Wednesday, July 23, 2008

SMILE

Smile for that is your charity
Smile because it makes you cheerful
Smile because someone dear to you looks up to you
Smile because someone out there needs a friend
A smile is free to give
Gains more than you ever will know it
SMILE, FOR IT MAKES YOU AND ME HAPPY

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Economy Downturn?

July 2008. Seems like the financial situation is getting from worrying to breaking out into worts!

The subprime issues and the petroleum prices soaring high are making the people in the street like us sweat. We wished that the Government would be more supportive and more generous in handing out subsidies.

We wished that we had more cash in our savings account to be ready for what is coming, a dark outlook or dark financial forecast. Look at how the stocks are doing.

Today, I was forwarded an email advising people to be more prudent in their spendings. Here are some tips, which I think could be applied to some of us:

1. Don't take any loans, buy homes, properties with loans, or even cash. Keep as much cash as possible.

2. Pay off as much of personal loans, private loans, as debt collection will be hastened.

3. Sell any stocks you can even at lower prices.

4. Take money off from Trust Funds.

5. Don't believe in huge sales forecast from customers, be extremely prudent, lowest inventories, reduce liabilities.

6. Don't invest in new capital.

7. If you are selling homes/properties/ cars, do it now , when you can get good prices, they are going to fall.

8. Don't invest in new business proposals.

9. Cancel holiday plans using credit cards.

10. Don't change jobs, as companies will retrenchbased on 'last in, first out'.

However, I remembered being taught in my Economics class ( I was the worst student), that if the people / economy do not spend any money and everyone just kept their money under their pillow or banks.... things would come to a standstill (or something like that). From this lesson, it says to go on spending your money but wisely. No more splurging or fancy buying.

If I had any debts, I would certainly clear off my credit cards first, because that is a killer. Now that there is this new ruling imposed, on certain charges for credit revolvers. Meaning that, if you pay your card on the minimal amount, for every new transaction, you will be charged an interest rate from the day it is posted to the credit card company. No more free 20 interest free days!

However, you can still buy or take up equities or unit trusts at such low prices. According to one expert in Australia, this IS a good time to invest. It is because all the premium stocks are now at a very low price. This will assist you in creating your future wealth.

Another way to create your wealth is to provide your family with financial protection instruments such as from eTiQa Takaful. Let's say down the road, you are only saving RM100 per month with a financial institution. Let's say an accident happens, then you might need to take out your savings to pay your bills. So, what is left? If, you were to take up an eTiQa Takaful policy, be rest assured, it will help you lessen your burden. It pays for your hospitalisation, settle your debts, gives you some pocket allowance and also gives you dividends over your savings. Another good point, zakat is taken care of,too. A RM100 might add on to your wealth, up to RM30,000 to RM50,000 depending on your age.

For more info, email to kaiyisah@yahoo.com