Elaine Bryan,Contributor

Developing strategies for managing stress is vitally important as we face today's challenges. We must continue to invest in our country and our future on the path to financial freedom.

Tips for coping

Your life situation will follow your thoughts. Empower yourself with positive thoughts.

Focus on and turn to your spiritual base while identifying something to be grateful for in your life.

Change extravagant spending habits.

Plan short trips with family and friends to the beach or mountain. Any form of exercise is encouraged.

Do not waste your energy with worry; focus on things that you can change.

Portfolio Diversity

In general, the banking system is of paramount importance, particularly in Jamaica. Our economy in the Caribbean region will thrive if the banks continue to be stable. Jamaicans at home and abroad should support our local banks. The National Commercial Bank (NCB) seems to be quite solid and is 100 per cent locally owned.

According to Patrick Hylton, group managing director, "The sector has performed very well over the past year as indicated by the growth in our business, the introduction of new products and services and our bottom-line performance."

Hylton also noted that investors can continue to be confident in NCB as it remains quite robust with strong capital and adequate levels of liquidity. They can also rest in the reassurance provided by a well-regulated banking system and highly competent group of persons at the Bank of Jamaica.

In the area of employment and retirement plans, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has established the 'Step to Work Programme' and other safety net opportunities to assist Jamaicans, which I will elaborate on in next month's column.

Tips about Investment Products

Financial institutions in Jamaica offer mutual funds, money-market securities, bonds and an array of innovative financial services for all levels of investors.

According to Nicole Walker, group marketing manager of NCB, "We believe in being the best. What sets us apart from other commercial banks is our expertise coupled with innovations like our credit cards and online banking for personal credit and loan approval. NCB Capital Markets Limited offers world-class investment advice. It recommends buying strong businesses with long-term growth potential.

As incredible as it seems, now is a very good time to invest in the Jamaican banking system. According to Walker, 'Wealth Proctor' is a five-year investment account that is ideal, for buying a home or paying your children's college tuition.

Great connectivity between the private and public sectors should continue to enhance future plans for a prosperous Jamaica. This collaboration will be a win-win situation as we establish public and private initiatives.

Remember: What you do with What you have determines What you become. This 'What-What-What' approach TM will be helpful as we focus on the continuous development of our country.

Elaine Bryan is an empowerment speaker for the Morehouse School of Medicine and a real-estate expert on the HGTV & Fine Living Show, 'What You Get for the Money'.www.elainebryan.com

Bryan