[vc_row][vc_column][stm_spacer height=”150″ height_mobile=”-100″][vc_custom_heading source=”post_title” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:center|color:%233f3f3f” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”14211″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][stm_separator color=”custom” style=”style_3″ custom_color=”#0d97ff” sep_width=”200px” sep_height=”10px” sep_css=”.vc_custom_1571309810608{margin-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_raw_html]JTVCRElTUExBWV9VTFRJTUFURV9TT0NJQUxfSUNPTlMlNUQ=[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]What is that one thing that keeps you worried especially in trying times like these?
In a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, finances are a major source of stress to everyone. It’s a challenge to focus on dealing with money – not just to make ends meet but also to elevate your lifestyle.
One secret to achieving your financial goals is having a mentor who can give you advice on the do’s and don’ts when planning out your finances in relation to your goals.
Since great recommendations are what we seek, Ton Patron returned to the podcast to share his insights on how to pursue what we want from our financial lives. [/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZvcGVuLnNwb3RpZnkuY29tJTJGZW1iZWQtcG9kY2FzdCUyRmVwaXNvZGUlMkY2Q3lhNzlNMmZtMWRvZ1VZNExLenVXJTIyJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjIxMDAlMjUlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIyMzIlMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBhbGxvd3RyYW5zcGFyZW5jeSUzRCUyMnRydWUlMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmVuY3J5cHRlZC1tZWRpYSUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Begin where you are
They say that financial wellness equates to effectively managing your economic life. But how can we say if we are on the right track? Or if you’re ready to level up your lifestyle?
Ton suggests you first check your current state and be honest with yourself about what you really need. In order to make a beneficial decision, detach yourself from the emotion involved and see the big picture in order to decide on your long term life plan.
Level Up! podcast host Jenn asked Ton a few questions that talked about an individual’s lifestyle enhancement:
- When is the best time to buy a car?
- Ton recommends a review of your savings; do you have enough put away to make a significant downpayment, or will buying that car cause you major setbacks on your savings? He stressed that it is very important for us to maintain control on our spending even after the car is purchased. Consider the ongoing financial obligations such as maintenance, gas, parking, and other fees that will impact on your overall monthly expenditure.
- How do you know if you can afford to have kids?
- The established financial adviser answered this by saying that it is an advantage if both parents are earning as this can help them expedite their savings so they can be financially stable before having a child. He recommends broad guidelines such as to expect expenditure of PHP 60,000 per child to comfortably cover private schooling and luxuries such as vacations out of town.
- How do I know if I can afford to take a Master’s degree?
- For Ton, it goes back to your capacity to pay for it. Even though he is all for pursuing higher education, he also highlights the relevance to choose the kind of course where you can find interest so you can widen your skillset. Nowadays, it is what most employers look into–employees who are flexible in terms of their capabilities.
To sum it all up, Ton tells us that it will always be up to us on when and how we can upgrade our lives. No matter what, that last hurrah will be up to you. As they say, it is your call. But first, you should always ask yourself: Can I afford this?
Listen to this episode here
About the Guest: Ton Patron has almost two decades of experience in the financial industry. He has worked closely with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in creating a whole new way for consumers to purchase mutual funds online, and currently looks after Sun Life Philippines’ fin tech efforts.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTVCRElTUExBWV9VTFRJTUFURV9TT0NJQUxfSUNPTlMlNUQ=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” shadow_x_offset=”0″ shadow_y_offset=”0″ shadow_blur=”0″ shadow_spread=”0″][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]