Let's take care of your hard-earned money

Where do your money go? What are your plans? How do you manage your finances. This blog may be of help to you. I'd like to be of help to you.

Let us strike a balance. Fun and learning

There is so much things to learn in the banking industry. Thus, learning has to be fun as well. It pays to be knowledgeable and learning becomes more effective when practiced. Have fun getting some insights.

Live the dream

I'd like to be the person who actualizes things I write about. So, I like to live the dream. I'd like to create that impact to people's lives.

Get the tips

Aside from knowledge, I wish to share tips for saving and doing more of what we earn. Let's make it easy as we say in BPI.

Be up to date

Banking updates especially in Philippine setting are things I wish to share with you too. Let's all be updated.

Drop a message :)

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

BPI Facebook Fan Page

I am so excited on where BPI is leading for the next coming years. Right now, I'd like to invite friends and readers (banking or not banking with us) to like our new BPI Facebook Fan Pagehttp://www.facebook.com/bpi


What can you expect from the site:


  • More updates about BPI.
  • Seek help and financial assistance (TALK TO US)
  • TIPS on financial wellness
Let's make it easy at BPI! :)

List of Universal Banks in the Philippines



The banking system in the Philippines consists of various types (universal, commercial, thrifty, rural, etc). The largest and most popular nationwide are the universal banks. Universal banks possess the same qualities and capabilities as to commercial banks. Additional power and difference is that it is also an Investment bank. (Further  explanation on my next posts)

So here’s the list of Universal banks in the Philippines:

1.   Banco de Oro Unibank, Inc.
2.   Bank of the Philippine Islands
3.   Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company
4.   Land Bank of the Philippines
5.   Philippine National Bank
6.   Allied Banking Corporation
7.   China Banking Corporation
8.   Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation
9.   Union Bank of the Philippines
10.   United Coconut Planters Bank
11.   Security Bank Corporation
12.   Development Bank of the Philippines
13.   Philippine Trust Company
14.  Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

How to use Express Payment System (EPS) ?

Using EPS is simple as A-B-C. So when you are at the mall:

1.  Shop (Department Stores, Grocery stores, etc)

2.  At the counter (upon payment), look for EPS signage (Read : Are you a BPI Express Teller Card holder?) or ask the cashier about EPS.

3. Present your ATM card (BPI Express Teller Card) as payment for your purchases.

4.The cashier swipes your card in the Point-of –Sale (POS) terminal.

5. The cashier will request you to enter your PIN or your Personal Identification Number. The PIN is the same combination you use in the ATM.

6. The system automatically deducts the exact total amount of your purchase from your deposit (savings) account.




Happy shopping! :)

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Requirement in Account Opening

I'll get this straight. When you open an account, one major requirement is your IDENTIFICATION CARD or ID. And I mean VALID ID. So here's the list of acceptable IDS you can present in opening an account (Philippines' setting):


        Social Security Sytem (SSS) ID
        Driver's License
        Passport
        Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) ID
        Government Service and Insurance Systems (GSIS) e-Card
        Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
        OFW ID
        Seaman’s Book
        Alien Certification of Registration / Immigrant Certificate of Registration
        Government Office and GOCC ID (e.g., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),
         Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) IDs)
        Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
        Company IDs issued by Private Entities or Institutions Registered with or
          Supervised or Regulated either by the BSP, SEC or Insurance Commission
        IDs issued by an Official Foreign Authority (e.g., Foreign Passport,
         Foreign Driver’s License, etc.)
        For Students, School ID duly signed by the Principal or Head of School
        For Non-Philippine Residents, Similar IDs duly issued by the Foreign              
         Government (e.g., Foreign Passport, Foreign Driver’s License) where the 
         Customer is a Resident or a Citizen may be presented
  

Bear in mind that Ids should be original, photo-bearing and issued by official authority. Prepare a photocopy of your ID with you and a 1x1 picture along.

That's it, requirements=CHECKED! You are ready to fill out the form.



           


First Step: Open a Savings Account

I really admire people who started saving on an early age (through their piggy banks maybe). I even remember that when I was in Grade 5, I joined a so-called “Paluwagan” where we are forced to give 20 pesos every week. I hope my memory is still right. Definitely it was a habit of taking aside something from our allowance every week and on Christmas we bear the fruit of our weekly contribution. Thus, a happy Christmas of spending for gifts to myself and loved ones.


But as I get older, I realized that I wanted to add value to the money I am setting aside.  Besides I no longer just save for  Christmas purposes. The purpose just gets a list ahead of it: emergency, school, family contribution, church contribution, future plans, travel, etc. As a personal move for adding value to my money, just a stepping stone, I opened a savings bank account.

            So why else do I have a savings account?

  •      I take out or minimize atleast the risk of losing my money at home. My money in the bank is PDIC insured (more security). More so, I also lessen temptation from using my money which is just within my sight and reach.
  •      I develop a habit of going to the bank and do my deposits. Such practice will open other doors of easily availing other bank products and services I might need in the future: loans, credit card, etc.
  • I just don't let my money sleep in the bank as what our dear piggy banks do. I let it grow for an interest per year. Yes, it is small. But the point is, there is growth. As I said, just a stepping stone of adding value to my money.

So take out your home savings and open a savings account now!

Are you a BPI Express Teller Card holder?

If yes, look behind your card. See this logo? ------------------------>




This built-in feature allows you to use your ATM card to over 10000 establishments nationwide and settle your bill right away. No hassle, no cash risk, no enrollment needed, no extra charge. EPS made it very convenient for you.

EPS or Express Payment System is the debit card based system used for processing point of sale transactions. It is originally a system for ATM cards of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) together with its subsidiaries. It is the system believed to be used as well by Expressnet interbank network in the Philippines where Banco de Oro (BDO) and Landbank are affiliated banks (members) too.

All other logos (Megalink, Bancnet, Cirrus), are systems where you can also use your card. Just be sure that the merchant or the machine you will be using is affiliated too to these systems (networks).
           
So better bring convenience. Bring your ATM Card with you.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

The Advantages of Credit Card


YES! I am afraid of credit card. I am afraid that I end up with so much debts. I am afraid that I get too excited in shopping and SWIPE my credit card all the way to its limit. I am afraid of charges. And so on and so forth.

That was before. I was also paranoid before I actually realized how important and beneficial to my way of living can credit card be. That goes the same with you. Let me tell you how and why having a credit card rocks. (On my next note I'll share tips how to make use of your credit card wisely and get away from having debts or extra charges)

·I love to travel (By the way, I'm on a long distance relationship too). Thus I need to book flights. Buying in ticketing offices is an additional cost (transportation) and there are extra charges added to my purchased ticket (another) plus the very limited chance of getting a promo flight. With my credit card and ofcourse my internet facility. I booked online and get greater chances of winning (it feels winning for me) a promo flight to my chosen destination. Amazing!

·I find my long-waited suit displayed on a discount or a furniture I can give my mom on a 0% percent interest installment which is only good for this week (Check out my Installment credit feature soon) and yet my allotted money for that has not yet arrived. Thank you credit card, I can swiped and get that item on a lower price. I save money and I make myself/others happy at the same time. Isn’t that lovely?

·There was an emergency and the bill has to be paid in the hospital. If we stay and wait for the money, the bigger our bill gets. With my credit card, I can settle everything right there and then. Did I just save again? Yes.

·I can share the same benefits to a loveone like my parents in case. They will be my supplements. We share the same credit line and they enjoy the same benefits. I just know they’ll be happy. I bet your loved ones will be happy too just be sure to monitor their expenses too.

·I am torn between buying my immediate need and this thing I know I will need next week. I know I have saved money for it. With my credit card, I get both items at the same time. One maybe I have to purchase in cash. I save time and money too.

·Purchasing items or eating on a restaurant using my credit card helps me to collect points or receipts that I can exchange for a gift item or real thrill food. You like that too?

·I have a business or a hobby to finance. I don't get out of money (CASH) since I am able to revolve my money wisely with a credit card around.

·Once in a blue moon, I'd be needing cash. Credit card allows me to have cash advance.

· I don't want to bring cash. Having a credit card is less risky than bringing cash. I feel a lot safer and secured everytime I purchase. 


And I guess there's a list to go on here. Don't be afraid to have one. I find it more beneficial than life-threatening. *laughs*. Let's talk about managing and using it wisely soon. Credit card is not to have debts, it is to help you more in managing your finances and using your cash more practical. We'll talk more about it soon.


I am NOT afraid of credit card. I love it. 

Debit : Bank Definition

Debit and credit are just two very familiar, most often used terms in any accounting matter. Such is being defined as two aspects of every financial transaction (Wikipedia.com). Nevertheless if you are in highschool and have an Accounting subject you have once tried to debit cash, credit furniture and fixtures per se? Or you remembered being confused analyzing a given transaction and which of it has to be written in the left side of the ledger (debit) and its right side (credit). I did! I still do sometimes.

Today we give honor to DEBIT.  Debit as a term commonly used in the bank.  But going back a little basic let's define debt which I assume as DEBIT's root word as something owed. Such something could be in forms of money or goods or services. When I say: “Kristine has a debt to Raphael due next month”. It is saying that Kristine has a liability or obligation to pay or perform something (defined earlier) to Raphael.

Thus to debit, (as per bank perspective) means to charge a person's account  with a debt or simply to pay out from. One would say: “I DEBITed your bank account in expense of the replacement of your ATM card. This would mean I charge your account in payment of the new ATM card (which is the debt) or I payout the charge from your account. 

Another scenario:  “The ATM savings account can also be used as DEBIT card”. It means that the ATM savings account can be used as a means to pay out for something. This something could be purchases from the department stores or some groceries you have to pay using your ATM savings account through Express Payment System or EPS. (We'll talk more about the debit card and EPS on my succeeding notes)

So remember, when you hear the word debit, most especially in a bank scenario, it’s actually taking money from you. A withdrawal through the ATM is a debit transaction. Be careful with your DEBITS, you don't want to end up losing all your savings. Right?

INTRO


I was 20 when I started working in a bank. My first job and here’s something LEGENDARY:   I am not RICH! (but I will be someday. Dreaming to be rich is free) I earn just well enough. It is  not true that people who work in a bank do have a lot of money. Hell yah! How I wish. The truth is we just deal with a million (raise to the power of 2 or 3 sometimes) of money matters every single day:  transactions in the bank involve money, we talk money, we make money, we eat money (just kidding!). And that money is not OURS. (Again, how I wish.) Nevertheless, we deal with money EVERYDAY! And maybe with my training and exposure in the bank, I'll learn how to make more of the money I am earning then I'll be rich.(I'll share it with you too and together we'll be rich) I'll claim that someday.  *crossed-fingers*

I am Kristine, area sales officer of the Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI). I am not  the typical personnel of a bank. I don't handle client’s usual deposit or withdrawal transactions nor encode the information of a new client opening an account. I am not also the branch manager who supervises the branch operations and such. People don't usually see me inside the branch because I am out there... in the field. Looking for prospects, shoot them down to bank with us and sell our products and services.

 In this blog, I'd like to share my learning and insights inside the bank industry and impart knowledge with regards to money and banking. I'd try my best not to be biased, though I know in my heart that we are the number one (1) bank in the country. BPI is the bank of choice. Did I just say I am not biased? haha. Anyway, my being loyal of my own bank will be apparently obvious from time to time as I brag some of our best products and services. Please bear with me. *laughs*

Really. I hope to create an impact to people’s lives (even a little) with the help of this blog. :)

Let's make it easy! Let's talk money and soon, maybe we'll make money, grow our money, do something good out of our money.


Happy reading!