Suzette Morillo, a Registered Financial Planner, didn’t always approach money the way she does today. For years, she built a stable career as a corporate professional, but like many, she focused more on income and benefits than long-term planning.
“I was not able to allocate funds for the future… I wasted time and opportunity,” she admits.
That realization only came later, after she stepped away from corporate life and began to reassess her financial direction.
A Career Shift That Changed Everything
Her turning point began when she left her corporate role and became a full-time financial advisor. The shift not only changed her income—it changed how she saw her potential.
“My annual compensation before, I can now earn in just one transaction,” she says.
More importantly, it pushed her to believe in her own capability and explore opportunities beyond a fixed salary.
“When I took my RFP, it really helped me build my financial foundation,” she adds.
When Life Changes Overnight
But the biggest test came later, when her husband passed away unexpectedly. In an instant, she became a single mother responsible for two children and their future.
“Dealing with grief and financial distress at the same time is a huge burden,” she says.
Medical expenses and existing obligations quickly consumed their resources, forcing her to face the reality of lost income and rising responsibilities.
“I needed to replace the income we lost,” she explains.
Starting Again With a Plan
What helped her move forward was something she once overlooked—financial planning. With structure and discipline, she began rebuilding step by step.
“Because of our family financial planning worksheet, I was guided and able to start again,” she says.
Instead of reacting to circumstances, she started making decisions based on clear goals and actual numbers.
“Now I go with the ‘numbers game’—planning income versus expenses and adjusting my lifestyle,” she explains.
Changing Her Money Mindset
Her experience reshaped how she thinks about money. Instead of simply earning and spending, she now focuses on balance and long-term security.
“As a balance investor, I allocate 20 to 30% for future needs,” she says.
She follows a structured approach—covering essential expenses, discretionary spending, and investments—ensuring that every peso has a purpose.
“Pay yourself first is something I truly apply now,” she adds, referring to prioritizing savings and investing.
Investing With Clarity
When it comes to investing, Morillo avoids guesswork. Her decisions are guided by time horizon and clear objectives.
“My investments are based on short, medium, and long-term goals,” she explains.
This structure helps her manage risk and avoid emotional decisions, especially during uncertain times.
“It helps me identify risks, diversify, and focus on achievable financial goals,” she says.
Helping Others Build Their Future
Today, Morillo uses her experience to guide clients through their own financial journeys. For her, financial planning is not just about numbers—it’s about direction and confidence.
“I became a companion to my clients in building their financial foundation,” she says.
Her goal is to help them create plans that are realistic, measurable, and aligned with their lives.
“With proper planning, they gain clarity and peace of mind,” she adds.
Building Toward the Future
Her current focus remains on rebuilding what was lost and preparing for what lies ahead. That includes her retirement and her children’s future.
“The goal now is to replace the gap and secure future financial needs,” she says.
She continues to refine her plans, making sure they align with the life she wants to build moving forward.
A Journey That Continues
Looking back, Morillo sees her journey as an ongoing process rather than a fixed destination. Every day is an opportunity to improve financial decisions and move closer to long-term goals.
“My journey starts every day—taking better financial actions leads to a better future,” she says.
Her experience shows that financial planning is not just about preparation—it’s about resilience, discipline, and the ability to start again when life changes.
