Lost Credit Card Statements and others

Have just realize a number of bank/credit card statements never reach us by post.  The period of concern spans over the past year.

Which means that there may be other material that gets lost in transit as well. 

ANZ
One statement never arrived.
ANZ says they charge $5 admin fee for reprinting.
But why should customers get penalized for statements that never came through the post? 
It is good that the CS agree to waive.
ANZ don't have online banking for credit card customers, unlike other banks.
When they do announce this facility, we will sign up for it.

Citibank
We used to suffer missing statements as well until we opt for e-statements.  They wouldn't allow paper statements once the e-statement option is set up. 

Thankfully, Citibank took away the random-cycle log-in number pad, which drove many crazy.  At least they listen to feedback though it took well over a year.  Otherwise, we would likely still stick to paper statement.

The other feedback they wouldn't take are complaints about the statement layout, and the faint and tiny fonts that strains the eye.  Both e-statement and paper-statement sucks equally, btw.

We hate the look of the statement and only use the card if good promos are on.

Maybank
One statement never arrived.
We tried to retrieve online but realize they only offer e-statements for those who opt for it.
The digital quality of their e-statement is not clear enough the last time we download, so we had gone back to paper statements.
Their e-statements goes back only 3 months, too short for busy customers.

OCBC
Bank draft went missing. 
OCBC says they have posted a month ago, after funds was deducted.
To reissue, we need to print and sign an indemnity form (which has some errors in it).
After handing it to the branch, they took some time to locate the personnel in charge of indemnity forms.  A lot of time lost.

The above are just some cases of mails that never reach us.

Watsons - more expensive again

21 March 2014
Clear Men Shampoo (bundled with free small bottle)
$15.70 @ Watsons, Plaza Singapura
$12.90 @ Guardian, Plaza Singapura

Previously
Oat Krunch Biscuit
Heavily promoted by Watsons, Takashimaya as cheapest deal.
Found selling significantly cheaper at Cold Storage, Takashimaya.

Previously
Strepsil Lozenges
Selling cheaper at Unity, Tampines One compared to Watsons, Tampines One outlet.

Consistently losing out if we bother to compare?

What Is Your Mission on Earth?

"What is your mission on earth?"

We used to have lots of fun with this question.

"What is your mission on earth?"
..to eat good food..

 "What is your mission on earth?"
..umm..ahh..   <<..blank look, scratch head..>>


But seriously, what is your true mission on earth?

Why do you think you're put here on earth, and what exactly are you going to do about it?

Why Blog?

1.  Sharing is Caring
Others helps us with their advice, thoughts and viewpoints.
Spread the value of sharing.

2.  Reference Point
No need to repeat same point at different times to different people. 
Just point them to the article.

3.  Behind the Scenes
Personal experiences often reveals behind the scenes nuggets.

4.  Mindful Choices
Some articles posted to remind ourselves.

5.  Meaningful Engagement
Networking is good.  There are many stuff worth promoting. 

6.  Let It Go!
We've love to think everything in life goes smoothly. 
Some folks actually frown on those who kpkb (complain) too much. 
But if everyone keeps the negatives to themselves, then the chances of lousy things being rectified is zero.

7.  You, Producer
The blog is what you want it to be: journal, travelogue, hobby notebook, cookbook, photo gallery..



There are seventy times seven reasons why we should blog.
Considering we have manage to list only the above reasons, we've quite a way to go yet..

Slow and steady wins the race.
Stay tuned..

Recycling: When Green becomes Grim

We have all been taught the importance of the 3 Rs: Reduce – Re-use – Recycle.

But like all things in life, commonsense must prevail.


Reduce
One good example:
Reduce waste by mending broken appliances instead of replacing them.

One bad example:
Folks who reduce till they refuse to spend money anymore, even when a small outlay leads to better productivity and time-saving.


Reuse
One good example:
Give unwanted but useable stuff to charity or those who can use it better.

One bad example:
It can be quite a headache when you are the one paying the detergent, scrub-sponges and water bill, and folks at home insist on washing every oily plastic wrappers that contained foodstuff and then take up the whole kitchen space hanging them everywhere to dry.  Worse, the smell of the curry or strong stench which could not be washed off fills up the whole place. 

Commonsense would tell you that some stuff should just be thrown.  They are hard to wash off, without applying much effort to scrub, soak, wash, dry, store.  The amount of detergent that goes into washing such wrappers or disposable containers is often more costly than the wrapper itself.  Not to mention, these folks are the very same ones who can't seem to find time for more productive stuff.


Recycle
One good example:
Materials such as paper and metal can be recycled to generate environmental, financial and social benefits.

One bad example:
Other than recycling what's there in the immediate environment, the inhouse recycling enthusiast suddenly turns the home into a garang guni hoarding centre, where collections from around the neighbourhood and all over pours in to become endless cycles of recycling.  Collections originally meant for recycling turns into hoarding as the sorting out becomes overwhelming, and the recycler turns hoarder. 

Many families have their lives turned upside down when one family member get carried away with recycling.  The once peaceful haven of home can quickly become an unhygienic place to live in, as the constant stream of stuff can sometimes be old, and rather dubious in its origins.

FAST Internet Bank Transfer At Last

From 17 March 2014, we can finally effect funds transfer instantaneously between our CIMB and DBS/POSB accounts, or accounts of other banks participating in the FAST (Fast And Secure Transfer) internet banking service.
 

CIMB is our default savings bank because it offers the highest savings interest rate of 0.8% per annum.  Not much, but hey! better than the 0.05% which is so very, very close to 0.00%.  It all adds up!  The catch used to be that CIMB have only 2 branches/ATM stations: one at Knightsbridge (Orchard) and the other at Raffles Place.  In emergency, you'd need to rush down. 

Now with FAST, we got our funds transfer docked almost instantly (instead of 2-3 days) into the DBS/POSB account, and that's convenient because the DBS/POSB ATMs are just a walk away.

Of course, if you require large withdrawals, you would still need to rush to the CIMB banks, or space out the daily permitted withdrawals if you still wish to stick with internet transfers.  FAST's transfer cap is $10,000 per transfer.  Local transfer only, not overseas transfers.

Currently, the FAST service is free. 

We hope it remains so.  Prior to this, one of the banks offered immediate internet banking transfer at a cost of $5. Which is irritating because consumers have been asking why in this day of technological sophistication, banks still require 2-3 days to move funds?  And this 2-3 days refers to "working" days, which means you can suck thumb if you happen to need to effect internet banking transfers on Friday evening, since your transfer request would only be attended to by someone on Monday, and the 2-3 days count begins from Monday, rather than Friday, when you had needed the money.

Now, FAST will be available 24x7.  Which means your funds zips across even when the staff are not working, on public holidays or Saturdays/Sundays.

Fantastic!

FAST will be offered by 14 banks -
ANZ Bank
CIMB Bank
Citibank
DBS Bank/POSB
Deutsche Bank
Far Eastern Bank
HSBC
Maybank
OCBC Bank
RHB Bank
The Royal Bank of Scotland
Standard Chartered Bank
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
United Overseas Bank

Sleep - Don't Short It

A new finding last year found that when we sleep, channels for waste and neurotoxic substances open up by as much as 60 per cent more. Indeed, in other research, removal of beta-amyloid, a substance implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, was found to be substantially higher during sleep.
~
Commentary written on behalf of the Singapore Sleep Society, to commemorate World Sleep Day on March 14.

Source:
Prof. Michael Chee,
Neuroscience and Behavioral Program,
Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School
&
Investigator,
National Medical Research Council STaR

Credit Card Charge: Transacted vs. Posted Date

When calculating the entitled rebates, Standard Chartered Bank and OCBC Frank credit cards use posted date (date when merchant post the bill) rather than the transacted date (date when the customers uses the card to transact).

This often results in a shorter spending period for the customers who is unsure of when the merchant would actually post. 

It saves the bank money but cause inconvenience to customers.  Many disappointments had been voiced by customers who finds their rebates shrink as a result.

During promos, care has to be taken once again to find out if the charge date refers to the transacted date or the posted date. 

Wish all the credit card companies would just standardize it all to transacted date.  Customers like to have some form of certainty, rather than grabbling with too many variables.

Maybank Family & Friends Card - End of Easy

One of the delights of Maybank Family & Friends credit card is that we get a 5% rebate for purchases made from their designated merchants. We automatically whip out this card whenever we wish to order from McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Popular, NTUC, etc.

From 1st April 2014, however, it may not be so easy anymore.  We have to ensure a minimum spend of $500 in that month, to enjoy the 5% cash rebate.  Else, the rebate sinks to 0.3% - far worst than the industry minimum of 0.5%, which is already paltry enough.

Revision of eligibility for 5% cash rebate on Maybank Family & Friends Platinum MasterCard

With effect from 1 April 2014, to enjoy the 5% cash rebate at selected merchant outlets on your Maybank Family & Friends Platinum MasterCard, a minimum spend amount of S$500 per month is required. Otherwise, the 0.3% cash rebate will apply. This comes after they up the minimum $500 bank deposit on their savings account to $1,000. Or a minimum fall-below fee of $2 will apply.

Fear is the Root of Your Problems

Leo Babauta, creator and writer of Zen Habits, advocates self-compassion, to work on the fear that's causing our problems.  He provides good tips on the practice and process of awareness, acceptance, seeing the pain, finding gratitude, and being in the moment without an ideal.

Here's a few examples of how fear manifest in your daily life -

Procrastination
Fear of failure
Discomfort of doing something hard
Fear of missing out something important

Debt
Fear of letting go of comforts
Fear of other's judgment

Relationship problems
Fear of losing control
Fear of not being good enough
Fear of rejection
Fear of letting go

Can't exercise
Fear of discomfort
Fear of disrupting more favored routines like TV and Internet viewing

Can't change diet
Fear of being denied enjoyment of 'comfort' food
Fear of not keeping up with the changed diet

Fulfilling ambition
Fear of failing
Fear of taking the plunge
Fear of not being ready
Fear of not being good enough

Work Stress
Fear of not being perfect (too perfectionist)
Fear of errors and mistakes



Sometimes, when it gets too much, we become paralysed by fear and end up not doing anything.

We have encountered this before, and find that at times, it becomes necessary to reduce clutter, and  basically, to attack big blocks of backlogs, work loads or even emotional burdens by breaking it into smaller tasks or pieces.

We are even prepared to downsize our lifestyle if it gets too intense.

Peace and simplicity rules!

Loaf of Bread - Subway and other Singapore Bakers

After Food Babe Vani Hari's call to action, Subway stores in USA is to remove the harmful chemical azodicarbonamide in their bread.

This is a synthetic chemical mixed into plastics to make them more pliable.  Subway and many other bakers use it as a bleaching agent to make bread look nice, as well as a dough conditioner for faster bread production.

It could be in your burger buns, garlic bread, hot dog buns, muffin, and in many other retail bread.

We used organic flour to bake our own bread using Breville breadmaker.

However, owing to lack of time, we also patronize outlets ranging from Bengawan Solo, Cedele, Delifrance, Four Leaves and its franchise Peck bakery at Takashimaya, McDonalds, Subway, Sun Moulin at Isetan Scotts, to name a few.

They all taste good but how much azodicarbonamide does a typical bread lover consume here in Singapore?

Mirriam MacWilliams Millionaire Trader

Mirriam MacWilliams' free seminars in Singapore must have been very convincing - enough to make a banker friend part $$$.

After sinking $4,000+ into Millionaire Trader programme, a series of emailed courses came flooding in.  In the end, nothing ever comes out of it.

The path to create wealth may be presented simplistically, in order to invite folks who are mostly pressured for times, to join the get-riches-easy club. 

In practice, a certain level of commitment is always required by the consumer who buys into these products. 

In this case, the learning curve from the emailed lessons itself cause the process to come to a standstill.  Don't talk about getting to the first trade.

To do anything  well, time is always needed, no matter what people say, and how things are presented.

If you couldn't commit time, there is no programme in the world that can get you rich.