How to Start Investing: A Step-by-Step Guide for Filipinos

Investing is one of the most effective ways to grow your wealth and achieve financial goals like buying a home, funding your child’s education, or preparing for retirement. For beginners, the thought of investing may seem daunting, but getting started is easier than you might think. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to begin investing in the Philippines, including opening a stock brokerage account, signing up for Pag-IBIG MP2, and opening a Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA).

Step 1: Identify Your Investment Goals

Before diving into the world of investing, it’s important to clearly define your financial goals. These goals will influence the type of investments you choose, your risk tolerance, and your time horizon.

• Short-Term Goals (1-3 years): Examples include saving for a vacation, home down payment, or emergency fund.
• Medium-Term Goals (3-10 years): Saving for a child’s education or starting a business.
• Long-Term Goals (10+ years): Retirement, financial independence, or building wealth.

With clear goals in mind, you can choose the right investment strategies to match your needs.

Step 2: Start with a Stock Brokerage Account

One of the most popular ways to invest in the Philippines is by purchasing stocks. A stock brokerage account allows you to buy and sell shares of companies listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). Here’s how you can open an account and start trading stocks.

Opening a Stock Brokerage Account

1. Choose a Stockbroker:
   • In the Philippines, you need to open an account with a licensed stockbroker to trade stocks. Online brokers are convenient and easy to use, especially for beginners. Here are some popular online stockbrokers in the Philippines:
     • COL Financial (Website): One of the most popular online brokers with comprehensive research tools.
     • BDO Securities (Website): An option for BDO account holders offering a seamless platform.
     • First Metro Securities (Website): The brokerage arm of Metrobank, known for its user-friendly platform.
     • BPI Trade (Website): Available for BPI account holders, offering easy integration with BPI banking services.
2. Prepare Required Documents:
   • To open an account, you’ll need to submit identification documents. Typically, this includes:
     • A valid government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
     • Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
     • Proof of billing or residence
3. Complete the Application:
   • Visit the website of your chosen stockbroker and fill out the online application form. You’ll also need to submit scanned copies of your documents.
4. Fund Your Account:
   • Once your account is approved, you need to deposit an initial amount (varies by broker) to start trading. For example, COL Financial requires a minimum deposit of PHP 1,000 for a Starter account.
5. Start Trading:
   • After funding your account, you can begin buying and selling stocks through the broker’s online platform. You can purchase individual stocks, mutual funds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Step 3: Signing Up for Pag-IBIG MP2

The Pag-IBIG MP2 (Modified Pag-IBIG II) is a government-backed savings program that offers higher returns than traditional savings accounts or time deposits. It’s a great option for conservative investors who want a low-risk investment with tax-free returns.

How to Open a Pag-IBIG MP2 Account

1. Eligibility:
   • You must be an active Pag-IBIG Fund member or a retiree/pensioner who has made at least 24 months of contributions.
2. Prepare Requirements:
   • Pag-IBIG MID Number (your unique membership number)
   • Valid ID
3. Sign Up Online:
   • Go to the Pag-IBIG MP2 website and complete the online registration form.
   • After filling out the form, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your MP2 account number.
4. Start Contributing:
   • You can begin saving with as little as PHP 500. Contributions can be made via:
     • Over-the-counter at Pag-IBIG branches
     • Online payment via accredited payment centers (GCash, PayMaya, or your bank)
5. Track Your Savings:
   • You can monitor your savings and dividends through the Pag-IBIG website by logging in to your account.
6. Maturity:
   • MP2 savings have a maturity period of five years. You can withdraw your savings and dividends annually or at the end of the five-year term.

Step 4: Opening a Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA)

The Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) is a voluntary retirement savings program in the Philippines that offers tax incentives to encourage long-term savings. It’s designed to help Filipinos build a retirement fund.

How to Open a PERA Account

1. Choose a PERA Administrator:
   • PERA accounts are offered through accredited banks and financial institutions. Some of the top PERA administrators include:
     • BDO (Website)
     • BPI (Website)
     • Landbank (Website)
2. Prepare Requirements:
   • TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number)
   • A valid government ID
   • Proof of income, if applicable (for employed individuals)
3. Complete the Application:
   • Visit the website of your chosen PERA administrator and follow the application process. Some banks may require you to visit a branch, while others allow for online applications.
4. Fund Your PERA:
   • You can contribute up to PHP 100,000 annually (PHP 200,000 for Overseas Filipino Workers). Contributions are tax-free and can be invested in approved PERA products, such as mutual funds, government bonds, or UITFs (Unit Investment Trust Funds).
5. Choose Investments:
   • Once your PERA account is open, you’ll need to choose the specific investment products to grow your money. Your administrator will provide a range of investment options based on your risk tolerance and financial goals.
6. Monitor and Adjust:
   • PERA is a long-term investment, but you can monitor your account and adjust your investments as needed. Withdrawals can only be made upon reaching 55 years old and after contributing for at least five years, except in cases of early withdrawal penalties.

Step 5: Explore Other Filipino Investment Platforms

In addition to stocks, MP2, and PERA, there are other investment platforms in the Philippines that offer a variety of investment opportunities. Here are some popular options:

1. SeedIn (Website)

• A peer-to-peer lending platform where you can invest in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for a fixed interest return.

2. GCash Invest Money (Website)

• GCash offers an easy way to start investing with low capital. You can invest in local and global mutual funds directly through the GCash app.

3. Bonds.PH (Website)

• An online platform that allows Filipinos to invest in government bonds easily with low minimum investment amounts.

4. First Metro Securities (FMETF) (Website)

• First Metro offers an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi). It’s a great option for those who want to invest in a diversified portfolio of top companies.

Investing is one of the best ways to grow your wealth, achieve financial security, and reach your long-term goals. Whether you’re opening a stock brokerage account, signing up for Pag-IBIG MP2, or starting a PERA account, each step brings you closer to financial independence.

Start by defining your investment goals and choosing the right platform for your needs. Remember, the sooner you begin, the more time your money has to grow through the power of compounding. Take that first step today and begin your journey toward a secure financial future.