Buying rings and don't really want to pay for the brand and the fancy stall? Then head to Binondo instead for the diamond rings your heart is longing for... or that precious gem you want to put on your beloved's finger.
Come prepared though. Do your research first on reputable suppliers. Ask for recommendations. Know your diamond. Don't be swept off by the cheap rates some stalls will offer. And consider the ring prices in terms of the ring quality... how many grams of gold were used? How is the appearance? Can you have it checked in other shops to corroborate quality? What is their policy on returns? What do they do if the customer feels his specifications weren't followed?
And of course, make sure you keep your receipt.
Showing posts with label money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label money. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Sales and Wits
Just recently, I found myself caught between throngs of people and their grocery carts when SM Manila offered a One-Time Sale for their SM Advantage Members.
Members could buy FIVE Buy 1, Take 1 items and TEN Value Bags (with freebies). Naturally, people got swept by the opportunity to buy things at the price of one. So they loaded their carts with the Buy 1, Take 1 items being brought out of storage eventhough these weren't exactly in their grocery list.
It is so easy to lose your wits and immediately think you're getting a good deal because of offers like that. Try to exercise some control and think the items over. Do you really use that particular product? Could you really use the freebie? Will these items expire anytime soon? And are the items even good for you?
Save your money for the necessities and good buys. Keep your wits with you when shopping.
Members could buy FIVE Buy 1, Take 1 items and TEN Value Bags (with freebies). Naturally, people got swept by the opportunity to buy things at the price of one. So they loaded their carts with the Buy 1, Take 1 items being brought out of storage eventhough these weren't exactly in their grocery list.
It is so easy to lose your wits and immediately think you're getting a good deal because of offers like that. Try to exercise some control and think the items over. Do you really use that particular product? Could you really use the freebie? Will these items expire anytime soon? And are the items even good for you?
Save your money for the necessities and good buys. Keep your wits with you when shopping.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Got Money to Invest?
My BIL has tipped us that commercial real estate is booming in Pampanga. He works for their late uncle's (now cousin's) company, First Worldwide, which basically maintains golf courses (so yeah, they had Fontana and Mimosa as clients).
Korean-owned companies have been investing a lot in Pampanga. Even call centers are sprouting like crazy over there. Villages and townhouses are also selling like hotcakes. Add to this the opening of the third major highway going to Baguio expected to be operational by 2009, and you really have a bustling economy separate from Manila.
So if you have some money you can use to invest, look to Pampanga for possibilities. I imagine properties there appreciating much in the next five years just from all the foreign investments.
Korean-owned companies have been investing a lot in Pampanga. Even call centers are sprouting like crazy over there. Villages and townhouses are also selling like hotcakes. Add to this the opening of the third major highway going to Baguio expected to be operational by 2009, and you really have a bustling economy separate from Manila.
So if you have some money you can use to invest, look to Pampanga for possibilities. I imagine properties there appreciating much in the next five years just from all the foreign investments.
Travel on a Budget
The key to travelling on a budget is planning ahead.
First, decide on a destination or activity. Then do your research. Which place is nearer? Which would require more travelling time? Which offers more amenities? Which offers more activities for everyone going on the trip with you? Which offers complimentary breakfasts or tickets to local parks/shows? Are there guided tours you can join?
Come up with your itinerary months ahead. You get the cheapest fares and best cruise deals when you book ahead of time, mainly because that's already assured income for the airline or cruise line. Consider travelling during the non-peak season too (say, Boracay is absolutely filled to bursting with people during the summer, so go on the leaner months. It's also quieter then and you can have more of the white sand to enjoy).
If you're after the experience and not really the accommodations, consider just getting a day tour of a resort instead of actually staying there. Plus, staying in transient homes may just give you a better feel of the local flavor.
Lastly, consider using the rewards points or miles collected in your credit card or Flyer card. It might just land you on Business class seats you normally wouldn't be able to afford.
First, decide on a destination or activity. Then do your research. Which place is nearer? Which would require more travelling time? Which offers more amenities? Which offers more activities for everyone going on the trip with you? Which offers complimentary breakfasts or tickets to local parks/shows? Are there guided tours you can join?
Come up with your itinerary months ahead. You get the cheapest fares and best cruise deals when you book ahead of time, mainly because that's already assured income for the airline or cruise line. Consider travelling during the non-peak season too (say, Boracay is absolutely filled to bursting with people during the summer, so go on the leaner months. It's also quieter then and you can have more of the white sand to enjoy).
If you're after the experience and not really the accommodations, consider just getting a day tour of a resort instead of actually staying there. Plus, staying in transient homes may just give you a better feel of the local flavor.
Lastly, consider using the rewards points or miles collected in your credit card or Flyer card. It might just land you on Business class seats you normally wouldn't be able to afford.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Save The Boxes
Nope. This isn't about being green and recycling.
I'm referring to the boxes your cellphone units come with. Save them. Including everything inside them, especially if you aren't using them.
Why?
See, in cases when you want to trade in your older unit for a new one, units that have boxes fetch a slightly higher price.
And yes, the older your phone is, the lower it's trade-in and resale value becomes, so saving those boxes will count for something.
I'm referring to the boxes your cellphone units come with. Save them. Including everything inside them, especially if you aren't using them.
Why?
See, in cases when you want to trade in your older unit for a new one, units that have boxes fetch a slightly higher price.
And yes, the older your phone is, the lower it's trade-in and resale value becomes, so saving those boxes will count for something.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Coupons Save You Money
It's one of the Pinoys' bad habits. We seldom collect and use coupons when it can actually save us a lot of big money.
There was a program I saw before (Oprah, I think) where a Mom was being interviewed on how she gets to shop for clothes for her kids and still get to save money.
She said the secret to her savings include buying house brands for some items, buying off-season, buying at surplus shops, and checking first at the mall's reception desk for a book of coupons which she can use. She literally saves hundreds of dollars this way.
So, let's say you'd be requiring a lot of printed brochures and business cards for your company (or the company you're working for). A good move would be to get your hands on some Vista Print coupons and maybe have enough savings for company stationery and shirts.
There was a program I saw before (Oprah, I think) where a Mom was being interviewed on how she gets to shop for clothes for her kids and still get to save money.
She said the secret to her savings include buying house brands for some items, buying off-season, buying at surplus shops, and checking first at the mall's reception desk for a book of coupons which she can use. She literally saves hundreds of dollars this way.
So, let's say you'd be requiring a lot of printed brochures and business cards for your company (or the company you're working for). A good move would be to get your hands on some Vista Print coupons and maybe have enough savings for company stationery and shirts.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Insurance FYI
When I was paying my life insurance premiums several months ago, I thought to check if all my payments were being reflected and how many more years i'd have to be paying them.
I was shocked to find that I have to pay for two extra years.
Yes, life insurance rates can get affected by inflation and other factors the insurer uses to project payments and dividends. The amount you can collect after the terms have been met (say, when you retire, get disabled or heaven forbid die) also affect if your premium payments will be adjusted or not. This is why it is always good to check once in a while, so you can also adjust your finances accordingly. Most insurance companies have this in writing (read the really fine print) because they are a business after all, and not doing so might drive them bankrupt.
I was shocked to find that I have to pay for two extra years.
Yes, life insurance rates can get affected by inflation and other factors the insurer uses to project payments and dividends. The amount you can collect after the terms have been met (say, when you retire, get disabled or heaven forbid die) also affect if your premium payments will be adjusted or not. This is why it is always good to check once in a while, so you can also adjust your finances accordingly. Most insurance companies have this in writing (read the really fine print) because they are a business after all, and not doing so might drive them bankrupt.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Home Loans
It's one of the typical American's dream, to have his own home. I'm not sure if that dream is as great for us Filipinos though, but am pretty sure those who already have families of their own would love living somewhere they know they will never be kicked out off.
But how do you go securing your own home?
Good thing for us, there is Pag-Ibig, there are banks and even some big-time companies are offering home loans to their employees. All you really have to do is do your research first.
The research will start in your own family. What are your needs? How many bedrooms will you require? Will a small kitchen do? Will you require a small office space or a music room? I guess this is also why marriage counselors often encourage families to start buying their homes when they've already finished having all the children. This way, you can more correctly project your family's requirements and will save you costs by letting you avoid major renovations and expansion costs.
And then there's your real estate opportunities and limitations, as well as the financing options available to you. Americans have sites like mortgagefindersnetwork.com that can help them in finding mortgage loans at cheapest possible rates. Banking institutions and insurance companies also offer seminars on these matters. Even housing and real estate companies also have similar meetings (or Open House parties) where you can ask all your questions, compare prices/coverage, etc.
Make sure you verify if there will be additional or hidden charges when you do your maths. Some loaning facility might offer the lowest interests initially but will also charge you for other fees, or would be the easiest to penalize.
Doing your research will be exhausting and time-consuming. It may even require some cost, just going on ocular inspections or consulting experts. But it would be a worthwile investment as it would later on translate into a good investment you can live with.
But how do you go securing your own home?
Good thing for us, there is Pag-Ibig, there are banks and even some big-time companies are offering home loans to their employees. All you really have to do is do your research first.
The research will start in your own family. What are your needs? How many bedrooms will you require? Will a small kitchen do? Will you require a small office space or a music room? I guess this is also why marriage counselors often encourage families to start buying their homes when they've already finished having all the children. This way, you can more correctly project your family's requirements and will save you costs by letting you avoid major renovations and expansion costs.
And then there's your real estate opportunities and limitations, as well as the financing options available to you. Americans have sites like mortgagefindersnetwork.com that can help them in finding mortgage loans at cheapest possible rates. Banking institutions and insurance companies also offer seminars on these matters. Even housing and real estate companies also have similar meetings (or Open House parties) where you can ask all your questions, compare prices/coverage, etc.
Make sure you verify if there will be additional or hidden charges when you do your maths. Some loaning facility might offer the lowest interests initially but will also charge you for other fees, or would be the easiest to penalize.
Doing your research will be exhausting and time-consuming. It may even require some cost, just going on ocular inspections or consulting experts. But it would be a worthwile investment as it would later on translate into a good investment you can live with.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Hold Onto the Cash
In cases of hospital confinements, that is.
And provided that we're not talking disastrous, super unwanted emergencies here.
Say, we're talking of some routine surgery, like a tonsillectomy. Or confinement to deliver a baby. Hold onto your cash, especially if you're not yet sure how much the bill will be and if you intend to pay part of your bill using a credit card.
Why?
Because doctors expect their professional fees to be paid in cash. Some would allow that their PFs be paid with the hospital bill at the cashier but most doctors would rather you pay them directly. Something to do with the PFs getting delayed.
Learn from our mistake. We paid the deposit in cash and come discharge time, we had to scramble to come up with more for the PFs. We should have just charged the deposit to our credit card. Blasted ATMs had withdrawal limits and charges for inter-bank withdrawals. And although we had planned to let the credit card cover most of the cost anyway, it was still very troublesome to have to come up with such a huge amount of cash when you're already ripping to be discharged. We had to dip into our savings to pay off the cash loan immediately, instead of just paying off the lot as credit card loan on a staggered basis.
And provided that we're not talking disastrous, super unwanted emergencies here.
Say, we're talking of some routine surgery, like a tonsillectomy. Or confinement to deliver a baby. Hold onto your cash, especially if you're not yet sure how much the bill will be and if you intend to pay part of your bill using a credit card.
Why?
Because doctors expect their professional fees to be paid in cash. Some would allow that their PFs be paid with the hospital bill at the cashier but most doctors would rather you pay them directly. Something to do with the PFs getting delayed.
Learn from our mistake. We paid the deposit in cash and come discharge time, we had to scramble to come up with more for the PFs. We should have just charged the deposit to our credit card. Blasted ATMs had withdrawal limits and charges for inter-bank withdrawals. And although we had planned to let the credit card cover most of the cost anyway, it was still very troublesome to have to come up with such a huge amount of cash when you're already ripping to be discharged. We had to dip into our savings to pay off the cash loan immediately, instead of just paying off the lot as credit card loan on a staggered basis.
Payday Loans
Payday loans were invented for a special reason: to help tide someone over. Companies are aware of the commercial demands on people these days, not to mention the high cost of living (especially when you are used to a certain lifestyle) and the many emergencies (or opportunities) that can drive someone into a tight spot wherein even credit might not help.
After all, not all landlords accept cards or cheques. Neither does the corner grocery. And especially not cab drivers.
Ho do these loans work?
Basically, you apply for one online. It is usually very easy and you can expect to get the money within day of applying for the loan. But you have to remember that the cash loans online you made ARE payday loans. The companies that loaned you the amount expect to be paid on your pay day, when you get your salary/wages.
If you don't pay up, your loan will gain interest in pretty much the same way (I am just not sure if at also the same rate) you do when you use a credit card. So it is really wise to apply for a payday loan for something really important, and wiser still to pay it as soon as you are able.
Payday loans are not thought up to further get you in debt, or enable people to live well beyond their means some more. It was intituted to help people in a temporary fix, or give a new lease on a purchasing life for people who have bad credit histories they really want to leave in the past.
After all, not all landlords accept cards or cheques. Neither does the corner grocery. And especially not cab drivers.
Ho do these loans work?
Basically, you apply for one online. It is usually very easy and you can expect to get the money within day of applying for the loan. But you have to remember that the cash loans online you made ARE payday loans. The companies that loaned you the amount expect to be paid on your pay day, when you get your salary/wages.
If you don't pay up, your loan will gain interest in pretty much the same way (I am just not sure if at also the same rate) you do when you use a credit card. So it is really wise to apply for a payday loan for something really important, and wiser still to pay it as soon as you are able.
Payday loans are not thought up to further get you in debt, or enable people to live well beyond their means some more. It was intituted to help people in a temporary fix, or give a new lease on a purchasing life for people who have bad credit histories they really want to leave in the past.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Save Money
Many have tried but few really succeed. That's because people still consider money saved as something extra they can use for anything and everything, not money that is separate from their living allowance that is intended for a bigger family project and future use.
The savings account is usually the last place to get a share of a person/family's income when it should have the first slice of the cake. What I did when I was still working is to have our payroll automatically deduct a certain amount from my salary to put into my coop savings. Part of the accummulated amount usually funds gadget buys or Christmas gifts to loved ones and insrance premiums. The other half is money I cannot touch unless it's really a dire emergency (and for that, i'd even have to leave the coop before I can get to my money... that or die, that is. That's how fixed those savings are.)
There were months when I really felt poor, having to live with a limited income and living from paycheck to paycheck. But at least I know that I havd something saved. Sure enough, the savings later on funded bigger things... like my exensive C-section delivery and my son's christening.
So ask your HR or bank for similar set-ups/services. It will do your financial viability good.
The savings account is usually the last place to get a share of a person/family's income when it should have the first slice of the cake. What I did when I was still working is to have our payroll automatically deduct a certain amount from my salary to put into my coop savings. Part of the accummulated amount usually funds gadget buys or Christmas gifts to loved ones and insrance premiums. The other half is money I cannot touch unless it's really a dire emergency (and for that, i'd even have to leave the coop before I can get to my money... that or die, that is. That's how fixed those savings are.)
There were months when I really felt poor, having to live with a limited income and living from paycheck to paycheck. But at least I know that I havd something saved. Sure enough, the savings later on funded bigger things... like my exensive C-section delivery and my son's christening.
So ask your HR or bank for similar set-ups/services. It will do your financial viability good.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Badcreditoffers.com
No person or family really plans to get stuck with bad credit. The road to being able to manage money well is a road that's hard to travel. Plus, we have to admit that it is not easy giving in to impulsive purchases or investing on get-rich-quick schemes.
So it's really a great thing that companies like badcreditoffers.com offer bad credit loans to help people land on their feet again. Bad credit credit cards also help tide you over in other emergencies and necessary purchases that come your way. It is basically a second road you can take to living well and accomplishing your dreams, a second chance at happiness and economic stability.
So it's really a great thing that companies like badcreditoffers.com offer bad credit loans to help people land on their feet again. Bad credit credit cards also help tide you over in other emergencies and necessary purchases that come your way. It is basically a second road you can take to living well and accomplishing your dreams, a second chance at happiness and economic stability.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Withdraw your Paypal funds
... using your Philippine bank account!!!
Yes, finally, Paypal is allowing direct transfers to bank accounts. Semi-pity on us who got EON Visa cards but still, we can use that debit card for 'credit card transactions online' provided we have money in there.
All the details could be found here. And the banks and the codes needed could be found here.
Of course, please note that withdrawals will only be free for P7,000 and above worth of transactions... anything below that will cost P50.00 in charges (withdrawals thru the EON card will cost $5).
Yey for us!!!
Yes, finally, Paypal is allowing direct transfers to bank accounts. Semi-pity on us who got EON Visa cards but still, we can use that debit card for 'credit card transactions online' provided we have money in there.
All the details could be found here. And the banks and the codes needed could be found here.
Of course, please note that withdrawals will only be free for P7,000 and above worth of transactions... anything below that will cost P50.00 in charges (withdrawals thru the EON card will cost $5).
Yey for us!!!
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