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2016 SavingsPinay Reader Survey

Monday, June 27, 2016

Hi there!!!

Two years ago I decided to create a Reader Survey to realign SavingsPinay to its goals and vision. I love how the result went and if you've been part of the 2014 SavingsPinay Reader Survey, thank you very much for taking time to answer.

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund First Impression From Geli

Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Hi everyone! I am so excited today to launch a new series here on the blog - SavingsPinay Guest Blogger of the Month. 

Last week, Geli, a member of SavingsPinay Facebook Group commented the mutual fund she invests together with her husband. I  know most from the SavingsPinay community are intrigued by this investment product so I asked Geli to introduce to us the Philequity Dividend Yield Fund by giving a guest post to SavingsPinay. 
Hope you enjoy the post that Geli wrote for us!


It was a random article on Philstar that brought me to Philequity’s website. My husband and I received some good cash gifts during our wedding and it’s been sleeping in the bank for 1 year that time. My curiosity led me and my husband to opening a joint account with Philequity Dividend Yield Fund Inc., and now, we’re more than 2 years in.

Philequity Management Inc (PEMI) may be off the radar in terms of branding, because they don’t advertise as much as all the other investment products in the market. But apparently, their flagship product called Philequity Fund Inc, is the country's best performing equity mutual fund.

My husband and I are invested in Philequity Dividend Yield Fund Inc., a long-term, growth oriented, open-ended, equity dividend mutual fund. This fund is more on the aggressive side, so we had a good head start considering we started during our (late) 20’s. The fund aims to provide capital appreciation and high dividend yield payouts, and is suited for investors who would like exposure in the stock market through blue chip stocks. PDYF’s portfolio includes SM Prime Holdings Inc, PLDT, Ayala Land, Aboitiz Power Corp, Meralco, SM Investments, URC, Metrobank, BPI, BDO, which obviously are great companies.

The process is basically like saving in a bank, only, the money is invested in stocks. And of course, just like any other mutual fund investment, the money is not insured by the PDIC.


PROS

  • NAVPU are still at the range of Php 1.  Because the fund just opened 2 years ago, shares are still at Php 1 point something a piece! Imagine how much you’ve made by the time NAVPS are already at Php 5.00!
  • You don’t have to worry about personally managing your funds because Philequity fund managers belong to best in the industry. So whether the stock market is good or bad, you know your funds are managed to the best of their ability.
  • Fund performance of Philequity Fund products almost always mirrors the PSEi. You are confident that your funds are not underperforming.
  • Philequity Corner lets you stay updated with market news. I love to read this section because it is here where Mr. Wilson Sy gives a good analysis on why the market performs the way it does.
  • Regular Stockholder’s Meeting. I remember when all stocks were in the red a few months back, Philequity called for a stockholders meeting to calm its investors and answer questions that cause people sleepless nights.
  • Attentive customer service.

CONS
  • A bit high minimum initial and additional investment.
  • No regional or satellite offices so I’m not sure how it works for people from the provinces.

FUND FACTS

Fund name: Philequity Dividend Yield Fund Inc.
Type: Equity Fund
Minimum Initial Investment : Php 20,000
Minimum additional investment: Php 5,000
Sales load: Not more than 3.5%, although for some reason I don’t know, they haven’t been charging us sales load since April 2015
Exit fees: Not more than 2%
Hold period to waive exit fees: more than 2 years

For the Fund Performance of other Philequity investment products, check this LINK

HOW TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT

Opening an account is easy. We just went to their office at PSE Building in Ortigas, brought all the necessary requirements, and the initial deposit. The account was good to go the next day.

These were the documents that we submitted:

For Individual/Joint

  1. Account Opening Form (AOF)
  2. Investor Risk Profiling Questionnaire (IRPQ)
  3. Investment Application Form (IAF)
  4. Two (2) Signature Cards
  5. One (1) Valid ID with signature of each investor
To know more about requirements and procedures, go HERE.


For joint accounts, my husband and I went there together, so we didn’t have problems with authorization.


ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT

Topping up is easy as well. Just go to BDO, EastWest Bank, or Union Bank, and send them the deposit slip along with the filled out additional investment form. Confirmation notice will be sent within 24 hours.

Statements of Account are e-mailed every month. Philequity provided us with a password to access this.


EXPERIENCE SO FAR

We’ve had our Philequity Dividend Yield Fund Inc account for a little over 2 years now and it had his high time during the first year. The second year was a bit of a downhill, but all stocks were bleeding during the second half of 2015.  But we’ve made it a habit to top-up monthly, so it didn’t really bother us if the stock market was high or low. 

I checked their return calculator to give you an idea about our fund’s performance since we opened in April 2014. 




















Not bad, huh?

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund Inc. performs well despite the market instability. And for someone who is clueless about stock buying and selling, entrusting our money to a reputable company proved to be a really good decision.

I just wish though that they already have an online additional investment form so I won’t have to print out, scan, and email every time I make additional investments.

OVERALL

Withdrawing our sleeping money from the bank and transferring it to PDYF was a wise decision. I’m very happy that we were able to open an account with PDYF as soon as it was launched to the public.
Investing in mutual fund always involves risks, that’s why it’s always a good idea to start investing early. It’s important to always ask yourself if you’re willing to part ways with your money for a good 5-10 years because only after such time will you be able to really reap the benefits.


Because my husband and I started early, so I’m hoping we’ll have plenty of time to ride the market and stay invested for the long term.

About Our Guest Blogger:

Geli currently works with an  international non-profit organization and is an avid household budget manager. She likes reading, talking, and doing anything about saving money and finding ways to make money work. She occasionally blogs over HERE.

Note from SavingsPinay:

Thank you so much Geli for making this wonderful post. I know you've answered a lot of questions from other SavingsPinay readers too. To anyone who'd like to submit a guestpost you just like Geli you can send me an email at izzaglinofull@gmail.com or message me via SavingsPinay Facebook Group.


Weekly Notes #03 | The Best of Personal Finance Tips and Must-Reads

Sunday, June 19, 2016
Hi and welcome to a New SavingsPinay Weekly Notes. As you may have noticed the theme of this blog had suddenly changed due to unexpected bug I suppose. The theme I was using didn't show the Day 1 What is "Multi-Level Marketing" post I did for the June SavingsPinay Series. It was the first time that this happened to me so I was worried that my newer posts will also won't show up. To solve the problem I searched for a new free theme and now SavingsPinay Blog is anew. 



Anyhow without further ado I'd like to share to you the best posts I have searched and read and will surely be helpful in everyone's personal finance life. Weekly Notes #03 | The Best of Personal Finance Tips and Must-Reads.

But first...




The June SavingsPinay Series All About Multi-Level Marketing in the Philippines is over and I do hope you have read and followed all the lessons. I'll be giving a quick summary of the series here.

What is "Multi-Level Marketing" + FREE INFOGRAPHIC

On Day 1 I have shared the definition of Multi-Level Marketing and the terms that you'll hear most of the time in networking. I also answered How Network Marketing works and How to Get Started in the said business. 

Important Things to Remember Before Joining a Networking/MLM Business:

  1. Study the Product
  2. Know the Company
  3. Learn from Others aka Members

What To Look For in a Network Marketing/Multi-Level Marketing Business?

  1. Look for the Number of Years in the Business
  2. Look for the Quality of Products and Services
  3. Look for How the Management is

For Day 1 I also gave away a free infographic so make sure to click and download.


How to Succeed in Networking + FREE WORKSHEET

On Day 2 I gave quick tips on how to achieve success in network marketing whether you are doing it part-time or full-time. 

Some Tips for Network Marketing Success

  1. Be willing to learn
  2. Be hard-working
  3. Be friendly or at least good with people
  4. Be determined
  5. Be consistent
  6. Be ambitious

For Day 2 I also gave away a free smart goal worksheet for those who are starting their networking journey.


Is Multi-Level Marketing a Scam? + FREE CHECKLIST

On Day 3 I have discussed the what networking is and what it is not. I also answered one of the main questions when it comes to MLM... Can You Really Make Money in Networking?

Now here's a quick comparison between what networking is and what it is not for your reference.
  1. Networking is legal.
  2. Networking is NOT easy money.
  3. Networking is a business strategy.
  4. Networking is NOT Pyramid Scam because of Products.
  5. Networking is UNSTABLE.

For Day 3 I gave away a Network Marketing Checklist you can download, print and share to others.


I hope you enjoyed the whole June SavingsPinay Series. I'll probably make more posts about MLM soon as I felt like three days is not yet enough to tackle everything about it. Don't forget to use the comments section for your topic suggestion.


Are you already part of the SavingsPinay Community in Facebook?



It is a community where you can share your ideas, inquire your money issues. and/or network with other financial bloggers.

The Facebook Group is staying as active as possible with engaging posts, shoutouts, freebies and more.


_____________________

Check Out Below Awesome Posts from Fellow Filipino Personal Finance Bloggers:








POSTS FROM SAVINGSPINAY:



SAVINGSPINAY SERIES | Day 3: Is Network Marketing a Scam? + FREE CHECKLIST

Saturday, June 18, 2016
Welcome to Day 3 of June Series Multi-Level Marketing in the Philippines. If you missed the introduction then you can click this LINK. If you missed Day 1 What is "Multi-Level Marketing" CLICK HERE. If you missed Day 2 How to Succeed in Networking CLICK HERE or visit the post yesterday.

Is Multi-Level Marketing a Scam? That is the question we will be answering in today's post. Networking received quiet an amount of hate from the public especially those who don't understand how the system works. Before you join any MLM business it is important that you know what you are doing.

Day 3 is all about revealing the good, the bad and the in betweens of Network Marketing. We will try to gain more knowledge on the truth networking you might not know.


Quick Review

Before I proceed let's have a brief overview of yesterday's post. Click the Smart Goal Setting Worksheet below download it and share it to others as well.


What is Network Marketing and What is it NOT?

To easily distinguish between what network marketing is and it is not let's put everything on record. See below notes for comparison.

Networking is LEGAL
Yes, it is and you can find the law in Republic Act No. 7394 that states Multi-Level Marketing as an accepted and legal way of marketing. HOWEVER, the distinction between an MLM and pyramid schemes is not distinct causing confusion to the people. You can find the rest of the legal explanation in THIS LINK.

Networking IS NOT easy money
Many joins MLM in the hope of doubling their investment within a week or less. That's a lie. If the company promise an overnight of success then its a scam. Go out of that building with your cash. Yesterday's post I revealed how to succeed in networking and hard work is one of the main ingredient. If you don't do your part in selling the product, service and/or business opportunity your investments will be put to waste. It is never an easy money for the people in MLM. It takes a year or two for your money to mature. 

Networking is a BUSINESS STRATEGY
One crucial fact that people tend to forget easily is that network marketing is a business strategy in the first place. It is a legitimate marketing strategy used by a lot of companies that is designed to generate increased business volume. And so as long as the product is good and the business sells your money will always be in good hands. Take for example MLM business like Avon, Natasha and Ever Bilena... these businesses rely a lot on distributors and because their products are affordable, valuable and solves any woman's problem they sell.

Networking is NOT PYRAMID SCAM because of Products
There's a thin line between MLM and Pyramid Scheme to be honest. Not because there is product does it mean you are safe. Products does not make an alleged network marketing business legitimate. Once you join an MLM company you get tons of product in behalf of your membership fee. But if you can't sell the product to people and the same happens to your recruits then the company will end up growing because of the membership fee and not the product sales. As stated above networking is a business strategy so products need to be sold to the consumers.

Networking is UNSTABLE
Lastly much in everyone's surprise, network marketing may collapse one day. Once people stop believing and consumers stop buying... the business is in the verge of falling. It is also worth to note that the payout system in a network marketing business is not the same every time. It will always depend on your sales and commission you get from your recruits. 

Now, Can You Really Make Money in Networking?

I have friends and people in my circle who have made money in networking based on what they post in their social media. Our high school valedictorian now has a car of her own. A senior from my college years who's also a magna cum laude owns not just one but I believe three high-end cars plus a lot of small business like eatery, computer shop etc. thanks to networking. So to answer the question briefly I believe YES, you can make money in network marketing BUT not everyone can. 

Let's take a closer look on how one earns in an MLM business

  • Each networking business has their own pay plan or commission plan. It again works in a business model similar to this:

  • You have to recruit new distributors if you want to earn commissions. As more and more people go to your downline your ranking will go up. Thus, your earning potential goes up too because your donwlines mostly do the hard work for you. 
  • It is also worth mentioning that most of the product sales come from members themselves not by the demand of the market. This situation makes joining networking very risky since money comes from the inside rather than outside of the business.
  • The multi-level marketing system may only benefit those who have the upper hand already. Meaning the money you invest is what makes one of founding members become a millionaire. It works in hierarchy and those your uplines support you all the way it is still work the same. The money made by one member is a lost to another member. They need your money for the system to continue and for them to succeed.
FREE CHECKLIST FOR YOUR NETWORKING JOURNEY

Download, Print and Share

In Conclusion

As I've said in the introductory part of this SavingsPinay Series I am not way affiliated to any networking/Multi-Level Marketing business. I do not support nor do I discourage you from joining. The point of this whole series is purely for education purpose only. For me MLM business is great itself only and only if it focuses on the product that is high quality, consumable and solve the problem of the people. 

At the end of the day it is your call not mine. I just hope you make the right decision for you and for your family's sake. Goodluck!

I hope this post helps. Share to others okay?

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SAVINGSPINAY SERIES | Day 2: How to Succeed in Networking + FREE WORKSHEET

Friday, June 17, 2016
Welcome to Day 2 of June Series Multi-Level Marketing in the Philippines. If you missed the introduction then you can click this LINK. If you missed Day 1 you click HERE or visit the post yesterday.

Success in Networking is not an easy one. It takes a lot of hard work to become a Multi-Level Marketing master. A lot of people don't understand that its not an instant cash for everyone. You need to trust the system of the networking company you joined and really work yourself on top. 

Day 2 is all about How to Succeed in Networking/Multi-Level Marketing. In this post we will try to unravel the secret ingredients in building a successful networking business whether you are doing it part-time or full-time. It will be a massive resource list of utmost networking success in the Philippines. 

Sadly the mini-interview with someone I know who have enjoyed massive success in the multi-level marketing didn't push through due to tight schedule. Still I will try to make this post as informative as possible. 


Quick Review

Before I proceed let's have a brief overview of yesterday's post. Check the infographic below download it and share it to others as well.

FREE DOWNLOAD
5 Questions to Ask Before You Say Yes to a Networking Recruiter

1. How old is the company? 

As said in yesterday's post you need to be sure that the company is stable. The newer the Networking/MLM company the riskier it can be for your investments. I've known people who join to be part of the pioneer group and the business wasn't able to cope up and fail in the end. 

2. What's the Product/Service and/or Business Opportunity? 

Good products/service and/or business opportunity sells. If you have crappy product/service/business opportunity then you won't be able to do well no matter how good of a seller you are.

3. What is the pay plan? 

Familiarity with   the pay plan is crucial so you'll be able to strategize your way to success.

4. What's the current status of the company? 

Is the networking/MLM company doing good? How many members does it have? Does it have good reputation as a business/ its filed of expertise?

5. How's the system going? 

No matter how good the product is, how stable the company can be and how much the price we are talking about... without a good system it'll fail.

Tips for Network Marketing Success
  • Be willing to learn. Once you become part of a networking business you are not alone. You need to be willing to listen to others and learn from your mentors or uplines. Those who have joined before you will do their best to help you succeed in the business because it will also benefit them in the end. Multi-Level Marketing is the business of duplication thus you need to be highly coachable. Never think of yourself as the best out there. Learn from other especially those who have more experience that you.
  • Be hard-working. Again, hard work pays in networking. If you are lazy person and you think that your money will double without any action then you are completely wrong. You need to hustle in the beginning before you are able to reap off the rewards. 
  • Be friendly or at least good with people. You joined a business that relies most with people. Be helpful to others, share your testimony and let them follow you out of will. Let your success speaks for yourself. Never be pushy...just friendly. It is easier to sell  through friendship.
  • Be determined. With the reputation networking has nowadays it really takes a lot of determination to stay active. Don't give up too easily.
  • Be consistent. Consistency in network marketing is a must. Your actions matter a lot to succeed in the business. Generate strategies that work for you and act on it. If you want your downlines to do work hard then they must follow you through your consistent actions.
  • Be ambitious. This is very important. Your ambitions and goals why you've joined the networking company is your major driving force to succeed. Establish your "why" and let it be seen at times when you feel like giving up. 

Step-by-Step Things To Do as You Start Your Networking Journey

Communicate with Your Support Team

Talk with your spouse/family members that you want to join a networking company. Let them know what the company is, the products and talk through them your reasons why. They might have different reaction from you but if you are really determined with your decision they'll surely understand in the end. 

Generate your leads

There are now a lot of ways that you can generate potential clients and earn from commission. Here are some proven ways you can generate enough leads:
  1. Social Media
  2. Blogging
  3. YouTube/Video Blogging
  4. Podcast
  5. Email Marketing
Reach out to people but do not push. Let them know why the product,service and/or business opportunity is a great idea. Show them testimonies of success. 

Create Your First Sales

Now each lead must turn to customers. And you can only turn them into sales if you do the right action. Contact them through email or personal meet ups and follow up whether they find the networking business ideal. Do not ever attempt to pester your friends and family members. Do not think of the "Recruitment" side first. Try to study the product and sell the product instead. 

Become a Sponsor rather than a Recruiter

The word recruiter is very negative to be honest. It is better to establish yourself as a sponsor. Be reachable at times when they have question about the business. Help them generate their first sales. Share to them your own success and celebrate their journey in the networking business. Other recruiter forget their leads as soon as they become part of their downline. 

My Networking Story

I've been invited for countless times to join Networking especially in College. Sometimes I go to the free training/office while other times I really say no. Why?

I just know deep in myself that networking is not for me. I am not good in direct selling though I have a gift in public speaking. I also don't see myself in multi-level marketing business no matter how much I put my mind into it. But I am not closing my doors. Who known in a year or two from now I will also have my own network marketing empire? At the moment I am focused in this blog and my YouTube channel. 




I hope this post helps.

For some reason this post didn't go live yesterday. I encountered major difficulty on my blog theme. As you notice a major change happened. Hopefully I can resolve things this weekend. Tomorrow Day 3 will be published and the Weekly Notes with Series Summary will be on Sunday.

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