singapore Archives | Page 7 of 55

Newbie’s Guide To Singapore’s Credit Bureau

The Credit Bureau (Singapore) is a principal credit consumer agency, which has the most comprehensive industry uploads originating from all the major financial institutions and retail banks. Credit Bureau (CB) is a joint venture between the “Infocredit Holdings Pte Ltd.” and “The Association of Banks in Singapore”.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) vision to improve the public’s risk management capabilities is in lined with the holistic embodiment of CB. How is this so?

The Banking Act allowed the members of CB (e.g., credit card companies) to reveal credit-related data for the strong purpose of analyzing the creditworthiness of existing and potential customers. Simply, CB presents a “complete risk profile” of a particular customer to a particular credit card provider.

This complete risk profile includes a tangible number called the Credit Score. The Credit Score is an independent assessment of an applicant, which guides the decisions of the lenders. It is gauges the likelihood of repayment as well as the probability of going into default. You must pay close attention to your Credit Score if you are planning to apply for any forms of loans or credit. For instance, you and your spouse need good Credit Score to successfully take up an educational loan for your children.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Say your Credit Score has been in its low point for the past 2 months. Wary not, my friend. You may still rejuvenate your credit history as the reports from the CB manifest your record on promptness over a 12-month period. You read that right! You have the ability to technically “undo” a poor credit history due to late payments and unmet minimum repayment sums. However, paying your monthly credit card bills and loan installments on time must be your top priority for the next 12 months. Doing so will only clean up a section of your credit report known as the “Account Status History”.

Hope fades when your problems go deeper than late repayments. Serious financial situations such as bankruptcy proceedings and debt management programs will remain reflective on your credit report. You have to be careful to secure a pleasant future!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Before You Kick The Bucket, Visit These Beautiful Local Places

Whether you like it or not, our time on Earth eventually comes to an end. Most people take this as an opportunity to live within their greatest potential. Keeping this mind, you may create a “travel bucket list” filled with the places that you desire to visit before you die (or at least before you turn 60).

You may think that Singapore is exclusively blessed with luxury malls and highly-rated hotels, but there is more to our country than the sheen of wealth. It is surrounded with diverse cultures and a vibrant history that you must discover.

Consider visiting these beautiful places first:

HIKE AT PULAU UBIN

Have a blast from the bygone years by observing how the villagers of the Pulau Ubin live without the glamorous skyscrapers. Pulau Ubin is an island found in the Northeast of Singapore. It is one of the last rural areas in the country with an abundance of fauna and flora. It is a great place to hike, cycle, and experience other outdoor activities. Make sure you pack the best hiking gps for your trip!

You may take a guided tour to explore the picturesque beaches and mangrove areas.

DISCOVER THE ASIAN WONDERS

Before the optimum condition of your senses deteriorate due to old age, consider savoring the beauty of treasured artworks by visiting local museums. On the top of my list is none other than Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM). Nestled at the mouth of the Singapore River, ACM will take you on a journey of historical discovery as they preserve the heritage of Asia.

It boasts with about 1,300 artifacts from China, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia. Upon walking inside its halls last year, I was amazed by the abundance and diversity of the Buddha statues as well as the 12 zodiac animal heads donated by Jackie Chan.

To shake things up, they accompany the permanent exhibits with special exhibits such as the “South Asia and the Islamic World”. You will be glad to know that admission is FREE for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.

STROLL ABOVE THE TREES

Tick one item off your bucket list by conquering your fear of heights!

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. You will truly appreciate the unique experience of looking over the variety of plants and animals while being about 25 meters off the ground.

POSE WITH ALL THE MERLION

Wouldn’t it be nice to share the stories of how you posed beside all the Merlion statues in Singapore? I am sure that your grandchildren will be fascinated to know that their grandparent stood face-to-face with the nation’s “mythical creature”.

As you may know, the Merlion has the head of the lion and the body of a fish. It is regarded as Singapore’s icon since the 60’s. There are seven Merlion statues built islandwide. Among these is the statue located next to One Fullerton. Take a snap with this water-spouting statue before you walk around Marina Bay.

RELAX AT A TROPICAL OASIS

Recently featured inside the pages of the Louis Vuitton City Guide Singapore, Blue Bali is the closest tropical oasis in the bustling city. The serene place consists of a restaurant and a spa where guests can indulge on contemporary Indonesian cuisine while overlooking the surrounding greenery.

Worry not about breaking the bank as the prices of the meals are reasonable. Mains start from S$16 while the kid’s meals start from S$8.

Image Credits: facebook.com/BlueBaliOnCluny

What are you waiting for? Tick “urban paradise” off your bucket list.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

Is The Alarming Zika Virus Covered By The Insurance Companies?

It is highly likely that infections of Zika virus will continue to elevate in Asia, according to the recent statement given by the reputable World Health Organization. This statement encourages heightened awareness as 70 countries were already affected. Zika virus has been endemic in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. In our country alone, there have been over 400 reported cases this year.

For those of you who are not familiar with this illness, let me enlighten you! The first case of the Zika virus was reported in the 50s. It is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito (much like dengue). What is unique about it is that only 1 in 5 infections are symptomatic. That is alright because Zika is generally mild and self-limiting. However, it is dangerous for pregnant women due to the congenital Zika syndrome. Rare cases showed that some individuals developed serious neurological complications. This can potentially harm an unborn child. Unfortunately, there are no vaccines or anti-viral drugs to treat this illness.

Due to this alarming outbreak, many Singaporeans were quick to purchase protective measures such as mosquito repellents and insecticides. Further protection led for some people to pursue insurance policies. To their favor, more and more insurance companies are now offering extensions for Zika virus. These extensions are under personal accident or travel policies.

Among the five insurance companies that offer Zika coverage, NTUC Income came first. NTUC Income’s Personal Accident Assurance policy included Zika virus in the optional infectious disease coverage back in April. Ms. Annie Chua, the VP for personal lines at NTUC Income, once said: “This could be extended to other products with infectious disease cover.”

Great Eastern allows its previous and new Personal Accident policyholders to claim up to S$300 for medical expenses and S$30,000 in the event of death due to the virus. A pregnant woman who has been diagnosed with the illness is entitled to twice the amount of medical reimbursement. Furthermore, Great Eastern will pay a total of S$3,000 if the baby is born with an abnormally small head or with a Zika-related microcephaly.

Other insurance companies that provide Zika coverage are Prudential Singapore, Sompo Insurance Singapore, and AIA Singapore.

Mosquitos that cause Zika and dengue breed around homes in small amounts of clean water. This is why it is important to dispose waste in flower pots, discarded tyres, and other vessels that may accumulate water. Watch this short video to learn more about the efficient preventive measures:

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Creative Ways To Earn Money On Snapchat And Instagram

Social media platforms have infiltrated our lives. According to the findings of the Connected Life by Kantar TNS global study, Singapore ranked third among the countries of APAC.

Third in which scale? Well, third in the usage of Instagram and Snapchat apps. Considering that Singapore’s connectivity speed is impressive, it comes as no surprise that more and more people are using these two apps.

Put your knowledge of social media into good use by earning cash on the side!

SELL YOUR PRODUCTS OR SERVICES

With the knowledge that social media allows daily access of diverse consumers, one of the most obvious methods to make money through this platform is to post an advertisement. For example, you may clean up the clutter in your closet and find the things that you deem to be unused or underused and sell them to your friends and family through Instagram. Or, you can turn your hobbies (e.g., baking cupcakes or making jewelries) into a home-based online shop.

You can either use your personal Instagram account or set up a secondary business profile. Instagram’s business profile allows you to add details (e.g., contact number and location) so that interested individuals can directly reach your brand. Interestingly, it includes a tool called “Insight” that enables you to learn more about your followers and to observe how your posts are performing.

PROMOTE FOR OTHERS

It never crossed my mind that I could be paid to share a selfie simply because I am a blogger. I once gave a “shout-out” for a humble jewelry business while rocking some of their products. No! I am far from a huge celebrity nor am I as close as the famous social media personalities. However, I have a decent amount of followers. Marketers seem to ensure people like me when it comes to promotion.

Well, it might be due to the trust placed by the consumers. According to Singaporeans aged 16 to 24, they seem to accept the information shared by the social media personalities rather than the information distributed by the brands themselves. You may take advantage of this ideal by selling your selfies and shout-outs in Instagram and Snapchat (considering that you have a relatively huge following).

For instance, you can feature the songs of rising artists on your Snapchat live stories. Keep in mind that the stories are no longer auto-advanced, which is why you must maintain the interest of your audience.

EMPLOY AFFILIATE MARKETING

How often have you seen websites with sidebar banners that publicize their partners and other affiliates? This is called affiliate marketing. The same principle applies when you are rolling it over to Instagram. You use affiliate marketing to receive cash for the sales of the products or services that you promoted. Use catchy taglines and vibrant HD photographs to drive more sales through an affiliate code or a URL (i.e., to be attached in your profile bio).

SELL YOUR ACCOUNT

If you are ready to quit your social media addiction, consider selling your account along with the audience that you carefully built. Your hard work will not put to waste as budding businesses and other individuals are interested in managing an established account.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Simply wipe out your sensitive information as well as all your uploads before handing it out to the new owner.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

4 Places For Best Money Exchange Rates In Singapore

Currency, as we know it, is a result of a period of evolution. Long time ago, there were no coins, there was only barter – simple exchange of goods for goods. Now, money (i.e., in the form of coins, paper, etc.) around the world has its equivalent value.

When you travel, it is quintessential to find a good place to change the currency of your money. Luckily for travelers, Singapore provides a wide array of reliable and licensed money changers that offer best rates for most foreign currencies. If you are unaware of the best money changers out there, here is a swift list for you…

1. PEER TO PEER – MARCO POLEE (Update: 15 Sep 16)

Since our article has gone out, we’ve discovered Marco Polee – a currency exchange platform that networks people to exchange currency between each other. Customers can create a new listing, which consists of where they’d like to exchange, and the amount. The best bit is that the exchange rate is locked to the market exchange rate (midmarket rate)! With absolutely no fees, no commissions, and the ability to exchange at market rates – this service is definitely worth taking a look at. Marco Polee’s goal is to provide travellers with a better option as they believe the people deserve better than to lose money just to exchange currency.

Website: Marco Polee

2. PARKWAY PARADE

Do you live around the Katong area? Parkway Parade Shopping Centre, a building with about 300 shops, is the most convenient place for you to change your money. In here, the suggested money changers are located at the Level 1 as it provides the best rates for THB, USD, JPY, MYR, and HKD.

Suggested Money Changers: Sino Money Changer, Yakadir Enterprises, Everpeace Money Changer, and Parkway Money Changer

Address: Parkway Parade 80 Marine Parade Road, Singapore 449269

3. THE ARCADE AT RAFFLES PLACE

A busy business center in Singapore, Raffles Place has proven to be a good place for changing your currencies. Offering good rates for USD, GBP, EUR, JPY, THB, MYR, and TWD all year round.

Suggested Money Changers: Arcade Plaza Traders Pte Ltd, Sheen International Exchange, People’s Corner Money Changer, and Arcade Money Changers

Address: The Arcade, 11 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049317

4. PEOPLE’S PARK COMPLEX CHINATOWN

An old building located at the heart of Chinatown, People’s Park Complex, is one the most famous places to exchange your money. The money changers here are numerous that you can compare rates by hopping from shop to shop. Nonetheless they offer good rates for CNY, PHP, THB, HKD, and MYR.

Suggested Money Changers: Today’s Money Exchange, Crante Money Changer, AK Money Changer & Department Store, and Emerald Money Changer

Address: People’s Park Complex 1 Park Road, Singapore 059108

5. LUCKY PLAZA

For tourists that are around the Orchard area, money changers at Lucky Plaza is your most convenient choice. With shopping centers around the area, it is a good place to exchange rates for PHP, MYR, and THB.

Suggested Money Changers: Rahiman Trading, Rabi Trading, Fajar Money Changer, and True Blue Money Changer

Address: Lucky Plaza 304 Orchard Road, Singapore 238863

Image Credits: epSos .de via Flickr

Remember to compare the rates in different money changers in the building to get the best rates! Some money changers offer updates via their website so, be aware of that.

(* Now that you’ve get the best of your exchange rate, use our hotels search engine to search for the best price guaranteed hotels: http://hotels.moneydigest.sg)

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