How Can A Financial Consultant Improve Your Monetary Life?

by  in Career and Enterprising
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Some of us are hesitant or skeptical toward Financial Consultants. To increase your knowledge on this subject, what do Financial Consultants actually do on a daily basis?

In general, Financial Consultants are professionals who guide their clients to manage their money, investment options, and asset relocation. But, what they do is far more complex than that. A career as a Financial Consultant gets to enjoy the flexible working hours and the privilege to indulge on the job incentives (e.g., Free Trip to Australia). Thus, the freedom will help them spend more time with their treasured family and friends. It can not only be challenging as they face a lot of rejection but also rewarding as they see their clients improving their monetary lifestyle. There is a job growth in this field as long as you go through continuous training with determination and openness.

Especially in large companies such as Prudential, HSBC, etc., Financial Consultants are:

a. Financial Planners

b. Dependable Advisors

c. Monetary Coaches, and

d. Financial Solutions Provider.

Financial planning entails creating the client’s financial goals by determining the shortage and the actual financial situation. Then, trusted advisory includes managing cash flow and developing money management strategies. While, Monetary coaching entails guiding clients to save more and to motivate them to avoid procrastination. Lastly, Providing Financial Solutions includes offering affordable solutions and options to achieve one’s financial goals.

Financial Consultants are more than just insurance salesmen because they organize your finances after identifying their financial needs and providing them with valid options. All these are given within a practical timeframe. Furthermore, the relationship established with you does not end after the “sale” is done. Financial Consultants are responsible for regular follow-ups to ensure that your needs are taken cared of. In short, they are committed before and after sales.

Image Credits: State Farm via Flickr with CC License

Image Credits: State Farm via Flickr with CC License

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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How do you bargain for a higher salary?

by  in Career and Enterprising
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The Straits Times recently published an article on “Why a safe job is risky business for Singapore”, which urged young job seekers to change their mindset about the risk and remuneration issues apparent in local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). While these are common issues faced by SMEs which often have limited resources to offer competitive salaries that may inevitably compromise their company’s growth, it is time to rethink the prevailing practices surrounding employment and compensation. Indeed, considerable funding support from SPRING such as the SME Talent Programme for SMEs should provide a strong impetus for SMEs to strengthen their competitive edge in today’s dynamic and rapidly evolving world by offering pay packages commensurate with each individual’s qualifications, experience and competence.  

To all job applicants: It is not too late to “flaunt” your attributes, but please convey your gifts in a measured way. The diagram below just serves as a reference guide.

To the employers: It is never too late to start appreciating your potential hires’ talents that may prove invaluable to your company’s development and progress.

Picture1

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Amazing Date Ideas That Don’t Cost A Dollar

by  in Lifestyle & Hobbies
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Dates can become a burden to the wallets of broke students. The idea of dating at a limited budget can sometimes be stressful and embarrassing. Well, not anymore! You can go on amazing dates without spending a dollar! Remember, there is absolutely nothing wrong about staying frugal while dating.

1. GO ON A TREETOP HIKE

Take your special someone to a morning hike while watching the sunrise at the MacRitchie Reservoir Park. MacRitchie Reservoir Park houses several long hiking routes including the famous TreeTop Walk. The TreeTop Walk consists of a freestanding suspension bridge that connects two highest points namely: Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang. This is the first of its kind. Your date will truly appreciate the unique experience of looking over the variety of plants and animals while being about 25 meters off the ground.

2. HAVE A GAME NIGHT

Turn your date night into a romantic game night. You can get to know each other while playing the infamous childhood game of Truth or Dare. Learn a lot about his or her boiling points while playing poker. Wage it with anything other than money (e.g., kisses or chocolates). Lastly, you can even play fun board games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, and Battleship.

Image Credits: Anders Ruff Custom Designs via Flickr with CC Attribution-NoDerivs

Image Credits:
Anders Ruff Custom Designs via Flickr with CC Attribution-NoDerivs

3. CONDUCT A VIDEO GAME SHOWDOWN

Get your XBOX, Wii, or Play Station ready for a showdown. Nothing beats a date filled with enjoyable video games. What is even more interesting are old-school video games. If your old console or Nintendo hand-held game is still operating then, spend the night by facing each other into a classic brawl of Super Mario Brothers or Street Fighter. This is a sweet trip down the memory lane!

4. HAVE A MOVIE MARATHON

Looking for a perfect first date experience? Look no more as MovieMob brings you the premier outdoor movie screenings that would not cost you a cent! MovieMob, an acclaimed Outdoor Movie Specialist, screens movies to various locations around Singapore. Instead of heading to a fancy and pricey restaurant, plan a picnic while enjoying a free movie at the park. Stay updated by visiting: facebook.com/apemoviemob.

Alternatively, you can host a movie marathon by watching free movies at home. Catch a free flick or two in the comforts of your own home by watching at YouTube’s Movies playlist at youtube.com/user/YouTubeMoviesWW. Turn the romance on by switching to scented (and safe) candles instead of lamps and by heating up a bag of popcorn.

5. LEARN A SKILL TOGETHER

There is nothing more romantic than sharing your interests to your partner. If you are a fan of cooking and baking then, teach him or her the basic recipes and techniques. And, if neither of you have a special skill, you can look up free online tutorials and make a DIY project together.

Image Credits: Howard Holley via Flickr with CC License

Image Credits: Howard Holley via Flickr with CC License

Having tight finances should not stop you from spending quality time with your special someone! 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Have A Selfie Spree At The Most Picturesque Places In Singapore

by  in Travel & Entertainment
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Are you an aspiring model or photographer looking for the perfect photo-shoot location? If you do not have the access to a professional studio, fret not because there are a lot of picturesque outdoor spots that are worth visiting. These spots are not only limited to models or photographers; if you want to savor the scene, you can too! You can always take great photos for fun! Just have your selfie stick ready as you go to the Most Picturesque (Yet No-Cost) Places In Singapore…

1. FOR THE HERITAGE NOSTALGIA

About 15 minutes away from the Eunos MRT is your first potential photo-shoot location – the Koon Seng Road. It is filled with traditional Peranakan shophouses that are pastel colored and intricately embellished. Be in awe with the rich architecture background as you take a beautiful selfie.

2. FOR THE ARTISTIC TOUCH

I was one of the lucky few people who witnessed the halls of National Gallery Singapore before its grand unveiling later this year. All I can say about it is that, every corner and every room is undeniably Instagram worthy. This is because the place used to be the halls of the Supreme Court and the City Hall. Starting it off with the elegantly white entrance that used to be a car park. Instead of going inside the traditional doors, we went inside the windows.

This majestic space is the #Singapore Courtyard at the @nationalgallerysingapore❕

A photo posted by Registered Psychometrician (@agoncilloanna) on

Simply, they took something old and added a creative modern twist. An aesthetically pleasing background is perfect for snaps!

3. FOR THE CHILD IN YOU

Travel to Toa Payoh to see the Dragon Sand Playground…this might be the last of its kind. As its name says, the playground is dragon shaped and sand based. These were the popular playgrounds in the 70s-80s. After 1993, they were phased out due to safety concerns. Take a trip down to memory lane and reminisce your childhood memories as you take photos of your #OOTD (Outfit Of The Day).

Image Credits: http://remembersingapore.org

Image Credits: remembersingapore.org

4. FOR THE NATURE JUNKIE

Punggol Waterway Park as is one of the favorite locations of wedding photographers. It is located at the heart of the Punggol Eco-town – the first eco-friendly town in Singapore. That said, you could take unforgettable pictures along the Punggol Waterway Bridge and the Punggol Waterway Park Tree.

5. FOR THE TOTALLY HIPSTER

Two of the hippest spots in Singapore can house the most pleasing photo-shoots. These are namely: the Haji Lane and the Orchard Gateway Bridge. Haji Lane has a myriad of vintage shophouses that sell contemporary and quirky items such as accessories and clothing. The road is also filled with textile shops that have been in business since the 50s! And, my favorite corner is that of the Piedra Negra Restaurant’s because of its vibrant graffiti.

Image Credits: Luke Ma via Flickr with CC License

Image Credits: Luke Ma via Flickr with CC License

On the other hand, Orchard Gateway Bridge gives a modern vibe as its futuristic glass bridge joins the orchardgateway@emerald and Orchard Gateway. Always have your camera with you so you can stop and snap some selfies while you are walking along. 🙂

Sources: 1 & 2

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Bored? Here Are 4 Ways You Can Make And Save Money Right Now!

by  in Lifestyle & Hobbies
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Boredom is unavoidable. It can happen to anyone at some period of time. With this period, you can either waste your time on non-sense facades or get your creative juices flowing! I would rather choose the latter.

Do something productive with your time while earning and saving money with these 4 simple ways:

1. KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PERSONAL FINANCES

Having a good amount of time to spare can be efficient if you utilize it to organize your personal finances. Start by tracking your bi-weekly and monthly income and expenses. Then, review your monthly budget. Contemplate if the budget is enough or overboard.

Image Credit: 401 (K) 2012 via Flikr

Image Credit: 401 (K) 2012 via Flikr

Afterwards, you must review different strategies to improve your budget. These strategies may include cutting down expense categories, limiting your shopping trips, or using coupons.

2. INEXPENSIVE INTERACTIONS

If you are trying to defeat boredom while living frugally, you must practice inexpensive ways to socialize or interact with the people who are important to you.

For instance, you can save more money while having the equal amount of fun when you are having your friends over at your house.

Image Credits: Alex Bellink via Flickr with CC License

Image Credits: Alex Bellink via Flickr with CC License

You can also score free and delicious home cooked meals at your parents’ house. Of course, that comes with having a quality time with them.

3. ANSWER ONLINE SURVEYS

Bring your boredom to your advantage by answering online surveys while making decent money out of it. Answering online surveys is a type of freelance work done during your own convenience. However, it is important to highlight that several companies pay a couple of dollars while others compensate you with gift cards or rewards (e.g., iTunes or Amazon gift card).

Image Credits: 401(K) 2012 via Flickr with CC License Attribution-ShareAlike

Image Credits: 401(K) 2012 via Flickr with CC License Attribution-ShareAlike

Suggested online companies that conduct surveys are: SurveyMonkey, Opinion Outpost, and SurveySpot.

4. BUILD A BLOG

Share your thoughts and the things you are passionate about while making loyal followers and extra money through a blog. In order to get started, your blog must have a thematic niche such as fashion, finance, or parenting. Preoccupy your time by improving the blog’s design and content. Then, start earning by placing advertisements or becoming an affiliate partner.

Curious on how much a successful blogger can make? Well, they can earn as much as S$5,000 a day. Not bad for something that might have been a by-product of boredom! 🙂

Image Credits: Mike Licht via Flickr with CC License

Image Credits: Mike Licht via Flickr with CC License

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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