From Dream to Reality
For years, I dreamed of becoming a Registered Financial Planner (RFP).
It wasn’t just about adding the prestigious RFP® designation to my name—it was about deepening my knowledge, sharpening my expertise, and equipping myself with the right skills to help others take control of their finances.
This journey wasn’t easy. It took nearly a decade from when I first discovered the RFP program to finally achieving my goal.
And today, I want to share that journey with you—not just the milestones, but the struggles, setbacks, and ultimate triumphs that made it all worth it.
How It All Started
Back in 2014, while attending the Money Summit and Wealth Expo, I first learned about the Registered Financial Planner (RFP) program.
Read my story here: Am I Ready to Become a Registered Financial Planner (RFP)?
Later, in March 2015, I attended the Financial Fitness Forum to help promote Marvin Germo’s stock market seminars.
Read my FFF takeaways here: What I Learned from the Financial Fitness Forum 2015
The event speakers were all RFPs, and I remember thinking to myself,
“One day, I will be an RFP just like them.”
That time, I worked as an Events Director at Manila Workshops, organizing financial seminars with Marvin Germo and Fitz Villafuerte—two finance experts I greatly admired.
The Long Wait and the Right Timing
Despite my eagerness, I couldn’t commit to the program immediately. Most RFP sessions were held on Saturdays, and my job required me to work on weekends.
Years passed, and though the desire to become an RFP never faded, financial and time constraints kept pushing it further down my list of priorities.
It wasn’t until May 2021, during the pandemic, that I finally found the perfect opportunity.
With the program shifting online, I immediately enrolled in RFP Batch 89. I attended the 8-week live sessions from May to July 2021, and my excitement grew as I moved one step closer to my dream.
The RFP Paper – A Challenge of Commitment
After completing the sessions, the next requirement was to prepare a Financial Plan paper—a case study for a real client.
But I procrastinated. I wasn’t confident in my skills yet, and other priorities kept piling up.
To overcome this, I:
- Attended multiple RFP paper presentations (revalida) to learn from others.
- Brainstormed with my Batch 89 classmates.
- Sought guidance from experienced RFP mentors.
- Continued attending financial forums and training programs, including the annual Financial Fitness Forum by RFP.
In October 2022, I took a refresher course with RFP Batch 98 to strengthen my confidence.
Then in November 2022, with a three-month-old baby in my arms, I finally told myself:
“It’s now or never.”
For 14 straight days, in between breastfeeding and sleepless nights, I poured my heart into writing my RFP paper—resulting in a 60-page financial plan.
Looking back, I probably overdid it. A 20-page financial plan would have been enough, but I wanted to ensure I applied everything I learned.
The Nerve-Wracking RFP Presentation
I submitted my RFP paper on November 23, 2022, and was scheduled to present on January 13, 2023.
The wait was nerve-wracking, but it gave me more time to prepare.
During my online revalida, I presented to a panel that included my RFP mentors, Rienzie Biolena and Jesi Bondoc.
Despite my nerves, my preparation paid off, and the presentation flowed smoothly.
Officially an RFP!
On February 10, 2023, I received the email I had been waiting for:
“Congratulations! You have satisfactorily complied with all the requirements of the RFP Program and are now eligible to become a Registered Financial Planner (RFP®).”
It was one of the most fulfilling moments of my life!
Shortly after, I received my RFP Kit, including my certificate, ID, pin, and financial planning resources.
Then, on May 20, 2023, I attended the RFP Graduation Ceremony at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, coinciding with Batch 100’s milestone celebration.
Life as an RFP: New Opportunities & Growth
Since becoming an RFP, my journey has taken exciting turns:
- I continued writing for MoneySense Magazine and The Manila Times and was invited to write for Business Mirror.
- My personal brand, The Pinay Investor, gained more recognition.
- I started receiving more speaking engagements and financial consultation requests.
- I got to collaborate with fellow RFPs—those I once admired from afar, I now work alongside as peers.
Becoming an RFP was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Looking back, the journey took almost 9 years, but it was all worth it.
Watch my RFP journey here
About RFP
The Registered Financial Planner (RFP) Program is the premier professional certification for financial planners in the Philippines, promoting the value of financial planning and elevating the standards of the profession.
The program equips financial planners with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework to help individuals achieve their financial goals.
Core Principles of the RFP Program:
- Commitment to education and continuous learning.
- Adherence to high ethical standards in financial practice.
- Emphasis on a client-centered financial planning approach.
Comprehensive RFP Program Syllabus:
The program covers eight key modules, each designed to develop a deep understanding of financial planning concepts and applications:
- Behavioral Financial Planning – Understanding client goals, financial behavior, and decision-making processes.
- Household Planning – Managing personal finances using economic theories and business-like approaches.
- Time Value of Money – Evaluating financial opportunities using fundamental financial principles and calculations.
- Investment Planning – Building and managing investment portfolios based on client objectives and risk tolerance.
- Tax Planning – Strategies to minimize income tax liabilities while complying with tax regulations.
- Estate Tax Planning – Structuring financial assets to optimize wealth transfer and minimize estate taxes.
- Insurance Planning – Identifying and mitigating financial risks through proper insurance coverage.
- Financial Planning Practice – Developing and delivering comprehensive financial plans tailored to client needs.
Why Become an RFP?
By earning the RFP designation, financial professionals demonstrate expertise, credibility, and commitment to excellence in financial planning.
The program helps practitioners enhance their advisory skills, build client trust, and contribute to the advancement of financial literacy in the Philippines.
The RFP Philippines community continues to grow, empowering financial planners to make a difference in people’s financial lives while upholding the highest professional standards.
Thinking About Becoming an RFP?
If you’ve been considering the Registered Financial Planner Program, now is the best time!
The next RFP Batch 109 starts January 11 – March 1, 2025.
🔗 Ready to take the leap?
Register for the RFP Program here and take the first step towards becoming a Registered Financial Planner!
💡 Special Offer:
If you register through my affiliate link above, I’ll provide exclusive access to my RFP presentation recording to help you prepare.
📩 Have questions about the RFP program?
Feel free to email me at janice (at) thepinayinvestor (dot) com.
Or visit the RFP Website to learn more about the Registered Financial Planner Program.
No matter how long it takes, if you’re passionate about financial planning, your RFP journey will be worth it.
Keep learning, keep growing, and when the right time comes—you’ll achieve your goal, just like I did!