We Asked Bankers: What’s One Financial Lesson You’d Teach Your Younger Self?

You’ve probably heard of the term “charge to experience.” Overspent on that out-of-the-country trip? Charge to experience. Investments didn’t go as planned? Charge to experience. Got scammed? Swipe away the tears and charge it to experience. 

Basically, it just means take the L, learn from it, and move on. 

While regrets and dwelling get us nowhere, reflection can. But how do we turn those charges into actual value? How do we make sure they become lessons learned, and not lessons paid for? 

This is why we asked not one, but three seasoned bankers to share the financial lessons they wish they knew sooner. These are the people who live and breathe finance, and yet, they’ve made the same rookie mistakes and learned lessons the hard and expensive way. 

Read more so you won’t have to. 

If you could go back in time, what’s one financial lesson you’d teach your younger self? And why?

Ed Magbanua, Incentive Management Officer, Shared Services

Lesson: Invest early, time is on your side as a young investor

“I’d tell myself to start investing in stocks as early as possible. When I was younger, I didn’t fully understand how powerful long-term investing could be. I had the chance to join a stock purchase plan offered by my company, which allowed employees to buy shares at a discount. I only joined one out of four rounds—and now those shares have already doubled in value. If I had invested in all, my gains would have been significantly higher. That experience taught me that investing early, especially in quality stocks, gives your money time to grow—and time is one of the most powerful tools a young investor has.” 

Abi Floresca, Campaign Manager, Customer Relationship Marketing & Loyalty

Lesson: Don’t let making ends meet be the end of you

“I’d say, “You’re doing your best—but don’t just hustle to survive. Start building the kind of money habits that let you breathe.” Back then, I was all about making ends meet. I didn’t know that even basic tools like an emergency fund or an automatic savings account could help give me some breathing room. If I had known sooner that managing money could feel empowering, not just exhausting, I would’ve felt a lot lighter.” 

Kring Cacayan, Relationship Manager, Branch Stores Channel

Lesson: Make your money move (or whatever Cardi B said) 

“I’d teach my younger self to save consistently (no matter how small the amount) and to explore financial instruments that can help my money grow more. Don’t just park or save everything in a regular savings account. Don’t be afraid to diversify.”

What specific moment or mistake helped you learn that lesson?

Ed: When I saw my shares double in value and realized I could’ve earned so much more if I had joined all four tranches. Missing out on that gain made the lesson clear.

Abi: There was a season when I had to juggle everything—being a provider, a sister, a daughter, an employee. I was counting every peso, stretching what I had, trying to hold it all together. It wasn’t perfect, but showing up mattered. Looking back, it’s clear that discipline, even with a small balance, still makes a difference in the long run.

Kring: After becoming more diligent and disciplined in setting aside money for savings and with exposure to various products of the bank, I eventually took the step to start investing. I began with just a small amount (less than what I had in my regular savings account), but over time, I saw it grew faster and delivered better returns than my savings ever did. It made me realize that saving is just the first step and saving alone is not enough; you also need to be intentional and strategic about where you place your savings/money.

What’s one money move you’re proud of?

Ed: I’m proud that I prioritized saving and eventually started investing early. Since I was young, time was on my side—so whatever I saved, I made sure to invest in UITF funds knowing it would have time to grow. I started with small amounts, but I treated both saving and investing as gifts to my future self. That habit has helped me build financial security and peace of mind over time.

Abi: Before life got busier, I hit a point where I was debt-free, had a small emergency fund, and even started investing. That freedom reminded me, I can do this. Even now, I hold on to that feeling when planning the next financial steps for our family.

Kring: I’m proud to have started investing, not just in financial instruments like UITFs and mutual funds, but also in myself and in other valuable assets. That includes getting insurance, acquiring our first home (which has now more than tripled in value since we bought it), and even securing a memorial plan and lot. These decisions may not have seemed urgent at the time, but looking back, they’ve proven to be some of the most rewarding investments I’ve made. As a wife and mom, it made me feel secure too.

Ready to start smart?

Visit NEXT by BPI Preferred’s The Program to explore more tips and stories to help you reach your next big financial milestone.