DianaTan.net

Rich people like my uncle in Singapore will probably choose gold bullion as an investment. But for less wealthy people like me, will probably choose a gold ring or bracelet. Some small items of gold that I can keep away safely at home without going to the bank. I have other forms of investment like my government bonds or also known as treasury bills with interests or coupons to collect every month and my fixed deposits. These are my small investments for my retirement. As I don’t have children, I need to work hard and save more for my golden years ahead as I cannot depend on kids to support me. Now my parents are lucky because they have the 3 of us siblings to contribute RM600 each every month for the household expenses. Hence they are able to watch Astro and eat out every night plus buy food back for lunch every day.

I guess this is common practise in Asian countries where children will have to contribute financially to the retired parents in their old age. Anyway, gold will appreciate in value in due time and I hope to make more investments in gold through my Public Bank Gold Savings Account which I can only withdraw 1 year later.

With the inflation rate at about 4%, and your value of money decreasing by the year, have you ever considered to put your money to buy gold instead? Gold is a good hedge against inflation and the value of gold has been increasing steadily for the last 10 years. When I was small, a gram of gold costs only RM21.00 which has now balooned to RM126.00 per gram. So, if you have invested your money in gold at that point in time, you would have made money today. India is the biggest consumer of gold with its citizens wearing gold accessories to look attractive. I have also open a Gold Investment Account with Public Bank and bought about 40gm of gold to be put in the bank for at least 1 year.

Yesterday, my first ever Nuffnang cheque arrive in the letter box and I promptly banked it in my account at Public Bank. The amount was for RM50.82 and after deducting RM1 for the charges, it came to RM49.82. Nevertheless it is still money from blog advertisements. I am elated that though the amount is not that much compared to other bloggers, to me, something coming in is better than nothing at all. Just click on the image above to enlarge the picture for a clearer view! Thank you, Nuffnang! Your programme certainly rocks and that is why so many bloggers are turning to Nuffnang compared to Adverlets. This is proof that Nuffnang definitely pays its fellow bloggers

In my early twenties, when I was a new graduate and just secured a job with my first pay cheque, I always do mountains of shopping along Orchard Road in Singapore and become almost broke before the end of the month. Yes, I was a spendthrift as that seems to be the only activity for the week end after church service near Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. I will indulge in good food and spend money on branded clothes, costume jewellery, etc. On the outside, I look good and successful, but sometimes, my bank account is low in savings. Singapore is a good place to earn money as the conversion rate is more than 2 times, but not an ideal place to stay as you tend to keep up with the Joneses. There is peer pressure to wear and look presentable at all times, especially during my wealthy relatives’ dinner at expensive Chinese restaurants during birthdays, Chinese New Year and Christmas.

Now, with more years added to my age, I am wiser now and am happily settled in Penang, earning an income monthly for my retirement. What’s more? I have a dream job to work in my home office for the last 6+ years and for as long as my boss is healthy and able to drive long distances between Penang and KL frequently. No longer do I do mountains of shopping as now I tend to save more than I spend – all for my retirement years ahead. Hopefully my retirement will be golden years and not woeful years with insufficient cash to tide over like some people.

What I have discovered is that shopping and purchasing will make you feel good for a while and then comes the pain when you have to pay your credit card bills when you get the statement. It is not a lasting satisfaction which only makes you poorer and your pocket seems to have holes in it and not able to retain money for investment or savings. So, my advise to all those who just graduate and are getting their first cheques, make sure you save up for rainy days and save more than you spend for a secure future!

Have you read the latest issue of Personal Money magazine? Grab a copy from newsstand. It is a much better magazine now as compared to its old self.

This issue featured write up is Strategies for Savings. You will definitely find some useful tips to improve your financial positions. Some strategies on savings are definitely not the usual cut-down-your-coffee-and-groceries stuff. There are some living persons showing their faces and telling us their strategies. That is nice.

Personal Money was originally a bi-monthly free complimentary magazine came with The Edge weekly. It spun out from The Edge when its popularity grew. However, after sometime I stopped buying it as I felt it had turned itself into a mega advertorial magazine for unit trust funds and property personalities.

The featured topic addresses day to day real life financial experience (like choosing credit cards, saving strategies, etc.), not just unit trust and unit trust and unit trust and stock market and property trend (It once used to be so). The editorial team are more alert to changes in regulatory framework (e.g. SC guidelines on investment-linked, EPF gives 5%, etc.) and economic environment (e.g. foreign exchange fluctuations, rising interest rates, etc. had on our investments) and are more experience in writing about their impacts had on individual financial life.

The team starts to write about stocks. It also writes about businesses. Yes. Business is, in fact, the most important part of a wealth building plan, not unit trust, in contrary to what were, and still are, propagated into our mind through heavy advertisements. It is really interesting to read about the hairdressing business and boutiques business and the people behind them. Frankly we don’t need a high salaried EMPLOYEE (nice expensive tie and suit) of a unit trust company to tell us about wealth building and compounding effects. We need entrepreneur personalities like Helen Read and Winnie Loo to tell us their experience.

The articles in Personal Money were once like advertorials written by the people who have vested interest in the products/ markets. But it is no longer the case now. Lim Yin Foong is the editor since day one of Personal Money. I suppose the magazine grows with her knowledge on personal finance. The magazine started to form its own views on many topics on personal finance. And the choice of coverage (in terms of breadth) is interesting.

Of course I knew that there are several sites out there offering paid blog posts. However, I did not have a closer look so far, because I was under the impression that paid blog reviews are expensive and you have to expect to pay around $20 for a post. I am glad I now had a closer look and gave one service of this kind a try. The paid blog post service I joined some days ago is Linkfromblog.

After I signed up I added one of my domains and soon after I started receiving bids from blog owners willing to review my blog and write a short review. Short reviews are about 200 words. I was pretty suprised when I noticed that you can get a blog review from a PR3 blog for as low as $2 (of course prices vary).

I immediately deposited $20 in my account (there is a 20% service fee, that’s how Linkfromblog makes money). Out of the 35 bids I received I chose a total of 5 blogs (PR between 1 and 3) and accepted the bid. I am very pleased with the service provided and will add it to my arsenal of marketing methods.

Why I like Linkfromblog

1. Easy account creation
2. Option to accept bids or browse their whole catalog and send invitations
3. Lot’s of blogs to choose from
4. Details oin every blog: demographics, PR, Alexa ranking, amount of posts added, blog url
5. The blog owner writes the review. So every review is totally different and not duplicate content
6. Ability to tell blog owners how they should write (positive, negative, neutral) etc.

Making money online is possible if you are diligent and motivated. This is, anyway, pure common sense for anyone to make money out there, even in the brick and mortar business. There are several programs on the internet now that offers cash for blogging on sponsor’s items and business.

It is expected to be Malaysia’s largest shopping mall REIT

PETALING JAYA: CapitaMalls Asia Ltd, one of Asia’s largest listed shopping mall developers, owners and managers by property value and geographic reach, has launched the prospectus and retail portion of what will be the largest shopping mall REIT (real estate investment trust) in Malaysia to date.

CapitaMalls Asia is part of Southeast Asia’s largest property developer Singapore’s CapitaLand Ltd.

The listing of CapitaMalls Malaysia Trust (CMMT) REIT on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia on July 16 is expected to have a market capitalisation of RM1.4bil if an over-allotment option of up to 15% of the offering of 786 million units is exercised. If this portion is not exercised, it may raise RM864mil.

Its initial portfolio of three shopping malls – Gurney Plaza in Penang, Sungei Wang Plaza in Kuala Lumpur and The Mines in Selangor – has a total net lettable area of 1.88 million sq ft and has been valued at RM2.13 bil.

Lim Beng Chee … ‘We see acquisition opportunities in Malaysia’s shopping mall sector.’ The CMMT IPO will have a total of 1.35 billion units in issue, of which 719 million units were offered to institutional investors at between RM1 and RM1.10 each in late June and 67.5 million units for individual investors at an indicative price of RM1.08 yesterday, with a forecast distribution yield of 6.9% for 2011. The final price will be determined on July 8.

CapitaMalls Asia CEO Lim Beng Chee told a press conference that occupancy and rental yields had increased for all three malls in its stable despite a weak economy in the last two years.

“We see acquisition opportunities in Malaysia’s shopping mall sector, with its fragmented ownership structure.

“CapitaMalls Asia will give CMMT a right of first refusal over any retail properties that we may acquire in future, including the extension that is being carried out at Penang’s Gurney Plaza. If acquired, Gurney Plaza extension will increase CMMT’s asset size by about 11%,” he said.

CIMB Investment Bank Bhd, JPMorgan Chase & Co and Maybank Investment Bank Bhd are jointly managing the IPO sale.

“As part of our long-term commitment, CapitaMalls Asia also plans to set up a Malaysia retail property fund to acquire and develop retail properties in Malaysia. CMMT will similarly have a right of first refusal over this pipeline of retail properties,” Lim said.

CIMB Investment Bank Bhd, JPMorgan Chase & Co and Maybank Investment Bank Bhd are jointly managing the sale. Individual investors will get a refund if the final price for institutional investors is lower than the retail price. CMMT’s sponsor, CapitaMalls Asia Ltd, will retain a stake of 41.74% in CMMT.

If an over-allotment option of up to 117 million units is exercised, CapitaMalls Asia’s stake in CMMT will be 33%.

The IPO follows the RM1.5bil raised by Sunway Real Estate Investment Trust in its initial sale last week and underscores rising investor appetite for equities in Malaysia amid an economic rebound.

If you are like most people, you already have car insurance but you are not sure what your car insurance covers. You know that you legally have to have car insurance to drive your car, but you bought your insurance without knowing what type of Los Angeles Car Insurance you need. If you have a car loan, then you must have both liability and collision coverage for your vehicle. Most states require a minimum amount of liability insurance for any vehicle that will be driven on public roadways.

Liability insurance can be purchased solely in order to meet the state minimum requirements. However, if you have any assets or if you drive an expensive vehicle, you may want to consider buying more liability insurance. You can look at the declarations page of your Car Insurance Los Angeles policy to find out how much liability coverage you have. The limits will show how much someone will be paid if you are found responsible for an accident. If you are not sure about what type of car insurance you need, you might want to speak to a licensed insurance agent who should assess your insurance needs and then make a recommendation for you.

Collision coverage is what will help you repair your vehicle in the event of an accident. This type of coverage is optional if there is no loan against your vehicle. Most banks will require that you carry collision coverage for a vehicle in which there is an active loan. Before you determine what type of car insurance you need, you should assess the value of your vehicle. When your vehicle is about ten years old, you can consider dropping collision coverage, but you should speak to an agent before you decide to do that.

Comprehensive coverage is also optional coverage unless there is a loan against your vehicle. If you are thinking about what type of Los Angeles Auto Insurance you need, think about the expense of repairing your vehicle. Comprehensive coverage is usually a lot less expensive than collision, and can help you if any glass on your vehicle needs repair. Most insurance companies will issue a policy for comprehensive coverage only if you buy collision coverage and liability coverage. It is important to make sure that you have the right amount insurance coverage. You want to consider how much it costs to repair or replace a vehicle today, and you should also think about how expensive medical treatment is when you are buying car insurance. You can dial 1-800-475-6840 as toll free number where clients that are looking for insurance in Los Angeles can get a free insurance quote

As part of its role as the custodian of members’ retirement savings, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has taken court action against 157 employers between January to March 2010 (Q1) for defaulting on their employees’ EPF contributions.

All 157 defaulting employers were fined by the courts totaling RM172,410. The fines, which ranged from RM1,000 to RM5,400, were for offences under Section 43(2) of the EPF Act 1991, which requires all employers to remit their monthly contributions before or on the 15th day of every month or risk facing legal actions.

“While most employers are responsible and mindful of their obligations to pay their contributions in a timely manner, it is unfortunate that some employers fail to do so and default on their EPF contributions,” said Nik Affendi Jaafar, EPF General Manager for Public Relations.

“It is important for employers to understand that the EPF does not take such matters lightly and will not hesitate to take legal actions in safeguarding our members’ retirement savings.”

The highest fine of RM5,400 was slapped on Ogosin Sdn Bhd of Wilayah Persekutuan, while Pelana Tenggara Sdn Bhd and Tri Axis Automation (M) Sdn Bhd both from Pulau Pinang, Micromagna Engineering Sdn Bhd of Perak, Sediabena Sdn Bhd of Selangor as well as Chemumur Legacy Sdn Bhd of Wilayah Persekutuan were all fined RM3,000 each.

In Q1 2010, a total of 285 civil suits and 1,868 criminal cases were filed with the courts against company directors and employers that have defaulted on their EPF contributions.

The EPF has also submitted 320 names of company directors, compared to 221 in the previous quarter, to the Immigration Department to prevent them from leaving the country without first settling their contribution arrears as provided under Section 39 of the EPF Act 1991.

The courts will usually give errant employers a maximum of six instalments to settle any contribution arrears. During this period, these employers will be closely monitored by the EPF to ensure that the amounts outstanding are paid in full. Once the full amount has been received, the EPF will credit all outstanding contributions to the respective members’ accounts.

“Looking after the interest of our members is topmost on our agenda and we will use every means available to us to ensure that members’ retirement savings remain protected.

“Nonetheless we strongly urge our members to perform their part in ensuring that their contributions are in order by regularly checking their EPF statements. Should they discover anything amiss with their account, they should not hesitate to seek clarification from their respective employer or report to the EPF immediately,” said Nik Affendi.

About the Employees Provident Fund (EPF)
The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is Malaysia’s premier pension fund, providing basic financial security for retirement. The Fund is committed to preserving and growing the savings of its members in accordance with best practices in investment and corporate governance. It will always be guided by prudence in its investment decisions.

As a customer-focused organization, the EPF delivers efficient and reliable services for the convenience of its members and registered employers. The EPF continues to play a catalytic role in the nation’s economic growth, consistent with its position as a leading savings institution in Malaysia.

Today’s News Straits Times publishes the government bonds of 3 years maturity for Sukuk 1Malaysia 2010. The profits are 5% per annum, much better than putting into Fixed Deposits. Any Malaysian citizens aged 21 years and above is eligible to apply. It is based on Syariah Principals with the minimum subscription of RM1,000 to RM50,000. Issuance date is 21 June 2010 but the subscription period is from 20th May to 9th June. I am contemplating of buying this bond for higher returns compared to keeping my money in FD. So far, I have received quarterly returns from my previous bonds and they are quite safe to invest. What about you? Are you going to invest?