Janice Germano Sabitsana
Founder of Pinay Investor | Personal Finance Writer | Financial Wellness Speaker
From a Simple Beginning to a Purpose-Driven Mission
I didn’t grow up knowing anything about money. All I knew was what it felt like to not have enough—to see my parents working hard just to make ends meet, and to keep hoping that one day, life would be better.
I came from a small village in the province. I could barely speak Tagalog and English back then. But at 15, I took a leap of faith. I left home, rode a bus to Manila by myself, and prayed that college would be my way to change our family’s story.
I was a shy girl who barely talked. And now, all these years later, I use my voice to inspire others and help them build a healthier relationship with money. Life really does come full circle.
The Leap That Started It All
After working in the corporate world for seven years, I decided to resign in May 2014 when I became a mom. It was scary, but it was also one of the best decisions I ever made.
For the first time in years, I had time—time to raise my child, and time to explore something I’d always wanted to do: blogging.
In July 2014, I started Pinay Investor. It began as a small personal blog about my journey through motherhood, working from home, and learning how to trade and invest in the Philippine stock market.
Back then, working from home wasn’t even popular yet. I didn’t have fancy tools or a big audience. But I had stories, and I wanted to share what I was learning.
When the Messages Started Coming In
Slowly, people started reading. Then they began sending me messages:
“Janice, your blog helped me.”
That line changed everything.
I never thought my stories would reach anyone, much less help them. But soon, I started receiving messages from moms, students, employees, and even OFWs saying my content helped them budget, start saving, or invest for the first time.
Some even told me they had a notebook filled with my lessons. They’d take notes from my blog and YouTube videos because, in their words, “Sobrang relatable ng mga tinuturo mo, Janice. Napaka-realistic at practical.”
That was when I realized this was more than just a blog. It became a community. It became a calling.
I’ve always believed that money isn’t just about numbers. It’s about stories, emotions, and choices. Having grown up with very little, I understand the struggles of starting from scratch. That’s why I speak from experience, and from the stories of people who trust me enough to share theirs.
Learning, Growing, and Paying It Forward
To further my growth, I enrolled in the Registered Financial Planning Program at the RFP Institute of the Philippines. I’ll always be deeply grateful to Mr. Henry Ong, President and Director of RFP Philippines, for believing in me even before I became a financial planner.
Growing up, it was my dream to write for a newspaper. When I was in Grade 6, I joined a regional press conference for student writers. On our way to the competition, our vehicle met an accident. I was one of those who got hurt—I had a deep cut on my head and was rushed to the hospital.
They asked if I wanted to go home, but I said no. Even with a bandage on my head and still feeling dizzy, I went and competed anyway because I wanted to be a writer. I didn’t win, but I promised myself that one day, I would write for a newspaper.
I didn’t know how it would happen, but God has His own ways of fulfilling our childhood dreams.
Years later, before I even finished the RFP program, Sir Henry offered me the opportunity to write for The Manila Times. That moment felt like a full circle—the dream I once chased as a little girl finally came true.
Since then, I’ve also written for Business Mirror and MoneySense Magazine, and I’m forever thankful for the trust and opportunities given to me. Sir Henry was also the one who encouraged me to finish the RFP program and take the revalida, which only a small percentage of graduates pursue. I’m so glad I did.
That experience taught me that sometimes, the dreams we plant early in life take years to bloom, but when they finally do, they remind us why we never gave up.
Living with Purpose and Financial Stewardship
Along the way, I’ve learned that managing money isn’t just about earning, saving, or investing. It’s about stewardship—taking care of what God has entrusted to us and using it for good.
Money is not the goal; it’s a tool. When we handle it with wisdom, gratitude, and faith, it becomes a way to bless others, not just ourselves.
That’s why I talk openly about faith and finances. Not to preach, but to remind people that true financial wellness is rooted in balance—knowing how to earn, save, give, and live with purpose.
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” — Luke 16:10
Behind the Scenes
I’m grateful every day for my husband, who has always believed in me. There were many times I almost gave up blogging, when things got hard or discouraging, but he was the one who kept reminding me, “Kaya mo ‘yan. Keep going.”
We’re now raising two wonderful kids: our 12-year-old daughter and our 3-year-old son. I try to teach them money lessons little by little, in ways that fit their age and understanding. Because financial literacy isn’t just for adults; it’s a life skill I hope to pass on to them early.
But let me be honest—I’m not perfect. I’ve made many mistakes with money, and I still do sometimes. But I’ve learned that our mistakes don’t define us. They refine us.
Some people think I’ve always had it figured out, but I haven’t. I’m just like everyone else—still learning, still growing, still getting better.
It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Every setback is an opportunity to build character and deepen our faith.
A Decade Later
One decade passed by so fast. So many things have changed. Some of the bloggers and creators who inspired me to start have already moved on to new paths. But here we are—still here, still creating, still sharing.
I don’t know how long I’ll stay in this space, but as long as people find value in what I share and as long as this work continues to make an impact, I’ll keep going.
I’m thankful for every reader, follower, partner, and supporter who has been part of this journey.
To everyone who has visited, shared a post, joined a webinar, sent a message, or simply trusted me, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
In a world with millions of websites and creators, I’m grateful that you found your way here.
This small corner of the internet has changed my life, and I hope it helps change yours too.
We’re here to stay, God willing.
Today
I continue to write, teach, and speak about budgeting, debt freedom, investing, and the psychology of money.
Through my talks, ebooks, blog posts, and videos, I want to remind people that it’s possible to live with purpose, peace, and progress—even on a limited budget.
You don’t have to be rich to start. You just have to start, and keep going. — Pinay Investor
Let’s Connect
If my story feels a little like yours, welcome. You’re exactly where you need to be.
Visit my Work With Me page to see how I can help your team or brand.
Read the Blog for stories, lessons, and money tips.
Or watch me on YouTube to learn with the community.
Together, let’s make financial freedom a journey that’s real, doable, and deeply personal, because we all deserve that kind of peace.