Many of us in our lives at some point seek to stand up and work for ourselves.  This is realized by creating a business or acquiring a business, but whichever the case, many in the Philippines are looking for practical ways in which a small business can be launched with success and minimal risk.  Certainly, most of the enterprising entrepreneurs out there in the Philippines or anywhere in the world that strive to open and build their small business understand that every business you seek to start may or may not be successful.  That is the risk entrepreneurs take when sizing up business prospects and launching their dream small business.  Some business efforts will immediately turn profitable and revenues and income will expand to such a degree that you will find yourself less concerned about whether your small business will be successful, but rather more concerned about what you can do to nurture its growth.  Other business launches struggle out of the gate.  This is not unusual as many small businesses may not be profitable in the first months as you seek to expand your footprint in the marketplace.  Then there are some that crash and burn.  But just because your small business becomes a casualty in the failed business statistic column, do not think that you are alone or that you cannot be successful.  Like a ball player, sometimes you may strike out a couple of times or miss shots on goal, before you get that winner.  So as you can see, small business opportunities in the Philippines do not always unfold in a successful way until you have learned some things along the way.

Exploring Small Business Opportunities in the Philippines

So knowing the risks and potential for upside, the next logical question is where to start.  Keeping in mind that sometimes you may need 3-4 shots on goal before you hit on a winner, begin accumulating a list of small business ideas.  Part of this process is also taking a look at yourself and examining what skills and competencies you possess that would be a good match for the business you are contemplating opening up.  Now, you need not know everything to be successful.  Many a business person learned from scratch and built up their knowledge as the small business matured.  So if you feel very strongly that a certain type of small business would be prosperous in your area, the fact that you lack of directly applicable skills does not mean you cannot pursue the winner of an idea.  But in such cases, you would be best advised to seek input from those who are knowledgeable to test your conclusions.  As mentioned above, going forward you need some ideas to consider.  We have accumulated some prospects for you to evaluate further. None of them require a great deal of capital. Think of these as springboards.  Also be sure to take a good look around the website for many other ideas and information about starting your own business.  So here we go….

• Laundry Business Philippines - keep it small at first.  Roll out as a service for select customers and include delivery
• Philippines Website Flipping – we have a lot of information about this line of work throughout our own website.  Its a nice low capital, high return on investment small business for college students, stay at home moms, single mothers and dads, and really anyone interested in learning about how to make money online
• Catering in the Philippines – when you pick a small business idea, make sure the core of the business has legs.  Meaning, that whatever you offer will be around for a long time.  Everyone likes to eat and many people may not have the time to cook and prepare the meal for many occasions.  Focus your business on this niche of taking care of meals for events like birthday parties, weddings, funeral receptions, sports banquets, etc.
• House Cleaning Services in the Philippines - again find a niche that needs to be filled in our area.  Start small and expand based on customer referrals.  If you work hard and are honest, the customer referrals will come and your business will expand.

All of these ideas and more are worth of further scrutiny and research.  But there are some ground rules you need to adhere to before starting.  So lets go through some of the key ones.

The How To’s of Starting A Small Business in the Philippines

Before you get started with selecting a small business, you need to spend a great deal of time brain storming.  Basically brain storming is the act of thinking about all of the possible things that you might be interested in doing, then writing them down.  This process is best done with someone you know, you trust.  Preferably a business partner.  Once you have a list, you start doing your due diligence.  What is that exactly?  Well, its simply looking at the good, bad and ugly of all of the business ideas you have listed.  If something is to be discovered that won’t work, then this is where you want it to come out.  At some stage, you should be able to whittle your list down to 3-4 possible prospects.  At that point, you do further research trying to understand more about the work, the upfront cost of kicking off the business, the competition in the area, the potential for high revenues, and your profit margin.  Some small businesses may at first sound really good and it may be something you wish to do, but after examining it more closely, you may discover the costs are just too high and your profit margin is too thin.

Once you have selected your idea, then you want to form a business plan.  Here is a good example of what a business plan looks like.

http://www.bplans.com/fast_food_restaurant_business_plan/executive_summary_fc.php

Now, remember, this is just an example.  Your business may not be fast food related and your business plan may not look quite as fancy, but you get the idea of what a business plan looks like what how it takes shape.  And as you can see, it you think in terms of constructing a business plan for your small business in the Philippines, then you will

Atlas Copco continues to provide the most innovative products and solutions in compressed air technology, construction and mining equipment and industrial tools to the global market, promoting sustainable productivity in every industry that they cater to.

Atlas Copco Group focuses on sustainable productivity and growth for the Philippine market

Atlas Copco (Philippines) Inc. recently hosted this year’s Atlas Copco Southeast Asian General Managers’ Meeting held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Manila, with the company’s key executive as they plan to focus business development in Southeast Asia.

Upholding their promise for “Sustainable Productivity,” Senior Executive Vice President for Atlas Copco AB and Business Area President Compressor Technique Atlas Copco Group; Stephan Kuhn, and President for Oil Free Air Division, Atlas Copco Airpower N.V; Chris Lybaert, along with other General Managers of their respective offices in Southeast Asia, gathered to discuss sustainable developments for the Philippines.

Swedish industrial group, Atlas Copco has a presence of about 130 skilled employees in 4 offices across the Philippines and has recorded an almost triple business growth in the country since it started in 1971. Now, with their 45^th Year Celebration close at hand, Atlas Copco (Phils.) Inc. sees no other direction to go, but up for the success of their business.

Jonnie Regis, Atlas Copco (Philippines), Inc. General Manager believes in the potential of the Philippines for increased productivity and success, with its strong and steady development. “The Philippine market has shown impressive value and continued development since the time Atlas Copco opened its first office in the country over four decades ago. Taking Pride with our dedicated commitment to the Philippine market has equipped us with the expertise, which I believe has made us competent enough to address national demands in accordance with the need for enhanced long term and immediate sustainable productivity,” shares Jonnie Regis.

For more information on Atlas Copco’s products and services, please visit http://www.atlascopco.com.ph.

Speaker is Mr. Armand Q. Bengco,
Executive Director, Colayco Foundation for Education, Inc. and General Manager, Kapatiran sa Kasaganaan Service & Multi-Purpose Cooperative

Webinar Fee: PhP500 or U$ 12. Limited slots available!

There are 2 dates available for this webinar
December 2 (Friday)
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Philippine Time)
AND
December 3 (Saturday)
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Philippine Time)

Description:
Depending on your objectives and timelines, Mutual Fund Investing is an option for medium-term to long-term investing. Learn the different funds available: Stock/Equity, Balanced & Bond Funds and see which best fits your risk appetite.

Based on Nov. 9 Net Asset Value and Performance, let’s see the statistics of one company:

Oops… if you don’t understand this chart, don’t be sad. This only means the potential yield/returns of your mutual fund investment over time. Or we should put it this way… this is what you’ve LOST if you still have not invested your hard-earned money.

To understand Mutual Funds better, we bring you these webinars so that you can access anywhere you are. Now, you don’t have to be physically present in our seminars to learn. With the aid of the computer and fast internet connection, wealth is really within reach! But we don’t stop you in attending our face-to-face seminars to meet us in person.

As we always say, before you take your first step in investing, identify your objectives because this will dictate your timelines, yield/returns and evaluate if the instrument fits your risk appetite.

Outline:
• What are pooled funds/mutual funds
• Types of pooled funds/mutual funds
• Individual Investing vs. Pooled Funds
• Investment Strategies: Cost Averaging/Absolute Amount
• Mutual Fund Companies: How to get started?

Technical Specifications/Requirements:
For PC-based participants:
• Internet Explorer® 7.0 or newer, Mozilla® Firefox® 3.0 or newer or Google(TM) Chrome(TM) 5.0 or newer (JavaScript(TM) and Java(TM) enabled)
• Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
• Minimum of Pentium® class 1GHz CPU with 512 MB of RAM (recommended) (2 GB of RAM for Windows® Vista)
For Mac®-based participants:
• Safari(TM) 3.0 or newer, Firefox® 3.0 or newer or Google(TM) Chrome(TM) 5.0 or newer (JavaScript(TM) and Java(TM) enabled)
• Mac OS® X 10.5 – Leopard® or newer
• Intel processor (512 MB of RAM or better recommended)

Participants wishing to connect to audio using VoIP will need a fast Internet connection (Cable modem, DSL, or better Internet connection), a microphone and speakers. (A USB headset is recommended.)
Here’s a link of a webinar primer so that you’ll be confident in using this technology. Click this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWz8ppM9DzM.

For further inquiries, email webinar@colaycofoundation.com.

Again the two dates you can choose from are:
December 2 (Friday)
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Philippine Time)
Click here to register.
Payment Options for Dec 2
1. Click here to pay in any 7-11 or MLhuillier branches
2. Click here to pay using your credit card.

AND

December 3 (Saturday)
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Philippine Time)
Click here to register.

Payment Options for Dec 3
1. Click here to pay in any 7-11 or MLhuillier branches
2. Click here to pay using your credit card.

Or for both dates, you may deposit thru BPI
Visit any branch of BPI and deposit the amount to this account:
Savings Account # 0203-2507-97
Account Name: Colayco Foundation
Branch: Pasig-Ortigas

After you deposit, please fax the deposit slip to 6373731 together with your name or scan and email to webinar@colaycofoundation.com. Or you may send an SMS message to 09178632126 and provide the reference number and your name.

Once you have registered and paid, you will receive the webinar link thru your email. To join the webinar, you don’t need a username or a password. All you need is to click the webinar link which will be emailed to you and an application will automatically be loaded. Please make sure you have a fast Internet connection. Just wait until the application is downloaded completely and it will lead you to a chatbox and another window where you can view the powerpoint presentation. In case you encounter problems, please email webinar@colaycofoundation.com or you may communicate with us thru Francisco Colayco’s Facebook. We highly suggest that you enter the room at least 15 minutes before the specified time. We will provide a webinar test on Thursday, Dec. 1. This test run is highly recommended to those who have not attended any of our webinars.

***Disclaimer: We do not guarantee any technical problems that you encounter during the span of the webinar. We assume that the computer and the internet connection that you are using are within the specifications/requirements as stated. We highly recommend that you test the free webinars available to find out whether the technology is compatible with the computer and applications you are using. Payments are NON-REFUNDABLE & NON-RANSFERABLE. It cannot be applied to other seminars, workshops, webinars or other products and services that we provide. For concerns, email webinar@colaycofoundation.com and we will gladly assist you.

This webinar is brought to you by Colayco Foundation for Education, Inc. (CFE) and Kapatiran sa Kasaganaan Service & Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KsKCoop) in cooperation with ProFora Media Solutions, Inc.

Colayco Foundation for Education Inc., Unit 805 Citystate Centre Condominium, 709 Shaw Boulevard, Pasig City, Metro Manila 1605, PHILIPPINES

Though maintaining good business credit plays a vital role in the success and overall health of a company, many small business owners surprisingly are unaware of how to go about building it. Specifically, new business owners should be aware of the following points:

• Always keep business credit separate from personal credit. With financing so hard to come by these days, many business owners may find it easier to tap into their own credit and assets. But doing this could lead to future problems if either the business or the owner suffers a financial setback. Even where a business is being run as a sole proprietorship or a standard partnership (a setup by which the owners are personally held liable for all the business’ debts and business income is recorded on their personal tax returns) it is vitally important that business’ financial transactions are kept separate. This means maintaining a separate bank account, separate credit cards, and a separate place to keep financial records.

• Consider which business structure best suits the business and its owners. The various business structures will affect the tax status and personal financial liability of its owners differently. In the sole proprietorship mentioned above, there is little to no separation between the business and its owners, whereas with a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation, the business takes on the status of a separate legal entity. In the later case, the creditworthiness of the business would not be adversely affected if its owners suffered an unexpected financial setback.

• Business owners should monitor their reports with the major credit reporting bureaus. In the U.S., there are currently four major credit reporting bureaus: D&B, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Banks, credit card companies, utility companies, as well as thousands of other businesses all report billing and credit information to these organizations that is then used to produce reports and credit scores. This data can then be accessed by a third party to determine a business’ credit-worthiness or financial stability. Business owners should thus make it a point to regularly monitor the information that is posted about their company, and they should keep in mind that mistakes on a business credit profile are harder to change than it is for a personal account.

• Seek out business transactions that can improve a business credit score. Not every vendor or business reports payment information to a credit bureau. Currently, there are approximately 500,000 vendors in the U.S. that provide business credit, yet less than 6,000 report that information to the major credit reporting bureaus. Aside from utilities companies and the like, business owners should find out which businesses report to the credit agencies and be extra vigilant to pay any outstanding accounts on time.

• Research business credit cards before applying. Those looking for a business credit card should make sure to read the fine print on a business credit card application before applying. A credit card that reports only to a personal credit profile is not considered a real business credit card. Another factor to consider is that there are currently about 500 business credit cards available in the U.S., yet less than 70 of these cards will report a business’ payment history to the credit bureaus.

In short, with a little effort and know how, business owners can build a good business credit profile and go a long way towards maintaining the health and success of their businesses.

**Author BIO:
Gary Barzel is the manager of business development for Fastupfront. Fastupfront offers alternative business loan financing for existing businesses in need of working capital.

There are several types of mutual funds under FAMI management, that cater to different financial goals and risk appetites. To decide what type of mutual fund you should invest in, you have to first decide what you will use the money for, and when you might need to use it, and how much risk you are willing to take.

Photo courtesy of Depositphotos

Remember this: all investments of any kind – whether real estate, insurance, pre-need, mutual funds, or even time deposits or government securities — have some kind of risk. In some cases, there is a chance that you may not get the kind of returns that you were hoping for. In other cases, there is a chance that you may not even get some or all of your original investment back. However, the chances of these kinds of things happening depend on several factors.

You can be conservative or ambitious in your investments, depending on whether you have a small or large “appetite” for risk. Usually, the higher the risk, the higher is the expected return on investment; this kind is attractive to ambitious and aggressive investors. Or, stated the other way, if you are conservative and you don’t want too much risk, then you shouldn’t expect a very large return. How aggressive or conservative your investment should be depending on what your financial goals and timing are.

If you are a conservative investor, you don’t want to take too much risk. The most prudent choice will be the Save and Learn Fixed-Income Fund (SALFIF).

However, if you have ambitious financial goals, but you have plenty of time to wait, you may choose either of the two types:
1. the Save and Learn Balanced Fund (SALBF) — if you have between 2 to 5 years before needing the funds; or
2. the Save and Learn Equity Fund (SALEF) — if you will not need the funds for at least 5 years.

SAVE & LEARN MUTUAL FUNDS

As of June, 2009, FAMI manages four mutual funds:

SAVE & LEARN EQUITY FUND (SALEF) – This is an actively managed portfolio of selected stocks with strong balance sheets and attractive valuations.  Its goal is to provide growth through long-term capital appreciation.  It is an ideal investment for investors seeking high growth with high risk.  For more details, download the SALEF PROSPECTUS.

First Metro Save & Learn Equity Fund is an open-end investment company, which was incorporated on May 27, 2005 and subsequently registered under R.A. 2629 on September 6, 2005. It is principally engaged in the sale of its shares of stock and in the investment of the proceeds from these sales into a portfolio of quality, high grade equity securities. The Fund’s main objective is to provide small investors with the opportunity to access the capital markets and enable them to reap satisfactory returns on their investments through prudent selection of equity securities, and the professional management and supervision of the Fund.

Capitalization and Ownership
The Fund’s authorized capital stock is ONE BILLION (1,000,000,000) common shares with a par value of Php1.00 per share. Seven Hundred Fifty Million (750,000,000) shares of which represent the recent increase in the authorized capital stock and the same are being registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SAVE & LEARN FIXED INCOME FUND (SALFIF) – A mutual fund invested in a well-managed portfolio of selected high grade fixed income generating instruments, such as bonds, commercial papers, and other money market instruments.  Its goal is to provide as high a level of income as is consistent with preservation of capital and liquity.  This is best suited for those who desire low to moderate income growth with low risk.  For more details, download the SALFIF PROSPECTUS.

First Metro Save & Learn Fixed-Income Fund is an open-end investment company, which was incorporated on June 3, 2005 and subsequently registered under R.A. 2629 on September 6, 2005. It is principally engaged in the sale of its shares of stock and in the investment of the proceeds from these sales into a portfolio of quality fixed-income instruments. The Fund’s main objective is to provide small investors with the opportunity to access the capital markets and enable them to reap modest but satisfactory returns on their investments through the prudent selection of securities, and the professional management and supervision of the Fund.

Capitalization and Ownership
The Fund’s authorized capital is TWO HUNDRED MILLION PESOS (Php200,000,000.00), composed of Two Hundred Million (200,000,000) unclassified common shares with a par value of Php1.00 per share.

SAVE & LEARN BALANCED FUND (SALBF) -  A mutual fund invested in a mix of fixed-income securities and stocks.  Its goal is to provide total return consisting of as high a level of current income as is consistent with preservation of capital, liquidity and long-term capital appreciation.  It is ideal for those who desire moderate growth and willing to assume moderate-to- high risk.  For more details, download the SALBAF PROSPECTUS. 

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund, Inc. is an open-end investment company, which was incorporated on 29 January, 2007. It is principally engaged in the sale of its shares of stock and in the investment of the  proceeds from these sales into a portfolio of quality, high grade equity securities and fixed income instruments. The Fund’s investment objective is classified as moderate. One of the bjectives of the Fund is to provide small investors with the opportunity to access the capital markets and enable them to reap satisfactory returns on their investments through prudent selection of equity and fixed income securities, and the professional management and supervision of the Fund.

Capitalization and Ownership
The Fund’s authorized capital is ONE HUNDRED MILLION PESOS (Php100,000,000.00), composed of One Hundred Million (100,000,000) unclassified common shares with a par value of Php1.00 per share.

SAVE & LEARN MONEY MARKET FUND (SALMF) – A mutual fund classified as low risk. Its goal isto provide good return through current income by investing in fixed income instruments and securities with short term investment period such as government securities, time deposits, short-term deposit agreements, among others. For more details, download the SALMF PROSPECTUS.

First Metro Save & Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. is an open-end investment company incorporated on November 4, 2008 with SEC Registration No. CS200817356. It is principally engaged in the sale of its shares of stock and in the investment of the proceeds from these sales into a portfolio of short-term (less than one year) fixed income securities and instruments. The Fund’s investment objective is classified as low risk. While the Fund aims to provide good returns, various risk factors (Please see discussions on “Risk Factors”) can affect the market value of the assets of the Fund and cause the Fund’s net asset value to vary.

Capitalization and Ownership
The Fund’s authorized capital is TWENTY MILLION PESOS (Php20,000,000.00), composed of Two Hundred Million (200,000,000) unclassified common shares with a par value of Php0.10 per share.

While the Fund aims to provide total returns consisting of current income and capital appreciation, various risk factors (such as stock market risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, inflation risk, manager risk) can affect the market value of the assets of the Fund and cause the Fund’s net asset value to vary.

To manage stock market risk, the stocks included in the portfolio will be cautiously selected based on their soundness and long-term profitability. Diversification of the stockholdings (not only in terms of the number of stocks but also in the different sectors and industries) of the portfolio will be also done to reduce this risk.

On interest rate and inflation risks, the Fund manager will diversify in terms of the type of fixed income securities and time horizons of the said securities.

To manage default risk, SEC-registered and investment grade fixed-income securities will be selected.

On management risk, the issuer’s board of directors will see to it that all investment policies and restrictions mentioned in this prospectus are strictly followed. The board will meet more often to continually monitor the investment manager’s performance in this area.

To minimize losses, an investor should undertake his or her own research and study on the trading of securities before commencing any trading activity. He/she may request information on the securities and issuer thereof from the Commission which are available to the public.

And an investor should seek professional advice if he or she is uncertain of, or has not understood any aspect of the securities to invest in or the nature of risk involved in trading of securities especially those high risk securities.

Source: First Metro Asset Management Inc.

Before the year ends, Go Negosyo is offering one last summit – this time for the nation’s modern heroes, the OFWs. This November 24 at the World Trade Center, the Villar Foundation, in partnership with Go Negosyo, presents its 1st OFW and Family Summit 2011, Kabuhayan Para sa Kinabukasan. This whole-day event is offering past and present OFWs the opportunity to learn the essentials of Entrepreneurship, which could be a better means for them to make ends meet without having to leave the country and their families.

Photo courtesy of GoNegosyo

Spearheaded by former Las Piñas Representative Cynthia Villar, the OFW Summit will be a one-day learning experience featuring various speakers and lecturers offering topics on developing the entrepreneurial mindset, negosyo basics, skills training and how-tos tailored specifically to the needs of OFWs and their families. The Villar Foundation is also offering the participants a chance to win a Camella House and Lot.

Just like the past Go Negosyo summits, this summit is bound to be a productive and fruitful event for those aspiring to become entrepreneurs. Join fellow OFWs and learn how to make entrepreneurship the alternative to living a better and more successful life. For inquiries, call the Go Negosyo hotline at 637-9229 or 637-9347.

Entrance is free but you should present valid identification that you are an OFW or a former OFW like passport and money remittance slip.

Source: http://www.gonegosyo.net/

FAMI’s MIP was launched in 2009 to enable employees to instill financial discipline on their selves and at the same time start on a regular savings program for as low as P1,000 per month. It is designed specifically to help employees achieve the savings discipline. Not only that, by investing one’s savings in a mutual fund, the employee is able to achieve much higher value growth than simply investing in a savings deposit or a time deposit.

If you are an employee, MIP is a voluntary salary savings program that can help you save in a disciplined and automatic way. This MIP involves a voluntary salary deduction, which your company places or invests in a Save and Learn mutual fund of your choice. This is purely voluntary, and therefore it’s up to you to decide whether you (a) want to have an automatic salary deduction, and if so (b) in which Save and Learn mutual fund you wish to invest your savings.

FAMI’s Monthly Investment Program has many great advantages. It it very convenient, easy on the pocket, enforces financial discipline and applies the cost of averaging strategy.

How to Join the Program:
1. Open an account in any of the Save & Learn mutual funds. The initial investment should be at least P 5,000.

2. Open a Metrobank savings account and enroll in their Auto Debit or Metrobank Direct facility.

3. Coordinate auto debit arrangements with your FAMI representative.

4. Any additional investment should be at least P 1,000.

Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about the MIP

Q. What is the Monthly Investment Program (MIP)?
MIP is a facility that enables employees to invest as little as P1,000 per month in any of the FAMI managed funds through salary deduction. Deductions are made once a month coinciding with one payroll period.

Q. How can I join the MIP? (If your company is partnering with FAMI in offering FAMI Monthly Investment Program)

There are only three steps to follow:

Step 1 — Accomplish the necessary documents (which you can get from your HR department): (a) Account Opening Form; (b) Signature Card; and (c) Authority to Deduct.

Step 2 — Provide a photocopy of two valid, official I.D.s

Step 3 — Submit all these documentations to your company’s HR department.

Q. Can I invest more than P1,000?
P1,000 is the minimum amount necessary to enroll in the program. You can certainly invest more. You can also start with P1,000 and change it to a bigger amount later on.

Q. When and how can I withdraw (redeem) my investments?
You can withdraw part or all of your investment by selling back (or redeeming) your shares any time you wish. Just fill out the Redemption Request Form and submit it to your HR department. (Blank forms are available from your HR department.) When you do, we will buy back the amount of shares you want to redeem at the prevailing rate on the day you instruct us to do so. Please note that a small redemption fee may be charged in case you redeem within six months from your investment. See the prospectus of your fund for details.

Q. How to make changes in your MIP?
Once you have joined the MIP, you may make the following changes to your investments: (a) you may increase the amount of monthly savings; (b) you may decrease the amount of monthly savings; (c) you may discontinue your monthly savings; (d) you may change the Fund that you wish to be investing in.
• To stop the salary deductions, simply write a note addressed to H.R. indicating your intention to do so.
• To change the amount of deduction or the Fund to invest in, fill out a new Authority to Deduct form and submit it to HR department.

Q. How long should I invest?
Ideally you want to keep making the monthly investments so that you can save enough to meet your goals. You may invest as long or as short as you want, depending on when you expect to achieve your goal. Remember that successful investing is not a matter of timing but rather a matter of time. The longer the time you have for saving and investing, the higher your chances to succeed.

Q. What happens to my investment if I leave the company?
First of all, the automatic deductions will stop, of course. Second, your investment belongs to you, whether you’re still with the company or not. Our records will show that you own the investments. You may therefore keep the money invested, if you wish, even if it is invested in the name of your company (because you haven’t met the minimum amount required to invest on your own name). You could transfer it to your name, but you will have to add enough investments to meet the minimum. If you want, you may also redeem it (withdraw it); if so, you may contact us directly.

Q. Where is my savings going to be placed — equity? balanced ? money market? or fixed income fund?

You will have to decide by yourself in which mutual fund you want to invest in. Your company will not make the investment decision for you. You have to indicate your choice in the Authority to Deduct form, and in the account opening forms. You need to understand the nature of each of your choices well, and you may seek advice from our staff.

Q. Which fund should I choose?
There are four types of Save and Learn mutual funds that you can choose from. Each one has a different risk and return characteristic, ranging from low, very modest returns with mild fluctuations (Money Market Fund), to high potential returns but large fluctuations (Equity Fund). Your choice will depend on when you will need your funds and for what purpose, and how much risk you are prepared to tolerate.

For further information or inquiries, visit or contact FAMI at:

First Metro Asset Management Inc.
18 th Floor, PSBank Center 777 Paseo de Roxas Ave. corner. Sedeno St. Legaspi Village, Makati City
Tel. nos.: (632) 891-2860 to 65
Fax no.: (632) 816-0467
email: FAMI@firstmetro.com.ph

Source: http://fami.com.ph/

Issuer: First Metro Investment Corporation
Price: 5-Yr Government Bond‘s Yield at *5.0412% + 25-75 bps spread
Security: 100% Collaterized by government securities
Denomination: Minimum of PhP 50,000 & increment of PhP 5,000 thereafter
Tenor: 5 years and 3 months
Offer Period: 3 November to 18 November 2011 (up to 11:30 am)
Price Setting: 18 November 2011
Issue Date: 25 November 2011

*5 year PDST-F of 5.0412% as of 11/11/11/

Available at First Metro Investment Corporation and in Metrobank branches.

First Metro Investment Corporation
45/F GT Tower International, Ayala Avenue, Makati City, Philippines
Tel. No.: (632) 858-7900
Fax No.: 840-3705

G/F Wellington Bldg., Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo, Manila, Philippines
Tel. No.: (632) 241-4301 to 07
Fax No.: (632) 241-0750

First Metro Investment Corporation, the investment banking arm of the Metrobank Group, was named the ‘Best Bond House in the Philippines’ by FinanceAsia in its 2011 Country Awards for Achievement, the fourth time the company has earned the distinction. Thanks to its dominance in peso-denominated corporate and government debt transactions, First Metro holds an aggregate 70% market share in peso-denominated corporate and government debt transactions during the past year.

There are several ways in which people become rich and if you decide to try them out they might work for you too.

Photo courtesy of Depositphotos

Develop a Wealthy Mindset
The road to becoming rich starts with you being wealthy and learning to become financially free. So, step one to becoming rich is to get your mind right. No matter how broke or tough of situation you are in, someone somewhere in the world is worse off than you are.

Pick The Right Profession and Love What You Do
Find a job that plays to your strengths and love it with all your heart. If you don’t love what you do and don’t love the company you work for, you are not going to reach your full potential. One way or another, if you like your career, you’re going to make money.

Develop Stunning Physical Attributes
If you are good looking or athletic you can usually make a good living and earn lots of money through modeling or sports. Manny Pacquiao made money by developing his boxing skills coupled with his never say quit attitude.

Develop Knowledge and Become an Authority
If you have knowledge that others don’t have it could be worth a lot of money. The thing with becoming wealthy off of knowledge is that in most cases it can’t be something others can easily find out.

Invent Products That Will Solve People’s Problems and Entertain
In this Internet age, you can invent new software. You can develop a new android, Apple apps, Facebook apps, gaming software, etc. These will make you earn lots of money especially if you have invented software which are easily marketable.

Always Spend Less Than You Earn and Save
This is one of the most effective techniques that you can do to become rich. Save and be frugal and you will be surprised in the long run how much money you have. No matter how much money you earn, you will never become rich if you spend more than you make. Savings at most times can make you rich if you can manage to save 30% of your income.

Invest Your Investable Savings
Put your money to work for you. Learn how you can safely invest your money and receive income from the money you invest. But don’t be too quick to jump into the next big thing or you will lose your money and never become financially free. Instead find safe, high yielding investments that can grow over time. Let’s say, if you want to earn good money from stocks investments, understanding the stock market basics before you buy stocks is crucial.

Reinvest Earnings from Investment
Resist the temptation to spend the money you earn from your investments. Reinvest the money that you earn on your investments. Einstein called compound interest the most powerful force in the universe. Allow your money to grow and compound. Do not be too quick to take your money out of your investments once it starts earning. Let it compound and build for you over time.

Invest as much as you can on a regular schedule
Continue to invest part of your income. You should always be looking to grow your investments. Create a schedule that you can stick to and invest a certain amount of money on a regular basis. Set aside a certain amount of money that you will invest every month no matter what.

Start Your Own Business
A good way to start your journey to become rich is by starting a business. But before you decide to jump into business bandwagon, let’s say franchise food cart business, you first need to learn about the future prospects of the business by writing a feasible business plan. This is a precautionary measure to allow you to determine whether or not it’s a wise move to invest your money on the food cart business.

Create Multiple Streams of Income
Earn more money through multiple streams of income. If you have a job and it is your only stream of income then it is possible that income stream can be shutoff at any moment. It is essential that you have multiple streams of income so that if you lose one or more of them you always have a backup. You can start an online business offering expert consultations in your expertise, selling your own products or promoting affiliate products and services and earn huge commissions.

You can use a combination of the above-mentioned ideas and you will find it extremely helpful to becoming rich. Several people have used the above ideas and have realized their goals to become rich and happy. However, it is necessary to be extremely patient, hard working, honest, and committed to actually ensure that your plans work out. At times, things may seem as though nothing is happening, but stand your ground and keep the work going and you will see things going your way.

There are several other ways to becoming rich. But keep in mind that there’s no surefire way. It requires patience and perseverance on your part, not to mention a whole lot of willingness and creativity.