Investment Goals – You probably won’t be able to achieve every financial goal you ever dreamed of. So identify your goals clearly and decide which are most important. In drawing up a list of goals, you should look for things that will help you feel financially secure, happy or fulfilled. Some of the items that wind up on such lists include building an emergency fund, getting out of debt, and paying the kids’ tuition. Start investing early, even if you start small.

Don't Put All Your Eggs In One Basket – Remember the old adage. By spreading your investments you reduce your overall risk and potential for total loss. Investments such as Republic Bank Mutual Funds, equity securities, real estate, insurance and alternative investments are available for you to invest in.

Pay Yourself First – Have regular monthly or quarterly contributions automatically deducted from your bank account. This is known as “paying yourself first“. Money that you never see is harder to spend, and you get used to living without it. This avoids having having to come up with lump sum especially around the Carnival and Christmas seasons.

Maximize Your Investment in Tax Deferred Savings - Take advantage of Tax Deferred Savings Plans which help you to reduce your taxes while increasing your savings for future needs. Invest in those Tax Deferred Savings Plans that also provide you with the option to maximise your returns by creating an investment mix. The Republic Tax Incentive Savings Plans are the only plans that can offer you such flexibility.

Use Dollar-Cost Averaging – If you want your investment portfolio to grow, you have to invest in the stock market, and you have to invest regularly. Investing in the stock market regularly gives your money the force of a one-two punch: you have the best long term investment, along with a powerful tool – dollar cost averaging – that will help out that investment during good and bad markets.

Invest Regularly and let Compounding Work for You – When you put money into an investment, you earn returns in the form of interest, dividends and capital gains. The value of your investment compounds when these returns themselves start to earn returns. Over time, this compounding will be the most important ingredient to building your fortune.

Controlling Debt – Borrowing for a home or college usually makes good sense. Just make sure you don’t borrow more than you can afford to pay back, and shop around for the best rates. Don’t use a credit card to pay for things you consume quickly, such as meals and vacations, if you can’t afford to pay off your monthly bill in full in a month or two. There’s no faster way to fall into debt.

Estate Planning – No matter your net worth, it’s important to have a basic estate plan in place. Such a plan ensures that your family and financial goals are met after you die. Dying without a will can be costly to your heirs and leaves you no say over who gets your assets. Make sure to keep your will up to date.

Kids and Money – It is important to work on your child’s financial awareness early on, for once they’re teenagers, they are less likely to heed your sage advice. Long before most children can add or subtract, they become aware of the concept of money. Instant gratification aside, once they learn they can buy things they want with money e.g., candy, toys—many children will begin hoarding every coin they can get their hands on. How this urge is channelled can determine what kind of financial manager your child will be as an adult.

Buying a Home – If you can’t commit to remaining in one place for five years or more, then owning is probably not for you. Since you most likely will need to get a mortgage to buy a house, you must make sure your credit history is as clean as possible.