How Anthony Pangilinan Taught His Kids to Be Financially Independent

In a TikTok video, Ella Pangilinan and her dad Anthony share tips about becoming financially independent, while stressing the importance of money.

Ella Pangilinan sat down with her dad Anthony about being financially independent. In a TikTok video, the newlywed asked her dad to talk about what he had taught her and her siblings—about the importance of money and being financially independent.

As a seasoned motivational speaker, workshop designer, and implementor, Anthony is an expert in conducting social and mass media programs. In fact, he doubles as a consultant for companies and brands, while being a husband to Maricel Laxa and father to Ella, Hannah, Benjamin, Donny, and Solana/

“I think one of the most important things is that you put first things FIRST,” he explained in the video, while explaining what the acronym FIRST stood for.

The road to financial independence should FIRST start with you

F: Follow God’s lead, even in acquiring or spending

Anthony began by using the anecdote of Abraham when he was led by God in his travels. Explaining further, he said: “It’s not where I get the most money…of course you to make some computations but where is the spirit leading you?”

I: Invest in character more than looks

More than just making practical choices, Anthony explained that your character matters. “Pag nagkaproblema ka na sa negosyo or when you have challenges with your money, if your inner character is not strong enough, then you will fold very quickly.”

R: Repent of bad ways and keep improving

Some financial decisions are good, but inevitably, you will make mistakes along the way. For this, Anthony stresses the importance of taking responsibility. “You have to repent. Failure is not fatal in business or any investment. Pag alam mo mali ka, harapin mo.“

S: Steward resources, as God has given gifts, and give back to Him first through our tithes

Anthony told Ella to ultimately remember that everything came from God. “The first principle is that you give back. You at least give 10% of the money to the Lord,” he said.

This, however, was tough for him in the beginning. “But ever since you were kids, regardless of what you want to buy, what you have to spend for, what bills you have to pay for…pag iyan na yung 10% na kinita mo, ilabas mo na yan. Take it out.”

T: Teaching through examples, not mere words

For the last one, Anthony shared that when parents and kids go invest in business, it is the parents who do it more. It’s different from how Ella, Donny, and Hannah approached it, as they have been earning money themselves through their respective careers.

“[The] three of you invested your money to do business with us,” he said. “Because I think you saw that we live by example [and] we lead by example, which means we’re not perfect. But if we make mistakes, we admit it. When there are brutal facts, we accept it.”

@ellapangilinanx How we learned how to become finanically independent ft my dad @Anthony Pangilinan ♬ original sound – ella pangilinan

When done right, the road to being financially independent is within reach!

Summarizing the acronym, Anthony pointed out that regardless, of how many years and decades it’ll take, if you practice FIRST in making financial decisions, things will be okay. “I think somehow the kids will pick up and do even better because they learn from their mistakes,” he opined.

Teaching kids to be financially independent as early as they can will show the value of what they spend. After all, if you want something, you have to have the means to purchase it.

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