In an interview with Financial Adviser PH, Tzu Chuan Chiu shared a deeply personal memory that shaped her financial mindset from an early age. It started with coins—those round metallic objects that clinked with familiarity and felt tangibly valuable in the hands of a child. But what began as an innocent misunderstanding soon became a foundational lesson in her journey toward financial literacy, discipline, and independence.
The Day Money Made a Different Sound
“My first memory of money was when my fifth aunt taught us about coins,” Chiu recalled. “One day, my eldest maternal uncle visited our home and gave each of us a 20-peso bill. We all rejected it, saying, ‘This is fake. It’s just a piece of paper. It doesn’t make a sound like a real coin.'” Her uncle laughed at their naïveté.
That moment became pivotal. “It left a strong impression that I still remember it even to this day. It taught me that money can be in different forms, not just coins and bills, but anything that holds value.”
A Shift in Perspective: From Coins to Value
As she grew older, that early memory stayed with her—not as a source of embarrassment, but as a symbol of how financial understanding evolves.
“Now that I’m an adult, I see things differently. If something holds value, then it is worth keeping. Everything I know can still be lacking, and money can be found in infinite shapes or forms. There is always an opportunity and value that I just have to learn more about.”
This mindset served her well as she encountered more complex financial decisions in adulthood. Rather than seeing money as a static, one-dimensional tool, she learned to search for value, opportunity, and growth potential in every financial decision she made.
Lessons from a Family Business and a Sudden Loss
Tzu Chuan Chiu grew up in a family that benefited from her uncle’s financial support. He ran a business that helped fund her education and daily needs. “Our lifestyle was carefree,” she recalled. “We didn’t worry about money.”
That changed dramatically in 2011 when her uncle passed away. He had no insurance, and the family had to cover all medical and funeral expenses out of pocket. The financial safety net vanished overnight.
“That’s what happens when we rely on someone to take responsibility for us,” she said. “You can’t expect them to fulfill what should be your own obligation—especially when they’re no longer with you.”
The incident underscored another lesson for her: assets are not enough without financial planning. “Having a business, having income, having jewelry—none of that is enough if it isn’t managed well or passed on properly,” she emphasized.
Financial Literacy Begins at Home
Her mother, a constant figure of discipline and practicality, stepped up. “She always told us that education is the only thing no one can take away from you. Money can be stolen, but what you know can keep you going.”
That philosophy became a guiding light. Chiu never had to borrow money, even in difficult times. “We truly lived a simple life. We saved for future expenses and always stayed within budget.”
The Expanding View of Money
The lessons didn’t stop in childhood. As Chiu matured, she realized saving money wasn’t enough. “Earning less than 1% on my savings felt painful, especially after all the hard work,” she said. This realization sparked a more aggressive pursuit of value-generating financial instruments: UITFs, RTBs, life insurance, real estate, stocks, precious metals, and even mastering business processes.
Her desire to broaden her understanding led her to join the Registered Financial Planner (RFP) program. “I wanted to make sure I was financially literate and prepared,” she said. It wasn’t just about accumulating wealth, but about building a future defined by freedom and self-sufficiency.
The Bigger Picture: Money, Independence, and Legacy
Through discipline and education, Chiu has transformed her view of money. It’s no longer just about coins, paper bills, or even portfolio size. It’s about value, control, and freedom. “You can only be free if you have your own money,” her mother told her—words that have stayed with her ever since.
In an age where financial products are evolving and access to information is abundant, Chiu believes there’s no excuse for financial ignorance. “Not everyone who is considered financially successful is financially responsible. Ignorance is a choice in the age of information. Always search for solutions to future problems.”
Final Thought
Tzu Chuan Chiu’s story is more than a childhood anecdote about coins. It’s a narrative about evolution—how our perceptions of money expand with experience, education, and resilience. As she told Financial Adviser PH, the goal is no longer just having money. It’s about managing it wisely, planning for the future, and using it to build a life defined by freedom and security.
