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Sharing another beautiful film by Sun Life.

In less than 9 minutes, "A Life in a Day" captures the cycle of life - from childhood to old age. It also captures the precious moments of life through the eyes of a young boy.

Even though the film is short, the story hits directly to the heart. And in less than 9 minutes, it made me reminisce on my childhood days, my school days, my wedding day, the day I gave birth to my son and on trying to be the best mom and wife in the world.  It also made me think back how my parents had worked so hard to care for us and how I am now working hard and caring for my own family's financial security.

The short video is greatly executed through shadow play. It is simple; yet so sweet and so touching that I have to have some tissue papers beside me.

Thank you, Sun Life, for sharing such a meaningful video. It definitely made me reflect on life and especially on the future of my family.

After viewing this film, did you have a flashback and reflect like I did?

Life is short. Enjoy life. Say "I love you" to your loved ones. And don't forget to plan for yours and your family's financial security as we do not know what the future will be.

And if you haven't seen it yet, check out "1945", Sun Life's 1st SunShorts film. Don't forget to have tissue papers around as well because you'll need them when you watch this great real life story film. :)

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One day, I came to a realization that there are only 3 secrets to building passive income:

1. Time: Save as early as you can
2. Money: Save as much and as regular as you can
3. Interest rate: Find better than inflation interest rate

The main reason that we want to start saving early is because of compound interest. Assuming that we use the same interest rate, if you save a thousand pesos a month for ten years between the ages of twenty and thirty, you would actually end up with more savings than if you saved a thousand pesos a month between the ages of thirty and sixty. Compound interest makes a huge impact and the longer your money earns interest the more you will have.

There are a lot of products that help build passive income. One particular product that I like is Sun Life's Sun MaxiLink Prime. I like this product because it maximizes my money and answers my fears:

1. In case of dying too young
   A portion of my premium is placed in insurance so that there's a guaranteed death benefit that will protect the financial security of my family.
   
2. In case of living too long
   A portion of my premium is invested in stock and/or bond markets, similar to mutual funds, to make the cash value grow and, hopefully, to fight inflation over time.

Sun Life product description for its VUL product:

Sun MaxiLink Prime is a peso denominated variable life insurance plan (VUL) that provides financial protection PLUS a potential source of savings that can fund future needs like retirement income through its investment earnings. There are 5 funds to choose from where your premium payments will be invested in. These funds are managed actively and prudently by our top-notch investment professionals.

Sun MaxiLink Prime is payable for at least 10 years*

* The premium paying period is not guaranteed. You may be required to pay additional premiums after 10 years if the fund value is insufficient to pay charges. (cases like consecutive years of bad economic situation, delayed payments and skipped payments)

Reference: Sun Life Financial Philippine Website

A sample computation below using Sun Life's products to illustrate the saving period vs age started:

• A 40 y/o saving 50,000 annually for 20 yrs will accumulate 3.1M at age 60.
• A 30 y/o saving 50,000 annually for 10 yrs will accumulate 5.1M at age 60.
• A 25 y/o saving 50,000 annually for 10 yrs will accumulate 8.4M at age 60.
  

*40 y/o based on Sun Life Prosperity Fund (10% growth); 30 y/o & 25 y/o based on Sun Maxi Link Prime, min. FA + TDB, fund growth at 10%

Start building your passive income to reap the benefits of saving early for retirement. No one else benefits from this except you.

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Sometimes, I had the chance to do a financial wellness presentation to companies. Before the presentation, we would have a simple workshop and in most cases, the participants would share their own financial knowledge and experience on how to set aside funds for their future as well as list their issues on not being able to save.

Savings. Credits: UNHHealth Health Services, University of New Hampshire

The most common statement that came out from the workshop is that no matter how hard one tries, it is hard to save money because of the cost of living, recurring payables and/or immediate needs/wants.

To help answer the issue on not being able to save, some basic laws from Beth Kobliner's "Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties" can help prioritize the checklist on the financial plan.

1. Get health insurance – A single medical problem could bankrupt you. Therefore, health insurance must become your highest priority. If your employer doesn’t offer it, get one for yourself. This is the first step in financial planning.
2. Reduce your debt – The best way to start saving is to reduce your high-interest debt. Or better, write off your debt. The interest rates on some loans / credit cards are higher than the return you’d receive from investing the money.
3. Start saving for retirement – The best time to start saving is when you’re young. Interest rates will really start working for you as you get older and accumulate principal.
4. Reduce your banking costs – Most Saving accounts, Checking accounts, etc have maintaining balances. If you are not careful and go below the minimum balance, fees can take a big bite out of your bank balance.
5. Build up a nest egg for emergencies – What would you do if you were suddenly laid off? Save enough to cover your living expenses for at least six months. Some banks have facility to automatically shift funds from your checking account into a savings or mutual fund account.
6. Become an investor – Join a mutual fund pool to reduce your risk. Invest in mutual funds, which reduce your risk and keep you even with inflation.
   
7. Reduce your taxes – Look for ways to lower your annual taxes. Sometimes there are discounts if you pay your taxes early.

Start paying attention to your finances today. Apply the 7 rules and develop the habits that will help you for the rest of your financial life.

Success happens here. Credits: lee.fly