how to save money Archives | Page 14 of 23

Secrets That Are Possibly Hidden By Your Life Insurance Agent

Not all life insurance agents are trusted advisors. So, the simplest way to prevent being exploited is to seek for an independent agent that will save you time and money. Here are the other secrets that your Life Insurance Agent may be keeping from you…

1. THEIR INCOME IS BASED ON COMMISSION

The agent’s income is solely compensated from the commission. It is one of the possibilities for the agent to have a personal interest that leads to you buying the highest premium possible equating to their highest commission possible. Thus, it may change his/her perspective of things, as well as the type of products clients are introduced to.

2. CASH VALUE WILL NOT BENEFIT YOU RIGHT AWAY

Yes! Cash value will build-up. But it takes about five years to have the cash value equal to the amount you paid for the whole life insurance.

3. BUY TERM AND INVEST THE DIFFERENCE

The term insurance is significantly less expensive than the whole insurance. This is why you can buy term then invest the difference on mutual funds. In fact, the combination of term and your investment for mutual funds may be less costly that the whole life insurance.

4. YOU MAY NOT NEED CHILD LIFE INSURANCE AFTER ALL

Renowned experts namely: Dave Ramsay, Suze Orman, and Neal Frankle are on a arguing against buying life insurance for kids.

“The only reason you need life insurance is if anyone is dependent on your income…please, you new parents, do not let anyone talk you into buying a life insurance policy on your child.” said Suze Orman.

Image Credits: State Farm via Flickr

According to them, if your child is not at the risk of a serious illness and you are financially stable to cover foreseen medical bills then, you are better off without it. Instead, save up for your child’s education until tertiary level.

5 Free Video Editing Apps You Should Download Now

Do you want to share your beautiful memories captured on videos but think that it needs extra effects or finishing touches? Fret not because many Video Editing Apps that have a near-professional quality are available for free on iTunes and Google Play store. Check these 5 Video Editing Apps to add a personal shine to your videos…

1. SOCIALCAM

Available for IOS and Android devices

Socialcam App fuses the power of video editing and social network. It allows you to add vintage filters to your videos that you can share to your friends anywhere. You can also view the other videos uploaded in the community. What is great about this App is that it lets the users shoot at a 720p HD quality while using its HDR functionality to color-correct videos in real time. Also, you can shoot as long as you want.

2. MAGISTO

Available for IOS and Android devices

Magisto App is basically an editing shortcut right in your fingertips. All you need to do is upload a video, choose your theme and background music then, the App will do the rest. It automatically selects the best scenes to create a better video.

3. CINEFY

Available for IOS devices

Basic yet productive are the words to describe Cinefy. Cinefy App has a user-friendly interface that lets you select from over a hundred of special effects and animations that you can add on your video. You may also add your favorite song from ITunes.

4. MONTAJ

Available for IOS devices Montaj App allows you to shoot a series of 5-second clips that you may sort in a storyboard where you can add music and filter. A cool feature if you are willing to try your luck is to shake your smartphone to let the App choose a random song and filter for your video. Here is a sample:

5. CUTE CUT

Available for IOS devices

As a user myself, if I were to describe Cute Cut briefly I would say it is a handy moviemaker. The Cute Cut App guides the newbie with its pop-up help tips. Its features include: drawing on your video, changing the videos’ borders, drag-and-drop layout, and customizing your video with music effects, texture, transitions, and shadows. Not bad for a Free App!

Money Management Tips From Around The World

Diversity is rich in meaningful insight that extends to financial values and money handling practices. Know more about the 5 money strategies from around the world that you can use in your everyday life…

1. CHINA: MAKE FRUGALITY YOUR MANTRA

China has a strong culture of saving. Being raised by Chinese parents, you will feel that saving at least 50% of your income is normal. In fact, China’s government has saved about 51% of their GDP in 2013, according to the International Monetary Fund. Make frugality your mantra by saving electric bills through charging your hand phone at work and by unplugging everything after usage.

2. ASIA: TRY TO BARGAIN ON ANYTHING

I cannot be the only one who constantly asks if there are discount options or if there is a better price offer. In Asian countries, negotiating is a common practice especially for those who are purchasing in the market or flea. Whether it be computers, bed sheets, or apples…there is always a better price and all you have to do is ask politely.

3. GERMANY: SHY AWAY FROM CREDIT

Germany has a deep aversion towards debt and an emphasis on responsibility. This is why they prefer to pay cash than credit. Having to pay with the money you already have is a wise decision that is accepted by most. This preference for cash is evident as they use one of the most valuable currency denominations in the world – the €500 note.

4. JAPAN: VALUE ONE’S MONEY

In Japan, money is handled with respect and is kept clean and crisp. This is why it is common to give cash as a gift, especially for significant life events such as weddings and funerals. Interestingly, they value money so much that they sell anti-bacterial wallets to sterilize the bills. Treating money with profound respect helps the saver to resist the urge of spending.

5. GUATEMALA: ASK FOR THE FAMILY’S OPINION

Most countries of Spanish decent have close family ties.

Image Credits: Alfonso Lomba via Flickr

This is why before making huge purchases or monetary decisions, some Guatemalans ask for their family’s advice. This is a good tip because you never know who has a connection, a friends-and-family discount, or even an extra of the item so you do not have to purchase.

Prevent Emotional Eating Without Costly Therapy Expenses

1. IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM

Reflect and identify the trigger that caused your ill feelings and work out an immediate solution. For example, if your kid is doing poorly in school, make an appointment with his/her teacher so both of you can improve the situation afterwards.

2. GO OUT AND EXERCISE

Run outdoors and feel the glimmer of the sun to feel better. Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day (5 times/week) can reduce the symptoms of depression. While, sunlight reduces stress and improves one’s mood, according to the researchers from University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.

3. KEEP YOUR HANDS BUSY

If you are holding items in both hands then, it will be difficult to grab food. Fold clothes while watching T.V., groom your pet, plant a herb, or do anything that interests you. An alternative is to occupy only one hand by holding a heavy glass of beverage. This way, you have to put down the glass in order to get something to eat. Then, you become more aware of what you are consuming.

4. SPEND TIME FOR FUN

Remember those enjoyable activities you wish you had time for? Well, you can do it now. List down the things you would want to do, whether it be going to a concert or organizing a board games night with your close friends. Pick one fun activity instead of snacking.

5. SATISFY YOUR OTHER SENSES

Taste is pleasurable but so are other sensations. You do not have to spend too much to achieve it. You can just smell the warm scent of a cinnamon aromatherapy candle while you are reading a book. Or, descend into a bubble bath while listening to your favorite music.

6. EMPLOY THE TEMPTATION JAR SYSTEM

Whenever you feel angry, depressed, stressed, or bored that you want to eat something…put loose change in a “temptation” jar instead. As those money piles up, so does your confidence. These temptations that you overcome increase your earnings.

Image Credits: frankieleon via Flickr

Use the money you accumulate from it to reward yourself. You deserve it.

How To Teach Your Kids (Aged 3-10) To Be Financially Responsible

Aged 3-5

1. PEOPLE MAKE MONEY BY WORKING

Describe your job to your children. You may even bring them along one in your workplace and give them a tour. Then, introduce this video of a farmer that gets paid for supplying milk. This short video explains the concept of money to children in a simple and animated manner.

2. MONEY IS NEEDED TO PURCHASE THINGS

Like the farmer in the video, he needed money to buy what he wanted. Help your child understand the concept of being able to buy things by identifying items that cost money (e.g., house, car, table, or iPhone) and those that are free (e.g., hugs and kisses from Daddy).

3. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NEEDS AND WANTS.

When you are shopping with your kid, highlight what are the essentials such as vegetables and fruits. Then, let your him pick the items that are considered as wants.

Tell your child that an individual must wait before buying something he/she wants. Make him realize this by putting money into two jars: 1 for savings, 1 for spending. Ask him to save a dollar of his allowance for savings and a dollar for spending every week.

Aged 6-10

4. IT IS GOOD TO COMPARE PRICES.

Teach your child how to look around the shops first before buying anything in order to get the best deal. In spending money, choices must be made. So, include your child in small decisions to increase their awareness.

5. THERE ARE DANGERS IN SHARING PERSONAL INFORMATION ONLINE.

Discuss to your child how dangerous and costly it is to enter personal information (e.g., address or bank account details) online because someone may steal it. Encourage purchasing online only when you are beside them.

6. INTRODUCE BANKING AND INTEREST.

Describe how the banking and interest works. Savings account will protect your child’s savings and it will also generate more money due to interest. You may open a junior bank account that you supervise. Let your child watch this video to understand the concept better:

Search the site