Jay Mark Balabis, AFP®, is a financial professional, IMG Executive Marketing Director, Certified Life Insurance Underwriter of Manila Bankers Life, and Associate Financial Planner. His financial mindset began with childhood memories of receiving money as gifts, presents, or “pamasko” from his parents, titos, and titas, which initially made him think that money could be easily received through the generosity of others. Over time, he learned the deeper value of saving, investing, and preparing early, especially after realizing that time plays a major role in building wealth.
Balabis’ financial turning point came in 2010 when he was hospitalized due to dengue without HMO coverage, forcing him to pay for his overnight hospital stay using his own savings. That experience taught him the importance of preparing for rainy days, especially for healthcare needs. Now, as both a saver and investor, he continues to strengthen his financial knowledge through learning, community, and professional development. Through his AFP® journey and leadership in IMG, he exemplifies a growth-oriented and client-centered financial professional committed to helping others improve their financial lives.
AFP® Certification Story
Early Money Lessons from Receiving Gifts and Pamasko
“My first memory of money was during the time my parents, titos, and titas gave it as a gift, present, or ‘pamasko.’ I thought at first that money could be easily received through gifts from other generous people.”
Wishing He Had Learned Saving and Investing Earlier
“I wish I learned to save and invest as early as I could. I only knew investing in my early 20s, but I wish I learned it earlier since time is money.”
Financial Turning Point Through Healthcare Preparation
“Saving for the rainy days, especially for healthcare needs and funds. Way back in 2010, when I got sick due to dengue, I did not have any HMO, and for an overnight stay in the hospital, I paid for it through my pocket and savings. It was then I realized that preparation and savings are key.”
Identity as a Saver and Investor
“More of a saver and investor.”
Best Financial Advice from T. Harv Eker
“Rich people believe, I create my life. Poor people believe, life happens to me,’ by T. Harv Eker after reading his book Secrets of the Millionaire Mind.”
Spontaneous Budgeting with Income and Expense Tracking
“I’m more of a spontaneous type, but I still write income and expense tracking of my money.”
Gratitude for Investments That Went as Planned
“Grateful to say I have not.”
Balancing Risk and Reward Through Goals and Timeline
“Focus on the goals and timeline is the key. If I know it is a long-term goal of more than 10 years, I am very willing to accept big risk. But if it is a conservative goal in a shorter timeline, I will put that money in a low-risk to medium-risk investment.”
Current Goal of Achieving Multimillion Net Worth
“Achieve a multimillion net worth.”
Motivation for Joining the AFP® Program
“Learning, community, and the people who can influence and help me improve.”
Better Financial Knowledge Through Trainings and Seminars
“A lot. After all the access to trainings and seminars, it has given me an edge in improving my financial knowledge necessary for my profession and business.”
Most Valuable Lesson from the AFP® Program
“Keep on learning. Never stop and be an eternal student.”