Real Finance People – Dr. Jhoanna De Guzman Ruiz

At just 22 years old, Dr. Jhoanna De Guzman Ruiz achieved the remarkable feat of earning her Registered Financial Planner (RFP) certification—setting the tone for a career marked by academic excellence, public service, and a passion for financial empowerment. By the age of 24, she had already earned her PhD in Business Management, complementing her earlier Master’s in Business Administration and Bachelor’s in Business Administration.

Over the years, she has established herself as a respected voice in the finance industry—as a columnist for Manila Up International Magazine since 2018, a featured radio expert on Millennials’ Money Management, and a sought-after speaker at national conferences. She has also served as a Resource Person for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), conducting financial literacy seminars nationwide, from youth-focused events to pandemic-era workshops. With nearly a decade of college teaching experience and a strong commitment to volunteer work through church ministries and charitable organizations, Dr. Ruiz continues to influence lives by making finance accessible, relatable, and transformative.

When asked, “What motivated her to join the Registered Financial Planner (RFP) program?”, Dr. Ruiz responded:

“At such a young age, becoming an RFP opened doors I never imagined. I was invited to speak at national conferences, flown to different regions to speak to hundreds of people, stayed in beautiful accommodations for free, and received honorariums. I even worked with the Department of Trade and Industry as a resource person. But beyond the perks, the greatest thing RFP gave me was a voice—and I don’t want to waste it. So, when I make mistakes, I share them. When I learn something valuable, I share it too. Personal finance isn’t something you learn once, it’s a lifelong journey. RFP taught me how to budget, save, invest, be a good steward, and give back. It became my way of paying it forward. With that gift comes responsibility. As an RFP, I know I must be careful not to give one-size-fits-all advice. It’s okay to say, ‘Take a step back.’ It’s okay to say, ‘Know yourself first.’ It’s okay to say, ‘You don’t need to try them all.’”

In answering, “How has RFP certification shaped her philosophy on wealth?”, she explained:

“What makes RFPs so impactful for Filipinos is that we come from diverse walks of life. We carry stories that others can relate to. We’re changing lives because we understand that finance is personal. And my story, though different, is a reminder that clarity doesn’t always come from doing more; it often comes from doing less—but focusing on what truly matters—especially when it comes to managing your finances. Sometimes, peace isn’t about knowing everything, but about truly knowing yourself and what works for you. And that, to me, is the most important lesson of all.”

Dr. Jhoanna De Guzman Ruiz’s story is proof that age is never a barrier to achieving remarkable things—and that true leadership in finance is not just about expertise, but about empathy, integrity, and the willingness to share knowledge. Her journey as one of the youngest RFPs in the Philippines continues to inspire both aspiring professionals and seasoned practitioners alike, showing that with the right mindset, credentials, and purpose, financial wisdom can transform not only careers but entire communities.