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Dash EasyEarn: The easiest way to save for a rainy day

We’re in the middle of a global pandemic, and with the economy swinging up and down, protecting and growing your money is a common concern. Some people may find it easier to save now that they’re home more often, but putting your paycheck in the bank isn’t making the most of your hard-earned savings, especially with banks reducing interest rates across the board.

In these uncertain times, it is definitely prudent to consider safe and flexible options to save smarter and grow your hard-earned savings. There are many financial tools available in the market that offer this, and you should choose one that gives you the best peace of mind, without compromising on your returns.

With that said, you might be excited to find out about the latest addition to the all-in-one mobile wallet Singtel Dash: Dash EasyEarn, a unique insurance savings plan underwritten by Etiqa Insurance, which will help you save better for a rainy day. This insurance savings plan offers an astounding 2% p.a. returns for your first year* with a minimum starting amount of S$2,000.

The best part? You can sign up directly through Dash on your mobile phone, with just a few clicks. Read on to find out more!

Enjoy attractive returns with capital guaranteed

Dash EasyEarn is capital guaranteed AND offers a very competitive 2% p.a. returns for your first year*, regardless of market movements. So if you’re risk-averse, especially in these uncertain times, you can rest assured that your savings will be safe – even if you have to withdraw it in times of need. Dash EasyEarn also has no lock-in requirements – which brings us to the next point on its flexibility.

NB: With effect from 25 September 2020, Dash EasyEarn will be revising its bonus rate to 0.3%, bringing the rate to 1.8%^ p.a. for the first policy year**.

Existing Dash EasyEarn users will continue to enjoy 2% p.a. (guaranteed 1.5% p.a. + 0.5% p.a. bonus) for the first year starting from their policy start date, including subsequent top-ups.

In addition, Etiqa Insurance will be extending an additional Financial Assistance Benefit for COVID-19 to all new and existing Dash EasyEarn policy holders. For more information on the benefits and other terms of this Financial Assistance Benefit, please visit https://www.tiq.com.sg/covid19/.

Ultimate flexibility with no lock-in period

Image credits: Singtel Dash

Another great thing about this product is how flexible it is. After you’ve transferred your initial minimum premium of S$2,000, you can always make additional top-ups^ when you want, or withdraw what you need with no penalties.

There is no lock-in period, so if an emergency should arise, you’ll be able to access your funds immediately by withdrawing directly into your bank account or Dash wallet to tide you over.

^Maximum account value is S$20,000. Each top up must be a minimum of S$500. Minimum account value of S$2,000 must be maintained to be eligible for returns.

Open to everyone

Whether you’re a student, young professional or already savvy at saving, anyone can download Dash and sign up for Dash EasyEarn – all you need is S$2,000 to start growing your savings. As an insurance savings plan, Dash EasyEarn also comes with a layer of insurance coverage of up to 105% of account value in case of death.

Can’t wait to get started? Simply download the free Dash app today to sign up for Dash EasyEarn, and watch your savings grow.

It only takes 3 simple steps to start your savings journey with Dash EasyEarn.

Sign up for Dash EasyEarn through the app
Top up your Dash EasyEarn plan with your bank account
Watch your savings grow!

Image credits: Singtel Dash

For more information, please visit www.dash.com.sg/easyearn.

Disclaimers

The information is meant purely for informational purposes and should not be relied upon as financial advice.
This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K). Protected up to specified limits by SDIC. As buying a life insurance policy is a long-term commitment, an early termination of the policy usually involves high costs and the surrender value, if any, that is payable to you may be zero or less than the total premiums paid. You should seek advice from a financial adviser before deciding to purchase the policy. If you choose not to seek advice, you should consider if the policy is suitable for you. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Information is accurate as at 29 June 2020.
*Effective for sign-ups up to 24 September 2020 (date inclusive): Guaranteed at 1.5% p.a. + 0.5% bonus for the first policy year.
**Effective for new sign ups from 25 September 2020: Guaranteed at 1.5% p.a. + 0.3% p.a. bonus for the first policy year, available on a first come, first served basis.

Budget-Friendly Tips For Singaporean Teens

Saving money as a teenager is challenging, especially when your social media is constantly flooded with #OOTD posts. Online shopping is so tempting! Your peers may influence your spending habits too. It is important to note that while saving money is hard, it is not impossible!

WIDEN YOUR KNOWLEDGE

They say that knowledge is power. This age-old statement highlights the importance of handling your own money smartly to make less financial mistakes. Educate yourself by purchasing books on financial literacy, by taking free money courses online, or by asking your parents for advice.

Parents and guardians play an integral role in shaping their children’s financial behavior and attitude towards money. May teenagers rely on their parents to set the right example when it comes to spending. Of course, it is not always easy to navigate the tricky waters of personal finance at this time. Hence, parents must teach their kids about the value of money and notice their spending habits.

KNOW WHERE YOUR MONEY IS GOING

Know where your money is going by downloading a software that can help you note down every single expense. I used to use either Mint or Spendee. Both apps are free.

While you crave for independence, you seek for your parent’s help when you run out of cash. Another way to keep track of your expenses is to allow your parents to view your transactions online. You may discuss meaningful ways to use your extra cash upon sitting down with your parent. Some financial apps such as DBS PayLah! allows the parents to monitor the teen’s digital allowance. It is safer as auto-debit is disabled. Furthermore, teens 16 and under will have a limit of S$999 to reduce the risk of fraud or theft.

USE YOUR STUDENT PRIVILEGES

Your student ID is more than just a representation of a less flattering picture of yourself. It can also get you discounts and promotions from different retailers. For instance, POPULAR bookstore offers student cards to teens. This will enable you to have a subscription of about S$8 for a year and S$20 for 3 years. This membership card includes birthday privileges, complimentary magazines, exclusive invites to members-only events, member’s discount, and more.

(Image credit: Anders Steen Nilsen, via Flickr)

Getting all the discounts or maximizing your privileges as a student can make saving a whole lot easier. It ensures you can put more of what you make in a safe place until you need it.

6 Things To Consider Before Panic Buying For Insurance

When the news broke about the Circuit Breaker period and its extension, essential items started flying out of the shelves. The common items hoarded by Singaporeans were face masks, hand sanitizers, instant noodles, and toilet papers. This scenario was played in various parts of the world too. This is why the Government imposed rules regarding purchasing of goods.

Panic buying is brewed by fear. Moreover, it may not lead you to strategic results. Beyond expanding their essential supplies, some people started to buy more insurance coverage. These people are concerned about their hospital bills, if they catch the virus.

Buying the right insurance policies for you and your family is vital at this time. However, panic buying may cause unnecessary waste of time and money. You need an insurance that will cover you when the need arises. Consider these things before signing-up for one.

#1: READ THE FINE PRINT

With the global pandemic, it is up to you to go ahead and pursue your travel plans despite the official travel advisory of postponing it. To safeguard your health, you decided to take a travel insurance. You must understand that not travel insurance insurers are providing coverage in the present moment. Any exclusions can affect you. Check the travel insurance policy!

The same goes for health insurance. You may be supported by a Critical Illness policy that can cover your hospitalization bills, but it may not be for your COVID-19 claim. A CI plan offers a lump-sum cash payment if you are diagnosed with any of the illnesses covered in your plan. Look at the specifications first.

#2: REVIEW YOUR EXISTING POLICIES

Do not buy insurance policies that mimic your previous coverage. Set aside some time to review your previous insurance policies and access your protection needs. Your needs change as you age. You need to ensure that what you are buying is still relevant, especially at this time.

Milestones such as getting married or having a baby can affect your insurance needs. If you can review your insurance portfolio with your Wealth Planning Manager at least once a year, then your needs will be met.

#3: ESTABLISH A ROBUST FINANCIAL PLAN

Incorporate financial protection to your financial plan to ensure that you are covered during the pandemic. You may start with having a realistic budget, putting adequate emergency savings, optimizing your home loan, and maximizing your streams of income.

Do not forget about your financial wellness and estate planning. You will need it!

#4: TAKE MEASURES TO MINIMIZE YOUR HEALTH RISKS

Prevention is better than cure. Risk management goes a long way to help you stay protected. Start by performing seasonal maintenance checks and regular sanitation procedures at home and at your office. If you have a home-based business, consider adding digital shields to protect you from cyber crime.

Lastly, do not forget to sanitize and wear a mask whenever you are out for your grocery trips. Minimize face-to-face interactions whenever possible.

#5: KNOW WHAT THE POLICY DOES NOT COVER

By reading the fine prints, you will be able to read what the insurance covers. The next step is to ask your insurance provider what the policy does not cover. The exclusions may not be explained upfront.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Do not hesitate to ask. It will save you the stress of discovering additional fees or losses.

#6: ASK IF THEY ALLOW DOUBLE-CLAIMS

Having a hospitalization plan is highly recommended as a basic coverage for many Singaporeans. Hospitalization fees quickly add up, especially if there is a major surgery involved. As such, some people take up more than one hospitalization plans. However, not all institutions allow double-claiming. For hospitalization plans, you can usually claim up to the actual amount spent on your medical treatment. In some cases, you will not be able to claim from another insurer to reimburse each medical expense.

An exception to the rule is life insurance. You can get multiple life insurance policies.

Financial Planning In The Wake Of COVID-19

Financial planning has never been an easy task, but the pandemic has made it even more difficult. Finance professionals are used to consistency and accuracy. They are not trained to plan for unclear economic conditions. No one is! The five-year plan that we are supposed to send to our supervisors is now completely out of the window.

How can you plan for your finances, if you do not know what is going to happen in the future?

#1: HAVE A ROBUST PLAN

You can better understand your financial resources such as investments and cash flows, if there is a robust financial plan in place. A comprehensive plan covers the ares of budgeting, investment, insurance, retirement, credit, and estate planning. When these areas are well covered in a sound financial plan, you have a greater clarity on how each financial decision affects another.

Specifically, the financial-planning team should focus on the following five steps: getting a clear view of the company’s position, building a fact base, aligning the financial plan to a concrete direction, determining the best moves, and identifying the trigger points that prompt businesses to adjust.

#2: KNOW WHERE TO START

Companies and individuals must know where to start. To get this, you need the support of experts. Together, you can see the historical and current financial trends. The January 2020 financial plan can be a good place to anchor on. This can help you to establish any assumptions that will need to change as a result of the pandemic.

#3: ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE POSITIVE CASH FLOW

Set up a realistic budget, which indicates your money inflows and outflows. Having an emergency fund that covers you for three months can ensure that you have enough liquidity to tide you and your dependents during financially difficult times. Doing so will give you some peace of mind even if you suffer temporary setbacks such as losing a job or are unable to make a living because you must be quarantined

#4: GET INSURANCE COVERAGE

Insurance is a means to cushion against financial losses and unexpected events. Find a suitable hospitalization and life insurance plan to cover your hospital bills and critical illnesses. There are also insurance plans that are related to growing your savings like endowment plans and investment-linked insurance plans.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Focus on what you can control. Set up a sound financial plan, carve a realistic budget, get insurance protection, diversify your investments, and commit to a long-term strategy to achieve our life goals.

Sources: 1 & 2

Newbie’s Guide To Mobile Wallets In Singapore

Much like you, I constantly find myself in a sea of recommended YouTube videos. The other day, I chanced upon a GQ video, which highlighted an athlete’s collection of items that he cannot live without. He said that he cannot live without his phone. You see, his phone has a card casing. This phone casing stores his credit card and house keys. Gone are the days when you need to carry large wallets to stash all your valuables!

These days, everything you need can fit inside your pocket. Your mobile phone is a powerful device that can scan documents, track calories, book rides, and snap selfies. All you need to do is to instruct it. You may also download a mobile wallet.

When it comes to handling money matters, you can maximize your gadget by downloading a mobile payment app or a mobile wallet. Singapore’s unified QR code can accept payments from 27 digital methods such as GrabPay, AliPay, FavePay, Nets, PayLah! and Dash.

WHAT IS A MOBILE WALLET?

A mobile wallet is a virtual wallet that keeps payment information on your mobile device. It is a convenient and a cashless way to pay your bills. Whether you are paying for your lunch or splitting the bill with a friend, you can use your mobile wallet in Singapore and abroad. For instance, you may use UOB Mighty in Malaysia and Thailand. While, Alipay and WeChat Pay can be used globally.

WHERE CAN YOU USE THE MOBILE WALLETS?

#1: TO TRANSFER FUNDS INSTANTLY

Say that you went out for a quick grocery run with your friend. To split the bill, you may transfer money to his or her mobile number or NRIC/FIN that has been registered for DBS’ PayNow digital bank. You do not have to worry about getting the bank accounts right away!

#2: TO GIFT MONEY TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Did you just attend a virtual wedding thru Zoom? If you cannot figure out what to get for the couple, you can consider gifting a virtual red packet. Send money through your mobile wallet and the receipient will receive it immediately. It makes for an eco-friendly and a practical gift!

#3: TO RECEIVE CASHBACK AND REWARDS

If you frequently use your mobile wallet for purchasing your airline tickets or for cafe-hopping, you will most likely receive reward points or cashback benefits. You can save quite a lot of money by using the right mobile wallet.

#4: TO GET YOUR CRAVINGS SATISFIED

It is lunchtime and you have not cooked anything yet. Fortunately, there are several food apps that can deliver right in your doorstep. You do not have to endure long lines and to risk your health by going outside. Collect your food through the GrabFood app and pay it through GrabPay. GrabPay is rapidly adding and growing its network of partner merchants, as well as adding services like GrabFood and GrabDelivery.

#5: TO INSURE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

Whether you are going of on a quick weekend retreat or a big adventure, buying travel insurance to cover unforeseen events can save you. You can purchase a travel insurance plan through the DBS PayLah! app just before your departure. It only takes a few minutes to complete.

#6: TO PAY BILLS

Several banking mobile payment apps allow you to pay your bills on time. Use your mobile wallet app to settle your phone bills, fitness club membership fees, insurance premiums, and more. You can do all these while you are outside or while you are inside your home.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Having a mobile wallet is necessary and helpful given the current situation. Simply ensure that you secure all your details before you use it. Stay safe!

Sources: 1 & 2

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