Author: Ristrettz

I grew up focusing many aspects of my life revolving around money. As a result of this persistence and being unable to achieve my goals in time, pessimism started settling in and as a result, I fell into a rat race. Fortunately or unfortunately as one would say it, an unforgettable experience changed my life. As the saying goes, life is unpredictable and things happen for a reason. While one door closes, another opens. That is the positivity that we all need to see in our lives. Personally, I enjoy the process of financial literacy but am really just an amateur in these after reading so many blog gurus. There are so many tools and information out there today and I'm still learning every day. The saying that there is no end to learning is absolutely real. It is not easy to pick up and be good at something. Passion and persistence bring resilience out of a person. Talk is cheap and procrastination is not really an excuse. The time value of being young will pass one day and do not leave regrets behind. That said, money is still important but the journey of life is equally important. My philosophy of life is the balance between money and how you want to lead your life. Some kinds of stuff are more important than money. Be it your hobbies, interests, family, kids, religion, friends, etc...It is important to not be a slave to money. After all, it is a tool to allow you to do more and live comfortably. You can't bring what you have for eternity so always remember the quality of life is equally important.

Autoweath – Performance Nov 2020

On By RistrettzIn Personal Finance SeriesLeave a comment

Investing especially in spot market is a tough business. Most people cannot accept fluctuations in their portfolio. Autowealth is yet another solution for me. Just that this time around, this is for my kid to start out her investment journey when she can. Teaching financial literacy is something I would recommend to anyone.

Summary on my review on Autowealth:

(a) try out different more robo advisors to understand more about them and how they invest and

(b) segregate this fund for any other purpose other than the kid’s investment journey.

My take about the investing journey has been the same since day one. Don’t sweat the small things, the costs of robo are so low. We are talking about a 15-20 year horizon here so heck those low costs. You need to pay them to keep their lights running. For companies like Endowus and StashAway, these guys have the experience and passion and these translate into actions. I am satisfied on how they are prudent and still maintain the low fees.

In my previous performance to compare the performance, I discussed about the historical S&P 500 chart for the last 50 and 100 years. Markets will go up and each time it drops, just pick some up and let the robots do the work on balancing and re-balancing. As long as fees remains low, the portfolio will grow over time and over a longer period. It should remain in the black based on some backtesting.

Performance

Looking at the portfolio again in November, it still looks pretty nice ahead of the 15-20 years horizon. This is a portfolio which is set at roughly 40% equities and 60% bonds. The investment vehicles will be through ETFs. It does look like it can withstand long term peaks and troughs. What i really like is that i can switch between the SGD and USD currency performance portfolio as well as the impact on USD SGD forex on performance. I wouldn’t say this does as well as the portfolios but to be fair, markets were already slightly upwards and I would like to deploy funds out into the market in tranches over time.

As compared to October 2020, +5.66% absolute is decent in my view (that is +2.66% comparing to October) and this is as at 11 Dec 2020. If markets drop, the rule is to fund the account more. Do note that all of these will have USD exposure. Time versus DIY – it is really about what is important. I usually will want to see the ultimate end goal whenever I start anything.

 

For this month, I also tried to look at the impact of FX and without the weakening USD, performance in USD is actually 8.56% year to date. That is on course to double digits returns once more.

The impact of the USD FX exchange is actually affecting the performance by -3.1%. These FX risks are part and parcel of investing unless I just intend to invest into the Singapore Markets. However, it is just too boring to do so.

Disclaimer

This is not a sponsored post. This is purely my own opinion after using their service and/or products. If you like what you are seeing, do remember to check they out and do your diligence. There is no one size fits all investment strategy.

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes here at https://atomic-temporary-178675883.wpcomstaging.com/contact/ for the services.

The pictures were taken from Auto Wealth website for this article. If you need a referral code, drop me a message and you can indicate my full name during registration. From there, both of us will  get $20 each to supplement the fees.

Big Pay (Digital Payment)

On By RistrettzIn Personal Finance SeriesLeave a comment

Another payment service has come into the picture. More apps, more interface and more complexity is added into the whole scheme of things now. It feels abit like delivery and food services in the yesteryears. I don’t know about you but I do feel like many of these are popping up as if they are the next super app. I choose to believe that they want the users in order to sell more marketing money to another sucker. But well, as long as there are benefits to consumers and data is kept confidential. Why not?

What or who owns BigPay?

As defined from the website, AirAsia founder and CEO Tony Fernandes officially unveiled BigPay, the budget airline new digital payments platform, at the Money 2020 conference in Singapore

BigPay offers a mobile wallet which can store up to 10 credit and debit cards, and has partnered with MasterCard to offer its own top-up cash card that can be used for payments and withdrawals worldwide. Users can view transactions in real-time on the app to keep track of their daily spending.

What set them apart? As they have claimed

BigPay allows you to spend in 150 supported currencies without transaction fees at Visa’s exchange rate, and also allows you to withdraw money from overseas Via, Maestro, or Cirrus ATMs. It also allows you to make international bank transfers. I’m not too sure if this is the best way to do this as there are so many other options that can also do this.

Rewards

The app has a interface that would reflect spending categories and that separation would be suitable for someone who appreciate such stuff to track their monthly expenses.

Of course, all wallets would have their rewards to keep you using their app for a pro-longed period until you are dependant on it. t

The reward: 1 BIG points for every $5 spent on payments only. I think that for now, they have not figured out the main touch points that people want for rewards other than implementing their own services. This will come unless the app decided that they do not wish to invest more money on this. So this is a very good way to measure how serious a company is when they start expanding their business.

The Deal – $5 for referrer and referee

The key benefits now: We’ll both get $5 credited to our BigPay wallet when you complete the sign-up process by activating the physical card that’d arrive in your mail. After that, you can refer your friends and so on and so forth. It doesn’t seem like there is any cap at the moment since they are new.

Easy transfer back to account

BigPay allows you to withdraw your balance in cash to your bank account. The thing to note is that it’s limited to $100 a day, $300 a month, and you have to pay $1 fee each time you withdraw as a transaction fee. Okay, that isn’t too great a news. Most people don’t even want to pay $0.01 for anything.

That being said, as my philosophy, don’t sweat the small stuff. Smaller or new companies need to pay their overheads and salaries so this mindset would take a least a decade for people to understand.

Sidetrack a little to those who think that saving every cent is considered thrifty. Don’t blame companies for raising prices or dropping interests.

  1. No one owes you anything
  2. It is a free world. Anyone is free to choose – Do not use what you determine as best to define good.
  3. Treat customer service with respect.
  4. Companies have overheads and salaries to pay. Directly or indirectly it saves someone a job and income so increased costs have to be translated back to consumers.
  5. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Able to stack with other cards

BigPay can double stack with prepaid cards, which is also something that is virtually impossible. For now, you can still use your Grab Card to top up your BigPay wallet. Nice.

It also seems like the Razer Card (which is still in beta) works with BigPay for now.

Delivery

It takes about 4-7 business days for the card to transit and reach you via a registered courier. From there, you will then receive your card.

Conclusion

The Pros:

  • Works with some prepaid cards
  • Withdrawal can be done but at a cost.
  • Hard to find more

The Cons:

  • Low and limited withdrawal amount of $100 per day; $300 per month.
  • Rewards seems pretty and limited so I probably will not use it.

Disclaimer

This is not a sponsored post. This is just a tool and exploration to find out discounts and deals. It is never too much to learn and know more about.

If you like what I am sharing, use my BigPay referral code and both you and I will get $5 sign up bonus. Sign up with the referral code CQDU0PRU7X or tap on this link BigPay Referral now

This picture image was taken off BigPay website for illustration purpose only.

Season of Giving – Tab for a cause

On By RistrettzIn PsychologyLeave a comment

The season of Christmas is coming. Many people are still trying to get in the mood of celebrating Christmas and it is a nice feeling to do so. In doing so, have anyone wondered if anyone out there needs a helping hug. Other than those meaningless gift exchanges that generates more dumpster waste and creating a new cycle of recycling habits, perhaps it is time to sit down and think about what Christmas is all about.

A Giving Christmas? Really?

All of us want to find a reason to celebrate. In doing so, indirectly I’ve seen people using Christmas for meaningless boasts. At the same time, I have also encountered many people who dread the Christmas habits of gifting. Maybe I am skeptical but I refuse to budge over these futile attempts to gift and receive gifts. Advent is a time of giving but not giving to people who already have enough.

The Exercise or the Process

Not to mention that it burns a tiny hole in your pocket, the efforts to search, deliver, wrap and store these presents seem to have slowly lost its meaning. Looking back at the spiritual aspect of Christmas, it is a time to celebrate but humbly. Helping others along the way seem to be well forgotten. Yeah, I hear people saying tax season is coming so it is time to donate but really, is that the only driver of donation? The 2.5x that caps at 2.5k per year? Our conscience are better than that and I believe the beings still have hope. Despite all that inner angst and money worries and more talk about money, giving shall prevail over all during this season.

Tab for a cause

Tab for a cause is a simple tool that you can add on via your chrome browser.

You can raise money for charity with every tab you open in Chrome just by surfing the web. I was introduced to this by a friend just one week back.

Each time you open a tab, you will be greeted with an incredible new tab page filled with custom widgets, pictures, and a couple banner ads. Tab for a cause collect ad revenue from the page and use it to donate to the cause you are supporting and like minded people have raised over $1M for charity just by surfing the web.Anyone can join in by adding that chrome extension to their own browser device.

I wouldn’t say this is the most friendly user app or extension but if it is for a good cause. Why not for that effort. For every successful link that I refer, I will get additional 350 hearts that goes to the charity organisation that I choose to give to. There is no benefit on my end. I hope that if you do have any sources of referral, you can do the same to pass it on and get it going.

Disclaimer

I do not own or get any benefits from this. In this digital age, if raising funds need to be done this way – It is worth every effort to do so. Please spread that on if you can. After all, we have to live life meaningfully whether we are subject to any hardship or luxury. We start out as equal so there shouldn’t be any class differentiation.

Use the link below to donate and spread the word: Tab for a cause (Add Chrome Extension)

StashAway – Performance Nov 2020

On By RistrettzIn Performance, Personal Finance Series, Robo AdvisorsLeave a comment

Here comes another Robo-advisor experience from my end. To re-iterate the risk level, I am still at the risk index to below 20% as I felt that there isn’t a need to go all out Risk On going into November. I still think that having calculated risk per $ makes more sense in my opinion as news and information goes on a random rampage.

As I have always preached, the important thing is that I am not left on the sidelines. If Mr Market decides to go either way, it would matter that much to me in my opinion.

Retirement Portfolio A (risk-14%)

The SRS account since deposit is currently at +2.07% as on 11 Dec 2020. Pretty stagnant I would say but I’m not too worried about this long term portfolio. Performance wise, I went into this knowing it was pretty high end of Jan 2020.

 

Education Portfolio B (risk-16%)

This is something I set on a 15-18 year horizon. It is at 5.78% on 11 Dec 2020 and I think that is okay going at around 6-7%p.a. that I assume going into the end of 2020. I have been averaging in whenever there are market dips. The risk index is at 16% and I will adjust from time to time but try not to touch any of those if you don’t quite understand how that works.

 

Education Portfolio C (risk-20%)

This portfolio has a shorter horizon of 12-15 years so I feel that I need to take on some risk to achieve my goals. This SA risk index is currently at 20% and will take on to be one of my riskiest portfolio. Return is at 10.14% at inception which I find it fantastic to reach double digits. More funds will be added over time to achieve my targeted invested goals.

 

Conclusion

So far StashAway has not failed me in a sense that it fits in to my investing style and logic. I wish to put more into the accounts but I can’t bring myself to invest when prices are going higher. However, this is a pretty good supplement in my opinion.

I shall re-look into how I present the performance. Perhaps a more systematic approach so that it is more of a reference instead of just a monthly update.

a. Month on Month

b. Quarter on Quarter

c. Year on Year

To sign up or try out Stash Away, visit the website and use my referral code at Stash Away Referral

We’ll both get up to $10,000 SGD managed for free for 6 months which is a good deal.

Disclaimer

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes for other services at https://atomic-temporary-178675883.wpcomstaging.com/contact/

The pictures were taken from the Stash Away website for this article.

Endowus – Performance Nov 2020

On By RistrettzIn Performance, Personal Finance Series, Robo AdvisorsLeave a comment

It is the time of the month again. I must say I have been really satisfied with the way it Endowus has been working out well for me thus far.

November has been a quiet month. The portfolio makes diversification much more important. As I have always said, being systematic about investing is quite important. Month on month and it still fulfills what I am seeing so far. This is going to be one of my core robo-advisors that I would like to be on for the long term.

SRS Portfolio

Overall, portfolio is up 4-5% month on month in terms of SGD. In USD terms, due to no FX impact as the portfolio is USD ETFs, the performance will definitely be better. We are spending Singapore dollars so this is our reference currency. This is the SRS/Cash portfolio which consists of my favourite Dimension Funds in a 40% bonds/60% equity. Overall from May 2020 to 11 Dec 2020, it is a 11.30% increase in absolute terms.

 

CPF Portfolio

For the CPF portfolio, it does not come with the Dimension Funds due to the restrictive nature in what you can invest in but I think this is excellent performance compared with the 2.5% in CPF.

Month comparison from Oct to 11 Dec 2020, that is 9.32% in absolute returns ever since investments were made in May 2020. and comparing the previous month, that is estimated to be around 3% higher.

This is very good in my own opinion that I have not been doing anything to this portfolio.

Recently they came up with a SmartFund DIY portfolio which looks really interesting. I would definitely be looking this up when there is a market pullback like i mentioned last month.

A quick review once more:

  • Endowus is the first and only robo-advisor to be approved by the CPF board to use your CPF OA excess funds to invest.
  • 100% trailer fees back to the consumer, not the fund management fee.
  • Content and education still remains relevant at least in my opinion.
  • At least they are one of the robo I trust that wants to help retail investors.

Thank you for using my referral code.

Disclaimer

If you decide to sign up with Endowus, do remember to use my referral code: https://endowus.com/invite?code=EDZ8M

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes for other services at https://atomic-temporary-178675883.wpcomstaging.com/contact/

These pictures were taken off Endowus website for reference.

SGfindex – The all in one consolidated banking view

On By RistrettzIn Personal Finance Series, Wealth & HealthLeave a comment

This is really a nice initiative from MAS to combine all the bank data but I do have some gripe over it and there are nuances which I find myself complaining all over it. Before I do, I shall not and since this is something interesting to see, I would suggest everyone to try it.

Due to the technology involved in this, I wouldn’t suggest those who are not too savvy to attempt. You will get more frustrated from this. Technology do help us but also complicate our lives so much more. It’s just removing a a middle man to reduce pricing but then re-introducing the middle man as  multiple stores and having different shop fronts and products which differs a little from one another.

What is Findex?

If you give your consent to the platform, you can share your personal financial data across Citibank, POSB/DBS, HSBC, Maybank, OCBC Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and UOB, plus government agencies like CPF, HDB and IRAS

This system is jointly developed by GovTech and I suppose SingPass is the security gateway to this capability. It is also stated that personal data is not stored.

I find that this is really in the infant stage of the launch and the applications can be developed into something more. That’s more GovTech and the merchants to find out.

What is the buzz about?

Consolidated bank accounts into one app. Let’s put it this way.

If you have a Standard Chartered bank account, choose the sgfindex option, login to Singpass and link your other bank accounts.

And if you have a OCBC bank account, choose the sgfindex option, login to Singpass and link your other bank accounts.

If you have a DBS bank account, choose the sgfindex option, login to Singpass and link your other bank accounts.

Okay, I think you get it. It is manual and you will need to endure with the lag, error 404, missed linked, etc….

I mean yeah, you get to see all your accounts in one app. All your credit cards, loans, selected government related accounts will be on it and that’s that.

Meanwhile, if you manage to come to this part of the reading – Thank you. If you are keen on getting $5 from Standard Chartered Bank. Do run through their exercise and also read their T&Cs at https://www.sc.com/sg/bank-with-us/sgfindex/

Don’t expect too much though.

Disclaimer

This is purely my own opinion after using their service and/or products. If you like what you are seeing, do remember to check they out and do your diligence. There is no one size fits all investment strategy.

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes here at https://atomic-temporary-178675883.wpcomstaging.com/contact/ for the services.

The pictures were taken from website solely for the purpose of illustration. Remember not to be a slave of money but make as much as you can.

Christmas Dash

On By RistrettzIn Personal Finance SeriesLeave a comment

I’m not a big fan of Singtel but as usual, don’t go against anyone or anything that gives you a decent deal. Dash is basically a digital payment App. They have developed the interface to include deals and a rewards scheme if you use their app to buy, remit or top up SIM card or international air time. Basically, like a grabpay app but suited to fit in their own services.

If you use Singtel Dash to shop, dine and spend this festive period, Dash users will earn a bonus chance to shake the Dash snow globe within the app and win a sure-win prize so long they meet any of the criteria from now till 31 Dec 2020:

  • Make a min $20 hi! SIM card top-up / Make an international air time top-up of $10
  • Make a purchase of minimum $10
  • Remitting $400

Disclaimer

This is not a sponsored post. This is just a tool and exploration to find out discounts and deals. It is never too much to learn and know more about.

If you like what I am sharing, use my Dash referral code and both you and I will get up to $2 cashback for your first Singtel Dash transaction. Sign up with the referral code DASH-RYJKN or tap on this link SingTel Dash now

This picture image was taken off Singtel Dash for illustration purpose only.

Best time to Invest Now?

On By RistrettzIn Personal Finance Series, PsychologyLeave a comment

More often than not, I read articles and comments and many people ask about if it is the time to invest now. Markets are too high…What asset class to invest into and should I invest now? I only have $100, $500, $1000 (It doesn’t matter how much you have. It matters to start early and depending on which stage you are at. It might be better for you to start an emergency fund first before you invest)

Just this morning, I was listening to Kiss 92 radio channel and I heard that there was a miracle. A fan fell down and went into coma for 23 days. While he was a in a coma, the morning show DJs started to call and talk to him. While they wished  for a miracle, they kept it real and thought that it might not happen. This then sparked a little thought – something we all know but fail to execute.

The story is such a good one that it kind of send me teary eyed for a short while. While we know that miracles do happen, we also know that miracles don’t happen all the time. However, it is important to keep believing that thing will happen the way you want it to no matter how far it seems. Never say never. Be practical but sometimes there are no explanations.

When is it really time?

You will never know when is the time you may lose your loved ones so treat them well and shower the love. Similar to investing, we will never have the crystal ball that tells us the future. If you do have one, I think there isn’t a need to seek financial independence anymore. No matter how accurate, lucky or correct one can analyse – there are no shortcuts. All things take time.

Spend time not focus purely just on money

Spending time on your loved ones is more important than making money. Money as what I alway advocate accelerate the process to many other things. Spending that time not also allows one to connect socially with family as well as reconnect with the young and old. Crossing generations also gives you fresh perspectives and new ideas. Don’t write them off.

Investing takes up a lot of brain cells if you are always exploring for new ideas. These perceptions will provide options and aide in that journey.

Family is family

Whatever your situation is family is always family. What you represent eventually will be translated down to the next generation. There isn’t a guide or way to do it but everyone is a parent for the first time so cut some slack on yours. After all, they were in different times as we did today. Family time provides connectivity that helps one mentally while providing that support. Some may call it safety nets in the finance world but personally I prefer to call that emotional support group. Perhaps friends might be as close to family but everyone’s comfort level is different.

With a section of the mental support covered, naturally one’s focus will be freed of distraction. However, there should always be a balance.

Is it the best time to invest now?

It is hard to say all of that with so many conflicting articles that talk about an all time high and that an impending correction is coming soon. That is all technical and feel. There are no scientific rules as to why markets goes higher or lower. Only interest rates and bond prices are inversely proportional. Other than that, there are no fixed formulas and no one can single handedly control or manipulate the markets.

As always, you can choose to put in some during the initial phase and stagger the investment on a regular basis. This is what most people know as dollar cost averaging.

The other way is really to split the amount that you wish to invest into 3 or 5 parts. Every time the market drops, just diligently put some in.

What ifs?

What if the markets were to increase by another 5% or 10% and you are not invested. That would mean that you will always be missing the market rallies. A medium and long term view of the market will definitely help in the long run.

The excuse

The contradiction will always be there. When you are young, your commitments are lesser but the disposable income is lesser too. Moving into middle age, your commitments increase but your disposable income depends on what you need to spend on. When you are slightly older, your commitments decrease but your risk level should not be like 20 years ago.

The concept

The whole idea is to really to invest early and invest regularly. A miracle happened for someone today but that doesn’t mean it happens to everyone. Some people missed their chance or opportunity and that would have been too late.

Disclaimer

This is purely my own opinion after using their service and/or products. If you like what you are seeing, do remember to check they out and do your diligence. There is no one size fits all investment strategy.

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes here at https://atomic-temporary-178675883.wpcomstaging.com/contact/ for the services.

The pictures were taken from website solely for the purpose of illustration. Remember not to be a slave of money but make as much as you can so that you can make use of money.

SNACK – Microinsurance

On By RistrettzIn Deals, New Ideas, Personal Finance SeriesLeave a comment

As I have said, I am a firm believer of insurance but not a firm believer of agents. I am of the mind that there are invested interest. Even the most honest guy needs to earn a living but I have yet to find anyone who is able to pass my test. More often than not, I tend to DIY on my own so most of my plans are generally bought online. The exception is that during the early years, agents used to manage those that I bought.

Why Insurance?

Let’s face it. Everyone needs to transfer their risk and that is a fact. Whether it is term or whole life plans, it is up for a debate but no best answer. You need health insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, travel insurance, car insurance and the list goes on. My only grip is that DIY stuff comes cheap but you have to figure out how to to that on your own. Nothing wrong with that but it comes in as a pain when you don’t have time to manage those stuff.

Try Microinsurance

Personally, I feel that it is fine to try out a cheaper alternative of insurance just to get yourself covered at the lowest cost possible. SNACK is by Income and recently introduced this concept of microinsurance. I find it appealing personally coming from someone who understand how these things work. It kind of like supplement what i have existingly.

I think that the Income branding is starting to change and this helps with the brand image. At least they try to speak the millenia language. Next, I find that with such low cost products – There will be less barrier to entry. The difficulty in this solution is to educate people. It is much easier to say that it is complicated than trying to find out what this is all about.

Once you sign up online and register the amount you can commit daily, every document will be sent to you via email or digitally. Quite simply, I would say.

They are 3 ways your can choose to buy insurance from (Choose 1 or whatever you need):

a. Critical Illness

b. Personal Accident

c. Life Insurance.

You can also trigger these daily costs from a few parts:

a.  Redeeming a deal from Burpple or pay for meals using a VISA card.

b. Commuting bus, train or cab and pay for it using a VISA card.

c. Through retailing and purchases using a linked VISA card.

d. Shopping for groceries using a linked VISA card.

e. Through entertainment and paying using a linked VISA card.

f. Topping up petrol and paying using a linked VISA card.

g. Pay your utilities and paying using a linked VISA card.

h. Activate your fitbit app and fulfilling your daily steps.

You may be thinking what happens if you hit every objective. There is a limit to the premiums charged to your credit or debit card depending on the weekly cap you’ve set up. Once you’ve hit this weekly cap, SNACK will no longer charge you premiums when you complete lifestyle triggers and you will not be issued any more policies for that week.

The minimum amount daily you can set is $0.30 and you can add on as many triggers as you wish.

There is also a cap on each insurance segment:

a. For Personal Accident, the cap is at $100,000

b. For Life Insurance, the cap is at $200,000

c. For Critical Illness, the cap is at $200,000

These insurance are known as non-participating policies so the moment you stop paying for these, the coverage will stop. To me it is a stop-gap kind of coverage and at an extremely low cost. If you are looking at the full suite, take time to understand and learn. You will definitely benefit from the knowledge and to suss out your new insurance agent. Whether they are in it for the long term or to hit and run. We will never know unless we experience and have the basic knowledge.

Disclaimer

This is not a sponsored post. This is purely my own opinion after using their service and/or products. If you like what you are seeing, do remember to check they out and do your diligence. There is no one size fits all investment strategy.

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes here at https://atomic-temporary-178675883.wpcomstaging.com/contact/ for the services.

The pictures were taken from SNACK website for this article. If you need a referral code, please use my referral code “PAU4055” and both of us will be rewarded with additional $500 coverage for personal accident. Visit here https://www.snackbyincome.sg/ to find out more.

CardUp and getting more buck for your money?

On By RistrettzIn Alternative Income, Personal Finance SeriesLeave a comment

Do you randomly try to look up for deals on cashback and miles? I can say that I’m a true blue Singaporean. I will try my best to always look for a good deal without going out of the way and affect my time when searching for such good deals. I’ve used this service CardUp when it first launched and the first transaction was kind of like free since it was on a promotional rate with Citibank cards.

Two years on, I still find it hard to catch on this bandwagon where you actually have to pay a fee to get rewards. But who am I to say anything about if this is a good business model. They must be around here to service a group of customers who want to buy miles or get cashback for some of their payments.

I’m not exactly the kind of guy who spends more to save more but I must say it is a good marketing strategy.

What is CardUp?

From their website: “CardUp is a credit card enablement platform, which enables the payment or collection of big expenses using credit card, in places where cards are not accepted today. Examples of payments include rent, tax, invoices, payroll and more, which are still paid by cash, cheque or bank transfer.

With CardUp, individuals and businesses can now shift these big payments to their existing credit cards. This provides an unparalleled opportunity to earn credit card rewards, access interest-free credit and digitise payments – making big payments rewarding.”

Rewards or Spend more Get More

Even until today, I still find it very difficult to see if this is a reward scheme. Maybe this is a way to get more out of spending more. I stay by my own views about credit card rewards because if you have to spend more to get more. I don’t get it. I’ll say that unless there are monetary benefits to cover the initial or some of the fees that is required, I don’t find it sensible. That said, there are the miles and cashback camp who like to make sure there are benefits for every transaction.

Don’t get me wrong, these are great strategies to get the best bang for your buck. Again, different things is just for different folks. This doesn’t really work for me. Truth be told, I am 50-50 on miles and cashback but don’t agree with paying more for it. Perhaps more selectively, a good deal is something worth paying for but not all situation.

If you really want to get on this, just drop me a note for a referral code.

Disclaimer

If you like what you are seeing, do remember to check they out and do your diligence. There is no one size fits all investment strategy.

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes here at https://atomic-temporary-178675883.wpcomstaging.com/contact/ for the services.

Able to write and share is my main objective is to create a community. Blogging is what I always wanted to do. Being mentally well and put down content is something I always wanted to do. Trying out new things will definitely bring one’s horizon to a different level.