Juan Jr. A. Calsin, AFP®, is a distinguished financial professional whose career spans 41 years in banking, complemented by roles as a Certified Public Accountant, MBA holder, university professor, and Senior Marketing Director at International Marketing Group (IMG). His Associate Financial Planner (AFP®) designation reflects his commitment to professional excellence in financial advisory, drawing on decades of experience in three universal banks and his leadership as Chairman of a multipurpose cooperative. His journey with money began as a young newsboy, where earning commissions taught him the value of hard work and the possibility of creating money for necessities without relying on his parents.
Calsin’s financial philosophy is rooted in the belief that even a small amount can grow into something significant when properly invested. Guided by the advice to strive to be a “net earner” even in retirement, he has maintained financial productivity, generosity, and stewardship throughout his life. Through his AFP® credential and his work, he exemplifies a disciplined, purposeful, and client-centered financial professional dedicated to helping others achieve financial liberation and lasting legacy.
AFP® Certification Story
Investment Lessons and Risk Management
Have you ever made an investment that did not go as planned? What did you learn from it?
“Yes, I once made an investment which was not really thought of. I learned the hard way. From then on, I promised myself that hard-earned money should not be carelessly invested.”
How do you balance risk and reward when making financial decisions?
“Given my age and the teachings from my mentors, I am now not much of a risk-taker as far as the Philippine market is concerned. I go now for present rewards rather than a future big reward with big risk.”
What is a money goal you are currently working toward?
“I invest in foreign mutual funds which give monthly dividends. I noticed, too, that their market values are steadily increasing. So I take a double hit: a monthly dividend and an increase in the value of the share.”
AFP® Program and Financial Growth
What motivated you to join the AFP program, and how did it influence your approach to financial planning?
“Being with International Marketing Group paved the way for joining the AFP Program. It helped tremendously as our family dissected our monthly income and expenses. Because of the lessons I learned, big savings were created. Without the AFP Program, I could have blindly just walked through our avoidable expenses. For this, I really recommend going through the AFP program.”
How has becoming an AFP® helped you make better investment and wealth-building decisions?
“Yes, it has helped me a lot in making better investment and wealth-building decisions. I always recommend to friends to enroll in the AFP Program. Of course, my being a banker and a Certified Public Accountant made me a credible, enthusiastic endorser because I have been in both worlds—from a non-AFP Program life to a fulfilled AFP Program life.”
What is the most valuable lesson you learned from the AFP program, and how have you applied it in your own financial journey?
“Budgeting should be discussed by the family members so that everybody in the family should be on the same page. All expense items should be analyzed. Is it a needed expense or an avoidable expense? Delayed gratification should be the better option.”