EDITORIAL l Breaking the Myth: You Don't Need 100K to Start Investing

Bernadette Trinidad
Jul 11
3 min read

“Wala naman akong pang-invest eh,” is a common sentiment among Filipinos who often find their money depleted before they can consider investing. However, affordable investment options exist, and by cutting back on non-essential spending like frequent dining out or online shopping, individuals can start saving small amounts to grow their wealth.

"Wala naman akong pang-invest eh." While it is true that some Filipinos usually run out of money left for investing, there are securities where we can invest that are cheap and affordable in price. Instead of eating out or online shopping after receiving your salary or allowance, why don’t you save small amounts to start investing?

Investing in securities is a form of passive income. When we say passive income, it is the money earned from sources other than a traditional job, including earnings from securities and other projects where you're not actively involved in the continued generation of revenue. This means you can earn money without the need to exhaust yourself. Truth be told, it can be an alternative to the growing side of hustle culture because you can literally access it through your phone—even when you are relaxing—anytime, anywhere.

The Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE) showed a total of 1.9 million stock market accounts as of end-2023. This means that out of over 116.8 million Filipinos, only 1.63% invest in our stock market. Why aren’t many Filipinos into investing, although it is cheap? There could be several reasons: lack of financial literacy, fear of loss, insufficient money, and poor money management.

It must be noted that investing is not only for the rich. Because did you know that with as low as 50 pesos, you can now invest in stocks? It literally costs the same as buying the cheapest milk tea in town. Here are the lists where you can invest through your phones: 1. G-Cash: Minimum investment is 50 pesos. Just choose what you want—stocks, cryptocurrencies, or mutual funds.

2. InvestaTrade: Minimum investment is 100 pesos. Stocks only.

3. COL Financial: Minimum investment is 1,000 pesos. Choose stocks, bonds, money market or an all in-one-investment.

4. Binance: Minimum investment is 500 pesos. Cryptocurrencies only.

5. Coins.ph: Minimum investment is 5 pesos. Cryptocurrencies only.

On a serious note, it is suggested that when investing your money in volatile securities, you only invest the money you can afford to lose. Research is also needed. But if you are a very conservative investor, and wants a more secure investment— there are digital banking apps that offer high interest rates for savings accounts. Here are the lists as of 2025:

1. Maya Bank: 3.5% per annum. Minimum balance is 500 pesos.

2. OwnBank’s Ownit: 3.8% per annum. Minimum balance is 500 pesos.

3. UNOBank: 4% per annum. Minimum balance is 100 pesos

4. GoTyme Bank: 4% per annum. Minimum balance is 100 pesos.

5. SeaBank App: 4.5% per annum. Minimum balance is 1 peso.

Again, investing is not only for the rich. We can invest for as low as the value we spend on impulsive buying and street foods. So, what are you waiting for? Learn to invest now and do the easier hustle.