So many people were blindsided by COVID-19 which makes it all the more important to have an emergency fund for any future crisis. I first heard about this concept from motivational coach and finance guru, Chinkee Tan. In two months people grew anxious and agitated...
7 Things to Think About Before Buying Something Expensive
At one time or another, we all want something that is mighty expensive. That latest premium smartphone, a new car, jewelry, a one-week exotic vacation, or the trendiest designer clothes. There is nothing inherently bad about such things. Some would say that having or...
Saving For My Retirement and Spending For My Parents
Question: Hi Sir Randell, I’m a millennial employee. Having read your articles, I know it’s important to save for retirement early. However, I also want to support my family (my parents and my younger siblings) financially. Is it possible to do both? —Joseph, via...
My Utang-Free Diary Book Review
My Utang-Free Diary is Chinkee Tan’s third installment in his Diary ng Pulubi series of books with a fourth and possibly final one to arrive later next year. Sir Chinkee is in his usual witty self in the book as he writes in the vernacular (Tagalog) and in an easy to...
10 Things to Do to Achieve Financial Freedom
Many people are aspiring to be financially free, and many give conflicting advices—while some over-simplify. If I may be so bold, allow me to share my top 10 tips to achieve financial freedom: #10 Get a grip on desire Keep this in mind: it’s not the cost of an item...
My Financial Plans and the Bible
My life was in a financial mess despite having sufficient knowledge about finance. Eventually, I realized that money is more about behavior and less about skills. When I gave my life to Jesus many years ago and began to read the Bible, many things changed for the...
Do Not Rob Yourself of Future Income
How would you take the thought that you are stealing money from your future income? That is what bad debt will do to you if you’re not careful with how you spend. I will classify bad debt as money borrowed for debts that were spent on non-emergency situations. A funny...
Savings and the Bible
Question: I am a Christian and I have been following your posts on personal finance. I have been consistent in saving money but I have heard from other believers that I shouldn’t be concerned with saving because I should depend on the Lord for provisions by faith. Are...
Deadly Money Behaviors
When dealing with money issues, one must always be aware of deadly behaviors that will cause financial havoc. I call them the three dangerous money attitudes: greed, fear, and ignorance. Greed has been man’s downfall since time immemorial. When it comes to our...
An Emergency Fund is a Must
By Randell Tiongson Question: Is it really necessary to have an emergency fund? Francis via Facebook Answer: Yes because emergencies happen! It is foolish to think that we will never undergo an emergency in life, and most of the time, emergencies cost a lot of money....