MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

Financial Moves That Recently Divorced Men Shall Take

Much like any other major life transitions, you shall seek support if you and your spouse recently part ways. This may seem like a simple task for some but it can be really difficult for the “macho men” who want to keep their own matters private. As David Blaylock, a LearnVest Planning Services Certified Financial Planner, once said: “Divorce is difficult for everyone involved, but it can be especially challenging for men who don’t typically express their feelings.”

Lucky for you, I collated some of the best financial moves that a person in your challenging situation shall take.

1. CREATE A NEW BUDGET

Recently divorced men usually think about the immediate financial responsibilities such as payment for divorce lawyers and monthly child maintenance. However, they forget that they are basically single again!

With your circumstance, it is best to remind yourself that you are starting a fresh chapter in your life. You have to think about your family expenses (e.g., child’s school fees) as well as your daily expenses (e.g., grocery costs). This is why it is important to create a post-divorce budget that incorporates these two types of expenses.

2. DIVIDE YOUR BANK ACCOUNTS EQUALLY

Allowing your vengeful ex-lover to withdraw all your money is the worst thing that can happen when you have joint bank accounts. Avoid this by honoring your prenuptial agreement. Alternatively, you can discuss the matter as two mature adults.

Given that your former spouse is trustworthy and understanding, you can talk about dividing your joint bank accounts in half. Dividing your wealth equally will entail that you have the welfare of your family and children in mind. If you are the breadwinner in your previous household, it is ideal to make financial arrangements so that the monthly bills are covered.

Image Credits: www.pixabay.com

3. REDUCE YOUR PERSONAL EXPENSES

It can be more expensive if you are living in two separate households unlike before. You may have to pay for two mortgages, two utility bills, and so on. This is why you must cut down your expenses everyday for at least a week and realize your spending habits. Eliminate the areas which are unnecessary such as cable television.

4. AVOID COSTLY IMPULSIVE BEHAVIORS

Sure, binging on alcohol can help you drown the sorrows of yesterday but your problems will not disappear with every bottle you chug! It is not only an unhealthy way to move on but it is also a costly behavior in the long run.

Avoid self-destructive behaviors such as spending too much money on sex, drugs, and drinking. Evidence of said behaviors will only strengthen the case of the other camp.

5. DECIDE ON WHO KEEPS THE RINGS

Since Singapore is a cultural melting pot, we have different beliefs and traditions when it comes to wedding rings. Most people are accustomed to return the gifts that their previous lovers had purchased for them. However, if the ring was an heirloom from your former spouse’s family then you must let her keep it.

Image Credits: www.pixabay.com

If she refuses to give back the rings that you purchased then, be the bigger person and move on! They are merely Earthly possessions after all.

Sources: 1 & 2

What Stock Should I Buy?

Warren Buffett once said, “it is not necessary to do extraordinary things to get extraordinary results.” When it comes to finding stocks worth investing in, we simply need to ask the right questions.

We share 3 of these questions with you, and 3 financial ratios that can help answer your questions.

What if you don’t have a stock in mind? After all, there are over 9,000 stocks on the Singapore Exchange (SGX), New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ and Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKex) alone and brokers like us offer access to many more markets including Thailand, China, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

There are tools out there that can help you identify stocks using ratios like the ones above. Click here to learn how stock screeners can help you identify trading opportunities.

Why The Current Generation Of Singaporeans Must Save Longer For Retirement

It is no secret that Singaporean and expat workers have to face a higher cost of living compared to other cities in the world. In order to cultivate a sufficient retirement fund, these employees have to save nine years longer than the preceding generations. This information is according to the recent HSBC report that included 1,008 Singaporeans who are either working or retired.

Findings in “HSBC’s Future Of Retirement: Generations And Journeys” report showed that the average Singaporean begins saving for retirement at age 32 and continues it for another 29 years. Simple arithmetic will tell you that the previous generations of Singaporeans used to save at an average of 20 years.

Despite having the advantage of saving for a longer period of time, 41% of the participants wished that they had started to save earlier. This tone was supported by the 38% of the participants who stopped saving money due to several difficulties.

Mr Matthew Colebrook, the head of retail banking and wealth management in HSBC Bank Singapore, highlighted that: “in many instances, life events are also getting in the way of setting aside money earlier or in a consistent manner.” This is one of the significant roadblocks that keep Singapore workers from maximizing their retirement fund.

Another roadblock that is worth mentioning is the “tunnel vision” that Singaporeans apply when investing. Often they exclude other forms of assets and focus on cash savings and properties. In fact, the report found that 21% of Singaporeans anticipate that selling or downsizing a property can help them fund their retirement.

Mr. Colebrook made another potent statement concerning this tunnel vision. According to him, “all asset classes’ performance will rise and fall as the current softening of the Singapore property market and low deposit rate environment show us. This speaks volumes for why it is important to seek diversification in a savings plan.”

Image Credits: www.pixabay.com

To gain information about the diversification of a retirement plan as well as other strategies to grow your wealth, you must educate yourself or even seek the help of a financial professional. A financial professional can help tailorize a strategy that suits your personality and lifestyle the best.

Sources: 1 & 2

7 Ways To Secure Your Online Transactions

With the modern convenience to shop and transact online, comes the great responsibility to protect the users privacy!

Providing information for your online activities can put your identity and your wealth at risk. To avoid this, you must be informed, cautious, and vigilant at all times.

1. BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

One of the easiest ways to protect your sensitive information is by being sensible about where you transact. Do not input your details in public where people can intentionally or unintentionally view your screen. This may sound obvious for most but, it is not for some! I have witnessed some people who gave out their credit card details while calling their creditors on the train.

It may be extremely convenient for you to close a transaction while on your way to work, but think about the people who might be catching a glimpse over your shoulder.

2. CONTROL YOUR AUTHENTICATION AND PRIVACY SETTINGS

Maximize the use of your privacy settings by using two-factor authentication. Often used in online banking, two-factor authentication involves “what you know” (e.g., 8-digit password) and “something you have” (e.g., verification code sent via SMS). This way, people will have a difficult time to break through your walls.

3. SPOT UNUSUAL TRANSACTIONS

Just because your bank is known worldwide because of its sophisticated security does not mean that they are 100% free from errors, frauds, and glitches. It is important to watch out for any unusual transactions both on virtual and physical statements. Call your bank immediately if you spot anything fishy.

4. KNOW THE OFFICIAL DOMAIN NAME

When you are receiving emails from banks or online shops, always check the attached links’ domain name. This can be a tad tricky as some scammers use a slightly different domain name to trap the vulnerable consumers.

Hence, you shall be familiar with the official domain names ass well as the URLs of your banks before processing your transactions. The moment that you find anything wrong, call them directly.

5. SECURE YOUR BROWSER

Search engines, especially those with big names, track your search history and build personalized profiles to provide results based on your search history. To escape from this “filter bubble”, you must switch to a search engine that does not track your every move.

Emphasizing on protecting the user’s privacy, DuckDuckGo is always my go-to safe search engine!

6. DO NOT CLICK THE RANDOM LINKS

Before clicking any links that will re-direct you away from the online bank or shop, verify its legitimacy first. Always think twice even if the message comes from a familiar place. The same goes routine must apply when you receive an email from any financial institutions.

7. UPDATE YOUR SOFTWARE REGULARLY

Aside from backing up your data, it is vital to update your software regularly as latest security patches minimize the threats of bugs, viruses, and other malwares. Increase your shield by using free programs that scan your computer for bugs, viruses, and other malwares that come from external sources.

Image Credits: www.wikihow.com

Shielding yourself when transacting online takes focus and dedication, but it is definitely doable. May the “7 ways” mentioned above give you a head-start to better cybersecurity!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Sensible Ways To Save Money When Traveling With A Group

A few months from now, I will be traveling to Bangkok with my beloved friends. I am oozing with excitement as I have never been to this place before nor have I traveled with this group of people. Much like most Singaporeans, I long to explore their indisputable shopping scene! This is why I must employ some strategies to save as much money as I can while traveling.

For this type of trip, you can save money as a group by:

1. CONDUCTING PRIOR RESEARCH

Choosing an affordable destination that is suited to your travel budget is the first step. In our case, we chose Bangkok. If you have a considerable amount of money then, you can go to Europe rather than limiting yourself to Southeast Asian countries.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

After choosing a destination, research on the possible accommodations, activities, transportation modes, and so on. One of the largest discounts come from availing the group rates for all the said expenses. If you are going to a museum, do not be afraid to ask about the group rate. Same rules apply for booking a flight or a hotel.

2. COOKING YOUR OWN FOOD

There is a greater chance that the breakfast from the hotel is expensive. It is better to walk out the door and find a nice local cafe in the mornings. Take some squad #foodporn photos while you are at it! Remember that locally made food and beverage are often cheaper.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Alternatively, you and your friends can cook on several days. Cooking in a new environment can be entertaining especially when you are around with the people you adore!

3. CARPOOLING TOGETHER

Renting a car when traveling alone cannot fully maximize the capacity of your vehicle and your budget. On the flip-side, you can save more money when traveling with others by splitting the car rental costs and by filling all the seats.
4. COMMUNICATING WITH THE LOCALS

Along with your friends, consider talking to the locals to know more about the best places that you can visit. Be honest about whether you are aiming for a lavish or a budget-friendly spot. Some may even offer to let you lodge at their homes.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

5. CLAIM THE REWARDS

A credit card is utilized at the point of sale as means of paying for services or goods. Credit cards come in different looks and sizes, much like assorted chocolates. What’s more? They vary in the rewards they entail. The card that you shall focus on now is the one that offers you travel miles.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Gather up as many miles as you can get by offering to pay for your friends and later reimbursing it with cash. This may help you enjoy a free trip on your next vacation. To put your “power” into good use, utilize your rewards wisely.

Sources: 1 & 2

Search the site