A lot of people ask me why they are not earning as much as they should and they feel demotivated when they compare their income with others. In my talks and seminars, I encounter a lot of people who will confess to me that they can’t save simply because what they earn is just enough for their needs. While many of  us can’t save is because they spend more than they should, a big number of us is simply not earning enough.

In my book the No Nonsense Personal Finance: A Step by Step Guide, my first step was about improving cash flow by applying two things — Earn more money, Spend less money. A lot has been said about spending less money but we must also give the same emphasis on earning more money. The best way to earn more money? Invest in yourself and make yourself excellent in what you do.

Excellence in work is a guarantee for you to earn more wether you are an employee or you are in business. Income is a result of value and as your value increases, your income will ultimately follow.I know some of us feel that we are doing our best but the question is are we doing things excellently? Promotions, opportunities and profit will be a by-product of work done in excellence. If you feel that your current environment does not see the excellence in what you do, just be patient and continue to excel and you will reap the fruits of your excellent labor — sooner than later.

If you are truly excellent, people will see it one way or another and opportunities will follow you. I love how the Bible encourages us to be excellent:

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23)

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men. (Proverbs 22:29)

I believe that everything we do should be a form of worship to our Lord therefore, when we work, it should be excellent because we worship an excellent God. It’s time to be EXCELLENT!

Here’s a very nice video about excellence in the workplace:

Here it is, the No Nonsense Personal Finance Conference!

Learn process of achieving true financial peace through a step by step understanding on the foundations of personal finance. I will be discussing the different steps to a financially free life in detail from Cash flow, Debt Management, Investing, etc.

Joining me for this life-changing learning event is DENNIS SY, the author of the best-selling Amazon book Rich for Life and also the Editor-in-Chief of one of the country’s most admired website, www.actlikeaman.org

Also joining me for the first time is CARL DY, a real-estate investment expert. Carl has over a decade of experience in the many facets of real estate and will share his proven techniques on creating your wealth through real estate.

This event is on September 14, 2013 (Saturday) from 12:00 noon to 6:30 p.m. at the Victory Center, 4th Level of V Mall in Green Hills Shopping Center, San Juan City.

Ticket prices are P 1,800.00 (VIP), P 1,000 (Gold) and P 500 (Students).

To register or for inquiries, please send an email to nononsense@marvingermo.com or text/call 0917-8146278

To be honest, I never really paid much attention to the State of the Nation address of the Presidents. The last administration’s SONA were full of ambiguity and questionable claims. Lately, the SONA of President Noynoy has been something I have been paying attention to and for the first time in decades, I actually listened to it live as it was happening. I’ve actually participated in the SONA this year by posting some of my thoughts through my twitter account (@randelltiongson).

It was nice to hear the accomplishments of the President for the year that has passed and I am eager to see many of the plans unfolding which will bring the country to a better situation and environment. There are many things that this present administration that needs to be addressed and with only 3 more years in his term. the President must accomplish much.

There are many gains in this administration and there are 2 giant accomplishments that  this administration has been able to accomplish – a drastic reduction of systemic corruption (still far from ideal) and our investment grade status. The nation’s economy has been on an over-drive and it’s about time. Inclusive growth however, seems to be still elusive but I am realistic enough to know that it will take a long time. What I like with this administration is that he seems to be genuinely sincere in leaving a better government for the the next President, like history repeating itself.

Many things needs to be addressed still such as generation of more jobs and better jobs at that. Only when we can have more and better employment can we really say that there is inclusive growth.

I am hopeful for the next 3 years of this administration but even the President understands his limitations. It is my belief that we need to support the President in his reforms and that we need to constantly pray for him and the nation. The Bible says “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” – Psalm 33:12, NIV

I’ve also asked the thoughts of my friend Dr. Alvin Ang, President of the Philippine Economic Society and this is what his views are:

“PNoy’s 4th SONA is a Call for Contribution. ‘Makiambag sa Solusyon.’ There are no direct allusion to the economy except that there are current efforts though not seen that are happening such as job creation in technical skills and the exportation of rice.”

“Infrastructure that are correctly priced and of quality are the order of the day. They may be causing delays but transparency will make sure that things are right. Overall, the warning about those who continue to defy the Matuwid na Daan is an admission that overall change takes time.”

“This President indeed means business and he is doing things navigating through the democratic process. This is great encouragement for me as a Filipino.”

Let us pray as a nation for the nation.