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DBS/POSB introduces easier ways to deposit “LI CHUN” funds

Customers can deposit funds during lucky timings via DBS PayLah! or avail themselves to over 350 DBS/POSB cash deposit machines islandwide

SINGAPORE, 1 February 2017 – On 3 February this year, also known as “Li Chun” on the Chinese calendar, Singaporeans will be able to make deposits to their bank accounts while on the go via their DBS PayLah! mobile wallets. Available to users from all Singapore banks, DBS PayLah! users can skip having to bank in cash physically on “Li Chun” and simply make electronic money deposits during their “lucky timings”.

Depositing on “Li Chun” with DBS PayLah!

Over the last few years, Singaporeans have taken to the practice of making cash deposits to their bank accounts on “Li Chun”. According to a guide put up by fengshui firm Chang Consultancy, different timings are advised for people to bank in money on 3 February based on their Chinese zodiac sign. This year DBS PayLah! users stand to win SGD 88 when they send an eAng Bao during this Chinese New Year, and double their chances when they deposit money into their bank account from their PayLah! wallet on “Li Chun” day. The draw is open to 100 lucky winners. New users also get SGD 5 when they download DBS PayLah! with the promo code ‘PAYLAHCNY’. For more details, please visit www.dbs.com.sg/personal/promotion/paylah-cny.

Mr. Jeremy Soo, Managing Director and Head of Consumer Banking Group (Singapore), DBS Bank, said, “We’ve been very encouraged by how quickly customers have come to embrace our alternative and digital channels for the Chinese New Year. Last year, customers were quick to take advantage of the convenience provided by DBS PayLah! during Li Chun, with the number of account deposit transactions spiking a whopping 47 times on that day. We also understand that this is the time when parents and younger customers start to deposit cash from their red packets. With this in mind, we have converted some of our popular new notes pop-up ATMs so they have now cash deposit functions, alongside our network of some 350 cash deposit machines. Our aim is to provide customers with more innovative and convenient options to help meet their banking needs during this festive season.”

POSB new notes pop-up ATMs converted to accept cash

Eight POSB new notes pop-up machines will also be converted to accept and dispense cash, and will be available for use in time for “Li Chun”. These eight machines will be located at eight community clubs – Toa Payoh West, Toa Payoh Central, Bedok, Yew Tee, Chong Pang, Henderson, Clementi and Jurong Spring. The machines in Toa Payoh West and Chong Pang will open from 9am to 10pm daily while the remaining machines in other locations will be fully operational round-the-clock – a key benefit to customers who wish to deposit their Chinese New Year funds. Customers can also avail themselves to over 350 DBS/POSB machines with cash depositing functions islandwide. To find out where these machines are located, please visit www.dbs.com.sg/index/locator.page.

Sending eAng Baos with DBS PayLah!

DBS was the first in Singapore to introduce eAng Baos via DBS PayLah! in 2015 and it was quickly adopted by users for the Chinese New Year season. The eAng Bao provides customers with a digital alternative that allows them to carry on the tradition of red packet-giving with their families and friends even if they’re apart. Last year, during the Chinese New Year season, some 20% of DBS PayLah! money sending transactions were in the form of eAng Baos. More eAng Baos are also used – up to 3.5 times as much – during festive seasons. The number of eAng Bao transactions last year also grew by 30% compared to 2015.

POSB new notes pop-up ATMs return to massive demand in 2017

This year, the POSB new notes pop-up ATMs saw a record number of transactions flow through averaging more than 22,000 transactions a day, some 67% higher than last year, and more than double than in 2015. Since its debut in 2015, the POSB new notes pop-up ATMs continue to see large increases in demand. The ATMs served more than 138,000 customers this year, 61% higher than last year. Total withdrawn amounts increased 80% this year with over 14 million in new notes issued, compared to 8.6 million for last year, and 6 million in 2015.

Eight Possible Reasons Why Your CV Got Dumped

If you have not received any confirmation or callbacks, it is likely that your CV (Curriculum Vitae) was rejected. Why is this so?

#1: You are clearly unqualified for the job that you are applying for.

It is as simple as that! If the HR department perceives that you are submitting an irrelevant resume then, they will ignore your application. Making a significant career switch is acceptable as long as you put it in your cover letter.

#2: Your materials were unpolished.

How can you validate your sharp attention to detail if your CV and supporting documents were embellished with grammatical and typographical errors? Having someone proofread your submission will help prevent shameful mistakes and help check your cohesive thoughts.

#3: Your application got lost in the pile.

Some companies receive a massive pool of applicants on a daily basis. They need to seek help from young interns to cover the load. Novice interns may lose your premier CV in the pile. This is why you must send a follow-up after 3 days.

#4: You used an unappealing font.

I completely understand that you want to stand out from the crowd, but a funky font is not the answer. The appearance of your CV is one of the first few things that the HR Department considers. Stick to the trusty “Arial” font!

#5: You have significant employment gaps.

Job hopping has become prolific in the Singaporean workplace. Employers dread the stories of employees who suddenly went MIA. So, they watch out for applicants with significant employment gaps.

#6: You do not seem to be eager to move.

If an expanding company needs to fill a position immediately, your well-crafted resume may be ignored. It does not matter if you are the ideal candidate for the job! What matters most for some employers is your willingness to move.

#7: You used an incompatible format.

Once again, the appearance of your CV is crucial to gain the attention of the recruiters. Ensure that you are using the right type of document when sending your CV. Some companies may prefer a .pdf file, while others may opt for the .docs file.

#8: Your CV was sent thru a staffing firm.

People who have a hard time looking for a job in Singapore can hire the services of staffing or recruitment firms. The only downside is that certain companies intentionally ignore the applicants under said firms.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

You see, staffing firms require charge a substantial amount of money for every role filled. The company may think that it is better on its own.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

This could be one of the best miles credit card with a rate of 6 miles per dollar spent

I always wanted to see the world — or at least the United States — but i didn’t have a budget to justify it. I started looking for the best ways to accomplish my goal and how to save money on flights. A few years ago, i found something surprising.

By using a strategy, there is a certain group of people that are flying for free every year. Here’s how it works:

How to Fly for Free

A great and affordable way to fly for cheap is by using frequent flyer miles. Cash in your miles, get a free flight and travel for less.

At first, I assumed that you had to fly all the time to earn frequent flyer miles. They are called “frequent flyer” miles after all. As it turns out, that’s the complete opposite of what is true. The best way to earn frequent flyer miles isn’t by flying at all. It’s by finding the best credit card deals for earning frequent flyer miles, free hotel stays, and rewards points.

Best Miles Credit Card

Introducing the new OCBC Titanium Rewards Credit Card that earns you 10x OCBC$ for ever S$1 spent – when you shop online and offline, locally and overseas!

OCBC Titanium Rewards Cardholders are entitled to earn 10X OCBC$ with every S$1 spend, if they perform Local & Overseas Shopping Transactions and Local & Overseas Online Transactions at establishments that fall within any of the following approved Merchant Category Codes (MCC):

MCC 5311: Department Stores
MCC 5611: Men’s and Boys’ Clothing and Accessories Stores
MCC 5621: Women’s Ready to Wear Stores
MCC 5631: Women’s Accessory and Speciality Stores
MCC 5641: Children’s and Infants’ Wear Stores
MCC 5651: Family Clothing Stores
MCC 5661: Shoe Stores
MCC 5691: Men’s and Women’s Clothing Stores
MCC 5045: Computers, Peripherals, and Software
MCC 5732: Electronics Stores
MCC 5699: Miscellaneous Apparel and Accessory Shops
MCC 5912: Drug Stores and Pharmacies (from 17 October 2016 to 31 March 2017)

Making transactions with their OCBC Titanium Rewards Cards from 17 October 2016 to 31 March 2017, through Mobile Payments (Android Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay) will also entitle the Cardholders to earn 10X OCBC$ with every S$1 spend.

You can exchange 10,000 KrisFlyer miles with 25,000 OCBC$. (10x OCBC$ for S$2,500 spend) For the frequent travelers, this is equivalent to 4 miles for every S$1 spent, making it one of the best air miles credit card in the market.

What’s more, from now till 15 Feb 2017, you get to enjoy a higher rate of 15x OCBC$ for a limited time. That is equivalent to a miles conversion rate of 6 miles per S$1 spend. Read the T&C here.

Bonus sign-up promotion

Apply for this credit card before 31 January 2017 and receive $50 Grab, Zalora or Chope voucher of your choice upon card approval. For more information on this promotion, click here.

Play Your Cards Right

Chasing miles would not be a good idea if you do not pay your balance in full every month. As a reminder, live a life with no debt and do whatever you can to lower or erase your debt.

If you do it right, however, you will be on your way to rack up enough frequent flyer miles to fly for free.

How To Celebrate Valentine’s Day Without Spending Too Much

Valentine’s Day is one of the most expensive “holidays” in Singapore.

But, it does not have to be!

You can always celebrate love without breaking the bank.

ELICITING GENUINE EXCITEMENT

One of the best ways to start a date is by handing over a sweet letter that will elicit genuine excitement. Crafting your own Valentine’s Day card costs practically nothing! Simply use the art materials that are available in your own home. Pouring your heart and soul into written words is more personal than signing your initials into a mass-produced holiday card.

Apply your personal skills to your homemade cards to boost its quality. Consider these scenarios:

a. An illustrator may draw the image of his or her significant other.
b. A digital enthusiast may animate a romantic message and send it via email.
c. If you like to bake, you may place the card on the top of a delicious box of cookies.
d. If you like to blog, you can create a beautiful post for your lover.

These things are more likely to be treasured than the items bought at the store.

FUELING THE ARTISTIC CLIMAX

Appreciating the arts is often perceived as something exclusive to affluent individuals. Purchasing concert tickets at Esplanade can be costly! Not to mention, purchasing art at galleries can cost thousands of dollars. Fortunately, locals and permanent residents have the option to hop around several museums for FREE!

Build up on the excitement by taking your beloved on a “not so typical” date at our very own Singapore Art Museum. This innovative museum houses a great collection of contemporary Southeast Asian art ranging from sculptures and paintings to installation art and moving media. They regularly collaborate with the leading international museums to cover both the local and international art practices.

Your date will be amazed with its current exhibition entitled: Singapore Biennale 2016: An Atlas of Mirrors.

LEAVING A LASTING IMPRESSION

Close your lovely day with a hearty dinner. Going to a restaurant on Valentine’s Day takes guts as you need to brave the waves of people and to make early reservations. Save money and avoid stress by preparing a romantic meal in the comfort of your own space.

Great recipes are available at Epicurious, AllRecipes.com, and RasaMalaysia.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If your budget does not allow you to celebrate on February 14 itself then, consider choosing an alternative day. It will not only be cheaper, but it will also be less crowded. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you spent the gift of love with your partner.

Sources: 1 & 2

6 Bulletproof Saving Hacks For Millennial Singaporeans

As a Millennial Singaporean, it is easy to be tempted to travel and to socialize (talk about #YOLO or #NOFOMO). You just want to make the most out of your youth. Enjoying the wonders of the present and preparing for financial freedom is a difficult job!

Hopefully, these saving hacks below will enable you to make the right monetary decisions and live a prosperous 2017.

MAXIMIZE YOUR CASHBACK

In this day and age, almost every purchase qualifies for a cashback or rebate. Do you need a new dress for work? Or, do you need to expand your health coverage? See if you can get a little cash back!

Try to make the most out of your credit card rebates to save a decent amount of money for emergencies.

AVOID THE EMOTIONAL SPENDING

Studies (like this) have shown that Millennials are prone to spending based on their emotional states. The four common emotions that lead you to overspend are hunger, anger, loneliness, and tiredness. These emotions may lead to purchasing something that you do not need or want.

Avoid experiencing “buyer’s remorse” by increasing your awareness while you shop.

SPOT THE BEST DEALS

As Millennials, we spend countless of hours online. Use its potency for the greater good by searching for the best deals, promo codes, coupons, and vouchers islandwide. Keep a close eye on the local websites such as Flipit.com Singapore, Groupon, and Money Digest.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

MAXIMIZE YOUR RESOURCES

As a young adult, you may feel the urge to keep up with the latest trends on fashion and technology. Who can blame you? Purchasing new clothes and devices can boost one’s confidence. However, your spending habits may take a toll on your finances. Choose to be practical instead!

Account your resources to know which areas you can cut cost. Ditch your underused cable television and switch to a Netflix or Toggle account on your laptop. You may also refrain from purchasing new shoes by revamping your simple shoes with laces and ribbons.

DO NOT TURN A BLIND EYE

Being in your 20’s does not guarantee that you are immune to financial woes. Red flags, such as outstanding bill notices, are there for a reason. Make it a habit to account how much money goes in and out.

Use money-tracking tools to aid you in this process!

USE THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY

Most millennials are innately tech-savvy. Use the power of technology to boost your knowledge on investments, financial services, and personal finance. Appreciate how lucky we are to have the luxury of accessing information right at our fingertips!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

You may also seek guidance and support from the experienced financial advisers by interacting with them thru social media.

Sources: 1 & 2

POSB new notes pop-up ATMs return to massive demand in 2017

How to Fly for Free

Best Miles Credit Card

Bonus sign-up promotion

Play Your Cards Right

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