financial freedom – Jellybeans in the City

Playing for Life with Sun Life: Adopting Sound Personal Finance Strategies for a Lifetime

Imagine navigating life’s financial decisions like a strategic game. That’s the essence of “playing for life”—making smart choices to ensure long-term financial stability and growth. For some of you guys in Gen Z, balancing income, investments, and other financial priorities can feel overwhelming. But what if you could take control of your financial journey in a fun and engaging way?

Let your Tita Jellybeans shed some light on this and share some of my own experiences.

Strategies to Play for Life

Manage Your Resources

Think of managing your money like playing a resource-management game. In my case, creating a budget was my first step towards financial control, setting spending limits and regularly adjusting them as my financial situation changed. This approach helped me avoid unnecessary expenses and prioritize savings.

Build a Survival Kit

An emergency fund is like your in-game survival kit. My first financial goal was to save three months’ worth of living expenses. Automating transfers to a separate savings account ensured I stayed on track. This fund became a lifeline during unexpected events, such as medical emergencies, providing me peace of mind and a sense of financial stability.

Defeat the Debt Boss

Take it from me: conquering debt can feel like defeating a powerful game boss. I found it best to prioritize paying off high-interest debts first, which significantly reduced my financial burden over time.

Avoiding new debts and focusing on paying off existing ones is crucial in my journey toward financial freedom, so you can bet I sometimes hide my credit cards during peak shopping season.

Invest in Power-Ups

Investing is like collecting power-ups that boost your abilities in a game. You might hear this all the time but it is best to start early. It will enable you to benefit from compound interest, significantly growing your investments over time. Diversifying your portfolio will also reduce risks and maximize returns.

Prepare for the Endgame

Planning for retirement is akin to preparing for the inevitable endgame. I’ve seen firsthand how something you may be counting on from your work or family may just disappear into the void. Anticipating your future needs and making regular contributions to retirement accounts are some of key steps I would recommend as you prepare for your future.

Sun Life is Your Partner for Life

Still find yourself at a loss at game of personal finance?

Fortunately, Sun Life aims to equips individuals like you with the tools and knowledge needed for lifetime financial security and healthier lives. Its latest initiatives emphasize financial literacy through gamification, making learning about finance engaging and accessible to more Filipinos, especially those in younger generations.

Play for Life Online Game

Sun Life’s new game, Play for Life: A Game of Choices, mirrors real-life financial decisions. Launched in June 2024, this single-player online game allows players to achieve life goals by making strategic financial and life choices. From selecting a career to navigating life’s ups and downs, the game offers a realistic financial journey that ends with players accumulating enough play money to reach their goals. Want to play it with your squad? Take heart: a multi-player version of the game is set to launch soon.

Know more about it here.

Play for Life Boardgame

At a recent media conference held at Conrad Manila, I had the chance to try a more immersive, table-top boardgame version of Play for Life: A Game of Choices. Together with fellow attendees, I chose characters (such as a teacher or a BPO agent) and rolled the dice which led to life decisions (such as having a baby or investing in education) or circumstances (such as medical emergencies) that have either short-term or lasting impact on my finances which, in turn, affect how I get to achieve a financial goal. The experience was enlightening, demonstrating how financial decisions impact our lives. Through the gameplay, I gleaned insights from my decisions as well as from fellow players.

During this event, Sun Life unveiled its latest digital video commercial featuring celebrity ambassadors Piolo Pascual, Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli, and Matteo Guidicelli playing the board game. They also shared their experiences and learnings from the game and from their real-life experiences, making the event both informative and enjoyable.

The good news is that you can experience this table-top version of the boardgame. All you need to do is visit your nearest Sun Life branch. A Sun Life Financial Adviser can serve as your game master and guide you through your game play.

Life-Size Game Tour

For those seeking an even more interactive experience, a life-size version of Play for Life will be touring select areas around the country. You can navigate giant game boards and make real-life choices at these locations and dates:

SM Sta Rosa from July 27 to 28, 2024
SM Lanang in Davao from August 24 to 25, 2024
SM Iloilo from September 14 to 15, 2024

Table-top boardgame versions will also be available during these activations, so you can play it with your family and friends.

Travel and Giftaway Vouchers Up for Grabs

Have an existing Sun Life policy? You can get a chance to win a Php100,000 travel voucher to Japan or Giftaway vouchers worth up to Php10,000! All you need to do is play the Play for Life game by participating in any of the mall activations or playing online, then submitting the form at the end of the game. Winners will be drawn up among eligible Sun Life clients via an electronic randomizer. Promo runs until October 31, 2024.

Know more about this promo for clients here.

Non-Sun Life clients also have the chance to win a trip for two to Vietnam or Giftaway vouchers worth up to Php10,000. Just play the online version of Play for Life and fill out the “Double the Pot” form. Winners will be selected via a raffle draw among eligible entries, and announced on September 18, 2024.

Know more about this promo for the public here.

“Rank Your Money Moves” on TikTok

Sun Life has also launched an interactive TikTok filter called “Rank Your Money Moves.” This gamified filter lets you rank your priorities such as love life, food, and travel, providing a fun financial personality type based on their choices. Trying out the filter was a fun way to reflect on your financial priorities and gain new insights.

Try it out here.

It’s time to turn your game plan into actual moves towards financial freedom. Consult a Sun Life advisor to create a personalized financial strategy or visit Sun Life’s website for more information. By taking proactive steps today, you can secure a brighter and more stable financial future.

So my dear young ‘uns, embrace the game of life with confidence and strategy, and let Sun Life be your partner in achieving financial success.

Check out my previous posts about financial freedom:

Check out my posts about Sun Life:

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

Rebooting your finances: How to restart your financial journey

How freeing yourself from money worries lets you #LiveLifeBrighter

Simplify Your Holiday Shopping: 5 Expert Tips from Home Credit

The holiday season is a time for joy and togetherness, but let’s face it, it can also be pretty stressful, especially when it comes to holiday shopping. The pressure of finding the perfect gifts, dealing with crowded stores, and managing your budget can turn this wonderful time of year into a headache. But fear not, because Home Credit, the leading consumer finance company in the country, has your back with five smart tips to make your holiday shopping a breeze.

Make a List

Santa isn’t the only one who benefits from a well-organized list. Start by creating a detailed shopping list that includes the names of the people you want to buy gifts for, your gift ideas for each person, and the shops where you can find those items. Having a list will keep you organized, help you stay on track, and reduce the chances of forgetting anyone or anything on your gift-giving list.

Set a Budget

Before you hit the stores, set a clear and realistic budget for your holiday spending. Review your list and allocate a specific amount for each person. Sticking to your budget will help you avoid overspending and prevent financial stress during the holiday season.

Start Early

The early bird truly gets the stress-free shopping experience. Don’t wait until the last minute to start your holiday gift shopping. Purchase your gifts well in advance of the holidays. Starting early allows you to take advantage of sales and discounts, avoid the holiday rush, and ensures you have ample time to find the perfect gifts without feeling rushed or pressured.

Explore Installment Deals

One of the best-kept secrets for a hassle-free holiday shopping experience is taking advantage of installment deals. Home Credit is your go-to destination for this. It offers a wide range of 0% interest rate installment deals on a variety of products. Home Credit makes it easier for you to check out amazing holiday sales through its official website or My Home Credit App. You can also check out Shoppingmall.ph, an online shopping platform for authentic smartphones, laptops, gadgets, and home appliances. This platform helps you find the best deals in stores near you, making it much easier to apply for zero-percent interest rate installment plans and get pre-approved in minutes. Plus, you can chat with a live Sales Agent for more information. By choosing installment plans, you can spread the cost of your purchases over manageable periods, keeping your finances in check during the holiday season.

Stay Tuned for More Deals and Discounts

This holiday season, make a commitment to stress-free shopping by following these expert tips. Keep an eye out for Home Credit’s biggest and grandest holiday offerings yet. It has more 0% interest rate installment deals and flexible loan offerings for a wide range of products, including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, home appliances, furniture, and more. So, watch out for the exciting deals that will make your holiday shopping even easier on your budget.

And, if unexpected bills or the need for extra holiday funds arise, Home Credit has your back with Qwarta and Cash Loan options. These alternative payment options allow you to enjoy the holiday season while having the financial freedom to purchase what you need and experience what you want at your own pace.

So, there you have it, five expert tips from Home Credit to simplify your holiday shopping. With a well-planned list, a set budget, early shopping, installment deals, and access to extra funds when needed, you can make this holiday season truly joyful. For more information and to stay updated on Home Credit’s latest offerings, visit their official website, www.homecredit.ph. You can also follow their official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, or download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to learn about the latest promos and see what’s new in the Marketplace.

Make your holiday shopping a breeze with Home Credit and enjoy the season to the fullest!

Image By freepik

How freeing yourself from money worries lets you #LiveLifeBrighter

Picture a life where stress and worries take a backseat, where your daily concerns don’t revolve around making ends meet or fretting over unexpected expenses. That is what a brighter life means to me. It’s a life unburdened by financial strains, a life where you have the freedom to chase your dreams, nurture your relationships, and explore your passions without the constant shadow of money problems looming overhead.

Financial Stress and Its Impact

Let’s rewind to the past – a time when my journey (together with my husband’s) was just beginning. Fresh out of college, I found myself not only navigating the world of adulthood but also shouldering the responsibilities of parenthood. The weight of financial obligations grew as my husband and I pursued career paths that differed from our college majors. Climbing the corporate ladder was exhilarating, but it came with its share of challenges, particularly as we juggled building a family alongside our demanding careers.

The differences in how my husband and I managed money only added to the stress. Our contrasting financial styles led to disagreements and misunderstandings, increasing already existing tensions. It became clear that money was not just a tool for transactions; it was intertwined with our emotions, choices, and even our happiness.

Back then, I was constantly fretting over utility and credit card bills, wallowing in bitterness because I felt like I was being left behind by my peers who are out partying at clubs, dining at fine restaurants, or job-hopping to more glamorous or higher paying work, while I was stuck at home, learning how to be a wife and parent, or stuck at work, earning a paycheck to settle the burgeoning bills.

I won’t be surprised if there were times when Hubby didn’t like me then, given how often I nagged and complained. To tell you the truth: looking back, I wouldn’t like me either.

The Journey to Financial Independence

Fast forward to today, and our story has taken quite a different turn. Over time, we’ve come to realize that financial independence isn’t just about having a substantial bank balance; it’s about understanding how money works and aligning our goals and values. (Of course, it helped that as our brood grew to two children, our motivations for getting our act together doubled.)

Also, as we matured and our careers stabilized, we gained a better grasp of managing our finances as individuals and as a couple.

This is when we started to see a shift.

We began to communicate more openly about our financial aspirations, fears, and plans. Gradually, we moved from vastly opposing views on spending and saving our money to meeting in the middle. With this newfound alignment, there was this tangible sense of relief and freedom. It was like shedding an invisible weight that had held us down for far too long.

Cultivating a Brighter Life through Financial Freedom

With financial worries fading into the background, we saw some changes in our relationship as well. We began to appreciate each other’s perspectives, strengths, and even quirks. This newfound understanding brought a renewed sense of togetherness, as we faced life’s challenges hand in hand.

But it wasn’t just about us as a couple. As individuals, we started investing more in ourselves – exploring passions, hobbies, and interests that had taken a backseat during the turbulent financial times. By pursuing career paths that aligned with our competencies and interests, we were also able to develop as professionals and experience pride in our work. We also learned to manage ourselves better, making wiser purchase decisions and putting more value on things that will benefit our family in the long-term, rather than just giving us a momentary taste of luxury. Ultimately, these personal shifts not only made us happier but also added new dimensions to our relationship.

I can definitely say that at this point, we are living significantly brighter lives.

First things first: The Financial Planning Pyramid

We all have our unique personal and financial journeys but there are some bits of wisdom that guide us, no matter our unique circumstances.

One of these is the Financial Planning Pyramid.

Sunlife Financial Planning Pyramid — From SunTalks Digital Media Edition “Achieving Your Own Brighter Life”

This tool serves as a road map, determining our current priorities as they pave the way towards our long-term financial objectives.

For instance, as Hubby and I worked our way towards financial liquidity – being able to cover our family’s daily needs, managing our debt and being secure of our ability to weather calamities ranging from bad weather to work disruptions – we are able to devote time and energy towards pursuits that greatly contribute to our family’s health and happiness, as well as those that protect and build wealth that improve our way of life, as well as transfer as our legacy to our kiddos.

This is just one of the many insights that I, together with fellow bloggers, learned during the recent Sun Talks Digital Media Edition “Achieving Your Own Brighter Life.”

Sunlife Achieving Your Own Brighter Life — During the SunTalks Digital Media Edition “Achieving Your Own Brighter Life” (I’m in one of the Zoom frames :-))

During the session, Sunlife Agency Strategy & Digital Transformation Head Jenny del Mundo and Sun Life Advisor Josh Jayzzer de Leon shared their personal experiences and smart tips on how everyone could achieve financial freedom to be able to achieve their own brighter lives.

Fundamental to all of these learnings, of course, is the need to manage money wisely to be able to grow it and live a life free from financial worries.

As I reflect on where Hubby and I were when we started and where we are now, the transformation is awe-inspiring. Our journey from financial stress to having a lot more financial freedom has taught us that money isn’t just currency; it’s the power to shape our lives, relationships, and happiness. The weight of worries has been replaced with the lightness of possibilities, and every day feels like a step towards a brighter future.

So, Dear Reader, should you ever find yourself bogged down by financial woes, remember that you hold the pen to your financial story. As you navigate the maze of financial choices, keep in mind that freedom from money worries is not just a destination; it’s a way of life, one that allows you to shine brighter than you ever thought possible.

Begin your journey towards financial freedom. Check out Sun Life’s life insurance products by consulting a Sun Life advisor or visiting its website.

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.

Check out my posts about previous Sun Talks:

Sun Life Grepa Financial Achieves Major Milestones in 69th Year

In its 69th year of business, Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), a leading life insurance provider in the nation, raised its position in the Insurance Commission’s (IC) most recent industry report for the end of 2022.

In 2022 alone, its total premium income (TPI) grew by 21% to P11.54 billion from P9.52 billion in the previous year. The company continues to be in the top 10 among insurers with the highest net income, climbing a notch to rank 8th with P1.19 billion in 2022 from its 9th spot in 2021 with P597.7 million. Furthermore, it increased its net worth in 2022 by 24% to P5.7 billion – the 8th highest in the industry.

Total assets at end of 2022 stood at P52.3 billion from P51.1 billion. The life insurer also climbed to 11th in 2022 with total new business APE of P1.69 billion from its 13th rank in 2021.

“We attribute our exponential growth to our singular commitment to helping our clients fulfill their protection needs, now and in the future,” said Sun Life Grepa President Richard S. Lim. “We, at Sun Life Grepa also has been proactively focusing on product innovation to meet the needs and expectations of our clients. As we believe that in these times of uncertainty, having an insurer that they can lean on because of its financial stability and strength, is very important.”

Sun Life Grepa has protected over 3 million lives, contributing to the country’s goal of providing Filipinos health insurance coverage and access to cost-effective and quality healthcare services.

It scored several milestones that coincided with its 69th anniversary celebration, including the recognition “Best Insurance Provider for SMEs – Philippines” from the 2022 International Finance Award and “MSME Insurance Initiative of the Year – Philippines” from the 2022 Insurance Asia Awards for its tailor-made insurance and protection solutions for the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises under its MSME MyBiz.

As part of sustaining its growth trajectory, the company boosted its affiliated medical providers by 25% in 2022 from the previous year. More than 1,300 hospitals and clinics across the country are now its affiliated partners. To support its network reach and enable customers to access Sun Life Grepa solutions and services faster and easier, the company also launched Sun Life Grepa Healthcare Teleconsult so Group Medical members can consult with doctors at the comfort of their homes. It also enhanced its online servicing platform to include semi-automated requests for the issuance of letters of authorization and consultation. On another note, Sun Life Grepa also recently received a Great Place To Work® Certification, the global standard for workplace excellence and culture.

This year, Sun Life Grepa aims to encourage more Filipinos to avail of health protection and life insurance coverage to secure their loved ones’ brighter future. The company plans to partner with more hospitals and clinics and make its products and services more accessible in the digital landscape, ensuring Filipinos’ convenient and easy access to quality healthcare.

“While uncertainties remain, I am optimistic that we will tackle the future fiercer and smarter. Sun Life Grepa’s commitment to helping every Filipino live healthier lives and achieve lifetime financial security remains unwavering,” said Sun Life Grepa President Richard S. Lim. “As we move forward in 2023, we will continue to have a laser-sharp focus on creating innovative ways to deliver quality insurance products and services that push Filipinos closer to their dream of financial freedom.”

Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. or Sun Life Grepa is a joint venture between the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC) and Sun Life Philippines (Sun Life). Sun Life Grepa offers financial protection products through its agency, bancassurance, and group account channels. YGC is one of Southeast Asia’s largest conglomerates with over 90 companies, while Sun Life has been a top player in the Philippine market for over 120 years.

Sun Life rallies millennials to reach for their dreams

If you feel like you’re headed towards a dead end, that you’re not where you feel you’re supposed to be, well, chin up, young person.

With its newest campaign, Sun Life Philippines is encouraging you to hit that reset button and claim a fresh new start in your journey towards the future you’ve always dreamed of.

Entitled “Ito ang Araw Mo,” the campaign launched on March 8 with a digital video highlighting the unique experiences of today’s generation, such as graduating in a virtual ceremony, exploring gaming as a career, pursuing online entrepreneurship, and starting a new family in extraordinary times.

The “Ito ang Araw Mo” campaign takes inspiration from the pursuits of the Millennials who are keen on building their career, growing their wealth, and finding self-enrichment amid the pandemic.

“The times we are in may have pushed Millennials to put their goals on hold, but it also brought out their creativity, resourcefulness, and undeniable spirit. They are well equipped to fulfill all their dreams, even as they navigate their way in a new environment,” Sun Life Chief Marketing and Client Experience Officer Gilbert Simpao said. “It all begins with recognizing the start of this new chapter in their lives, taking control of what they can accomplish today, while working on their bigger goals in the future with Sun Life as their partner.”

To inspire and enable them with specific actionable to-dos, Sun Life will hold an interactive workshop entitled “Build Bright Habits to Reach Your Goals” on March 20, 10am, featuring international author, speaker, and life coach Dr. Christine Carter and AHA! Behavioral Design Managing Director TJ Agulto.

These bright habits on self-improvement, relationships, and personal finance will be reinforced through a Facebook community where they can avail mini mentorship programs, weekly challenges, and exclusive promos in the company of their fellow goal-achievers.

Those ready to craft their financial plans and be experts in handling their money are encouraged to seek the help of a Sun Life advisor, who can help them create a financial roadmap that matches their needs and will put them in a better position to make their plans a reality.

“Ito Ang Araw Mo” updates and other relevant information will be posted on Sun Life’s various online platforms for those who wish to take part in the activities and for those looking for added inspiration.

“There may have been a tremendous shift in our lives, but Millennials have the power to realize their goals and aspirations. It can start today,” Simpao said. “Ito ang araw nila, and it would be Sun Life’s honor to be their partner for life in this journey.”

So equip yourself with the right attitude and the right habits that will help you as you forge your way through life. And, make sure to enjoy the journey as well.