I agree most people shouldn't leave all their long-term savings in cash. Not too sure about the Philippines, but in most of the world you can buy stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, market-linked GICs and derivatives through banks and financial advisors who are employed by banks. Credit unions are often favored by some people and may be good for deposit accounts for funds required within your community but every single rich person has money at a big bank. Banks also provide you with access to capital and are often necessary for complicated corporate accounts and advice.