Are you thinking of opening a checking or current account? In case you’re planning to do so, here’s a simple guide to walk you through the steps — including how checking accounts work, what to consider before opening one, and its advantages and disadvantages. What is a checking account and how does it work? Primarily,…

During this pandemic, video conferencing platforms have made it possible for everyone to keep face-to-face interactions alive and businesses running. Anyone who’s working remotely can tap into all the great benefits of these video conferencing providers. There are several options available out there, and each comes packed with great features. For the uninitiated, it can…

As a policyholder, your main responsibility is to pay off your insurance premiums on time. But there are certain events in life that you can’t control, like this pandemic, or getting laid off. As a result, you are unable to pay your premium until your insurance policy lapses. In this Moneysmart article, find out what…

Filipinos are no strangers to natural calamities. In the Philippines, if it’s not an earthquake or volcanic eruption, it’s a typhoon or a flash flood. This is why vehicle owners are advised to be prepared whenever they travel on the road. Even if it’s not typhoon season, a short heavy downpour can quickly flood roads,…

Earlier this year, the Taal Volcano erupted and spewed ash as high as 14 kilometers in the air. The eruption caused damage to thousands of homes and properties and affected the lives of residents and business owners in neighboring towns. Just this November, the Philippines was battered by typhoons Rolly and Ulysses, the world’s most…

If you’re looking for a credit card that can convert your credit limit to cash and allows you to pay in easy installments of up to 36 months, you don’t need to look too far. The BDO Installment Card offers financial flexibility and accessible cash whenever you need it. Learn more about its features and…

There’s a ray of sunshine for employed Filipinos in this otherwise dark and difficult year ― the 13th month pay. The Department of Labor and Employment have declared that all workers in the Philippines will be receiving their 13th month this year, even employees of distressed companies or companies that have folded up. They are…

Are you ready for your life to get a lot sweeter? With the EastWest Dolce Vita Titanium Mastercard, you can enjoy the most exciting deals and offers and get the sweetest rewards that are tailor made just for you. Learn more about it in this Moneysmart review. EastWest Dolce Vita Titanium Mastercard at a glance…

Do you dread that time of the month when your utility and credit card bills come in? Because when you start doing the math, you realize that you will be short in cash again? The Covid-19 pandemic has brought this on to a lot of Filipinos. Jobs and businesses have been affected, so there will…

Being in your thirties will make you realize that it’s time to get your finances in order. Unlike in your twenties where you work to enjoy and reward yourself, your thirties are more focused on working to save up for the future and meet financial obligations. This is the time to figure out what kind…

Should you have just one or several credit cards? If you’re the type of person to be swipe-happy whenever they go somewhere with anything for sale, whether online or offline, the answer is a hard no. But for everyone else who can keep their credit card spending in control, the answer may not come so…

A prepaid debit card gives you the benefits of both a debit and a credit card,  but without the drawbacks. Just fund your debit card so that you can use it like a credit card. Cool, right? There are many more advantages to using a prepaid debit card, and we’ve listed them down in this…

Heads up to all credit cardholders. Here’s an early Christmas gift for you. Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) caps the annual interest rate of credit cards at 24%. That’s right ― credit card issuers will only charge you a monthly interest rate of 2% effective November 3, 2020. BSP will review this circular every six…

If you’re looking for a safe, low-risk investment option, a fixed deposit or time deposit can be one of your options. Alternatively, you can also grow your savings through digital banks like ING Philippines and CIMB Bank. They offer high-interest rate savings accounts, and opening an account is super easy via the mobile app. Fixed…

Tough times allow you to recalibrate your finances. If you’re still acing it in discipline and stewardship when it comes to your credit card usage, then good for you. But if you’ve been struggling to pay your credit card bills since the pandemic started, it’s time to reassess how you’re using your credit card. Credit…

There are different ways to grow your hard-earned money. If you’re not satisfied with fixed deposit earnings or with investing in real estate, Bitcoin, or the stock market, then you may want to explore the PAG-IBIG MP2 Savings program. Did you know that with MP2 Savings, you can earn up to a 7.00% dividend rate?…

The Home Development Mutual Fund, also referred to as PAG-IBIG, is often associated with affordable housing loans. But did you know active members also have access to other benefits beyond financing? PAG-IBIG has three types of programs: savings, loans, and insurance. Fortunately, you don’t have to go to a PAG-IBIG branch to access these services.…

Most companies and schools are still following work or study from home arrangements. While this saves everyone a lot of time and energy on travel, a lot of people are still having a hard time managing work, school, and home responsibilities. But don’t fret. Here’s a list of productivity apps (free and premium versions) to…

Are you fed up with your slow internet when browsing on your mobile phone? Currently, there are only two major players in the telecommunications industry, which are Globe and Smart. Both also have their own subsidiary cellular service, TM and Sun Cellular, respectively. But even with limited options for subscribers, these telecommunication giants offer affordable…

If you’re planning to invest in the stock market, then the name COL Financial should not be new to you. After all, for as low as P1,000, you can already start investing in their brokerage platform. But before you get too excited, make sure you know the basics of investing in stocks. It’s never risk-free.…

With most Filipinos now working or learning from home, the need for a strong and stable internet connection has never been more in demand. If internet application is proving to be a hassle or a challenge, check out these pocket Wi-Fi devices. Make a one-off payment and then just top up whenever you need to.…

Heads up to all motorists. Starting November 2, 2020, NLEX and SLEX toll road operators will only allow RFID stickers in settling your toll fees as mandated by the Department of Transportation. This transition to a full RFID system will facilitate cashless transactions, so you don’t need to panic every time you reach the toll…

Thinking of how you can grow your hard-earned money? If neither stocks, real estate investment, nor Bitcoin is your cup of tea, you may want to explore fixed deposits (also known as time deposits). A fixed deposit is one of the simplest ways to invest at low risk. However, your earnings will depend on your…

So you’re ready to apply for a credit card. You already have the requirements, but now you’re wondering what type of credit card to get. There are three common types of credit cards in the market you can choose from: rewards, air miles, and cashback. Your choice depends on the features and benefits you want.…

Electronic wallets are a must in this new normal. They allow us to manage our bills payments, money transfers, and other cashless transactions on the go. Thankfully, GCash, PayMaya, and Coins.PH help us settle payments without queues and branch visits. Alternatively, there’s an app called CLiQQ that you may want to explore. It’s useful if…