Money Matters With Zoren

The Money Dilemma: Where Should Your Bonus or Extra Cash Go?

You just received your bonus, a freelance payout, or maybe you’re finally getting serious about saving. You open your banking app, stare at the balance… and wonder:

“Where should I put this money so it actually grows?”

Welcome to the modern money dilemma. Today, we’ll compare three of the most popular options: Savings Accounts, VUL (Variable Universal Life Insurance), and UITF (Unit Investment Trust Funds)—so you can make smarter financial decisions aligned with your goals.

Know Your Weapons: What Are These Financial Tools?

🏦 Savings Account

What it is: A deposit account that earns minimal interest.

Best for: Emergency funds, everyday cash needs.

Pros: Very liquid, low risk, easy to access.

Cons: Almost no growth (0.1%–1% interest), can’t beat inflation.

🛡️ VUL (Variable Universal Life Insurance)

What it is: A life insurance policy combined with an investment fund.
Best for: Long-term wealth building + protection.

Example Product: Manulife’s FutureBoost
FutureBoost is a high-performing VUL plan that gives you the flexibility to choose where your money grows while protecting your loved ones. It features boosters (extra investment allocations), a loyalty bonus, and customizable riders for health and income protection—making it ideal for long-term goals like retirement, education, or building generational wealth.

Pros:
✔️ Insurance + investment in one
✔️ Tax-free gains
✔️ FutureBoost offers additional rewards through boosters and loyalty bonuses
✔️ Forced savings to build discipline

Cons:
❌ Long-term commitment
❌ Management and insurance fees
❌ Not ideal for short-term liquidity needs

📈 UITF (Unit Investment Trust Fund)

What it is: A pooled investment fund managed by a bank.

Best for: Medium- to long-term investing.

Pros: Professionally managed, diversified, accessible.

Cons: Market volatility, no insurance coverage, some financial literacy required.

Quick Snapshot: Which One Does What?

Feature	Savings Account	VUL	UITF
Risk Level	Very Low	Moderate	Moderate to High
Expected Returns	0.1% – 1%	4% – 10%	4% – 12%
Liquidity	High	Low to Medium	Medium
Insurance Coverage	❌	✅	❌
Ideal For	Emergency fund	Life protection + growth	Wealth building

When Should You Choose Each One?

✅ Go with a Savings Account if:

• You need quick access to funds for emergencies.
• You’re just starting your savings habit.

🟢 Choose VUL if:

• You want to secure your family’s future while growing wealth.
• You’re committed to long-term goals (retirement, education, estate planning).

🔵 Pick UITF if:

• You already have insurance and savings.
• You want to build wealth and can tolerate market ups and downs.

Avoid These Money Traps

Let’s be real—many people:

• Keep all their money in savings (ouch, inflation eats it alive).
• Buy VUL without understanding the commitment.
• Dive into UITFs hoping for instant ROI (spoiler: it doesn’t work that way).

Avoid these traps by knowing the purpose behind each option.

The Winning Combo: Why Not All Three?

The truth? These aren’t enemies—they’re teammates.

Here’s how to layer them smartly:

• Start with savings – for emergency needs (3–6 months of expenses).
• Add VUL – like Manulife’s FutureBoost – for long-term wealth building plus financial protection for your family.
• Top off with UITFs – to accelerate your growth if your savings and protection are in place.

Think of it like building a financial house:
🧱 Savings = foundation
🏗️ FutureBoost VUL = structure + security
🎯 UITF = your expansion strategy

Don’t Let Your Money Be Lazy

Money in a bank account is like a couch potato—it’s safe, but it’s not doing anything impressive. Your goal? Make your money work as hard as you do.

So… where should your money go? The real answer: it depends on your goals, your timeline, and your risk appetite.

But if you want a personalized strategy, I can help with that too.

Ready to Build a Smarter Portfolio? Let’s Chat.

I help busy professionals and entrepreneurs like you grow and protect their money with smart, personalized financial planning.

👉 Message me for a free financial check-up or FNA.
📩 ren_v_pescador@manulife.com.ph

Let’s build a plan that fits your goals—and actually works.