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Showing posts with label PINAY and MONEY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PINAY and MONEY. Show all posts

Why I Choose To Be a Financially Independent Pinay

Wednesday, October 5, 2016
This blog already moved to www.savingspinay.ph If you want the latest tips and stories on budget, savings, investments, productivity and making extra income go HERE instead.

Today I declare my choice to become a financially independent Pinay. I want to empower myself to learn, earn, save, invest and give on my own without dependence to my parents, any family members, friends, boyfriend (well I don't have one), partner or debt. I want a full control on where and how I spend my hard earned money without the need to ask permission to someone (or anyone). I am not being selfish... I am just choosing the road less traveled. 


I am taking the whole "financially independent Pinay" seriously. At 22, I want to build a stronger financial foundation that I can rely. I don't want to wait for a man to secure my finances. I want to do everything I could today and not waste the time, energy, resources I have thinking there'll be a man meant to be my provider.

Here's what I am thinking
  • I want to have money on my own.
  • I want to have a stable source of income other than "a job".
  • I want to have my own "personal savings". 
  • I want my own house and lot, car and retirement plans. 
  • I want to support my parents on my own means for what they truly deserve.
  • I want to buy my future boyfriend or spouse a gift or treat him using my own money.
  • I want to avoid the regret of not working, saving and investing enough to fulfill my own lifestyle. 
  • I want a future relationship without bitterness, dissatisfaction or discontent when it comes to money. 
  • I want to be entitled with my own right to control and decide when it comes to finances.
  • I want to be the sole architect of my financial future.
I have been blessed with the best parents ever. My father is a good provider while my mother is a hard-working. But now that they are both near the retirement age I often hear them talk about money regrets. My Mama in particular will share how she wished she saved "some money"  to use on her own someday. 

Imagine the struggle of asking your partner whether it's okey to buy this or buy that all the time. 

So my point in choosing to become a financially independent Pinay is simply because...I want to live a life where I am entitled to more than I can actually afford. I want to live a life where I can pursue a career of my choice and still get a grip on my finances. I want to live a life where I can easily give and share my blessings to others without worrying what will happen next to my funds. 

Here's How I Am Making It Happen...

Budgeting 

I have this on and off relationship to my budget but I realized how important a budget can be. Now that I am using the 50-20-30 Rule of Budgeting almost every month I was able to determine easily where my income goes. My spending habits changed a lot because I have limit myself to just 50% of my net salary for essential expenses and 30% for personal needs and wants. My savings grew because now I automatically save 20% of my net salary without excuses. 


Manage My Spending

I want to come clean and honest that I overspend most of the time. And so my approach is to undergo some managed spending. I set a daily allowance for my food and transportation to work. I set a budget for my toiletries, skincare and makeup buys etc. I set a day of the month to go shopping. It is all about proper management and accountability to your money.

Increase My Extra Income

If you read my SavingsPinay September Quick Recap and Income Report you'll know that I finally set some next actions on my current income streams. I know that there's more earning I could get if only I hustle thus I want to take every time and every opportunity I get to increase my extra income. 


Stay Out Of Debt

I am so fortunate to not be in any personal and/or credit card debt since the beginning. All my finances either goes to expenses, savings and/or investments. I plan to stay out of debt as long as I could. And if ever I be in debt in the future my goal is to be a wise payer. 


Final Notes From SavingsPinay:

Since the day this SavingsPinay started this blog has been an online diary of my financial journey towards financial independence. I have shared my plans, my actions and my realizations along the way. The road to becoming a financially independent Pinay is long and narrow. It is, if I must say, a life-long journey to be honest. My progress has been slow but today I want to make a declaration once and for all. I choose to be a financial independent Pinay and I am ready to do the steps that will make it happen. 

PS. I created today's post as a primer on the eBook that I'll be releasing before 2016 ends. One of my to do list before 2017 is provide a quality reading guide for every SavingsPinay reader. It would be FREE and will include far more pages and learning from last year's Making Your 2015 The Best Year Ever eBook. 

"How to Be A Financially Independent Pinay : A Step by Step Guide for Every Juana". Release date will be posted soon.


Do you want to be a financially independent Pinay too?

This blog already moved to www.savingspinay.ph If you want the latest tips and stories on budget, savings, investments, productivity and making extra income go HERE instead.

5 Financial Advice for Single Pinays

Monday, August 15, 2016
Cheers to another Pinay-focused blog post here on the blog. If you enjoy reading Best Money Moves for Pinays and Must Try Business Ideas for Pinay Entrepreneur then I hope you'll find today's post amusing too. Today we will be discussing How to Save Money as a Single Pinay.

Being single presents some positive vibes financially. Less financial responsibilities, less money issues that need to be discussed and less stress budgeting for the household. But being a single Pinay also makes you vulnerable to financial traps. Here's how to build a strong financial foundation as a single woman to prepare you once you found the one.



You Need to be Financially Aware

Its tempting to spend your money when you're single. You'll find yourself saying "Deserve ko to'", "Minsan lang naman", and "Last na!" all the time. READ: Things that Ruin My Budget. However, not being aware of your financial situation could get you to personal and credit card debts. It could lead you living the rest of your life unplanned and unhappy. 

How to change this?


1. As early from now calculate your Financial Net Worth



See whether you are still in a positive situation, meaning your assets are higher than your liabilities (pwede ring equal sila) or you are negative already wherein your liabilities are overwhelming the assets you own. Knowing your Net Worth will make it easier for you to move forward. It acts as a map making your become aware what is the current state of your financial life. 


2. Create a Budget


You need to set a spending plan every pay day so you can allot your money smartly. Budgets work as an outline for your money. You record how much money goes in and put an amount for your bills, savings and miscellaneous expenses. This way you are conscious on where your money goes and you can stay in line in making your net worth better. READ: How to Effectively Budget Your Money


3. Track Your Spending

Now this is an added task I know and it could be very daunting to be honest but it will change the way you spend your money. I have mad a post about DIY Spending Tracker Notebook you can read and follow. The idea of tracking your spending is to simply give you more awareness on how your spending habits is. 

You Need to be a Smart Shopper

We all enjoyed the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic and I guess its the fact that most of us, single Pinays, relate to the main character. Shopping for new makeup, new clothes and new shoes for example make us happy. But without proper savings you are digging your own financial man hole. In my post 5 Steps to Become a Smart Shopper and Deal with Your Shopaholic Syndrome I gave away the 5 Simple Things that will Make you Become a Smart Shopper. See below:

1. List Down Your Needs, Desires and Financial Urges

Jot down through pen and paper or make an Excel list with the items and the price of each. Having a clear view of what you need and want to buy can further prepare you to the next step.

2. Separate Your Needs and Wants

Decide whether the item on your list is a need or a want. If it is a need then define on the other column the reason why your ought to have it. Why? This will help you to compose your heart and mind in saving for that item. Now for the want try to schedule when you want to buy that item. If its too big then save for it every payday.

3. Create Financial Plan

Examine your list and create your own financial plan. Prioritize your needs over your wants and if your income does not fit for the date you needed/wanted item then postpone it. Adjust and cut back on your expenses or find another means of income. 

4. Research and Ask

Before buying that needed or wanted item you might want to fully research first. Go on forums, ask the people around so you'll know if its worth it. 

5. Find Alternative

If you can’t afford it then try to find alternatives and other solutions available but in the lower bracket.

You Need to Build the Three Envelopes of Your New Life

Now maximize your singleness by building the 3 Funds Of Your Future. These funds will help you from any financial issues and really build a strong foundation of your life. 

Emergency Fund

This is the money set aside to use on situations that calls for emergency. You lost your job, a matter of life and death, an accident or medical emergency on the family and the like. Your emergency fund is your first line of defense in case something goes out of the way. Ensure a good 3-6 months worth of your income as cash cushion. Read the Frequently Asked Questions Here >>>

Financial Goal Fund

This is the money reserved for your financial growth. You save this for your first investment, your first business and/or your debt-management. How much your Financial Goal Fund will depend on your goals too. If you are eying to invest in a mutual fund before 2016 ends then you need to set aside 5,000 initial investment next. Read How You Can Jumpstart Your Financial Find Here >>>

Fun Fund

This is money meant for your hobbies, recreation and personal development. Your travel budget, your gym membership, your savings to start a Yoga lesson etc. Fun Funds are generally used to fund something that could add value in your life, something that you'd been setting aside all your life and/or something that might come as out-of-the-blue expenses. Read the Other Applications of Fun Fund Here >>>

You Need to Start Earning More Money

Don't settle for just one source of income. Try to find out more ways you could start earning extra money. Focus on a skill or talent you have and earn from it. More income means more ways you can save money. Pinays are known to be very madiskarte so for sure you'll find a way to get started and get some money on your funnel.

You Need to Stop Feeling Sorry You're Single

Use that emotions you have to better your finances. Its okey to cry for the first few days but realize that there's you need to start getting yourself together and move on. Let your financial success kill them, right? The best revenge you can do is to show that you are better off without that person. Take advantage of the fact that you are in phase where you have full control of your finances. 

I hope the above helped you. I plan to keep this post updated with new financial advice for you. Please use the comment section below to give your inputs and your advice to Single Pinays too.

Which of the financial advice do you love the most?


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Must Try Side Business Ideas for Pinay Entrepreneurs

Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Hello everyone! Today's post is meant for all the money savvy Pinay readers of this blog. I am glad that you've found last week's Best Money Moves for Pinays helpful. Rest assured that I won't stop to empower women in the area finances.

Today I am sharing a list of Must Try Side Business Ideas for Pinay Entrepreneurs about. These income-generating activities can be done part-time for when you have extra time and energy to grow your cashflow. Most of these ideas are also easy to start with and require minimal cost.

If you're read to learn these Business Ideas for Pinays then let's get started!




1. Avon/Ever Bilena/Natasha/Boardwalk etc. Dealer

Many wife or single women who are in the office can do this extra income idea easily. All you need is to be a member of any of the mentioned beauty and lifestyle dealer and you can make extra money. I personally tried this before and it surely is a good side business especially if the people around you also love makeup, retail clothing and other goods. 

How to Be an Avon/Ever Bilena/Natasha/Boardwalk etc. Dealer

1. Go to the nearest Avon/Ever Bilena/Natasha/Boardwalk center to you. The one I visit before is at Starmall Shaw Boulevard. 

2. Fill up the registration form

3. Bring scanned/photocopy of 2 valid IDs, Proof of Billing (Meralco or Manila Water Bill) and 1pc 2x2 picture for you Dealer ID

4. Get yourself a Sales Kit or Product Catalog and 

5. Buy your first products to sell with big discount as follows (Note that the discount percentage below varies)


Avon 25% 

Boardwalk 20% 

Ever Bilena 20% 
Red Logo 20% 
Sophie Martin 25% 
MSE 22% 
Natasha 20% 
Human Heart Nature 20% 
Personal Collection 20% 

Sample Computation of How Much Extra Income You Can Earn

If you buy 5,000pesos worth of product from Avon you get 1250pesos discount. This can be your earning once your products are sold out. 

2. Sari-Sari Store Owner

This is a perfect Extra Income Idea for stay at home moms who live in busy streets or along the highway. You can start a small sari-sari store at your house with common commodities like canned goods, cooking oil, salt, sugar, snacks, candies, cigarette etc. A small window is all you need. 

How to be a sari-sari store owner?

1. Have an inventory of goods you want to sell. 

2. Go to the nearest supermarket to buy your first set of displays. 

3. Make sure that you take down notes of the price or have the receipt to assess how much each product will cost.

4. Display your products and wait for your first customer.

Sample Computation of How Much Extra Income You Can Earn

Your income depends a lot on how many customers you get and how fast your goods are sold. Your extra income comes from the mark-up you put on each product. 

Sari-Sari Store Tips

  • Offer something your competitors don't sell. Try to add an e-Loading business so you can get additional customers. You can also start selling processed food like tocino, hotdog, embutido etc. that people can buy.

  • As much as possible avoid credits. Do not let your neighbors start to be comfortable in making credits at your store. It is nice to help a fellow but they have to be accountable too with their actions. In case credits can't be avoided have a clear record you can rely. Set also the deadline when they need to pay.

  • Always look for the cheapest price. If possible go to a supermarket that offers wholesalers price. You can gain a lot of suki because of your cheap commodities. You can also apply a better mark-up.

Additional Notes

Most sari-sari store will need Business name registration, Mayor's Permit and a BIR TIN to be legalized.

3. Food Business

Another common business you can start is anything that satisfies a person's hunger. From selling common Filipino meryenda like turon, banana que, maruya, samalamig and others to a BBQ stall or almusalan, you can generate a lot of extra income. As long as you have a good location and delicious product you'll be surprised on how your 5,000pesos initial investment can grow. 

How be a Food Business owner?

1. Make sure that you study what your neighborhood need and want. If you notice that there's no "almusalan" around the area that can accommodate to people who love to eat something in the morning then open one. 

2. Make sure that you perfect the taste of the food you sell. Your goal is to have repeat customers that will really patronize your food business.

Sample Computation of How Much Extra Income You Can Earn

Any food business is a profitable business to be honest. With small starting capital you can double it in less time. What's important is to have a good location, sell the best tasting food and have the right price. 

4. Open an Online Shop

Online shops are very trendy nowadays. It offer choices and convenience to the public. Opening an online shop is free and very easy. You can even start without capital if you become a reseller.

How to Start an Online Shop?

1. Create an Instagram/Facebook Page account. 

2. Make sure your name is unique and easy to remember.

3. Decide on what products you'll sell. 

4. Take good photos of each product. 

5. Complete your Instagram/Facebook Online Shop with the best details

  •           Your Bio should have almost everything that the customers need to know from contact page, mode of payment etc.

  •           Your Photo should be your shop's logo to look more professional.

  •           Create Shop Policies that your customer will understand and follow.

  •           Always be ready to reply on your customers. 

  •           Include the following information in every product photo you post:
               -Price
               -Shipping Procedure and Fee
               -Size
               -Brand

6. Partner with a good shipping provider.

Sample Computation of How Much Extra Income You Can Earn

Your income depends again on what you sell and how many are sold. It is better to sell something that's unique and no one is selling for you to build a better online presence.



5. Perfume-Making Business

It was during the Blogapalooza event that I discovered Fragrance Factory PH. They offer perfume making seminar and supplies for you to start your own perfume business. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur and you find joy in mixing and making perfume then this is a perfect side business. You can start selling on family and friends and soon start your own online shop.

How to Start a Perfume Business?

1. Attend a perfume-making seminar/workshop.

2. Buy your supplies from bottles, mixing cups, essential oils, packaging materials etc.

3. Create your first/signature perfume to sell. Gather the reaction of your family members and close friends. If they say its a go then start then you can create a good number of perfumes to sell next.

4. For marketing you can start with your own Facebook account then create an Instagram Shop and/or try to ask salon and local beauty stores if you can store your perfumes for a small percentage.

Sample Computation of How Much Extra Income You Can Earn

Fragrance Factory PH offers a Starter Kit  that costs 3,500pesos. This includes all the glassware, essential oils and even packaging materials needed to launch your brand. Withe the 3,500pesos initial investment you can make 80 bottles of 10 ml and 30 vials of 2ml perfume. You can double your the money you invested and earn up to 2,500pesos profit. 

6. Soap-Making Business

Many of you may have heard the rags to riches story of Nol Montalbo, owner of Mont Albo chain of spa. He attended a seminar on soap-making and sarted creating his own organic soaps. He personally sells and deliver the soaps until he had a big client that made it possible to start a spa business.

Soap Making Business is a very good extra income ideas because of the great demand in generate. Take for example the glutathione soaps that boomed the market all of a sudden. 

How to Start a Soap-Making Business?

1. The procedure is almost the same as perfume-making business. You first need to attend a seminar to know how soaps are made.

2. You can also search for the best recipe and formula that will make your soap stand out. 

3. Once you've made your first soap you need to do a benchmark on its effect in 1-2 months time. You have to perfect the formula that will make the people want to buy your soaps. 

4. Marketing is also the same with perfume-making business. Endorse your created soap online to family and friends and let the word of mount do the best for your side hustle.

Sample Computation of How Much Extra Income You Can Earn

Your income will depend on how well your soaps will be sold to public. A good 40-50% of your initial investment can return to you. 

7. Manicure/Pedicure Home Service

We all love to be pampered every once in awhile. If you have passion in doing nail art for others then this could be the best side business for you. With a minimal amount you can start buying tools and nail polish to use on your clients. Start with your own neighborhood or ask a local salon near you if you could apply as official manicure/pedicure staff.

How to Start a Manicure/Pedicure Home Service Business?

1. Make sure you know how to do nails of others. You can attend a short course about this. 

2. Buy the supplies you need from manicure/pedicure kit, nail polish and nail care needs. 

3. Ask around for potential client.

Sample Computation of How Much Extra Income You Can Earn

An manicure/pedicure home service starts from 100-120pesos and you'll only be doing it in less than 30mins. Nice, right?

8. Event Coordination Business

Not everyone can handle an event coordination business but once you gain proper experience and expertise you'll find yourself an income generating machine. Events and special occasion calls for a helping hand from planning to execution. That's where event coordinators come into place. They give their expert advice on what to buy and what to do and how to do it. 

Most women are geared towards this business because we are more keen to details and we have a ton of patience. Event coordination is very easy to be honest and you can earn plus help others in return. 

How to start an Event Coordination Business?

1. You can attend a seminar or ask someone you know who have been in the business already for years. (If you want to know more about this you can contact me at izzaglinofull@gmail.com) 

2. Sell your service online from your own Facebook account, Instagram to creating a website or online advertisement. 

3. Be sure to have a working phone with load for potential clients who will contact you and to reply on clients etc. 

4. Document your events as proof and marketing material.

Sample Computation of How Much Extra Income You Can Earn

There's no investment or money needed to start a Event Coordination Business. All you need is good communication skills and organizational skills and your side business is good to go. 

I hope this list helped you. I plan to keep this post updated with new Side Business Ideas for Pinay Entrepreneurs Pinay Entrepreneurs should know and try out. Use the comment section below to give your inputs and maybe other income ideas.

Do you also dream of becoming a Pinay Entrepreneur?


MORE POSTS TO READ:


Best Money Moves for Pinays

Monday, July 18, 2016
The 2016 SavingsPinay Reader Survey reveals that 99% of people who visit and read this blog are Women specifically Pinays. This revelation helped me to realize that I need to create more posts that involve women empowerment in the area of finances. I need to add valuable posts that encourage women to save, budget, invest, start a business or do some career advancement. PS. If you haven't participated in the survey please do! Just CLICK HERE.

And so starting this week we'll incorporate an article for money savvy Pinays. Let's start with the Best Money Moves for Pinays whether you're in your 20's, 30's, 40's and beyond. With tons of money issues women are facing I hope these moves will make you face the challenges better.




1. Take care of your heart

I believe that choosing the man you'll spend the rest of your life with is the best career move any woman could make. If you settle for someone who doesn't have plans for the future or set goals in life then you are bound to a doomed life. Relationships are meant to bring out the best in you and your special someone. There should be a lot of planning and a lot of taking action. Never be in a relationship for a sake of having a boyfriend. It should be fruitful, growing and mature. READ: I Want to Find Mr. Clarity

2. Widen your financial education

Pinay mommies who have free time when kids are at school for example can spend at least 30 minutes read financial blogs, books and/or watch videos on YouTube about money resolution. You can also attend free money seminars if its near your house and you have free time to attend. The internet is even more generous when it comes to information that could enrich your financial know-how. READ: Financial Literacy: The Key to Growing Your Money Unknowingly!

3. Set Personal and Financial Goals

I love setting goals and to be honest it had helped me become more money savvy in life. The more I write down my goals the better I feel inside and the better I can focus on my next actions in life. As long as your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely it most likely become a reality. Do not be afraid to set personal and financial goals every year, every month and every week. READ posts about "goals" here.

4. Choose That First Job To Launch Your Career

Your first job will have a great impart in your life. Spend your time wisely in choosing what occupation you'll have. Don't work first for the money but make sure that the company you'll end up with opens a lot of opportunity for your to learn and to grow. Nurture the experience of being an employee and in 2-3 years resign for a better second job. READ: Isang Pagbati Para sa mga Kapwa Ko Empleyado

5. Save regularly

Its very important that you inculcate the value of saving from your first paycheck ever. If you learn to save on a regular basis then you'll surely have enough for the rainy days. The earlier you start saving your money and building the funds of your life, the lesser hardship you'll face in the future. Try to do the 50-20-30 Rule of Budgeting  wherein 20% of your income is meant for automatic saving.

6. Build an Emergency Fund

Pinays should start to building an emergency fund especially if the financial responsibility is still low. Emergency funds are money meant for unexpected financial needs such as loss of job, death of family member and/or accident/sickness in the household. If you've successfully built an emergency fund earlier in life then you can now focus more on making your money grow. READ all posts about Emergency Fund HERE.

7. Invest in Stock Market

Women shouldn't be afraid to invest in stocks. I did my first investment vehicle, a FAMI-SALEF mutual fund at 19 years and I have no regrets whatsoever. Its nice to see your money work for you, to learn on how stocks perform and so on. Soon I'll be investing of direct stock market so I could diversify my investments more. You too can prioritize your investments. As soon as you've secured an emergency fund then the next best financial move is to invest. Taking the opportunities to invest in equities/bonds can grow your money better. 




8. Start a Side Income

Women have a lot of talents that could be potential means of extra income. Look into yourself and see what hobbies you can turn into cash. Whether it be hair and makeup artist for hire, making handicrafts, baking goodies, etc. maximize your spare time and start a side income. Become a money-making machine and strive hard to earn more money. 

If you want to learn more on How to Make Extra Money please read:



9. Create a Budget and Stick to it 

A wise woman knows how to budget. Whether it be for personal shopping, travel or monthly household consumption, budgeting your money will enable you to have better grip on what comes out your kaban. You can choose to budget traditionally via pen and paper or better yet use apps available in your smart phone so you can bring your budget conveniently anywhere, anytime. The key is to commit to your budget and stick to it so it would turn into a habit. Make sure to visit THIS LINK for all article related to Budgeting.

10. Track Your Spending

It would also be nice to start tracking how much you spend in a day. I first learned about this financial move with PinasforGood. She encourages everyone to take note of how much money came in and specially out of your wallet. I did an easy DIY Spending Tracker for your reference.

11. Become a Smart Shopper

Again as women we have a tendency to become shopaholic and spend with our emotions instead of our mind. This results tp negative balance payday after payday that will make you mentally, physically, emotionally and of course financially unhappy. It would be best to become a smart shopper and counter your shopaholic syndrome. Avoid credit cards as much as possible and pay in cash so you'll have better control of your finances. You can learn more on how to become smart shopper HERE.

12. Prioritize Debt Payment and Stop Being in Debt

Make it a priority to get out and stay out of debt as soon as possible. This could make your finances in order and will make you get ahead of your money issues in life. If you inherit a debt from parents then make sure that you do the little things that could straighten everything out. READ my SavingsPinay Series on Debt Management for more information.

13. Learn to Live Below Your Means

As women we have a tendency to overspend on unnecessary stuff. Learning to live below your means will help you avoid debt and kick start a better money management. Study your payslipand accumulate just enough on your expenses. Also remember to follow the golden rule: Savings - Income = Expenses. You should automatically put money on your savings first before anything else. Always remember The Top 10 Most Important Lessons in Personal Finance.

14. Do Not Be Shy to Ask for a Raise 

Women shouldn't be afraid to talk to their supervisor/manager for a raise. Its only appropriate to get what you deserve as an employee. A raise is the simplest way you can increase your income so as much as possible do not be shy to ask for a raise. READ: 8 Tips To Have a Major Major Salary Increase

15. Know Your Worth, Pinay

It is also important that you know your worth as a woman in the society. You are not just someone to stay at home and take care of the kids. There are a lot of things you can do to maximize your spare time and have opportunities in life. Do not settle for the ordinary because the fact that you are a woman makes you extraordinary. I actually love this quote I saw in my Facebook feed for it speaks a lot on the amazing things women do.




I hope you like this post. There's a big chance that I will update this from time to time with more Best Money Moves for Pinays.

MORE POSTS TO READ:


  1. A Special Guide on the New FAMI Investor's Portal
  2. Frequently Asked Questions About Saving Money
  3. How to Achieve Financial Stability in Your 20’s
  4. How to Correctly Spend Your Money
  5. How to Make Money with a Blog in the Philippines
  6. No More Excuses! 7 Awesome Tips that Will Help You Stop Wasting Your Money
  7. Take this Test to Know if You are Financially Fit
  8. The Basics of Online Banking
  9. The Secrets Behind Creating Multiple Sources of Income
  10. The Three Financial Stages of Our Life