Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Don’t Be Fooled By The Con: 5 Ways To Avoid Rip-Offs

With the technological advances in this day and age, scammers are becoming more sophisticated and effective. But, no matter how charismatic and persuasive a con artist can be, you can avoid losing money by following these 5 ways:

1. DO NOT GIVE YOUR BANK DETAILS OVER THE PHONE

Most of the phones today have caller ID that shows you the number of the person or the company on the other end of the line. If you do not recognize the number or the caller and he or she asked you for your valued bank details, say you will call back. Wait for a few minutes then, try to call the number again to access the validity of the caller.

It is better to not give any sensitive details over the phone, unless if you initiated the call. Simply, if you do not recognize the caller’s number and the area code is not +65 (Singapore’s area code) then, it is most likely a scam.

2. BE CAREFUL WITH THE LINKS

To avoid downloading virus or other malware, only open attachments and links that were given by your friends, family, partners, and clients.

Apply this rule for emails and social media messaging. For instance, there was a scam that used a fake Facebook game based on the popular “Twilight” series to gather the personal information of the Twilight fans.

3. BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR EMAILS

There are three “Don’ts” that you must follow to avoid becoming the target of an online scam:

a. Do not provide your personal email address freely.
b. Do not respond to emails that are asking for your personal information.
c. Do not answer emails whose senders are unknown.

Image Credits: Wikiphoto (Creative Commons License)

4. KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR DEBIT AND CREDIT CARD REPORTS

If someone else assumes your identity or steals your wealth, a good way to find evidence of the crime is by checking your credit card statements. I am sure that most of the banks have online banking now so, you will have the convenience to track your spendings anytime and anywhere. Report any suspicious activity to your bank right away.

Aside from credit card fraud, you can lose more money if you are a victim of debit card fraud. Since your debit card is connected directly to your savings, losses can be more extensive. And, money will be harder to recover. This is why you must check your account frequently and be vigilant of the people who stand close to you while you are using your debit card.

5. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO DISCUSS WITH OTHERS

Con artists seek those individuals who are perceived as solitary, trusting, and gullible. If an opportunity (e.g., a new business venture or a new insurance scheme) arrives at your doorstep, do not hesitate to ask for more time to think things through.

Before making a huge decision, it is important to consider the situation and the consequences carefully. Tell the agent or the potential con artist this: “I will discuss this with my lawyer and my partner. After which, I will get back to you.”

Sources: 1 & 2

Best Economics Documentaries For Finance Professionals And Enthusiasts

The best cinematic art illustrates human conditions and life in general. One type of cinematic art called “documentary”, imitates life and factual records as close as possible.

Enjoy at least two of these wonderfully made films especially if you are taking up finance and economics as a subject at school or as a career. These documentaries will not only help you understand the history of money but also the humanistic system that revolves around it.

1. FOUR HORSEMEN

Four Horsemen is one of my favorite documentaries of all time. It is controversial and eye-opening. An award-winning film by Ross Ashcroft, Four Horsemen criticizes the system of debt-based economy, fractional reserve banking, and political lobbying by banks. Join Joseph Stiglitz, Noam Chomsky, and 21 leading thinkers as they discuss how the world works and how to solve the failed systems at present time.

They travel through the centuries and examine the systems that shaped empires. These systems manipulated and even corrupted the minds of the many to serve the interests of the few. Learn more about these said systems by watching the full-length documentary, here.

2. THE FALL OF LEHMAN BROTHERS

Sometimes, we learn the most by observing and avoiding the mistakes of others. What better way to learn than by watching “The Fall of Lehman Brothers” – a firm that filed the largest bankruptcy in the United States history.

On September 15, 2008, financial services firm called the Lehman Brothers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with Lehman holding over US$600 (S$834) billion in assets. The following day, Barclays bank announced its agreement to purchase Lehman’s North American investment-banking and trading divisions along with its New York headquarters building. Watch as these events unfold in the full-length documentary, here.

3. 25 MILLION POUNDS

Like most of the people, Nick Leeson wanted to be affluent and successful and he had extraordinary abilities of manipulation and deceit to back it up. This documentary tackles how he deceived the people around him and how these people were deceived. Lured by the possibilities of getting vast sums of money, these people lost 830 million pounds all together. This true story was so powerful that filmmakers were inspired to make an adaptation called “Rogue Trader”, which starred Ewan McGregor.

Watch how Nick Leeson uses friendship to rip-off people at this full-length documentary.

4. THE ASCENT OF MONEY

On this list, “The Ascent of Money” is the one that deeply touches the base of the world’s financial history. It will give finance professionals a greater understanding and perspective of how the financial world works. Watch as Professor Niall Furguson takes you to the beginning of the financial world from the ancient city of Babylon to the new-age financial crisis in 2008.

Be forewarned that this film lasts for 300 minutes so, you must dedicate time or chunks of it if you really want to absorb its essence.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

4 Futuristic Products That Are Worth Your Bucks

Maximize your life with these futuristic products and gadgets that are available now…

1. SILVERAIR SOCKS

Getting tired of those smelly socks? Well, Y Athletics is a game changer! Y Athletics pioneered the SilverAir Socks, which are high performance sports socks made with pure silver and merino wool. The same material is used by astronauts in their space suits! Isn’t that fantastic? It comes with various colors such as Jet Black, Graphite Grey, Electric Blue, Sedona Red, Ithaca Green, and Glacier White.

You may pre-order now at US$18 (about S$25) as the retail price will be US$22. Every three pairs of socks come with a beautiful travel case.

2. 3DOODLER PEN

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to scribble something in the air and make it come to life? 3Doodler pen is making that happen! Simply trace or wave your fingers in the air with the 3Doodler 2.0. pen. With over 65 available colors, the possibilities are endless! Furthermore, you may check out the community page for free downloadable stencils and inspirations.

Order yours today at US$99 (about S$137) per piece.

https://www.facebook.com/3Doodler/videos/vb.464802356894648/932685013439711/?type=2&theater

3. PLAYBULB LITE

Wouldn’t it be nice to play your tunes at a well-lit room? Mipow had that in mind when they made the PLAYBULB Lite. PLAYBULB Lite is a LED lightbulb with Bluetooth speaker. It is ideal for dormitories, apartments, and condominiums. Its LED power is 3W while its voltage is 50-60Hz. Get yours at US$39.99 (about S$56) each!

Image Credits: store.mipow.com/ww/en/playbulb-lite-led-light-with-bluetooth-speaker.html

4. GLOW HEADPHONES

Gorgeous and brilliant, Glow uses state of the art technology and Corning Fibrance to make the brightest headphones in the world! Glow Headphones pulsates to the beat of your playlist by using its laser lights. Also, you may control the laser intensity by using the Glow App on your iOS or Android device. Take control of your rhythm by pre-ordering one at US$169 (about S$235).

Image Credits: https://www.facebook.com/GlowHeadphones

7 Ways To Brighten Someone’s Day Without Spending A Fortune

1. START THE WORK DAY RIGHT. Take your co-worker to a hilarious storytelling session at lunch. Laughter has been proven to relax your muscles, trigger the flow of endorphins (happy hormones), and lessen the flow of your stress hormones.

2. MAKE YOUR SISTER SMILE by giving her a color-therapy infused lipstick. Infuse color therapy by picking suitable colors for each mood. If you want to boost your sister’s energy, choose red or orange but, if you want to keep her relaxed choose pink or lavender.

3. SPOIL YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE. Give your beloved mother or partner the foot spa he or she deserves! Simply, squeeze and release each toe individually from the front to the back and in the spaces. Then, stroke the sole of the foot in crisscross diagonal lines. Continue to do this until the feet feels energized.

4. LEAVE SWEET NOTES FOR YOUR FAMILY.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Place sticky notes saying thoughtful messages of love and appreciation in your spouse’s wallet, child’s school bag, or your partner’s car. These will surely bring a smile to their faces.

5. BE THE BEST NEIGHBOR YOU CAN BE by bringing your neighbor’s newspaper closer to their door, by baking them cookies during special occasions, and by sharing them great deals you found at Money Digest.

6. BE GOOD TO STRANGERS by holding the door for others especially the elderly. Also, you may the intern at work on how you can help him or her. And, if you see a person who seems to be lost, offer your assistance. It may seem simple at the moment, but not to the people you helped.

7. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

In order to brighten someone else’s day, you must be in a cheerful disposition. Start by stocking your bedside drawer with pleasurable items such as your favorite scents, your personal keepsakes, and your favorite food. Then, purchase supplies to revisit or encourage a hobby of yours.

Sources: 1 & 2

5 Budget-Friendly Ways To Train Your Brain

We use our brains on a daily basis but, do we bother optimizing its abilities? Well, there are still some people who refuse to let their brain rut. These type of people are curious and intellectually stimulated. If you want to be one of them, start by training your brain with these five ways:

1. TELLING A STORY

Storytelling can strengthen your relationships and help exercise your brain. Its benefits including putting events in a cohesive framework, remembering the events better, associating emotions with the events, focusing on the vital details, and improving your memory in general. In fact, it has been used as a treatment for people with Alzheimer’s disorder.

2. LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE

Studying a new language makes your brain grow as new connections are made in the process. It may be hard at first but, it is surely rewarding. When your brain makes new connections, you will be able to communicate creatively with more people. Learn a new language online without spending a dollar with Duolingo and other resources.

3. PLAYING SUDOKU

Puzzles in general, will help you to concentrate, sleep, and remember better. One type of puzzle that is very popular is the “Sudoku”. Sudoku is a logic-based numeric puzzle with the objective of filling up the whole grid.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Improve your problem solving skills by downloading free Sudoku puzzle App on your iOS or Android device.

4. WRITING THOUGHTS BY HAND

Writing your thoughts by hand on a piece of paper instead of typing them out on a computer screen, can ignite your creativity and fuel your memory. The act of writing it out by hand can stimulate more parts of the brain than by merely typing it. So, try to write your thoughts with the pen you want then, notice how it changes you.

5. HEARING MUSIC

You can widen your brain’s scope by listening to a genre of music that you are not familiar with. Do this with someone who understands that type of music so, he or she can welcome your questions. Listening to music has many benefits such as soothing stress, improving cognitive function, and helping one perform better in challenging situations.

All you need is to hook up the headsets or earphones to your mobile device and play the music as you travel. By doing so, you not only trained your brain but you also got to play enjoyable tunes! 🙂

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

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