What I Believe In

by: Jaime Lorenzo

Finding your Purpose in Life may be the most important discovery you could ever make. I was blessed to discover it three years ago. Today, at age 28, I have made it as my personal mission to educate people about financial literacy.

This is what I believe: Financial ignorance is a major cause of poverty. To put an end to poverty, we have to put an end to ignorance.

In the past three years, I have talked people from almost all walks of life—high income earners, low income earners, managers, employees, teachers, lawyers, doctors, OFW’s, seafarers, businessmen—and realized that no matter how big (or small) our income is, if we don’t (or don’t know how to) manage our money well, we will eventually lose whatever we have.

We need to learn how to handle our hard-earned money, regardless of the job, profession or business we’re in. We need to set goals for our money because others are setting their goals on how to get it. Learning the ropes about how money works is simple. Coming from a medical field, I can attest to that. I repeat. Becoming financial literate is easy…as long as we devote time and effort to learn. Most people want financial success, but it’s also interesting to find that most of them are unwilling to invest time for their financial education.

I have many friends working for big companies, here and abroad. They make good income, nonetheless. I often advise them to look beyond where they are right now. Making money is good (and fun too). But making money without saving part of it, making that saved money grow and work for you, is useless.

Realize this:
You could have a good, secure career in Singapore. Life in Singapore is, of course, important. But Life After Singapore is more important.

You could have a high-paying job in Dubai. Life in Dubai is important. But Life After Dubai is more important.

You could be an executive for a top company like San Miguel Corp. Your career there is important. But what’s there after your career that’s more important.

I BELIEVE in the importance of having a Financial Plan—a roadmap that will take us from where we are to where we want to be. Without it, we will never reach our goals.

I BELIEVE in the need for Financial Literacy. Without it, we will end up working hard for money for the rest of our lives.

I BELIEVE in the need to develop Discipline. Without it, success in any area is not possible.

Finally, I BELIEVE in Entrepreneurship. We need to sharpen our Entrepreneur mindset. Without it, our chance for financial freedom is far-off.

I found the things that I believe in and I’m putting my life to fight for it.