I recently subscribed to a cool thing I at the web which I learned from my good friend David Bonifacio – Formspring. It’s basically a site where you can ask questions from someone who is subscribed there and the inquirer can be anonymous. I didn’t really think there would be that many who would ask me questions but  I was surprised there were quite a few. Some questions were silly like what flavor ice cream I like or what my favorite dance is. My friend David had a plethora of questions on love and how to date him – I guess the questions you will get there is according to your perceived personality or image. Fortunately, most of my questions were about personal finance – those are the only questions I can give sensible answers to anyway.

There was one question posted there that I want to discuss in this blog, a question I have been asked many times – “what is the secret to being rich?” Ever since I went public (as a personal finance speaker / writer), answering that proverbial question seems to be the bane of my existence, so to speak. Well, I don’t really get annoyed answering that question but I am a bit disturbed that people actually think there is some sort of secret to being wealthy. My answer? There is none – never was, never will.

Let us not fool ourselves that there is a magic formula that will answer our question. Achieving financial freedom is a process and that process requires something so simple, yet so difficult to many – discipline. There is a reason why I recommend books like Total Money Make Over (Dave Ramsey) or Millionaire Next Door (Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko ) over more popular books like Rich Dad Poor Dad (Robert Kiyosaki) and Secrets of the Millionaire Mind (Harv T. Ecker).  Read those books and you’ll know why. I subscribe to Dave Ramsey’s podcasts because they are very practical, easy to apply and well, I like his ‘no-nonsense’ approach. I read Rich Dad Poor Dad and I must say there’s some value particularly on awakening our mind to the alternatives. I glanced through the book Millionaire Mind and didn’t even read much anymore because it’s full of mind tricks and lacking of real principles that will work. Unlike Total Money Make Over and Next Door Millionaire, they are direct to the point and you can actually apply it and see real measurable results.

There are no secrets; there are no short-cuts. To believe so is the markings of a fool and no one wants to be a fool right? If there’s one book that will really change you and make you not just achieve success but significance… it’s the Bible. One more thing, as you desire great wealth, pay more attention to the why rather than the how.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:21

If you want to ask me a question on Formspring, visit http://www.formspring.me/RandellTiongson Sensible questions only ok? Questions on love, marriage, dating, hair, good looks and all that, ask my friend David Bonifacio.

The future belongs to the next generation indeed.. but will they be prepared to face the real world?

Victory Greenhills in cooperation with the Registered Financial Planner Institute (Philippines) gives you BLUE CHIP: Financial Literacy Program for the Youth! A 2-Day Summer Program on May 13 & 14 at the Victory Center, Upper Level, Promenade, Greenhills – 9am to 5:30 pm. This is a program for 13 to 20 years old.

Featured speakers are:

Melvin Esteban, FLMI, ACS, CFC, RFP and Randell Tiongson, RFP – leading instructors of the Registered Financial Planner Institute and the Certified Financial Consultant Programs.

Chinkee Tan, lifestyle trainer and best-selling author of the books “Till Debt Do Us Part” and “For Richer and For Poorer”

David Bonifacio, successful young businessman and advocate of Corporate Social Responsibility

Jennifer Ignacio – Magalong – Financial Services Trainer

Martin, Enrique and Anton Fausto – 3 teen-aged brothers who are actually investing and creating their own investment portfolios!

.. plus more!

What will they learn?

–          Understanding Money and how cool it is to save and budget

–          Basics of Financial Planning

–          Time Value of Money

–          Understanding Investments and Investment Instruments

–          How to Invest for the future

–          How to be responsible

…. And many more!

2 days of real world learning in a fun and hip way!!! This will definitely prepare the youth for the future!!

Fee is only P 1,200.00 but if you register and pay before April 28, 2010, you can avail the P 800.00 Early Bird Rate. This is real value and a fantastic investment for the Youth!

For inquiries, please send email to [email protected] or text to 0939-1177856

Catch me in my talk show, RFP Money Talks.

We already taped 8 episodes and it will be shown at the Wealth Channel (Channel 28) at Sky Cable in Cebu. Still praying to have a show that will be shown in Metro Manila — God willing.

I was privileged to have great guests for the first episodes: Chinkee Tan (Lifestyle Coach and Money Man), Efren Cruz (Finance Expert and best-selling author of Pwede Na!), David Bonifacio (Entrepreneur, Corporate Social Responsibility Advocate) and Cito Beltran (Columnist, media personality & corporate consultant).

Thanks to Wealth Channel and the Registered Financial Planner Institute for this opportunity!