Jhoanna Ruiz, PhD, RFP®, is a distinguished financial professional and academic whose career is marked by exceptional early achievement and sustained public influence. She earned her credential as a Registered Financial Planner at the remarkably young age of 22, demonstrating precocious expertise that she further solidified by completing her doctoral degree in business by the age of 24. This strong academic foundation underpins a decade of experience as a college-level professor in business and finance, where she has shaped the next generation of professionals.
Dr. Ruiz’s impact extends far beyond the classroom into national policy and public education. She is a trusted advisor to government bodies, serving as a recognized Resource Person for the Department of Trade and Industry and the Cooperative Development Authority, and as a financial consultant to the City Government of Imus.
Her commitment to financial literacy is channeled through her roles as a long-standing columnist for international magazines, a featured radio guest, and a frequent speaker at seminars and youth summits across major universities and local government units, establishing her as a leading voice in promoting financial wellness.
Her Motivation to Join RFP
“Early in my journey, I became very aware that if I wanted a different financial future, I had to be intentional about how I handled money. I did not grow up with excess, so I knew that whatever I earned, I had to learn to manage well. That desire to “be good with money” and to be a good steward of whatever I was given led me to the RFP program.
I was also blessed with very supportive parents. I was still very young when I enrolled in the RFP program, and having been born and raised in the province, I was a bit afraid to travel to the city alone every Saturday. My father would accompany me week after week until I finished the program. I always say that I may have had the motivation, but I would not be an RFP without them.
The RFP program gave me a strong foundation. It helped me see personal finance not just as numbers, but as a system that should support your goals and values. It influenced my approach by teaching me to be structured and disciplined, while also remembering that every financial plan has a real person and a real story behind it.”
How RFP Improved Her Wealth-Building Decisions
“It has been a continuous process of change and growth.
At first, RFP inspired me to be like a sponge, eager to learn everything. I’m truly grateful because it shaped my character and gave me a hunger for learning.
Ten years later, I see things with a new perspective. I’ve realized that finance is deeply personal. For me, the right approach has been financial minimalism, focusing on simplicity and sustainability.
And being an RFP gave me the confidence to navigate this shift, because I had a strong foundation built not only from what I learned before, but also from my own mistakes and lessons. That makes me more at peace today, as I can share both what worked and what didn’t.”
Her Most Valuable RFP Lesson
“The RFP program taught me many important concepts and frameworks, but the most valuable lesson I gained was something beyond the curriculum: money will always be connected to who you are as a person. Every financial decision reflects your values, your priorities, and your definition of “enough.”
For me, the realization is this: true wealth is not about having more, but about needing less and becoming more. As 1 Timothy 6:6 reminds us, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” I believe that applies not only spiritually, but also to how we handle our finances and live our daily lives.
In my own financial journey, this shows up as financial minimalism and contentment. It is not about depriving myself, but about being clear on what truly matters and letting go of what does not. When you need less, you worry less. When you worry less, you are free to live more fully, give more generously, and focus on growth that goes beyond numbers. And for me, that is what real financial peace looks like.”
Why She Recommends RFP
“Yes, I do recommend it, especially for people who want a solid foundation and a framework they can keep coming back to.
RFP teaches you how to budget, save, invest, be a good steward, and give back. It also gives you a voice and the responsibility to be careful not to give one-size-fits-all advice. Finance is personal, so the best thing you can do is to know yourself first before listening to any advice.
There’s no shortage of advice out there, especially online. Most of it is free, and that’s why it’s also dangerous. If you try to follow everything, it might do more harm than good. Take time to study and understand what you’re getting into.
My advice is simple: take a step back, know your values, and build a system you can stick to. 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.”