6 Essential Things You Must Have In Your Wallet At All Times

1. BRING IN THE MOOLA

No matter where you are planning to go, it is always a good idea to keep some cash in your wallet in case of emergencies. A general rule of thumb that I employ myself is to store as much money as I am willing to lose (i.e., no more than S$50).

Aside from this, there are other advantages if you carried spare cash such as avoiding ATM service fees and controlling your spending. Purchasing items in cash is Psychologically beneficial than paying with credit cards because it makes you more aware and cautious of your spending.

2. USE WHAT YOU HAVE

Use the money you have while avoiding the inconvenience of carrying loads of cash by bringing your debit card along with you. Maintain security by refraining from putting notes of your PIN or password beside it. Believe me, some careless people do this!

3. RECEIVE THE REWARDS

Having your credit cards handy will only tempt you to shop for more. But if you pay off your credit card balance consistently each month, you might as well maximize its rewards and discounts.

For instance, use your credit card for grocery shopping. Grocery shopping can be costly at times especially because businesses are becoming more competitive. And if you were to use a credit card, be sure to indulge on all of its discounts. Check out this list for more information.

4. KEEP THE COUPONS

Couponing is a strategy used by a consumer to pay less in shopping for groceries, tickets, and more. You may shy away from coupons but once you see the real value of their savings by looking at the receipt, you would realize how great it is.

In order to receive its benefits, you must always put the coupons of your favorite stores inside your wallet. Aside from the coupons handed by the salesperson, get coupons for dining, leisure, toys, pets services, and just about anything at cuponation.com.sg or groupon.sg.

5. STORE LOYALTY/MEMBERSHIP CARDS

One of the surefire ways to save money while you shop is by organizing your loyalty or membership cards in your wallet. These types of cards deliver discounts and rewards points that will lead to bigger savings in the long run.

If you frequent Sephora, do sign-up for their loyalty program and receive up to 10% discount and other exclusive benefits – for free! Simply fill up quick form by approaching the cashier or by politely asking their staff.

6. PASTE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION

In case of emergencies such as accidents or loss of belongings, a kind stranger will be able to help you if you keep a list of your most important contacts. This list must contain at least three of the phone or handphone numbers of your most trusted peers or family members.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

*Simple Reminder: Do not place all of your personal information inside your wallet as it can lead to identity theft if it falls into the “wrong hands”.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Personal Loan 101: Golden Information You Should Know

Like a kid in a candy store, consumers have various loans to choose from. From education loan to home loan, we shall look at personal loan through a microscope.

Personal loans are used for family emergencies, home furnishings, or consolidating other debts. These loans are often short-term.

1. APPLICATION PROCESS

You will be asked to complete a loan application that may include: your name, NRIC, date of birth, address, current and previous employers, length of employment, occupation, sources of income, total monthly income, and information about existing credit accounts.

Image Credits: Chris Potter via Flickr, (stockmonkeys.com)

Image Credits: Chris Potter via Flickr, (stockmonkeys.com)

Your credit card report includes your bill-paying history, amount and type of accounts you have, late payments, collection actions, outstanding debt, and so on. This along with your application shall help the bank decide if you are trustworthy and credible enough to pay the personal loan.

2. THE MORE PARTICULAR IT IS, THE CHEAPER IT GETS

When getting loans, be as specific as possible. The reason behind it is that loans that are particular often have lower interest rates. So, do not take up a personal loan to pay for a school debt when you can just apply for an education loan.

Personal loans tend to charge about 6% to 8% interest while Renovation Loan, Education Loans and etc. tend to have interest rates that are as low as 2%. Know what is best for your situation.

3. REVIEW YOUR OPTIONS

You may be tempted to immediately contact your current bank but that may bite you in the back. Personal loans and its interest change outrageously across time.

When there is less people borrowing from the banks (e.g., bad economy), they tend to lower the interest rates or give more lenient payment terms. So, look for a bank that is willing to give you the best offer and the maximum rewards.

4. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PAY LATE

Before venturing in, you must find out the clause of the payment penalties first. Like credit cards, it is not impossible to get an “interest adjustment” for a late payment.

Frets not…banks understand that certain circumstances such as unemployment or chronic illness can make it difficult to meet the bills. If this happens, contact your creditor, explain your situation and work out a repayment schedule together.

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