10 Great Online Investment Opportunities In The Philippines

First of all, if you are like me who always gets sucked into a shop just because it has that screaming “SALE 70% OFF” sign, I hate to tell you this but you’re missing out on all that the world of investments has to offer.

It’s not really your fault; it’s probably because you have very limited knowledge on the vast opportunities that investments online have to offer.

Investments in the Philippines

As a millennial myself, if I see something that is cute and I feel like I need it, my tendency is to grab it without second thoughts. But after some research, I found out that one of the best ways to spend AND save money is by making online investments.

What does investment mean?

Investing, in its broadest definition, means putting your money on ventures that have the potential to allow you to earn in return. You can commit your hard-earned money to a small online business, real estate, stocks, mutual funds, and the like, and these are considered investments.

The objective of investing may differ from one person to another. One person could be investing for further studies, the other for a car, and yet another for retirement. Our age, income, and outlook have a huge impact on how you will manage your investments.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to investing is that you want to maximize the growth of your finances but will only shell out an ample amount of risk.

Investing tips for beginners

I guess we’ve all dreamed of the day where we can travel more often, work less, and still be financially stable all at the same time. Some would say that you have to “work hard to play hard” and others say “work smarter, not harder.” Both of them have solid points, and in fact making some investments is a smart way to make your money work hard for you.

Here are a few things to consider if you are considering online investments:

  1. The stock prices increase quickly at times but could go down in an instant. I know that it is scary to shell out money, especially if you are not well informed and it feels investing in the stock market is a gamble. To be honest, it is. But taking risks is part of the game. If you want to increase your wealth and lose a bit to gain a lot, don’t be afraid to take risks. These are life lessons that will make you wiser and will definitely have a great payback if you are wise about it.
  2. You don’t have to invest a huge amount of money if it is your first time. There are investment plans that are as low as P500 to P1,000 that you can explore. Just make sure that when you invest, you still have savings. Don’t just go on investing if you don’t have a strategy.
  3. Do your research. There are more than 150 companies in the Philippine Stock Exchange and the company you choose to invest in can either be a hit or miss. Don’t let your hard-earned money go to waste. Read all the reviews, study the investment you are going to take and ask help from people who are more experienced than you to enlighten you on how it works.
  4. There are investments in the market that are for you, and there are some that are not. Don’t just put all your investments in one place, check out other options. Diversity is a must.
  5. Make it a habit to invest regularly. Your future will thank you for it.

(Read: 6 Great Investments Millennials Should Make Now)

What are short term and long-term investments?

1. Short Term Investments

Or as some would call them “temporary investments” are liquid assets that can be quickly converted into cash within 3 to 5 years maximum.

If you want to earn money in a short span of time without losing your initial capital, this is for you. It is low-risk and has small but reliable cash returns.

2. Long Term Investment

This type of investment is when you are expecting the cash return after several years (10 years or more).

These investments are considered a higher risk due to the ups and downs of the market, but they offer bigger rewards. This is usually taken if you are saving up for your retirement.

Online investments to consider in the Philippines

1. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending

One of the most talked about investments online is P2P lending! It is good avenue to start investing in if you don’t have a lot of money to invest in the first place.

P2P lending works kind of like a mutual fund but the ROI (return of investment) allows you to build up your earnings or even your assets faster.

To make things clear, it is a lending platform for companies like LendingClub, FundKo, MoneyMatch PH, Monily and BitBond that combines chipped in money from its members and lends them to borrowers. The lenders also have the option to fund the whole loan on their own if they want.

The participants are classified into two groups:

  • Borrowers: Borrow the money
  • Lenders (also called Investors): The ones who fund the needs of the borrower

Basically, P2P lending collects money from a group of lenders or investors and uses that as their source of funds for the borrower. The lenders then earn through the interest paid by the borrower.

P2P lending has better rates than what banks offer when it comes to the return of your money. Banks usually offer an average of 0.25% interest rate for a savings account per annum; but with P2P lending, their interest rate plays from 7-10% (depending on the monthly interest).

Remember:

  1. Be wise when investing! The platform has categories according to their risk level. The higher the risk you are willing to take, the higher the interest you will receive.
  2. DO NOT INVEST ALL OF YOUR MONEY ALL AT ONCE! Don’t get too excited. You can start investing your money for as low as P1,250.
  3. The money market is not always at the top of their game that is why you should always have a backup plan in case your investment flops.
  4. Always keep in mind that YOU WILL NOT GET PAID IF THE BORROWER DOES NOT MAKE A PAYMENT.
  5. The interest is taxable

(Read: NPC Cracks Down On Lending Apps Over Harassment Complaints)

2. Mutual funds

If you are still a bit hesitant in investing because you have no idea how it works, you can try investing in mutual funds.

Mutual funds are when the investments the investors made are handled by professional fund managers. The fund manager’s pool in the money and invest in selected stocks or assets from well-known companies with stable finances. They will watch the current state of the financial markets and they will basically do the job for you.

The fund manager spreads your investments in a huge variety of companies that is called a “diversified portfolio” and is a strategic way to lessen your risk.

Remember:

Although it is not required, it is advisable to add regularly if you want to save more. P1,000 per month is ideal.

3. Time deposit

A time deposit is a kind of savings account wherein in a short period of time; the investor would earn a much higher return than if you were to just place your money in a regular savings account.

Your funds will grow though the fixed interest rate when it reaches its matured time. Keep in mind that you cannot withdraw any of the funds until its specified date of maturity. The longer the maturity date and the higher you deposit, the more money you will earn. In case you really need the money before the maturity date you chose, there will be a penalty fee.

Companies that offer time deposits:

a. BDO

Minimum to maximum deposit amounts:

  • P1,000 – P10,000
  • P10,000 – P50,000
  • P50,000 – P100,000
  • P100,000 – P200,000
  • P200,000 – P500,000
  • P500,000 – P1 Million
  • P1 Million – P5 Million
  • P5 Million and above

Allowable placement terms:

  • 30 days
  • 60 days
  • 90 days
  • 180 days
  • 360 days

b. BPI (Direct Savings Bank Time Deposit)

Minimum to maximum deposit amounts:

  • P50,000 – P500,000
  • P500,000 – P1 Million
  • P1 Million – P5 Million
  • P5 Million and above

Allowable placement terms:

  • 35 days
  • 63 days
  • 91 days
  • 182 days
  • 364 days

c. Metrobank

Minimum to maximum deposit amounts:

  • P10,000 – P50,000
  • P50,000 – P200,000
  • P200,000 – P500,000
  • P500,000 – P1 Million
  • P1 Million – P5 Million
  • P5 Million – P10 Million
  • P10 Million – P20 Million
  • P20 Million and above

Allowable placement terms:

  • 30 days
  • 60-90 days
  • 180-360 days

d. Other banks

Bank Minimum Deposit Placement Term
Landbank P1,000 30 days and over
UnionBank P50,000 30 days and over
Chinabank P5,000 P30 days and over
EastWest P10,000 30 days and over

(Read: 10 Financial Mistakes Even Rich People Make)

4. Online business

Have you ever been in a situation where you were just browsing on your Instagram feed and somehow you managed to end up in an online shop? I find that that happens to me a lot these days. From makeup to facial oils, all of them got me hooked!

Due to the serious economic growth our country is experiencing right now, it is a good idea to start thinking about investing in a small business online or even a physical shop that has the potential to make your money grow.

An initial investment online can cost you as low as P5,000. The key to these kinds of businesses is that you have to look for a good supplier and easy items to sell. For example: trendy clothes, phone cases, beauty products swimsuits and accessories!

Remember:

Your target market should always be your basis when starting a business

(Read: Beat Inflation: How To Start An Online Business In The Philippines)

5. Pag-IBIG MP2

If you are a Pag-IBIG fund member and you wish to save more and earn a higher dividend than your regular Pag-IBIG program, then why don’t you check MP2 out! You can invest P500 per month within a five year period. Not bad right?

The dividend rate of the MP2 plays from 6.96% to 8.11% without a limit on how much you can save.

You can check out their website if you are considering to get this type of investment. You can also check out this article we did on MP2 and other government savings programs.

6. Stocks

Stocks can be a bit challenging because you need to study and figure out where to put your money in the Philippine Stocks Exchange.

When you invest in stocks, you are buying a share in a business firm. Eventually, the shares that you bought will be sold once it hits the highest value possible than your buying price and therefore giving you profit.

Remember:

  1. Do not expect to double your money in a year or two. Stocks are meant for long term investment therefore you need to give it at least 5 to 10 years to grow.
  2. When you are buying stocks or shares, buy them at their lowest price and then sell them when they are at their peak.
  3. Study, study, study! Don’t enter the stock game without knowing all the rules and tricks to it first. Don’t be too confident. It’s easy to shell out money but the comeback might be tougher than what you expected.

(Read: COL Financial Online Trading: Everything You Need To Know)

7. Money Market Funds

This is generally recommended to investors who want to invest their finances in a year or less. It is well known to be conservative and low-risk. The capital growth on this type is minimal but sometimes can earn more than time deposits.

Some of the banks that offer money market funds:

  • AB Capital
  • BDO Unibank, Inc.
  • BPI Asset Management and Trust Corporation
  • LandBank of the Philippines
  • RCBC Savings
  • Security Bank Corporation
  • UnionBank

8. Variable Universal Life Insurance (VUL)

VUL is life insurance and, done right, is a sound investment. But it’s always best to consult a financial advisor on this.

One of the benefits of investing in life insurance is that it acts as a savings plan that has death benefits. Here are two examples to help you visualize my point:

a. Let’s say that you had a financial emergency. You can withdraw the funds you deposited as long as you have reached the minimum amount of down payments the company requires.

b. Pretend that something bad happened to you that caused immediate death. The beneficiaries written in your insurance will be given thousands to millions of pesos by the company, depending on the type of VUL type you chose. It will make sure that the people close to you are secured financially even if you have not fully paid yet.

9. Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF)

UITF works just like a mutual fund. The difference between the two is that UITF’s are offered by banks that are regulated by Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). They are also easier to set up than mutual funds and have no entry fees! This is great for those who want an online investment that offers a wider variety of funds.

You can start investing with a small amount of P1,000. The risk to it is that investments are not stable just like in any other investment and the returns are not guaranteed.

(Read: How To Start Investing In Real Estate In The Philippines)

10. Real estate

Let’s think long term for a minute. The objective of investing in real estate is that through leasing, managing or even selling a property, you can earn from it for more than 10 years if it is well managed.

This is a tricky investment to start with, but one of the best options if you want an investment that will last for years. Remember that you need to be strategic when it comes to advertising your property. You can post about it on social media or even post it in an Airbnb site, depends on how you want to handle it.