I have been a member of the International Marketing Group (IMG) and an investor of mutual funds for over 4 years now and am proud to be part of an institution that focuses on financial education rather than business. As a member of IMG, I have had the privilege avail some of its 28 membership benefits. But there are deeper and (should I say) intrinsic reasons why I have chosen IMG as my investment broker. Here are 10 main reasons:

First. ZERO SALES LOAD.

Investing in mutual funds through IMG exempts me from any sales load fee. Other brokerages charge sales load or entry fee ranging from 1% to 5% for every investment transaction. Say, you invested P10,000 at 3.5% front-end sales load fees. They deduct P350, so only the remaining P9,650 goes to the investment fund. With IMG, we get zero sales loads. Isn’t it more economical and practical to invest in a no-sales-load fund?

Second. FREE INVESTMENT SEMINARS.

I get to attend FREE Mutual Fund Seminars and Stock Market Updates with IMG. I learn not only the concepts of investing but also updates on the latest performance of mutual funds and the stock market.

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Third. MULTIPLE INVESTMENT OPTIONS.

IMG does not limit my investment options. There are over 60 mutual funds in the Philippines, 30+  of which are being distributed by IMG.

With the many options I have, I can choose an investment that fits my own objectives, time plan, and risk appetite.

Fourth. IN-PERSON COACHING.

I get to talk face-face with financial planners, mentors, and finance experts. In fact, after attending my first seminar with IMG, I underwent a financial check-up and one-on-one coaching with my mentor. With online brokerages or queries over the phone, only major clients get the privilege of focused coaching. With IMG, in-person sessions feel real, powerful, and effective. I still prefer personal coaching to over-the-phone coaching.

Fifth. DO-IT-YOURSELF PLATFORM.

I love the Do-It-Yourself (D.I.Y.) platform of IMG. The seminars, trainings, and workshops with IMG provide members with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage their personal finances and not depend on anyone’s advice. From filling-out investment forms to online payments to final processing of papers, it trains members to accomplish procedures on their own.

Sixth. STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING.

I get to attend Stockholders’ Meetings. It is important to get updates on what’s happening with the stock market, particularly how our investments are performing. Despite the availability of information through various media outlets, none could replace the experience of getting information straight from the directors and the management of the company. Stockholders gain firsthand data of the financial results, strategies, and the overall outlook of the company which also give us insights into how our investments are being managed. There is transparency and full disclosure of important data to shareholders. This is a privilege that I didn’t have with my previous mutual fund and Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF) accounts in the bank. Information about investments was basically confidential. There were no invitations to stockholders’ meetings or forums. If there were updates, however, they sent them just via email and newsletter.

Seventh. CAREER OPPORTUNITY.

Investing through IMG has opened a new career opportunity for me. I was once an employee, and while I considered working in the corporate world as a good experience, nothing is comparable to the time flexibility and freedom that I have right now. When I joined IMG back then, the only goal I had in mind was to open an investment account to secure the future of my family. Little did I know that it would launch my career as a speaker and educator.

Eighth. SOCIAL CONNECTIONS.

I have created social connections and had the privilege of rubbing off shoulders with some of the most-respected and well-loved financial gurus, fund managers, mentors, authors, and speakers in the financial industry. But what excites me the most is meeting people from all walks of life, listening to their life stories and even financial dilemmas, and helping them find solutions.

Ninth. CREATING A LEGACY.

I have mentored young investors and already produced young speakers, bloggers, and educators who share my passion for spreading financial literacy. These investors and IMG members, who have started financial planning and building wealth for their future, created our Financial Literacy Advocacy team. Now, many of them conduct talks in communities, schools, companies, and other institutions. Having created empowered millennials who will eventually become future millionaires gives me a sense of fulfillment.

Tenth. TRANSFORMING LIVES.

I’ve had a great opportunity to help many people start their mutual fund and stock investments. Nothing beats the fulfillment of hearing someone say, “thank you for teaching me how to save and invest” or “thank you for helping my family get out of poverty.”

The Financial Literacy Advocacy Group was created by the very same investors and IMG members who have decided to start financial planning and build wealth for their future.  Our relationship has transcended time and has extended to each of our families and friends’ circles. We treat our group not as just as an organization but as a second family. Our commitment is to help more Filipino families achieve financial freedom through financial education.

FINAL THOUGHTS

IMG is truly more than an institution. It has become a second family to me and to its members. We are proud to be in an environment that helps transform people from spenders to savers to investors and entrepreneurs. This change in money perspectives and behaviors can only happen when we develop the right mindset through FINANCIAL EDUCATION, which is the core of IMG’s mission. As IMG puts it, “Everyone has the right to be wealthy, if they have the right information.” 

 

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Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided primarily for discussion purposes only, and should not be misconstrued as an advice or recommendation.