Warren Augustus De Guzman, a Registered Financial Planner, didn’t start his journey as a finance professional. For years, he built a career in media, working as a business anchor and financial reporter, translating complex economic stories for everyday Filipinos.
But over time, his mission evolved from explaining finance to helping people take control of it.
“I believe financial wellness is the key to a strong Philippine economy,” he says.
That belief now drives his work in both banking and financial education.
From Experience to Expertise
De Guzman’s approach to money is shaped not just by theory, but by experience. After going through financial challenges in his personal life, he became more intentional about understanding how money works.
“I have become very aware of the power of money, compounding, and inflation,” he says.
These concepts, often overlooked, became central to how he evaluates financial decisions and opportunities.
“They changed how I approach long-term planning,” he adds.
The Role of the RFP Program
A key turning point in his professional development came when he joined the Registered Financial Planner program. Encouraged by financial educator Salve Duplito, he took the step to formalize his knowledge.
“Ms. Salve Duplito encouraged me to join,” he says.
The program gave structure to his understanding of finance and helped him apply it more effectively.
“It improved my personal financial planning and helped me account for inflation in investments,” he explains.
Building Better Investment Decisions
With a stronger foundation, De Guzman became more disciplined in how he approached investing. He focused on balancing risk and long-term growth.
“I separate long-term investments from funds that need to remain liquid,” he says.
As a father, this approach is not just strategic—it’s necessary.
“Liquidity risk is big for me,” he explains, emphasizing the need to protect his family while still building wealth.
Learning From Mistakes
Like many investors, he also faced setbacks along the way. One of his investments in a crowdfunding platform failed completely.
“It went belly-up and I lost the whole investment,” he says.
That experience reinforced one of the most important principles in investing.
“Diversify, diversify, diversify,” he adds.
It became a rule he now applies consistently in managing his portfolio.
A Structured Approach to Wealth
Today, De Guzman takes a more structured approach to financial planning. His decisions are guided by clear goals and time horizons.
“We earmark funds for family goals every year,” he says.
This includes planning for his children’s education, long-term investments, and future financial needs.
“We also review our cash flow annually,” he adds, highlighting the importance of tracking progress.
From Personal Finance to Public Impact
What sets De Guzman apart is how he extends his knowledge beyond personal finance. He has turned his experience into a broader advocacy for financial literacy.
“I used my RFP certification to create a Financial Wellness program,” he says.
These programs are offered to public school teachers, students, and employees, helping them understand the basics of financial planning.
“We offer these programs for free,” he adds, emphasizing accessibility.
A Mission for Financial Literacy
For De Guzman, financial education is not just a profession—it’s a responsibility. He believes that improving financial literacy can create long-term impact for families and communities.
“I believe financial wellness is the key to national progress,” he says.
His goal is to help more Filipinos understand how to manage money effectively and build sustainable financial futures.
“We aim to train as many Filipinos as possible,” he adds.
The Power of Community
Another benefit of becoming an RFP was the network it provided. Being surrounded by like-minded professionals helped him refine his approach and stay updated.
“It connected me with a community that shares best practices,” he says.
This exchange of knowledge continues to influence how he develops programs and advises others.
A Bigger Definition of Wealth
Looking ahead, De Guzman sees wealth not just as financial gain, but as stability and impact. His focus is on helping individuals and families build stronger financial foundations.
“Financial wellness isn’t a privilege—it’s a right,” he says.
For him, the goal is not just to grow wealth, but to make financial knowledge accessible to more people.
Turning Knowledge Into Action
At its core, his journey reflects the shift from understanding finance to applying it with purpose. The lessons he learned—through experience and education—now shape how he helps others.
For De Guzman, financial planning is no longer just a personal discipline.
It’s a way to create impact—one family at a time.
