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Joining a club is super awesome because it makes one feel like they belong. The right one comes with perks and benefits. A cooperative kind of works the same way. Find out what a coop is and how you can get a loan through one!

Credit cooperatives may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re in need of a loan. Because we’re so used to traditional banks and online loan companies, these tend to be brushed over, especially by the younger generation.

A nice thing about cooperatives is that profit isn’t their main goal. They aren’t here to make money, but to…

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If you happen to be someone working in a regular Philippine company, you’re likely to be paying taxes as well as contributions to local organizations like PhilHealth, SSS, and Pag-IBIG. But most of the time, we’re unaware of the benefits we can get from being active members and contributors to these corporations. For example: did you know that you could claim sick benefits from SSS if you missed work due to COVID-19? Yep, you totally could.

Another benefit for employees contributing to SSS happens to be a salary loan! We’ve discussed it in our…

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If you have credit cards or if you’ve ever borrowed money through a loan, it’s crucial that you know how to check your credit score.

 

Your credit score is a number that represents your creditworthiness. As a result, it can have a significant impact on your ability to obtain any form of financing, such as credit cards and personal loans.

 

If this is your first time learning about credit scores, don’t panic. We can walk you through the whole process. Continue reading to get…

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Learn all about how credit scoring works in the Philippines and how Tonik is pushing boundaries with its new products!

Picture this: you’re super excited about a shiny new gadget you want to buy! A new laptop, perhaps, to help you work better? While you don’t have enough funds for it, you think, hey, I can always take out a small loan so I can pay for it! So, you apply to a financial institution that can lend you some money for a loan, like a bank maybe! You’ve got everything covered—you seem to have all the criteria down, including a stable job and regular salary.

Fintech

online business owner smiling as he views funding options like business loans on his laptop
online business owner smiling as he views funding options like business loans on his laptop

Vlogging, online selling, and starting a virtual tutorial service… These are just some of the most popular online businesses started by Filipinos in recent years. The convenience, flexibility, and vast market reach offered by online platforms have inspired many entrepreneurs to embark on their digital ventures. Plus, the increase in online shopping activity among Filipinos during the pandemic has convinced many of us to start a business online.

 

Although, there is one crucial aspect that often determines the sustained success of any business—whether it’s a brick-and-…

entrepreneur happy that he can explore many ways to fund his business expansion plan
entrepreneur happy that he can explore many ways to fund his business expansion plan

Did you know? There are over a million small and medium enterprises in the Philippines as of 2021. And a recent study also noted that 4 out of 5 Filipinos are interested in entrepreneurship. This clearly shows that Filipinos have a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Many of us know that doing business can not only help…

Digital Banking in Southeast Asia
Digital Banking in Southeast Asia

There is so much room for growth and innovation in Southeast Asia’s digital banking landscape -- especially here in the Philippines. But because the industry is still in its initial stages of development, there are some critical gaps that need to be addressed before digital banking can fully take off in the region.

 

In an episode of On Call with Insignia Podcast, our Strategic Associate Jui Takle shares an overview of the…

hero 5 things
hero 5 things

Fintech has changed the way we live for the better. This is true not only in the Philippines, but the entire world as well. However, innovations are never without their challenges. There’s the lack of existing infrastructure and fear of change, just to name a few.

 

That’s something Tonik CEO Greg Krasnov and GCash CTO Pebbles Sy know all too well. As the individuals behind two of the biggest fintechs in the Philippines, they were able to share an abundance of insights during a panel discussion at the Tech In Asia Conference 2022 last September 21.

 

If…

Savings

Would you be ready if (and when) your car breaks down? Can you confidently say you’re prepared to face a sudden layoff? How about an emergency medical expense?

 

We never wish for these unexpected scenarios to happen… but it’s best to be prepared, luv. That’s why having an emergency fund in place is truly important. With an emergency fund, you have a financial buffer that cushions you from the impact of life’s unpredictable moments, ensuring they don’t escalate into full-blown crises.

 

That’…

Picture this: You're in your late 20s or early 40s, and you're caught in the middle of two generations. You have your own kids to take care of, but you're also responsible for your aging parents. Welcome to the Sandwich Generation--a unique position that more and more Filipinos are finding themselves in. Providing for your extended family is already hard. And having savings in the Philippines as part of this generation can get even harder. If this is something you can relate to, we see you. We hear you. We feel you, luv.

 

We know that it’s incredibly rewarding to give…

We’ve said it before—as much as we love LUV, it’s not the only thing that keeps a relationship healthy and strong. There’s a lot of room to grow together with your partner, and yep, that includes financially! Check out these 6 tips to build on your finances with that special somebody.

 

When you’re in a relationship, you tend to be swept away by the intense emotions of it all. And why wouldn’t you, since love does make you do the craziest things? But when the honeymoon phase is over, it’s high time to think about the long term and where you want this…

Recession again? Just when we all thought we were coming out on the brighter end of the tunnel, it seems like we’re off to singing another Annie Lenox song..wait for it -here comes the rain again! But don’t you fret because recessions don’t have to hit so hard if you can prepare and manage your lifestyle and expenses for it, luv!

 

Since 2020, the Philippines has been in a drawn-out recession, aggravated by the economic impact of the pandemic and other global events. Prices for goods and commodities have been rising, prompting some politicians to advise Filipinos to…

Loan

Me: Financing my lifestyle is made so much easier through my access to various credit accounts!Also me: But I have to make sure I’m managing my credit accounts well.You might not be aware of it, but you may already be using various credit accounts for your finances, which makes all sorts of finances convenient, or so we think!Understanding credit accounts is essential for anyone looking to build a solid financial foundation. These accounts not only facilitate purchases and investments but are also crucial tools for establishing and enhancing your credit history.So where do you start? How do…
Getting approved for a personal loan can be tricky. There's a multitude of documents, requirements, interest fees, and more to consider. Before you dive into all that, focus on the one thing that can get your foot in the door: prequalification. Don’t know anything about personal loan prequalification? Chill, luv, that’s what this blog is for! We’ll cover everything from A to Z, ensuring you’re well-equipped with the knowledge to embark on this financial journey.…
Worried about life post-retirement? You’re not the only one, hun! This blog's mission is to ease you into your golden years with grace, focusing on retirement planning in the Philippines.We're tackling the nuts and bolts of government pensions and the array of investment options available, so you’re all set when you decide to throw in the towel. So, shake off your worries and embrace a future brimming with assurance. We're in this together, every step of the way!Table of ContentsWhat is Retirement Planning
Hey there, luv! If you've been dreaming of teaming up for that big purchase or venture, a joint loan in the Philippines might just be the magic wand you need. Whether it's for that cozy home you've been eyeing with your significant other or a business idea you and your partner are eager to launch, understanding the path to a joint loan can make all the difference. And guess what? We're here to guide you through it all! Buckle up, luv, as we embark on this enlightening journey together. Table of Contents…

Lifestyle

Dasurv!


This colloquial contraction of the English word “deserve” is popular among Filipinos to justify consumerism. And if you ever found yourself justifying an often extravagant purchase by saying this phrase, you are not alone, luv. You see, this vibrant example of consumerism isn’t just a practice, it’s almost a culture.

 

We’ve all been there, right? That moment when you buy something you don't necessarily need because, hey, you've worked hard for it anyway.

 

But what does this mentality mean for our personal finances? Let’s…

Has adding an MBA to your list of accomplishments ever crossed your mind, luv? Let’s explore the world of MBAs where I can’t promise that all days will be exciting but can assure you that the entire experience has sharpened many individuals, including topnotch CEOs in both Philippine and international history. Of course, we’ll be tackling the costs of MBAs in the Philippines, which is the top deterrent from starting an MBA. However the costs fair into your budget, you’ll see how beneficial it is to go through MBA life if it aligns with your ambitious goals. Grab a cup of coffee; we're…

We've all heard about the Tinder Swindler and Anna Delvey's Netflix series, just a couple of the popular factual social engineering stories that shook not only social media but also international banking systems. If there's one lesson these stories have hammered into our heads, it's that anyone can fall victim to scams because scammers find ways to game us.

 

You may be one of the few, like me, who remain unscathed from these scammers, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be safe for long. As you read this, a scammer from…

EDUCATION IS A RIGHT.

But the sad reality is that education, especially quality education in the Philippines, comes with a hefty price tag. This is the reason why as many as 3.6 million Filipinos are considered part of the growing population of out of school youths. This alarming figure was further aggravated by the resumption of in-person classes in 2021.

 

Now, you might be wondering: What makes education so expensive?…