Category: Interest

Alternative Real Estate Investments

On By RistrettzIn Finance, Interest, Personal Finance Series, Random, Wealth & Health1 Comment

As a global city with a robust economy, Singapore’s real estate market is driven by a confluence of factors. We have a well-regulated environment, a highly developed infrastructure, and a strategic location. The city-state’s status as a major international financial centre, and a reputation for safety.

We have a wide range of properties and by-products in real estate. From high-end residential properties in the heart of Orchard Road, trophy assets to hardcore township out of CCR. Especially in the OC Region which has seen significant rises in property prices over the last 3 years.

I’ve always been a fan of investing and also owning real assets. In Singapore, we are quite a different animal as compared to the rest of the world. Two main factors will be:

  1. Our really long-term and sound housing board strategy
  2. Our high occupancy rate

These did not just come by chance. There is a drive from the government which was successful. The plan for FDI and local brands going overseas made the difference. That was how we succeeded in making our name and reputation known to the rest of the world.

Owning real estate is more of an emotional decision sometimes and one has to be prudent. As we do not have a crystal ball, we always have to depend on experience and research to make decisions. Most recently, many people would have been priced out of certain types of real estate. There are still other ways of getting into real estate with a lower notional or quantum via investing.

One way is Reits Investing and again everyone should really do their own due diligence. I’m not a fan of chasing market upside. (All that said, it really also depends on the situation). I put in some monies into Reits and also into Syfe Reits portfolio when markets were lower 2 months ago. My expectations of a Federal interest rate reduction were taken into consideration.

If you would like to try out Syfe Robo Reits, do check it out via my link here: https://www.syfe.com/invite/wealth/SRPTSMQ5J

I’m a little concerned about picking stocks usually. First of all it is because of my own experience, second because most of the time I was too busy while I was working. Many times, I am unable to adjust my portfolio due to market changes and sad to say, the losses then slowly became bigger. Either I cut loss or I continued to be a long-term holder. Heh.

During COVID, there were several businesses, robos, investing firms that came up. It was pretty interesting. That was also when I discovered Real Vantage. I have invested in that for almost 3 years now and they are sort of an overseas REITs player who makes deals available to the retail investor. The investing form is similar to REITs but in the form of debt or fixed income.

They are a local firm with founders formerly in REITs or real estate businesses. They source deals globally but over the last three years, I’ve seen deals from the United States, the United Kingdom, From HongKong, mostly Australia and once for Singapore (if I remember correctly it was to fund the development of a pair of bungalows or Semi-Detached). Technically, appreciation depends on the deal. Most of these investments is similar to a fixed income investment where you receive coupons on a monthly or quarterly basis.

One thing I’m certain is that they are pretty sustainable. It isn’t some fly-by-night firm and there’s some shared interest. It is a little bit like crowdfunding for the masses but it is licensed and done properly. I’m quite comfortable with how they do things and it does look like they are expanding slowly as business picks up.

Pros

  • Global investing
  • Investing amount is small. Easy to fund via SGD
  • Options to invest in local CCY or the investment CCY (Risk will be FX risks)
  • Quite an experienced team
  • They have been around for more than 3 years now
  • Every opportunity comes with a webinar to understand the investment better
  • Q&A to answer all the questions
  • Pretty good reviews on the internet.

Cons

  • Some mixture of foreign currency
  • Limited to mostly income sort of returns
  • For people who are not too open to non-financial and well-known financial institutions, it is probably a stumbling block.

I don’t see why it is not worth a try since some of the deals do look interesting. I have invested in some industrial, some residential and some mixed developments. If you don’t mind, give it a go at my link here https://www.realvantage.co/register?ref_uuid=07e38f8c-eb0b-11ec-88a3-0273d1e11af4

You get a benefit of the 0.25% additional on the investment amount which is pretty decent. I’ll get the same in return.

Conclusion

I can’t tell anyone this is worth your time to do all these because we have different values in terms of time and what it gives back to you. If you would like to give it a go, please do use my referral link: https://www.realvantage.co/register?ref_uuid=07e38f8c-eb0b-11ec-88a3-0273d1e11af4

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes for other services at Referral and Recommendations

These pictures were taken off AI visuals for reference.

Today’s Deal of the day – Dobin App

On By RistrettzIn Deals, Finance, Interest, Macroeconomic, New Ideas, Performance, Personal Finance Series, Promotion, Random, Wealth & Health2 Comments

At the start of 2024, there were signs that new offerings were being put out for deal seekers but as it seems, after January, there has been a drag of three months. Nothing much now except for Dobin. Before we start, let me just say that this is an affiliated link and by doing some actions, you do help me in keeping the lights on this blog. Please do try the app out. I have been using it for the past 6 months and I must say it has one of the better apps available without annoying advertisements.

At the same time, I can track expenses and connect my banking apps. Today is the last day for the referral. You can sign up and refer your friends and family to get cash rewards too. Besides that point, the main aim is to use the friendly app for tracking personal expenses. Personally, I prefer this app over the rest since there are no pesky advertisements and they are done here locally in Singapore. Support local I guess.

Here is the download link: Dobin Download

Do use my referral code please: ZUPUNWI

And remember to connect at least one bank account or one credit car on Dobin.

What You Need to Do:

  • Open the Dobin App and tap on the referral widget on your home screen.
  • Share your exclusive referral code with your friends & family.
What Your Friends Need to Do:

  • Download Dobin and enter your promo code during sign-up.
  • Connect at least 1 bank account or credit card on Dobin.

Disclaimer

If you like what you are seeing, do remember to check them out and do your diligence. There is no one-size-fits-all investment strategy and no one solution to life. Join my telegram group to find out more about deals and join the community to connect for ideas: Life Journey Telegram

Do use my referral code please: ZUPUNWI

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes here at Referral Services

Petrol Prices – Ways to Save Money On Petrol/Diesel

On By RistrettzIn Interest, New Ideas, Personal Finance Series, Promotion, Random, Wealth & HealthLeave a comment

Just earlier today. I wrote a piece about saving money and I was reminded of petrol prices. Stay tuned until the end for a nice freebie at the end which is in limited stock.

Sometimes saving money is about not spending it at all or cutting back on what we commonly call an austerity measure. Usually, that is quite drastic and meant to be a joke of some sort. However, some things have to be spent, necessities or even things that you have previously committed to paying for. It is akin to having a car and petrol prices are directly linked to costs.

For Example:

  • You purchased a home. You can’t stop the mortgage
  • You purchased a car. You can stop the financing payments (If any) and the petrol costs or the charging costs.
  • You purchased a subscription plan that has a contractual period. You can’t stop the payment. (Well, you can do an early termination if it makes economic sense)

I don’t wish to keep discussing the increase in GST. In a sense, this increase is necessary for economic gains and country-building. Additionally, business costs have increased, snowballing effect of the laggard inflation and upcoming soft landing is becoming apparent.

Petrol Prices

Discussing petrol prices has always been contentious with people around here. Regardless of any discussion, the price is as such. On the Price Kaki website, there’s a comparison of petrol grade 95, 98 and Premium.

Petrol Prices
Petrol Prices: Petrol Grade 95 as of 12 Jan 23

Petrol Prices
Petrol Prices: Petrol Grade for 98 on 12 Jan 23

Petrol Prices
Petrol Prices: Petrol Grade for Premium on 12 Jan 23

In this year 2024, I wish to be able to bring joy to others as much as possible so in that aspect I have a good deal for anyone who drives a car and would like to get direct discounts from the petrol kiosk.

Don’t be confused and don’t be sceptical about it. It is a good deal and I have been using it for 9 months now so it is not a sham. I have a limited fleet card on hand at the moment and would like to offer to the first 5 pax who indicate their interest on google forms here: Fleet Card Interest Gathering and First 5 GIveaways.

One condition is to follow/subscribe to my blog and also to add my telegram channel here at Life Journey Telegram. Thank you!

The first lucky 5 gets it.

Rest assured, this information is for me to understand how to address you and share that information via email. I’m gathering some interest here so let me speak with the guys and see if we can release more slots for you.

Save on Petrol Prices – Pros

1. No age or salary restriction

This is not a credit card. Anyone who has a vehicle registered in Singapore has proof of address in Singapore and a credit card for recurring payment can apply for this. There’s no bank involved in this.

2. A physical card

It is a physical card at the moment and is only available to ESSO and SHELL kiosks in Singapore.

3. Fabulous Discount on petrol prices

Perks for this card are a direct 23% or 24% for SHELL and ESSO respectively.

4. No Complications. No minimum spend or Top Up

Away with the complications of minimum inclusive spending and potential discounts. To me, cold-hard discounts are the best since they are upfront discounts.

5. Ease of Payment on petrol

This fleet card works like a credit card and you need to set up a credit card payment to pay once a month.

6. Convenience

Once you have been registered by the company, you will get a pin and each time you visit the kiosk, just the card and you can skip the cashier queue. That’s really convenient.

7. Continue to earn credit card rewards/miles/cashback

Even more, discount via double dipping and still be rewarded with your credit card rewards.

Save on Petrol Prices – Cons

1. New to Many

I understand the scepticism but what have you got to lose other than savings for your petrol.

2. No accumulation of reward points on your petrol loyalty card

You don’t earn kiosk points or rewards that you have accumulated for some time. To me, there’s a cost to everything including reward points. Just finish up your points or claims and move on to something else. But you still earn reward points for your credit card (No exclusion for most cards – At least I still earn mine on my Premier Miles Card)

3. There will be a 1.8% fee for the credit card charges

I believe that they use Stripe as their provider so the B2B fees will be at 2.4% and they roll it to consumer at 1.8%, hence the discount will be All-in 21.2% or 22.2% which is still decent.

From what i understand, one can use the giro payment and it takes 4-8weeks to set it up. There’s no fee for that however if any one Giro payment fails, thats the $10 fee slapped on your bill for the GIRO return so think wisely. I think it is still good to go on credit card recurring payments.

If you like what you are seeing, do remember to check them out and do your diligence. There is no one-size-fits-all investment strategy and no one solution to life. Join my telegram group to find out more about deals and join the community to connect for ideas: Life Journey Telegram

I have a limited fleet card on hand at the moment and would like to offer to the first 5 pax who indicate their interest on google forms here: Fleet Card Interest Gathering and First 5 GIveaways.

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes here at Referral Services

How to Save Money? Tips and Tricks

On By RistrettzIn Interest, New Ideas, Personal Finance Series, Promotion, Random, Wealth & HealthLeave a comment

Saving money is an essential aspect of personal finance. Implementing some smart strategies can help you build your savings and achieve your financial goals. Here are a few tips on how to save money:

Saving Money
A Rainy Day fund is more apparent in 2024 as we all set ourselves for the soft landing ahead

Create a Budget:

Start by reviewing your expenses and income. This will give you a clear picture of where your money is going and help you identify areas where you can cut back.

Track Your Expenses:

Keep a record of all your expenses, including small purchases. This will help you understand your spending patterns and identify areas where you can make adjustments.

The envelope theory involved stashing cash away in different envelopes. This helps with the first condition – budgeting. In this day and age, perhaps a better way is to use a digital app such as Dobin.

I’ve found the ultimate personal finance app: It helps to manage my money & save on everyday purchases.

Quote: Download the app here: https://www.dobin.io/download. You may use my referral code when you sign: ZUPUNWI 

Cut Back on Non-Essential Expenses:

Review your expenses and identify items or services that you can live without. Consider making small lifestyle changes such as reducing dining out or entertainment expenses.

If you really still plan to have these expenses to eat out. Perhaps playing the miles game as you spend to double dip on rewards.

Kris+ is a lifestyle rewards app that gives you discounts and privileges at over 1,000 partner outlets islandwide! Earn rewards (KrisPay miles) for payments made on the app, and use them to offset future purchases!

Quote: Sign up now with my link below, and my referral code L329518 and we’ll each be rewarded with SGD 5 worth of KrisPay miles upon your first transaction on the Kris+ App 

Don’t forget to check in daily every week to earn about 30 KrisPay Miles. Meanwhile, you can also utilize Google Pay to make payments via Krist+.

Quote: Use my code when you sign up and transact at least S$10 for the first time in Google the  e Pay App or use my code t74cf8f

Meal Planning:

Plan your meals ahead of time and create a grocery list. This will help you avoid unnecessary trips to the store and impulse purchases. Look for sales and use coupons to save on groceries.

The CDC vouchers should do most household some good and defray some costs. More about that here if you have not claimed yours. Claiming your CDC Vouchers

Save on Utilities:

Make small changes in your daily habits to save on energy costs. Turn off lights when not in use, unplug electronics when not in use, and adjust the thermostat to optimize energy usage.

Perhaps switching to an Open Electricity Market retailer can save you  10-15% off your electricity bills.

Quote: Sign up for Senoko Energy with my referral code: “YM8SCA2D”. You will receive a S$20 rebate on your electricity bill. Browse their price plans and start saving today. T and Cs apply. Senoko is your electricity retailer

Compare Prices:

Before making a purchase, compare prices from different vendors or stores. This can help you find the best deals and save money.

Saving Money
Double or Triple Dip for More Savings

 

For comparison’s sake, if you are exchanging a foreign currency for any purpose. You can try iChange for money exchange and remittance.

Quote: Their rates are very competitive. Sent $5 for you to try it out. Download the app here https://ichange.onelink.me/Px1i/iyv9ymrr and add paul38 to receive it.  

Alternatively, if you want the convenience of using multi-currency cards, there are three options that you can consider. You get the idea.

  1. You Trip Personal User: Get $5 when you sign up. Sign up with my referral link: Personal YouTrip (Valid until 4 Feb 2024)
  2. The other option is to perhaps consider using a Revolut Card as an alternative and you can get $80 when you make three $10 transactions:  My Revolut Referral Link
  3. Quote 3: Use this Crypto.com App to sign up for Crypto.com and we both get USD 50. Code: im3py887ty

Automate Your Savings:

Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a dedicated savings account. This way, you’ll save money consistently without having to think about it.

Other than a bank standing instruction, the alternative is to use Money Market Funds for either:

  1. Using Tiger Brokers as a platform to sign up to make that regular saving.
  2. The other option is to select another provider such as Moomoo Brokerage Invest App for a great welcome starter kit here at Moomoo Invest App
  3. The third option is to select Webull and get your starter kit promotion. Click here to register at Webull Sign-up link

Avoid Impulse Buying:

Before making a purchase, give yourself a cooling-off period. This will help you evaluate if the purchase is necessary or if you’re buying on impulse. As the saying goes, delayed gratification. Any new tech is always appealing and after a while, it loses its appeal.

Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions:

Review your subscriptions and cancel those you no longer use or need. This could include streaming services, gym memberships, or magazine subscriptions[1].

Prioritize Debt Repayment:

If you have outstanding debts, focus on paying them down. High-interest debts, such as credit card debts, should be prioritized and paid off as quickly as possible.

Remember, saving money is a gradual process, so be patient with yourself. Small changes can add up over time and lead to significant savings. By implementing these tips, you’ll be on your way to building a more secure financial future.

Disclaimer

If you like what you are seeing, do remember to check them out and do your diligence. There is no one-size-fits-all investment strategy and no one solution to life. Join my telegram group to find out more about deals and join the community to connect for ideas: Life Journey Telegram

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes here at Referral Services

Earning Rewards and Miles on your Credit Cards

On By RistrettzIn Deals, Interest, Miles, Personal Finance Series, Promotion, Random, Wealth & HealthLeave a comment

Travel season is back and I have been reading up quite a bit about the miles and cashback camp. The last two years, void of travelling were purely a cashback play from many folks except some whom believed that it would all go away. It really depends on how one views rewards because some of those payments are excluded from earning any form of miles or cashback.

With the introduction of a fee-based payment, these rewards come at a price. CardUp used to be a game changer in that sense because rents could be paid and rewards could be earned at the same time. Similar to many companies, they throw out marketing dollars so that people get to know their brand and use their proprietary systems. With the data they have, they can then find out more about people’s behaviour, and make marketing trends that keep the stickiness in clients to continue to use their platform.

Earning Rewards
Earn to Business or Economy

Credit Card Rewards & Earning Rewards

I’m no exception. I used to be the kind where I would not spend more to earn more rewards. As time went by, I realised that buying miles or arbitrage on cashback difference does make sense for me. My insurance, MCST payments, tax, property tax and other exclusions can now be added to my miles game or cashback. This is pretty awesome if you ask me. Paying and earning the rewards seems to make sense to me today.

I still wasn’t sure what kind of changed me and I constantly paid a small fee to gain that reward which all amounts to nothing previously.

Who and what is card?

CardUp is on a mission to provide individuals and businesses with a better way to pay and get paid. CardUp operates regionally across Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia as a major payment institution

If I recall rightly, some time last year they were acquired by funding societies

With CardUp, you can now make and collect payments digitally, including with a credit card, even in places where cards are traditionally not accepted. Some of the items that you can make payments to will be:

  • Insurance
  • MCST Fees
  • Rent and Rental Deposit
  • Education
  • Car Loans
  • Miscellaneous Payments
  • Domestic Workers salary
  • Taxes and Stamp Duty
  • Season Parking
  • Electricity Bills

I personally forgot about them until they sent me a reminder about the property tax season. It was a pretty decent deal at a 1.75% fee that has no cap. It is not a sponsored post but if you have not had a CardUp account do check it out. If you need any help to understand more, just drop me an email.

Use my code when you sign up at this CardUp Link or use my referral code PAULL34.

Earning Rewards
Earning Rewards and Miles is a long game and can be rewarding

Meanwhile, thank you for reading here. I am working on something and I might have something interesting out by tomorrow to get a direct 23% off your petrol bills at ESSO without any minimum spending in the form of a fleet card. I probably will avail it to 5 readers for a start before I request more of such deals. Those who drive and want to save all the hassle of saving petrol. It is a simple sign-up process so keep a lookout for it.

Disclaimer

If you like what you are seeing, do remember to check them out and do your diligence. There is no one-size-fits-all investment strategy and no one solution to life. Join my telegram group to find out more about deals and join the community to connect for ideas: Life Journey Telegram

Use my code when you sign up at this CardUp Link or use my referral code PAULL34.

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes here at Referral Services

Everything is Expensive Today

On By RistrettzIn Deals, Interest, Macroeconomic, RandomLeave a comment

We have been in a deflationary world for the longest time and in the last year, everyone has been fighting inflation. It isn’t that fun to know that what you have now buys less of everything. The resulting outcome is that every single item such as consumables, staples, and costs would have increased.

There is a laggard in the sense that the resulting costs of home purchase would mean that home prices have crept up. The cost of hiring has increased since the waste management, your electricity and water bills and the employees behind maintaining the order of infrastructure would have increased. Eventually, this would lead to a higher annual value of everyone’s home prices and that subsequently leads to a higher property tax and so on and so forth. You will get the idea.

When we talk about homes, there’s always something in me that worries for the young. I’m thinking about my kids yes it is and I think it is always at the back of our minds that how are they going to afford housing in another two generations or so? Personally, in a land scarce Singapore, it is hard to agree that property prices will drop. What it currently does is that it is slowly down the increase that Hong Kong failed to do so many years ago resulting in small houses and social issues.

Home prices
This came from CNA

Inflation

With inflation rates normalizing globally, the same effect will be a laggard. However, let’s also be real because no business will reduce prices knowing inflation would have normalized. Moreover, GST has increased in 2024 and it just means that costs will have increased yet again. It would take at least two quarters for anyone to see the easing effect.

While looking at the most recent CDC vouchers, I also started my hunt for CNY purchases. Things like drinks, Bah Kwa, and consumable items: CNY Shopping Items have crept up.

I do hope that I am wrong. I do sense that there is a soft landing rather than a hard one. Recession is a strong word and we have to come to a reality. Recent job cuts in the news is not by chance. What we do not know are the unofficial ones.

Inflation rates have plenty of benchmarks such as the Big Mac. In Singapore, we have the Milk Powder Benchmark:  Milk Powder haha

I do remember that during the “covid period” a lot of homeowners became pet owners. I do hope, they did not discard their pets because that is not great behavior. Hopefully, you can find some good deals here at Pet Shopping

Disclaimer

If you like what you are seeing, do remember to check them out and do your diligence. There is no one-size-fits-all investment strategy and no one solution to life. Join my telegram group to find out more about deals. Join the community to connect for ideas: Life Journey Telegram

If you are doing some shopping, click on the affiliated links here: CNY Shopping

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes here at Referral Services

All about CPF today – Part 1

On By RistrettzIn CPF, Finance, Interest1 Comment

Deductibles on MA – CPF

Happy Friday. My mood is getting better by the day because I have clarity over what I have to do with my life in the next few weeks. I believe everyone has received their CPF interests. Some people have a lot more while others are just started out. I understand human psychology makes you a bit more envious than others. Not many people can shut the noise out. Here’s what I am going to do. You need to learn to cut it out because you are you. Not to worry, we must believe that we can do a lot more.

Today’s focus will be on deductibles for your CPF. This is not for everyone but it is good to know. It may not apply to you today but it will some day so be in the know. By now, if you are looking through tax deductibles via CPF, you would have known that 1st Jan 2024 is a great time to receive interest in your CPF account. Slowly but surely, your CPF will compound. In my very early days of financial blog, I talked about the power of compound. Do refer to that and you can see how powerful it is and time flies very quickly.

All about CPF
Compounding interest (Image from BYJU)

All about CPF
Where do your CPF monies go

CPF is divided into OA, SA, and MA and apportioned according to your age. If you have planned it well by some time, you would have maxed out FRS in SA and the cap at MA. The interest portion that you received will not flow into your MA but goes to the other accounts and if you hit your SA, then it goes only to your OA. That means that by contributing cash to your MA or what we know as a top-up. That helps in your tax deduction for the year.

Usual years – likely due to normal inflation rates, the top as projected is about 2 to 2.5k every year. As of 2024, one can top up to 3k in the MA. That helps with tax deductions.

Just a disclaimer that everyone’s situation is different so you have to consider some factors:

  • Do you have a mortgage that you need to pay from your OA?
  • Did you use any CPF monies for T-bills. If you need cash flow, then you have to plan it out.
  • Do you require liquidity? CPF Is an irreversible process until you reach the statutory age of 55 or longer.
  • If this does not apply to you. Just be in the know, let it be a motivation.

Disclaimer

If you like what you are seeing, do remember to check them out and do your diligence. There is no one-size-fits-all investment strategy or general rule for your every life. Join my telegram group to find out more about deals and join the community to connect for ideas: Life Journey Telegram

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes here at Referral Services