Warren Augustus De Guzman, a Registered Financial Planner, didn’t grow up with a consistent view of money. His early years were shaped by extremes—periods of abundance followed by moments of financial strain.
“There were times when our house was in danger of being repossessed… and there were times when we lived extravagantly,” he recalls.
His father, an OFW in the construction industry, experienced what he describes as a “feast and famine” cycle. When income was strong, the family traveled and spent freely. But when projects slowed, financial pressure quickly followed.
“It was very difficult for them to manage their finances,” he says.
Growing up in that environment left an impression, but not an immediate lesson. Like many, De Guzman only understood the importance of financial discipline much later in life.
A Lesson That Came Too Late
By his mid-20s, he had what many would consider a stable life—a steady job and a regular income. But behind that stability was a major gap: he had no real savings.
“I was 25 with no real direction in life… no savings to speak of,” he admits.
That reality did not seem urgent—until life forced him to confront it.
When his mother’s cancer returned, the situation escalated quickly. Medical bills piled up, and the family began using whatever funds they had to cover the costs.
“My mother’s treatment was expensive, and we quickly burned through the family funds,” he says.
Insurance, which they had hoped would provide protection, turned out to be insufficient.
“The insurance policies she had were not enough,” he adds.
The Moment That Changed Everything
One moment, in particular, became a defining experience in his financial journey.
He had to go to the bank and withdraw everything the family had left—every remaining peso—to continue paying for treatment.
“We had to close all of our accounts and withdraw all our money,” he recalls.
But even that moment did not go smoothly. His mother, already weak, struggled to sign the documents required for the transaction.
“The teller initially refused because my mother could no longer sign properly,” he says.
What followed was a mix of frustration, fear, and desperation.
“I ended up crying and screaming at the same time… it was horrible,” he admits.
Eventually, the branch manager recognized him and allowed the transaction to proceed. The funds were released, and he returned to the hospital to continue his mother’s treatment.
A Hard Realization
Despite their efforts, the outcome did not change. The family exhausted their savings, trying every possible treatment they could afford.
“We had exhausted what was left of our savings,” he says.
Looking back, the experience left a lasting mark—not just emotionally, but financially.
“It was a clear turning point for me,” he explains.
In that moment, he made a decision that would shape everything that followed.
“I vowed never to be in that position again,” he says.
Changing His Approach to Money
After that experience, De Guzman began to rethink how he handled money. Saving was no longer optional—it became a priority.
“Now I make it a point to put money aside every chance I get,” he says.
He also became more intentional about investing, focusing on long-term security rather than short-term gains.
His approach shifted from reactive to proactive—planning ahead instead of waiting for problems to arise.
Lessons From the Past
One of the most important lessons he carried forward came from observing his parents’ financial journey.
“They tried to save and invest… but the savings always ended up being spent,” he says.
However, there was one decision that stood out.
“It was only when my father started investing in real estate that he found steady ground,” he explains.
That insight reinforced his belief in building stable, income-generating assets.
“Reliable, low-risk, passive income-generating assets are a must,” he adds.
A Different Perspective on Wealth
Today, De Guzman describes himself as both a saver and an investor, balancing current needs with future goals.
“I have two children, so we do have a lot of expenses,” he says.
Even with those responsibilities, he remains committed to setting money aside whenever possible.
“The saving and investing have slowed down, but I still make it a point,” he explains.
His priorities are clear: stability, protection, and preparation for the unexpected.
A Lesson That Stays With Him
Among all the advice he has received, one stands out as a constant reminder of why financial planning matters.
“Always remember your why,” he says.
For De Guzman, that “why” is rooted in experience—the memory of a moment when financial preparation could have made a difference.
It’s a lesson he carries with him every day, shaping how he saves, invests, and plans for the future.
Because for him, financial planning is no longer just about building wealth.
It’s about making sure that when life changes, you’re ready.
