Simple Budget, Simple Life

I've officially severed ties with my BOC Smartsaver account, after a good 2 years . With the disappointing revision to the BOC Family card , which used to be the BEST credit card I had, it just wasn't worth keeping the bulk of my cash in BOC anymore. Since Aug, I've jumped ship to DBS Multiplier and left the minimum balance of $1,500 in my BOC. Today, as I passed by the BOC branch at Jurong East, I decided to just close the account. No point leaving my $1,500 there when I can transfer it to other accounts to generate more interest! As I stepped into the BOC branch, I saw restless ladies gossiping at their seats. I was the only customer, but nobody bothered to serve me. I even had to ask if I'm supposed to take a queue number, but nobody came to assist. Over at DBS, the customer service experience would be way different, in a positive way. BOC has gotta up their game in terms of their cards/accounts perks and staff attitude/customer service man. That said, it

For people my age, wedding bells have been ringing. A few years ago, we started out in the workforce, fresh from school, trying to earn our keeps and manoeuvre ourselves in the dogs eat dogs world. As we earned our keeps, we also knew we had to save for impending cost bombs - for house, for wedding, for kids, and for retirement. Back then, I set my goal to save $100k and I managed to hit it at age 25 . I knew time was on my side and I had keep my expenses low in order to save. I wasn't earning big bucks - I was just a normal salaried working, earning less than what my peers were earning. Likewise, when I planned for my wedding, I knew I had to keep my expenses low as well because my partner and I were paying everything out from our pockets. I was the Chief Finance Officer budgeting and making sure we clock rebates, and getting the best deals out of everything. I was also the CEO of my wedding, because I dictate most of the "to-do" and "not to do" list.

Hi guys. I wanted to blog only after I'm settled down at work and with my life event but I needed an outlet to complain and release my pent-up unhappiness. So, I mentioned that I've changed job. I'm still adjusting myself and enjoying my honeymoon stage since I'm new, though it's not like I'm not working la...just that in comparison to others who worked longer, my full load hasn't come in yet. I'm lying low for now given that I've my wedding to prep for. Within these few weeks here, I've some thoughts on this job and here goes: The Good Higher monthly salary than before albeit just a few hundreds more (better than staying put...) Cheaper transport than before (~$1 saving/day) Don't need to bring work home FOR NOW More capable bosses and seemingly, their Senior Management than before The Bad Not much increase in annual package given that my bonuses were more at my previous job Everyone else work like sh*t....my bosses sends

I used to be an advocate for BOC, given its attractive interest for their Smartsaver account and the good rebates for the BOC Family card. Until one day, BOC decided to review the Family card terms....and well, it suck. I was disappointed with the changes and has since then, stopped using the card. And with that, I've now jumped the boat to DBS Multiplier for my salary crediting. Meaning to say, BOC is no longer my main account. I still keep the Family card though, just in case BOC changes their mind again and review the terms to be more attractive. But, this morning, I was reviewing my accounts when I realised I was charged an Annual Fee and GST on the card. Gosh. That's an exorbitant $305! So I called the card centre and asked to waive it off. I knew it wasn't going to be accepted after reading some comments on how niao they are now. And yup, my waiver was rejected. Not even a partial waiver. That leaves me no choice but to cancel the card immediately.  Funny how

And so, I've resigned. When my colleagues knew, many were shocked, given how stable I was at work (or how I seem to be). Some said they expected it, since I was still young. Some said they were shocked, yet expected it. Whatever it is, I've come to realise a few things during my notice period and I'm here to share my thoughts. Everyone is dying to leave this place During the past few weeks, I received varied comments from people. The most common comment I heard was - you must be happy to get out of this place. Hearing this comment, made me very unhappy. It actually reflects how the person feels about this place.  There are some who said they are envious that I'm leaving. I asked - can't you do the same? And then, they started rattling on things like they have too much work piled on them to leave, they have too much responsibilities on hand... that it got me thinking...aren't these just excuses? Which brings me to the next point... It takes cou

Aloha.  Some updates on what's going on with my life.... A. I accepted the job offer Ever since I received the job offer, I've been feeling jittery. I kept playing the angel and devil's advocate and in the end, decided to take up the offer. I still worry about the instability in the new place, but at worst, I'll just find another job if I can't survive there. The new salary, although not a lot, is also better than if I stay put. I figured I might only get this salary 2 years later. So, hopefully, things pan out well.... B. Transferred $7k to my CPF SA Next, I've transferred $7,000 cash to my own CPF SA. This is the 3rd time I'm doing so. You can read more about it here and here . I probably should have transferred the amount in Jan, instead of waiting till now...but well, better late than never.  My CPF SA now stands at $46,000.  C. Parking $40k with CIMB F.D at 1.8% and 1.6% Also, good lobang must share! I've done some house

2 months ago, I shared that I've thought about leaving my first job.  2 months later, I received an offer and I'm torn. I'm a practical person. At the end of it, a job is just for me to survive - I need a monthly stream of income to build a home, build a family, feed myself and my family, and to save enough for retirement. So when the offer came, theoretically I should without a doubt accept it, since there was a pay increase. The pay increase isn't a lot though, but it would still be one two hundred more than what I'll get next year. But I asked for some time to decide. The new place would be extremely challenging. The team is practically new because of high turnover. They are still busy filling vacancies. To think positively, a new team might mean everyone starts afresh (or starts equally blur); but there must be something wrong within to cause high attrition. Even the bosses are new. The people there also don't seem friendly either. Next, I usually do