The pandemic caused many of us to rethink our financial strategies, and for Jennifer De Leon, a Registered Financial Planner, it was a wake-up call that shifted her entire approach to security. With two young children and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty, Jennifer became hyper-focused on saving. “I was terrified of medical emergencies or losing my husband or myself,” she recalls. But her perspective on financial security changed after enrolling in an online Registered Financial Planner (RFP) course.
One particular module on insurance was a revelation. “Instead of scrambling to save for worst-case scenarios, I could get immediate peace of mind just by having coverage,” Jennifer explains. This simple yet powerful realization helped her feel in control of her family’s future, and it shifted her focus from sheer saving to a more comprehensive strategy that included insurance.
Prior to this, Jennifer had always been an investor. She started with time deposits in high school, then moved on to mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, always aiming to build wealth through investments. However, after securing insurance for her family, she found that the immediate protection it offered helped her better focus on long-term wealth-building strategies.
Jennifer’s philosophy now revolves around mindful spending. “I prioritize experiences with loved ones over material things,” she says, explaining that her goal is to eventually shift entirely to passive income for financial freedom. By automating savings and investments first, she gives herself the freedom to enjoy life without guilt. “The key is automating savings and investments first—then I can freely use what’s left without guilt,” she shares.
For Jennifer, the biggest financial lesson came from her parents: “Make money, save, invest, and avoid spending on things you don’t need.” Simple but powerful advice that laid the foundation for her approach to financial security. Ultimately, insurance became a crucial tool in achieving peace of mind and shaping a more sustainable financial future for her family.
