Ederlina A. Yadao, AFP®, is a seasoned financial educator and business owner whose professional life reflects a deep commitment to financial literacy and stability. Currently serving as a Freelance Accountant/Bookkeeper, Financial Educator at International Marketing Group (IMG), and business owner, her Associate Financial Planner (AFP®) designation validates her expertise in guiding individuals and families toward sound financial planning. Her journey with money began with her first job, where she set a goal to give her parents a good life and achieve financial stability—leading her to invest in an endowment insurance policy early in her career.
Yadao’s financial perspective deepened when she and her family started a hollowblocks business in 1992, later shifting to a retail home-improvement products business in 2003. Through IMG and the AFP® program, she gained a stronger understanding of building a solid financial foundation, managing investments, and planning for long-term security. She exemplifies a resilient, growth-oriented, and client-centered financial professional dedicated to helping others pursue financial independence.
AFP® Certification Story
Investments, Wealth Building, and Financial Freedom
Have you ever made an investment that did not go as planned? What did you learn from it?
“Yes, when we built our residential warehouse. We had no plan for building, but we built it in 2005. During the COVID pandemic, we were thankful that we had built it earlier because it would have been difficult to build after 2019. It was hard to recover.”
How do you balance risk and reward when making financial decisions?
“I balance risk and reward just like starting a business. You need to take risks and manage them hands-on. Pure wisdom is very rewarding, and hard work pays off.”
What is a money goal you are currently working toward?
“To be fully financially debt-free two to five years from now.”
AFP® Program and Financial Growth
What motivated you to join the AFP program, and how did it influence your approach to financial planning?
“I was motivated when IMG introduced AFP and showed how financial planning should be done step by step to reach your goal.”
How has becoming an AFP® helped you make better investment and wealth-building decisions?
“Yes, somehow AFP built me stronger in decision-making.”
What is the most valuable lesson you learned from the AFP program, and how have you applied it in your own financial journey?
“The most valuable lesson is to build your financial house and prepare your estate.”