Couple Found Love in Financial Freedom Advocacy

Love must have transpired at the right time for the right reason for two people advocating for a compelling cause. In one of the company’s training on Financial Freedom for Filipinos, Pinky and Enzo wonderfully collided and started a mutually enriching journey of love along with their advocacy of financial literacy for our fellow Filipinos. This year’s Valentine’s Day is more than the usual flowers, chocolates, love quotes, movie dates or sweet nothings; the couple will take us through their financial advocacy journey.

Enzo, previously working as a Software Engineer for 6 years in Cebu, left the rat race and currently works as a full-time financial advisor in International Marketing Group (IMG). July 2013, Pinky, a Certified Public Accountant by profession and works as an accountant in a holding firm, joined the company where she was introduced to Enzo as co-financial advocates. Pinky recalled their love story started when Enzo asked her about her partner which she answered with a big, “No, I don’t have a partner.” After that, they exchanged of messages over Facebook.

“In December 2013, we became a couple. Up to this moment, both of us are doing this advocacy of financially educating Filipinos, and now partners in creating wealth for us and for families.” Pinky added.

The couple spent quality time on common interests and traveled overseas as they continue to solidify their relationship. But beyond the romance, Pinky and Enzo never lose sight of their higher calling which is Financial Literacy and Freedom for every Filipinos. Most of their bonding moments are spent educating people on the concept of financial freedom, healthcare, saving, investing; providing alternatives or means on lifting one’s financial condition; introducing investment vehicles like Mutual Funds, Stocks, and other investments.

Apart from the growing relationship and love story, the couple shares their advocacy and how they have moved from pure employment system to achieving their life goals as financial advocates:

The ‘core’ of your cause is Financial Freedom, how do you define it?

Enzo: Financial Freedom is the time when you don’t worry about a paycheck, income still keeps coming in even you are asleep.

Pink: Financial Freedom is when you don’t have to work for money because money is already working for you.

When did you turn to be financial advocates?  What was the turning point?

Enzo: I started at age 22. The turning point is when a family friend went into our house to discuss a business proposal. At first, I was skeptical that it might be another networking kind of deal. During his discussion, I found out that it was more of the concept of saving for our future and how to invest the right way. Without a second thought, I joined the company the next day. I realized in his presentation that most of us were trapped in a job with a lot of debts because we don’t have another source of income and a vehicle where our money works for us.

Pink: I started working and practicing my profession late June 2012. All I knew is to work for a company to earn a living. One year after, I saw posts on Facebook from one of the financial advocates here in the Philippines. He posted about the importance of saving and investing for future needs. Gladly, one of my officemates is part of a company that promotes financial education. She already introduced this company month before but due to some reasons and the thought of being young that I should enjoy my earnings, I don’t need this financial literacy-saving-investing-thing, I didn’t listen to her. Because of this realization that I don’t have even a little savings, I joined the company July of 2013, doing part time. The company provides series of training and seminars. After work, I keep on attending training which made me love the advocacy of the company of helping families save and invest the right way.

Views on traditional employment mentality and general public awareness on financial literacy

Enzo: Having a job, at first, is just a stepping stone especially for those who started from scratch just like me. My parents were just also ordinary employees. In the current economic times, job security is already the thing of the past because of technological advances. When we are in the industrial age, job security is there but in the era of information technology, some jobs were replaced with computers and machines. I believe that true security is when you develop a skill of making income without depending on guaranteed salary because the owners of the company you are working are also risking every day.

Pink: In my early school years, my family often reminded me that I should study hard to have good grades and get a good job when I graduate. This advice instilled in my mind and made me pursue my goal of becoming a CPA to get a high-paying job. As years of working passed by, I began to realize that mere employment won’t make you realize your dreams, you must be in business. Being in business requires courage and determination. While working for somebody’s dream, you must also start to build your own business. Do what you love to do, find your passion. You can start doing this at your spare time. One important thing that you must also have is financial knowledge. You have to learn how to properly manage your money. Our income from employment is just temporary. Our future is in our hands and not in the hands of our employer.

What are your platforms, vehicles, or means towards financial freedom andhow did you find it? -->NEXT