Nate Poblete, RFP®, brings a profound and deeply personal understanding of financial struggle to his professional practice, forged not in a classroom but through life’s most challenging experiences. His journey began with a mindset shaped by scarcity, where money was seen as a source of stress rather than a tool for freedom.
This perspective was solidified by a series of profound personal and financial hardships, including significant investment losses, a failed business venture, and overwhelming family medical bills. It was from this place of exhaustion and surrender that a powerful transformation began, catalyzed by a pivotal shift in mindset from wishing for an easier life to committing to becoming a more skilled individual.
His professional credential is the culmination of this hard-won wisdom. His approach is grounded in the core principles he identified as vital through his own trials: mastering cash flow management and understanding the critical importance of early, disciplined investing.
He learned firsthand that financial success is not about the size of one’s income but the strength of one’s financial habits and knowledge. This authentic, lived experience allows him to guide others with exceptional empathy and clarity, helping them break cycles of financial stress and build a life of purpose and control, turning personal adversity into a professional mission to empower others.”
His RFP® Journey
“The RFP journey gave me clarity, discipline, and purpose. It taught me that money isn’t just about numbers—it’s about values, mindset, and stewardship. If not for those painful years, I might still be lost financially and emotionally.
Today, I consider myself balanced when it comes to money. Our savings, investments, and insurance are all automated. My wife manages our “fun funds,” while I handle the structure through spreadsheets. We still enjoy life—dining out, taking short trips, and giving to causes we believe in—without guilt, because everything is planned.
The best financial advice I’ve ever received came from Chinkee Tan: “It’s not how much you earn—it’s how much you keep.” I’ve seen many people with high incomes but empty wallets. Without management, no amount of money will ever be enough.
Now, I approach financial planning with intention, not perfection. Every peso has a purpose—but there’s still room for joy, generosity, and growth. Experience, after all, is the best teacher. And in my case, it was also the most expensive one. I call those lessons my “tuition fees.””
Risk, Emotions, and Investment Discipline
“Those tuition fees taught me never to invest or start a business without understanding the risks. Risk doesn’t come from investing—it comes from not knowing what you’re doing. They also taught me to never make financial decisions when I’m emotional. Decisions made out of fear, anger, or loneliness lead to regret. And when you win in those moments, it’s not wisdom—it’s luck.
Over time, I learned how to balance risk and reward. I’m naturally an aggressive investor, but I always assess the worst-case scenarios. I still trade occasionally, but most of my portfolio now sits in mutual funds that grow quietly over time. Diversification became a principle I live by—never put all your eggs in one basket. It’s the simplest way to minimize risk while maximizing opportunity.”
Retirement Goal and Long-Term Planning
“Right now, my biggest financial goal is retirement. Since my wife and I don’t have kids yet, we’re maximizing this season to build a strong foundation. The old formula—study hard, get a job, start a family, and retire on pension—no longer works today. With inflation and rising costs, relying on pension alone won’t sustain a comfortable life. After computing our needs, we realized we’d each need around ₱50 million by age 60 to live comfortably. That might sound ambitious, but long-term planning demands honesty, not wishful thinking. The earlier you start, the lighter the load becomes.”
Joining the RFP® Program and Holistic Planning
“When I joined the RFP program in March 2023, we were still financially recovering. My credit cards were maxed out, and I honestly didn’t know how I’d pay for it. Then, in what I can only call divine timing, my credit card limit was increased—by the exact amount I needed for the program. That felt like a sign. I took the leap, and it changed everything.
The RFP program taught me that even with years of financial experience, there’s always more to learn. I discovered that I was underinsured, underinvested, and overlooking the big picture. It helped me see that true financial planning is holistic—it’s not just about growing wealth, but protecting and aligning it with your purpose.”