Jay Adrian Tolentino, a 38-year-old Filipino financial coach in the UAE, aspires to retire by the age of 55 or younger. He aims to achieve this financial goal by consistently investing in low-cost globally diversified index funds.
However, he does not intend to stop working and wants to earn enough passive income to cover his family’s expenses.
Mr Tolentino lives in Discovery Gardens in Dubai with his wife and son. He also supports his parents in the Philippines.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing but moved into the financial services industry in 2018. He is a registered financial planner and has been living in the UAE for 10 years.
What was your first job and how much did you earn?
My first job was as a call centre agent in the Philippines, where I earned 6,000 pesos ($100) monthly. I stayed in the call centre industry for seven years and by the time I left the Philippines I was earning 30,000 pesos per month. When I moved to the UAE in 2015, my first role was as a call centre agent for Sharaf DG, earning Dh3,700 ($1,007) per month.
Tell us about your current role
I run Free Before Sixty Coaching, as a financial coach for expats who want to retire early. Most of my clients are Filipinos earning good money based across the world. They’ve already achieved some success but their finances are scattered assets here, investments there, no clear plan tying it all together. They’re not sure if they can retire by 50 or 55. My role is to help them see the full picture, build a structured financial road map, and put systems in place so they stop guessing and start executing.
I used to work as an independent financial adviser in 2018 but I realised the products I was selling were ones I wouldn’t invest in. The fees were high and impacted client returns. After reading Andrew Hallam’s The Millionaire Expat in 2020, I decided to leave the industry. I looked for financial coaching jobs but the role didn’t exist. So, I created the role myself. I launched the Pera & Purpose podcast in 2020, started coaching on the side and, this year, I made coaching my main source of income.
Do you manage to save?
Yes, my wife and I save regularly, and we have meaningful savings. We don’t panic during emergencies. For instance, when my wife lost her job recently, it wasn’t a big issue for us. We were able to continue our lifestyle while she looked for a new employer.
What asset classes do you invest in?
I invest in global equities and global bonds domiciled in Ireland, Vanguard LifeStrategy to be very specific, using Interactive Brokers. We also have a retirement lot in the Philippines.
Before, I had invested in assets like crypto, condos and individual stocks in the Philippines. But after learning a lot through personal failures and professional training in financial planning and investment planning, I realised how simple it is to just invest in index funds, never time the market, avoid news and stay invested for the long term.
I stopped investing in rental real estate to avoid concentration risk and because it is illiquid. What I learnt is that investing in global index funds is the easiest way for me to manage risks while still having easy access to cash whenever I need it. I also heavily invest in my coaching business and it has given me far better returns than any other asset class I’ve tried, including the exchange-traded funds.
When did you start investing?
I started investing in 2014 with the Philippines stock market. In 2019, I read Tony Robbins’ Unshakeable and learnt about the importance of global diversification, but it was difficult to implement because the advice was very US-centric. Then I read Andrew Hallam’s The Millionaire Expat and joined the SimplyFI community, which gave me a clear, practical framework for investing as an expat. That’s when I decided to stop investing only in the Philippines and shift to globally diversified index funds.
Have you purchased any property?
Yes, we purchased a vacant lot for our retirement in the Philippines. It cost around Dh370,000 and we’re still paying the mortgage for it.
Do you have any debt?
Yes, we have a mortgage for the lot and a car loan here in the UAE. I hate credit card debt, so I never applied for one. I have never met anyone who told me they became wealthy because of credit card points. Always paying in cash has allowed me to practise delayed gratification, patience and consider the trade-offs of my purchases.
Growing up, were you taught how to manage money?
Not really. We were only taught to save money, study hard, find a company that pays good money, work hard, buy a house, buy a car, have a family and support our parents when they grow old. In my 20s, I used to spend most of my income on Jordans and other sneakers. As I grew older, I learnt that making money is one skill and managing it right is another.
What are your major monthly expenses?
Our major monthly expenses are rent, food, childcare, mortgage and remittances.
How do you manage your income each month?
My wife and I combine our finances and we leave a little allowance for each of us for our remittances and other day-to-day expenses. For me, my allowance is around Dh2,000 for my day-to-day expenses, software subscriptions I need to run my business and for insurance.
I realised the importance of insurance when my father had his second open-heart surgery 10 years ago. He never had any savings and was not insured. My family and I were in debt for four years because of that. It was a wake-up call for me to be responsible with my finances and to never pass that burden to my future child.
We have an emergency fund for each of us, and a sinking fund to manage our short-term goals and expected expenses for the next 12 months.
Have you started saving for retirement?
Yes, we have a retirement fund invested in Vanguard LifeStrategy. Currently, our allocation is 80 per cent stocks and 20 per cent bonds because we plan to retire by the age of 55 or younger. For me, retiring doesn’t mean I’ll fully stop working. It means having enough passive income to cover our expenses so I can continue coaching without the pressure of needing the income.
Do you have an emergency fund?
Yes. Currently, it covers nine months but our goal is to finish building it next year to cover 12. We had to increase our emergency fund because we had our son last year. Childcare and rent are huge expenses in Dubai.
Do you worry about money?
Sometimes, especially when I’m not getting clients or when leads aren’t converting. There are days when I just want a regular job for the steady income. The good thing is we have enough money saved for slow months.
But the best way I’ve learnt to not worry about money is by detaching my definition of success from material possessions. I learnt this from reading The Purpose Driven Life. Now I spend very little on things that don’t align with my purpose and more on things that give me value.
There are days when I just want a regular job for the steady income. Good thing we have enough money saved for slow months
Jay Adrian Tolentino,
Financial coach
My wife had a credit card for groceries only but we recently cancelled it, too. Our car expenses are minimal because I run my business from home. That keeps our finances simple and stress-free.
What are your money-saving habits to deal with rising costs?
What worked well for me is understanding the opportunity cost of whatever I’m buying. If I buy a certain piece of gear, it means I may not be buying something else, or we may delay our plan to travel as a family. I look for ways to immediately recoup the money. Or if it helps me save time, then I can use that extra time to make more money.
But I think about rising costs like a game. You can’t win by defence alone. You also need offence. You can only cut back on your expenses down to the last dirham. Your income, on the other hand, isn’t limited in the same way. You can always learn a new skill or find new ways to add value and each of those can increase what you earn.
What are your financial goals?
Next year, my plan is to be part of a coaching community that makes $30,000 a month and above. Right now, I’m working to consistently hit $10,000 a month.
In the next three years, I want to semi-retire my wife so she can have more time with our son, build a five to eight-member team and run this business while we’re travelling the world with the family.
Of course, fully funding our child’s college fund and our own retirement fund is a long-term goal. Part of my main goals is to also support NGOs involved in financial literacy and improving the overall education system of the Philippines.
What does financial freedom mean to you?
Having enough money to do the things I love with the people I love working with, spending four hours a day on my business, then the rest of my time fully present with my family, whenever and wherever we choose.
Do you want to be featured in My Salary, a bi-weekly column that explores how people around the world manage their earnings? Write to pf@thenationalnews.com to share your story
‘The worst thing you can eat’
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods – Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks – Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food – Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough – Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine – Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Living in…
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Company%20profile
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MATCH INFO
Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)
Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm
Quick facts on cancer
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide, after cardiovascular diseases
About one in five men and one in six women will develop cancer in their lifetime
By 2040, global cancer cases are on track to reach 30 million
70 per cent of cancer deaths occur in low and middle-income countries
This rate is expected to increase to 75 per cent by 2030
At least one third of common cancers are preventable
Genetic mutations play a role in 5 per cent to 10 per cent of cancers
Up to 3.7 million lives could be saved annually by implementing the right health
strategies
The total annual economic cost of cancer is $1.16 trillion
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
1.
United States
2.
China
3.
UAE
4.
Japan
5
Norway
6.
Canada
7.
Singapore
8.
Australia
9.
Saudi Arabia
10.
South Korea
The President’s Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
Qosty Byogaani
Starring: Hani Razmzi, Maya Nasir and Hassan Hosny
Four stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsThe five types of long-term residential visas
Obed Suhail of ServiceMarket, an online home services marketplace, outlines the five types of long-term residential visas:
Investors:
A 10-year residency visa can be obtained by investors who invest Dh10 million, out of which 60 per cent should not be in real estate. It can be a public investment through a deposit or in a business. Those who invest Dh5 million or more in property are eligible for a five-year residency visa. The invested amount should be completely owned by the investors, not loaned, and retained for at least three years.
Entrepreneurs:
A five-year multiple entry visa is available to entrepreneurs with a previous project worth Dh0.5m or those with the approval of an accredited business incubator in the UAE.
Specialists
Expats with specialised talents, including doctors, specialists, scientists, inventors, and creative individuals working in the field of culture and art are eligible for a 10-year visa, given that they have a valid employment contract in one of these fields in the country.
Outstanding students:
A five-year visa will be granted to outstanding students who have a grade of 95 per cent or higher in a secondary school, or those who graduate with a GPA of 3.75 from a university.
Retirees:
Expats who are at least 55 years old can obtain a five-year retirement visa if they invest Dh2m in property, have savings of Dh1m or more, or have a monthly income of at least Dh20,000.
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
Sun jukebox
Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)
This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.
Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)
The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.
Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)
Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.
Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)
Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.
Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)
An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)
Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.
Day 2, stumps
Pakistan 482
Australia 30/0 (13 ov)
Australia trail by 452 runs with 10 wickets remaining in the innings
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Teaching your child to save
Pre-school (three – five years)
You can’t yet talk about investing or borrowing, but introduce a “classic” money bank and start putting gifts and allowances away. When the child wants a specific toy, have them save for it and help them track their progress.
Early childhood (six – eight years)
Replace the money bank with three jars labelled ‘saving’, ‘spending’ and ‘sharing’. Have the child divide their allowance into the three jars each week and explain their choices in splitting their pocket money. A guide could be 25 per cent saving, 50 per cent spending, 25 per cent for charity and gift-giving.
Middle childhood (nine – 11 years)
Open a bank savings account and help your child establish a budget and set a savings goal. Introduce the notion of ‘paying yourself first’ by putting away savings as soon as your allowance is paid.
Young teens (12 – 14 years)
Change your child’s allowance from weekly to monthly and help them pinpoint long-range goals such as a trip, so they can start longer-term saving and find new ways to increase their saving.
Teenage (15 – 18 years)
Discuss mutual expectations about university costs and identify what they can help fund and set goals. Don’t pay for everything, so they can experience the pride of contributing.
Young adulthood (19 – 22 years)
Discuss post-graduation plans and future life goals, quantify expenses such as first apartment, work wardrobe, holidays and help them continue to save towards these goals.
* JP Morgan Private Bank
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsTrump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
Five%20calorie-packed%20Ramadan%20drinks
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Know your Camel lingo
The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home
Namoos – a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as ‘the pride of victory’ – and for competitors, it is priceless
Asayel camels – sleek, short-haired hound-like racers
Majahim – chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s
Millions Street – the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival
Rooney’s club record
At Everton Appearances: 77; Goals: 17
At Manchester United Appearances: 559; Goals: 253
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsFrench business
France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.
JAPAN SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Masaaki Higashiguchi, Shuichi Gonda, Daniel Schmidt
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Tomoaki Makino, Maya Yoshida, Sho Sasaki, Hiroki Sakai, Sei Muroya, Genta Miura, Takehiro Tomiyasu
Midfielders: Toshihiro Aoyama, Genki Haraguchi, Gaku Shibasaki, Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Shoya Nakajima, Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita, Ritsu Doan
Forwards: Yuya Osako, Takuma Asano, Koya Kitagawa
THE LOWDOWN
Photograph
Rating: 4/5
Produced by: Poetic License Motion Pictures; RSVP Movies
Director: Ritesh Batra
Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sanya Malhotra, Farrukh Jaffar, Deepak Chauhan, Vijay Raaz
Results
57kg quarter-finals
Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Hamed Al Matari (YEM) by points 3-0.
60kg quarter-finals
Ibrahim Bilal (UAE) beat Hyan Aljmyah (SYR) RSC round 2.
63.5kg quarter-finals
Nouredine Samir (UAE) beat Shamlan A Othman (KUW) by points 3-0.
67kg quarter-finals
Mohammed Mardi (UAE) beat Ahmad Ondash (LBN) by points 2-1.
71kg quarter-finals
Ahmad Bahman (UAE) defeated Lalthasanga Lelhchhun (IND) by points 3-0.
Amine El Moatassime (UAE) beat Seyed Kaveh Safakhaneh (IRI) by points 3-0.
81kg quarter-finals
Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Ahmad Hilal (PLE) by points 3-0