of Semicon &Electronics Manufacturing Engineers of the Philippines (1997-1999)
PAST CHAIRMAN- SGS Industry Advisory Board (1999-2001)
PRESIDENT- Collegio de Sta Rosa Parents Teachers Association (2007- 2009)
FOUNDING CHAIRMAN- Gentri Partners Venture Multi-purpose Cooperative (2008- Present)
ASSISTANT BREAKFAST HEAD- Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals – TMC (2009-Present)
BCGG HEAD- Magis Deo Community (2008- Present)
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Riding the Bull... Ride it for as Long As You Can!
Is it still a bull run? By all indications Philippine Sock Market is in the upward trend and the surrounding conditions, including the political situation is conducive to a bull run.
However, this trend should not significantly change your investing strategy. If you are a trader, you use a different strategy to ride the bull. But, for us ordinary folks, who does not have the training nor facility to trade should stay on with their investing strategy.
How? The very first step is to make sure you have you investment goals.Meaning, you need to know exactly how much you want to have , by when, and for what purpose. Then, with discipline and consistency, just continue to invest while the bull is on the run or not. So ride the bull as long as you can.
Actually, it is easy to invest when the bull continuously run. What we need to learn really is how to get off the bull when it is on the run...
Will be willing to share with you how. Just give me an email or text me.
God bless!
However, this trend should not significantly change your investing strategy. If you are a trader, you use a different strategy to ride the bull. But, for us ordinary folks, who does not have the training nor facility to trade should stay on with their investing strategy.
How? The very first step is to make sure you have you investment goals.Meaning, you need to know exactly how much you want to have , by when, and for what purpose. Then, with discipline and consistency, just continue to invest while the bull is on the run or not. So ride the bull as long as you can.
Actually, it is easy to invest when the bull continuously run. What we need to learn really is how to get off the bull when it is on the run...
Will be willing to share with you how. Just give me an email or text me.
God bless!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Invest Continuously Regardless of the Trend....
Exactly 7 days ago, I posted a blog about the record high level of the stocks market and one particular Mutual Fund ( FAMI-First Metro Asset Management Inc) that zoomed past the 70% ROR - Rate of Return level. But the trend now has reversed and we have seen FAMI reduced by about 5-7% and the PSE Index dropped from 4400 to 4000 points.
Once again, the true blue blooded , informed, and guided investors are happy. While, those that dabbles into investing without literacy and coach wonder what's happening and goes into panic mode.
But, the simple way to true riches is : discipline and literacy. This means, we do not time the market, we do not care about the trends, we simply invest continuously, and regularly regardless whether the market is on an up-trend or down-swing.
We always start with our investment goals and tie up our actions to the said goals. And just continue with the investments. Get education and a coach to guide you.
God bless!
Once again, the true blue blooded , informed, and guided investors are happy. While, those that dabbles into investing without literacy and coach wonder what's happening and goes into panic mode.
But, the simple way to true riches is : discipline and literacy. This means, we do not time the market, we do not care about the trends, we simply invest continuously, and regularly regardless whether the market is on an up-trend or down-swing.
We always start with our investment goals and tie up our actions to the said goals. And just continue with the investments. Get education and a coach to guide you.
God bless!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Bonus TIme Again... Where Did Your Last Bonus Went to?
Christmas is just around the corner... The countdown had begun and as of this writing,.. it just about 45 days to go and it's Christmas.
But, before the Christmas Celebrations, most employees receive their 13th Month Pay! Some as early as first week of November. We only work for 12 months yet we are paid 13th month...this is one of the good thing our government had mandated to employees on all ranks. Something we need to be thankful for.
Imagine if you have been working for 10 years with an average annual bonus of just 10K, by this time you should have 100K. That is if you do not know how to save and invest properly and you just put your money in a box and hid it under your bed. Or if you placed it in the bank, you should have something no more than 110K since SDA- Savings Deposit Accounts only earns a measly 0.5-1%/year in the last 10 yrs.
But , if you learn how to save and invest, easily, your 100K should be approaching the 200K even with the downturn last 2008. And leaving it there for just another 24 years, you can have 1,600,000.00PHP. What more if you continue to save your 13th Month Pay! This can fund your retirement needs.
But the sad thing I observe with most, of us, is that even before the 13th month pay is given , it is already spent. The money expected is calculated, and sometimes requested in advance to buy new gadgets, new appliances, new dress, shoes, bags, and many unnecessary things in the guise of emergencies.
For some, the 13th month is spent on splurging on Christmas Parties, foods, wines, clubs, and many celebrations.
How about you? Where did you spent your 13th month pays that passed your hands?
I challenge you... this time, invest some of it, at least 50% of it, and best is if you can save and invest the entire sum. Spend it when you really need it. Do not spend it on things that are not needed nor necessary. INVEST it for your FUTURE NEEDS....
God bless!
But, before the Christmas Celebrations, most employees receive their 13th Month Pay! Some as early as first week of November. We only work for 12 months yet we are paid 13th month...this is one of the good thing our government had mandated to employees on all ranks. Something we need to be thankful for.
Imagine if you have been working for 10 years with an average annual bonus of just 10K, by this time you should have 100K. That is if you do not know how to save and invest properly and you just put your money in a box and hid it under your bed. Or if you placed it in the bank, you should have something no more than 110K since SDA- Savings Deposit Accounts only earns a measly 0.5-1%/year in the last 10 yrs.
But , if you learn how to save and invest, easily, your 100K should be approaching the 200K even with the downturn last 2008. And leaving it there for just another 24 years, you can have 1,600,000.00PHP. What more if you continue to save your 13th Month Pay! This can fund your retirement needs.
But the sad thing I observe with most, of us, is that even before the 13th month pay is given , it is already spent. The money expected is calculated, and sometimes requested in advance to buy new gadgets, new appliances, new dress, shoes, bags, and many unnecessary things in the guise of emergencies.
For some, the 13th month is spent on splurging on Christmas Parties, foods, wines, clubs, and many celebrations.
How about you? Where did you spent your 13th month pays that passed your hands?
I challenge you... this time, invest some of it, at least 50% of it, and best is if you can save and invest the entire sum. Spend it when you really need it. Do not spend it on things that are not needed nor necessary. INVEST it for your FUTURE NEEDS....
God bless!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)