A growing number of Filipinos in the UAE have explored options to invest as part of their ‘bucket list’ – however, many are still hesitant due to uncertainties in earning, particularly in the stock market.
These concerns were addressed during the recent TFT Usapang OFW titled: “Paano nga ba kumita sa stock market?” where investment expert Robbi Samson of FirstMetroSec, the online stockbrokerage house of Metrobank, laid out the basics of stock investing.
Filipinos who plan to begin their investment journey should keep in mind that there’s no single investment that allows immediate overnight earnings. Given this, here are three tips to remember when you begin investing:
Separate savings from investments. Always keep at least six to nine months’ worth of your monthly expenses as your emergency fund before you begin investing. Remember that the money you invest always assumes risks. Having enough savings should provide you peace of mind because you have a windfall in case of emergency situations. After securing your emergency fund, you can then build your investment fund for long-term growth.
Analyze and study your options. Not all investments are ideal for first-timers, especially for those hoping to make a quick buck. You need to know exactly what you’ll be spending your money on. For stock investing, you should look for profitable and growing companies that give earnings through price appreciation and/or dividends. You should also study the price action and look for stocks with trending share prices.
Learn to diversify. Instead of placing all your money in a single investment, you should reduce the risk by investing in several assets. This is basically you not putting all of your eggs in one basket.
One way to instantly diversify is through the First Metro Exchange Traded Fund (FMETF), which allows Filipinos to invest in all 30 blue chip companies at an affordable price point.
“Ang kagandahan po sa FMETF is that pinagcombine po natin yung qualities of a ‘stock’ and the qualities of a ‘mutual fund’. Meaning bibili ka lang po ng FMETF pero ang underlying asset po niya or yung ‘laman’ niya na stocks doon sa FMETF, ay already the 30 blue chip companies in the Philippines,” explained Samson.
Arriving at your decision to begin investing isn’t a straightforward ‘yes-or-no’ choice that you can make – but with the right investment platform that provides you the guidance and tools you need, you can learn how to manage risks and maximize your investment earnings.
How do I begin?
OFWs who are ready to begin investing can open accounts online at FirstMetroSec’s dedicated website www.firstmetrosec.com.ph with basic requirements such as TIN, government-issued ID such as your passport, proof of address and a settlement bank account.
In addition, The Filipino Times and FirstMetroSec will also be holding a free webinar titled: “TFT Usapang OFW: Paano nga ba mag-start mag-invest? Anong tama o mali? Alamin ang mga diskarte sa pag-iinvest” to provide additional insights and tips to grow your money through investing while you continue to work here in the UAE.
FirstMetroSec’s resident expert Marco Tarog who has over a decade of experience and knowledge in the industry will respond to queries from the live Facebook audience.
Viewers who will open a FirstMetroSec account and use the seminar code “TFT” will also get a chance to win 7-Eleven vouchers and exclusive FirstMetroSec caps, for delivery to their Philippine address.
The “TFT Usapang OFW: Paano nga ba mag-start mag-invest? Anong tama o mali?” will take place this coming August 13, 2021, 12:00 pm UAE time (4:00 pm PH Time).
