By the time children reach college, the world suddenly feels bigger—and more expensive. For many, it’s the first taste of independence: managing allowances, facing competitive job prospects, and preparing for adulthood. According to Marion Evangelista, a Registered Financial Planner (RFP), this stage is the bridge between financial theory and real-world practice.
In an interview with Financial Adviser PH, Evangelista shared why college years are the critical turning point for money management. “This is when kids start to understand the value of money not just as a tool for survival, but as a resource for building their future,” he said.
Turning Experience Into Discipline
For parents who’ve gradually involved their kids in financial discussions through elementary and high school, the college stage is the time to raise the bar.
“If they’ve acted as your ‘secretary’ and ‘treasurer’ before—tracking investments or helping with transactions—they’ll now appreciate why those habits matter,” Evangelista explained. “By college, they can connect it to their own financial goals.”
He recommends encouraging students to write down personal financial goals—whether it’s saving for a graduation trip, building an emergency fund, or preparing for graduate school abroad. Posting these goals somewhere visible, like on a dorm desk or bedroom wall, serves as a constant reminder of what they’re working toward.
Applying the Matching Principle
At this stage, Evangelista stresses the importance of teaching the Principle of Matching—aligning investments with time horizons.
Short-term goals (1–2 years): Save in money market or fixed-income funds.
Medium-term goals (3–5 years): Consider balanced funds to achieve growth while managing risk.
Long-term goals (5+ years): Explore equities or stock investments.
“College students are old enough to appreciate risk and reward,” he said. “If they can learn to match goals with the right products early on, they’ll avoid one of the biggest mistakes adults make—putting money in the wrong investment at the wrong time.”
If the student isn’t yet of legal age, parents can open an account in their name. What matters most, Evangelista emphasized, is exposure to actual investing—not just theory from textbooks.
Thinking Global, Starting Local
Today’s young adults are digital natives, and Evangelista believes this opens up a bigger horizon. “Global investing should no longer be a foreign concept to Filipinos,” he explained. Platforms that allow fractional U.S. stock investing or feeder funds into international markets are accessible with just a few thousand pesos.
While he advises working with a financial planner for portfolio design, Evangelista believes even small exposure to global markets gives college kids an edge. “The earlier they see how economies outside the Philippines move, the sharper their perspective becomes.”
Beyond Money: Building a Responsible Mindset
While numbers matter, Evangelista cautions that financial success in college isn’t just about investments—it’s also about character.
He encourages parents to remind students that a portion of their allowance should always go to savings or investments. Even setting aside ₱500 a month builds discipline. He also stresses that health remains part of financial planning. “A student who neglects health could wipe out savings through medical bills,” he said.
Finally, he points back to values: “Parents want the best for their children. Teaching money skills is one way of ensuring they can stand confidently on their feet, but equally important is instilling integrity, responsibility, and balance.”
Why It Matters
Financial literacy is no longer optional—it’s survival. By the time a child graduates college, their money mindset often dictates whether they fall into the trap of debt or step into adulthood with confidence.
“Personal finance isn’t just about wealth creation,” Evangelista concluded. “It’s about preparing the next generation to make wise choices, live responsibly, and build a future they’re proud of.”
