My life was in a financial mess despite having enough knowledge about finances. Eventually, I realized that money is more about behavior and less about skills. When I gave my life to Jesus and began to read the Bible, many things changed for the better for me, foremost is my finances.

Our attitude about money is established in our heart. How we handle our money is a heart issue. The challenge for most people is the heart is attached to the head, and the head is not thinking the way the Bible teaches about money. So what does the Bible have to say about money?

People get surprised whenever I tell them just how much the Bible has to say about finances. There are more than 2,350 verses on how to handle money and possessions. Jesus spoke more about money than any other subject — more than faith and more than prayers. It is not because money and possessions are more important, its just that the Lord truly knows who we are. I eventually realized that the Bible is not just a book of devotions, it is also a book of instructions. Instructions to what? Instructions to righteous living.

Many years ago I starting asking: What is my financial plan? Do I know where every peso is spent? Do I want finances to continue to be a source of conflict in my life? What should I do with my debt? What are my financial goals? So, I created five categories and started living by a simple plan. So here are my top five:

1) Work Well

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV). In Scripture, hard work and diligence is encouraged. The Bible will make you reveal that the Lord despises laziness. My friend and mentor Dodong Cacanando once told me that work is from the Lord. The most important question you can ask yourself everyday as you begin your work is: “For whom do I work?”

2) Be Generous

The basic level of giving is the tithe. Tithing lets us know how we are doing with our attitude about money. If you don’t trust God with your money, then you will trust in your money. I like what Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” When you live a life of generosity, you will realize that you are not a slave to your money.

3) Save Diligently

“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it (Proverbs 21:20, ESV).” Saving is making provision for tomorrow. The most effective way to save is to do it every time you receive income. Save for both long-term and short-term. Long-term savings are intended to fund long-term needs such as retirement or for the college education of your kids. Short-term savings should be in an account that is easily accessible for your usual monthly expenses as well as your emergency funds.

4) Be Wise In Spending

We often hear this and yet ignore this simple and yet truly inportant financial wisdom: Spend less than you make! You will never be free from the money trap if you don’t spend less than you make. Dave Ramsey says, “90 percent of people in our culture buy things they can’t afford.” The most helpful tool to keep you from spending more than you make is called a busget (or your cash flow). John Maxwell has the best quote on budgeting: “A budget is people telling their money where to go instead of wondering where it went.”

5) Invest Wisely

The best advice I have received when it comes to investing is to diversify. Ecclesiastes 11:2, NLT says, “But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.” Never risk money you can’t afford to lose. It is probably not a good idea to make uninformed or hasty investment decisions. Make sure you invest early, wisely and regularly. Another important tip is this: “never invest in something you do not understand.”

Be part of the country’s most empowering finance and investing event – #iCON2019 and learn from the country’s leading thought leaders in finance and business. Register via www.bit.ly/ICON_2019

Towards the end of 2008 and in the midst of the worst financial crisis in recent history, I decided to quit my job and leave the comforts of a steady  corporate job and a good paying one at that. To do what? To do what I have been doing in the last 10 years or so — being an advocate of personal finance: speaking, writing, teaching, traveling, counselling and engaging anyone who needs to learn personal finance.

What I do is exciting but can also be exhausting. I speak about 150 times a year; I do back to back seminars that runs the whole day; I move from one place to another; travel a lot (and be away from my family); guests in so many multi-media platforms; write a lot (and I don’t like writing) and meet and speak to so many people. Why? I believe I need to do my part to make sure that Filipinos become financially empowered. Being financially empowered is very important to all of us and everyone of us should make this a top goal in our lives. We all have our reasons why we need to be financially empowered—we do it for our goals, we do it for our families, we do it for our communities, and so forth. I believe we all have noble reasons why we need to experience financial freedom and, more importantly, financial peace.

However, I would like to seek a deeper purpose on why we all need to be financially-abled and why we need to be blessed with financial empowerment. I believe that the true purpose of wealth goes beyond the comforts of life or a good future for our children. I strongly believe that we should become financially-abled because we need to be a channel of blessing for God to use to advance His kingdom.

We are not placed on earth for our own purposes. We need to constantly seek the Lord’s purpose for us and focus towards achieving such a purpose. Financial empowerment is not an end goal; it is merely a tool for a greater purpose. I believe that my true purpose goes beyond my own financial enablement—my true purpose is to worship God. Everything I do and everything I will do should be an act of worship. Remember, wealth and the ability to create wealth comes from God. It is not to achieve our own purposes, but to achieve His.

My personal experience has led me to embrace the truth that every financial decision (and all other decisions) I make is likewise a spiritual decision. When I gave my life to Jesus, I found my purpose and I found all the answers—financial and otherwise. Seek Him, and there you will find what true peace is all about. Yes, even financial peace.

“But seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33, NIV

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Join me and my friends at the biggest and most empowering investment conference of the country #iCON2019. We are already running on our 7th year and this year will be even bigger and better than the previous ones!

Details and registration via www.bit.ly/ICON_2019

As the Philippine economy continue to provide more opportunities for the Filipinos, the earning capacity of our population has improved through the years. However, it is a well-known fact that increase in income does not always equate to financial empowerment and preparation if not coupled with proper financial education. Further achieving success is not just about financial empowerment but rather empowerment in the many other facets of life.

On September 29, 2018, I will once more organize an empowering conference to help attendees properly prepare for their future. The event is aptly called “Build Your Future” and this particular event is intended for the young professionals  through a practical and engaging half-day learning event.

I am so privileged to be joined by three amazing individuals who will all help the conference participants ‘build’ their future through the sharing of their expertise:

Ardy Abello on TOP PERFORMANCE: How to Become the Best Version of Yourself

Ardy Abello is one of the country’s leading motivational speaker and a John Maxwell and Strengths Finder certified trainer. He is one of the most sought after speakers and coaches on productivity, leadership and success.

Dennis Sy on BUILD A BETTER FUTURE: Doing Social Good to Build a Better Future

Dennis Sy is a a best-selling author and leading influential blogger and vlogger on manhood and life principles. He is the senior pastor of Victory Green Hills, a church which gathers 4000 attendees weekly.

Gabbie Tiongson on MOVING FORWARD: Designing Your Life Plan with Meaning

Gabbie Tiongson was student leader and a licensed teacher but has decided to focus on empowering students as a campus missionary. She believes in investing in the next generation.

The event will be from 1 to 6pm and will be held at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura, Taguig City.

Here’s why you should attend this life-changing event — the fee to this event is only P500.00 and it comes with my book Build Your Future Today worth P500.00! Slots are going fast so it is best if you sign up and pay to secure your slot because slots are running out fast!

To register, visit www.bit.ly/BYF2018