Bonus is in! Time to Diversify Your Investments with Peer-to-Peer Lending

With most companies’ financial year ending in December, some of you may have received your bonus in March and are wondering what to do with it. There is no written rule on how you should be utilizing your bonus. Some choose to repay their outstanding debts, while others prefer to splurge on luxury items as a way of rewarding themselves for a job well done in the past year. Building wealth can be a part of your strategy (see what experts say at CNBC and Forbes), and what better time to do it than when you have fresh funds in your bank account?

Wealth building comes in many forms, from saving to investing, be it actively or passively, amongst other strategies. Today, we introduce you to an alternative investment – Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending.

Although new to many, P2P lending has changed the financial landscape in Singapore over the past three years. P2P platforms like Funding Societies offer SMEs additional avenues for business financing and give investors more opportunities to diversify their portfolios. In other words, as you see your wealth grow progressively, you’re also helping local SMEs grow their businesses.

Here are 4 reasons to consider putting part of your bonus into P2P lending:

1. It caters to all salary and bonus ranges

P2P lending is accommodating in terms of one’s starting investment capital. You don’t need a huge fortune to begin investing, and you can invest more depending on your risk appetite. For instance, Funding Societies allows you to make an investment from as low as $50. Not to mention, you only need to put in a $1,000 deposit (can be withdrawn at no cost) before you are able to access investment opportunities. Accredited and institutional investors with higher capital and risk tolerance may also put in tens of thousands per investment.

2. Shorter tenures means that you get to see your returns quickly

If you are looking for short-to-mid term investments, P2P lending is a feasible option for you. Many traditional investment products require lengthy lock-in period. Generally, that is not the case with P2P lending as the loan tenures are usually shorter. The tenure for Business Term Loans typically ranges from 1 – 12 months and from 30 – 90 days for Invoice Financing. What’s more, you receive monthly repayments from your investments in Business Term Loans (one-time repayment for Invoice Financing), which you may choose to re-invest in new loans, creating a compounding effect.

3. Potentially high returns: Up to 14% per annum

Yes, you read it right. P2P lending has become a part of many investors’ wealth building strategy possibly due to its attractive potential returns. Interest rates offered by Funding Societies typically range from 8% to 14% p.a.

While the key risk with investing in P2P lending is the non-performing loans, Funding Societies manages its default rate at less than 1.5% (as of April 2018), comparable to those of major banks. This is done through extensive credit assessment of the SMEs’ loan applications to give you quality opportunities to make your investments.

4. It is super easy to participate

Investing can often be time-consuming due to the multiple tools and monitoring required. However, P2P lending is relatively simple to participate in:

  1. Just look out for upcoming deals
  2. Read the respective fact sheets
  3. Decide on an amount to invest in.

Funding Societies further simplifies this process with its Auto-Invest function, which helps investors pre-select investments based on their pre-set criteria. Investors will be notified of the pre-selection and can decide to opt-out or go ahead with the investment. This not only makes investment hassle-free for investors, it also helps them to diversify their P2P investment portfolio by participating in multiple loans.

Start your P2P investment journey today with Funding Societies
Now that you have a clearer picture of P2P lending, consider allocating a portion of your bonus into this form of alternative investment and start earning up to 14% returns. Funding Societies is here to help you begin your P2P investment journey.

Founded in 2015, Funding Societies is the leading P2P financing platform with a Capital Markets Services license issued by the Monetary Association of Singapore. With operations in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, Funding Societies has onboarded more than 45,000 investors in a span of three short years. Now, it’s your turn to get hands on investing in P2P lending.

Sign up with Funding Societies now!

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.

 

Read More...

Living Your Dream Life – A reality in Horizon Hills

The Award-winning Horizon Hills is an artistic composition of architectural design, natural greenscapes and community living, making it the first of its kind lifestyle development in Johor.

A home designed to embrace your lifestyle set against a backdrop of undulating terrain in a resort like ambience, enveloped by the rejuvenating freshness of nature. Truly a dream to behold for those who choose to make their homes in Horizon Hills. The 1228- acre residential paradise jointly developed by Gamuda Land and UEM Sunrise comprises of 11 secured precincts, each featuring designer-homes for contemporary living and sharing its picturesque setting with an award-winning international championship 18-hole par 72 golf courses.

In one with nature

Living in Horizon Hills is about harnessing the fullness of nature. The estate is home to 150 acres of themed park and gardens and homes that leverage on the topography of the land to create a green and tranquil ambience. From stately bungalows to semi-Ds, to cluster and links as wells condominiums and villas, there is a home to suit every lifestyle in Horizon Hills. The latest offerings in this green township are 2-storey link houses in the Green Precinct as well 2 and 3 storey semi-Ds in the Cove precinct, targeted for completion in 24 months. Both home designs feature a contemporary design and natural lighting. The link homes are of a cube design while the semi-Ds enjoy additional air ventilation features.

The mesmerising beauty of Horizon Hills lies in the exacting manner in which contours of the estate has been curated to allow the hills’ lush foliage, weaving waterways and soft slopes to remain undisturbed in their natural state. It offers an idyllic setting where listening to the land is a natural part of living in harmony with the environment. The Horizon Hills masterplan boasts of at least 45% of its selected areas of secondary forest being retained as a green lung with water from natural streams and lake channelled to it for a cooler atmosphere. Their natural filtration system of lakes and ponds and preservation of flora and fauna through open spaces and thematic gardens are all directed at minimising the township’s carbon footprint. The natural ambience enjoyed by residents has encouraged a communal effort in practising eco awareness and sustainable living.

Promoting community closeness

The Horizon Hills town square pulsates with the energy of people brought together to create laughter and lasting memories. Placemaking events that help bond the community such as festive celebrations and fun activities take centre stage in this township with residents of over 40 nationalities. It is a town where community living is a way of live and everyone is made to feel as important as the next. Other friendly facilities that positions Horizon Hills as a township with a difference are its pockets of green spaces and a cycling path that encourage outdoor activities for elderly, children and even the physically challenged. Homes, public buildings and recreational zones such as the Clubhouse are designed to be friendly to all. Facilities and amenities in Horizon Hills that contribute to greater community interaction are best described as world class. An international standard 18-hole par 72 golf course that is visually spectacular, crafted by Australia’s most acclaimed golf course designer, Ross Watson presents itself as the perfect playground for golf enthusiasts. Overlooking the course is the equally enchanting 145,000 sq ft clubhouse designed by the renowned Ernesto Bedmar, a hub for recreational and dining activities for residents and their guests.

Second to none in security and connectivity

Residents safety is a top consideration in this gated and guarded township which is facilitated by the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Concept. A 3-Tier security system consisting amongst other features perimeter fencing, central monitoring, guard tour patrolling, gate access and panic button are part of this sophisticated security network. Complementing the dream lifestyle Horizon Hills offers, a perfectly connected location. Regarded as one of the best golf course residential properties in Johor Bahru. Horizon Hills takes full advantage of its incomparable location being set in the booming Iskandar Malaysia and just a mere 30 minutes’ drive to Singapore. Horizon Hills is the perfect south side retreat for locals and expats alike who seek homes in an exquisite hideaway.  Situated at the heart of Iskandar Puteri places Horizon Hills in direct access to Johor’s major education, health, shopping, transportation and recreational amenities. The township provides 5 easy accesses and enjoys hassle-free connectivity via the state’s 5 major highways.

A collaborative effort by two property giants

Gamuda Land and UEM Sunrise are stalwarts of the Malaysian property industry. Renowned developers of award winning townships, both property giants have made a name for themselves with their excellent craftsmanship of architectural masterpieces – townships that feature the foremost in town planning, residential design and environmental conservation. Horizon Hills is a testament of the joint effort of these two unrivalled giants of the industry.

For more information, please visit our website at gamudaland.com.my/horizonhills or contact our Property Galleria at +607-232 3433

 

Read More...

Feng Shui’s Guide To Attracting Money

Aside from your credit score and your net income, there are various elements that can affect your finances. Believe it or not, your home design can affect your bank account. Based on the ancient school of thought that focuses on balancing energy, you may try these money-centered Feng Shui tips.

#1: HOME SWEET HOME

What is the first thing that your guests will notice upon entering your humble home? The front door, of course! Paying attention to the details of your front door is important in letting the auspicious energy flow. Is your door made from cheap plastic or strong wood?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

According to Feng Shui, the quality of your door determines the energy that will run throughout your home. The same goes for the front entrance. Dubbed as the “Mouth of Chi”, the front entrance is a place where nourishing energy shall enter your space. Thus, you must invest on a sturdy door and keep the entryway clean.

#2: WHAT ATTRACTS NEGATIVE ENERGY

It goes without saying that a cluttered space contributes to a cluttered mind. This ideal echoes the sentiment of your finances and the energy it receives. Untidiness has a negative influence on many areas of your life including your wealth. This is why you must remove any unnecessary items that create visual clutter. For instance, you may dispose your dead plants and clean your rubbish bins.

On the other hand, you must protect the items that represent money in a negative manner. Manage your unpaid bills and telecom payment reminders. Interestingly, you shall organize the receipts of the things that you regret purchasing too.

As I have said above, clutter can influence other areas of your life including the places you see and the people you meet. Keeping things that remind you of the people or places that you do not want to be associated with can attract negative energy. Think about that!

#3: PAINT THE TOWN RED, PURPLE, OR GREEN

As a Psychology student, one of my favorite topics was Color Psychology. I was fascinated by how some people act based on the display of colors. So, it comes as no surprise that I will include the relationship of color and Feng Shui. Color is believed to have a powerful impact on a person’s life. Focusing on money, red is considered powerful and propitious. Imagine walking on a red carpet or driving a red sports car!

Aside from the mighty red, green and purple are key colors in attracting prosperity. Experiment between these colors to see which one suits your vibe. If you deem purple as a favorable color, you may start by decorating your home with hints of purple. Throw purple pillows in your bedroom or paint your walls lilac for a subtle glow. It is important to decorate with mindfulness to enhance the energy surrounding your home.

#4: THE SYMBOL OF ABUNDANCE

The symbol of abundance is none other than Water. Any objects exuding a wavy, curvy, or sinuous shape can be considered as a Water element in your home. Mirrors and crystals are just some of the examples.

Now, let us dive into the Feng Shui “rules” of decorating with Water elements. The premise is simple! The state of Water in your home mirrors your finances (no pun intended). Do install a fountain in your money corner. For small spaces, a good alternative is a tabletop fountain. Placing it beside a dragon figurine is believed to attract wealth. If it is totally impossible to place a fountain in your home then, you may display images of flowing water. Search for images containing a waterfall or a fast-moving river. Remember to avoid displaying disturbing water scenes.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

DONT’S: Do not let your fountain’s water to be stagnant. Leaking or dripping taps are not conducive to prosperity either. Interestingly, a water element in your bedroom may negatively impact your finances. A mirror should not face your bed!

Sources: 1, 2, &3

Read More...

7 Small Towns Perfect for a Romantic Getaway

Hallstat, Austria

Popular travel destinations are famous all over the world. It’s unlikely that an average traveler hasn’t heard about Prague, Marrakech, Vatican or Vienna. An average traveler has probably been at least to one of them. It’s a good habit of a romantic couple to travel together. They discover this world together, they share strong emotions and they get to one another better. If you and your significant other are into traveling, and you like the off-the-beaten-track destinations, then visiting the following small towns is a must for you.

Ko Phi Phi, Thailand

Ko Phi Phi doesn’t hit the lists of mainstream destinations, but this island has something that makes it worth your visit. Once it was the location for the famous film “The Beach” starring Leo DiCaprio. The landscape is mind-blowing so it’s no wonder. After the film release, people flocked here to see white sand beaches, turquoise water and emerald cliffs. It’s a perfect option for the lovers of romantic beach getaways. There are lots of tourists, but, nevertheless, Ko Phi Phi is incredible. You can rent a yacht and try diving. Take a boat tour to Monkey Island to meet its inhabitants – monkeys in the wild.

Cesky Krumlov, the Czech Republic

A small town in the south of the Czech Republic is one of the most idyllic places in the world. It is famous for its beautiful and magnificent State Castle that is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It attracts active tourists, the fans of festivals, and romantic couples. It’s truly a fairytale town. At every turn – in the castle, park, by the river, in the narrow streets, and in the salt cave – the legends come alive. Cobblestone streets, colorful houses – romance is in the air.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Initially founded as a fortress in the 15th century, Chefchaouen mesmerizes with its incredible views and heavenly color. It’s nicknamed as the blue city and is considered to be the most beautiful city in Morocco. It got its nickname for the blue buildings. As a legend has it, Jewish and Moorish immigrants painted the house walls blue for religious reasons – to honor the color of the sky. Azure winding streets look like a magical labyrinth when looking at the city from the fortress. You should definitely add this city to your list of romantic weekend getaways.

Madison, Georgia, the USA

If you are planning a weekend for two in the USA, consider romantic getaways in Georgia. Are you longing for Southern authenticity? You’ll get it in Madison. This small town has numerous accolades. The most recent one is the title one of the “Top 16 Most Picturesque Villages in the World”. It’s a perfect option for a day trip. The town carefully preserves its history – there are a lot of old neat houses, antique shops, and dining options.

Santa Maddalena, Italy

This small mountain village in the Dolomites, surrounded by the snowy peaks and green hills, is an incredibly picturesque place as if made for romantic getaways. In summer, it’s a postcard village, and in winter – it’s a true paradise for skiers. Santa Maddalena can’t boast vibrant life and the variety of hotels, but it’s an amazing escape from the daily hustle.

Ronda, Spain

In the 9th century the Moorish invaders did a good work: in Andalucia, high in the mountains, over the El Tajo gorge, they established Ronda – one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. The largest bullring, built in 1784, is situated here.

Hallstatt, Austria

It’s not that easy to find Hallstatt among numerous Alpine towns and villages. Historians claim that Hallstatt is the oldest inhabited village in Europe. Its pastel baroque buildings and picturesque wooden houses that beautifully sit underneath the Dachstein Mountains will charm all family couples. Romantic getaway spent here will be a breath of fresh air.

Read More...

10 Reasons Why Couples Should Travel Together

Trips fill us with joy and optimism, give us a sense of satisfaction. And if you travel together with your beloved, it is even more exciting! Traveling together often strengthen the relationship of a couple. Well, there is a number of objective reasons for it from http://planetofbrides.com/

  1. The common goal

When you plan to travel together around the country, you focus on a common goal. You are planning the routs to cover, looking for interesting places to visit, and planning your finances. All these things bring you the feeling of being on the same page.

  1. Diplomatic skills

Truth is born of argument. Of course, couples have disputes and arguments. However, a trip with your travel buddy can persuade the person to listen to the opinion of the partner and take into account his or her wishes. When you plan a trip with your travel companion, especially beloved one, willy-nilly you learn to look for compromises.

  1. The reset button

Relationships often remind me a river, where calm places always alternate with rapids and waterfalls. And this is true because any relationship changes depending on living conditions. Sometimes it happens that you stand at one point and stop developing as a couple, and this is a threatening situation, which often leads to a breakup. Traveling allows you to reset the relationship, to look at your soul mate with new eyes.

  1. Things to laugh at

Funny stories happen a lot to travelers. Sometimes they are hilarious, sometimes they are just positive. One thing I know for sure is that such stories are good to think of and are good to tell about in a tight circle of friends. And if you two have experienced such situations, sometimes a phrase like “Do you remember …” is enough to see the smile on your beloved’s face. It is awesome when you understand each other with a half-word. It brings people together and makes them feel as a whole.

  1. True feelings

Traveling demonstrates people from different perspectives. Since you spend all the time together when traveling, you can rediscover your partner and see the features did not even notice before. Some may sound just fine, and some may irritate you. It teaches us being condescending and sensitive to the partner.

  1. Family values

Traveling gives a person a clear understanding of why he lives. All secondary things become pale and take a back seat. Parents, family, and relatives – you keep thinking about them when you are on the other side of the continent. You miss them being apart and enjoy their company when you are back. This is when you realize what makes you really happy.

  1. New experiences

So it’s great to try something new together. Unusual feelings, excitement, and fear – they make your relationship bright and colorful when you experience them together. This is what makes your couple more saturated and passionate.

  1. The shared finances

Before you go to another country, you need to calculate your finances for the trip and plan your finances for the future, in order to know how much to leave at home and where to save. The two of you should agree on your family budget and discard unnecessary expenses. As soon as the couple understands the purpose of the planning, it makes the relationship even more trusting.

  1. A lifetime friend

Romantic feelings, love, and passion – you experience all the diversity of emotions when you travel with your lover. However, this is not the only thing to bring two people together. Joint trips will give you the opportunity to discover something new, to solve the common problems, to communicate, to argue, to debate. The trip may help you discover a lifetime friend in your lover.

  1. The breathtaking lifestyle

Daily things usually spoil the romance in a relationship. Traveling allows you to add diversity and spontaneity to relationships, to make them unforgettable and colorful. Of course, there are couples who have lived together for a long time and have never gone anywhere from their state. Traveling is not the only thing that keeps lovers together. Love and common values are much more important here. However, joint trips are really capable of strengthening relationships. Moments of joy, happiness, new discoveries, experienced by your couple, keep the fire alive and teach us to value each other.

Read More...