Raise money-smart kids, says FQ mom

Bestselling author and finance expert Rose Fres Fausto challenges readers to develop financial intelligence quotient or FQ -the ability to make sound decisions and actions in money matters- in her new book “FQ: The n^th Intelligence” published by ABS-CBN Publishing.

“My dream is for the book to help create a healthy mindset about money for everyone,” shared the author, who used to be an investment banker before becoming a full-time mom to her three sons. She is behind the parenting site, FQMom.com.

“FQ: The n^th Intelligence” contains tips in rebooting one’s relationship with money and identifies the basic rules of handling it. The easy-to-read manual also gives a closer look at managing debts and debunks myths that prevent people from achieving their designed financial well-being.

In her book, Rose shared that FQ is something most adults hardly grasp. “Today, there are so many people approaching retirement years with very little or no nest egg. . . . These are regular, even industrious people who used to be gainfully employed,” the financial literacy writer said.

She also stressed that “the true purpose of money in our life is to fulfill our core values” and if there is a disconnect with how someone handles his resources and what he values, then he will suffer from internal struggles.

Another insight the money-savvy mom highlighted is that financial literacy should be introduced to children as early as possible, discrediting the belief that exposing kids to money early will make them materialistic.

She said, “FQ is an important aspect in raising our children because no matter how successful they will be in the other aspects of their lives, if their financial affairs are in a mess, they will lead stressful lives and can never be truly happy.”

Here are some of Rose’s guide in handling finances, what she calls the basic laws of money:

• “Pay yourself first.” It is time to change perspective and consider savings as not about depriving yourself but giving priority to your future self.
• “Get only into a business that you understand and seek advice only from competent people.” The appeal of easy money is attractive but people have to be skeptical. Take into consideration your personal competencies to utilize. Hone your gifts and use them to serve others.
• “Make your gold work for you. Buy luxury only if you can afford to buy 10 pieces of it.” Delaying gratification as long as possible adds excitement to the awaited luxury and also allows for additional earnings to your savings.

Rose, a columnist of The Philippine Star, is also a behavioral economist and strengths coach certified by international management and consulting firm, Gallup, Inc.. She wrote the bestselling books “Raising Pinoy Boys” and “The Retelling of The Richest Man in Babylon.” Rose graduated with honors from Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in Economics.

The FQ book was launched at Victorino’s Restaurant in Quezon City, attended by the author’s fellow financial literacy advocates, such as Ayala Corporation’s chief operating officer Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Wealth Securities and Philequity Fund founder Wilson Sy, COL Financial Group chairman Edward Lee, and other special guests. Joining them were ABS-CBN Publishing president Ernie Lopez, ABS-CBN Lifestyle Ecosystem head Paolo Pineda, and ABS-CBN Publishing print publication and digital operations head Mark Yambot.

Take the FQ journey with loved ones and arm yourself with economic self-defense with “FQ: The n^th Intelligence,” now available in bookstores for P385. Follow the author on Facebook and YouTube (FQ Mom) and on Instagram and Twitter (theFQMom). The online FQTest is available for free on rebrand.ly/FQTest. For more updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abscbnpr.com.