Smart Investment Options for Average Filipino Families: You Don’t Need to Be Rich to Start Investing!

Investing is not just for rich people. With the right knowledge and careful planning, even families with moderate incomes can start investing in their future. Don't be afraid to begin with a small amount.

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Read this article in Tagalog.

In a world where financial security can feel like a distant dream, it’s time to flip the script! Imagine a future where your hard-earned money works for you, paving the way for your family’s dreams—whether it’s a better education for your kids, a cozy home, or that long-awaited family vacation. The good news? You don’t need a hefty salary to start your investment journey. For Filipino households earning between ₱30,000 to ₱100,000 a month, there are exciting and accessible investment opportunities waiting for you. With the right knowledge and tools, you can unlock a wealth of possibilities without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into how you can make your money grow and secure a brighter future for your family!

 

Investment Option Minimum Investment Timeframe ROI Trusted Brands How to Start
Savings Accounts/Time Deposits ₱1,000 Varies 0.5-1.5% p.a. BDO, BPI, Union Bank Open an account at a chosen bank.
Mutual Funds ₱1,000 – ₱5,000 5+ years 8-12% p.a. Sun Life, Philam Asset Management Choose a fund, contact an advisor, complete the application.
Government Bonds ₱5,000 3-5 years 4-6% p.a. BDO, BPI, Philippine Bureau of Treasury Inquire at a bank about available bonds.
Online Savings Platforms ₱1,000 Varies Higher than traditional rates GCash Save, ING Bank Sign up for an account on the platform.
Stock Market ₱1,000 5-10 years 10-15% p.a. COL Financial, BDO Securities Open a broker account, fund it, and start buying shares.
Real Estate ₱200,000 (down payment) 5-10 years 5-10% p.a. Ayala Land, SMDC Research properties, secure financing, and purchase.
Peer-to-Peer Lending ₱1,000 1-3 years 8-15% p.a. Senti, Investree Choose a platform, create an account, and fund loans.
Business Ventures ₱10,000+ 1-5 years 20%+ Mang Inasal, Jollibee Identify a business idea, create a plan, and launch.
Cryptocurrency ₱1,000 1-5 years 20%+ (high risk) Binance, Coins.ph Sign up on an exchange, fund your account, and trade.

 

  • Minimum Investment: The smallest amount needed to start investing.
  • Timeframe: Suggested duration to hold the investment.
  • ROI: Estimated return on investment, expressed as an annual percentage.
  • Trusted Brands: Reputable companies in the Philippines that offer these investment options.
  • How to Start: Basic steps to initiate the investment process.

For Households Earning ₱30,000 to ₱50,000 a Month

If you’re in this income bracket, it’s important to start with lower-risk investments that fit your budget:

1. Savings Accounts and Time Deposits

While not traditional investments, these are safe places to grow your savings with modest interest rates.

  • Minimum Investment: As low as ₱1,000
  • Timeframe: Varies
  • ROI: 0.5-1.5% annually
  • Trusted Brands: BDO, BPI, Union Bank

How to Start:

  1. Choose a Bank: Look for institutions offering competitive interest rates.
  2. Open an Account: Fill out the application and deposit your funds.

2. Mutual Funds

Mutual funds can be a great option, providing professional management and diversification.

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  • Minimum Investment: ₱1,000 – ₱5,000
  • Timeframe: 5 years or more
  • ROI: 8-12% annually
  • Trusted Brands: Sun Life Asset Management, Philam Asset Management

How to Start:

  1. Choose a Fund: Look into options from Sun Life or Philam.
  2. Contact a Financial Advisor: Get advice tailored to your goals.
  3. Complete Application: Fill out the necessary paperwork.
  4. Invest Your Money: Make your initial investment and consider setting up regular contributions.

3. Government Bonds

Government bonds are accessible and provide steady returns.

  • Minimum Investment: ₱5,000
  • Trusted Brands: BDO, BPI, Union Bank

How to Start:

  1. Choose a Bank: Select one like BDO or BPI.
  2. Inquire About Bonds: Visit a branch for available options.
  3. Complete Application: Fill out necessary forms and submit your funds.

4. Online Savings Platforms

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Consider using online savings platforms that offer higher interest rates than traditional banks.

  • Minimum Investment: ₱1,000
  • Trusted Brands: GCash Save, ING Bank

How to Start:

  1. Research Platforms: Look for credible online savings options.
  2. Open an Account: Sign up and deposit your savings.

For Households Earning ₱60,000 to ₱100,000 a Month

1. Stock Market

Investing in the stock market can be an exciting way to grow your wealth.

  • Minimum Investment: ₱1,000
  • Timeframe: 5-10 years
  • ROI: 10-15% annually
  • Trusted Brands: COL Financial, BDO Securities, First Metro Securities

How to Start:

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  1. Choose a Broker: Consider reputable platforms like COL Financial or BDO Securities.
  2. Open an Account: Complete the required forms and submit necessary documents.
  3. Fund Your Account: Start with an initial deposit.
  4. Research Stocks: Analyze companies and their potential.
  5. Make Your Purchase: Buy shares and monitor their performance.

2. Mutual Funds

For those who prefer a more hands-off approach, mutual funds offer diversification and professional management.

  • Minimum Investment: ₱1,000 – ₱5,000
  • Timeframe: 5 years or more
  • ROI: 8-12% annually
  • Trusted Brands: Sun Life Asset Management, Philam Asset Management, BPI Asset Management

How to Start:

  1. Choose a Fund: Look into options from Sun Life or Philam.
  2. Contact a Financial Advisor: Get advice tailored to your goals.
  3. Complete Application: Fill out the necessary paperwork.
  4. Invest Your Money: Make your initial investment and consider setting up regular contributions.

3. Real Estate


Real estate is a long-term investment that can provide both income and capital appreciation.

  • Minimum Investment: ₱200,000 (down payment)
  • Timeframe: 5-10 years
  • ROI: 5-10% annually
  • Trusted Brands: Ayala Land, SM Development Corp, Vista Land & Lifescapes

How to Start:

  1. Research Properties: Look for options from Ayala Land or SMDC.
  2. Secure Financing: Explore bank loans or PAG-IBIG financing.
  3. Visit Properties: Schedule viewings to find your ideal investment.
  4. Make an Offer: Negotiate the price and finalize the purchase.

4. Government Bonds

Government bonds offer a safe and steady return on investment.

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  • Minimum Investment: ₱5,000
  • Timeframe: 3-5 years
  • ROI: 4-6% annually
  • Trusted Brands: BDO, BPI, Union Bank, Philippine Bureau of the Treasury

How to Start:

  1. Choose a Bank: Select one like BDO or BPI.
  2. Inquire About Bonds: Visit a branch for available options.
  3. Complete Application: Fill out necessary forms and submit your funds.

5. Peer-to-Peer Lending

This relatively new option allows you to lend money directly to individuals or small businesses.

  • Minimum Investment: ₱1,000
  • Timeframe: 1-3 years
  • ROI: 8-15% annually
  • Trusted Brands: Senti, Financer, Investree

How to Start:

  1. Select a Platform: Consider Senti or Investree.
  2. Create an Account: Sign up and verify your identity.
  3. Choose Loans to Fund: Browse available listings based on your risk tolerance.

6. Business Ventures


Starting a small business can be a fulfilling way to invest your money and time.

  • Minimum Investment: ₱10,000 and up
  • Timeframe: 1-5 years
  • ROI: 20% or more
  • Trusted Brands: Mang Inasal, Jollibee, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (franchises)

How to Start:

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  1. Identify Your Business Idea: Consider your skills and market demand.
  2. Create a Business Plan: Outline your goals and budget.
  3. Secure Funding: Determine how much capital you need.
  4. Launch Your Business: Execute your plan and start operations.

7. Cryptocurrency

For those willing to take on more risk, cryptocurrency can yield significant returns.

  • Minimum Investment: ₱1,000 and up
  • Timeframe: 1-5 years
  • ROI: Highly variable (10-300%)
  • Trusted Brands: Coins.ph, Binance, PDAX

How to Start:

  1. Choose an Exchange: Use platforms like Coins.ph or Binance.
  2. Create an Account: Sign up and verify your identity.
  3. Deposit Funds: Transfer money into your account.
  4. Select Cryptocurrencies: Research and purchase coins of interest.

 

You don’t need to be rich to start investing. Whether you’re part of a household earning ₱30,000 to ₱50,000 or ₱60,000 to ₱100,000 a month, there are numerous investment options to explore. Each path offers unique benefits and potential returns, so it’s crucial to assess your financial goals and risk tolerance. As always, consider seeking guidance from financial professionals to help tailor your investment strategy. With careful planning and informed decisions, you can build a brighter financial future for your family.