Iya Villania: I’m Blessed To Have A Mom Who Did The Early Investing For Me

Balancing the household budget while planning for your children's education and your retirement is one of most difficult part about parenting. But for celebrity couple Iya Villania and Drew Arellano, handling finances for their family has become a lesson in discipline and strategic planning.

Iya and Drew on investing: Do it as early as possible

During an event for real estate, Iya and Drew emphasize the importance of starting your investment journey as soon as possible rather than an afterthought. “Early on, when the kids aren’t as demanding in terms of finances, it’s really best to invest early and really foresee — when you are gonna grow as a family,” Iya advises. She credits her mother for instilling this forward-thinking approach, a legacy she's grateful for and eager to pass on to her own children.

Appreciating her mom, Iya shares, “I didn’t know it then, but I was so blessed to have a mother that did [investing early] for me.”

Drew is also all for investing, saying it's his "top priority." He adds, "Whatever extra [money we earn], lahat ‘yun investment.” Iya adds to this, saying it helps that as a family, they lead a simple life in that “it’s not difficult for us to decide where else to put our money.”

Iya and Drew have four kids: Primo, Leon, Alana, and Astro. The family of six have their home in Rizal, among the couple’s investment.

The 50-20-30 Budgeting Rule

Iya and Drew also share their approach to budgeting, which is as practical as it is effective. The celebrity parents have adopted a simple yet effective financial rule known as the 50/30/20 budgeting method. “50 percent you pay for your expenses, 30 percent you split it with, it’s either saving or investing, 20 percent that’s when you spend it with whatever you want,” Drew explains.

This financial framework is something they're keen to instill in their children, ensuring the next generation is equally equipped to manage money wisely.

Through their experiences, Iya and Drew have crafted a family financial plan that not only meets their needs but also secures their children's future. Their story is a testament to the fact that with the right knowledge and discipline, any family can achieve financial stability and success.

3 Simple Financial Tips for Families

Automate Your Savings

Set up automatic transfers to your savings account each month. This "set it and forget it" method ensures you're consistently building your savings without having to think about it.

Diversify Your Investments

As the saying goes, you should never put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your investments across different asset classes to mitigate risk and maximize potential returns.

Educate Your Children About Money

As much as possible involve your children in financial discussions appropriate for their age. Teach them the value of money, how to save, and the basics of investing, so they grow up with financial literacy.

By incorporating these tips into your family's financial plan, you can further enhance your journey towards financial freedom and security.