Petrol Prices – Ways to Save Money On Petrol/Diesel

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

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

Retirement Series (Part 2)

My part 2 version came a year and a half late. My apologies really.

In the previous discussion, I discussed about retirement. In the past, it was a buzzword only for people in their 40s or 50s. That is quite normal I would say. Given the financial literacy and knowledge of Generation X. Not many people make an effort to think about the future. I would say that partly it is due to the conditions of the past and education. Fast forward 30 years, the trend is gradually changing. The young are concerned about their futures and the future of their younger ones. An additional factor is that personal finance and financial literacy are increasing among the young.

Including myself, I love my kids and I want the world to be in a better place than it was when I am no longer around. It depends on which stage everyone is in. Some people have more resources while others have lesser. However, that does not make you any less by starting out early. Even if you are late to the game, making the start of this means that you are already on your way to some form of freedom.

There are so many investment tools out there in the market to put your money in and it’s a matter of understanding the risks and taking the right risks to grow your money. Of course, the basic step is to spruce up an emergency fund first. You cannot confuse your pot to be of multiple use. Different funds that you raise have to be for a different purpose. If you have fewer resources, then focus on the things that will give you the confidence such as building a pot of emergency funds. For example, 9 months’ worth of extras. Do not undermine the power of achieving milestones because the small effort often counts for bigger things to come.

Once your basics are covered. We have to think about the next step of risk – This is the part where I term it as risk transfer. This is short is coined as Buy an insurance. The basics are buying your personal health insurance and protection against illness, treatment, sudden medical conditions as well as other unforeseen circumstances. Life itself is uncertain and as time goes by, it will be more prevalent. Getting insurance is never enough but there are many ways to kick-start that. It also involves a bit of planning.

I’m no financial expert. All I know is you probably should find out more to convince yourself that you need to risk transferring your future.

a. Health Insurance

b. Whole Life Plans with TPD or Term Life Plans or Hybrid Plans

c. Critical Illness

d. Early Payout Critical Illness

e. Disability Income or Elder Shield Enhance

I’ll say start working with the Health portion followed by Death or permanent disability coverage. Because if you are gone, your potential future earnings are gone and your dependants depend on them. Once you have covered yourself, then start thinking about the rest. Baby steps. This works well if you are still young.

Things like Mindef or MHA term insurance coverage or SNACK Income microinsurance work well to supplement this insurance at a low cost. That’s something most advisors probably would not share with you.

That’s probably enough information for Part 2. We should talk more about insurance in Part 3.

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 in 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

All about CPF today – Part 1

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

Making more than 5% interest in Money bull

It’s been a while since anything kind of got me excited and Webull along with the money bull is coming along pretty nicely. During the Christmas period, there are some nice promotions to be taken away for a new Webull customer. That’s pretty sweet.

There are two items here to take note of:

  1. There’s a time factor now for anyone who is not a WeBull customer. The promotion campaign is ongoing and running until 29 Dec 2023. Click here to sign up Webull sign-up link
  2. There is something that is running similar to a Cash Fund promotion which doles out extra money.

Benefits of signing up

  • You just need to open an account with Webull, and fund any amount (no minimum) –  get 10 free shares when you open a Webull account and fund any amount. There is also a Moneybull promo you can get up to US$3,000 by participating in it.
  • Click here to sign up Webull sign-up link
  • Next you have to sign up with Webull and click on the promotion link to open a Moneybull account.
  • The T&Cs are pretty clear from here. you can only get one of the two promotions. One point to take note of is the SGD-USD exchange rate, you have to ensure that the SGD deposited is equivalent to the USD when exchanged. Then the bonuses are tiered according to either:
    Accumulating deposit with Moneybull before 29th December 2023 (3.59PM) and hold the funds until 31st March 2024 (11.59PM) US$2,000: US$80 cash vouchers

    US$100,000: US$3,000 cash vouchers

  • Additionally, you can put the funds into money market funds and earn the projected yields.

That’s how easy that is. Good Luck!

Remember to read the T&Cs Webull sign-up link

Conclusion

It is really a no-brainer to get free cash. You can also explore another app to see if it does fit with you. Never say never because if you do not try it. You will not know.

Click here to sign up Webull sign-up link

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

Promising deal from Webull

It’s been almost nine months since my last post. I am distracted a little in my new job..I’ll say that it is a job, not a career, running almost one year into this new role. I must say that I have not gotten any positives out of this but it is probably a good transition. That brings me back to my goals once more. That is to invest and build more passive income. The basics of passive income seem like that is the way to do things and remember that it is never too late to start anything.

There are two items here to take note of:

  1. There’s a time factor now for anyone who is not a WeBull customer. The promotion campaign is ongoing and running until the end of October 2023. Click here to sign up Webull sign-up link
  2. There is something that is running similar to a Cash Fund promotion which doles out extra money.

Benefits of signing up

  • You just need to open an account with Webull, and fund any amount (no minimum) – The mechanics is that you get 3 free shares.
  • Click here to sign up Webull sign-up link
  • Next, maintain the amount for another 30 days and you get another 3 free shares. That makes it a minimal USD60 for this effort. The risk Reward on this is a 5-star so it is a must-do.

That’s how easy that is. Good Luck!

Remember to read the T&Cs Webull sign-up link

1a. Fund any amount +3 free shares TSLA US$10 each
AAPL US$50 each
AMZN US$100 each
GOOG US$500 each
2 Maintain funds for at least 30 days +3 more free shares
3. Click here to sign up Webull sign-up link

Conclusion

It is really a no-brainer to get free cash. You can also explore another app to see if it does fit with you. Never say never because if you do not try it. You will not know.

Click here to sign up Webull sign-up link

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

Scratch Cards for EZ Link Simply Go

I know this can be rather complicated. It took me a while to find out what is this Simply Go ezl concept. It has come to us that we can already use Mastercard and Visa card to tap in and use it for our public transport these days. Here, I think Ezlink is plugging a gap for those without credit cards. (Though I don’t quite see how that is possible to plug the gap when you also aim to use the credit card to top up the ezlink card.)

Scratch and Win Ang Pow for Simply Go EZ link card, sample screen shot of the game and how it looks like

Nonetheless, with CNY round the corner. EZ Link launched their conversation from a normal EZ Link Card via their Station Machines also known as the Ticketing Machines. It takes about one minute to convert the ezlink card to a “Simply Go” one so that one can top up online instead of queuing up physically. With this upgrade, there is a free $2 added to the card and with ever transport use, you get a scratch card which gives you a cashback amount into your converted Simply Go EZ Link Card. Easy to understand now?

The look and feel of the e-wallet that shows the ezlink screen.

If you have some time to spend and use the public transport a little here and there then please do use my referral code “4005114” when you register for the game. Good Luck and thank you in advance.

So I tried it out and it came with two standard scratch cards which gave me a total of $0.44 cents instantly which isn’t too bad for doing nothing except for the initial conversion. It will take about a minute at the ticketing machine so beware for the crowd behind you.

Conclusion

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

The pictures were taken off EZ Link website for reference.