There’s a hidden side to financial literacy that doesn’t always get discussed: burnout. For many new investors, the excitement of learning about personal finance can turn into pressure to do everything—buy every product, follow every tip, and chase every trend.
That’s exactly what happened to Dr. Jhoanna De Guzman, a Registered Financial Planner who shared her story with Financial Adviser PH. At just 22, she was already wearing the badge of a financial expert. But with that badge came unrealistic expectations—from others, and worse, from herself.
The Trap of Over-Investing
Dr. Jhoanna started with pure passion. As a young MBA student, she was inspired by a book written by a fellow RFP and decided to follow the same path. Despite having limited income, she enrolled in the program, commuting from the province to Manila every weekend with her father’s support.
Fueled by a thirst to learn, she dove headfirst into every investment platform she encountered: two VUL policies, UITFs, local stocks, credit card rewards programs, and multiple savings accounts with nearly every major bank. She even studied real estate investing—despite not having the capital to act on it.
“People expected me to know everything because I was an RFP,” she recalled. “So I felt like I had to try it all.”
When Knowledge Turns Into Noise
The pressure to know it all became overwhelming. Jhoanna wasn’t just juggling multiple financial tools—she was also juggling her emotions, time, and self-expectations. Each new account brought not peace of mind, but anxiety.
“I wasn’t rich,” she said. “I had only a few thousand pesos in each account. But the pressure to maintain the image of someone who had it all together got to me.”
Eventually, the emotional toll outweighed the financial benefits. That’s when she made the decision that would change her mindset—and her money—for the better.
From Investment Hoarder to Finance Minimalist
Dr. Jhoanna took a radical step: she let go.
She closed accounts, gave up some of her investments, and focused only on two core financial vehicles. The decision wasn’t easy—it meant admitting that not all financial advice applied to her. But it was freeing.
“Not every piece of advice is for everyone, and that’s okay,” she said. “I’m able to sleep peacefully now because I play the long game with just two investments.”
This shift didn’t just simplify her strategy—it improved it. With fewer accounts to monitor, she had more clarity. With less pressure to “keep up,” she had more confidence in her decisions. And with a more focused plan, her long-term gains became easier to manage.
The Case for Finance Minimalism
Finance minimalism is about cutting through the noise and committing only to what aligns with your values, lifestyle, and goals. For Dr. Jhoanna, this meant prioritizing mental wellness along with financial growth.
She now curates the information she consumes, following only a few trusted voices instead of dozens of influencers. She’s also become more honest in her talks and workshops—not just sharing what works, but also what didn’t.
“I used to give checklists of platforms during my talks,” she said. “Now I share real stories and what I’ve personally experienced. I think it helps people more.”
Lessons From a Simplified Strategy
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by too many options, here are Dr. Jhoanna’s key takeaways:
Start With Self-Awareness
Not every strategy is for everyone. Know what you need, what you value, and what you can realistically manage.
Curate Your Sources
You don’t have to follow every finance guru. Find a few that align with your principles and stick with them.
Quality Over Quantity
Having ten small accounts won’t build wealth faster. It may just drain your energy. Focus on the few that really work.
Balance Growth With Peace
Wealth isn’t just about numbers—it’s also about the peace you feel with your plan. If it’s causing stress, it may not be worth it.
Say No Without Guilt
You don’t need to try every financial product just because you’re told to diversify. Sometimes, saying no is the smartest strategy.
The Long Game, Played Simply
Dr. Jhoanna’s story is a powerful reminder that financial literacy is not about doing it all—it’s about doing what works for you. In a world overflowing with advice, the discipline to say “no” is just as important as the courage to say “yes.”
Today, her message to fellow investors and young professionals is simple: “You don’t have to know it all. You just have to know what matters to you—and stay true to that.”
