Foreword

True Wealth and Savings				 
	What it means to be wealthy
	The importance of savings
	The steps to true wealth

Step 1 – Understand & overcome the obstacles to building wealth	
	Lack of income
	Poor spending habits
	Lack of patience
	Procrastination
	“Bahala na” attitude
	Lack of self-confidence
	Hopelessness
	Pressure from family and friends
	Low financial IQ

Step 2 – Know what you want and dream big
	SMART goals
	Keys to accomplishing your goals

Step 3 – Find out where you are and what you have
	Your assets
	Your liabilities
	Your net worth
	Your “inner” assets

Step 4 – Make saving a lifelong habit
	Strategy for effective saving
	The world’s greatest invention
	Your two best friends: compound interest and time
	Creating your savings plan
	
Step 5 – Spend your money wisely
	Creating an effective spending plan
	Smart spending strategies than can save you thousands
	Valuable tips to further reduce expenses
	The 4-way test of spending
	“Save then buy” strategy
	“Trial run” system

Step 6 – Get out and stay out of debt
	Signs that you are in debt trouble
	Why do people get into debt?
	Strategies to get out of debt
	How to be a responsible credit card holder
	How to stay out of debt
	Good debt vs. bad debt
	
Step 7 – Find ways to earn more, to save more
	1. Get paid more at work
	2. Transfer to a better paying job or change your career
	3. Get a part-time job
	4. Start a part-time business
	5. Operate a fulltime business
	Your partners for work & business success
	Expanding your network of contacts for more success
	So you’re earning more, what now?

Step 8 – Prepare for life’s financial challenges
	Establishing an emergency fund
	Protecting your most important possessions
		1. Life insurance
		2. Healthcare insurance
		3. Home insurance
		4. Vehicle insurance
	Preparing for your children’s education

Step 9 – Plan for a hassle-free & comfortable retirement
	The silent savings killer
	Six-step retirement planning
	Retirement planning mistakes to avoid
	Running out of time? Play catch-up
	Making your money last a lifetime
	Preparing for the end of your retirement

Step 10 – Grow your money through smart investing
	Investing with a goal
	Understanding & managing risk
	Where to invest your money
		Time deposit accounts
		Pre-need plans
		Investment-linked insurance
		Government securities
		Private securities
		Mutual funds
		Unit investment trust funds (UITF)
		Stocks
		Real estate
		Business
		Jewelry, artwork & other collectibles
	Smart investing rules & strategies
	Investing for your retirement
	Signs of an investment scam

Step 11 – Take care of your health to enjoy your wealth
	Taking care of your body
	Managing stress
	Keeping your mind sharp

Step 12 – Share your blessings and receive more good things

The Journey Ahead
	Success – it’s all up to you
	Avoid headaches, get organized
	Where to find additional help
	Your flight to financial freedom begins

A P P E N D I X
	List of assets & liabilities (blank form)
	Monthly spending plan (blank form)
	List of budget items
	List of government and private training centers
	List of franchise associations and companies
	List of life insurance companies in the Philippines
	List of licensed dealers of pre-need plans
	Mutual fund companies in the Philippines
	Banks offering unit investment trust funds
	Foundations, charitable organizations and other NGOs
	List of Registered Financial Planners®
	Directory of associations and government agencies