financial advisor – Jellybeans in the City

How to enjoy the holiday season while preparing for the year ahead

The holidays are meant to be joyful, but for many Filipinos, they also come with a familiar kind of pressure. Between gift-giving, reunions, travel, and celebrations, expenses can add up quickly—especially when year-end bonuses arrive and spending suddenly feels justified.

Still, the holiday season doesn’t have to be a financial setback. In fact, it can be a meaningful opportunity to make thoughtful money decisions that don’t just support festive plans, but also strengthen financial stability well into the coming year.

This idea was at the heart of insights recently shared by Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa) during its webinar, “From Bonus to Balance: Holiday Budgeting Made Simple.” The discussion encouraged Filipinos to approach holiday spending with greater intention—seeing bonuses not as extra money to burn, but as a chance to align spending with long-term goals.

The webinar highlighted practical holiday budgeting tips that can be applied not only during the festive season, but throughout the year:

Save First, Spend Later

It’s a good practice to set aside a portion of one’s income—including holiday bonuses—before spending on non-essentials. Saving first helps prevent accidental overspending and supports financial stability long after the celebrations are over.

Living within one’s means is equally important. The holiday season can bring social pressure to spend more than usual. So, staying mindful of what one can realistically afford is essential to prevent overspending, borrowing, and unnecessary strain on one’s finances.

Follow the 50/30/20 Budget Method

The webinar recommended the “50/30/20” budgeting method as a practical way to keep finances on track. This means allocating 50% of income for essential needs, 30% for personal wants, and 20% for savings. This balanced approach allows one to enjoy the season while still protecting their financial priorities.

Once a budget is in place, sticking to it becomes just as important. Straying from one’s spending plan—especially during the holidays—can quickly lead to credit card debt or a depleted bank account. Maintaining discipline helps keep expenses manageable.

Pay Off Credit Card Debt in Full

Clearing high-interest balances is one of the most effective ways to lighten the financial load going into the new year. By paying in full, one can avoid accumulating interest and begin the next year with a clean slate. It also frees up funds that can be redirected toward savings, investments, or achieving other financial goals, making overall money management more effective.

Build Your Emergency Fund

Preparing a financial cushion is crucial for emergencies, illnesses, and even natural disasters. Sun Life Grepa encouraged participants to set aside an emergency fund equivalent to three to six months of expenses, ensuring that they have a reliable safety net when unforeseen situations arise.

Focus on Your Goals and Dreams

Having a clear sense of what they are working toward — whether saving for education, buying a home, starting a business, or planning for retirement — can make all the difference in how people manage their money. When goals are defined, each financial decision becomes more intentional, which helps keep spending in check.

Prioritize Your Health and Wellness

Financial wellness goes hand in hand with physical and mental well-being. Investing in one’s health — through regular checkups, a balanced diet, and insurance plans — can prevent unexpected medical expenses and reduce stress, creating a stronger foundation for long-term financial stability.

Sun Life Grepa helps Filipinos maximize their income while prioritizing health, wellness, and financial security. Through a range of life and health protection plans, the leading life insurer empowers families to enjoy the present with confidence, knowing that both their well-being and financial future are protected.

As the year winds down, the goal isn’t to spend perfectly—it’s to spend with intention. The holidays can still be full of generosity, celebration, and togetherness, without sacrificing peace of mind once January arrives.

By taking small but mindful steps, Filipinos can turn year-end bonuses and everyday income into tools for stability, not stress. Just as important, prioritizing health and wellness helps ensure that financial plans remain resilient, no matter what the year ahead brings.

With the right habits and support in place, it becomes easier to enjoy the present while staying confident about the future. And when financial protection and wellness go hand in hand, families are better equipped to welcome the new year feeling prepared, secure, and hopeful.

To learn more about Sun Life Grepa’s financial protection and wellness solutions, visit www.sunlifegrepa.com or speak with a Sun Life Grepa financial advisor today.

Sun Life Grepa’s Heartfelt Pledge: “We Get You, We Got You” for a Secure Future

Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), a leading insurer in the Philippines, has unveiled its latest campaign, “We Get You, We Got You. Gets Ka Namin, Sagot Ka Namin.” This initiative is set to resonate with Filipinos from all walks of life, addressing their diverse financial needs and encouraging them to secure their futures.

A Personalized Approach for Every Filipino

Sun Life Grepa’s campaign takes a fresh approach by using four captivating videos that depict relatable characters and situations. These narratives are thoughtfully crafted to reach various segments of the Sun Life Grepa market, from entrepreneurs and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to blue-collar workers and high-net-worth individuals.

Through these engaging videos, the insurance company demonstrates its commitment to understanding and addressing the unique financial concerns of every Filipino. Whether it’s through friendly video calls or face-to-face meetings, Sun Life Grepa advisors aim to become trusted friends, providing valuable suggestions, solutions, and a comprehensive range of life insurance products.

A Trusted Partner for a Lifetime

With the campaign’s resounding message, “we get you, gets ka namin,” Sun Life Grepa reaffirms its core mission: to ensure lifelong financial security and healthier lives for all Filipinos. This campaign empathizes with the everyday situations and moments that every individual faces, emphasizing Sun Life Grepa’s unwavering commitment to its clients.

Richard S. Lim, the President of Sun Life Grepa, spoke about the campaign, saying, “This campaign encapsulates our commitment to being more than just an insurance provider. We aspire to be a partner beyond one’s lifetime, understanding your needs and ensuring that we are there for clients every step of the way. Because we understand the uncertainties that surround our clients, we continue to design services and solutions that offer not just financial protection but a sense of security and trust. The campaign isn’t just a slogan – it’s a reflection of our company values and our promise to put our clients first. We’re excited to reassure them that, together, we’ve got this.”

Discover More with Sun Life Grepa

For those interested in learning more about how Sun Life Grepa can help secure their financial future, reaching out to a Sun Life Grepa financial advisor is just a click away. You can also explore their offerings and gain insights by visiting https://www.sunlifegrepa.com/we-get-you-we-got-you/.

To watch the captivating campaign films that shed light on the diverse range of financial situations Filipinos face, head to Sun Life Grepa’s Facebook page.

In a world where financial security is paramount, Sun Life Grepa is here to assure Filipinos, “We Get You, We Got You. Gets Ka Namin, Sagot Ka Namin.”

Details provided in a recent press release.

Header image by Lifestylememory on Freepik

#HealthIsWealth: How your physical well-being impacts your finances

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of good health. As people have become more health-conscious, they have begun to recognize that taking care of their bodies can have a significant impact on their overall well-being. Along with this increased focus on health has come a greater understanding of the ways in which our health can impact other areas of our lives, including our personal finances.

Studies have shown that there is a strong link between good health and financial stability. For example, individuals who suffer from chronic illnesses may face high medical bills and a reduced ability to work, which can impact their income and savings. On the other hand, those who prioritize their health may be more productive at work, have lower healthcare costs, and enjoy a better quality of life overall.

Given the importance of good health to our financial well-being, it’s no surprise that many people are seeking ways to improve their health and wellness. From adopting healthier eating habits to incorporating regular exercise into their routines, individuals are taking steps to protect their health and their finances.

Let’s explore some of the ways in which your health can impact your personal finances, and reasons to stay healthy in order to maintain financial stability.

Medical expenses

One of the most obvious ways in which your health can impact your personal finances is through medical expenses. If you have a chronic illness or injury, you may have to spend a lot of money on medications, doctor visits, and other healthcare-related costs. Even if you’re generally healthy, unexpected medical emergencies can quickly add up, leading to a significant financial burden.

Lost income

If you become ill or injured and are unable to work, you may lose income, which can impact your ability to pay bills and save money. This is especially true if you don’t have paid sick leave or disability insurance through your employer. Even a short period of lost income can be difficult to manage, so it’s important to have a financial plan in place in case of illness or injury.

Productivity

Your health can also impact your productivity at work, which can have a direct impact on your income. If you’re frequently sick or fatigued, you may not be able to perform at your best, which could lead to missed opportunities for promotions, raises, or bonuses.

Lifestyle choices

The lifestyle choices you make can also impact your personal finances. If you eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep, you may be less likely to develop chronic illnesses that can lead to expensive medical bills. On the other hand, if you smoke, drink excessively, or engage in other risky behaviors, you may be more likely to experience health problems that can impact your finances.

Long-term planning.

Finally, your health can impact your ability to plan for the future. If you have a chronic illness, you may need to save more aggressively for retirement or plan for the possibility of long-term care. Additionally, if you’re in poor health, you may not be able to work as long as you had planned, which could impact your retirement savings.

It’s clear that your health and personal finances are closely intertwined. By taking care of your health and planning for the unexpected, you can ensure that you’re in the best position possible to manage your finances and achieve your financial goals.

Recently, Sun Life held a series of Sun Talks, the first of which dwelt on “Unlocking Your Health Goals.” This talk was designed to help attendees understand the importance of good health, and to offer practical advice on how to improve their physical and mental well-being.

One of the key takeaways from the Sun Talks was the importance of balancing mental, physical and social well-being in order to maintain financial health. Sun Life’s Affinity Partnership Manager Health & Accident Team Francesca Tolentino and Financial Advisor/Sales Manager Garett Maralit shared their personal experiences and financial health journeys to drive home important points and provide inspiration to their audience.

Another key theme of the Sun Talks was the importance of self-care. Many of us lead busy, stressful lives, and it can be difficult to find time for ourselves. However, taking care of ourselves is essential for our overall health and well-being. Getting enough sleep, taking time to relax and unwind to spending time with family and friends can help us stay physically and mentally healthy.

The Sun Talks also addressed the importance of financial planning for health-related expenses. Good health is closely linked to financial stability. By planning ahead for medical expenses and saving for unexpected health-related costs, individuals can protect themselves and their families from financial hardship in the event of illness or injury.

With the varying health needs and budgets of Filipinos in mind, Sun Life offers healthcare and life insurance packages to help you better cope with life’s emergencies:

SUN Fit & Well. Offers critical illness and life insurance benefits until age 100 with bonus disease prevention programs.
SUN Senior Care. Addresses the evolving life and health protection needs of seniors.
SUN Cancer Care. Enables you to live a healthier life and helps you to be financially prepared so you can be in control should cancer strike.
SUN LifeAssure. Provides protection benefit against any of the covered critical illness conditions.
SUN Healthier Life. Provides protection benefits to help you get through any stage of a critical illness.
SUN First Aid. Provides cash benefits so you can worry less about costly medical bills due to hospital confinement or surgery.
SUN Maiden and SUN Maiden Plus. Provide life insurance coverage to secure your loved ones future against life uncertainties and health protection benefits that can help cushion the financial impact caused by any of the covered female-specific illnesses and surgeries.
SUN ICU Protect. Enables you to live a healthier life as well as ensures your financial health is well-taken care of should any life-threatening conditions happen.

The Sun Talks on “Unlocking Your Health Goals” offered valuable insights and practical advice for individuals looking to improve their health and well-being. By taking small, achievable steps towards our health goals, practicing self-care, and planning ahead for health-related expenses, we can ensure that we’re taking care of both our bodies and our finances.

In line with its commitment to help Filipinos live healthier lives, Sun Life also launched GoWell Studio, an on-demand holistic wellness platform which houses top-notch content such as follow-along exercise programs, guided meditation sessions, various masterclasses, short courses, and healthcare awareness and education.

It also holds various health and wellness symposia in partnership with healthcare and pharmaceutical companies, as well as sports events, to spread information on the importance of health.

Those who wish to know more about Sun Life’s health and accident insurance products are encouraged to consult a Sun Life advisor or visit sunlife.com.ph.

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2022, Sun Life had total assets under management of CAD 1.33 trillion. For more information, please visit http://www.sunlife.com.

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