Many people believe financial planning is just about numbers—budgeting, investing, and growing wealth. But according to Jesse James Cooley Llamado, Registered Financial Planner, even the best financial strategies will fall apart without one critical element: discipline.
Speaking to Financial Adviser PH, Llamado emphasized that behavior, not just knowledge, is the missing link in most people’s financial plans. “You can study finance, create spreadsheets, and read all the books—but if you don’t have the discipline to follow through, nothing will change,” he said.
The Misconception: Knowledge Is Enough
Llamado’s background in accounting and finance taught him how to manage other people’s money. But managing his own was an entirely different challenge. “It’s easier to fix someone else’s financials because there’s no emotional attachment,” he shared. “With your own money, there are habits, fears, and personal triggers involved.”
That emotional side of money, Llamado said, is what often undermines even the most well-crafted plans. Overspending, lifestyle creep, and impulsive decisions don’t stem from a lack of knowledge—but from undisciplined habits.
“Discipline is the bridge between intention and result,” he explained. “Without it, even the smartest plan is just a wish.”
Discipline as a System, Not Willpower
Rather than relying on willpower alone, Llamado recommends building financial systems that encourage discipline. For him, that meant tracking expenses weekly, setting monthly goals, and creating personal income statements. These routines made financial planning more than just an idea—they turned it into a lifestyle.
“Most people focus on how much they want to save or earn,” he noted. “But very few ask: What’s the system that will keep me consistent?”
Llamado’s structured approach allowed him to see patterns in his behavior—where his money was going, why it was being spent, and how to adjust accordingly. “When you write things down, you face reality. And when you face reality, you’re in a position to change it,” he told Financial Adviser PH.
Why High Income Doesn’t Guarantee Stability
A common myth is that discipline becomes easier with higher income. But Llamado warns that this is rarely true. “Even if you’re earning a million pesos a month, it’s easy to spend it all without structure,” he said. “If you don’t train yourself early, you’ll just upgrade your bad habits.”
In fact, many of the wealthiest individuals he’s worked with still struggle financially—not because of income shortages, but because of poor decision-making and lack of control.
“The real challenge isn’t making more money,” he explained. “It’s managing what you have consistently, regardless of how much it is.”
Lessons from Being Broke
Llamado’s discipline wasn’t built at the peak of success—it was forged during a time of financial hardship. He took the RFP certification program while he was still struggling financially. But he saw it as a necessary investment in his future.
“Starting from zero actually helped me,” he said. “Because I had to be intentional with every peso. I had no margin for error, so I had to build the right habits from the ground up.”
This perspective shaped how he now approaches financial planning—not as a luxury, but as a survival tool. And more importantly, as a responsibility.
The Real Indicator of Success
When asked what sets successful clients apart from those who continue to struggle, Llamado doesn’t mention income, education, or financial background. He mentions consistency.
“Discipline creates momentum. And momentum is what builds wealth over time.”
For professionals looking to improve their finances, he suggests starting small: tracking daily expenses, reviewing weekly budgets, and asking one key question before every purchase—Does this support my goals?
Final Takeaway
Financial planning without discipline is like setting a destination without learning how to drive. The roadmap may be perfect, but it’s discipline that gets you there.
As Jesse James Cooley Llamado told Financial Adviser PH, “You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be consistent. And that consistency only comes with discipline.”
