https://www.facebook.com/106181424217749/

Anj Cortes, Cebu Business Park Mabolo, Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu, Cebu City (2024)

27/04/2023

I admit that putting things off was something I unconsciously mastered and became a huge source of anxiety in my life before…

I put off:
- resigning until situations got overly stressful.
- valuing my health until a friend had cancer.
- setting boundaries until I was taken advantage.
- savings until I needed money.
- talks until it became a make-or-break fight.
- decisions until I was at my breaking point.

The reality is, making a change is possible ANYTIME, not just during moments of struggle and chaos our lives.

This was one narrative that I chose to rewrite about myself - I stopped waiting for things to go wrong before making decisions.

I normalized exercise and movement.
I added greens to my meals.
I resigned from work I was not valued.
I broke up w an ex I was incompatible with.
I cutoff a business before drowning in debt.
I save to travel and not travel to pay later.

Since then, life has been so much better 🙂

If there’s something on your mind while reading this, this is your sign to finally do something about it.

Your dream life is waiting for you to choose it. Choose it little by little and choose it now.

24/02/2023

5 things I’ve learned to master in my 30s:

1. Someone’s NO is not going to shake me or make me feel bad anymore.

2. I have the equal power to reject.

3. It feels good to help people especially the ones who are trying their best to help themselves but I am human, I have limits, and it’s not my responsibility to help everyone.

4. I had zero sales experience in the entrepreneurial world and the moment I stopped relying my growth to someone else and owned it - I soared and had fun! Work with your strengths.

5. There is always something YOU CAN do to make yourself more confident in ANYTHING you want to do. Be coached, read, or attend conferences.

I hope you’re doing something to grow and excite yourself this weekend.

Happy Friday, everyone! 💃🏽
———
My 1:1 personal finance coaching program for the kickass Filipina is open for MAY reservations: bit.ly/planwithanj

13/02/2023

I chose not to have a

stressful weekend morning.

On our pre-Valentine staycation this weekend, there was a long line for breakfast at the hotel perhaps 15 sets of people waiting.

My old self would have thought, “No! We paid ₱1,600 for this breakfast add-on. It’s unfair if we skip this!” and then go start our day absorbing the stress from the rest of the people waiting in line.

I can imagine the day going badly.

But now, I understand that being in a stressful environment can cost us a lot more than we realize, not only in terms of money.

It‘s not worth ruining our day.

So my husband and I opted to go outside and found ourselves a peaceful spot at a nearby cafe.

We stayed longer and actually had a good time and conversation.

Had we stayed at the hotel, we could have still been in line that time! Grumpy and hungry.

Being able to forego money in these situations is such a privilege worth working towards.

I grew up always thinking in terms of money. Sometimes, to the point that I’m wasting my life on trivial things just to “save”.

It’s so liberating to break away from this mindset. Money is NOT the only thing we can lose. The difference is that money is something we can always earn back.

So if you feel like you have nothing to save up for? You can always save up for

✅ the ability to choose,
✅ for options when you need them, and for
✅ the ability to walk away.

Money might not buy you happiness but have you thought of buying yourself the option to be stress-free?

Stress can be optional. We are just conditioned that it’s not. Think about it.

Have a stress-free Monday! ☕️

07/02/2023

TOXIC FILIPINO MINDSET
WE NEED TO RETHINK ( ):

PART 1 ("The more the merrier.")

1️⃣ FOOD:

Pag may buffet, we treat it as if walang makain bukas! Pinupuno ang plato para mas “sulit”. Buffet is meant to make distribution easier and give us a choice na kunin lang ang gusto lang natin but many "take advantage" of it the wrong way. Sumakit tuloy ang tiyan.

🤔 This action stems from the “scarcity” mindset. Nabubusog naman tayo normally sa 1 rice meal, dba? Why does it change kapag merong options?

2️⃣ WEDDING:

Dapat kasama LAHAT ng kamag-anak, classmates, at katrabaho. Kung pwde buong barangay kahit di kakilala sa ikakasal. Kahit hindi officially invited. Na out of budget tuloy ang couple at kailangan umutang.

🤔 Each person is a cost and an added consideration para sa reception venue. There is a maximum limit. Try mo mag celebrate birthday kasama mga hindi mo kakilala. Masaya ba? We tend to forget that a wedding is a celebration of the Bride & Groom and it’s possible to respect people’s boundaries and budget.

3️⃣ POSSESSIONS:

Kung iba-ibang shoes, clothes, bags, everyday mayaman ka na! Paramihan! In reality, real wealth is what people don't see - the money not yet converted to any material possessions. Other forms of wealth are things money cannot even buy like presence and peace of mind. Aanhin magandang gamit mo pero puro utang at problema kapalit?

🤔 Sometimes, this is rooted from an unfulfilled need of validation and to be praised as a child. As adults, we know that retail therapy is fleeting. We’ve done this. Bought something tapos after a day, sad na ulit. There are other ways we can fill that empty space and sometimes it doesn’t even mean spending.

4️⃣ KIDS:

Kasi blessing yan. So pinilit mag dagdag kahit nahihirapan na sa isa. Tapos magrereklamo sa kamag-anak pag hindi tutulong sa pagpapa-aral.

🤔 Having kids is an option and is a HUGE responsibility on YOUR shoulders and not for other family members. Are you ready physically, emotionally, financially, and mentally? As a child masarap na feeling wanted vs feeling na dagdag problema ka lang sa buhay.

——

Having helped many Filipino working professionals address their financial stress, here is a list of what I think contribute to the most common issues that stem from our toxic Filipino mindset.

Until someone challenges your belief system, you will continue these dysfunctional practices that can hinder you from having a better relationship with your finances and yourself in the long-run.

Follow for part 2.

05/02/2023

This week, I promised

myself that I’ll start running again but for some reason I keep postponing it. 🤔

I used to love running (joined a 21km marathon!) but this time, I recognize the resistance.

So today, my husband and I went to a cute little Sauna instead.

Broke a sweat? Check. Beneficial for health? Check. Same goal different strategy.

It even turned out as a good alternative because we both enjoyed this one. 🥰

If there’s something you have been resisting and forcing yourself to do over and over again, take a pause.

Perhaps there’s another choice?
Something more fun?
Something you can do w/ someone you enjoy?
Something you thought was not an option before?

Recognize your resistance and don’t brush them aside. There’s a reason you feel that way.

Your body is telling you something.

Things get done when they’re not hard to do.

Enjoy your weekend, folks! 🧖‍♀️🧖‍♂️

01/02/2023

For the first time since 2020

I have been awfully quiet on my IG account for 2 weeks straight to take a mental health break.

As a business owner with Instagram as my preferred platform, this is a big NO-NO. However, I intentionally decided not to be a slave to technology.

I posted minimally on other social media and really took the time to do things because I want to and not because I had to.

I went on vacation with my family in Coron - snorkeled and SUP-ed as much as I can! Drank coffee for the heck of it and not to function for work. It was a wonderful time. 🏝️

Thank you Tao Philippines team and Alon Adventures!

Now I’m back and refreshed to make 2023 better than the last. 🤩

I took this time to reflect and installed systems in place so I can focus on what I do best in my business.

I hope we continually do whatever makes us love our life a little bit more. Fill your cup before you pour to others. 🤍

How has January been for you?

07/01/2023

More than 5 years ago, I felt like I was having the time of my life being an independent single woman working overseas. But it was not my best financial moment, looking back.

If only I had the right person to mentor me I could have made so much difference by now!

Here are 5 things I wish I could have done differently:

1️⃣ Made investment as a higher priority than my basic Emergency Fund.

Sound so cool but no. I lost my first Php 100k+ investment money from dipping my toes in Equity. It‘s an investment basket that’s AGGRESSIVE in nature and ideally you need to leave it for long-term. I panicked and retrieved my money in a week.

The worrying thing was, I had used my EF for this. 😭 I was blindly drawn to the idea of growing my money fast without understanding the risks! This is a complete NO NO and admittedly such a rookie mistake.

2️⃣ Stayed with a company longer than I should have.

For me, after being with a company 2-3 years is enough time to consider trying another one. This is one way of increasing your income and your personal growth too.

It may feel like our loyalty to a company matters but loyalty to our own welfare should be on top of the priority. The company will find a way to survive. It’s not your responsibility to keep it afloat unless you’re the CEO.

3️⃣ Lived paycheck to paycheck because YOLO!

Whenever I had “extra” money I felt like a one-day millionaire. I uncovered an ingrained belief that money was bad during my childhood days. This unconsciously manifested to me by finding a way to get rid of any extra money because it did not feel right. Thankfully, this unconscious belief will no longer sabotage me in the future.

4️⃣ Did not pay attention to any long-term plans or goals at all.

This would’ve been the perfect time to do the riskiest (legal) things! No one was solely depending on me! 30s is a time where major life purchases & events happen. It’s adulting x10. Looking at even 3 yrs down the road would have been good.

5️⃣ Thought everything will always be the same.

It won’t. We’re humans. Naturally somewhere along the way we will feel the need to change things. Take time off work for a few months or make a career shift.

For me, I decided to push the quit button and completely changed my life after a few years. But that’s a story for another time.

Share this if you agree and help someone learn from these mistakes.

- - - -
My 1:1 financial coaching waitlist for the modern Filipina is opening this Jan 2023.

Book here: https://beacons.ai/planwithanj

18/12/2022

Thinking about improving your finances for 2023? Good for you! 🙂

It always starts with being one step ahead and laying down everything to see where your next income will go. ☝️

If you have never done that before and don’t know where to begin, you can use my BASIC Cash Flow Organizer. ✨

Many online apps and files will be overwhelming 😭 so I’ve made this single-sheet file for the ones who want it simple.

✅ It has pre-defined categories based on my client discussions with Filipino professionals over the years and some basic insight so you’ll know what to adjust to balance things out. ⚖️

Perhaps you’re skimping on fun and putting everything to freedom (investment)? 🤔 This file will show you.

Free for download here: bit.ly/3FZ9FlK

If you haven’t, go check it out now and let me know how it goes for you. 💕

03/11/2022

I realized I never really got to introduce myself around here. 👋🙂

Hi, you can call me Anj! In 2018 I resigned from a six-figure tech job in Singapore.

Fast forward to 4 years later, I am now building a personal finance coaching business and grooming a strong consulting team of women around the Philippines. ❤

It's crazy how it's been a little over 10 years ago when I started to be officially part of the workforce, but as embarrassing as it may sound, it was only 3 years ago that I took my finances seriously. 🥲

Then I began to pass on the knowledge and walked alongside fellow Filipinos who were stuck and finding it hard to level up with their finances.

Here are 3 money views that have changed since then:

1️⃣ Financial capacity doesn’t necessarily translate to good money skills.

When I earned my first 6-figure income at 26, I was no better than people who made way less. There were months I had NOTHING saved. Worse, I started to accumulate credit card debt. So it's always good to practice money skills when you start earning. Tuck away ₱5 or ₱500, the amount doesn't matter. It’s muscle-building of your saving skills that does.

2️⃣ MORE is NOT always the answer.

Earning MORE may mean working MORE, stressing MORE, therefore, spending MORE to de-stress. It's a vicious cycle! When my husband and I relocated back to our hometown Cebu, we earned LESS but had better direction in our life than where we were overseas, earning our highest possible income. The earlier you define goals that excite you, the better. 😊

3️⃣ Spend on skills that solve problems.

When I got my RFP certification training regarding finances, it straightened our finances and my clients' as well. 🥹 Now it had become my main income stream! My husband and I never had money arguments. When I learned to drive, I cut back on significant taxi expenses. I’m no longer scared to spend when I see lifetime value of things.

There are more things I’d like to share but I’ll reserve them for another time.

Thank you for being here on my page, and I hope I'll be able to teach you a thing or two so you don't have to be financially lost and overwhelmed like the way I did.

Looking forward to learn and get to know you too! 🤗✨

——-
Download my FREE cash flow organizer:
https://bit.ly/3h6KUtR

01/11/2022

Were any of these true to you?

I struggled so much with these before I understood what kept getting in the way.

The need to prioritize everyone when I had money to spare was real! Now I’ve learned it’s okay to take a step back and let other adults handle adult things too.

Understanding our mindset around money and building a better relationship with it has been life-changing for me. This is something I always feel happy uncovering with my clients as well.

If you need a safe space for these kind of discussions, you can send me a DM or join my coaching waitlist.

If 3 months worth of salary is too much for you to save as your EMERGENCY FUND, you can download my FREE cash flow tracker to know.

Link: https://beacons.ai/planwithanj

16/09/2021

Everytime I work with a mom - single moms especially, I can't help but feel very happy. 🥰

I see my own mother through them and it feels like I am helping a younger version of her.

Proud to know this cool, kind, and strong momma, Giselle! A big and advocate in Cebu. 😊

It means a lot that out of everyone, you've chosen ! Thank you Momma Gi! I'll be right behind you both. 🤗🧡✨

** Identity posted with consent

19/08/2021

I hate budgeting.

That word feels so restricting! 😭 So for years, I didn't really pay attention to it. 😬😬😬

Then two years ago, I found this book by T Harv Eker, where he quickly taught about this "Jar System". 🤔

It made sense among all the budgeting techniques I've encountered, so I gave it a try.

He emphasized how it was about the conscious habit, not the amount. 🤯

You can start with a peso if you want! Take the percentage only as a guideline you can work towards. ☝🏽

Needless to say, until today I've been using this and sharing it with clients. 💃🏽

Here's a summary. I hope you find this useful too! ✨

Let me know what you think. Is there a money management technique that works for you? Share it with us below 🙂👇🏽

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Need an accountability partner in your finances? calendly.com/planwithanj/discovery

Let's connect:
instagram.com/_anjfromthetropics

11/08/2021

Mikaela is one of my clients this year and this girl really surprised me with her background. A 22-year-old who is supporting her sister’s studies and at the same time, her parents.

I resonated with her because I also grew up with an older brother doing the same thing and I just want the best for these kind of people. I want her to savor her own life, worry-free. 💯

There must really be a reason why I was brought to this girl's life. Imagine, a complete stranger who booked through my online calendar?

I have such admiration for you Mika in taking the first step. I cherish our connection so much and I will be with you all the way! 🤗✨

(identity posted with consent)

05/08/2021

Hope you find people like this. 😊✨

Remind someone if they have been this person in your life too. Tag away!

27/07/2021

Give yourself the chance to surprise yourself. 🌻

During the years I was an employee I always kept thinking it was the best I could do.

Had I not switched careers I would never have found that there's something else I can be good at! 🙂

So tie your loyalty to your OWN welfare and growth - not to a company, organization or anyone else. That responsibility is yours. Own it!

11/05/2021

My happiest meetings were getting to know people who resonate with me one way or another - through some shared memory, life priority, or values.

But at the core, the reason why I wanted to help women is rooted in my very own momma, or as I fondly call her, ! 🥰

It felt like most of my life, mamoi had raised my brother and I by herself. She had been separated from my father a long time ago while I was in college. I didn't understand back then, but now I do, and I am proud of how she stood by that decision. 💯

Looking back, mamoi and I would cramp into a small rented room for the two of us—sometimes not even knowing if our stock of canned goods would last us that week. I don't know how but Mamoi would always find a way, and we would get through. 🙏

She squeezed every inch of her capability and energy, raising us. She barely had anything for herself when we finished school. I just wish as a daughter it wasn't that way.

Excited to be out in the real world, we left her alone for years, and being with her now is like getting a gift I didn't know I wanted. 🥺

Every piece of time is precious whenever I'm reminded of how her hand has aged or how she walks slower. 👵🏽

I will always have a soft heart for moms, especially single moms, for women who stand up for themselves and their decisions.

There is a different kind of strength that only comes from them, from the struggle they surpass. I am a first-hand witness. ✊🏽

So if I am to be a helping hand, I would always have the heart for people like her.

She might not know, but she is the root and the greatest WHY of . ✨

To more women who are financially capable and ready no matter what life throws and no matter the circumstance. 🥂

Happy mother's month, Ma! ❤️

Thank you for making it easier for me to serve and put my heart into my work, every day. 💐😘

** Purposely used a video with her mask on for a little privacy ;)

05/04/2021

Finally something practical and useful even after graduation!!! We need this! 👏🏽

Read: https://www.cnn.ph/news/2021/4/2/house-bill-financial-literacy-junior-high.html

01/04/2021

Take note ☝🏽

LOOK: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas released an updated list of banks with waived PESONet and InstaPay fees.

20/03/2021

😱😱 Have you heard...
about the newest in town?

👉🏽 Tonik Digital Bank is a Singapore-based, digital-only bank licensed in the Philippines

👉🏽 allows group stash with at least 3 people, where you earn 4.5% interest per annum

👉🏽 earn up to 6% interest in time deposit

Read more: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/personalfinance/780257/singapore-s-tonik-launches-digital-only-bank-in-phl-offers-6-deposit-interest-rate/story..

08/03/2021

A big salute today to the female spirit! May we continue to inspire one another in anything we choose to pursue in life as a whole. 🙂 To all ladies in , I got you girls always!!! 🤗🤎

10/01/2021

Personal : to help 100 clients kickstart their financial foundation and wealth building this year!

What's yours?

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Not sure how to begin? Let's do a call!🙂 Accepting appointments here: calendly.com/planwithanj/discovery

31/12/2020

We are so close to the finish line! It was a difficult year but it also led us to meaningful moments, stepping stones, and direction.

Advance Happy New Year! May we journey together to a better 2021. 🥳🥂

25/12/2020

May you celebrate something this season. Merry Christmas, everyone! 😊🥂

16/12/2020

In my 20's, I talked to an advisor who had given me straight away a VUL plan.

I took it because I didn't know there was something else to choose from or that I can even remove/change benefits according to my needs and comfortable cost. 🤷🏽‍♀️😭 Now I know better.

So if you are doing some adulting and thinking of getting yourself your first policy, at least this will give you the bigger picture.

This is only a small list of differences between the two kinds we have here in the Philippines, so soon as you are facing an advisor, you will know what to ask. 🙂

Having a policy is, most of the time, a long-term commitment, so it has to be sustainable for you.

🔴 REMEMBER: You should NOT be forced into getting one, and you need to ask as many questions as you can so you understand it well.

Got something you learned from you first policy purchase? Share it with us in the comments below!👇🏽
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Not sure which one would suit you best? Let's do a quick call. 🙂 Reserve here: calendly.com/planwithanj/discovery

15/12/2020

"I sent a notice to move out," my 28-yr-old client messaged me. I was smiling reading this.

It meant that after our financial review one weekend, he had taken bold and necessary steps right away on his own. 🙂

He was in financial stress because his current cash flow, lifestyle, and ultimate goal for the next few months didn't match.

The truth was he needed to secure Php 300k liquid assets (aka cash) at the soonest possible time.

He was earning in 6 digits, but his expenses were skyrocketing. His condo alone was eating 1/4 of his salary.

So we figured out together how he can do that without sacrificing his lifestyle too much.

This little cup's note was very timely as it was the perfect reminder of what he needed to do - recalibrate.

Sometimes our goals, dreams, and overall direction in life tend to go astray because of our current financial capacity.

So I check in especially with the younger clients who might need a little bit of clarity from time to time.

Being an instrument to help one Filipino get out of bad debt, have financial path, see them experience the freedom it brings, and make sure they don't fall into that trap again is very fulfilling work.

Thank you for trusting me as your financial consultant, J! Clients like you make me love my job all the more. 🙂

Have you recalibrated yourself recently? Tell me about it in the comments below!
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If you need some guidance and someone to recalibrate finances with you, you can save a spot for a free 30-minute discovery call with me: calendly.com/planwithanj/discovery

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10/12/2020

By now, you already know what’s important learning from this pandemic. 🎄✨

09/12/2020

Buy it all, as long as it's within budget. Remember that Christmas is not an emergency, so please try not to drain your entire SAVINGS because of it.

Enjoy shopping and, if you can, .

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Want to learn more about how you can improve your for 2021? Book a free discovery call with me: https://calendly.com/planwithanj/discovery

09/12/2020

Definitely agree on the non-material things here. 😉

08/12/2020

‼️—— CLOSED
In line with the theme of planning, I am giving away a STARBUCKS 2021 PLANNER of choice to one (1) lucky winner! 🙂
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Here’s how to enter with 3 simple steps:
🎄 Like this photo
🎄 Like & Follow this FB page: Plan with Anj
🎄Tag a friend in the comment. 1 tag = 1 entry
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BONUS: 1 extra entry given for every repost or share of this photo in your stories/timeline using the hashtag
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RULES:
* repost/shares must be public for verification
* entries must be received by 12/15 11:59PM
* open to residents currently in the PHILIPPINES
* no tagging of fake accounts, own accounts, strangers, influencers. You will be disqualified from all future giveaways.
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The winner will be selected at random by 12/16, posted in stories, and notified via DM. Good luck! 🙂
Not sponsored, administered, or associated with Facebook and Starbucks Philippines.
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Interested in having better for 2021? You may also book a discovery call with me: https://calendly.com/planwithanj/discovery