How to compute Pag-IBIG MP2 dividends

May 2, 2023March 12, 2024 Kuya Well No Comments

Investment and Finance, Pag-IBIG, Posts, Tutorials

Hmmm… paano nga ba talaga magcompute ng dividends ng Pag-IBIG MP2? I’ve seen a lot of comments on social media asking about how one arrives at the actual value of dividends earned in MP2. Do you simply multiply the total savings by the dividend rate or is there a different formula to use? Though the … Read More “How to compute Pag-IBIG MP2 dividends” »

GStocks PH is now available on GCash – How to join?

April 22, 2023March 12, 2024 Kuya Well No Comments

Featured, Investment and Finance, Posts, Stocks, Tutorials

The GStocks PH feature of GInvest in GCash has started to roll out to users. It’s not available for all but you can check your GCash app and see if it’s available for you. Don’t get giddy just yet since you won’t be able to trade right away even if you can access the GStocks … Read More “GStocks PH is now available on GCash – How to join?” »

Investing in REITs: How to Profit from Real Estate Without Owning Property

March 31, 2023March 12, 2024 Kuya Well No Comments

Investment and Finance, Posts, Stocks, Tutorials

Do you want to get into real estate but don’t have the capital, then investing in REITs might be your answer. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are an increasingly popular way for investors to gain exposure to the real estate market without actually owning physical property. What are REITs? A REIT is a company that … Read More “Investing in REITs: How to Profit from Real Estate Without Owning Property” »

How to create a Pag-IBIG MP2 account online

Are you ready to start saving but don’t know how to create a Pag-IBIG MP2 account? You’re in luck since this article will give you detailed step-by-step instructions on how to create your Pag-IBIG MP2 account online.

Before creating a Pag-IBIG MP2 account, ensure that you are eligible first.

Pag-IBIG Mp2 account eligibility

Active Pag-IBIG Fund members who have made at least one savings contribution within the past six months.
Former members who have already retired or are receiving a pension and have additional sources of monthly income. They must have made at least 24 monthly savings contributions prior to their retirement.
Individuals who were born Filipino (but have since become citizens of another country) and have reacquired their Filipino citizenship through the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003, provided that they have made at least 24 monthly savings contributions before their permanent migration to another country.

Here are additional articles you can read about the voluntary savings program:

Steps on how to create a Pag-IBIG MP2 Account

1. Go to the Pag-IBIG MP2 Savings Enrollment page and fill out the required details:

Pag-IBIG MID number
Last Name
First Name
Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)

2. The next page will show you your Pag-IBIG account details. Click the Continue button to proceed with the creation of your MP2 account.

3. The following page will ask you the following:

Desired monthly contribution – you can put in any amount as long as it’s 500 and above. Once you have created an MP2 account, you don’t really need to contribute on a monthly basis nor do you need to put the exact amount that you mentioned here.
Preferred dividend payout – It’s best to select “Five-Year” so that the dividends you earn get compounded. If you have the desire to withdraw your dividends on a yearly basis, then select “Annually”.
Mode of Payment – Just select “OTC” or “Thru any accredited Pag-IBIG collecting Partners”. But if you want your employer to deduct it from your salary, then select “Salary Deduction”.
Source of Funds – Just choose how you’re going to fund your MP2 account. You can simply select “Employment Income”.

4. You will be given a PDF file but if you notice, you’ll see your MP2 account number on that file. That is already a valid MP2 account number that you can use.

5. You can start your Pag-IBIG MP2 contribution right away using the MP2 account number you got. You can make the payment via the Virtual Pag-IBIG website. That way, you can also verify that the MP2 account number is correct.

However, if you opted for “Salary Deduction” and you really want your employer to deduct your Pag-IBIG contribution from your salary each month, then, you need to print the PDF file and give that to your company HR or Compensation and Benefits department. Take note that unless you advise them otherwise, they will deduct whatever amount you put in the “desired monthly contribution” from your monthly salary.

When will my MP2 account show up in Virtual Pag-IBIG?

Only active MP2 accounts (you have made at least 1 contribution) will appear in your Virtual Pag-IBIG account.
It may take 2-3 working days after making the initial contribution before your MP2 account gets reflected on the Virtual Pag-IBIG website.

How to enroll or invest in SSS WISP Plus

Do you want to invest in SSS WISP Plus but don’t know how to do so? The steps are actually easy and can be done through the SSS online portal.

Brief Background about the SSS WISP Plus program

WISP Plus is a voluntary savings program offered by the Social Security System. This is equivalent to Pag-IBIG’s MP2 program wherein you’ll earn higher dividends compared to the provident WISP program. The maturity period is also similar to that of MP2 since you can withdraw your savings after 5 years. You can read more about the WISP Plus program in this article.

Steps on how to enroll in WISP Plus

Step 1

Log in to your SSS online portal account. If you don’t have one yet, If you don’t have an SSS online account yet, you can follow our step-by-step guide to create your account.

Step 2

Go to the Services menu and select Enroll to WISP Plus. You will then be shown the WISP Plus Enrollment screen.

Step 3

Select the VIEW TERMS AND CONDITIONS link. You will get a pop-up screen providing you with the terms and conditions for the WISP Plus program.

Select the I Accept button.

Step 4

You’ll get a new prompt informing you that you have successfully enrolled in the WISP Plus program. Just click on the Close button.

Step 5

And that’s it! You are now enrolled in the SSS WISP Plus program. The Enrollment page should reflect the enrollment date.

And if you head over to the Inquiry > Contributions page, this is what you’ll see:

Take note that the WISP Plus Enrollment and WISP Plus Membership are blank currently. Once you’ve made your first contribution, it will be populated accordingly. The WISP Plus Enrollment is the date when you created your WISP Plus account while the WISP Plus Membership will reflect the date when you first made your contribution.

Here’s a sample:

Blogger’s Note

I enrolled in the WISP Plus program back on February 25 but only made the initial contribution on September 8 since my initial plan was to focus only on MP2 when it comes to the investment/savings programs offered by the government. However, after evaluating my finances, I found a way to squeeze in WISP Plus in my portfolio.

How to pay Pag-IBIG MP2 contribution through Virtual Pag-IBIG website

Paying your Pag-IBIG MP2 contribution can easily be done through the Virtual Pag-IBIG website. Here are the steps:

Step 1

Log in to your Virtual Pag-IBIG account. If you don’t have a Virtual Pag-IBIG account yet, you can create one by following the steps in this article.

Step 2

Once you’re logged in, select MP2 Savings under “Pay Online” on the left-side menu.

Step 3

Select your Membership Category.
Choose your payment method. You have the option to either pay your contribution using a Credit Card/Debit Card or using Maya/GCash (which includes QRPh). Note: the convenience fee for Maya/GCash/QRPh is only 5 pesos while for Credit/Debit Card it’s 1.75% of the actual amount you’re going to pay.
Input your MP2 Savings account number. If you don’t know what that is, you can find it under Products > MP2 Savings (Voluntary Savings) on the left-side menu.
Click Verify and that will automatically populate the first 5 rows below the button.
Although you can modify the “Period Covered From”, just leave it as is (as long as it’s showing the current month).
You can modify the amount shown in the “MP2 Savings (PHP)” with the actual amount you want to contribute as long as it’s not below the minimum contribution which is Php 500.
Click Next to proceed to the next page.

Step 4

Fill out your billing address and contact information
Enter the captcha code.
Put a checkmark on the box “I agree”, then click Next to continue.

Step 5

The next page is simply a summary of all the information you provided earlier. If everything’s correct, click “Proceed”. Else, click the back button to edit the information you previously provided.

Step 6

On the next page, what you will see depends on the payment method you chose earlier.

For credit card/debit card

Simply fill out your card details and click Complete Order.

For Maya/GCash

Select the specific e-Wallet you’d like to use.

If you choose Maya or QR Ph, this is what you’ll see:

You can scan the QR that will show up on your screen to proceed with the payment. Take note that this is not just for Maya alone, if your bank is partnered with QR Ph, you can pay using your bank instead of Maya.

If you choose GCash, this is what you’ll get instead:

Simply ensure that the mobile number is correct and then follow the payment processing steps. You will get a confirmation page at the end that you’ve completed the payment. In addition, depending on the payment method you selected, you may also get an SMS and email confirmation.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully made a contribution to your MP2 account.

Note: it will take 2-3 working days for the payment to be reflected in your Virtual Pag-IBIG account.

How to Handle Failed InstaPay Transactions During Maintenance

March 7, 2023March 12, 2024 Kuya Well No Comments

High-Yield Savings Accounts, Posts, Tutorials

Was your account debited but the recipient failed to receive the money when you used InstaPay transfer during an InstaPay maintenance or downtime? I’m sure you’re worried about the mishap but here’s what you need to do: Don’t get mad at your bank or eWallet provider I’ve seen several comments on the social media accounts … Read More “How to Handle Failed InstaPay Transactions During Maintenance” »

SSS Portal Registration Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide

The SSS Portal offers a range of services that allow members to access their Social Security System (SSS) records and perform various transactions online. Here are some of the things you can do using the SSS Portal:

View your SSS contributions and loan status
Apply for an SSS salary loan or calamity loan
Check your eligibility for benefits, such as retirement, disability, and maternity benefits
File for SSS benefit claims online
Update your personal information, such as your address and contact details
View and download your SSS records, such as your contribution and loan history
Request for a digital copy of your SSS ID card
Check the status of your SSS claims and loans
Access SSS forms and other useful resources
Enroll in the WISP Plus program

With the SSS Portal, you can conveniently access your SSS records and perform transactions online without having to visit an SSS branch. This saves you time and effort, especially during these times when physical distancing and safety measures are necessary.

Steps on how to register for SSS Portal

Step 1: Prepare your SSS Number and Email Address

To register for the SSS Portal, you’ll need your SSS number and a valid email address. If you don’t have an SSS number yet, you’ll need to apply for one at your nearest SSS branch.

Step 2: Go to the SSS Website

Open your preferred web browser and go to the official website of the Social Security System (www.sss.gov.ph). Look for the “Portals” section on the right side of the page and click the “Member” button.

Alternatively, you can directly access the SSS member registration page by going directly to the member login page.

Step 3: Click the “Register” Button

On the SSS member registration page, click the “Register” button.

Step 4: Agree to the Reminders

Click the box “I certify that I have read and understood the foregoing reminders on SSS Web registration.” in order to proceed.

Step 5: Fill out the online registration form

You’ll be redirected to the SSS Online Member User ID Registration page. You’ll be asked to provide your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and SSS number. You’ll also need to create a username and password for your SSS Portal account.

Step 6: Set up your Password

After submitting your information, you’ll receive an email from the SSS containing a link to set up your password. Click the link provided in the email to set up your password.

Note: you will be asked to input the last 6 digits of your CRN/SS number.

Step 7: Log in to your SSS Portal Account

Go back to the SSS Portal login page and enter your username and password to access your account. Congratulations, you’re now registered for the SSS Portal!

How to Invest in Pag-IBIG MP2

Pag-IBIG MP2 (Modified Pag-IBIG II) is a government-guaranteed savings program offered by the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), more commonly known as the Pag-IBIG Fund. This investment opportunity is designed for those who are looking to save money while earning higher returns compared to traditional savings accounts.

Pag-IBIG Fund, as stated in its Charter, invests at least 70% of its funds in the housing finance sector. Additionally, it also invests in government securities and corporate bonds.

What is Pag-IBIG MP2?

Pag-IBIG MP2 is a type of savings program that offers higher dividends compared to regular savings. The dividends earned are tax-free and can be withdrawn annually or after the 5-year maturity period.

Historical Dividend Performance

The average performance of the Pag-IBIG MP2 program has been consistently growing over the years, making it an attractive investment opportunity for those looking for steady returns.

Eligibility

The following are eligible to join the Pag-IBIG MP2 program:

Active Pag-IBIG Fund members who have made at least one savings contribution within the past six months.
Former members who have already retired or are receiving a pension and have additional sources of monthly income. They must have made at least 24 monthly savings contributions prior to their retirement.
Individuals who were born Filipino (but have since become citizens of another country) and have reacquired their Filipino citizenship through the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003, provided that they have made at least 24 monthly savings contributions before their permanent migration to another country.

It’s important to note that membership in the Pag-IBIG Fund is mandatory for all employees, and contributions to the Pag-IBIG MP2 program are voluntary.

How to Create a Pag-IBIG MP2 Account

To open an MP2 savings account, you have two options:

Online via Pag-IBIG Fund Services website.
At any Pag-IBIG Fund branch by submitting the MP2 Savings Enrollment Form, which you can download from the Pag-IBIG Fund’s website.

Note: Multiple MP2 Savings accounts can be opened and maintained by an individual.

How to Fund

When it comes to funding your MP2 account, there are several options to choose from:

Salary deduction, if you’re employed
Online remittance through authorized online payment channels such as Virtual Pag-IBIG, GCash, Moneygment App via Cashpinas, Coins.ph via Bayad, or PayMaya
Over-the-counter (OTC) remittance through any Pag-IBIG Fund branch, or authorized collecting partners’ outlets such as Asia United Bank, Robinsons Bank, United Coconut Planters’ Bank, SM Business Centers, Bayad, M. Lhuillier, ECPay, Philippine National Bank, Asia United Bank, IRemit powered merchants, Ventaja powered merchants, and Cashpinas powered merchants.

It’s important to note that there’s no penalty for not contributing on a regular basis. You can actually contribute to your MP2 account anytime you want. You may also choose to remit a one-time lump sum amount for the whole 5-year period of your MP2 Savings.

When is the Dividend Credited

The MP2 savings program has a 5-year maturity, and dividends are credited annually. The dividends earned are tax-free and can be withdrawn annually or after the 5-year maturity.

In conclusion, Pag-IBIG MP2 is a government-guaranteed investment opportunity that provides higher returns compared to traditional savings accounts. It is easy to open an account and there is no penalty for not contributing regularly. With multiple funding options and the ability to open multiple accounts, the Pag-IBIG MP2 is a great option for those looking to save money and grow their wealth.

Investing in the US Stock Market with eToro: A Guide for Filipinos

Investing in the US stock market is a great way to diversify your investment portfolio and potentially increase your wealth. However, without prior knowledge and the right resources, investing in US stocks can be a challenging and confusing process. This is where eToro comes in. As a user-friendly platform, eToro makes it possible for Filipinos to purchase US stocks with ease.

What is eToro?

eToro is a leading global investment platform that offers a wide range of assets for trading, including stocks, commodities, currencies, and cryptocurrencies. It’s a social trading platform where you can copy the trades of top investors or trade on your own. With eToro, you have access to a large pool of assets from around the world, including the US stock market.

Why use eToro for investing in the US stock market?

There are several reasons why eToro is a good choice for Filipinos looking to invest in the US stock market:

Pros of using eToro for Filipinos

User-friendly platform

eToro is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for Filipinos to start investing in US stocks, even if they have no prior knowledge of the stock market.

Wide range of assets

eToro offers a wide range of assets, including stocks, ETFs, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. This gives Filipinos the opportunity to diversify their portfolio.

Social trading

eToro offers a unique feature called social trading, which allows Filipinos to follow and copy the trades of other successful investors on the platform.

Regulated

eToro is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. This ensures that Filipinos’ investments are safe and secure.

Cons of using eToro for Filipinos

Complex platform

While eToro is user-friendly, it still requires some prior knowledge of trading and investing to fully utilize all its features.

Higher costs for some investment options

While eToro offers low costs for its services, the fees for some investment options, such as cryptocurrencies, can be higher compared to other platforms.

How to Open an eToro Account in the Philippines

To start trading with eToro, follow these steps:

Visit the eToro website and click on “Sign up”
Fill out the registration form with your personal information
Verify your account by providing a government-issued ID and proof of address
Fund your account with a minimum deposit of $50

Funding and Withdrawing from an eToro Account

eToro allows traders to fund their accounts using credit/debit cards and bank transfers. To withdraw funds, you must have a minimum balance of $30 in your account. Note that eToro may charge fees for both funding and withdrawing, so be sure to check their fee schedule before making any transactions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, eToro is a great platform for Filipinos who want to invest in US stocks and other financial markets. With its user-friendly platform, extensive investment options, low costs, and extensive resources, Filipinos can now start growing their wealth and securing their financial future with ease.

Furthermore, with multiple options for funding and withdrawing from your account, eToro offers convenience for Filipinos who want to start their investment journey. While the platform may be too complex for some users and the fees for some investment options can be higher compared to other platforms, eToro’s wide range of investment options and extensive resources make it a great platform for Filipinos who want to diversify their portfolio.