I started my career in Insurance way back 2017. It was a year when only a few Financial Advisors, known before as Insurance agents, made it to my newsfeed. Hindi pa yata ganon kauso ang linyang “kape tayo”, tapos bebentahan pala ng insurance.
My reason for joining this industry was solely to serve my needs, a selfish reason honestly. But who would’ve thought that after four years, I’m still here.
I wish I have.
They say you’ll only realize the value of insurance when you’re already sick or dying. In my case, I experienced both at age 26. I had spine surgery due to scoliosis and it made me say “I wish I have health insurance for these expenses” and “I wish I have life insurance if ever I’ll die”.
It taught me that life’s uncertainties are real. We will all die and one major sickness can take away our life’s savings! And so I decided to get my first insurance with investment, followed by health insurance (two years after).
I need to figure it out.
Unfortunately, I failed to pay the health insurance for two consecutive years, resulting to a huge debt together with additional charges and penalties. I reached out to my agent but she was no longer connected leading me to figure it out all by myself.
No matter how much I read my policy, I really don’t understand it. I was contemplating if paying a huge amount with penalties is worth it. The complete perks of what I got is also vague. So I seek the guidance of a colleague whom I know has been in this Industry for almost eight years.
I want to know.
After our meeting, I still didn’t get it 100%. Not because she’s not good but the terms are just alien for me. It was hard for me to comprehend so I asked if I can be a Financial Advisor myself. Maybe by attending their trainings, I’ll be able to understand this whole Insurance thing! From there I can assess (without any bias) if the two policies that I got are really worth it. I want to be an insider to know if this Industry will help me achieve my goals financially.
I found out.
I passed the Insurance Licensure Exam last 2017 and in an instant, I’m already a Licensed Financial Advisor! After careful evaluation of the two policies that I got (from other companies), I found out two things. First, I am paying so much for a very low coverage on my first insurance! At age 26, I’m paying 35,000 yearly for a coverage of just Php 150,000. Good thing it was now adjusted giving me higher benefits.
For health insurance, I found out that the coverage is not comprehensive. so I let go of it already without any refund and I switched to Sunlife’s Sun Fit and Well Advantage due to the number of covered illness, hospitalization income, home care and other investment benefits. I discovered that what I’ll gain by switching (eventhough it means losing what I already paid) is more beneficial versus to continue paying for a plan that doesn’t fit my needs and objectives.
I explained.
Now that my purpose of joining Sunlife was already served (which is to assess if I have the best policies), I can go. But close friends who are aware that I’m with Sunlife started to approach me seeking advise, asking the question, “Pano ba yan?”. And so I just go with the flow, sincerely served their needs, sharing with them my knowledge based on my own experience while explaining the benefits of insurance, in a way that I believe can be better understood. In short, in a way that my old self can understand.
I never liked that.
On my first year, I was able to help more than 20 clients without really marketing myself as a Financial Advisor. Receiving messages from random people inviting me for investment opportunities makes me uncomfortable. I’m not saying it’s bad but I never liked that so I never did it. All my clients were referral from family, friends and colleagues. I know I wouldn’t last in this Industry if I’m not promoting myself out there, but it was okay. I’m perfectly fine serving my small circle and I didn’t intend to stay long anyway.
I didn't expect.
Four years later, I just find myself talking to my 2017 clients as they try to expand their coverage especially in the midst of this pandemic. Most concerns involve hospitalization benefits, retirement and guaranteed returns for their child’s education given the uncertainties we experience today.
One of my clients, a breadwinner, who is very much worried if he gets hospitalized due to Covid decided to get another policy addressing his worries as to where he’ll get the money if he’ll be hospitalized. Another client wants a guaranteed return of money for her retirement years as an addition to the pension she’ll get few years from now. Then a young mother requested for a plan with guaranteed pay out for her child’s College education.
I researched for the best plan/policy to address their specific needs. Yes, Sunlife has a lot of Insurance products to address different objectives so don’t be blinded by all-in-one Insurance product. I really want my clients to maximize the value of their money based on what they really need (because that’s also how I treat the Insurance products that I invest in).
I was shocked.
Towards the end one client asked me “Pa’no ko pala aasikasuhin yung hospital benefits kung may sakit pa rin ako? Wala kasi kong ibang aasahan”. I said “Assist kita so wag mo ko ibblock. Haha” And he just said “Yon! Wag kang mauuna sakin Ma’am ha”. And we just laughed.
It was a fun conversation but after ending that Zoom meeting, it dawned on me that I am indeed my client’s partner for life. That this is a commitment that I’ll carry on until the end. It reminded me that I’m responsible for my clients’ decisions in trying to secure and protect their/their loved ones’ future.
That’s why I always try to offer the best product based on their needs. I know my conscience can’t take if I can’t give them a plan that will best answer their objectives.
It's not just that.
A career I started out of my own selfish reason surprisingly turned out to be a selfless commitment to be the partner for life of my past, present and future clients. This is not just a sales job and not just another source of income. Being a committed Financial Advisor is a profession that can change the lives and future of the people we love. I’ve been in sales for more than a decade and I can truly say that the only way to succeed is if you put more value to your mission over your commission.
Partner for Life.
I entrusted my family’s security with Sunlife. We have 5 policies with this company who’s been here for 126 years already. And I’m always happy to share my learnings and experiences especially on the importance of Insurance and Investments.
Lets connect.
If you were like me who used to be clueless on different investment options, especially on insurance, let’s connect here. I’d be very glad to answer your questions.
Send me a message @loreenefabi today and let’s start living a brighter life for you and your family.
