Manulife Philippines started 2021 with a lively webinar featuring celebrity siblings Anne Curtis & Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Andre & Kobe Paras. Through a financial webinar titled ‘Ready, Set, #Goals,’ they shared their insights and experiences in building successful careers, beginning new ventures, and managing personal finances.
“The past year showed us that our world could be turned upside down at any moment, so we need to prepare and learn to secure what we truly value, by defining our priorities and goals, and making plans to achieve them,” said Manulife PH Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Henson.
“We organized this webinar to help Filipinos embrace a financially proactive mindset so that they can be prepared for unexpected challenges and make their every day better,” she added.
TV host, actor, and businessman Luis Manzano helped make sure the webinar would be insightful, being the host of the hour-long discussion.
The Curtis siblings
Anne shared her learnings about finances in her career as a movie and TV actress, a businesswoman, a wife, and as a mother to first daughter Dahlia. “When I started my career at 12 years old, it was my mom and dad who would handle my finances,” she narrated. “They turned it over to me once I reached 18. That was when I started managing my expenses. I was very conscious of saving up for the rainy days.”
Her advice: “Compartmentalize your finances. It’s okay to treat yourself, but you need to learn to save. If you’re planning to have children, make sure to save and invest for their future so you can give them the best in life.”
Meanwhile, Anne’s sister, Jasmine, shared her insights on running her fourth entrepreneurship venture—a recently launched loungewear and lifestyle business. “What I have learned is not to be afraid to ask for guidance and advice from experts about planning, operations, and financials. Be more open to people more knowledgeable than you about business and learn from them.”
The Paras brothers
The younger of the Paras brothers, Kobe said he learned the importance of budgeting wisely. “Right now, I treat paintings as my investment. But after hearing from Manulife’s financial advisors today, I want to try the 50/30/20 rule—50% of my income goes to my necessities, 30% to my wants, and 20% to reach my financial goals.”
Andre, on the other hand, revealed plans to move forward with his showbiz career and have a more secure future. “I love acting, and I’m very passionate about my job. However, when the pandemic struck, I was afraid because I didn’t know when I would again, which made me rethink my financial goals. Now, I’m planning to explore ways to invest and grow my money so that I’ll be able to secure a better future for myself and my family.”
Planning for the future
Financial advisors and unit heads Kito Zialcita and Cherrie Brinas gave tips on making money-related resolutions through sound financial planning and goal-setting. “Set aside an emergency fund, so you are prepared when anything strikes,” said Cherrie. “Get sufficient insurance coverage to secure your loved ones’ future. Look beyond merely saving in a bank account by investing so you can grow your money and meet your own financial goals and aspirations.”
Zialcita also advised, “By knowing how to invest wisely, you are putting capital at work. You are growing your finances not just by working hard, but also by making your money work hard for you.”
Meanwhile, Luis shared his learnings and realizations after getting recently engaged with TV and movie actress Jessy Mendiola. “Sometimes, expenses will come all at the same time, especially when you’re planning a wedding. I realized that it’s essential to diversify. Don’t keep your eggs in a single basket, so you have multiple financial sources.”
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