Lover Mae Amodia, a Registered Financial Planner, didn’t begin her financial journey with complex investments or formal training. It started with something simple—a small container, a few coins, and a mindset that would later shape her future.
“I made an alkansya out of a baby powder container and saved almost ₱20,” she recalls.
At seven years old, she used that money not just for herself, but to buy food and share it with her family. That early experience reflected lessons about responsibility and generosity.
Growing up with limited resources, Amodia learned to be resourceful early on. She didn’t just save—she found ways to earn and create value from what she had.
“I used to sell yema… and I loved counting my sales and my profit,” she says.
She even allowed neighbors to buy on credit and collected payments later, unknowingly practicing business fundamentals at a young age.
“Growing up with limited means taught me the value of every peso,” she adds.
Despite those early experiences, she admits there were important lessons she learned later than she would have liked. One of the biggest was the value of mentorship and guidance.
“I thought I had to figure everything out on my own,” she says.
That mindset slowed her progress and led to missed opportunities, something she now encourages others to avoid.
“Having the right mentors can change everything,” she explains.
As she progressed in her career, Amodia began to rethink how she viewed money. Like many Filipinos, she initially saw money as something to enjoy and spend.
“In my early years, I was a spender,” she admits.
That perspective changed after a turning point that pushed her to reflect on her long-term goals and financial direction.
“I realized I am my greatest investment,” she says.
That realization led her to invest in herself first. She pursued further education and professional credentials to build a stronger financial foundation.
“I enrolled in Real Estate Management and became a broker and appraiser,” she shares.
She also joined the Registered Financial Planner program, which gave her clarity and structure in managing money.
“The shift to an investor mindset started with investing in myself,” she adds.
Today, she approaches money with more intention. While she still values experiences, her financial decisions are guided by purpose and long-term goals.
“I now spend more intentionally on what truly matters,” she says.
Her portfolio now includes real estate, stocks, and retirement investments, all aligned with building long-term stability.
“I started building assets and planning for the future,” she explains.
Not every decision went smoothly. One of her biggest investment lessons came when she followed a strong conviction that did not work out as expected.
“My portfolio dropped from 200% gains to just 80%,” she recalls.
That experience taught her to stay disciplined and grounded, even when opportunities seem promising.
“Never be overconfident,” she says.
Today, she takes a more structured approach to risk. Every financial decision is aligned with her goals and supported by careful evaluation.
“If an investment doesn’t support my goals, I skip it,” she explains.
She also starts small when exploring new opportunities, allowing her to manage risk without missing potential gains.
“I like to test the waters first,” she adds.
One piece of advice continues to guide her financial journey. It is simple, but it carries long-term impact when applied consistently.
“Start with what you have,” she says.
She emphasizes that waiting for the perfect moment often leads to missed opportunities.
“Even small amounts can grow if you start early,” she explains.
When it comes to managing money, Amodia follows a system that works for her. Instead of strict tracking, she focuses on balance and flexibility.
“I go with the flow, but I still track my expenses,” she says.
She maintains a simple structure, ensuring bills are covered, spending is controlled, and unexpected expenses are accounted for.
“It’s a system that works—balanced and intentional,” she adds.
Today, her financial goals are clear and focused. She is working toward growing her investments, building her retirement fund, and becoming debt-free.
“I want to build long-term wealth and be prepared for the future,” she says.
At the same time, she finds motivation in seeing progress, especially when it comes to reducing financial obligations.
“It feels good to see the balances going down,” she adds.
For Amodia, financial planning is not just about accumulating wealth. It is about creating a life that is meaningful and aligned with her values.
“I don’t chase commissions… I focus on helping my clients,” she says.
Through her work, she aims to help others achieve what she calls “360° abundance,” a balance of financial, personal, and emotional well-being.
“Because wealth isn’t just about money,” she explains.
Looking back, her journey began with something simple—a ₱20 alkansya and a desire to help her family. That same mindset continues to guide her today.
For her, financial success is not defined by how much you start with, but by how you grow and use what you have over time.
