Thursday, June 16, 2011
Birthday this month
This month, got two birthdays; my hubby and my daughter. Pokai le aku. I bought a purse for my daughter and having a dinner at Pizza Hut and perfume for my hubby. Hope they liked it.
Penangan "Nora Elena"
Penangan drama "Nora Elena". Tidur x lena, mandi x basah, makan x kenyang. hahah, aku sebenarnya tidak minat sayang dengan drama melayu. Tetapi drama ini membuatkan aku mmg menghada tv. Siap beli buku dia "Kasih yang Suci" kat karangkraf online. Disebabkan aku tidak berjumpa buku tu di beberapa kedai buku. MMg berhantu betul drama ni. Secara kesimpulannya, mmg drama tu menarik minat kebanyakkan ramai orang.
Yang bertambah lg syok member sepejabatpun minat juga. So bila datang, pagi2 la kam layan dulu episod semalam bersama. Tgk dgn family lain dgn tgk dgn member lain. Boleh bergosip. hahah
Dalam drama
kebanyakkan pelakon2 mmg terbaik dan menjiwai waktu dengan jalan cerita yang bagus, tidak meleret etc.
Cuma biasa le kebanyakkan drama melayu ade tak logiknya. Contohnya, sewa rumah hanya dua orang, dah tu double storey, mampu mereka sewa. Padahal keje kat kedai buku (Adilla). hahha
Oleh le kita layan sekali lg nora elena. MMg tak puas tengok, dengan pelakon wanita yang cantik sepadan dengan pelakon lelaki yang macho. Padahal klu mrk berlakon dalam drama lain, tak le sampai aku terpacak depan tv. Mekap dengan berpakaian mereka juga agak menarik dan sesuai dengan mereka. Walaupun aku kurang gemar dengan pakaian nora yang agak seksi sikit dan daring. Mungkin nak sesuai dengan jawatan secretarynya
http://mediaprimatv.blogspot.com/
http://live.tonton.com.my/noraelena/
Disini cuma ada 4 episod yang last sahaja. Beberapa scene uncut, delete kt sini. Best gak layan
Dalam novel
Watak nora agak lembut sikit berbanding dengan drama. Seth pulak agak nakal sebelum kahwin dan menjadi tegas bila dah kahwin berbanding dalam drama yang amat penyabar, romantik dan bertanggungjawab. Yvonne dalam drama dengan drama lebih kurang sama, mengedik, and to obses dengan Seth.
Saya lebih suka ending dalam novel dari drama. Lebih tragis.
Cuma aku terkilan sbb kata2 Seth yang diucapkan di novel tak diucapkan di drama
''Hakikatnya, aku suami dan kau isteri.Perkahwinan ini adalah simpulan mati..
Hanya maut yang akan memisahkan kita berdua..sama ada awak nak jadi isteri saya sepenuh ke, setengah ke, suku ke, saya terima,
saya redha" ~~Seth~~
Mmg touching kata2 tu.
Yang bertambah lg syok member sepejabatpun minat juga. So bila datang, pagi2 la kam layan dulu episod semalam bersama. Tgk dgn family lain dgn tgk dgn member lain. Boleh bergosip. hahah
Dalam drama
kebanyakkan pelakon2 mmg terbaik dan menjiwai waktu dengan jalan cerita yang bagus, tidak meleret etc.
Cuma biasa le kebanyakkan drama melayu ade tak logiknya. Contohnya, sewa rumah hanya dua orang, dah tu double storey, mampu mereka sewa. Padahal keje kat kedai buku (Adilla). hahha
Oleh le kita layan sekali lg nora elena. MMg tak puas tengok, dengan pelakon wanita yang cantik sepadan dengan pelakon lelaki yang macho. Padahal klu mrk berlakon dalam drama lain, tak le sampai aku terpacak depan tv. Mekap dengan berpakaian mereka juga agak menarik dan sesuai dengan mereka. Walaupun aku kurang gemar dengan pakaian nora yang agak seksi sikit dan daring. Mungkin nak sesuai dengan jawatan secretarynya
http://mediaprimatv.blogspot.com/
http://live.tonton.com.my/noraelena/
Disini cuma ada 4 episod yang last sahaja. Beberapa scene uncut, delete kt sini. Best gak layan
Dalam novel
Watak nora agak lembut sikit berbanding dengan drama. Seth pulak agak nakal sebelum kahwin dan menjadi tegas bila dah kahwin berbanding dalam drama yang amat penyabar, romantik dan bertanggungjawab. Yvonne dalam drama dengan drama lebih kurang sama, mengedik, and to obses dengan Seth.
Saya lebih suka ending dalam novel dari drama. Lebih tragis.
Cuma aku terkilan sbb kata2 Seth yang diucapkan di novel tak diucapkan di drama
''Hakikatnya, aku suami dan kau isteri.Perkahwinan ini adalah simpulan mati..
Hanya maut yang akan memisahkan kita berdua..sama ada awak nak jadi isteri saya sepenuh ke, setengah ke, suku ke, saya terima,
saya redha" ~~Seth~~
Mmg touching kata2 tu.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
10 dirty fruits and veggies
By Ashley Macha
Are the fruits and vegetables you buy clean enough to eat?
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) studied 100,000 produce pesticide reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to create a list of 49 of the dirtiest and cleanest produce.
So before you hit the grocery store, see how some of your favorite fruits and veggies measured up.
Did one of your favorites make the list? Don't worry, the EWG recommends purchasing organic or locally grown varieties, which can lower pesticide intake by 80% versus conventionally grown produce.
Celery
This stalky vegetable tops the dirty list. Research showed that a single celery stalk had 13 pesticides, while, on the whole, celery contained as many as 67 pesticides.
Chemicals fester on this vegetable as it has no protective skin and its stems cup inward, making it difficult to wash the entire surface of the stalk. It’s not easy to find locally grown celery, so if you like this crunchy veggie, go organic.
Peaches
Peaches are laced with 67 different chemicals, placing it second on the list of most contaminated fruits and vegetables. They have soft fuzzy skin, a delicate structure, and high susceptibility to most pests, causing them to sprayed more frequently.
Strawberries
This red, juicy fruit has a soft, seedy skin, allowing easier absorption of pesticides. Research showed that strawberries contained 53 pesticides. Try to buy strawberries at a local farmer’s market for a sweet dessert.
Apples
Apples are high-maintenance fruit, needing many pesticides to stave off mold, pests, and diseases. The EWG found 47 different kinds of pesticides on apples, and while produce washes can help remove some of the residue, they’re not 100% effective.
Blueberries (domestic)
These antioxidant-rich berries have a thin layer of skin that allows chemicals to more easily contaminate the fruit. Domestic blueberries were loaded with 13 pesticides on a single sample, according to the EWG. Imported blueberries also made the list at No. 14 for the dirtiest produce.
Sweet bell pepper
This crunchy, yet thin-skinned, vegetable is highly susceptible to pesticides. According to the EWG, sweet bell peppers showed traces of 63 types of pesticides. While some pesticides can be washed away, many still remain.
Spinach, kale, collard greens
These leafy green vegetables are on the list, with spinach loaded with 45 different kinds of pesticides and kale 57.
In 2006, Dole recalled bagged baby spinach after multiple E. coli illnesses associated with the vegetable made their way across the country.
Grapes (imported)
These tiny fruit have extremely thin skins, allowing for easy absorption of pesticides. And think twice before buying imported wine. The grapes that go into the wine could be coming from vineyards that use too many pesticides.
Potatoes
Have you ever indulged in a potato skin at your favorite restaurant? You might want to think twice before eating the skin. This spud was highly laced with pesticides—36, according to the EWG—that are needed to prevent pests and diseases.
Cherries
Cherries, like blueberries, strawberries, and peaches, have a thin coating of skin—often not enough to protect the fruit from harmful pesticides.
Research showed cherries grown in the U.S. had three times the amount of pesticides as imported cherries. Because cherries contain ellagic acid, an antioxidant that neutralizes carcinogens, it’s worthwhile to buy organic or seek imported ones.
Note: Either we plant our selves, buy organic food or avoid US fruits and veggies
Are the fruits and vegetables you buy clean enough to eat?
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) studied 100,000 produce pesticide reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to create a list of 49 of the dirtiest and cleanest produce.
So before you hit the grocery store, see how some of your favorite fruits and veggies measured up.
Did one of your favorites make the list? Don't worry, the EWG recommends purchasing organic or locally grown varieties, which can lower pesticide intake by 80% versus conventionally grown produce.
Celery
This stalky vegetable tops the dirty list. Research showed that a single celery stalk had 13 pesticides, while, on the whole, celery contained as many as 67 pesticides.
Chemicals fester on this vegetable as it has no protective skin and its stems cup inward, making it difficult to wash the entire surface of the stalk. It’s not easy to find locally grown celery, so if you like this crunchy veggie, go organic.
Peaches
Peaches are laced with 67 different chemicals, placing it second on the list of most contaminated fruits and vegetables. They have soft fuzzy skin, a delicate structure, and high susceptibility to most pests, causing them to sprayed more frequently.
Strawberries
This red, juicy fruit has a soft, seedy skin, allowing easier absorption of pesticides. Research showed that strawberries contained 53 pesticides. Try to buy strawberries at a local farmer’s market for a sweet dessert.
Apples
Apples are high-maintenance fruit, needing many pesticides to stave off mold, pests, and diseases. The EWG found 47 different kinds of pesticides on apples, and while produce washes can help remove some of the residue, they’re not 100% effective.
Blueberries (domestic)
These antioxidant-rich berries have a thin layer of skin that allows chemicals to more easily contaminate the fruit. Domestic blueberries were loaded with 13 pesticides on a single sample, according to the EWG. Imported blueberries also made the list at No. 14 for the dirtiest produce.
Sweet bell pepper
This crunchy, yet thin-skinned, vegetable is highly susceptible to pesticides. According to the EWG, sweet bell peppers showed traces of 63 types of pesticides. While some pesticides can be washed away, many still remain.
Spinach, kale, collard greens
These leafy green vegetables are on the list, with spinach loaded with 45 different kinds of pesticides and kale 57.
In 2006, Dole recalled bagged baby spinach after multiple E. coli illnesses associated with the vegetable made their way across the country.
Grapes (imported)
These tiny fruit have extremely thin skins, allowing for easy absorption of pesticides. And think twice before buying imported wine. The grapes that go into the wine could be coming from vineyards that use too many pesticides.
Potatoes
Have you ever indulged in a potato skin at your favorite restaurant? You might want to think twice before eating the skin. This spud was highly laced with pesticides—36, according to the EWG—that are needed to prevent pests and diseases.
Cherries
Cherries, like blueberries, strawberries, and peaches, have a thin coating of skin—often not enough to protect the fruit from harmful pesticides.
Research showed cherries grown in the U.S. had three times the amount of pesticides as imported cherries. Because cherries contain ellagic acid, an antioxidant that neutralizes carcinogens, it’s worthwhile to buy organic or seek imported ones.
Note: Either we plant our selves, buy organic food or avoid US fruits and veggies
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
15 Toughest Interview Questions (and Answers!)
by Tania Khadder, Excelle.com (monster hotjob)
For many people, job interviews are the most stressful part of the job-search process. And it's true that an interview is often a make-or-break moment: If you flub the interview in a big way, you probably won't make the cut--no matter how good your resume is, or how excellent your qualifications are.
You can combat nerves and increase your chances of success by practicing your answers to difficult interview questions. Here are some of the toughest, with suggested answers
1. Why do you want to work in this industry?
Bad answer:
"I love to shop. Even as a kid, I spent hours flipping through catalogs."
<strong>Tip:
Don't just say you like it. Anyone can do that. Focus instead on your history with that particular industry, and if you can, tell a success story.
Good answer:
"I've always loved shopping, but my interest in retail marketing really started when I worked at a neighborhood boutique. I knew that our clothes were amazing, but that we weren't marketing them properly. So I worked with management to come up with a marketing strategy that increased our sales by 25 percent in a year. It was great to be able to contribute positively to an industry I feel so passionate about, and to help promote a product I really believed in."
2. Tell us about yourself.
Bad answer:
"I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a bachelor's in biology--but I decided that wasn't the right path for me. So I switched gears and got my first job, working in sales for a startup. Then I went on to work in marketing for a law firm. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back and worked in marketing again. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging marketing role."
Tip:
Instead of giving a chronological work history, focus on your strengths and how they pertain to the role. If possible, illustrate with examples.
Good answer:
"I'm really energetic, and I'm a great communicator. Working in sales for two years helped me build confidence and taught me the importance of customer loyalty. I've also got a track record of success. In my last role, I launched a company newsletter, which helped us build on our existing relationships and create new ones. Because of this, we ended up seeing a revenue increase of 10 percent over two years. I'm also very interested in how companies can use web tools to better market themselves, and would be committed to building on your existing platform."
3. What do you think of your previous boss?
Bad answer:
"He was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why I've moved on."
Tip:
Remember that if you get the job, many of the people interviewing you will someday be your previous bosses. The last thing they want is to hire someone they know will badmouth them. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from him (no matter how awful he really was).
Good answer:
"My last boss taught me the importance of time management, didn't pull any punches, and was extremely deadline-driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet deadlines I never even thought were possible.
4. Why are you leaving your current role?
Bad answer:
"I can't stand my boss, or the work I'm doing."
Tip:
Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.
Good answer:
"I've learned a lot from my current role, but now I'm looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons, and to gain a new skill set--all of which I see the potential for in this job."
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Bad answer:
"Relaxing on a beach in Maui," or "Doing your job."
Tip:
There's really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that you're ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the company. So instead of sharing your dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give an answer that illustrates your drive and commitment.
Good answer:
"In five years I'd like to have an even better understanding of this industry. Also, I really love working with people. Ultimately, I'd like to be in some type of managerial role at this company, where I can use my people skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working for me, and the company as a whole."
6. What's your greatest weakness?
Bad answer:
"I work too hard," or for the comedian, "Blonds."
Tip:
This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something negative, but you don't want your answer to be a cliche--joking or not. Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you have learned to overcome.
Good answer:
"I've never been very comfortable with public speaking--which, as you know, can be a hindrance in the workplace. Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous employer if I could enroll in a speech workshop. I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, I've given several presentations to audiences of over 100 high-level executives--I still don't love it, but no one else can tell!"
7. What salary are you looking for?
Bad answer:
"In my last job I earned $35,000--so now I'm looking for $40,000."
Tip:
"If you can avoid it, don't give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, reiterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research you've conducted on that particular role, in your particular city."
Good answer:
"I'm more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I'd expect to be paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New York City."
8. Why should I hire you?
Bad answer:
"I'm the best candidate for the role."
Tip:
A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes you unique.
Good answer:
"I've been an executive assistant for the past ten years--my boss has said time and time again that without me, the organization would fall apart. I've also taken the time to educate myself on some of the software I regularly use (but didn't really understand the ins and outs of). I'm an Excel whiz now, which means I can work faster, and take over some of what my boss would traditionally have had to do herself. What's good enough for most people is never really good enough for me."
9. What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?
Bad answer:
"I never finished law school--and everything that's happened since has taught me that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge mistake."
Tip:
You don't want to highlight a true major regret--especially one that exposes an overall dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller (but still significant) mishap, and how it has made you a better professional.
Good answer:
"When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didn't take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my engineering classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. I'd even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what I'm doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, it's not worth doing at all."
10. How do you explain your gap in employment?
Bad answer:
"I was so tired of working, and I needed a break," or "I just can't find a job."
Tip:
Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You don't want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based on the right reasons.
Good answer:
"My work is important to me, so I won't be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I'm taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the right one."
11. When were you most satisfied in your job?
Bad answer:
“I was most satisfied when I did well, and got praised for my work.”
Don’t give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well and enjoyed that will be relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity for you to share your interests, prove that you’re a great fit for the job and showcase your enthusiasm.
Good answer:
I’m a people person. I was always happiest — and most satisfied — when I was interacting with customers, making sure I was able to meet their needs and giving them the best possible customer experience. It was my favorite part of the job, and it showed – I was rated as “Good or Excellent” 95% of the time. Part of the reason I’m interested in this job is that I know I’d have even more interaction with customers, on an even more critical level."
12. What did you like least about your last job?
Bad answer:
“A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time.”
Try and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or financial health of your previous employer. No matter how true it might be, comments like these will be construed as too negative. Also, you don’t want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in the next role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but that you know for sure won’t be part of this new role.
Good answer:
“There was nothing about my last job that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. While I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting — I didn’t like spending quite so much time out of the office. I’m happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel.”
13. Describe a time when you did not get along with a co-worker.
Bad answer:
“I’m easy to get along with, so I’ve never had any kind of discord with another coworker.”
Interviewers don’t like these types of ‘easy out’ answers. And besides, they know you are probably not telling the truth. Think of a relatively benign (but significant) instance, and spin it to be a positive learning experience.
Good answer:
“I used to lock heads with a fellow nurse in the INCU ward. We disagreed over a lot of things — from the care of patients to who got what shifts to how to speak with a child’s family. Our personalities just didn’t mesh. After three months of arguing, I pulled her aside and asked her to lunch. At lunch, we talked about our differences and why we weren’t getting along. It turns out, it was all about communication. We communicated differently and once we knew that, we began to work well together. I really believe that talking a problem through with someone can help solve any issue.”
14. What motivates you?
Bad answer:
“Doing a good job and being rewarded for it.”
It’s not that this answer is wrong — it’s just that it wastes an opportunity. This question is practically begging you to highlight your positive attributes. So don’t give a vague, generic response — it tells them very little about you. Instead, try and use this question as an opportunity to give the interviewer some insight into your character, and use examples where possible.
Good answer:
“I’ve always been motivated by the challenge of meeting a tough deadline — in my last role, I was responsible for a 100% success rate in terms of delivering our products on time and within budget. I know that this job is very fast-paced, and deadline-driven — I’m more than up for the challenge. In fact, I thrive on it.”
15. How would your friends describe you?
Bad answer:
“I’m a really good listener.”
While being a good listener is a great personality trait, your employer probably doesn’t care all that much. It’s unlikely that they’re hiring you to be a shoulder to cry on. You’ll want to keep your answer relevant to the job you’re interviewing for — and as specific as possible. If you can, insert an example.
Good answer:
“My friends would probably say that I’m extremely persistent — I’ve never been afraid to keep going back until I get what I want. When I worked as a program developer, recruiting keynote speakers for a major tech conference, I got one rejection after another – this was just the nature of the job.But I really wanted the big players — so I wouldn’t take no for an answer. I kept going back to them every time there was a new company on board, or some new value proposition. Eventually, many of them actually said “yes” — the program turned out to be so great that we doubled our attendees from the year before. A lot of people might have given up after the first rejection, but it’s just not in my nature. If I know something is possible, I have to keep trying until I get it."
For many people, job interviews are the most stressful part of the job-search process. And it's true that an interview is often a make-or-break moment: If you flub the interview in a big way, you probably won't make the cut--no matter how good your resume is, or how excellent your qualifications are.
You can combat nerves and increase your chances of success by practicing your answers to difficult interview questions. Here are some of the toughest, with suggested answers
1. Why do you want to work in this industry?
Bad answer:
"I love to shop. Even as a kid, I spent hours flipping through catalogs."
<strong>Tip:
Don't just say you like it. Anyone can do that. Focus instead on your history with that particular industry, and if you can, tell a success story.
Good answer:
"I've always loved shopping, but my interest in retail marketing really started when I worked at a neighborhood boutique. I knew that our clothes were amazing, but that we weren't marketing them properly. So I worked with management to come up with a marketing strategy that increased our sales by 25 percent in a year. It was great to be able to contribute positively to an industry I feel so passionate about, and to help promote a product I really believed in."
2. Tell us about yourself.
Bad answer:
"I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a bachelor's in biology--but I decided that wasn't the right path for me. So I switched gears and got my first job, working in sales for a startup. Then I went on to work in marketing for a law firm. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back and worked in marketing again. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging marketing role."
Tip:
Instead of giving a chronological work history, focus on your strengths and how they pertain to the role. If possible, illustrate with examples.
Good answer:
"I'm really energetic, and I'm a great communicator. Working in sales for two years helped me build confidence and taught me the importance of customer loyalty. I've also got a track record of success. In my last role, I launched a company newsletter, which helped us build on our existing relationships and create new ones. Because of this, we ended up seeing a revenue increase of 10 percent over two years. I'm also very interested in how companies can use web tools to better market themselves, and would be committed to building on your existing platform."
3. What do you think of your previous boss?
Bad answer:
"He was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why I've moved on."
Tip:
Remember that if you get the job, many of the people interviewing you will someday be your previous bosses. The last thing they want is to hire someone they know will badmouth them. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from him (no matter how awful he really was).
Good answer:
"My last boss taught me the importance of time management, didn't pull any punches, and was extremely deadline-driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet deadlines I never even thought were possible.
4. Why are you leaving your current role?
Bad answer:
"I can't stand my boss, or the work I'm doing."
Tip:
Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.
Good answer:
"I've learned a lot from my current role, but now I'm looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons, and to gain a new skill set--all of which I see the potential for in this job."
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Bad answer:
"Relaxing on a beach in Maui," or "Doing your job."
Tip:
There's really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that you're ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the company. So instead of sharing your dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give an answer that illustrates your drive and commitment.
Good answer:
"In five years I'd like to have an even better understanding of this industry. Also, I really love working with people. Ultimately, I'd like to be in some type of managerial role at this company, where I can use my people skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working for me, and the company as a whole."
6. What's your greatest weakness?
Bad answer:
"I work too hard," or for the comedian, "Blonds."
Tip:
This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something negative, but you don't want your answer to be a cliche--joking or not. Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you have learned to overcome.
Good answer:
"I've never been very comfortable with public speaking--which, as you know, can be a hindrance in the workplace. Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous employer if I could enroll in a speech workshop. I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, I've given several presentations to audiences of over 100 high-level executives--I still don't love it, but no one else can tell!"
7. What salary are you looking for?
Bad answer:
"In my last job I earned $35,000--so now I'm looking for $40,000."
Tip:
"If you can avoid it, don't give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, reiterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research you've conducted on that particular role, in your particular city."
Good answer:
"I'm more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I'd expect to be paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New York City."
8. Why should I hire you?
Bad answer:
"I'm the best candidate for the role."
Tip:
A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes you unique.
Good answer:
"I've been an executive assistant for the past ten years--my boss has said time and time again that without me, the organization would fall apart. I've also taken the time to educate myself on some of the software I regularly use (but didn't really understand the ins and outs of). I'm an Excel whiz now, which means I can work faster, and take over some of what my boss would traditionally have had to do herself. What's good enough for most people is never really good enough for me."
9. What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?
Bad answer:
"I never finished law school--and everything that's happened since has taught me that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge mistake."
Tip:
You don't want to highlight a true major regret--especially one that exposes an overall dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller (but still significant) mishap, and how it has made you a better professional.
Good answer:
"When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didn't take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my engineering classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. I'd even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what I'm doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, it's not worth doing at all."
10. How do you explain your gap in employment?
Bad answer:
"I was so tired of working, and I needed a break," or "I just can't find a job."
Tip:
Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You don't want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based on the right reasons.
Good answer:
"My work is important to me, so I won't be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I'm taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the right one."
11. When were you most satisfied in your job?
Bad answer:
“I was most satisfied when I did well, and got praised for my work.”
Don’t give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well and enjoyed that will be relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity for you to share your interests, prove that you’re a great fit for the job and showcase your enthusiasm.
Good answer:
I’m a people person. I was always happiest — and most satisfied — when I was interacting with customers, making sure I was able to meet their needs and giving them the best possible customer experience. It was my favorite part of the job, and it showed – I was rated as “Good or Excellent” 95% of the time. Part of the reason I’m interested in this job is that I know I’d have even more interaction with customers, on an even more critical level."
12. What did you like least about your last job?
Bad answer:
“A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time.”
Try and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or financial health of your previous employer. No matter how true it might be, comments like these will be construed as too negative. Also, you don’t want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in the next role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but that you know for sure won’t be part of this new role.
Good answer:
“There was nothing about my last job that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. While I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting — I didn’t like spending quite so much time out of the office. I’m happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel.”
13. Describe a time when you did not get along with a co-worker.
Bad answer:
“I’m easy to get along with, so I’ve never had any kind of discord with another coworker.”
Interviewers don’t like these types of ‘easy out’ answers. And besides, they know you are probably not telling the truth. Think of a relatively benign (but significant) instance, and spin it to be a positive learning experience.
Good answer:
“I used to lock heads with a fellow nurse in the INCU ward. We disagreed over a lot of things — from the care of patients to who got what shifts to how to speak with a child’s family. Our personalities just didn’t mesh. After three months of arguing, I pulled her aside and asked her to lunch. At lunch, we talked about our differences and why we weren’t getting along. It turns out, it was all about communication. We communicated differently and once we knew that, we began to work well together. I really believe that talking a problem through with someone can help solve any issue.”
14. What motivates you?
Bad answer:
“Doing a good job and being rewarded for it.”
It’s not that this answer is wrong — it’s just that it wastes an opportunity. This question is practically begging you to highlight your positive attributes. So don’t give a vague, generic response — it tells them very little about you. Instead, try and use this question as an opportunity to give the interviewer some insight into your character, and use examples where possible.
Good answer:
“I’ve always been motivated by the challenge of meeting a tough deadline — in my last role, I was responsible for a 100% success rate in terms of delivering our products on time and within budget. I know that this job is very fast-paced, and deadline-driven — I’m more than up for the challenge. In fact, I thrive on it.”
15. How would your friends describe you?
Bad answer:
“I’m a really good listener.”
While being a good listener is a great personality trait, your employer probably doesn’t care all that much. It’s unlikely that they’re hiring you to be a shoulder to cry on. You’ll want to keep your answer relevant to the job you’re interviewing for — and as specific as possible. If you can, insert an example.
Good answer:
“My friends would probably say that I’m extremely persistent — I’ve never been afraid to keep going back until I get what I want. When I worked as a program developer, recruiting keynote speakers for a major tech conference, I got one rejection after another – this was just the nature of the job.But I really wanted the big players — so I wouldn’t take no for an answer. I kept going back to them every time there was a new company on board, or some new value proposition. Eventually, many of them actually said “yes” — the program turned out to be so great that we doubled our attendees from the year before. A lot of people might have given up after the first rejection, but it’s just not in my nature. If I know something is possible, I have to keep trying until I get it."
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Be a property millionaire without investing large sums
By Sherry Koh | Mar 12, 2010
Property millionaires, Michael Tan, 34, and Juanita Chin, 39, have proven that “you don’t need large sums of capital to invest.” Both of them have achieved financial independence through property investments in just a few short years.
It is rather easy for one’s self-admiration to balloon out of proportion with a burgeoning bank balance, but Michael and Juanita remain firmly grounded and truly believe in paying it forward by sharing their strategies and success stories in their upcoming seminar.
Property millionaires, Michael Tan and Juanita Chin.
Tell us about your background and how you became involved in property investment.
Michael Tan (MT): My parents encouraged me to be a professional. You know, the likes of a doctor, engineer. I studied engineering and worked for a couple of years and then ventured into a few businesses. It took the loss of a job, two big failures and one near bankruptcy to realise that making money does not equal to keeping money.
I then decided to pursue property investment. Now, I have 12 properties valued at approximately RM2.9million.
Juanita Chin (JC): I was a bank teller earning RM400 per month. I have no degree and I only finished Form 5. But I had big dreams to be successful despite my lack of education. I first started investing in year 2003 because I wanted more time with my children. Working for long hours wasn’t getting our family anywhere. My husband, Ignatius, and I wanted a better life and not be stuck in the rat race.
After attending two life-changing seminars, we took action within a month. To date, we have 13 properties valued at RM5.6million. We now have the freedom of time, and my husband is able to pursue his passion in options trading.
How did you get to know each other?
MT: I attended a seminar that Juanita was co-sharing and spoke with her on the last day of the seminar. I consider her as my sifu (mentor) and I am very inspired by her story. Against all odds, she and Ignatius managed to be financially free.
So, is this the first collaboration between both of you?
MT: No. The first collaboration was in December 2009, for a charity event. I called Juanita to participate and she readily agreed. The second would be an upcoming seminar on 20th and 21st of March 2010.
Tell us about your first investment.
JC: We attended a RM57 property preview and learned that we can invest with little money. So we decided to try the strategy and negotiated with a property developer. We signed the SPA (Sales & Purchase Agreement) for RM5,000 for a property in Gurney Drive. The property’s lease was priced at RM450,000 and it has appreciated to approximately RM570,000 to RM580,000.
It is rented for RM3,000, while the monthly installment is RM1,800. Minus the service charge (maintenance fee) of RM200, we get a passive rental income of RM1,000.
MT: Also, mind you, she has four kids.
JC: Yes, it is important to mention that I have four kids. When we started investing, we already had two kids. The worse thing that could happen is losing money, but at least we tried. We then bought two more units on the lower floors at the same block with the same method.
MT: Also, I would like to mention that the units are not prime units or the nicest ones.
Juanita, where are your other properties located?
JC: All in Penang.
Michael, which was your first investment?
MT: As a business person, I wanted to do different things. I took a more conservative approach. I paid RM6,000 for a low cost unit and made RM18,000 back. I shared my money-making skills with my staff as well. One of them (at his mortgage broking company) paid RM1,180 as downpayment and she made RM14,000 after three months.
JC: It is possible to start with not much and achieve great success despite limitations. Educate (yourself) and take actions. It is not always a breeze. There are obstacles but it is worth it.
So, it is safe to say that the biggest myth in property investment is that you need large sums of capital.
JC: Yes, that is the biggest myth.
Juanita, what are these obstacles?
JC: Some of them include raising cash. We have to convince the banks. If you are determined to reach your objectives, you won’t let it stop you. I live in Penang and travel to Kuala Lumpur very often. Not many people would take the trouble to travel.
MT: Tell them about your furniture shopping trip!
JC: Oh! Ignatius and I would drive all the way from Penang to KL to buy furniture. Pack it all up in our car, tie things to the roof and then drive all the way back, on the same day.
MT: I have known her for only two to three months, but I see her in KL very often. I am blessed to have met and known her.
Wow! Where do you find the energy and drive?
JC: It’s just like a mother loving a child. I don’t mind not resting. As a mother, the saddest thing is not having time for them, (or) providing more for them.
What are the essential traits or qualities to be a successful investor?
JC: The person must love property. (He/she) Must be literate about real estate or finance.
MT: Financing can be a headache. One must be able to balance financing well enough, to pay loans well. Bear in mind, our properties might be worth millions, but we also have millions in debt.
Juanita has written a book titled “Inspired To Change”. Michael, any plans to follow suit? MT: Yes. I am planning to release my book in October this year. Soon… soon, I will start writing.
What are the key things to look out for when investing?
JC: Be practical. You need to decide on a particular location and who you are targeting. For example, if you are targeting expatriates, then buy (property) in the area where they usually are.
MT: You could identify a fixed area and buy in the same area over and over. For me, I focus on good deals in Kiara only and areas where I can attain a rental yield of 8%.
Some of the strategies include focusing on low and medium cost projects. For those who are younger and do not have much cash, start with that. There is still a demand for such units. Some people prefer commercial, so go with what works for you.
Any advice for aspiring property millionaires?
MT: Be real. Be yourself. Be grounded.
JC: Believe that it can be done. One of the other things that we hope to impart from the seminar is, “Who are you going to be when you reach your financial goals?” Success is not just about money. We take a holistic approach. We want to get there (be successful) in the right way.
Being rich is about who you have beside you at the end of the day. Surround yourself with good people.
MT: It is fulfilling as a person, to see the changes in people, to see how their lives have improved. I hope to share my knowledge and affect 10 million people. We also do charities from time to time and are currently supporting a home for the underprivileged, House of Joy, in Puchong.
Property millionaires, Michael Tan, 34, and Juanita Chin, 39, have proven that “you don’t need large sums of capital to invest.” Both of them have achieved financial independence through property investments in just a few short years.
It is rather easy for one’s self-admiration to balloon out of proportion with a burgeoning bank balance, but Michael and Juanita remain firmly grounded and truly believe in paying it forward by sharing their strategies and success stories in their upcoming seminar.
Property millionaires, Michael Tan and Juanita Chin.
Tell us about your background and how you became involved in property investment.
Michael Tan (MT): My parents encouraged me to be a professional. You know, the likes of a doctor, engineer. I studied engineering and worked for a couple of years and then ventured into a few businesses. It took the loss of a job, two big failures and one near bankruptcy to realise that making money does not equal to keeping money.
I then decided to pursue property investment. Now, I have 12 properties valued at approximately RM2.9million.
Juanita Chin (JC): I was a bank teller earning RM400 per month. I have no degree and I only finished Form 5. But I had big dreams to be successful despite my lack of education. I first started investing in year 2003 because I wanted more time with my children. Working for long hours wasn’t getting our family anywhere. My husband, Ignatius, and I wanted a better life and not be stuck in the rat race.
After attending two life-changing seminars, we took action within a month. To date, we have 13 properties valued at RM5.6million. We now have the freedom of time, and my husband is able to pursue his passion in options trading.
How did you get to know each other?
MT: I attended a seminar that Juanita was co-sharing and spoke with her on the last day of the seminar. I consider her as my sifu (mentor) and I am very inspired by her story. Against all odds, she and Ignatius managed to be financially free.
So, is this the first collaboration between both of you?
MT: No. The first collaboration was in December 2009, for a charity event. I called Juanita to participate and she readily agreed. The second would be an upcoming seminar on 20th and 21st of March 2010.
Tell us about your first investment.
JC: We attended a RM57 property preview and learned that we can invest with little money. So we decided to try the strategy and negotiated with a property developer. We signed the SPA (Sales & Purchase Agreement) for RM5,000 for a property in Gurney Drive. The property’s lease was priced at RM450,000 and it has appreciated to approximately RM570,000 to RM580,000.
It is rented for RM3,000, while the monthly installment is RM1,800. Minus the service charge (maintenance fee) of RM200, we get a passive rental income of RM1,000.
MT: Also, mind you, she has four kids.
JC: Yes, it is important to mention that I have four kids. When we started investing, we already had two kids. The worse thing that could happen is losing money, but at least we tried. We then bought two more units on the lower floors at the same block with the same method.
MT: Also, I would like to mention that the units are not prime units or the nicest ones.
Juanita, where are your other properties located?
JC: All in Penang.
Michael, which was your first investment?
MT: As a business person, I wanted to do different things. I took a more conservative approach. I paid RM6,000 for a low cost unit and made RM18,000 back. I shared my money-making skills with my staff as well. One of them (at his mortgage broking company) paid RM1,180 as downpayment and she made RM14,000 after three months.
JC: It is possible to start with not much and achieve great success despite limitations. Educate (yourself) and take actions. It is not always a breeze. There are obstacles but it is worth it.
So, it is safe to say that the biggest myth in property investment is that you need large sums of capital.
JC: Yes, that is the biggest myth.
Juanita, what are these obstacles?
JC: Some of them include raising cash. We have to convince the banks. If you are determined to reach your objectives, you won’t let it stop you. I live in Penang and travel to Kuala Lumpur very often. Not many people would take the trouble to travel.
MT: Tell them about your furniture shopping trip!
JC: Oh! Ignatius and I would drive all the way from Penang to KL to buy furniture. Pack it all up in our car, tie things to the roof and then drive all the way back, on the same day.
MT: I have known her for only two to three months, but I see her in KL very often. I am blessed to have met and known her.
Wow! Where do you find the energy and drive?
JC: It’s just like a mother loving a child. I don’t mind not resting. As a mother, the saddest thing is not having time for them, (or) providing more for them.
What are the essential traits or qualities to be a successful investor?
JC: The person must love property. (He/she) Must be literate about real estate or finance.
MT: Financing can be a headache. One must be able to balance financing well enough, to pay loans well. Bear in mind, our properties might be worth millions, but we also have millions in debt.
Juanita has written a book titled “Inspired To Change”. Michael, any plans to follow suit? MT: Yes. I am planning to release my book in October this year. Soon… soon, I will start writing.
What are the key things to look out for when investing?
JC: Be practical. You need to decide on a particular location and who you are targeting. For example, if you are targeting expatriates, then buy (property) in the area where they usually are.
MT: You could identify a fixed area and buy in the same area over and over. For me, I focus on good deals in Kiara only and areas where I can attain a rental yield of 8%.
Some of the strategies include focusing on low and medium cost projects. For those who are younger and do not have much cash, start with that. There is still a demand for such units. Some people prefer commercial, so go with what works for you.
Any advice for aspiring property millionaires?
MT: Be real. Be yourself. Be grounded.
JC: Believe that it can be done. One of the other things that we hope to impart from the seminar is, “Who are you going to be when you reach your financial goals?” Success is not just about money. We take a holistic approach. We want to get there (be successful) in the right way.
Being rich is about who you have beside you at the end of the day. Surround yourself with good people.
MT: It is fulfilling as a person, to see the changes in people, to see how their lives have improved. I hope to share my knowledge and affect 10 million people. We also do charities from time to time and are currently supporting a home for the underprivileged, House of Joy, in Puchong.
Property millionaires share their secrets
By Sherry Koh, Apr 7, 2010
It has been done over and over - making money out of property investment, but it is not without its share of peril. At a recent Property Millionaire Convention, four property millionaires shared their journey towards financial freedom.
The convention was organised by Paysolution Technologies Sdn Bhd. The company’s founder, Michael Tan, 34, channeled positive energy and vibes through a “motivational” approach by eliciting “I” from his questions. “Who wants to be a property millionaire?” and the crowd goes “I”. “Do you want to be financially free in five years?” And the crowd hollers, “I”. You get the picture.
The convention was also interspersed with stretching exercises and participants giving one another high fives. Additionally, each participant was given an egg to take care off. So right off the bat, it was an eye-opener for many participants.
Tan’s financial advice
Tan has been involved in property investment for approximately four years, with wealth accumulation of more than RM2.28 million. Through his mortgage broking firm, he has taught more than 220 students within 8 months and has helped them purchase properties worth more than RM8.07million.
He also advised all to find out how much one can borrow, to find out how much one is worth. “If you currently have rentals, then your income (level) goes up. For example, if your monthly pay is RM10,000 and rental income is RM2,000, the amount that the bank will calculate is based on RM12,000. Therefore the (borrowing) limit goes up,” Tan explains.
Tan also provided a few formulas. One included determining one’s Finish Line, which translates to determining how much you need to have in order to retire within your limits. Not surprising, all 150 participants’ figure ran up to the millions.
“Last time, to be a millionaire is a privilege. Now, it is becoming a necessity due to money inflation,” he explains.
Tan’s formula – calculate your required Pension Fund
Pension Fund (PF) is the amount you need when you arrive at your desired retirement age, in order to receive your Desired Monthly Income (passive income).
DI (Desired Income) = Ideal passive income monthly
CA (Current Age) = Current age, rounded down to closest 5 years (e.g. 48 becomes 45)
RA (Retirement Age) = Ideal retirement age, rounded up to 5 years (e.g. 48 becomes 50)
POA (Passing On Age) = Age of passing, rounded up to 5 years (e.g. 81 becomes 85)
PF = DI x (POA-RA) x 12 months
For example:
PF = RM10,000 x (75 – 45) x 12 months
= RM3,600,00
Which means, I would need to have RM3,600,000 in savings, so that I can retire by 45 years old and enjoy a passive income of RM10,000 per month (assuming that I pass on at age 75)!
Chin’s investment strategies
One of Tan’s convention co-sharer, Juanita Chin, 39, became a property millionaire in less than five years. She currently owns RM5.6million worth of properties comprising resort condos, shop offices and office suites. She cautioned would-be-investors to be rational and not emotional. It is all about money and sense.
All her properties are in Penang and her first property was with a low downpayment of RM5,000. The property was in Gurney Drive. Chin said, “It was a balance unit. On the 4th floor. Facing a graveyard. Leasehold.” After the chatter of amazement eased, she added that she did research and discovered that Japanese community favoured living in the area and preferred the lower floors. The first unit was rented out and fetched a positive cash flow of RM400. She has since purchased two more units and is getting a total of RM3,000 in rental from the three units.
Some of the strategies that she employs include:
• Knowledge - the more you know, the less mistakes
• Leverage on assets – refinance properties for extra capital to reinvest
• Joint-loans with family members
• Know your banker
• Look out for discounts and early bird specials from developers
• Find a group of people and negotiate for a “bulk" discount
Yee’s practical approach
Dr Peter Yee, a guest speaker at the convention, has benefited many times from property auctions. So far, he has purchased 14 properties, including terraced houses, bungalows and shop offices. Rental income and the sale of six properties have earned him profits of more than RM1million.
His straightforward candour and funny anecdotes during his sharing session were more than well received. He is perceived to be like a family’s funny uncle. His area of expertise is in the auction and secondary markets. He mentioned that he has paid tens of thousands in “tuition fee” – monies lost from bad purchases. As the years progressed, he stopped paying tuition fee, but instead made a tidy sum.
He also shared that it is important to know what’s going on. “See this shoplot. Beside the two lots owned by the same person. The owner of the two lots beside mine, did not know the next lot was going to be auctioned. I bought it and then the owner purchased it from me. I like people like this. Busy, hardworking people who don’t know what’s going on,” he said cheekily.
Yee also added that it is important to know an area well and adopt a wait-and-see approach. Look out for signboards at properties. If the owners are desperate, the prices will drop in time. Or if a piece of land is priced at a low value, due to the owner’s mistake, then it is to Yee’s benefit.
Doshi’s principles
Milan Doshi, a Singaporean residing in Malaysia and the convention’s second guest speaker, has been involved in investment property for more than 10 years. Currently, he has 19 properties, with one in Singapore. The loans amount to RM11million, with a positive cash flow of RM15,000 to RM20,000 per month.
“When I started working, my friends were driving second-hand cars. Two to three years later, they were driving new cars and I was still taking the bus and LRT. I knew something was not right,” Doshi shared.
“My first job was as a commodity trader. My boss told me that the sooner I learn that the four years in university is nothing but rubbish, the earlier you become useful to me,” he continued. It was years later that he found out what his boss meant because everything he learnt was theory, not real-world practical learning.
When he began investing in units in HDB flats in Singapore, he was doing well, until one friend told him to buy the most expensive property that he cannot afford. It made sense at the time, because the more the asset appreciates, the bigger the gain. But alas, as values can increase, it can also nosedive.
He has since moved on and has made many good purchases. To date, he has more than a handful of shoplots at Berjaya Times Square. Some of these lots are lesser than 1,000sq ft and were purchased for a price tag of more than RM1million each.
The six principles that he strongly advocates are:
• Learn as much as you can – from sales people, the market, entrepreneurs, experts
• Network – it’s who you know
• Earn as much as you can, as fast as you can
• Savings – invest in yourself e.g. save RM200 and spend RM200 on books, etc.
• Borrow – as much as you can and invest to gain returns that are more than interest rates
• Invest wisely, as much as you can
The gurus’ seminars
This property millionaire quartet conducts seminars and workshops throughout the year – individually and together with a few other speakers.
Tan, Chin, Yee and Ho Chin Soon (the maker of Malaysian maps that pinpoint the exact geographical location and information on properties) will be conducting a series of seminars titled “The Millionaire Start Up Programme”. Call 03-2283 1740 for details.
Property Intensive, a 3-hour seminar preview by Doshi, will be held on 9 and 10 April. For more information, call 1700 800 178.
The egg
Back to the egg. What was it all about? It was to represent a loved one and the reason one is striving financial independence for. In short, be grounded and remember loved ones and those in need even when one joins the millionaire club
It has been done over and over - making money out of property investment, but it is not without its share of peril. At a recent Property Millionaire Convention, four property millionaires shared their journey towards financial freedom.
The convention was organised by Paysolution Technologies Sdn Bhd. The company’s founder, Michael Tan, 34, channeled positive energy and vibes through a “motivational” approach by eliciting “I” from his questions. “Who wants to be a property millionaire?” and the crowd goes “I”. “Do you want to be financially free in five years?” And the crowd hollers, “I”. You get the picture.
The convention was also interspersed with stretching exercises and participants giving one another high fives. Additionally, each participant was given an egg to take care off. So right off the bat, it was an eye-opener for many participants.
Tan’s financial advice
Tan has been involved in property investment for approximately four years, with wealth accumulation of more than RM2.28 million. Through his mortgage broking firm, he has taught more than 220 students within 8 months and has helped them purchase properties worth more than RM8.07million.
He also advised all to find out how much one can borrow, to find out how much one is worth. “If you currently have rentals, then your income (level) goes up. For example, if your monthly pay is RM10,000 and rental income is RM2,000, the amount that the bank will calculate is based on RM12,000. Therefore the (borrowing) limit goes up,” Tan explains.
Tan also provided a few formulas. One included determining one’s Finish Line, which translates to determining how much you need to have in order to retire within your limits. Not surprising, all 150 participants’ figure ran up to the millions.
“Last time, to be a millionaire is a privilege. Now, it is becoming a necessity due to money inflation,” he explains.
Tan’s formula – calculate your required Pension Fund
Pension Fund (PF) is the amount you need when you arrive at your desired retirement age, in order to receive your Desired Monthly Income (passive income).
DI (Desired Income) = Ideal passive income monthly
CA (Current Age) = Current age, rounded down to closest 5 years (e.g. 48 becomes 45)
RA (Retirement Age) = Ideal retirement age, rounded up to 5 years (e.g. 48 becomes 50)
POA (Passing On Age) = Age of passing, rounded up to 5 years (e.g. 81 becomes 85)
PF = DI x (POA-RA) x 12 months
For example:
PF = RM10,000 x (75 – 45) x 12 months
= RM3,600,00
Which means, I would need to have RM3,600,000 in savings, so that I can retire by 45 years old and enjoy a passive income of RM10,000 per month (assuming that I pass on at age 75)!
Chin’s investment strategies
One of Tan’s convention co-sharer, Juanita Chin, 39, became a property millionaire in less than five years. She currently owns RM5.6million worth of properties comprising resort condos, shop offices and office suites. She cautioned would-be-investors to be rational and not emotional. It is all about money and sense.
All her properties are in Penang and her first property was with a low downpayment of RM5,000. The property was in Gurney Drive. Chin said, “It was a balance unit. On the 4th floor. Facing a graveyard. Leasehold.” After the chatter of amazement eased, she added that she did research and discovered that Japanese community favoured living in the area and preferred the lower floors. The first unit was rented out and fetched a positive cash flow of RM400. She has since purchased two more units and is getting a total of RM3,000 in rental from the three units.
Some of the strategies that she employs include:
• Knowledge - the more you know, the less mistakes
• Leverage on assets – refinance properties for extra capital to reinvest
• Joint-loans with family members
• Know your banker
• Look out for discounts and early bird specials from developers
• Find a group of people and negotiate for a “bulk" discount
Yee’s practical approach
Dr Peter Yee, a guest speaker at the convention, has benefited many times from property auctions. So far, he has purchased 14 properties, including terraced houses, bungalows and shop offices. Rental income and the sale of six properties have earned him profits of more than RM1million.
His straightforward candour and funny anecdotes during his sharing session were more than well received. He is perceived to be like a family’s funny uncle. His area of expertise is in the auction and secondary markets. He mentioned that he has paid tens of thousands in “tuition fee” – monies lost from bad purchases. As the years progressed, he stopped paying tuition fee, but instead made a tidy sum.
He also shared that it is important to know what’s going on. “See this shoplot. Beside the two lots owned by the same person. The owner of the two lots beside mine, did not know the next lot was going to be auctioned. I bought it and then the owner purchased it from me. I like people like this. Busy, hardworking people who don’t know what’s going on,” he said cheekily.
Yee also added that it is important to know an area well and adopt a wait-and-see approach. Look out for signboards at properties. If the owners are desperate, the prices will drop in time. Or if a piece of land is priced at a low value, due to the owner’s mistake, then it is to Yee’s benefit.
Doshi’s principles
Milan Doshi, a Singaporean residing in Malaysia and the convention’s second guest speaker, has been involved in investment property for more than 10 years. Currently, he has 19 properties, with one in Singapore. The loans amount to RM11million, with a positive cash flow of RM15,000 to RM20,000 per month.
“When I started working, my friends were driving second-hand cars. Two to three years later, they were driving new cars and I was still taking the bus and LRT. I knew something was not right,” Doshi shared.
“My first job was as a commodity trader. My boss told me that the sooner I learn that the four years in university is nothing but rubbish, the earlier you become useful to me,” he continued. It was years later that he found out what his boss meant because everything he learnt was theory, not real-world practical learning.
When he began investing in units in HDB flats in Singapore, he was doing well, until one friend told him to buy the most expensive property that he cannot afford. It made sense at the time, because the more the asset appreciates, the bigger the gain. But alas, as values can increase, it can also nosedive.
He has since moved on and has made many good purchases. To date, he has more than a handful of shoplots at Berjaya Times Square. Some of these lots are lesser than 1,000sq ft and were purchased for a price tag of more than RM1million each.
The six principles that he strongly advocates are:
• Learn as much as you can – from sales people, the market, entrepreneurs, experts
• Network – it’s who you know
• Earn as much as you can, as fast as you can
• Savings – invest in yourself e.g. save RM200 and spend RM200 on books, etc.
• Borrow – as much as you can and invest to gain returns that are more than interest rates
• Invest wisely, as much as you can
The gurus’ seminars
This property millionaire quartet conducts seminars and workshops throughout the year – individually and together with a few other speakers.
Tan, Chin, Yee and Ho Chin Soon (the maker of Malaysian maps that pinpoint the exact geographical location and information on properties) will be conducting a series of seminars titled “The Millionaire Start Up Programme”. Call 03-2283 1740 for details.
Property Intensive, a 3-hour seminar preview by Doshi, will be held on 9 and 10 April. For more information, call 1700 800 178.
The egg
Back to the egg. What was it all about? It was to represent a loved one and the reason one is striving financial independence for. In short, be grounded and remember loved ones and those in need even when one joins the millionaire club
What’s your money personality?
By: Milan Doshi
During my seminars and personal financial consultations, I have come across many people who have different attitudes towards money. All of us have unique personalities − some characteristics are inborn and some are learnt along life’s journey. Likewise, when it comes to money and real estate investments, we too possess various money personalities. They are:
1. Spenders / Shoppers
These personalities derive great emotional satisfaction from spending money. They need instant gratification and can't resist spending money. Spenders often shop to entertain themselves, even if the items they buy go unused. A sale is simply an excuse to spend money on the pretext of getting a good deal on things that they do not need at the moment.
A well-to-do good friend of mine was shocked to discover, during his house moving, that his wife owned more than 100 pairs of shoes and over 30 handbags! Like most guys, he couldn’t see the need for his wife to own so many pairs of shoes and handbags. As money was not an issue, he didn’t mind his wife buying more new shoes or handbags, provided that she gave her old ones away. He was concerned that his new house was quickly running out of closet space to store the things his wife bought.
Unfortunately, besides being a shopper, his wife was also a hoarder. She didn’t have the heart to give away things that are still fairly new and seldom used. This led to frequent quarrels and my friend decided that the only way out was to build more closet space in his current house and to move to a bigger house a few years later to accommodate his wife’s impulsive shopping habit. It was a small price that he could afford to pay to keep his wife happy.
Advice for Spenders/ Shoppers: Shop a lot less, save a lot more
If you love to spend, it's very likely that you are going to continue doing it. when shopping, try to seek long term value, not just short -term satisfaction. Before purchasing, ask yourself how much that purchase is going to mean in a year. If the answer is "not much",then forgo the purchase. This way, you can limit your spending to things that you'll actually use. If possible, set a monthly budget and stick to it. In case you over-spend in a month, make sure that you have the discipline to cut back the following month.
Another suggestion is to cut up any extra credit cards you may have and lower the credit limit on the ones you use regularly. Give standing instructions to auto-debit your bank account on the due date with the full amount for all your credit cards. This way you will not be tempted to overspend.
2. Debtors
Debtors are similar to Spenders/Shoppers. The only difference is that they are spending money that they don’t have and are living beyond their means. They are deeply in debt and often, are not in a position to do much investing. Debtors will typically live rich but die poor!
A newly married young couple in their late twenties came to see me for a personal financial consultation. They were keen on investing in properties and stocks. Their combined gross income was RM15,000 per month but their net worth was less than RM100,000! They had RM20,000 in credit card debts, less than RM5,000 in savings and they both drive brand new Japanese cars worth around RM70,000 each. Their logic of purchasing new cars was that they didn’t want any problems associated with buying cheaper second-hand cars.
In my opinion, both fell into the Debtor personality. While they were earning well for their age bracket, they were mismanaging their money by accumulating credit card debts and over-spending. Since both were desk-bound employees, there was no need for them to make a good impression by driving new cars. In fact, they could ill-afford to drive new cars at this stage of their lives, given their current financial situation.
In order to clear up the credit card debts and begin their investment journey, I strongly suggested that they sell off their two cars which were around a year old and downgrade to a three year old Proton or Perodua car which costs around RM35,000 each. Straight away, they would be able to settle their credit cards debts and have sufficient start-up capital of around RM50,000 to begin investing.
Unfortunately, it was easier said than done. Towards the end of our consultation, the husband blurted out that they had just placed a deposit for a new car for himself worth RM85,000 to lock-in the low interest rates. Since both had the Debtor personality, I really had a tough time convincing them to change their spending habits. If one of them had a different money personality, perhaps I would have an easier time to get one spouse to convince and force the other to change his/her ways. Finally, all I could do was wish them good luck. Personally, there is no way they will go far in life unless they make drastic changes to their behaviour
Advice for Debtors: Start saving, investing & don't spend money that you don't have!
If you are already in debt, you first need to get your debts sorted out before you can begin investing. If you are not be able to do it alone, get some professional financial help like what the couple did when they saw me.
Also, analyse what caused you to get into trouble. If it was easy access to credit cards, then the solution would be to cut up all "temptations" cards and sticks to debit cards. If spending was something that you used to compensate for other areas in your life that you feel were lacking, think about what these might be and work on changing them. If your house and cars were purchased because of the need to look good, then you may even need to downgrade your lifestyles by moving to a smaller house, drive an older car, etc.
Next, focus your efforts on saving money diligently. Pay yourself first by setting aside a certain portion of your take-home income that automatically goes into a special bank account that is used for investments. The money in this account can never be spend - it is your golden goose. Later, when you retire, you can only spend the eggs that your golden goose laid i.e whatever interest, dividend or rental incomethat your investments generated.
3. Savers
Savers are the exact opposite of Spenders/Shoppers and Debtors. They only shop when absolutely necessary and never accumulate credit cards debts. They generally have no debts and are often viewed as cheapskates. Savers are not concerned about keeping up with the Joneses or following the latest trends. They are happy with their 20-year-old cars and derive great satisfaction from seeing the interest earned on their bank statements. Due to their conservative nature, they don't take big risks with their investments. They prefer fixed deposits instead of other riskier investments where there is a possibility of a loss.
Extreme Savers unfortunately will live poor but die rich! Most of our parents who had lived through the Second World War and experienced hard times, where they didn’t have the luxury of three meals a day, will fall into this money personality type. I met many people who live in old houses that were last renovated 20 years ago and drive well-maintained cars that are more than 15 years old. These people are the ones who have more than RM5 million in fixed deposits! At the current fixed deposit rate of 2.5% p.a., their interest income alone is over RM10,000 per month which is more than sufficient to fund their no-frills lifestyle.
Advice for Savers: Practice moderation & take a little more investment risk
If you are a Saver, you should not let all the fun parts of life pass by just to save a few cents. To achieve some sort of balance, it's advisable that you allocate a small sum of "Play Money" where you can nourish your inner child by living like a King/Queen for a few hours every month. Spending a bit of money on having fun isn't going to make you bankrupt. Once you have tasted the good life, would you want more? The answer is a definite 'Yes'. In fact, you would be motivated to challenge yourself to make more money so that you can have more of the good life.
Instead of taking little or no investment risk by leaving all your money in fixed deposits, you need to learn to take a little more risk by investing a portion of your capital into higher return investments such as REITs, properties, bond funds, etc. After all, the key to investing success is to minimise risks while maximising returns. Avoiding investments risks completely will not get you far in the long run.
4. The Avoiders / Money Monks
These people are not comfortable with the subject of money due to their lack of interest or they feel that that are other more important issues. Often, they will try their level best to avoid the subject completely. Money Monks are happy-go-lucky types who strongly belief that God will take care of them. At the extreme end, they may not even know whether they are rich or broke.
If you are married to an Avoider or a Money Monk, you will have to shoulder the responsibility of managing money and investing for your family. The big advantage is that you will have little or no arguments on any money matters with them.
Advice for Avoiders/Money Monks: Make sure that you do not marry your own kind. Alternatively, find a trusted professional financial planner.
It's a sad fact that people typically will not change even when they know they need to. Hence, it is extremely tough to suggest to Avoiders and Money Monk that they should have an interest in knowing how money works. If you are an Avoider or Money Monk, an easier alternative is to make sure you don't marry their own kinds or you should seek professional help when it comes to managing your money.
5. Investors
Investors are consciously aware of how money works. They know where they are financially today and try to put as much of their money to work. All investors tend to seek a day when their passive income from their investments will provide sufficient income to cover all their expenses. Their actions are driven by careful decision making, and they are comfortable with the need to take a certain amount of risk in pursuit of their goals
Advice for Investors: Keep it up!
Congratulations! Financially speaking, you are on the right path and doing great! Keep doing what you are doing, and continue to educate yourself.
It’s extremely important to know which money personality you fall into as each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Understanding your unique money personality will help you shape your approach to spending, saving and investing. If you are married, it will also help you understand your spouse better as most marriages get into trouble because of money issues.
During my seminars and personal financial consultations, I have come across many people who have different attitudes towards money. All of us have unique personalities − some characteristics are inborn and some are learnt along life’s journey. Likewise, when it comes to money and real estate investments, we too possess various money personalities. They are:
1. Spenders / Shoppers
These personalities derive great emotional satisfaction from spending money. They need instant gratification and can't resist spending money. Spenders often shop to entertain themselves, even if the items they buy go unused. A sale is simply an excuse to spend money on the pretext of getting a good deal on things that they do not need at the moment.
A well-to-do good friend of mine was shocked to discover, during his house moving, that his wife owned more than 100 pairs of shoes and over 30 handbags! Like most guys, he couldn’t see the need for his wife to own so many pairs of shoes and handbags. As money was not an issue, he didn’t mind his wife buying more new shoes or handbags, provided that she gave her old ones away. He was concerned that his new house was quickly running out of closet space to store the things his wife bought.
Unfortunately, besides being a shopper, his wife was also a hoarder. She didn’t have the heart to give away things that are still fairly new and seldom used. This led to frequent quarrels and my friend decided that the only way out was to build more closet space in his current house and to move to a bigger house a few years later to accommodate his wife’s impulsive shopping habit. It was a small price that he could afford to pay to keep his wife happy.
Advice for Spenders/ Shoppers: Shop a lot less, save a lot more
If you love to spend, it's very likely that you are going to continue doing it. when shopping, try to seek long term value, not just short -term satisfaction. Before purchasing, ask yourself how much that purchase is going to mean in a year. If the answer is "not much",then forgo the purchase. This way, you can limit your spending to things that you'll actually use. If possible, set a monthly budget and stick to it. In case you over-spend in a month, make sure that you have the discipline to cut back the following month.
Another suggestion is to cut up any extra credit cards you may have and lower the credit limit on the ones you use regularly. Give standing instructions to auto-debit your bank account on the due date with the full amount for all your credit cards. This way you will not be tempted to overspend.
2. Debtors
Debtors are similar to Spenders/Shoppers. The only difference is that they are spending money that they don’t have and are living beyond their means. They are deeply in debt and often, are not in a position to do much investing. Debtors will typically live rich but die poor!
A newly married young couple in their late twenties came to see me for a personal financial consultation. They were keen on investing in properties and stocks. Their combined gross income was RM15,000 per month but their net worth was less than RM100,000! They had RM20,000 in credit card debts, less than RM5,000 in savings and they both drive brand new Japanese cars worth around RM70,000 each. Their logic of purchasing new cars was that they didn’t want any problems associated with buying cheaper second-hand cars.
In my opinion, both fell into the Debtor personality. While they were earning well for their age bracket, they were mismanaging their money by accumulating credit card debts and over-spending. Since both were desk-bound employees, there was no need for them to make a good impression by driving new cars. In fact, they could ill-afford to drive new cars at this stage of their lives, given their current financial situation.
In order to clear up the credit card debts and begin their investment journey, I strongly suggested that they sell off their two cars which were around a year old and downgrade to a three year old Proton or Perodua car which costs around RM35,000 each. Straight away, they would be able to settle their credit cards debts and have sufficient start-up capital of around RM50,000 to begin investing.
Unfortunately, it was easier said than done. Towards the end of our consultation, the husband blurted out that they had just placed a deposit for a new car for himself worth RM85,000 to lock-in the low interest rates. Since both had the Debtor personality, I really had a tough time convincing them to change their spending habits. If one of them had a different money personality, perhaps I would have an easier time to get one spouse to convince and force the other to change his/her ways. Finally, all I could do was wish them good luck. Personally, there is no way they will go far in life unless they make drastic changes to their behaviour
Advice for Debtors: Start saving, investing & don't spend money that you don't have!
If you are already in debt, you first need to get your debts sorted out before you can begin investing. If you are not be able to do it alone, get some professional financial help like what the couple did when they saw me.
Also, analyse what caused you to get into trouble. If it was easy access to credit cards, then the solution would be to cut up all "temptations" cards and sticks to debit cards. If spending was something that you used to compensate for other areas in your life that you feel were lacking, think about what these might be and work on changing them. If your house and cars were purchased because of the need to look good, then you may even need to downgrade your lifestyles by moving to a smaller house, drive an older car, etc.
Next, focus your efforts on saving money diligently. Pay yourself first by setting aside a certain portion of your take-home income that automatically goes into a special bank account that is used for investments. The money in this account can never be spend - it is your golden goose. Later, when you retire, you can only spend the eggs that your golden goose laid i.e whatever interest, dividend or rental incomethat your investments generated.
3. Savers
Savers are the exact opposite of Spenders/Shoppers and Debtors. They only shop when absolutely necessary and never accumulate credit cards debts. They generally have no debts and are often viewed as cheapskates. Savers are not concerned about keeping up with the Joneses or following the latest trends. They are happy with their 20-year-old cars and derive great satisfaction from seeing the interest earned on their bank statements. Due to their conservative nature, they don't take big risks with their investments. They prefer fixed deposits instead of other riskier investments where there is a possibility of a loss.
Extreme Savers unfortunately will live poor but die rich! Most of our parents who had lived through the Second World War and experienced hard times, where they didn’t have the luxury of three meals a day, will fall into this money personality type. I met many people who live in old houses that were last renovated 20 years ago and drive well-maintained cars that are more than 15 years old. These people are the ones who have more than RM5 million in fixed deposits! At the current fixed deposit rate of 2.5% p.a., their interest income alone is over RM10,000 per month which is more than sufficient to fund their no-frills lifestyle.
Advice for Savers: Practice moderation & take a little more investment risk
If you are a Saver, you should not let all the fun parts of life pass by just to save a few cents. To achieve some sort of balance, it's advisable that you allocate a small sum of "Play Money" where you can nourish your inner child by living like a King/Queen for a few hours every month. Spending a bit of money on having fun isn't going to make you bankrupt. Once you have tasted the good life, would you want more? The answer is a definite 'Yes'. In fact, you would be motivated to challenge yourself to make more money so that you can have more of the good life.
Instead of taking little or no investment risk by leaving all your money in fixed deposits, you need to learn to take a little more risk by investing a portion of your capital into higher return investments such as REITs, properties, bond funds, etc. After all, the key to investing success is to minimise risks while maximising returns. Avoiding investments risks completely will not get you far in the long run.
4. The Avoiders / Money Monks
These people are not comfortable with the subject of money due to their lack of interest or they feel that that are other more important issues. Often, they will try their level best to avoid the subject completely. Money Monks are happy-go-lucky types who strongly belief that God will take care of them. At the extreme end, they may not even know whether they are rich or broke.
If you are married to an Avoider or a Money Monk, you will have to shoulder the responsibility of managing money and investing for your family. The big advantage is that you will have little or no arguments on any money matters with them.
Advice for Avoiders/Money Monks: Make sure that you do not marry your own kind. Alternatively, find a trusted professional financial planner.
It's a sad fact that people typically will not change even when they know they need to. Hence, it is extremely tough to suggest to Avoiders and Money Monk that they should have an interest in knowing how money works. If you are an Avoider or Money Monk, an easier alternative is to make sure you don't marry their own kinds or you should seek professional help when it comes to managing your money.
5. Investors
Investors are consciously aware of how money works. They know where they are financially today and try to put as much of their money to work. All investors tend to seek a day when their passive income from their investments will provide sufficient income to cover all their expenses. Their actions are driven by careful decision making, and they are comfortable with the need to take a certain amount of risk in pursuit of their goals
Advice for Investors: Keep it up!
Congratulations! Financially speaking, you are on the right path and doing great! Keep doing what you are doing, and continue to educate yourself.
It’s extremely important to know which money personality you fall into as each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Understanding your unique money personality will help you shape your approach to spending, saving and investing. If you are married, it will also help you understand your spouse better as most marriages get into trouble because of money issues.
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