tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69638533555285661852024-03-13T12:03:14.027+08:00Cheapskater's Way of LifeThe sky's the limit. My bank account is like an bottomless pit. Cheapskating to fill it up.Cheapskaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15523473404253313479noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963853355528566185.post-86234967581665603722008-02-02T08:27:00.000+08:002008-02-02T08:45:26.509+08:00Save on Utility BillsWith the rising oil price, the electricity charge has been going up.<br /><br />There are many suggested ways to cut costs by saving electricity and water to cut down on the household bills.<br /><br />1) Kill Vampire Appliances<br /><br />-Turn off all electrical appliances and power mains when not in use, if not, they become "electricity vampire".<br /><br />-Cheapskate Ultimate: Charge your mobile, laptop, etc in the office or public library before going home!<br /><br />2) Time your cooling<br /><br />-Set the air-conditioner not lower than 25 degree to waste energy.<br />-Set the timer to switch off the air-conditioner a few hours later.<br />-Go to the public library to ensure free air-conditioning in the day!<br />- Cheapskate Ultimate: Invest in a mattress. Gather all family members into a bedroom , instead of running the air-conditioner in all room.<br /><br />3) Watts savings<br /><br />-Replace all incandescent light bulbs to energy saving compact fluorescent light bulbs to save at les 70% less energy.<br />-Use light reflectors to make the most of the light.<br />-For residential blocks, best if the lights in the common corridor can be reflected into the house for free.<br />- Cheapskate Ultimate: Lights? What lights?<br /><br />4) Wash wisely<br /><br />-Pre-soak heavy garments before washing in the washing machine.<br />-Use the washing machine when the load is full or adjust the level of water to match the washing load.<br />- Off the water when soaping<br />- Don't flush for "small business" or flush using the discharged water from the washing machine<br />- Cheapskate Ultimate: Shower at the gym, fitness club, etc before heading home!Cheapskaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15523473404253313479noreply@blogger.com246tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963853355528566185.post-13989709810999670652008-01-28T10:23:00.000+08:002008-01-28T10:30:35.262+08:00Tips to beat inflation from "My paper" 25 Jan 08 - Part 2/24) Recreation & Others<br />- Choose countries where rates are lower<br />- Choose free recreational spots such as East Coast Park<br />- Buy at discount shops or online forums for equipment<br /><br />5) Housing<br />- Wait for property market cools<br />- Hold off major renovation works till demand drops<br /><br />6) Clothing & footwear<br />- Go for second-hand items<br />- Stock up staples such as socks during sales<br /><br />7) Education & Stationery<br />- Buy refills for pens<br />- Take a group tuition classes for cheaper rates<br />- Buy used textbooks from seniorsCheapskaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15523473404253313479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963853355528566185.post-50627231605360054402008-01-26T09:31:00.000+08:002008-01-26T09:42:11.743+08:00Tips to beat inflation from "My paper" 25 Jan 08 - Part 1/21) Food<br />- Brought own container when buyout takeout to save on the surcharges of 20 cents for plastic containers.<br />- Supermarket gives discount on home brands<br />- Eat out at fancy restaurant less often<br /><br />2) Transport & communication<br />-Take trains and buses and avoide taxis<br />- Walk short distance instead of paying 65 cents for the feeder bus service<br />- Get a mobile plan that suits your needs<br /><br />3) Health care<br />-Ask your doctor for generic drugs such as paracetamol instead of brand name ones like Panadol<br />- Use your company healthcare benefits<br />- Call up clinics to ask about consultation fees before seeing the doctorCheapskaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15523473404253313479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963853355528566185.post-80303086154549229582008-01-19T10:48:00.000+08:002008-01-19T10:50:26.743+08:00Traded Endowment Policies (TEP)<p>Recently, Singapore government has raised the concerns that many Singaporeans will not have enough money for retirement. </p><p><br />The Singapore government is proposing a Compulsory Annuity Scheme for all Singaporeans. What's the problem? </p><p>The only problem is that currently, Annuity plans offer very low returns of less than 3%. Thus, putting money into Annuity plan for retirement income might not be a good idea if inflation rate is above 2%.</p><p><br />If returns on Annuity is 3% and inflation is at 3%, it means ZERO returns for your money parked in Annuity.</p><p><br />The Good News is a person can easily structure an Attractive Annuity Plan with double the returns of a typical Annuity plan by "laddering <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">TEPs</span>". What do we mean? A person can invest in say 5 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">TEPs</span> with varying maturity period of say, 5 years, 6 years, 7 years, 8 years and 9 years to maturity. </p><p><br />Upon maturity of the 5 year <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">TEP</span>, you can withdraw the "gains" (double that of Annuity) to fund your lifestyle and rollover (re-invest) the principal amount into another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">TEP</span> with say another 5 years to maturity. At end of year 6, you have another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">TEP</span> maturing and again you can withdraw the gains to fund your lifestyle and again <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">roll over</span> (re-invest) the principal amount into another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">TEP</span> with another 5 years to maturity. </p><p><br />By repeating this process, you will actually create a non-stop income stream year after year after 5 years from now and achieve the same benefit of an Annuity plan (non-stop income stream).</p><p><br />However, by investing into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">TEPs</span>, you have an added advantage over investing into Annuity as the returns of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">TEPS</span> can be double that of Annuity plans currently. </p>From: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">TEP</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Pte</span> LimitedCheapskaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15523473404253313479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963853355528566185.post-22865082229876400002007-11-04T16:52:00.000+08:002008-02-03T10:13:21.903+08:00Cheapskater's scan - Seng Kang<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cheapskater</span> walked about at one of the new towns in Singapore - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Seng</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Keng</span>.<br /><br />Let's see what's the catch here!<br /><br />1) Land of free transport<br /><br />There are a couple of free shuttle services here:<br />- Internal town ferry services from Fern link Point to various part of the town, Compass Point to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Rivervale</span> Point to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Punggol</span> Point<br />- Ferry service from Compass Point to Courts, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ikea</span> and Giant at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tampines</span><br />- Ferry Services from Compass Point to Parkway Parade at Marina Parade<br /><br />2) Free entertainment<br />- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">TCD</span>, a video retailer, located just outside the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">MRT</span> exit would be screening the latest TV serials on the left and transformer cartoons on the right.<br />Join in the crowed, just stand there and watch for free!<br /><br />3) Land of discount at compass point<br />- Several tenants are always having sales at the forum of Compass Point. Just drop by to catch some good deals anytime<br />- The price of prawn crackers or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">keropok</span> has increased to $2 island wide. Bee <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Cheng</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Hiang</span> is still selling at $1.90- the cheapest in whole of Singapore with a difference of 5%.<br />-Value dollar on level 4 is a catch with regular promotion.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Hehehehe</span>...tidbits at $0.50 instead of $1.05! Biscuits at $1.05 a packet instead of $2 else where!<br />- Breads are going at discounted rate after 9pm at the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">numerous</span> bakeries in Compass Point. Grab your breakfast after 9pm!Cheapskaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15523473404253313479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963853355528566185.post-81145680300039160122007-10-27T09:54:00.000+08:002007-10-27T10:09:54.677+08:00Cheapskater's scan - Raffles Place<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cheapskater</span> took a walkabout in Raffles Place and discover a Cheapskater's gold mine.<br /><br />1) Land of cheap food!<br /><br />Where to get lunch for only $2 with 4 dishes or pay as you wish?<br />-The Golden shoe Hawker Centre where there are at least 2 stalls selling <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Chinese</span> cooked rice for $2 with choices of any 4 dishes on display, a cup of soya bean (cup also bigger than Mr. Bean) going at only $0.50!!!<br />-At the food court at change alley, pay any amount you like for an Indian vegetarian dishes of your choice.<br /><br />2) Land of free papers<br /><br />Where to get "Today!" and "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Bao</span>" easily?<br />Raffles Place <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">MRT</span> exit - Stacks of free paper waiting to be picked up.<br />Drop by <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Fullerton</span> Hotel lobby and read all various newspaper on the cozy sofa.<br /><br />3) Land of freebies<br /><br />Where to get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">lotsa</span> of freebies?<br />Raffles Place <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">MRT</span> green space is a favourite spot for product promotion and launching.<br />Every now and then, free bottle of coke, ice cream, instant noodles, etc to be given out<br /><br />4) Land of convenience<br /><br />Want to buy 4D ? Go to Level 2 of Change Alley where there is a track record of producing Group 1 winners<br /><br />Need to do your banking? All the banks are located there<br /><br />See a doctor? Various medical group clinics are spread all over the place.<br /><br />Not happy with anyone? Just drop by to see the lawyer at Drew & Napier, Ocean TowerCheapskaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15523473404253313479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963853355528566185.post-12466569222719232582007-10-23T20:55:00.000+08:002007-10-23T21:10:36.233+08:00How to save using the transport system?For long distance travel , use <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MRT</span> + Taxi.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MRT</span> and taxi combination is a real saver. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MRT</span> travels as fast as a taxi on the road. Hence it would be wise to use this cheaper mode to travel long distance.<br /><br />How much does <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cheapskater</span> incurred to travel from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Seng</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Keng</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Jurong</span> Island?<br /><ul><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">MRT</span> to Lakeside ride only $1.90. (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">FOC</span> if you know the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">cheapskater's</span> method of free run)</li><li>Taxi from Lakeside to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Jurong</span> Island only $4. </li><li>Total time taken 1 hour. As compared to taking a taxi all the while, it would cost about $20 and take about 1 hr also</li></ul><p>Heading to the uncharted West (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Tuas</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Jurong</span> Islands) and had trouble calling for a taxi from the 'inefficiency and expensive" bigger taxi cartel? </p><p>Forget them, save your mobile fee charges.</p><p>Dial 6265-4553 for the private network of the "Western taxi". These friendly taxi drivers comb only the west and would never get lost in the uncharted west. </p>Cheapskaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15523473404253313479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963853355528566185.post-82094657450213178292007-10-20T08:10:00.000+08:002007-10-20T08:12:15.190+08:00Saving on public transport<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cheapskater</span> takes public transport everyday and observed the following ways to save.<br /><br />Buses<br />1) Study the fare table displayed at the bus stop before boarding the bus.<br />Can save at least 20 cents in bus fare just by alighting at a bus stop earlier since some bus stops are just a few steps away from each other.<br /><br />2) Maximize the $1.9 fare cap from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SBS</span> bus.<br />All <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">SBS</span> bus fares are capped at $1.9 within 2 hours of boarding the first bus, provided that you board the next bus within 45 minutes.<br /><br />Plan your route, can get a real satisfaction when $0.00 appeared on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ezy</span>-card reader when you alight.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cheapskater's</span> record is taking 5 buses from Compass point to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Clementi</span> area to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bugis</span> and back to Compass point only at $1.90! Real <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">shiok</span> when i get a free ride on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">SBS</span> Bus Service 80 from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Bugis</span> to Compass point which would normally cost $1.38.<br /><br />Note that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">SMRT</span> bus system does not have $1.9 cap but only $0.25 rebate. =(Cheapskaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15523473404253313479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963853355528566185.post-43885516927215645792007-10-06T07:52:00.000+08:002007-10-06T07:53:53.861+08:00Enter Sentosa FreeEntrance fee into Sentosa - $2<br />Driving into Sentosa - Addition $2 for the car.<br /><br />There is a confirmed way to entry Sentosa Free of Charge!- Get a job there and entry with your staff pass.<br /><br />Alternatively, look around you; there is another way to sneak in comfortably.Cheapskaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15523473404253313479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963853355528566185.post-33502318628106354462007-08-24T14:13:00.000+08:002007-08-24T14:16:48.656+08:00Another wonderful tool for Cheapskate- Xtrasaver!<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Xtrasaver</span> from Standard Chartered - A current account to give you a potentially an interest rate of at least 10% pa!!!<br /><br /><strong>What is it?</strong><br /><br />A MasterCard debit card linked to its own interest bearing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">chequing</span> account, that gives you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cashback</span> with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">NETs</span> transaction (0.5% of transaction), petrol and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">mastercard</span> transaction.<br /><br /><strong>Good?</strong><br /><br />1) The only card in the market to earn double <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">cashback</span>!<br />Just imagine paying all your credit card bills using the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Mastercard</span> debit card and you got <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">cashback</span> for paying your bills.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Eg</span>: After earning rebate from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">POSB</span> Everyday Card or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">cashback</span> from Citibank Dividend Card, you earn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">cashback</span> again when you pay the credit card bill using <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">NETs</span>.<br /><br />2) Potentially giving you at least $50 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">cashback</span> monthly or max. $300 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">cashback</span> monthly (with the right methods, of course!)<br /><br /><strong>Bad?</strong><br />1) You would need at least $6,000 in the account to earn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">cashback</span>.<br /><br />2) Low interest for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">chequing</span> account<br /><br />3) Capped on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">cashback</span> (Nothing for a big fuss. Free money is better than no money)<br /><br /><strong>How?</strong><br />Ask by leaving your email address in the comments.<br /><br />A step by step instruction might be provided.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Cheapskater</span> must thank another fellow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Cheapskater</span> for sharing this.Its another dream tool for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">cheapskater</span> to make free money!!!<br /><br />Cheapskate of world - Unite!<br />S/C is proud to promote the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">cashback</span> function of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Xtrasaver</span>.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Cheapskater</span> is proud to use the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">cashback</span> function.<br />Having joy from making free money.<br />Stingy go one side.Cheapskaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15523473404253313479noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963853355528566185.post-39673096628562102822007-08-20T23:36:00.000+08:002007-08-20T23:39:54.793+08:00Cheapskate just love Standard Chartered Xtrasaver!!!Thanks to the final $2,000 bill payment to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DBS</span> credit bill, I have reached my cap of $50 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cashback</span> from Standard Chartered <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Xtrasaver</span> for NETS transaction for the month of August.<br /><br />Based on the min. sum of $6,000 deposited in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">xtrasaver</span> account and $50 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">cashback</span> monthly.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Cheapskater</span> is able to earn $600 annually.<br /><br />The interest from the $,6000 is about another $12.<br />Based on the above, total return is $612 or 10.2%.<br />Not bad for a current account with an interest rate of 10.2% when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">UOB</span> is offering 2.28% for her premium customer.<br /><br />Long live standard chartered for creating the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Xtrasaver</span>.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Cheapskater</span> would be a loyal customer for life if you increase your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">eSaver</span> interest rate too.The T-bill from Philips Securities is giving at least 2.38% currently, your 1.5% is so boring.<br /><br />Cannot say <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">cheapskater</span> not a loyal customer. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Cheapskater</span> is always loyal to money saving!Cheapskaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15523473404253313479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963853355528566185.post-47766404954475095642007-08-18T10:06:00.000+08:002007-08-18T10:08:47.405+08:00Make full use of the free 30 days credit termsIt's time to pay for all the whole life insurance premium again!<br /><br />Although buying some whole-life insurance is essential for your after-life, it is alwats heart pain to part with $X,000 amount annually to the life insurance company.<br /><br />With the life insurance companies in Singapore, you can pay up anytime within teh grace period (usually 30 days after the premium due date), before the Automatic Policy Loan (APL) kicks in. Hence I call this the free 30 days credit terms.<br /><br />Why pay up so fast since you can collect the insurance payout either anytime(hopefully this day will not happen to anyone) or when you surrender the policy years down the road?Keep the money for the insurance premium longer in the bank to earn interest for one more month.<br /><br />At least you can squeeze a few cents out of this amount before losing it.A few cents over years, with the compounding interest bullshit theory used by the finanical adviser trying to sel you an investment-linked policy throw in, can be quite a nice looking amount many years later.<br /><br />It's a fine dividing line between a cheapskate and a stingy. I'm proud to be a cheapskate! You can be one, starting today too!Cheapskaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15523473404253313479noreply@blogger.com0