For many Filipinos, letting go of a car, laptop, or even a household appliance isn’t just a financial decision—it’s an emotional one. Sentimentality, habit, and the fear of spending big often keep us holding on longer than we should.
But according to Marion Evangelista, a Registered Financial Planner (RFP), the decision to keep or replace an asset should never rely on feelings alone. In an interview with Financial Adviser PH, he explained:
“Every decision is a mix of the mind, the heart, and the wallet. Logic tells you about repair costs, your heart tells you about comfort, and your wallet shows you what you can afford. Balancing all three is the key.”
Here’s how Evangelista applies this framework to real-life asset decisions.
The Aircon That Wasn’t Worth Fixing
Evangelista recalled buying a secondhand aircon unit for their condo, only to face constant breakdowns.
“We kept repairing it until the bill reached almost ₱30,000. At that point, the mind said: enough. The comfort wasn’t there, and the wallet couldn’t justify more repairs,” he said.
The heart wanted to keep it—since it felt like a waste to dispose of a barely used unit—but the qualifiers were clear: repair cost and comfort outweighed sentiment. The couple replaced it with a newer, energy-efficient brand instead.
The Laptop That Still Pays for Itself
Not all aging assets need to be replaced right away. Evangelista pointed to his four-year-old laptop, which he still uses for business and client work.
“My mind tells me new models have better features. My heart says I’m still satisfied with its performance. And my wallet says I don’t need to spend yet. That’s why I still hold on,” he explained.
For him, the qualifiers are personal needs and productivity. Once his laptop starts slowing down client work, he knows it’s time to let go. Until then, the balance tips toward keeping it.
The Car That Outlived Its Reliability
Cars often stir the strongest emotions, but Evangelista warns that sentiment shouldn’t blind you to risks.
His wife’s previous car lasted seven years before issues piled up: compressor problems, worn tires, and busted bulbs. “We loved that car—it felt like part of the family. But the mind saw rising repair costs, the heart felt less comfort, and the wallet knew insurance coverage would get harder to find. That’s when we let it go,” he said.
In this case, safety and practicality outweighed emotional attachment.
Why Timing and Cash Flow Matter
Even if the decision points to replacement, Evangelista stresses the wallet still has the final say.
“If cash isn’t ready, defer the purchase. Don’t replace an asset just to end up buried in debt,” he advised. “Sometimes the smarter choice is to wait and prepare your finances.”
He added that installment options with 0% interest can make sense if cash flow allows. “But don’t use credit as an excuse to upgrade out of impulse,” he cautioned.
For Evangelista, the right asset decision comes from harmony between the mind, the heart, and the wallet.
“The mind looks at costs and risks. The heart values comfort and satisfaction. The wallet sets the limit,” he told Financial Adviser PH. “If two out of three say it’s time to let go, listen. Don’t wait until all three are in trouble.”
At the end of the day, he believes being financially conscious doesn’t mean being cold or detached. It simply means being intentional.
As he put it:
“Every asset tells a story. The goal is to know when the story has reached its ending—and when it’s time to start a new chapter.”
