4 Steps To Overcome Family-Related Money Problems

The extent of your economic slowdown may vary from eating out less to changing your living conditions. Parents may not have enough money to put toward rent or school fees. These financial problems can take a toll on one’s mental and physical health. Thus, overcoming said hurdles is important.

To tackle these family-centered issues head-on, you must start with these four steps:

#1: DETERMINE THE ISSUE/S

It goes without saying that it is difficult to defeat the enemies that you cannot see. Try asking the ninjas! Similarly, how can you find solutions to a problem that you are not aware of?

Thus, the first step to overcoming family-related money problems is to identify the underlying issues. Financial problems are usually parts of a larger issue. Here are some common issues that you may think about:

a. Newborn (of first-time parents)
b. Unemployment
c. Addiction / Substance Abuse
d. Divorce

#2: OPEN THE COMMUNICATION STREAMS

As a child who sees his or her parents fighting constantly about money, talking about your worries can help. Find an appropriate time to discuss about the financial matters with your parents. If you cannot approach them right now, you may lean on a trusted friend or a credible counselor.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Do not hesitate to seek for professional help if the need arises.

#3: RANK YOUR FINANCIAL PRIORITIES

After addressing your triggers, it is best to create a path towards active resolution. Begin by writing down and ranking your financial priorities. Some may be as direct as paying off your credit card bills. While, others may focus on your lifestyle goals such as repairing your aesthetically pleasing home.

Nevertheless, it is important to create a realistic budget suited to controlling your financial problems.

#4: CREATE A SAFETY NET

The future of your wealth is up to you! As the above steps have illustrated, you must review your current financial circumstance and create a straightforward path. To prevent further damage or cushion unforeseen events, consider cultivating an emergency fund.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Families are recommended to have a sufficient amount worth at least 6 months of your income. Do not rely solely on credit cards for emergencies!

Sources: 1 &  2

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Protect Your Dream Home And The Contents You Value Most

Buying a home is often considered a big-ticket item purchase. It is also not uncommon to spend tens of thousands of dollars to renovate the house to bring it to the ideal living conditions. Having incurred such vast amounts of money on renovation and the purchase of new furniture, it is only prudent to protect them with comprehensive home contents insurance. A home contents insurance offers protection against physical loss of or damage to household contents and renovation.  Despite its importance, home contents insurance is often not purchased owing to common misconceptions about the coverage and the cost.

Dangerous Misconceptions

Majority of home owners believes that the basic fire insurance plans that they have purchased cover for everything. Add to the fact that they are often compulsory tends to lull home owners into a false sense of security. However, this cannot be further away from the truth. Basic fire insurance plans only cover for damage to the structure of the building. It is strictly a basic cover that does not insure home contents. In other words, the furniture, cost of renovation and personal belongings inside the homes are omitted.

Another common misconception amongst owners is to think that they will not suffer the misfortune of accidents happening to their homes. While a fire may not break out too often, burst water pipes or short circuiting of electrical appliances are actually not uncommon occurrences in a household. Although these typically only lead to localized damage in parts of the house, the cost needed to restore to the original state could turn out to be quite substantial. In trying to save the annual premiums on home contents insurance, such home owners could end up being penny wise and pound foolish.

The All-Encompassing GreatHome Distributed By OCBC Bank

To ensure that your cherished home gets the protection that it deserves, OCBC Bank is distributing the all-encompassing GreatHome insurance policy. GreatHome is a home contents insurance policy with an extensive coverage over renovation, home contents, personal liability, and personal accident. It complements fire insurance plans well since GreatHome covers the content and renovation while fire insurance plans cover the structure of the home. The personal legal liability clause covers for expenses or property damage caused by any of the household members, including live-in domestic helpers, up to a sum of S$750,000 under its Starter Plan.  Other helpful benefits include reimbursement for the cost of alternative accommodation when the insured property is undergoing repair. This reimbursement provides home-owners with a peace of mind during this trying period.

In addition, GreatHome is also competitively priced to provide great value for money. Home-owners get covered for their household contents and renovations for up to $75,000 from just S$128 for a 1-year Starter Plan. It gets even better as OCBC is promising home-owners mega savings with generous discounts on the premiums of GreatHome.

Discount On Premiums

OCBC is offering a discount on its premiums. From now till 31 December 2018, home-owners who apply for a GreatHome 1-year Starter Plan will receive $30 off the original S$128. The discounts get higher if home-owners elect for more comprehensive coverage for their cherished homes.

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As GreatHome has demonstrated, insuring the contents of your home costs very little and requires little effort with its auto-renewal option. It is a great complement to your existing home fire insurance to provide complete coverage for your cherished home. Visit www.ocbc.com/greathome to find out more!

GreatHome is underwritten by Great Eastern General Insurance Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Eastern Holdings Limited and member of the OCBC Group. GreatHome is not a bank deposit or obligation of, or guaranteed by OCBC Bank.

Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme

This plan is protected under the Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). Coverage for your policy is automatic and no further action is required from you. For more information on the types of benefits that are covered under the scheme as well as the limits of coverage, where applicable, please contact us or visit the General Insurance Association (GIA) or SDIC websites (www.gia.org.sg or www.sdic.org.sg).

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Exotic and Affordable Dishes In Singapore

Let me paint a common scenario in this day and age. One unsuspecting click to a single headline or YouTube video leads to another. It happens to the best of us! This rabbit hole of wonders led me to a video featuring celebrity’s favorite dishes. As it turns out, singer The Weeknd finds comfort in “Siga Wat”. Siga Wat is a traditional Ethiopian dish made with a spicy beef stew and a side-dish (e.g., bread).

Image Credits: The Come Up Show via flickr.com

Hearing about this dish opened my mind to other exotic dishes in the international scene. How adventurous are Singaporeans when it comes to their food? Well, many are eager to explore new things. On that note, here are deliciously exotic dishes that are under S$30.

#1: BRAISED SEA CUCUMBER WITH CHINESE MUSHROOM (S$26)

I was first introduced to the sea cucumber in my Biology class. My lecturer highlighted that sea cucumbers are marine animals from the animal class of Holothuroidea. It has a strong anti-inflammatory effects, which may help alleviate pain in patients suffering from tendonitis and arthritis. Furthermore, historical Chinese beliefs considered it as an aphrodisiac due to its resemblance to the male’s genitalia.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sea cucumbers are eaten either fresh or dried up. Whichever way they are prepared, it has little to no taste and has a “fishy” smell. It is also rich in sand. A casual Cantonese restaurant in Singapore carries a dish that places it as their star. Cafe De Hong Kong serves Braised Sea Cucumber with Chinese Mushroom for S$26. Feel free to give it a try!

Location: 586 Balestier Road #01-01 Eastpac Building, Singapore 329898
Website: facebook.com/Cafe-De-Hong-Kong-48893444221

#2: CAUSA DEL MAR (S$19)

Contrary to popular belief, Peru holds more jewels aside from the renowned Machu Picchu! Its Peruvian cuisine fuses the Inca’s indigenous practices as well as the immigrant’s varied practices (i.e., immigrants from Asia, West Africa, and Europe). Corn and potatoes are staples to their dishes.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Taste authentic Peruvian dishes as you climb a vibrant rooftop joint – the Tiger’s Milk. Tiger’s Milk got its name after the traditional citrus-based marinade called “Leche de Tigre”. You must try the Causa Del Mar dish, which is a multicoloured potato-based starter filled with prawns, octopus, and avocado. Interesting combination, right?

Location: The Club, 28 Ann Siang Rd, Singapore 069708
Website: facebook.com/tigersmilksingapore

#3: GOBI MANCHURIAN (S$14.20) & STEAMED VEGETABLE MOMOS (S$9.80)

Centuries ago, the Chinese and Tibetans migrated to Bengal. The multicultural interactions brought dishes ranging from sweet to sour. Fifth Season Tangra Chinese is perfect for people who are deeply interested to witness the flavor play of Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan cuisine. The restaurant includes award-winning dishes such as the Tibetan Momos.

Image Credits: fifthseason.com.sg

Steamed vegetable momos consists of dumplings stuffed with minced vegetable. It is served with a special chili that is roasted in tomato sauce. Another exotic dish is Gobi Manchurian. It consists of crisp cauliflowers seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. These dishes only prove that the restaurant will have you satiated with its extensive repertoire.

Location: 28 Race Course Road, Singapore 218550
Website: www.fifthseason.com.sg

Image Credits: Charles Haynes via flickr.com

“Exotic food is a term that is applied to culinary items which are considered unusual, novel, or taboo from the perspective of an individual’s native culture.” I, for one, am not afraid to try exciting and eccentric flavors. Some of the weirdest things that I have tried are Balut, crickets, frog’s legs, June beetles, and chicken’s intestines. Balut was my favorite among this exotic group.

How about you? How adventurous are you when it comes to food? Have you ever tasted or heard any of these dishes? Do not be shy to leave a comment below!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Your 2018 Investment Resolution – Earn up to 14% p.a. in Returns

It’s the start of 2018 and you are perhaps setting up your investment goals for this year. Why not consider adding peer-to-peer lending into the mix? Also commonly known as debt crowdfunding, P2P lending has been around since 2007 in UK, and catching on in the region. Founded in Singapore, Funding Societies is currently the leading platform in Southeast Asia.

Here’re 5 reasons you should review peer-to-peer lending as part of your investment strategy:

  1. It’s not difficult to understand

Imagine a company needs to take a business loan for expansion, new projects  or seasonal stocking up. Platforms like Funding Societies act as a marketplace to crowdfund such loans, which may potentially yield attractive returns for investors like you.  The company pays its loan principal + interest repayment on a monthly basis and investors receive their initial capital (principal) plus returns on investment (interest).

Another product is invoice financing – Company A has sold its products or services (as a supplier) to Company B (buyer), and is waiting for Company B to pay. The waiting time depends on the invoice payment terms – usually 30, 45, 60 or 90 days. Company A can have an early access to the money by pledging the invoice on a P2P lending platform. Investors receive payments (including invested capital plus interest) on the due date when the invoice is paid.

  1. Investment starts from just $100

As loans are crowdfunded, a $200,000 can be filled by multiple investors starting from as low as $100. As a new investor, this is a good way for you to try peer-to-peer lending as a form of investment.

To many investors on Funding Societies’ platform, they take advantage of this minimal amount to diversify their investments extensively within the platform.

  1. See results in the short term

Business term loans on Funding Societies’ platform typically run for as short as 3 months and up to 12 months. Given that you receive monthly repayments as an investor, this product has a lock-in period as short as the loan tenure.

  1. Potential high returns & rigorous credit assessment

With returns as high as 14% per annum, P2P lending is a serious contender in one’s investment portfolio. Each loan coming to Funding Societies goes through rigorous in-house credit assessment before approving it to be crowdfunded on its platform.

  1. You have full control and still get support from the platform

As an investor, you have full autonomy to choose which loans to invest, depending on your risk appetite.

That said, there is still a Customer Experience team behind Funding Societies’ investor platform that you can reach out to. Miyu, the chatbot, is available 24X7 and steps in to help with round-the-clock queries. Many investors are also shaping some features through active feedback – talk about getting personal!

Start your investment journey with Funding Societies here.

Still have questions?

Funding Societies is organizing an investors’ event on 24 January 2018 from 6.30pm at The Working Capitol (1 Keong Saik Road). Attend the event as the team shares more about P2P lending and the investor platform!

Details and registration at: event.fundingsocieties.com/investor-24jan2018

Disclaimers

This article is contributed by Funding Societies.

It should not be construed that Moneydigest is endorsing this article or any of the products and services provided by Funding Societies.

Nothing in this article should be construed as constitute or form a recommendation, financial advice, or an offer, invitation or solicitation from Funding Societies to buy or subscribe for any securities and/or investment products. The content and materials made available are for informational purposes only and should not be relied on without obtaining the necessary independent financial or other advice in connection therewith before making an investment or other decision as may be appropriate.

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Don’t Share These Personal Issues In The Workplace!

Personal issues includes your family drama, emotional difficulties, boyfriend problems, and even your outstanding debt. These private issues can impact your ability to advance in your career. Thus, it is ideal to keep things on a balance beam. Put your “private life” on one end and the “work life” on another end.

It is inevitable to experience a crossover between these two, but you must deal with it in a healthy manner. Remember that oversharing is not always a good strategy!

#1: VARIOUS FINANCIAL WOES

As a financial writer, I respect the financial transparency between a husband and wife. I highly encourage open communication in a domestic setting. However, you must draw a thick line in a professional setting. Your co-workers do not want to hear about your financial woes as much as you do not want to hear theirs!

It is possible to earn similar salaries as your co-workers. Thus, you may perceive them as your allies who will emphatize with your financial circumstance. This is not always the case. Being in the same situation does not guarantee that they can provide decent advices to you. Seek professional help.

#2: PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT TURMOIL

Workplace dramas spread like wildfire. To prevent this, employers do their best to maintain group harmony. It goes without saying that you should skip stories revolving your previous workplace termoils. I can vividly remember staying away from my co-worker who was utterly open about her unhealthy sexual encounters.

Yes! Stories such as a cheating boss, a dishonest co-worker, and a crazy office party are juicy. However, employers and other individuals tend to frown upon staff members with these type of past. Letting out your dramatic past will affect other people’s perception of your character and your worth ethics. Are you willing to risk those?

#3: DEEPEST DARKEST WEAKNESSES

In the animal kingdom, a dog manifest its submission by rolling over and exposing its belly. The dog freely reveals his weakness to other trusted beings. You may unintentionally doing the same thing when you share too much about yourself.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Some of your subordinates may take advantage of your weaknesses by giving you tasks that are beyond your capabilities. Furthermore, it may influence your employer’s decision when considering you for a promotion. Seek to do the opposite by demonstrating your strengths. Demonstrate your worth to the company today!

#4: SERIOUS RELATIONSHIP DISASTERS

Let us face it – no marriage is perfect! Just listen to Beyonce’s “Lemonade” album. Not even Queen B and legendary Jay Z were spared from cheating scandals. A cheating party, a messy divorce, and a harsh breakup are all parts of life. You are bound to fight with these tides and thrive soon after.

No matter how seemingly acceptable these serious subjects are, you should not blurt out these issues to the workplace conversations. Digging up your relationship disasters communicates that you have a difficulty in separating your workplace and personal lives. This inability to discriminate between the two is a career-limiting trait.

#5: STRONG RELIGIOUS OR POLITICAL VIEWS

While I was in a recent reunion with my ex-colleagues, our random topics led to sharing our personal views. It was the first time that we talked about our political and religious stances. You see, we usually steer away from these hot-button topics that trigger distinct reactions. Our current social positions allowed us to be more open about these topics. However, sharing our thoughts may have a different impact back when we were in the same workplace.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

It is easy for a casual comment on a particular religious sector to turn into a negative commentary. The negative effect may affect your professional opportunities. As much as possible, you must exercise religious sensitivity and political correctness. Keep these strong beliefs out of the workplace!

Sources: 1& 2

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