“Don’t invest in a lifestyle, invest in a life.” This is what content creator Dan Yotoko (@ydanyotoko) said when asked about financial advice. And it’s good advice, isn’t it? In this world we live in now, it can be easy to forget what’s important. How do you discern your wants from your needs?
And that’s why it was so refreshing to watch this video podcast posted by Sun Life, the longest-standing life insurance company in the country, introducing its Bright Barkada—a group of young content creators who are paving their way to financial independence through their own hard work, discipline, and a little help from a trusted partner like Sun Life.
The Bright Barkada (L-R): Dan Yotoko, Elize Mariano, John Deseo, Cess Tan, and Migo Austria | Photo: Sun Life
Sun Life’s Bright Barkada consists of content creators Dan Yotoko, aka the “Active Runner” known for his “real talk” videos; Elize Mariano aka “The Beauty Guru” who loves to share her passion for beauty and skincare; John “JD” Deseo aka “The Entertainer” known for his celebrity interviews; Cess Tan, aka “The Fashionista,” a lifestyle and fashion enthusiast; and Migo Austria, aka “The Smart One,” who also posts lifestyle videos and is an aspiring lawyer.
In the video podcast, the group talked about all things finance: how they spend their money, how they save, what their financial goals are, and lessons they learned from past financial mistakes. The Bright Barkada sat together to talk about their experiences, in the hopes of inspiring other young adults and professionals to realize the importance of financial preparedness. After all, financial independence can aid you in achieving your life goals.
Here are some of the best tips we learned about financial preparedness from watching the Bright Barkada’s video podcast.
Top tips from the Sun Life Bright Barkada
Photo: Sun Life
1. “Do not put all your eggs in one basket.” -@johndeseo
“Thirty percent napupunta sa needs and then 10% napupunta sya sa wants ko, and then 60% napupunta lahat yun sa savings ko talaga. Sobrang strict ko dun.” This is what entertainment content creator John Deseo (@johndeseo) shared regarding balancing spending for his needs and wants.
He also talked about the importance of investing and diversifying. “At saka sinabi rin sakin nung financial advisor ko na do not put all your eggs in one basket. Naging broad yung opportunities ko when it comes to saving money.”
2. “Set your goals and let your goals drive you.” -@elizemariano
For Elize Mariano (@elizemariano), the emphasis was on saving and setting your goals. She said, “Set your goals and let your goals drive you. Dapat may patutunguhan ka din.”
3. “Spend your money wisely and have some savings on the side.” -@cesstan
Cess Tan (@cessdtan), on the other hand, said it’s about keeping track of your assets. She said she likes being able to visualize her liquid assets.
She shared this important reminder: “Always remember that you are working to live, and so, spend your money but spend it wisely and have some savings on the side.”
4. “As early as your twenties, you have to start saving.” -@ydanyotoko
Dan Yotoko (@ydanyotoko) shared that one of his financial goals is to retire young, thus realizing the importance of saving early.
“As early as your twenties you have to start saving,” Dan shared in the podcast, saying that he wants to retire by 40. “When I say retire, I’m not saying na di na ko magta-trabaho. I don’t work for money, but the money works for me.”
5. “Don’t let fear stop you; be driven by fear.” -@migoaustria
And why should you invest now, no matter how young you are? Migo Austria (@migoaustria) had some wise words to share.
“Kung gusto mong yumaman, kung gusto mong magretire ng maaga, simulan mo yung investment mo nang maaga rin,” Migo quipped. “Wag ka matakot kasi fear yung nagbibigay satin ng dahilan para pigilan tayo to become great. Diba? So do it scared.”
He finished off with these words: “Don’t let fear stop you. Be driven by fear.”
Photo: Sun Life
You wouldn’t think that these young adults—some of whom are still studying or are fresh graduates—would have so much financial wisdom to share, but this group of content creators is proof that it’s not about age. Perhaps that’s why they were dubbed the “Bright Barkada.” After all, this is a group of friends who inspire each other to be their best and shine even brighter.
You, too, can start your journey towards financial independence, just like the Bright Barkada. Watch Sun Life’s video podcast featuring Dan, Elize, John, Cess, and Migo here to learn more about how to make your financial goals come true.
Achieving your life goals is much easier with a trusted partner for life by your side. Talk to a Sun Life Financial Advisor today to get started on your journey towards a more secure and brighter life! Head to this link to get started: sunlife.co/GettingStarted
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