Maybank Launches a New Concept Branch

Bank comfortably in the heart of Orchard Road as Maybank launches its first concept branch that combines café with modern banking services.

If you have ever felt apprehensive at the thought of paying the bank a visit due to its long queues and large crowd, Maybank’s new concept branch – MSpace at Maybank, may change your mind. Fusing lifestyle with banking, Maybank has teamed up with Mellower Coffee to provide visitors instagrammable coffee, while they engage in banking services with Maybank.

The first floor of MSpace at Maybank houses a regular banking branch and Mellower Coffee’s café space, where Maybank plans to experiment with new ways of customer engagement and innovate on banking services. Café and banking customers can browse the MSpace at Maybank App to discover more financial needs. The mezzanine floor above is a premium lounge for Maybank Private and Premier clients; making it the go-to place for anyone who wishes to consult a banking advisor regarding their personal or corporate financial matters.

Here are a 5 reasons why you should visit MSpace at Maybank for your banking needs.

1) Location

MSpace at Maybank is a Café cum Bank located at a convenient location in the heart of town – Orchard Shopping Center, next to Somerset 313. This location may ring a bell for some of you as it is located at where the previous famed Korean dessert shop, Ice Lab Café was. The location is easy to find and accessible by public transport, making it an ideal place to chill and make banking transactions.

2) Experience A Lifestyle Approach To Financial Conversations

For some, waiting for your turn at the bank may be daunting, but at MSpace at Maybank, you may actually want to wait. Visitors who wish to consult on financial matters can simply grab a seat and order your coffee first as you wait for your turn. To fill up your time instead of waiting aimlessly, feel free to use the iPads provided to browse the web, or enjoy the contents on the TV. For simple consultations, enjoy your food and drink while discussing your financial needs with a Maybank staff.

This branch also houses a learning space where Maybank teams up with knowledge experts to organise free thematic workshops for bank clients and the public on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. The upcoming schedule includes a will and estate planning talk, investment talk on market outlook, and even coffee workshops!

3) No Hard Selling

Most of us hate the idea of hard selling and when someone pushes you to buy something you do not need. At MSpace at Maybank, customers can choose to browse Maybank’s products or even apply for a Maybank credit card within the MSpace at Maybank App, with no one stressing or pressuring you on your decisions. For more complex matters like financing to investment portfolio or even retirement planning, you can get a queue number and speak to a Maybank staff in one of their private consultation rooms.

4) It Covers All Aspects Of Your Banking Needs

If you are not sure what services MSpace at Maybank offers, rest assured that they cover all areas of your financial matters. Maybank customers can do their regular banking at MSpace at Maybank and there is even a 24-hour auto-lobby with 4 multi-function ATM machines.

For Maybank Private and Premier clients, MSpace at Maybank is one of the two branches you can visit in the central area of Singapore! Head up to the premium lounge at the mezzanine to get your financial issues attended to.

5) Drink Quality Instagrammable Coffee

Mellower Coffee’s menu consists of exclusive drinks only made for MSpace at Maybank. Indulge in premium espresso-based coffee made from Sumatra Single-Origins beans as you consult your financial matters. May we also mention that besides good coffee, they are very instagrammable too? If you love taking photos, Mellower Coffee is definitely one for the ‘gram’. A nice and relaxing setting, you may not want to leave even after you are done with your banking matters. Here are some visuals of Mellower Coffee at MSpace at Maybank:

Order your drinks on the MSpace at Maybank App with the iPads provided and indulge in instagrammable drinks like Mellower May, Gold Rush Sparkling Mango and Mellower Sumatra as below:

MSpace at Maybank

If you seek a relaxed and comfortable banking experience, be sure to visit MSpace at Maybank and give their new concept branch a try! Taking a different approach from the run-of-the-mill banking concepts. You will be sure to experience a satisfied banking service upon leaving the bank, and a very good cup of coffee!

For more information, Maybank’s Facebook Page or Website.

MSpace at Maybank
321 Orchard Road
#01-01/02 Orchard Shopping Centre
Singapore 238866

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How To Deal With Friends Who Are Big Spenders

With about 183,737 millionaires and over a thousand of insanely rich people in Singapore, you will come across some big spenders in your lifetime. Some of these people may be considered as your friends. How can you socialize with these people, if you cannot spend money as freely as they can?

KEEPING UP WITH THE NEIGHBORS

When you are surrounded with rich friends who love to splurge, it is understandable to feel envious at times. However, you must not linger excessively on this thought. The mere act of comparison can exhaust your energy. Constantly comparing what you have or what you do not have can contribute to your attitude towards money.

You must accept the fact that you are not as wealthy as your friends. What’s more? Keeping up with them can be detrimental to your finances. Apply the Negative Visualization exercise instead. Negative visualization entails imagining what will happen to your life if you have nothing. How can you survive without a job or without a spouse to support you? Doing this exercise will make you realize how blessed you truly are.

SOCIALIZING WITHOUT SPENDING

While your friends may be fulfilled with every swipe of their plastic cards, this may not be the case for you. Resist overspending by avoiding temptations. Opt for entertaining activities that do not require you to break the bank.

Outdoor activities such as cycling or hiking require little money to release some happy hormones (i.e., endorphins). You may also book a yoga class or a trip to the museum. Have a cup of coffee or tea afterwards.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Do your best to enjoy intimate and inexpensive settings that will take spending off the table. Indulging in fancy restaurants or spa appointments occasionally is perfectly fine. These are some of life’s pleasures that are worth paying for, anyway.

SAYING NO TO FREELOADERS

Economically speaking, there is a considerable division between you and your affluent friends. They may be capable to cover your expenses but, you should never ask them to do so. Only accept their help during special occasions.

If they offer to lend you some cash, contemplate on whether you can pay them back or not. Discuss the payment procedures and terms surrounding it. Do not feel bad if your friend suddenly takes back the offer. Ultimately, you must not take advantage of someone’s generosity.

When all is said and done, try to give something simple in return. You may present a token of your gratitude or treat him or her out to a delicious meal.

COMMUNICATING IN AN OPEN MANNER

If you are constantly hanging out with big spenders, you need to be transparent with them. It is easy to talk about current events or Korean bands, but it is challenging to discuss about money. Even the best of friends can be drive apart due to money matters. Few people can openly admit that they cannot afford something. Feelings of shame can take over.

While spending money is typically associated with power, your wallet will thank you after being open to your affluent friends. Tell them that you cannot afford another hundred-dollar dinner two nights in a row. Genuine friends will back off once you let them know that you cannot spend money as freely as they can.

FOCUSING ON FRIENDSHIPS ALONE

Genuine friendships focus on the relationships between people rather than their net worth. Your income or capacity to generate money does not define your identity. If your friends belittle you because of your financial limitations, then you must reconsider your relationships with them. Is it healthier to disconnect? Is it better find friends who are more accepting of your financial situation? Ponder on these. Remember that genuine friends will help you rise up, and not drag you down!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

It may be difficult to rebuild your relationships at first, but you are always better off hanging out with friends who do not rub their wealth in your face. Surround yourself with people who will serve as your financial inspirations. Learn and ask tips from them regarding management of cash flow, investment portfolio, and business.

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5 Amazingly Unique Ice Cream Flavors In Singapore

I have to admit! I am quite adventurous when it comes to food. My openness towards food extends to the different flavors of ice cream. Who does not love this cold treat, anyway? If you share the same enthusiasm as I do with ice cream, you may want to try these unusual flavors.

Get your palates ready! 🙂

CHILI CRAB

Close your eyes and visualize the potent taste of Chili Crab. Now, picture it in ice cream form. It sounds interesting, to say the least!

Mingle Mangle offers a single scoop of Chili Crab ice cream for S$4.80 and a double scoop for S$8.40. These prices are reasonable given its purpose of novelty. Much like the local dish that it is based on, the ice cream version oozes with spiciness. It is a gradual kick that will be felt as you bite. You may want to purchase a sweet drink to wash out the spicy taste.

Image Credits: burpple.com

Location: Mingle Mangle, 476 Upper Serangoon View, #02-07, Singapore 530476
Website: minglemangle.com.sg

WHITE RABBIT

There is no greater joy than hearing your childhood candy transformed into a cold treat! I am talking about the limited edition White Rabbit-flavored ice cream at Sunday Folks.

On the quiet corner of a neighborhood, this local cafe put a spin on the classic candy by mixing a milk-flavored ice cream with milk mochi, milk-caramel sauce, and a sheet of the iconic glutinous rice paper. This nostalgic ice cream is available in cup or cone version for S$9.

Image Credits: Sunday Folks via facebook.com

Remember, this flavor is available for a limited time only. Get it while you can!

Location: Sunday Folks, 44 Jalan Merah Saga, Chip Bee Gardens #01-52, Singapore 278116
Website: facebook.com/sundayfolks.singapore

CHILLI CHOC

Take spiciness to a whole new level by tasting the Chilli Choc ice cream at The Daily Scoop! You read that right. Served with a whole chili on the top of the scoop, this ice cream may seem intimidating at first. Who am I kidding? It is not for the fainthearted!

Feel the heat at first lick and indulge on the dark chocolate ice cream soon after. As the website describes: “count to 10 and feel the burn”. A 400g takeaway tub of the Chilli Choc retails for about S$12.50 online. In its physical store, look for it under the “Fun Kyreations” section.

Location: Four locations islandwide including – 369 Sembawang Road, #01-05 Sembawang Cottage, Singapore 758382
Website: thedailyscoop.com.sg

KAYA LOTEE

Many Singaporeans enjoy eating their ice cream with bread. Personally speaking, the affordable ice cream sandwiches found on the streets can satisfy my hunger any day! As such, I am certain that the Ice Cream Chefs’ Kaya Lotee is a winner to most. Kaya Lotee ice cream consists of premium Pandan kaya and toasted bread chunks.

The perfect mixture of sweet and crunchy makes for a best-selling ice cream flavor. It retails for only S$3.80. What I like most about Ice Cream Chefs is its dedication to the gourmet freshness and the old-school quality ice cream.

Location: 12 Jalan Kuras, Ice Cream Chefs, Singapore 577727
Website: icecreamchefs.com

SALTED EGG YOLK

Salted egg yolk has taken the world by storm! There are interesting variations of this ingredient such as the salted egg yolk chicken, salted egg yolk crab, salted egg yolk pasta, and salted egg yolk chips. Salted egg yolk chips was made popular by the local brand called Irvins. Its popularity was proven by its growing international presence. In Chinese cuisine, salted egg yolk exists in moon cakes, rice dumplings, and other pastries. Fortunately for us, Tom’s Palette offers Salted Egg Yolk ice cream all day and everyday!

Image Credits: themunchingirl.wordpress.com

Tom’s Palette is a homemade ice cream shop that has been creating creative ice cream flavors since 2005. Its Salted Egg Yolk ice cream has a grainy texture that you may not resist. Another flavor that is sinfully good is the Parmesan Cheese & Cream Crackers. Made with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, this ice cream boasts both a savory and a sweet taste. These flavors cost about S$4.

Location: Tom’s Palette, Shaw Towers, #01-25, 100 Beach Rd, Singapore 189702
Website: facebook.com/TomsPalette

Sources: 1 & 2

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The Myths of Investing in Commodities

It’s really time to cut through all of those misconceptions surrounding investing in commodities. One of the biggest of all the wild claims against the commodities market is that you can’t make money when trading commodities. Well we know that isn’t true, because it’s been proven over and over again by successful traders. But these myths make new traders reluctant to enter the commodities market. Do keep in mind that myths stating you can’t make money are typically investors who were not prepared beforehand. Like any sort of trading, you want to spend adequate time studying and learning before you even consider making a move. By understanding how the market works, you can protect yourself from failure and earn nice profits.

Using Leverage Wisely

Knowing how much to leverage an account is where inexperienced commodity traders can fail. Unlike the stock market, you only need to put up from 3% to 15% of your futures contract in the futures margin. This gives commodity traders incredible leverage. This is also where it’s important to learn about holding back a little. For the best long-term success, stay on the low side. Instead of trading as many contracts as allowed by the margin requirements, trade fewer. A safe rule of thumb is to only trade one or two futures at a time. This will help you avoid failing due to getting tripped up with too much leverage.

Dumping Commodities in Your Front Yard

Have you ever heard the myth that trading in commodities can mean you might get a contract of soybeans dumped in your front yard? Taking possession of commodities isn’t something that you need to think about too much, and it shouldn’t keep you from entering the commodities market. The trades that are involved with taking delivery of contracts are commercial players. You will have ample warning to close your futures contract in time. This usually happens weeks before the end of your contract. If you forget to close it before the first notice day, your broker is sure to remind you.

Trading Commodities for the Long Haul

When entering into the commodities market, think of it as a long-term investment. It is actually a zero-sum kind of situation where every time one person loses a dollar, someone else along the line profits by a dollar or two. You might not be the one who wins every time, but if you average out your winnings over a number of years you will see your profits. For those who come to the table ill-prepared, they are most likely to lose all their money in the first few months and leave with their tail between their legs. If you enjoy the trading scene but aren’t earning nice profits, at some point you need to take a close look at your strategy. Don’t stop trading but examine where you are going wrong and determine how you can make the correct adjustments. Whether you are a novice or an experienced investor, you should always periodically stop what you’re doing to check that your trading strategy is leading you towards your goals.

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4 Entertaining Money Activities For Young Adults

Whether you admit it or not, managing money sounds like a hefty task. Pouring elements of entertainment can may get your attention. On that note, here are some money-related games that you must try.

#1: MONOPOLY

This list won’t be complete without Monopoly! I remember playing this board game as a child. At first, it was simply a way to kill boredom. Little did I know that I can develop purchasing strategies and other financial skills while playing. Put a spin to this classic game by altering some rules. For instance, you may maintain a record of each payment or deposit in the register. Then, each player will start with a mortgaged property. You must pay off the mortgages with your income. This will enable the players to learn more about the dynamics of loans.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#2: MARKET, MARKET

This exciting game shall simulate what is like to shop on a supermarket at varying levels of budget. Each player will be given a scenario, which defines the family size and the amount of money available for grocery shopping. Then, the players shall visit the nearby grocery to write down the items that they intend to “buy”. The player with the most items within a given budget wins!

#3: LOAN MASTER

If you are interested in brushing your borrowing skills then, this loan application game called Loan Master is suitable for you. The game is controlled by a facilitator. The facilitator starts with dividing the participants into two groups – the consumers and the lenders. The former will be assigned to specific incomes and expenses. They must plan for their budgets and include reasons for borrowing money such as medical or travel fees. The latter, on the other hand, includes different types of lenders such as bankers and loan sharks.

“To loan or not to loan?” is the question that the consumers must answer throughout the game. They must learn to decide whether they shall commit to a loan application or not.

#4: SIMPLE SAVER

Young adults must realize that growing one’s savings is faster when money is put in an interest earning account. Highlight the differences between saving with and without compound interest by playing the Simple Saver game. Begin by grabbing a pen, paper, calculator, and a partner. Each participant will calculate his weekly savings for a year.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Participant A is the Simple Saver who earns no interest. While, Participant B is the Super Saver who earns a 5% interest compounded daily. See the difference!

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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