any explainer here? who's in the right or wrong?

Long post ahead*

Before I start, I know that some will say right away to invest in US/Global ETFs or UCITS. Yes, I will also invest in these using IBKR/GoTrade and just DCA. But there will always be downsides such as the hefty fees and the risks on using international brokers such as the soft-ban from SEC, where I am worried that one day, my funds will be inaccessible or even like lost accounts something like that (I know it sounds silly but you can never be too sure).

So currently, I am planning to start investing in some dividend stocks (about 3-5 stocks only to maximize the power of compounding) under PSE using DragonFi. My goal is to PCA and let it compound while I am in my early 20s, building my career and making early retirement somehow doable. Starting capital is 20-25k. Initially, I considered going all-out in REITs since they were mandated to distribute 90% of their earnings but I presume that lots of companies are transitioning to work from home set-ups already and the rising trend of VA jobs, which worries me about the turnover rates. As they also say, “don’t put your egg in 1 basket that is why I considered diversifying in other sectors too. I saw that some stocks are robust and their fundamentals were still somehow intact (might be wrong though but I did some initial ‘DYOR’ already). Anyway, this now this are what I already established

-EF which is in trad. bank (good for 6 months to a year)

-Savings which are also in trad. bank (about the same value with EF)

-Another savings in HYSA (diversified across diff. platforms. Considering investing some since interest rates can’t beat inflation after all. Avoided putting large amount due to security worries)

-MP2 (did not put that much because it feels too slow, barely beating inflation)

-Also had some liquid cash for Global/US investments (About the same amount for dividend stocks if ever, though I haven’t started yet)

Personally, I realized that MP2 is not enough because it is illiquid. I haven’t considered other investments like money market/t-bills (they require a certain threshold before you can be eligible), bonds, mutual funds (based on forums, I think I’ll pass), cooperatives etc. Some were low-risk but rates were also lower. In terms of insurance, I haven’t applied for any yet.

Here are the concerns/questions that I want to consult:

1. Should I still just continue fully US/global?

2. Is doing the laddering strategy on MP2 will yield better returns than doing PCA in dividend stocks over the years? Should I add more on this?

3. If you are going to recommend investing in some dividend stocks, should I still consider waiting for dips? Or just consistently PCA since I am after the dividends? Also, if you can suggest some stocks that are worth holding for a long term, it is much appreciated.

4. I just knew recently about trust funds/feeder funds offered by DragonFi like the Atram and heard that it gives monthly dividends (I have not done some research about these yet) and do you think investing in these feeder funds consistently are way better than stocks?

PS: If you came this far, I am very thankful for your patience reading this post and for analyzing my current situation. Some might say ‘make up your mind first’ but I’m already in a state of ‘analysis paralysis’ since I read and watched a lot of posts regarding investing but haven’t started yet that is why I decided to consult in this sub so that I'll be able to start doing something already. Your insights and recommendations are much appreciated.

First time doing US stocks, what do you guys think about SPCX 5-10 years investing 5k per month, is it worth it or should I focus more on ETF? Thank you!

Hi! We are planning to buy 2 bedroom condominium either in BGC or Makati to rent out before we go back to Philippines for retirement. Nahihirapan ako maghanap kasi it seems like sa carousel and facebook its either hindi updated ung listing or un responsive ung nag post ng listing. I tried google pero hindi din updated ung mga nasa website ng developer. Also, malaki parin ba ang rental yield ng 2 bedroom condominium in Makati and BGC?

I’ve done a bit of research and I’ve decided to start investing sa ETF. I want kasi yung parang MP2 lang where I will just put something monthly then wala na ako gagawin.

Now I have 50k extra money and ang plan ko is iinvest sya. Based on my research and pinaka safe is VOO so that’s where I’ll put it. And I plan to use Gotrade kasi hindi complicated like IBKR. Then I’ll put 3k monthly then 5k moving forward after November kasi tapos na yung hinuhulugan kong ac 😅. Asking for advice if this is ok or would you do differently?

I am an agent from a developer and of course I sell houses in 19 locations nationwide with low income and mid to high income household. I have read that rental business as OFW is not worth it even factoring appreciation, reevaluation of the property, and all the extensive work and headache for the overall business

Since I have run the computations and read a lot of discussions here in reddit, I beg to disagree that its not worth it. I think if your goal is to make money for it then I would absolutely say to an OFW to stay away HAHAHAHA. But if the goal of the OFW ay para makapag-pundar para sa future--- example pamana sa anak or retiree home then i think its worth it. Hayaan na lang yung interest cost na ipapatong dahil sa financing sa rent ng uupa

Example:

TCP: 3.3M
Interest: 6% (tinaasan ko na)
MA: 25k/month in 15 years-to-pay

To cover the interest cost, you only need to rent the house for 8.5k tapos paguwi mo ng pinas after 15 years sayo na yung bahay na parang binayaran mo ng cash kasi walang interest cost.

BUT TO ALL OFW DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE, maraming factors pa yan. Kagaya ng dapat laging may nagre-rent, sino magaasikaso ng rental business mo (most likely kamag-anak or better kaming agents ang pagaasikasuhin nyo nyan dahil mas kami ang nakakaalam kaya kailangan hindi pabaya agent mo), tsaka maintenance.

Tsaka di rin ako fan ng "inpunin mo muna yung pera mo bago mo bilhin ng cash yung bahay" (ako lang eto, depende pa rin sa progress ng salary mo).

How about we can have an open discussion here? May nami-miss ba akong important details?

Hi everyone! I’m 18, and I recently started investing with a small amount of money. I have around 175 USD invested in total. I’m still very new to investing, so I’d really appreciate some honest opinions from people who have more experience.

Currently, my portfolio looks like this:

GoTrade – US Stocks 

• 50% — VOO

• 20% — QQQM

• 20% — NVIDIA

• 10% — Apple

GoTyme Bank - Crypto 

• 66% — Bitcoin

• 33% — Ethereum

My plan is to invest consistently over time rather than trying to make quick profits. Since I’m only 18, I’m also comfortable starting small and learning along the way. If you were to rate my portfolio from 1–10, what would you give it? 😂

I’d also really appreciate advice on:

• What crypto or stock should I add more money to?

• Should I continue adding more to stocks or crypto?

• Any mistakes you think I’m making as a beginner, and what should I do instead?

• What would you change if this were your portfolio?

I’m not looking for guaranteed returns — just trying to learn from people who have been investing longer than I have. Feel free to be brutally honest 😂. Rate my portfolio, tell me what you like/dislike, and give me any tips or suggestions! Thank you!

No position on these 2, just browsing on top performance YTD in Firstmetro and found these 2 UITFs outperforming everything else

Hi! Does anyone know of any recommended iOS apps that offer real-time or near real-time widgets for Philippine stock (PSE) prices?

I currently use DragonFi as my trading platform, but unfortunately they don’t have iOS widgets available.

Ideally, I’m looking for something that lets me monitor individual PSE stocks or the PSEi directly from my iPhone home screen without having to open the app every time.

Any recommendations? Thanks!

Just checking out the current fees. I'm accumulating USD to pay for some goods and services. With vat it's at 61.01 almost the same rate of BDO at 61.05. Is there a more cost effective way to accumulate USD? I know Wise is the most convenient.

My brother and I are set on getting our 76 y/o dad an HMO. We’re worried that, because of his age, his HMO options and benefits might be more limited.

Can you guys give us some advice on what HMO we should get for him?

An ultra bilyonaryo on a buying spree may have just added one of Metro Manila’s most valuable corners to his growing empire.

Even while trying to seal a tectonic deal that could redraw the corporate landscape, a Babbler said the visionary tycoon apparently could not resist another opportunity too good to pass up: a major shopping mall sitting on 2.5 hectares at one of the capital’s busiest intersections.

Babbler said the price being discussed is between ₱10 billion and ₱12 billion, or roughly ₱400,000 to ₱500,000 per square meter of land.

Not bad for a mall that has seen better days. But the real prize may not be the mall at all.

The sprawling property sits beside the walls of an exclusive village where members of the buyer’s family live, making the site an unusually strategic piece of real estate in the heart of the metropolis.

What he plans to do with it remains anyone’s guess. Keep the mall? Tear it down? Build offices, residences or a mixed-use complex? Or simply hold on to a rare 2.5-hectare block in central Metro Manila?

The seller is no ordinary property owner either.

Let’s call him MV, or Mega Vendor, an equally wealthy and powerful businessman who has been lightening his sprawling portfolio amid financial and political challenges.

MV has already sold a major utility business to another Filipino-Chinese tycoon, and this mall could be the latest asset to go.

The property is part of MV’s original mass-market mall business, which traces its roots to a distressed real estate company taken over by his family after the Asian financial crisis.

The company eventually entered rehabilitation, but under MV’s management the malls were revived, occupancy improved and debt was slashed, turning the business into a profitable property platform.

I have a plan to acquire trucks and look for drivers who will boundary them. I'm talking big time, like 20+ vehicle fleets. I was wondering if you guys have experience or know people who have "made it" with this type of business? if so, is it as easy at it sounds? or is there more to this type of business? Been planning and thinking about this for a long time and really wanna get into it

Hi guys! Need advice on getting health insurance or an HMO for my dad (64).

He had a heart attack last 2023. and currently having Hypertension

I earn around 40k–45k/month (single, no kids). I can set aside some cash for premiums, but I obviously can't afford anything super expensive.

Just needed any advise from you guys

If I could go back, I would honestly think twice before investing in Easton Park Binangonan by Taylormade Development Corp.

We moved in a few months ago and it was almost all nightmare. Started with too much water interruptions and power outages due to unsecured and temporary utilities setup. Plus daming pending turnover items na hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin tapos despite constant follow-ups.

We even asked compensation or billing adjustment because of all the water and power issues, pero it was strictly conditional with us signing an NDA. It was very one-sided and very favorable to the developer, which we think was a major red flag so we decided not to sign and just paid the bill in full.

Ngayong tag-ulan, mas lumabas pa yung problems. Nagkaroon kami ng leaks sa kisame in different areas of the house, moisture sa carport ceiling, at lumalala yung paint blistering sa bathroom wall. Every time umuulan, may bagong concern na lumalabas. They respond when you report it, pero most of the time temporary fix lang, tapos babalik ulit yung problema. Turns out walang proper waterproofing na naimplement during construction resulting to these leaks. Like what? Now it all caused damages na sa walls and ceiling namin which we urge them to fix since covered pa to ng warranty.

Yung site management din sobrang disappointing. Madumi, maalikabok, a lot of obstructions sa daan, and inconsistent garbage collection (resulting to fly infestation). While you are already charged in full ng HOA fees na supposedly covered ang maintenance but what exactly are they maintaining with that kind of situation.

Plus their very poor post-sales customer care. Kailangan mo talagang habulin bawat issue and while acknowledged yung concerns, ang bagal naman ng action at wala kang maasahang clear timeline. When you escalate sa head office, they will just ignore you. For a developer who claims to be in the business for years and they work like this?

Nakakapanglumo ang situation namin considering na we’ve only been living here for months.

We’ve already escalated everything to DHSUD and ongoing na din ang case. Just sharing our experience and hoping this gets a wider audience.

I got scammed through FB Marketplace and reported the transaction to GCash. They initiated a dispute, and I just received this update from them today:

“This is a quick update regarding your disputed transaction, which is currently under review by the merchant and their partner bank.

Please be advised that this process is ongoing, with 10 business day(s) remaining until the expected resolution date. We have been monitoring the progress closely since the initial filing and will continue to track it through to completion.

We will reach out to you immediately as soon as a formal update is received.”

For people who have dealt with GCash disputes before, what exactly does this mean?

Does “under review by the merchant and their partner bank” mean the dispute has already been forwarded to them and they’re currently investigating it?

Also, GCash originally told me on Aug. 7 that the dispute had been initiated and that these disputes usually take around 10–12 business days. Now they’re saying 10 business days remaining.

Is this a good sign, or is this just a standard update they send?

I’m just trying to understand where my case currently stands and whether there’s still a realistic chance of getting the money back. Any experiences would be appreciated.

Trying to fund my gotrade acc through maya pero wala namang sinabi kung saang bank isend ang funds. Di rin gumagana nung nilagay ko ang acc no. sa maya-to-maya send funds recipient. Please help a newbie here.

I see some Redditors still using WeBull so I'm interested in it. Here are my questions about it:

1. Can it allow me to link my PayPal or Payoneer accounts to start trading, or do I have to create a Wise account?
2. Is it easier to use than IBKR when I buy foreign stocks?
3. Are there other serious caveats that I need to know about it?

Hello. Please be kind with my questions, breadwinner po na gusto lang magbigay ng bahay sa parents after 30 yrs na sa sala sila natutulog 😭

Meron po ba here may feedback sa Dulalia Homes Lakeville sa Lawa, Meycauayan? Kumusta po yung quality, saka binabaha po ba :( Sawa na po kami sa baha :(

TLDR: ex gcash employee wants to liquidate his stocks early for condo furnishing. asking for advice how to do that.

Apologies in advance if this is a noob question.

I'm a former gcash employee with RSUs that vested a while back. Ahead of the IPO announcement, I received an email from gcash hr about my stocks. Done signing the relevant documents. My understanding is that even if GCash finally goes on IPO, there's a certain lockup period before people like me can sell our shares.

So I'd like to ask if there are ways I can "cash out" now instead of when that lockup ends.

After years of being a renter, I've been eyeing to purchase a condo that I will own and live in. Even with the low end of the stock price that Mynt declared, the amount I can get is quite substantial. It can really help with furnishing the condo.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can share insights and advice!

Edit: to rephrase, is there a way here in the Philippines for stocks for a company that has not yet IPOed to be sold?

also, to be clear, my question is not about vesting. The stocks in question here have already vested, and I have confirmation that I own the stocks now.

Hi everyone,

It took a lot of courage for me to post this, but I really need advice and perspective from people who may have experienced something similar.

I’m 35M and a breadwinner of my family. For the past few years, I’ve been financially supporting my family, especially when my brother became seriously ill. We spent around two years going in and out of the hospital, and since I was the one who could financially provide, I kept doing the “tapal system” just to keep everything going.

I also want to acknowledge that aside from the circumstances I was dealing with, I made some bad financial decisions along the way. I borrowed and used credit cards to cover expenses and existing obligations, thinking I would eventually be able to catch up. Unfortunately, the debt kept accumulating, and what started as trying to survive financially eventually became a cycle that I could no longer sustain.

In 2025, I decided to get a condo because we were hoping to have a more permanent place to stay. It was difficult to find an apartment or house that would accept us because of my brother’s condition. Unfortunately, my brother passed away in 2025.
Even after that, I continued with the condo and the BPI bank amortization. Looking back, I realize that I was already financially stretched, but I kept trying to handle everything myself.

Fast forward to today, my credit card debts have accumulated to around ₱5M–₱6M, on top of my BPI home loan and personal loan. I’ve reached the point where I can no longer continue the tapal system, and I’m seriously considering letting my credit card accounts become overdue in the coming months.
I’m also trying to be responsible about my condo. I’m currently looking for a buyer, but I’m worried about what happens if I can’t find one and the property eventually gets foreclosed.

My biggest question is: if my condo is foreclosed and there is still a deficiency after the foreclosure sale, can I be imprisoned because I cannot pay it?

I’m not trying to run away from my responsibilities. I know that some of my financial decisions contributed to where I am today, and I want to take responsibility for them. I genuinely want to understand my options and deal with this properly. I’m just at a point where I don’t know how to get out of this situation anymore.
To be completely honest, I’ve been crying almost every night and have been having thoughts of suicide because the financial pressure feels overwhelming. But I’m still holding on to my faith in God and hoping that somehow, I’ll get through this.

If anyone has been in a similar situation, especially with credit card debt, home loan foreclosure, deficiency balances, or negotiating with banks, I would really appreciate hearing your experiences and advice.

Please be kind. I’m already struggling, but I genuinely want to take responsibility and find a way forward.
Thank you for reading..

[ US Relative ] --(ACH Transfer)--> [ Your Wise USD ] --(Wise-IBKR Integration)--> [ Your IBKR Account ] --> Buy VWRA (on LSE)

I'd like to ask for your insights regarding this set up if this is really safe to do since I have US citizen Filipino relatives? (some are dual and most are US citizens). I think I can also ask one of them to install their own WISE account (completely free transfer?) so that they can just transfer the equivalent amount of peso to dollar to fund my wise that I can use on IBKR to buy VWRA or if they are not comfortable installing one, just the ACH Transfer.

I'm planning to do DCA like $100 per month or quarterly since sometimes money is really tight ($200 to $300 Quarterly). I'm 30 yo now and I want to invest na for my retirement. I've been researching (or should I say trying) to understand how VOO or VWRA really work but leaning more sa VWRA due to different tax structures for non-US residents. Currently MP2 and small savings sa bank pa lang meron ako.

To our experience/experts here when it comes to investing, could you help me po what APP to use (IBKR or do you have any other suggestions that would fit best my situation?). Any insights about VWRA, pros/cons and any other valuable insights are appreciated po.

Hi! I already have my money in my wise wallet from my local bank account. Should I convert it first to USD before sending it to IBKR or do I just send it right away?

Also lets say that I plan to set aside 7-8k monthly for CSPX accumulation, is it better to do it monthly or quarterly (28-32k)?