Lara Marie dV. Lapina, AFP®, is a financial literacy advocate and financial planning professional with diverse experience in financial planning, agricultural economic research, corporate administration, and financial advisory. She holds a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics from Michigan State University and currently serves as Corporate Secretary and Treasurer of a local construction firm and holding company. She is also a licensed Insurance Advisor by the Insurance Commission, a Certified Associate Financial Planner of the Registered Financial Planner Philippines, and a Certified Investment Advisor through PAMTC and Pru Life UK.
Lapina’s financial mindset was shaped by early lessons from her parents, who encouraged saving through bamboo coin banks and savings accounts at a rural bank. Over time, her financial journey evolved from basic saving to a deeper understanding of investing, protection, stewardship, and long-term planning. Through her AFP® credential and advocacy work, she demonstrates a thoughtful, values-driven, and client-centered approach to helping Filipino families, women, OFWs, and the youth improve their financial literacy and decision-making skills.
AFP® Certification Story
Early Saving Habits Through Bamboo Coin Banks
“My first memories of money involve my parents encouraging us to save in bamboo coin banks and opening savings accounts for us at a rural bank. Those simple experiences taught me the value of saving and the importance of setting aside a portion of what we receive for the future. Looking back, I realize that these early habits helped shape my appreciation for financial discipline.”
Learning That Money Must Be Saved, Grown, and Protected
“Growing up, I learned the importance of saving, but I wish I had learned earlier that managing money involves more than simply keeping it in the bank. I wish I had better understood the importance of investing and growing a portion of my money over time. I also wish I had realized earlier the value of financial protection and preparing for unexpected events. Saving, growing, and protecting our money are all important parts of building long-term financial security.”
Financial Turning Point After Resettling in the Philippines
“One significant turning point in our financial journey was when my family, my husband and kids, returned from abroad and resettled in the Philippines. I realized that we could no longer maintain the same lifestyle we had previously without carefully considering our new financial situation. It became clear to me that we needed to adjust, prioritize our needs, and become more intentional about budgeting and saving. This ultimately made me realize that financial decisions adjust depending on your circumstance, and living within your means is crucial in achieving financial security.”
Becoming More of an Investor
“At this stage of my life, I consider myself more of an investor. While saving remains an important financial habit, most of our resources are now intentionally allocated toward investments and financial protection. I have learned that it is important to grow your money while also helping protect the people and goals that matter most.”
Best Financial Advice on Stewardship
“One of the best pieces of financial advice I have received came from Randell Tiongson and Edric Mendoza: that we are merely stewards of the wealth entrusted to us. This perspective changed the way I view money. Our responsibility is not simply to accumulate wealth, but to manage it wisely—to grow it, protect it, and use it purposefully to provide for our families and, when possible, help others.”
Intentional Budgeting with Clear Priorities
“I would not describe myself as overly meticulous when it comes to tracking every peso, but I believe in having clear priorities and intentional allocations. As a general guide, we aim to allocate around 50–60% of our income for needs, 10% for wants, 20–30% for protection and investments, and 10% for giving and tithes.
For me, budgeting does not have to be complicated. What matters most is being intentional about where your money goes and making sure that your present needs, future goals, financial protection, and desire to give are all given a place in your financial plan.”
Investment Lessons from Missed Opportunities Abroad
“Yes. Looking back, my husband and I were not able to invest and manage our resources as intentionally as we could have when we were still living abroad. We had opportunities to grow our money, but some of our financial decisions resulted in losses instead.
That experience taught me that earning a good income is not enough. We also need to know how to manage, grow, and protect what we earn. Financial knowledge and intentional decision-making are important if we want our hard-earned money to work for us in the future.”
Balancing Risk and Reward Through Risk Tolerance
“For me, balancing risk and reward starts with knowing your own risk tolerance and financial situation. I believe that an investment should allow you to remain comfortable enough to sleep peacefully at night.
Higher returns may come with higher risks, so it is important to understand what you are investing in and avoid taking risks beyond what you can financially and emotionally handle. The best financial decision is not necessarily the one with the highest potential return, but the one that is appropriate for your goals, circumstances, and risk appetite.”
Current Goal of Retirement and Legacy Planning
“One of my current financial goals is to continue building and growing our retirement fund so that my husband and I can look forward to financial security in the years ahead. At the same time, we are also working toward growing the assets and resources that we can eventually leave for our children.
For me, wealth building is not only about enjoying financial freedom for ourselves. It is also about creating a meaningful legacy and giving the next generation a stronger financial foundation.”
Motivation for Joining the AFP® Program
“I decided to join the AFP program because I realized that my knowledge at the time was limited. As someone working in the financial services industry, I knew that I wanted to learn more about financial planning beyond insurance.
The program helped me see the bigger picture of personal finance and broadened my perspective when I talk to clients and pursue my financial literacy advocacy among women, OFWs, and the youth.”
Better Financial Decisions and Stronger Client Guidance
“Becoming an AFP has helped me become more intentional and informed in making financial decisions.
Professionally, it has made me more confident in giving advice to my clients and has also added credibility to me as a financial professional. More importantly, it reminds me that every recommendation should be guided by a client’s individual goals, circumstances, and needs. It has also helped me in my financial literacy advocacy, allowing me to share what I have learned through financial literacy talks with women’s groups, government employees, and students.”
Most Valuable Lesson on Continuous Learning and Mentorship
“One of the most valuable lessons I learned from the AFP program is the importance of continuous learning, expanding one’s knowledge, and finding mentors to help you with your journey.
I have applied this lesson by continuing to invest in my financial education and by remaining open to learning from mentors, professionals, and new experiences. I believe that investing in yourself and expanding your horizons can ultimately help you make better decisions—not only for yourself but also for the people you serve.”