Choosing an Insurance Policy
By Sorli | February 14, 2010
Here are some things to consider when choosing an insurance policy for you:
- Know your budget to have an insurance.
Even with USD60 per month you could already have insurance policy including your fixed deposit. - Know the insurance protection that you want.
Are you at risk to involve in an accident at your workplace or at the road? Are you exposed to critical diseases because of your lifestyle and your imbalance diet? - Know the amount of insurance protection that you want.
Is your goal is to get high return of benefits after the first 3 years due time, high return of benefits on your retirement day soon or your protection when you retires early or your mandatory retirement and most importantly your hospitalization cost protection? - Know who you should protect.
Who do you love the most? Youself? Your kids? Or your family?
Contact insurance companies to know what fits you the best.
Topics: Insurance Basic | 2 Comments »
Fuel Saving: Tips on Improving Fuel Economy
By Sorli | May 10, 2009
The fuel price has jump so high last year it until causes many other things to follow this trend. This has caused many of us to change our lifestyle especially in spending money. Fuel has sucks big portion of the income. What can we do to save on fuel?
Here are some ways to improve the fuel economy for vehicle:
Avoid Excessive Idling
If you are to wait for than a minute while you are not in traffic, stop the engine and start it again later. When warming up a cold engine, allow the engine to idle until the temperature gauge pointer comes up to the “C” position. In this position, the engine is sufficiently warm for starting off.
Avoid “Jackrabbit” Starts
Fast starts from lights or stop signs will consume fuel unnecessarily and shorten engine life. Start in a restrained manner.
Avoid Unnecessary Stops
Avoid unnecessary deceleration and stopping. Try to maintain a slow steady speed whenever possible. Slowing down and then accelerating back to speed uses more fuel.
Keep a Steady Cruising Speed
Keep as constant a speed as road and traffic conditions will permit.
Keep Air Cleaner Clean
A dirty air cleaner will cause the carburetor to supply too much fuel to the engine. The result is waste of fuel due to incomplete fuel burning.
Keep Weight to a Minimum
The heavier the load, the more fuel the vehicle consumes. Take out any luggage or cargo when it is not necessary.
Keep Tire Pressure Correct
Underinflation can waste fuel due to increased running resistance of tires. Keep our tires inflated to the correct pressures shown on the label on the driver’s side of your car instrument panel.
These ways ensure fuel economy of your car or vehicle without having to spend your money.
Topics: Auto Things, Money, Tips | 3 Comments »
Engine Hard to Start in the Morning? Check Your Car Battery
By Sorli | April 11, 2009
Various technical factors to be the causes, but can be avoided through maintenance
ENGINE which operates smoothly, but suddenly difficult to be started on the next day definitely give problem for those using vehicles to go to office daily.
The difficulty will sure become more critical when the owner involved is already late to go to the office and then engine of the vehicle cannot be turn on.
Among usual damage causes which resulted engine difficult to be started in the morning is lack of electricity because of low battery, contact at its terminal or damaged battery, electrical network or starter switch does not work and damaged at the motor starter.
As concern vehicle owners, there are some measures that can be made to identify their vehicle problem especially involving battery.
The owners only need to press the horn and turn on the headlamps.
If there is no sound or it sound is slow, the condition is caused by weak battery or terminal contact does not work.
Then, check the terminal contact so that it is not covered by white sediment which results the battery does not working properly.
Usually, the sediment happens because of battery water drops and it can be dissipated by pouring hot water on the terminal.
Engine difficult to be started may also occur if the connection of the contact on the terminal is loose.
Loose means that it can be whip by hand and the way to overcome it is by tightening it again using a spanner.
If owner found the battery terminal is too hot especially when the key is turned for a few times, possibly there is imbalance on terminal contact from the battery.
As an early preparation, check the battery water frequently to ensure that its content is always enough; which is when the plates in it are submerged (for flooded cell type).
For those who use semi-permeable separators battery (have two flat lines printed), the water level of the battery must be in between the two lines.
Better, check the battery water content at petrol stations after refueling because it ease the owner to replace or refill the water using distilled water when there is sign the battery is not in good condition.
Topics: Auto Things | 1 Comment »
5 Things Women Should Know About Their Car
By Sorli | March 29, 2009
There are at least five (5) general things that women should know and check on their vehicles, before driving and before a problem arrived.
To women, “car matters” are not interesting things especially because their reason is certainly they are uncomfortable to taint their hands, and the bigger reason is lack of knowledge of car maintenance. All are handed over to the men although some of the things are also not known by men.
So what are the five things? Here they are:
1. Fuel (Petrol / Diesel / NGV)
This is the basic point, needless to think. Even those people who do not own a car knew that fuel must be filled for the car to move. But believe me; I know lots of women who never filled the oil into their own tank and even do not know how. My own friend’s wife, according to him, for more than 10 years, he filled the oil full into his wife’s car tank one day before working day started for her use and one week of work. That what happens every week.
Many private vehicles in my country (Malaysia) use petrol but there are also that use diesel and NGV. Make sure of the right fuel. And make sure that you identify the right fuel pump machine at service station.
Remember, it is important that you know how to open the tank cover and pump the oil into it. May be your one day you are forced to pour oil by your own. Don’t let your car runs out of gas in the middle of the street.
2. Water in Radiator Tank
Open your car hood. Usually hoist switch (hood opener) is under the dashboard on the driver side.
Check before car is started, if not you will scald your hand. Make sure there is enough water. Otherwise, just add tap water.
If you often send car for services, radiator water checking is a basic thing that must be done. Nevertheless, you also have to know to check it on your own; in case there is leakage which caused the water level in radiator to be inadequate. So it is good to check the radiator water at least once a week.
3. Engine Oil, Transmission Oil and Brake Oil
These are vital. Without enough engine oil, engine may become hot and this will damage the engine. Not enough transmission oil may result an immovable car and not enough brake oil may endanger your life because the vehicle cannot be stopped.
For a quite aged car, make sure you check with more often. Even though you may have sent the vehicle for services in each 3 month or each 5,000 km, do not wait up to you new service time and hope the mechanic to check. At least you must know either its oil is enough or not. Engine oil, transmission oil or brake oil that runs out or ebb quite suddenly may signify there are leaks. This are reasons that such examinations are important, and this would be vital for your own safety.
4. Tyre
You know how to change a tyre? Even though you may not need to change a tyre on your own because you have a car service card or you have a husband who will always helps you or friends who could help, it is good if you yourself know how to change a tyre.
Also make sure the right tyre pressure for your car tyres. Learn how to check tyre pressure and how to pump tyre when necessary.
Knowing basic matters on car as such can make a woman feels more confident and safer when driving.
5. Insurance and Road Tax
Before setting forth for your destination make sure your car insurance and your road tax still valid and legal. Look on your windscreen, does your road is tax still not yet ended? In case it already almost to expire; you can start your insurance renewal and your road tax renewal process. Road tax is renewable as early as two month before its expiry date.
Insurance and road tax are compulsory to enable a vehicle is validly used on road. The matter is only done once a year. Some peoples took leave solely to manage road tax and insurance renewal. Get new insurance from the insurance company, and then go to bank to pay road tax and in the evening go again to bank to collect back the road tax which has been completed.
Now everything you can hand on to insurance company on their website to deal. It is really easy, insurance and road tax can be done at once. Usually within only two working days, road tax already arrived to hand, either in office or at home. No need trouble yourself anymore.
Topics: Auto Things | 2 Comments »
Funny Insurance Commercial : Acupuncture
By Sorli | March 28, 2009
Here’s a funny insurance commercial. A man getting his acupuncture treatment from a Chinese acupuncture man. While doing his treatment, then suddenly the building caught on fire. The Chinese man ran to save his life and jumped off the building. What a shock, the building is very tall and he was around the top floor.
This guy here who have all the needle sticking on his body could barely move. The firemen were shouting to him jump off. What should he do? What a crazy situation.
ps: Acupuncture is good, this is only a dramatization.
Topics: Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
Nine Differences Between Leasing and Buying a Car / Vehicle
By Sorli | March 27, 2009
I think many of us are still not clear what the difference between leasing a vehicle or car and buying a vehicle car. There are vast differences between leasing and buying. The main difference is the ownership of the car, when you lease, you do not own the car, where as when you buy a car, of course you become the owner of the car. More differences are shown below:
Leasing Vs Buying
- Ownership
LEASING: You do not own the vehicle. You get to use it but must return it at the end of the lease unless you choose to buy it.
BUYING: You own the vehicle and get to keep it at the end of the financing term. - Vehicle Return
LEASING: You may return the vehicle at lease-end, pay any end-of-lease costs, and “walk away.”
BUYING: You may have to sell or trade the vehicle when you decide you want a different vehicle. - Up-Front Costs
LEASING: Up-front costs may include the first month’s payment, a refundable security deposit, a capitalized cost reduction (like a down payment), taxes, registration and other fees, and other charges.
BUYING: Up-front costs include the cash price or a down payment, taxes, registration and other fees, and other charges. - Early Termination
LEASING: You are responsible for any early termination charges if you end the lease early.
BUYING: You are responsible for any pay-off amount if you end the loan early. - Monthly Payments
LEASING: Monthly lease payments are usually lower than monthly loan payments because you are paying only for the vehicle’s depreciation during the lease term, plus rent charges (like interest), taxes, and fees.
BUYING: Monthly loan payments are usually higher than monthly lease payments because you are paying for the entire purchase price of the vehicle, plus interest and other finance charges, taxes, and fees. - Future Value
LEASING: The lessor has the risk of the future market value of the vehicle.
BUYING: You have the risk of the vehicle’s market value when you trade or sell it. - Excessive Wear
LEASING: Most leases limit wear to the vehicle during the lease term. You will likely have to pay extra charges for exceeding those limits if you return the vehicle.
BUYING: There are no limits or charges for excessive wear to the vehicle, but excessive wear will lower the vehicle’s trade-in or resale value. - Mileage
LEASING: Most leases limit the number of miles you may drive (often 12,000-15,000 per year). You can negotiate a higher mileage limit and pay a higher monthly payment. You will likely have to pay charges for exceeding those limits if you return the vehicle.
BUYING: You may drive as many miles as you want, but higher mileage will lower the vehicle’s trade-in or resale value. - End of Term
LEASING: At the end of the lease (typically 2-4 years), you may have a new payment either to finance the purchase of the existing vehicle or to lease another vehicle.
BUYING: At the end of the loan term (typically 4-6 years), you have no further loan payments.
Either leasing or buying a car or vehicle have their own pros and cons. You should consider your usage of the car, your financial factor and others when leasing or buying a car. Source: Federal Reserve Board
Topics: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Amazing Honda Accond Commercial
By Sorli | March 27, 2009
Here are an amazing Honda Accord commercial. This was on air a few years ago. It took three months, hundreds of takes and 6 million dollars to make this advertisement. Huge sum of money spent to make this quality ads.
This advertisement is only in one take and does not have any cut and paste. Click play and enjoy the commercial.
Topics: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
For People on Debt Management Plans: A Must-Do List
By Sorli | March 21, 2009
Reputable credit counseling organizations employ counselors who are certified and trained in consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Those organizations that are nonprofit have a legal obligation to provide education and counseling.
But not all credit counseling organizations provide these services. Some charge high fees, not all of which are disclosed, or urge you to make “voluntary” contributions that can cause you to fall deeper into debt. Many claim that a debt management plan is your only option before they spend time reviewing your financial situation, and offer little or no consumer education and counseling. Others misrepresent their nonprofit status or fraudulently obtained nonprofit status by misrepresenting their business practices to regulators.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, and some state Attorneys General have sued several companies that called themselves credit counseling organizations. The FTC and the states said these companies deceived consumers about the cost, nature, and benefits of the services they offered; some companies even lied about their nonprofit status. Several of these companies are now going out of business. Similar companies also may be shutting their doors, even though they haven’t been sued by the FTC or the states. That could be of special concern if you have a debt management plan with one of these companies.
Must-Dos for Anyone With A DMP
Organizations that advertise credit counseling often arrange for consumers to pay debts through a debt management plan (DMP). In a DMP, you deposit money each month with a credit counseling organization. The organization uses these deposits to pay your credit card bills, student loans, medical bills, or other unsecured debts according to a payment schedule they’ve worked out with you and your creditors. Creditors may agree to lower interest rates or waive certain fees if you are repaying through a DMP.
The FTC has found that some organizations that offer DMPs have deceived and defrauded consumers, and recommends that consumers check their bills to make sure that the organization fulfills its promises. If you are paying through a DMP, contact your creditors and confirm that they have accepted the proposed plan before you send any payments to the organization handling your DMP. Once the creditors have accepted the DMP, it is important to:
- make regular, timely payments.
- always read your monthly statements promptly to make sure your creditors are getting paid according to your plan.
- contact the organization responsible for your DMP if you will be unable to make a scheduled payment, or if you discover that creditors are not being paid.
You need to be aware that if payments to your DMP and creditors are not made on time, you could lose the progress you’ve made on paying down your debt, or the benefits of being in a DMP, including lower interest rates and fee waivers. Although creditors may have forgiven late payments that you made before you began the DMP, the creditors may be unwilling or unable to do so if payments are late after you have enrolled in a DMP. If you fall behind on your payments, you may not be able to have your accounts “re-aged” again (reported as current), even if you start a new DMP with a new counselor. That means your credit report will have “late” marks and you will rack up late fees, which, in turn, will lead to more debt that could take longer to pay off.
If Your Credit Counselor Has Gone Out of Business
What happens to your DMP if the credit counseling company that managed your debts shuts down? A counseling agency that is going out of business may send you a notice telling you that your DMP is being transferred to another company. Or it may tell you that you need to take some action to keep your financial recovery on track. If a government agency has filed an action against your credit counseling company, you may get a notice from a third party. If you discover that the organization handling your DMP is going out of business you need to:
- contact your bank to stop payment if you are making your DMP payments through automatic withdrawal.
- start paying your bills directly to your creditors.
- notify your creditors that the organization handling your DMP is going out of business. Consider working out a payment plan with your creditors yourself. Ask if they will give you a reduction on your interest rate without a DMP.
- order a copy of your credit report. Check for late payments – or missed DMP payments – that may result from the company going out of business. If you see “late” notations you don’t expect, call the creditor immediately and ask that the notation be removed. Understand that they have no obligation to do it.
If payments are late because the organization handling your DMP has failed to make scheduled payments, the consequences can be just as devastating as if you failed to make payments to the DMP. If you do not act quickly to make arrangements with your creditors, you could incur late charges that increase your debt, lose the lower interest rates associated with the DMP, and have “late” marks on your credit report.
Topics: Credit | No Comments »
Nine Important Questions to Ask When Choosing a Credit Counselor
By Sorli | March 21, 2009
If the organization you were working with shuts down, you may be able to work a payment plan on your own directly with your creditors. But if you decide that you need additional credit advice and assistance, or if you are considering working with a credit counselor for the first time, asking questions like these can help you find the best counselor for you.
- What services do you offer?
Look for an organization that offers a range of services, including budget counseling, savings and debt management classes, and counselors who are trained and certified in consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Counselors should discuss your entire financial situation with you, and help you develop a personalized plan to solve your money problems now and avoid others in the future. An initial counseling session typically lasts an hour, with an offer of follow-up sessions. Avoid organizations that push a debt management plan as your only option before they spend a significant amount of time analyzing your financial situation. DMPs are not for everyone. You should sign up for a DMP only after a certified credit counselor has spent time thoroughly reviewing your financial situation, and has offered you customized advice on managing your money.If you were on a DMP with an organization that closed down, ask any credit counselor that you are considering what they can do to help you retain the benefits of your DMP.
- Do you offer free information?
Avoid organizations that charge for information about the nature of their services. - Will I have a formal written agreement or contract with you?
Don’t commit to participate in a DMP over the telephone. Get all verbal promises in writing. Read all documents carefully before you sign them. If you are told you need to act immediately, consider finding another organization. - Are you licensed to offer your services in my state?
Many states require that an organization register or obtain a license before offering credit counseling, debt management plans, and similar services. Do not hire an organization that has not fulfilled the requirements for your state. - What are the qualifications of your counselors? Are they accredited or certified by an outside organization? If so, which one? If not, how are they trained?
Try to use an organization whose counselors are trained by an outside organization that is not affiliated with creditors. - What are your fees? Are there set-up and/or monthly fees?
Get a detailed price quote in writing, and specifically ask whether all the fees are covered in the quote. If you’re concerned that you cannot afford to pay your fees, ask if the organization waives or reduces fees when providing counseling to consumers in your circumstances. If an organization won’t help you because you can’t afford to pay, look elsewhere for help. - Have other consumers been satisfied with the service that they received?
Once you’ve identified credit counseling organizations that suit your needs, check them out with your state Attorney General, local consumer protection agency, and Better Business Bureau. These organizations can tell you if consumers have filed complaints about them. The absence of complaints doesn’t guarantee legitimacy, but complaints from other consumers may alert you to problems. - What do you do to keep personal information about your clients (for example, name, address, phone number, and financial information) confidential and secure?
Credit counseling organizations handle your most sensitive financial information. The organization should have safeguards in place to protect the privacy of this information and prevent misuse. - How are your employees paid? Are the employees or the organization paid more if I sign up for certain services, pay a fee, or make a contribution to your organization?
Employees who are counseling you to purchase certain services may receive a commission if you choose to sign up for those services. Many credit counseling organizations receive additional compensation from creditors if you enroll in a DMP. If the organization will not disclose what compensation it receives from creditors, or how employees are compensated, go elsewhere for help.
Topics: Credit | No Comments »
Tips On Buying Used Car
By Sorli | March 21, 2009
To help you stay on the road to safety and savings the next time you buy a used car, the Federal Trade Commission offers this advice:
- Before shopping for a car, think about your driving habits, your needs, and your budget;
- If you finance the cost of the car, consider how much you can put down, your monthly payment, the length of the loan, and the annual percentage rate. Make sure you understand all aspects of the loan agreement before you sign any documents, including the exact price; the amount you’re financing; the finance charge; and the total sales price;
- Learn about car models, options, and prices by reading newspaper ads, both display and classified;
- The Federal Trade Commission requires dealers to post a Buyers Guide in every used car they offer for sale. Private sellers don’t have to use the Buyers Guide. The Guide tells you: – whether the vehicle is sold “as is” or with a warranty;
- percentage of the repair costs a dealer will pay under the warranty;
- that spoken promises are difficult to enforce;
- to get all promises in writing;
- to keep the Buyers Guide for reference after the sale;
- the major mechanical and electrical systems on the car, including some of the major problems you should look out for;
- and to ask to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy; - Examine the car using an inspection checklist. You can find these on Internet sites that deal with used cars;
- Ask for the car’s maintenance record from the owner, dealer, or repair shop;
- Test drive the car under varied road conditions – on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic;
- Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car’s history
- Hire a mechanic to inspect the car for mechanical soundness as well as safety;
Topics: Tips | No Comments »
