Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Best Finance, Trading, And Business Movies You Should Watch

If you are a student of Business and Finance, you must analyze books and films that portray salesmen, corporate consultants, traders, investors, bosses, and consumers at certain circumstances. And if you are a consumer, you must be aware of the sales tactics you must avoid. Films will not only help you to understand the dynamics of money but it will also help you empathize with the characters.

Beyond the infamous film called “Wolf of Wall Street”, here are the Best Finance, Trading, and Business Movies showcased from 1987 to present…

1. UP IN THE AIR (2009)

Ryan Bingham (acted by George Clooney), a corporate consultant, is used to life travelled in a fast lane. With his job comes the responsibility of firing employees for the companies who are not equipped to do so. His go to accessory? A handy luggage to bring all over the world because he never stops moving…until he met a fellow passenger named Alex.

In this movie you will see how the corporate culture is shown as the colleagues socializes with each other and how some people spend more time in the hotels than their own homes.

Genre: Drama & Romance

Rating: 7.5/10 at IMDb

2. WALL STREET (1987)

The original Wall Street film was released on 1987. This starred Michael Douglas and Charlie Sheen. It centers on a young, desperate, and impatient stockbroker who is willing to do anything just to reach the peak. Embodying the true form of greed to the point that he is willing to give up his integrity for power. Some strong dialogues from the film include: “Greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right. Greed works.”

The impact of this film served as a standard for other finance-related movies that came after.

Genre: Drama & Crime

Rating: 7.4/10 at IMDb

3. MARGIN CALL (2011)

An Indie film that garnered lots of high praise at the Sundance Festival, Margin Call, shows the effect of a million-dollar venture gone badly in the period of the Great Recession. In a span of one day, it follows the employees of the investment bank as they resolve the financial crisis at hand. Interestingly, it is inspired by true events.

Packed with talented actors such as Kevin Spacey, Zachary Quinto, Simon Baker, and Demi Moore, it will keep you on the edge of your seat as the tension elevates every minute.

Genre: Drama & Thriller

Rating: 7.1/10 at IMDb

4. SOMETHING VENTURED (2011)

If you are a fan of true events then, kicking up realism up a notch is a documentary film about the pioneering venture capitalists and the companies they helped to emerge. This Indie documentary film is called: “Something Ventured”.

With its first-person view, you will know what it takes to be the risk takers for the top companies such as Apple, Cisco, Intel, Genentech, Atari, and Tandem.

Genre: Documentary, Biography, & History

Rating: 7/10 at IMDb

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

4 Ways To Catch Good Movies In Singapore, For Free

1. AT THE CHANGI AIRPORT

If your flight is delayed for another 3-6 hours then, it will give you enough time to catch 2-3 movies at the Changi Airport, free-of-charge! The Changi Airport boasts their 24-hour cinemas that screen the Fox Movies Premium Channel at Terminal 2 and the latest movies of various genres at Terminal 3. Whoever said that getting stuck in a transit for hours could not be great…clearly has never been to ours!

Image Credits: www.changiairport.com

Terminal 2 is located near the Sunflower Garden at Departure Transit Lounge South while the Terminal 3 is near the Ambassador Transit Lounge at Departure Transit Lounge North. To know more about what the airport has to offer visit: changiairport.com

2. AT THE LOCAL LIBRARY

Aside from a wide array of books and electronic resources at the National Libraries, you can enjoy the beauty of performing arts especially at the “library@esplanade”. The library@esplanade offers services in the areas of dance, music, theatre, and film by providing an extensive collection of printed and non-printed resources.

It enables you to watch family friendly, classical, indie, and foreign movies for free! This shall foster learning, innovation, and creativity. They typically show films every first Wednesday of the month. For more information visit: nlb.gov.sg.

For the meantime, you may check out Queenstown Public Library’s moving screening of the “Earth From Space” documentary on May 30.

3. AT THE OUTDOORS

Looking for a perfect first date experience? Look no more as MovieMob brings you the premier outdoor movie screenings that would not cost you a cent! MovieMob, an acclaimed Outdoor Movie Specialist, screens movies to various locations around Singapore.

Since 2009, they have had about 200 drive-in cars per event and up to 800 pax per Picnic event. The overwhelming numbers is due to the fact not it showcases a unique movie experience and that you can vote which movie to watch.

Image Credits: www.facebook.com/apemoviemob

A gentle reminder: arrive early to secure the best spots. Screenings are typically held every third or fourth weekend of the month. So, stay updated by visiting: facebook.com/apemoviemob.

4. AT YOUR HOME

I for one love the experience of watching movies in my own home. It gives me a chance to rewind or pause scenes whenever I need to. Also, I do not have to worry about laughing so hard or dressing up for countless minutes. What is my secret? 1 word…YouTube.

Catch a free flick or two in the comforts of your own home by watching at YouTube’s Movies playlist at youtube.com/user/YouTubeMoviesWW. It has a myriad of films that are Russian, English, Hindi, Dutch, Tamil, Korean, French, and so much more. The films under this playlist are legal as they are copyright supported.

Are you a fan of Drama and Romance movies? Well, this classic film entitled “The Last Time I Saw Paris”, starring the legendary Elizabeth Taylor, will be worth your time.

Losing Money To Hire A New Talent Again? Perhaps, You’re A “Horrible” Boss

In 2014, the aspects of work of 5,000 Singaporean employees were studied by Singapore Human Resources Institute. They found that on average, the employees were considered “Under Happy” in the workplace. Creating a happier place to work in is proving to be a challenge especially when “horrible” bosses are the ones who run the organizations.

Horrible bosses do not just intrude in their employee’s personal time; they also cause huge expenses not only for the company but also for the nation’s economy. The loss of money can be attributed from either faking sick leave or having chronic stress due to the workplace dynamics. Also, the recruitment and legal costs due to high turnover rate cannot be missed!

The loss of money due to lack of productivity can be attributed from the employee’s behavior to either deliberately make mistakes out of spite or to be truly unmotivated. In a recent study by Officevibe, a U.S. based startup that offers employee-engaging activities to other organizations, respondents showed that 50% of the employees who felt undervalued are planning to look for another job the next year. In fact, 65% of them say that they would rather have a new boss than a pay hike. Yes! It is that bad.

DISSECTION OF THE LOCAL “HORRIBLE” BOSSES

In 2012, JobsCentral conducted a survey including the responses of 3,299 employees and 256 hiring managers. A whopping 31% of the respondents said that they do not have satisfying boss-worker relationship. This is because of the following reasons: lack of advancement opportunities (87.5%), lack of autonomy (80.6%), and work demands (71.1%).

The bad habits as confessed by the employers were: making the employees work during after hours (75%), regularly contacting employees that are on leave (46%), lengthening the meeting past the working hours (23%), and asking employees to run personal errands (6%).

Image Credits: Vocab Ninja via Flickr

If you do not want to be considered as a horrible boss then, take note of the actions said above. Do the opposite. Aside from that, here are no-cost tips to change your ways…

a. RESPECT YOUR EMPLOYEE’S PERSONAL TIME

Be sensitive with the employee’s personal time. They need this to shake off the stress brought by work demands. Also, they need to restore their energy so, they can be driven and productive the next day.

b. WELCOME EMPLOYEE FEEDBACK

Have a tri-monthly evaluation (i.e., occurring every three months) of the boss and the employees’ performances. Issues such as frequently shortening the deadlines and abusive behavior should be raised in confidence. This transparent culture will increase awareness and encourage necessary action.

c. DO NOT LOOK DOWN FROM A PEDESTAL

You may be the boss but you do not rule the entire world! Having too much pride to the point that you do not give credit, appreciation, or gratitude when it is due can cause dissatisfaction of the employees. As said a while ago, employees who felt undervalued are planning to look for another job. Fortunately, YOU can prevent that from happening!

Image Credits: Kumar Appaiah via Flickr

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Guide To Singapore’s Public Transport: Saving Benefits And Tips

Singapore’s Public Transportation aids in the nation’s economic and environmental challenges. Most locals prefer to travel via train or bus just because it is safe, fast, and efficient. On that note, here are the background, tips, and benefits of traveling thru Public Transportation…

BACKGROUND

1. TRAIN OR MASS RAPID TRANSIT (MRT)

As most parts of Singapore are accessible by the MRT, it proves to be an affordable and convenient option. Get cheaper rates by traveling with a concession card (i.e., Child Concession Card, Student Concession Card, NSF Concession Card, and Senior Citizen Concession Card). In fact, Senior Citizen Concession Card get 25% off adult fares all day.

If you are a tourist, you are in luck! The MRT stations are made to be merely walking distance from the notable attractions such as the museums.

2. BUS

The buses provide the most picturesque view of the Lion City at budget-friendly fares ranging from S$1-3. All the children below 7 years old get to enjoy free travel. It is important to know that all commuters are charged based on their total distance traveled (i.e., no transfer costs) whether it is by bus or by train. So, the fares depend on your location and destination.

TIPS

1. MOVE TO THE CENTER OF THE TRAIN

Moving to the center of the MRT does not only help passengers to smoothly go in and out but it will also help you to get a seat.

2. CHECK YOUR BELONGINGS

Always take care of your valuables. Although your lost item can be retrieved, there is a slim chance that the finder may choose to keep it.

3. GET AN ESTIMATE OF YOUR DISTANCE FARE

Use the standard online calculator available here to estimate your travel costs. Find alternative routes to get the cheapest fare.

BENEFITS

1. SAVE CASH

It is no surprise that Public Transportation saves you more money as the price of owning a car here is overwhelming. Adding to that, going by bus or by train can help you beat the petrol price hike and the cost for maintaining a vehicle.

2. SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT

Public Transportation saves our environment as it reduces carbon emissions, petrol consumption, and congestion. Imagine if every family owns a car, given the scarcity of land, congestion will unfold.

Aside from preventing congestion, it is more energy efficient that private cars. According to the Land Transport Authority, the average carbon footprint per 10 km released by bus is 0.19kg while the by train is 0.13kg. This is smaller compared to the carbon footprint released by a private car (1.87kg)!

3. IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH

Access to Public Transportation enables you to walk to and from the bus or MRT station. That is a no-cost way to exercise! Also, it avoids the stress you may get from driving especially during rush hours.

Image Credits: epSos .de via Flickr

Sources: 1 & 2

Have A Good Night’s Sleep Without Breaking The Bank

When you are sleep deprived, you feel less patient, less concentrated, and easily irritated. This can increase your stress levels. Give your body the restorative rest it deserves.

A good night’s sleep is not only about the amount of hours you sleep but also about the quality of sleep. Better sleeping patterns can positively impact your health and your ability to manage the daily challenges ahead. To have this, you will need to spend only S$4 or less…just follow these tips:

1. SLEEP JOURNAL

The first step to have better sleep is to be aware of your previous sleeping patterns. Keep a sleep journal (i.e., costing S$2 or less in Popular Bookstore or Daiso) where you will write significant events in your day, your lifestyle habits, and your sleeping patterns. Answer these questions in your journal or notebook for at least 3 days:

a. How many hours did you sleep in total?

b. How many times did you wake up in the evening?

c. What time did you go to sleep?

d. What did you do to help you fall asleep?

e. What did you eat before sleeping?

f. Did something stressful or depressing happened today causing you to be worried?

Now that you are aware of your sleeping patterns, you will know which ones you shall change.

2. CREATE A SNOOZE WORTHY ENVIRONMENT

In order to have a restorative sleep, your bedroom must be inviting. Keep the room’s temperature cool (i.e., 18C-24C) and use curtains to block the light. To keep the noise to a minimum, you may wear earplugs (i.e., costing S$2 in Daiso). Or, you may play relaxing music while you sleep.

Image Credits: Enkhtuvshin via Flickr

Eliminate distractions such as the television, tablets, laptops, or your phone. The LED light emitted by these electronics can cause your mind to think that it is still daytime.

3. ESTABLISH A SLEEPING ROUTINE

Having a sleeping routine within thee recommended hours programs the brain to automatically have its “body clock” that will help you to fall asleep consistently. Take these steps for 7 days:

a. Set a time for sleeping and waking up.

At least 6 to 8 hours of sleep is ideal for teens and adults. Perhaps you may sleep at 11 PM and wake up at 6 AM. Stick to this by canceling your late night plans for the week and by setting an alarm.

b. Create a pre-sleep routine.

What relaxes you the most? Whether it is taking a warm bath, practicing yoga exercises, and reading a book, do these pre-sleep routine at least 30 minutes before you sleep.

c. Use your bed primarily for sleeping.

If you use your bed for working or eating, you will lose the automatic cue to sleep. So, use your bed primarily for sleeping.

d. Reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption.

This last step will save you money and help you to sleep better. Alcohol may help you to sleep faster but it also causes to have interrupted sleep. While caffeine will keep you stimulated throughout the night. Avoid these two.

Image Credits: Pedro Ribeiro Simões via Flickr

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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