Famous American writer Ralph Waldo Emerson who lived in the 1800s once said, "Can anybody remember when the times were not hard and money not scarce?" Today, more than a hundred years later, that statement is still so true. To many people in the world, unless you’re in the rare class of the rich and the privileged, money is very often scarce.
But the sad reality is that money takes up a huge part of our lives. It can determine what we can do and where we can go. Thus, learning how to manage our money the right way is an important step toward taking control of our lives.
Melody Avecilla, who offers insurance and financial services of State Farm Insurance, has been in the business of helping people manage their money. "I help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams," said Melody. Agraduate of AB in International Studies, major in Diplomatic Affairs from Maryknoll College (now Miriam College), in the Philippines, Melody is also an active member of the National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors, the Chamber of Commerce and is a MDRT Qualifier.
"I have been in the insurance and financial industry for over a decade now. I have a team of 6 and our operation is fast growing and expanding. Our goal is to be the first and best choice when it comes to insurance and financial services in the valley. We want to be the 1st agency that comes to the clients’ minds when they think of quality and reliability. For the Filipino American in Southern California, we strive to make our agency synonymous to trusted world-class insurance," Melody explained.
To share some of her expertise in financial management, Melody offers Asian Journal readers Seven Savings Strategies that work:
1. Don’t splurge with your tax refund. Save it, or use it to pay down debt instead.
2. Take full advantage of your employer’s retirement contributions. If your employer offers a free match to your contributions, this is free money! It’s a good idea to take it.
3. Start small and stay steady. Start as young as you can, with whatever you can, even if you are simply setting aside pocket change.
4. Pay yourself first. Choose the important over the urgent. Automatically deposit funds into your savings account right from your paycheck, before you can touch it.
5. Create separate savings funds for the milestones in your life. These include not only retirement and education, but also weddings, buying a home and more.
6. If you have children, find the right education plan. There are lots of different college savings plans. These may vary according to which state you live in. Compare plans and determine what makes the most sense for you and for your situation.
7. Most important of all...work with someone you know and trust.
Melody believes that good financial management is not that easy, but it can be successfully done. "Successful savings plans can’t be mass-produced, and they can’t be put on autopilot. Financial issues are complicated and risky -- It pays to work with a professional who knows what they’re talking about, and who also knows you and will stay with you over the long haul and through the ups and downs of your household," said the busy executive who is also the proud mother of James and Heather.
For more information, Melody Avecilla’s office is at 12504 Riverside Drive, North Hollywood, CA91607-3409. Office hours are from 8-6pm MF and Saturday 9-5pm. You may call her up at (818)506-3276(FARM) or visit her website at www.melodyavecilla.com.
( Published February 24, 2010 in MDWK p. 3 )
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
