That little disagreement

I've ingested the idea of investing wholeheartedly. I even persuaded my parents to invest. My friends and I started this investing thing 2 years ago. Though I haven't reaped the rewards yet of investing, but it's great to have moved a step towards financial independence.

This blog isn't about investing and its whereabouts. Rather, it's the little discourse that got a little persuasive and strong afterwards  - during one afternoon at our coffee break. It started with our FlexBen Enrolment and somebody spoke about his variable insurance. And "they" (the once young officemates) all know we also have the same type of investment. Like wildfire, they attacked "the idea" of having to put your money to financial companies. I know where her fear is coming from. I knew you were a victim of those pre-need education plans. My parents are victims, too. From CAP, Pacific Plan and EduPlan, they all failed. But I am glad my parents are open-minded to venture again in investing - in its real sense.

So, to you who discouraged us, I would like to answer your attacks:
1.) We read and researched about investing before putting off the money. (Robert Kiyosaki's The Rich Dad, Poor Dad; Bo Sanchez' My Main Invests in Stock Market; Investing for Dummies; and other online journals)
2.) We understand the risks of investing, so we only set aside the money we can afford to lose. And you can't simply gain without risking. DUH.
3.) You're investing with our Provident Fund, and they're the same thing. DUH. Again.
4.)We still enjoy our pay but we observe prioritizing...spending only what is needed, shed those unnecessary wants and ditch the impulsive buying. I don't have the high-end gadgets or travel as often as I used to (naks!), I just live modestly. But again, it doesn't mean I'm (we are)  not enjoying.

Hope this will knock some sense to you...

"Filipinos are not much of an investor, which is why our investment market, although performing extremely well, is not as big as it should be. The rate of Filipinos with insurance is likewise low at less than 20 percent of the household heads.
Here’s another disturbing statistic, it is believed that only about 10 percent of Filipinos actually prepare for retirement. Because of all these, a big majority of the population ends up financially dependent on their children during their old age. An SSS (Social Security System) study said that over 70 percent of Filipinos during retirement are living with and are being supported by their children." (Brighterlife.com)

There, I said my piece. I'm claiming a brighter life. There's not a need to heed your warning. I'm never giving up my gargantuan dream!