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.
How to discover your passion and interests
By: Milan Doshi
The earlier you are able to identify your passions, the better it will be as you will be able find the right direction in life to move forward. This article will give you some ideas on how to discover your passion and interests.
1. Think back
a) Subjects or courses you were interested in
These are classes that you found interesting and those that you easily excelled in, while others may have found them difficult. These could also be topics that you read beyond your textbooks on your own initiative.
b) Extra-curricular activities
What were the activities that you loved to join, either as an organiser or participant, where you didn’t mind contributing your time, energy and effort? Find out the areas where you had a natural advantage over others, be it in extra-curricular activities or inter-school competitions.
c) Accolades from peers or school mates
For example, some people are naturally good at entertaining people. Some may be good at drawings (the next Lat in the making perhaps?), some good dancers, etc. These could be starting points for you to explore your passion further and take it to the next level.
d) Outside of school
What sort of activities held by organisations or local communities did you enjoy taking part?
2. Ask people close to you
Ask your parents, elder siblings, relatives or even your childhood buddies to recall the things that you love to do in your younger days, as you might have forgotten. Personally, I couldn’t remember what I loved to do when I was still young. When I asked my father many years ago, he told me that I used to love spending my time looking at pictures of beautiful houses in newspapers and magazines. Whenever I came across a picture of a house that I like, I would tear that page and keep it in my study table drawer. Perhaps that explains my keen passion for properties today! Likewise, my son who is 12 twelve years old now loves visiting the beautiful showhouses of developers. As his father, I will encourage him to find his passion in this area. Who knows, he might become a famous architect or an interior decorator.
3. Identify subjects or activities
Choose those that bring a smile to your face. You can easily discover this whenever you are talking to your friends, parents or relatives. For example, if you put together a group of strangers with a common passion for properties in a room, you will find that they will easily bond and connect with one another discussing and sharing their ideas on properties.
Take it from a veteran actor:
“Find that one particular thing that makes you smile when you do it. For me, that was acting”
- Samuel L. Jackson, Actor
4. Imagine that you won a lottery for RM10 million
What would you do next? If you dislike your job, mostly likely the first thing you would do is to fire your boss! After that, you would quite likely pamper yourself and your family by travelling around the world, purchasing a new house, a new car and so forth.
Would you go back to what you were doing previously? If no, what new things would you do to occupy your time and keep yourself busy? Whatever you have in mind is the answer you are looking for, as you would no longer be working for the money. You already have enough to last a lifetime assuming you invest the balance wisely. Whatever you would be doing in the future would be things you enjoy where your passion and interests are.
To succeed in property investments, your passion and interests in this area helps a great deal. Success comes easily when you love what you are doing. You would be ever willing and happy to give your 110%. The time and energy spent on property investments will eventually reward your hard work and sacrifices handsomely. By then, reaching your ultimate goal of being financial free is no longer a dream, but a reality.
The earlier you are able to identify your passions, the better it will be as you will be able find the right direction in life to move forward. This article will give you some ideas on how to discover your passion and interests.
1. Think back
a) Subjects or courses you were interested in
These are classes that you found interesting and those that you easily excelled in, while others may have found them difficult. These could also be topics that you read beyond your textbooks on your own initiative.
b) Extra-curricular activities
What were the activities that you loved to join, either as an organiser or participant, where you didn’t mind contributing your time, energy and effort? Find out the areas where you had a natural advantage over others, be it in extra-curricular activities or inter-school competitions.
c) Accolades from peers or school mates
For example, some people are naturally good at entertaining people. Some may be good at drawings (the next Lat in the making perhaps?), some good dancers, etc. These could be starting points for you to explore your passion further and take it to the next level.
d) Outside of school
What sort of activities held by organisations or local communities did you enjoy taking part?
2. Ask people close to you
Ask your parents, elder siblings, relatives or even your childhood buddies to recall the things that you love to do in your younger days, as you might have forgotten. Personally, I couldn’t remember what I loved to do when I was still young. When I asked my father many years ago, he told me that I used to love spending my time looking at pictures of beautiful houses in newspapers and magazines. Whenever I came across a picture of a house that I like, I would tear that page and keep it in my study table drawer. Perhaps that explains my keen passion for properties today! Likewise, my son who is 12 twelve years old now loves visiting the beautiful showhouses of developers. As his father, I will encourage him to find his passion in this area. Who knows, he might become a famous architect or an interior decorator.
3. Identify subjects or activities
Choose those that bring a smile to your face. You can easily discover this whenever you are talking to your friends, parents or relatives. For example, if you put together a group of strangers with a common passion for properties in a room, you will find that they will easily bond and connect with one another discussing and sharing their ideas on properties.
Take it from a veteran actor:
“Find that one particular thing that makes you smile when you do it. For me, that was acting”
- Samuel L. Jackson, Actor
4. Imagine that you won a lottery for RM10 million
What would you do next? If you dislike your job, mostly likely the first thing you would do is to fire your boss! After that, you would quite likely pamper yourself and your family by travelling around the world, purchasing a new house, a new car and so forth.
Would you go back to what you were doing previously? If no, what new things would you do to occupy your time and keep yourself busy? Whatever you have in mind is the answer you are looking for, as you would no longer be working for the money. You already have enough to last a lifetime assuming you invest the balance wisely. Whatever you would be doing in the future would be things you enjoy where your passion and interests are.
To succeed in property investments, your passion and interests in this area helps a great deal. Success comes easily when you love what you are doing. You would be ever willing and happy to give your 110%. The time and energy spent on property investments will eventually reward your hard work and sacrifices handsomely. By then, reaching your ultimate goal of being financial free is no longer a dream, but a reality.
Monday, December 13, 2010
My Birthday 2010 treat
My birthday treat from my hubby for this year was having a dinner at Cheng Ho restaurant which is belong to Amy Search. We order set 1 which was 4 dishes + rice + Chinese tea. For dishes, I ordered Tom Yam Seafood, Chicken Kung Po, Stir fried vegetable, Cheng Ho style Siakap. I did add 1 rice for another person and 3 drinks (fresh orange, fresh apple and lychee). All for RM86.90. My comment ..... maybe I put very high expectation especially when comes to celebrity. I used to eat Chinese food at 5 star hotel. Of course my boss treat us. He love Chinese food.
Service - I give 3 stars. No welcoming wishes. No smiling face at cashier counter. OK, I admit, we quiet early. We reached about 6.10pm. They open on 6.15pm. So we have to wait a few minute to be serve. So what customer always right. We bring money to their doorstep... Terukkan. But food serves every fast. Maybe we are the only customer at that time. I show a lot table been reserved. It's mean Amy's restaurant consider ok and that restaurant been almost 2 years. So hopefully, they can least longer.
Food - 3 stars. I have tease Chinese food much better than this restaurant. hihih. But overall quite nice. I like the tom yam one. I think they add santan. Well, so far I know, tom yam is not Chinese food. Maybe some customer asked for it so they add in menu or they want little different from others Chinese restaurant. Drinks - I like lychee, tease quite nice compare with fresh orange and apple. Tekak lain lain.
Cleanliness - 1 star. I think they can do much better. They open only during lunch and dinner time. And they closed between that time. I show a lot spider web at ceiling and each corner and fan covered with dusk. Like 2-3 months didn't swap. And floor, it's like stepping at mamak restaurant. The floor so dirty. They used homogeneous tile. So got dirty stick at tile. If mamak restaurant, I can understand, they opened 24 hours sure they don't have time to clean up. But this restaurant have a lot of time to do overhaul clean up to do.
Toilet. 3 stars. here much better
Surau - I didnt have opportunity to go surau because we finished early about 7.25pm. So rush to pray at our house.
Oh ya. During lunch time, my friend treat me at Musa Cafe, which is belongs to Ummi Nazira's brother. We had pan fried fish with creamy cause. We ordered lunch promotion, main course plus ice lemon tea cost RM13. Overall ok le. The fish got smelly tease and to oily. hihi. Drink.. ermm Mc Donald ice lemon tea still the best. We didn't went to their boutique due lack of time. But we enjoyed seat at outside with kerusi goyang. And some extra black pepper... my friend said, mean dust coz the restaurant next to main road - jln ampang. And plus cake from Secret Recipe - chocolate indulgence - my favorite
Service - I give 3 stars. No welcoming wishes. No smiling face at cashier counter. OK, I admit, we quiet early. We reached about 6.10pm. They open on 6.15pm. So we have to wait a few minute to be serve. So what customer always right. We bring money to their doorstep... Terukkan. But food serves every fast. Maybe we are the only customer at that time. I show a lot table been reserved. It's mean Amy's restaurant consider ok and that restaurant been almost 2 years. So hopefully, they can least longer.
Food - 3 stars. I have tease Chinese food much better than this restaurant. hihih. But overall quite nice. I like the tom yam one. I think they add santan. Well, so far I know, tom yam is not Chinese food. Maybe some customer asked for it so they add in menu or they want little different from others Chinese restaurant. Drinks - I like lychee, tease quite nice compare with fresh orange and apple. Tekak lain lain.
Cleanliness - 1 star. I think they can do much better. They open only during lunch and dinner time. And they closed between that time. I show a lot spider web at ceiling and each corner and fan covered with dusk. Like 2-3 months didn't swap. And floor, it's like stepping at mamak restaurant. The floor so dirty. They used homogeneous tile. So got dirty stick at tile. If mamak restaurant, I can understand, they opened 24 hours sure they don't have time to clean up. But this restaurant have a lot of time to do overhaul clean up to do.
Toilet. 3 stars. here much better
Surau - I didnt have opportunity to go surau because we finished early about 7.25pm. So rush to pray at our house.
Oh ya. During lunch time, my friend treat me at Musa Cafe, which is belongs to Ummi Nazira's brother. We had pan fried fish with creamy cause. We ordered lunch promotion, main course plus ice lemon tea cost RM13. Overall ok le. The fish got smelly tease and to oily. hihi. Drink.. ermm Mc Donald ice lemon tea still the best. We didn't went to their boutique due lack of time. But we enjoyed seat at outside with kerusi goyang. And some extra black pepper... my friend said, mean dust coz the restaurant next to main road - jln ampang. And plus cake from Secret Recipe - chocolate indulgence - my favorite
Sunday, November 7, 2010
6 Careers You Can Do From Home
by Claire Bradley (Yahoo)
Working from home can be a great career option for people with all skillsets and lifestyles. You can set your own hours and even work in your pajamas - a pretty appealing alternative to the old nine-to-five in a cubicle. Here are six careers you can do from home, and how you can get started.
1. Personal Chef
If cooking is your passion, becoming a personal chef may just be the job for you. This job can mean that you cook a week's worth of meals in a client's home, for instance, or you can look at delivering gourmet meals - the alternative to the old pizza delivery. With today's high-pressure jobs and families where both parents work full time, this type of service is becoming more desirable, particularly in urban areas. Be sure to understand local regulations regarding the kitchen you prepare the food in; many states require you to have a kitchen separate from your home, and may inspect for health code adhesion.
2. Birthday Party Planning
If you talk to any parent, they'll tell you: planning a birthday party is hard work, and a challenge when you're busy. Where there's a need, there's a job, and birthday party planning can be a great career if you're creative, like kids and can work weekends when parties are often held. You can also plan retirement parties, promotions - any event you think you can handle. For the best changes at earning a good income, make sure you research local rates and competition and understand your liability, particularly if you'll be working with little ones.
3. Home Staging
It's a tough real estate market out there. To sell your house in this buyer's market, it needs to look its best, and home staging can make all the difference. If you have an eye for design, home staging may just be the career for you; there are no education requirements, and although there are many courses and professional organizations for home stagers, they're not required to be successful in the field. Take some time to research rates in your area and practice staging your home or a friend's. Think about what services you'll want to offer, and the startup costs you'll incur. Networking with realtors can be very helpful in generating business.
4. Web Design
Are you computer savvy, and do you have an eye for detail? A career in web design may be for you. Even if you don't have the skills, consider going back to school to learn; there are many online courses, and current education tax benefits can make the bottom-line expense very low. Before you hunt for jobs, think whether you'll be starting your own business or work as a freelancer - the two are very different tax and legal-wise. Check with the IRS on tax obligations, and with your local small business chapter.
5. Virtual Assistant
With today's uncertain economy, more businesses are looking to hire temporary or per-project help, sometimes in the form of a virtual assistant. A virtual assistant can handle anything from receptionist duties to bookkeeping, depending on your expertise and the client's needs. For work in this field, look to online job boards. Tell your friends and family you're looking for administrative-type work to do from home, and check with any old business contacts you may have. Virtual assistants are still a fairly new concept, so expect to have to explain what you do a few times before generating business.
6. Tutoring Service
These days, problems are increasingly solved with use of the internet, including tutoring services. Work as a tutor can be helping a child with homework, or teaching adults how to use a computer - if you have a specific skill, you can become a tutor. You can find work on job boards, or at online colleges. If you have a college degree in your expertise (like math, or English), your chances at building a successful career as a tutor will be even better.
The Bottom Line
These six careers are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to at-home careers. For the best chance at success, look at your previous career for a start - you may be able to work as a consultant. At-home careers are a great way to explore your passion and make a living too. Earnings can vary greatly, depending on your expertise and experience, so take time to research before setting your rates. Make sure you understand your tax obligation, and whether you might be best off starting a small business to protect yourself legally. Your local small business organization or SCORE chapter is great place to get some help. Whether you're designing web pages or starting a small business as a party planner, working from home can be a great way to forge own your career path - and avoid the cubicle doldrums, too.
Working from home can be a great career option for people with all skillsets and lifestyles. You can set your own hours and even work in your pajamas - a pretty appealing alternative to the old nine-to-five in a cubicle. Here are six careers you can do from home, and how you can get started.
1. Personal Chef
If cooking is your passion, becoming a personal chef may just be the job for you. This job can mean that you cook a week's worth of meals in a client's home, for instance, or you can look at delivering gourmet meals - the alternative to the old pizza delivery. With today's high-pressure jobs and families where both parents work full time, this type of service is becoming more desirable, particularly in urban areas. Be sure to understand local regulations regarding the kitchen you prepare the food in; many states require you to have a kitchen separate from your home, and may inspect for health code adhesion.
2. Birthday Party Planning
If you talk to any parent, they'll tell you: planning a birthday party is hard work, and a challenge when you're busy. Where there's a need, there's a job, and birthday party planning can be a great career if you're creative, like kids and can work weekends when parties are often held. You can also plan retirement parties, promotions - any event you think you can handle. For the best changes at earning a good income, make sure you research local rates and competition and understand your liability, particularly if you'll be working with little ones.
3. Home Staging
It's a tough real estate market out there. To sell your house in this buyer's market, it needs to look its best, and home staging can make all the difference. If you have an eye for design, home staging may just be the career for you; there are no education requirements, and although there are many courses and professional organizations for home stagers, they're not required to be successful in the field. Take some time to research rates in your area and practice staging your home or a friend's. Think about what services you'll want to offer, and the startup costs you'll incur. Networking with realtors can be very helpful in generating business.
4. Web Design
Are you computer savvy, and do you have an eye for detail? A career in web design may be for you. Even if you don't have the skills, consider going back to school to learn; there are many online courses, and current education tax benefits can make the bottom-line expense very low. Before you hunt for jobs, think whether you'll be starting your own business or work as a freelancer - the two are very different tax and legal-wise. Check with the IRS on tax obligations, and with your local small business chapter.
5. Virtual Assistant
With today's uncertain economy, more businesses are looking to hire temporary or per-project help, sometimes in the form of a virtual assistant. A virtual assistant can handle anything from receptionist duties to bookkeeping, depending on your expertise and the client's needs. For work in this field, look to online job boards. Tell your friends and family you're looking for administrative-type work to do from home, and check with any old business contacts you may have. Virtual assistants are still a fairly new concept, so expect to have to explain what you do a few times before generating business.
6. Tutoring Service
These days, problems are increasingly solved with use of the internet, including tutoring services. Work as a tutor can be helping a child with homework, or teaching adults how to use a computer - if you have a specific skill, you can become a tutor. You can find work on job boards, or at online colleges. If you have a college degree in your expertise (like math, or English), your chances at building a successful career as a tutor will be even better.
The Bottom Line
These six careers are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to at-home careers. For the best chance at success, look at your previous career for a start - you may be able to work as a consultant. At-home careers are a great way to explore your passion and make a living too. Earnings can vary greatly, depending on your expertise and experience, so take time to research before setting your rates. Make sure you understand your tax obligation, and whether you might be best off starting a small business to protect yourself legally. Your local small business organization or SCORE chapter is great place to get some help. Whether you're designing web pages or starting a small business as a party planner, working from home can be a great way to forge own your career path - and avoid the cubicle doldrums, too.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Budget 2011 highlights
Source: NST
KUALA LUMPUR: Following are the highlights of 2011 Budget tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is also Finance Minister, at the Dewan Rakyat today:
* A mixed development project including affordable houses to be developed at a cost of RM10 billion in Sungai Buloh and is expected to be completed by 2025.
* Another landmark project "Warisan Merdeka" which includes a 100-storey tower, the tallest in Malaysia, at a cost of RM5 billion to be completed by 2015.
Do we need the tallest building again, after KLCC
* Development of large-scale integrated Aquaculture Zones in Pitas, Sungai Telaga and Sungai Padas in Sabah as well as Batang Ai and Tanjung Manis in Sarawak with an allocation of RM252 million.
* Allocation of RM135 million for basic infrastructure to encourage farmers participation in high value agriculture activities including swiftlet nests.
* Extension of income tax deduction incentive for investors and income tax exemption for companies undertaking food production activities until 2015.
* RM85 million to provide infrastructure facilities to facilitate construction of hotels and resorts in remote areas with the potential to attract tourists.
* RM50 million to construct several shaded walkways in the KLCC-Bukit Bintang vicinity.
Instead buillt shaded walkway cost RM50m, much better improve road
condition at Damansara Heights, Keramat, Setiawangsa, wangsa maju...a
lot of hole, and unsmooth road, man
* Development of world's first integrated eco-nature resort at a cost of RM3 billion by Nexus Karambunai in Sabah to commence next year.
* Abolishing of import duty on 300 goods preferred by tourists and locals, at 5 to 30 per cent, to promote Malaysia as a shopping heaven in Asia.
* RM119 million for the development of local content creation, hosting local content and unlocking new channels for content.
* Exemption of sales tax on all types of mobile phones.
* RM850 million for infrastructure support to accelerate corridor and regional development.
* RM411 million for research, development and commercialisation activity to be the platform for enhancing value-added activities across economic sectors.
* Establishment of a Special Innovation Unit (UNIK) under the Prime Minister's Department with an allocation of RM71 million for next year to commercialise R&D findings by universities and research institutions.
* RM200 million for the purchase of creative products such as high quality, locally-produced films, dramas and documentaries.
* Rate of service tax to be increased from five to six per cent.
* Service tax to be imposed on paid television broadcasting services.
* Strengthening the revenue collection system by increasing enforcement and audit as well as coverage on all parties that should be paying taxes.
* Restructuring and strengthening of education and training with the sum of RM29.3 billion allocated for Education Ministry, RM10.2 billion (Higher Education Ministry) and RM627 million (Human Resource Ministry).
* Establishment of Talent Corporation under the Prime Minister''s Office in early 2011 to develop an expert workforce database as well as collaborate closely with talent networks globally.
* For the Ministry of Education, a sum of RM6.4 billion is allocated for Development Expenditure to build and upgrade schools, hostels, facilities and equipment as well as uphold the status of the teaching profession.
* RM213 million is allocated to reward high performance schools as well as for the remuneration of Principals, Head Teachers and Excellent Teachers.
* The Government will increase pre-school enrolment rate to a targeted 72 per cent by end 2011 through additional 1,700 classes, strengthen the curriculum as well as appoint 800 pre-school graduate teachers.
* The Government also allocates RM111 million for PERMATA programme including the construction of the second phase of Sekolah PERMATA Pintar school complex, 32 PERMATA Children Centres (PAPN) and financing operations of 52 completed PAPNs.
hope its goes to the best result
* RM250 million allocated for Development Expenditure for religious schools, Chinese-type schools, Tamil national schools, missionary schools and Government-assisted schools nationwide.
* Recognising the importance of Islamic education, the Government will provide assistance per capita for primary and secondary rakyat religious schools with an allocation of RM95 million.
* To provide competent and quality teachers and instructors to better guide and educate students, the Government allocates RM576 million in the form of scholarships for those wishing to further their studies.
* RM213 million is allocated to enhance proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia, strengthen the English language as well as streamline the standard curriculum for primary schools.
* The Government will recruit 375 native-speaking teachers including from the United Kingdom and Australia to further enhance teaching of English.
i'm sure a lot of trained and talented local english teachers can do
much more better than spend a lot of money goes to non local
* The number of PhD qualified academic staff will be increased to 75 per cent in research universities and to 60 per cent in other public institutions of higher learning with an allocation of RM20 million.
* Excise duty exemption be increased from 50 per cent to 100 per cent on national vehicles purchased by the disable.
* Existing tax relief of up to a maximum of RM5,000 be extended to cover other expenses such as day care centre, cost incurred to employ caretakers for parents and other daily needs such as diapers.
* Stamp duty exemption of 50 per cent be given on loan agreement instruments to finance first-time purchase of houses.
* Full import duty and 50 per cent excise duty exemption was granted to franchise holders of hybrid cars.
* Implementation of 1Malaysia Training Programme by Community Colleges, National Youth Training Institutes, Giat Mara and Industrial Training Institutes to commence in January 2011 with an allocation of RM500 million.
* The establishment of National Wage Consultation Council as the main platform for wage determination.
* The establishment of 1Malaysia Youth Fund with an allocation of RM20 million.
* Monthly allowance for KAFA teachers will be increased to RM800 compared with RM500 currently.
* Increase in monthly allowance for the Chairman of JKKK and JKKP, Tok Batin, Chairman of JKKK Orang Asli and Chairman of Kampung Baru to RM800 compared with RM450 currently.
* Increase in meeting attending allowance to all comittee members from RM30 to RM50.
* Special Financial Assistance amounting to RM500 to be provided to all civil servants from Grade 54 and below, including contract officers and retirees.
* The abolishment of the Competency Level Assessment or PTK to be replaced with a more suitable evaluation system by June 2011.
* Extension of services of Pegawai Khidmat Singkat for an additional period of one year from December 2010.
* Raising the amount of loan from RM10,000 to RM20,000 for additional works on low-cost houses for Support Group Two.
* Raising the maximum loan eligibility to RM450,000 compared with RM360,000 currently, effective January 1, 2011.
* Increasing the rate for Funeral Arrangement Assistance to RM3,000.
* Allowing flexibility to self-determine fully-paid maternity leave not exceeding 90 days from the current 60 days subject to a total of 300 days of maternity leave throughout the tenure of service.
* Introduction of "Skim Rumah Pertamaku" which will provide a guarantee on down payment of 10 per cent for houses below RM220,000 for first-time house buyers.
* To assist estate workers to own low-cost houses through a scheme managed by BSN.
* Construction and repair of 12,000 houses nationwide particularly in Sabah and Sarawak with an allocation of RM300 million.
* Establishment of a "1Malaysia Smart Consumer" portal.
* Introduction of the Distribution of Essential Goods programme to standardise prices across areas.
* Introduction of the Retail Shop Transformation Programme, Automotive Workshop and Community Market projects.
* The launch of a Private Pension Fund in 2011.
* The launch of Bumiputera Property Trust Foundation with the size of RM1 billion and syariah-compliant.
* To assist children particularly those from the low-income group to excel academically, the 1MDB will provide multi-vitamins for primary school students.
* Rebate of electricity bill payment for monthly consumption of below RM20 will be continued.
* The toll rates in four highways owned by PLUS Expressway Berhad will not be raised for the next five years effective immediately.
* A review of the current minimum bankruptcy limit of RM30,000.
* The application for Permanent Resident status may be submitted after five years of residence.
* Providing four buses for Mobile Clinic.
* Formulating a new development model for Orang Asli.
* JHEOA will be restructured and strengthened as Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli.
Read more: Budget 2011 highlights http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Budget2011highlights/Article/#ixzz13RmxD4i1
KUALA LUMPUR: Following are the highlights of 2011 Budget tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is also Finance Minister, at the Dewan Rakyat today:
* A mixed development project including affordable houses to be developed at a cost of RM10 billion in Sungai Buloh and is expected to be completed by 2025.
* Another landmark project "Warisan Merdeka" which includes a 100-storey tower, the tallest in Malaysia, at a cost of RM5 billion to be completed by 2015.
Do we need the tallest building again, after KLCC
* Development of large-scale integrated Aquaculture Zones in Pitas, Sungai Telaga and Sungai Padas in Sabah as well as Batang Ai and Tanjung Manis in Sarawak with an allocation of RM252 million.
* Allocation of RM135 million for basic infrastructure to encourage farmers participation in high value agriculture activities including swiftlet nests.
* Extension of income tax deduction incentive for investors and income tax exemption for companies undertaking food production activities until 2015.
* RM85 million to provide infrastructure facilities to facilitate construction of hotels and resorts in remote areas with the potential to attract tourists.
* RM50 million to construct several shaded walkways in the KLCC-Bukit Bintang vicinity.
Instead buillt shaded walkway cost RM50m, much better improve road
condition at Damansara Heights, Keramat, Setiawangsa, wangsa maju...a
lot of hole, and unsmooth road, man
* Development of world's first integrated eco-nature resort at a cost of RM3 billion by Nexus Karambunai in Sabah to commence next year.
* Abolishing of import duty on 300 goods preferred by tourists and locals, at 5 to 30 per cent, to promote Malaysia as a shopping heaven in Asia.
* RM119 million for the development of local content creation, hosting local content and unlocking new channels for content.
* Exemption of sales tax on all types of mobile phones.
* RM850 million for infrastructure support to accelerate corridor and regional development.
* RM411 million for research, development and commercialisation activity to be the platform for enhancing value-added activities across economic sectors.
* Establishment of a Special Innovation Unit (UNIK) under the Prime Minister's Department with an allocation of RM71 million for next year to commercialise R&D findings by universities and research institutions.
* RM200 million for the purchase of creative products such as high quality, locally-produced films, dramas and documentaries.
* Rate of service tax to be increased from five to six per cent.
* Service tax to be imposed on paid television broadcasting services.
* Strengthening the revenue collection system by increasing enforcement and audit as well as coverage on all parties that should be paying taxes.
* Restructuring and strengthening of education and training with the sum of RM29.3 billion allocated for Education Ministry, RM10.2 billion (Higher Education Ministry) and RM627 million (Human Resource Ministry).
* Establishment of Talent Corporation under the Prime Minister''s Office in early 2011 to develop an expert workforce database as well as collaborate closely with talent networks globally.
* For the Ministry of Education, a sum of RM6.4 billion is allocated for Development Expenditure to build and upgrade schools, hostels, facilities and equipment as well as uphold the status of the teaching profession.
* RM213 million is allocated to reward high performance schools as well as for the remuneration of Principals, Head Teachers and Excellent Teachers.
* The Government will increase pre-school enrolment rate to a targeted 72 per cent by end 2011 through additional 1,700 classes, strengthen the curriculum as well as appoint 800 pre-school graduate teachers.
* The Government also allocates RM111 million for PERMATA programme including the construction of the second phase of Sekolah PERMATA Pintar school complex, 32 PERMATA Children Centres (PAPN) and financing operations of 52 completed PAPNs.
hope its goes to the best result
* RM250 million allocated for Development Expenditure for religious schools, Chinese-type schools, Tamil national schools, missionary schools and Government-assisted schools nationwide.
* Recognising the importance of Islamic education, the Government will provide assistance per capita for primary and secondary rakyat religious schools with an allocation of RM95 million.
* To provide competent and quality teachers and instructors to better guide and educate students, the Government allocates RM576 million in the form of scholarships for those wishing to further their studies.
* RM213 million is allocated to enhance proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia, strengthen the English language as well as streamline the standard curriculum for primary schools.
* The Government will recruit 375 native-speaking teachers including from the United Kingdom and Australia to further enhance teaching of English.
i'm sure a lot of trained and talented local english teachers can do
much more better than spend a lot of money goes to non local
* The number of PhD qualified academic staff will be increased to 75 per cent in research universities and to 60 per cent in other public institutions of higher learning with an allocation of RM20 million.
* Excise duty exemption be increased from 50 per cent to 100 per cent on national vehicles purchased by the disable.
* Existing tax relief of up to a maximum of RM5,000 be extended to cover other expenses such as day care centre, cost incurred to employ caretakers for parents and other daily needs such as diapers.
* Stamp duty exemption of 50 per cent be given on loan agreement instruments to finance first-time purchase of houses.
* Full import duty and 50 per cent excise duty exemption was granted to franchise holders of hybrid cars.
* Implementation of 1Malaysia Training Programme by Community Colleges, National Youth Training Institutes, Giat Mara and Industrial Training Institutes to commence in January 2011 with an allocation of RM500 million.
* The establishment of National Wage Consultation Council as the main platform for wage determination.
* The establishment of 1Malaysia Youth Fund with an allocation of RM20 million.
* Monthly allowance for KAFA teachers will be increased to RM800 compared with RM500 currently.
* Increase in monthly allowance for the Chairman of JKKK and JKKP, Tok Batin, Chairman of JKKK Orang Asli and Chairman of Kampung Baru to RM800 compared with RM450 currently.
* Increase in meeting attending allowance to all comittee members from RM30 to RM50.
* Special Financial Assistance amounting to RM500 to be provided to all civil servants from Grade 54 and below, including contract officers and retirees.
* The abolishment of the Competency Level Assessment or PTK to be replaced with a more suitable evaluation system by June 2011.
* Extension of services of Pegawai Khidmat Singkat for an additional period of one year from December 2010.
* Raising the amount of loan from RM10,000 to RM20,000 for additional works on low-cost houses for Support Group Two.
* Raising the maximum loan eligibility to RM450,000 compared with RM360,000 currently, effective January 1, 2011.
* Increasing the rate for Funeral Arrangement Assistance to RM3,000.
* Allowing flexibility to self-determine fully-paid maternity leave not exceeding 90 days from the current 60 days subject to a total of 300 days of maternity leave throughout the tenure of service.
* Introduction of "Skim Rumah Pertamaku" which will provide a guarantee on down payment of 10 per cent for houses below RM220,000 for first-time house buyers.
* To assist estate workers to own low-cost houses through a scheme managed by BSN.
* Construction and repair of 12,000 houses nationwide particularly in Sabah and Sarawak with an allocation of RM300 million.
* Establishment of a "1Malaysia Smart Consumer" portal.
* Introduction of the Distribution of Essential Goods programme to standardise prices across areas.
* Introduction of the Retail Shop Transformation Programme, Automotive Workshop and Community Market projects.
* The launch of a Private Pension Fund in 2011.
* The launch of Bumiputera Property Trust Foundation with the size of RM1 billion and syariah-compliant.
* To assist children particularly those from the low-income group to excel academically, the 1MDB will provide multi-vitamins for primary school students.
* Rebate of electricity bill payment for monthly consumption of below RM20 will be continued.
* The toll rates in four highways owned by PLUS Expressway Berhad will not be raised for the next five years effective immediately.
* A review of the current minimum bankruptcy limit of RM30,000.
* The application for Permanent Resident status may be submitted after five years of residence.
* Providing four buses for Mobile Clinic.
* Formulating a new development model for Orang Asli.
* JHEOA will be restructured and strengthened as Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli.
Read more: Budget 2011 highlights http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Budget2011highlights/Article/#ixzz13RmxD4i1
Monday, October 25, 2010
Parents: Help Your Adult Kids Manage Money
By Kimberly Palmer
Posted: October 22, 2010 (Yahoo.com)
If you have adult children in their 20s and 30s, you probably know your job isn’t over yet. Whether you’re providing financial support or just giving advice from a distance, there are ways you can help them become more financially secure so they don’t depend on the bank of mom and dad forever.
These tips, adapted from the new book Generation Earn: The Young Professional’s Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back, will help you teach your grown children how to be smarter with their money.
Encourage them to save like crazy. If you’re like most Americans, you might not have set the best example in the savings department. But the recession convinced a lot of people that putting money in the bank is more important than upgrading their lifestyle. Plus, your 20- and 30-something children probably anticipate funding more of their own retirements, since the Social Security trust fund will start taking in less than it pays out around 2016. Just-released numbers from Charles Schwab reveal that almost half of the general population say they do not plan on counting on Social Security as a source of income in retirement.
If your adult children can get in the habit of saving one-third of their income, they’ll be on their path toward a comfortable retirement and financial security. If that’s too ambitious, suggest that they start slowly, beginning with two percent a year. They can raise that percentage over time.
But tell them to invest in their careers. Now—in their 20s and 30s—is the time for them to spend money on services that could help them get ahead. It might mean hiring a career consultant, life coach, or even a personal shopper to help them look the part of a young professional. For some, a return to school pays off—but make sure they’re not just running up debt. As the recession took hold in 2008 and 2009, many recent grads were wishing they weren’t looking for work while carrying around $200,000 of debt from getting advanced degrees, even allegedly lucrative ones, such as MBAs. It’s always a good idea to talk to recent graduates about career prospects before making the decision.
Offer to brainstorm with them about their goals. Chances are their first job out of school isn’t going to be their last. On average, young people hold ten different jobs before age 36. While a lot of this flux is a result of trial-and-error, you can give them a step up by offering to brainstorm with them about all of the possibilities. What are their passions? Their skills? Their favorite hobbies? Offering to spend an hour with them brainstorming over coffee can help them shake loose latent ideas—and as long as you do it without judgment, it can provide some enjoyable parent-child bonding.
Help demystify the world of investing. Index funds, the Dow, target-date funds… the world of investing can be confusing and intimidating. If you’re not familiar with it yourself, read up on the markets through financial news websites and then chat about it with your kids. Maybe you can educate each other. The sooner you can get your adult children to start investing, the better, because then they’ll have the power of compound interest on their side.
Consider providing limited financial support. Before even entertaining the notion of giving your grown children money, check that you're on solid financial footing yourself. If you are financially stable and you want to give some cash to your adult children, make sure you’re not setting up a cycle of dependence. If your money ends up going towards frivolous purchases like vacations and cars, you should probably freeze those payments. But if you’re helping a hardworking son or daughter afford an internship in an expensive city, there's little reason to hold back, other than your own budget. If you can’t afford financial help, consider giving in other ways, by offering the occasional home-cooked meal, babysitting services for grandchildren, or even just a listening ear.
Invite them to move in, but only if it helps you, too. A 2010 study from the Pew Research Center found that multi-generational living in the United States is at a fifty-year high, partly because of the down economy. Some 49 million Americans—16 percent of the population—now live in homes containing two or more adult generations. The arrangement can benefit both parents and adult children, as long as it’s done right: Each generation has to contribute something, whether it’s bill payments, chores, or some other kind of help around the house. Otherwise, free-riding leads to resentment and tense relationships.
This article is adapted with permission from Kimberly Palmer’s new book Generation Earn: The Young Professional’s Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back (Ten Speed Press
Posted: October 22, 2010 (Yahoo.com)
If you have adult children in their 20s and 30s, you probably know your job isn’t over yet. Whether you’re providing financial support or just giving advice from a distance, there are ways you can help them become more financially secure so they don’t depend on the bank of mom and dad forever.
These tips, adapted from the new book Generation Earn: The Young Professional’s Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back, will help you teach your grown children how to be smarter with their money.
Encourage them to save like crazy. If you’re like most Americans, you might not have set the best example in the savings department. But the recession convinced a lot of people that putting money in the bank is more important than upgrading their lifestyle. Plus, your 20- and 30-something children probably anticipate funding more of their own retirements, since the Social Security trust fund will start taking in less than it pays out around 2016. Just-released numbers from Charles Schwab reveal that almost half of the general population say they do not plan on counting on Social Security as a source of income in retirement.
If your adult children can get in the habit of saving one-third of their income, they’ll be on their path toward a comfortable retirement and financial security. If that’s too ambitious, suggest that they start slowly, beginning with two percent a year. They can raise that percentage over time.
But tell them to invest in their careers. Now—in their 20s and 30s—is the time for them to spend money on services that could help them get ahead. It might mean hiring a career consultant, life coach, or even a personal shopper to help them look the part of a young professional. For some, a return to school pays off—but make sure they’re not just running up debt. As the recession took hold in 2008 and 2009, many recent grads were wishing they weren’t looking for work while carrying around $200,000 of debt from getting advanced degrees, even allegedly lucrative ones, such as MBAs. It’s always a good idea to talk to recent graduates about career prospects before making the decision.
Offer to brainstorm with them about their goals. Chances are their first job out of school isn’t going to be their last. On average, young people hold ten different jobs before age 36. While a lot of this flux is a result of trial-and-error, you can give them a step up by offering to brainstorm with them about all of the possibilities. What are their passions? Their skills? Their favorite hobbies? Offering to spend an hour with them brainstorming over coffee can help them shake loose latent ideas—and as long as you do it without judgment, it can provide some enjoyable parent-child bonding.
Help demystify the world of investing. Index funds, the Dow, target-date funds… the world of investing can be confusing and intimidating. If you’re not familiar with it yourself, read up on the markets through financial news websites and then chat about it with your kids. Maybe you can educate each other. The sooner you can get your adult children to start investing, the better, because then they’ll have the power of compound interest on their side.
Consider providing limited financial support. Before even entertaining the notion of giving your grown children money, check that you're on solid financial footing yourself. If you are financially stable and you want to give some cash to your adult children, make sure you’re not setting up a cycle of dependence. If your money ends up going towards frivolous purchases like vacations and cars, you should probably freeze those payments. But if you’re helping a hardworking son or daughter afford an internship in an expensive city, there's little reason to hold back, other than your own budget. If you can’t afford financial help, consider giving in other ways, by offering the occasional home-cooked meal, babysitting services for grandchildren, or even just a listening ear.
Invite them to move in, but only if it helps you, too. A 2010 study from the Pew Research Center found that multi-generational living in the United States is at a fifty-year high, partly because of the down economy. Some 49 million Americans—16 percent of the population—now live in homes containing two or more adult generations. The arrangement can benefit both parents and adult children, as long as it’s done right: Each generation has to contribute something, whether it’s bill payments, chores, or some other kind of help around the house. Otherwise, free-riding leads to resentment and tense relationships.
This article is adapted with permission from Kimberly Palmer’s new book Generation Earn: The Young Professional’s Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back (Ten Speed Press
5 Best Career Tips for Young People
By Kimberly Palmer
Posted: October 12, 2010 (Yahoo.com)
Even in the most prestigious and well-paying professions, job security is hard to find. Instead, financial stability now comes from treating yourself like your most important employee. That means investing in yourself, paying yourself well, and otherwise making sure you’re operating at full speed. These tips, based on the book Generation Earn: The Young Professional’s Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back, will help you take your career to the next level.
Invest in yourself.
Professional coaching can turn you into the star podcaster you’ve dreamed of becoming, or it can teach you how to be a better leader. Sometimes, a career coach or development course can help you get “unstuck” from a career rut. Talk about your goals for the session ahead of time to make sure you get what you want out of it. (The price of one-on-one coaching typically starts at around $200 an hour.) Less formal advice can come from meeting with more experienced colleagues and mentors over lunch or coffee; they will often be happy to talk with you.
Raise your rates.
Chances are you’re not getting paid as much as you’re worth. Do some research on salary comparison websites, such as salary.com or payscale.com. If the estimates seem way off base—which they can, especially if you have an unusual job or one with a difficult-to-understand title—then dig deeper.
If you’re close to a coworker, then ask that person what he or she thinks the pay range should be for a variety of jobs at your workplace to get a sense of how you stack up. If more than a year has passed since your last pay increase—or if you discover that you are underpaid compared to your peers—then it’s time to make your case.
Write a memo that outlines why you deserve a raise, including the contributions you’ve made over the last year. Run the request and your reasons by a trusted friend or family member and rehearse how you plan to bring it up.
Get a second (or third) job.
Diversifying your income is the best way to create job stability. Could you start selling your crafty inventions on etsy.com? Do you enjoy organizing other people’s desks, or designing T-shirts? Or do you have an unusual skill, such as woodworking, that you could advertise on Craigslist.org? Make a list of all of the ways that you could earn money outside of your current job. Then, pick an item on your list and get started, perhaps with a small step such as purchasing a domain name.
Fly solo.
When Tim Bradley, twenty-nine, and his wife, Anne Morrison Bradley, twenty-seven, started brainstorming about the kind of business they could start, they thought about what they love. They settled on two things: their dogs, and design. The couple decided that there was a need for upscale, modern design products for people with pets that they could fill. While Tim was finishing law school and Anne was working in corporate development in Ferndale, Michigan, they hired a graphic designer, formed a company, and built their website, for a total start-up cost of around $5,000
By the end of the first month, The Premium Pet had already made its first $1,000 of sales revenue. While both Tim, a lawyer, and Anne, who works in corporate development, are holding onto their day jobs for now, they know have a backup plan—and a dream for one day making it their full-time job.
Free up your time and energy by outsourcing chores.
Think of money spent on a cleaning service or getting your groceries delivered as investments in your career, because they free up more time (and energy) for you to focus on your day (or night) job. Instead of vacuuming the living room, consider scheduling a creativity session: Block out an hour on the weekend or evening to dedicate to exposing your mind to new ideas. Bring a couple magazines that you would never normally read—a software engineer might want to pick up a copy of Vogue, for example – and a pen and notebook, and see what ideas strike you.
This article is adapted with permission from Kimberly Palmer’s new book Generation Earn: The Young Professional’s Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back (Ten Speed Press).
Posted: October 12, 2010 (Yahoo.com)
Even in the most prestigious and well-paying professions, job security is hard to find. Instead, financial stability now comes from treating yourself like your most important employee. That means investing in yourself, paying yourself well, and otherwise making sure you’re operating at full speed. These tips, based on the book Generation Earn: The Young Professional’s Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back, will help you take your career to the next level.
Invest in yourself.
Professional coaching can turn you into the star podcaster you’ve dreamed of becoming, or it can teach you how to be a better leader. Sometimes, a career coach or development course can help you get “unstuck” from a career rut. Talk about your goals for the session ahead of time to make sure you get what you want out of it. (The price of one-on-one coaching typically starts at around $200 an hour.) Less formal advice can come from meeting with more experienced colleagues and mentors over lunch or coffee; they will often be happy to talk with you.
Raise your rates.
Chances are you’re not getting paid as much as you’re worth. Do some research on salary comparison websites, such as salary.com or payscale.com. If the estimates seem way off base—which they can, especially if you have an unusual job or one with a difficult-to-understand title—then dig deeper.
If you’re close to a coworker, then ask that person what he or she thinks the pay range should be for a variety of jobs at your workplace to get a sense of how you stack up. If more than a year has passed since your last pay increase—or if you discover that you are underpaid compared to your peers—then it’s time to make your case.
Write a memo that outlines why you deserve a raise, including the contributions you’ve made over the last year. Run the request and your reasons by a trusted friend or family member and rehearse how you plan to bring it up.
Get a second (or third) job.
Diversifying your income is the best way to create job stability. Could you start selling your crafty inventions on etsy.com? Do you enjoy organizing other people’s desks, or designing T-shirts? Or do you have an unusual skill, such as woodworking, that you could advertise on Craigslist.org? Make a list of all of the ways that you could earn money outside of your current job. Then, pick an item on your list and get started, perhaps with a small step such as purchasing a domain name.
Fly solo.
When Tim Bradley, twenty-nine, and his wife, Anne Morrison Bradley, twenty-seven, started brainstorming about the kind of business they could start, they thought about what they love. They settled on two things: their dogs, and design. The couple decided that there was a need for upscale, modern design products for people with pets that they could fill. While Tim was finishing law school and Anne was working in corporate development in Ferndale, Michigan, they hired a graphic designer, formed a company, and built their website, for a total start-up cost of around $5,000
By the end of the first month, The Premium Pet had already made its first $1,000 of sales revenue. While both Tim, a lawyer, and Anne, who works in corporate development, are holding onto their day jobs for now, they know have a backup plan—and a dream for one day making it their full-time job.
Free up your time and energy by outsourcing chores.
Think of money spent on a cleaning service or getting your groceries delivered as investments in your career, because they free up more time (and energy) for you to focus on your day (or night) job. Instead of vacuuming the living room, consider scheduling a creativity session: Block out an hour on the weekend or evening to dedicate to exposing your mind to new ideas. Bring a couple magazines that you would never normally read—a software engineer might want to pick up a copy of Vogue, for example – and a pen and notebook, and see what ideas strike you.
This article is adapted with permission from Kimberly Palmer’s new book Generation Earn: The Young Professional’s Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back (Ten Speed Press).
Thursday, July 15, 2010
PUDU JAIL - PENJARA PUDU 1895-2010. THE END OF HISTORICAL BUILDING.
Atas alasan pembangunan, Penjara Pudu dibina pada 1895 kira - kira 115 tahun yang lalu. Sebahagian dari temboknya telah diruntuhkan. Tidak lama lagi, Penjara Pudu hanya tinggal kenangan disebabkan UDA Holdings Bhd telah diberikan kebenaran untuk "membangunkan" penjara tersebut menjadi kawasan komersil iaitu Bukit Bintang City Centre. Projek yang berharga RM5 Billion. Projek tersebut yang akan meliputi kawasan seluas 7.76 hektar itu akan dibangunkan ruang perniagaan, menara pejabat, apartmen servis, hotel, pusat komersial dan rekreasi serta hab pengangkutan awam mini. Lebih detail lagi, dibangunkan dengan dua menara kondominium setinggi 36 tingkat mengandungi 700 unit, podium runcit setinggi dua tingkat dengan 24 unit ruang niaga serta pusat beli belah lima tingkat.
Agak malang buat warga Malaysia, penjara tersebut diruntuhkan semata-mata kerana pembangunan yang hanya menguntungkan sesetengah golongan sahaja. Tambah malang lagi, seorang menteri yang sepatutnya menjaga warisan negara mengatakan Penjara Pudu bukannya dan tidak layak dijadikan warisan negara. Beliau berkata, sesuatu yang dianggap warisan mestilah mempunyai ciri-ciri kebangsaan yang besar nilainya, ciri-ciri sejarah yang membentuk masyarakat serta nilai estetika dan nilai seni bina.
"Penjara semata-mata bukanlah satu warisan yang boleh melonjakkan nilai nasional atau nilai estetika. Namun demikian bagi mereka yang mempunyai kerinduan di zaman lampau, kita boleh menggunakan pintu gerbang sebagai satu preservasi". Tambah kelakar lagi bila beliau menghalang pintu gerbang penjara dirobohkan. Ia dirizabkan dan diletakkan ditempat sesuai. Kalau beliau mengatakan bahawa Penjara Pudu bukannya warisan, kenapa pula pintu gerbang dirizabkan. Robohkan saja.
Mungkin beliau lupa lukisan morul di pagar penjara tersebut dimasukkan di dalam Guinness World Records. Mungkin juga dia lupa penjara itu dibina pada tahun 1895. Seperti kata bekas Perdana Menteri kita, "Melayu Mudah Lupa".
Selepas Penjara Pudu, apa lagi yang akan dipindah dan dirobohkan atas alasan pembanguan yang hanya menguntungkan pihak - pihak tertentu. Malah ada ura - ura mengatakan bahawa Lapangan terbang Sungai Besi dan Universiti Malaya akan dipindahkan.
Source
http://www.prison.gov.my/pride/index.php?view=article&catid=37%3Awarta-sejarah&id=318%3Apenjara-pudu-dalam-kenangan&option=com_content&Itemid=75
http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/PenjaraPudutiadaciriwarisanyangbernilai_Rais/Article/index_html
http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/RM5bmajutapakPenjaraPudu/Article
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Dasyatnya Doa Seorang Ibu
Ini saya dapat dari email yang diforward kepada saya. Saya copy and paste je.
Tajuk ceramah - Dasyatnya Doa Seorang Ibu oleh Ustaz Abdullah Mahmud. Dia ustaz untuk angkatan tentera malaysia last time. So kat sini nak share laa info yang menarik kot2 kawan2, kakak2, makcik2,adik2 boleh guna. Agak panjang kalau malas nak baca, baca laa yang nasha tanda ****
Ibu Kita dan Kita Sebagai Ibu
- Lapangnya masa kita ada kaitan dengan keberkatan hidup kita. Kita adalah di bawah siksa Allah bilamasa ada masa untuk buat benda tak baik tapi takdak masa nak buat yang baik
- Jika kita tak pernah kecukupan duit maksudnya kita disiksa Allah
- Setitik air mata ibu jatuh, 10 kebajikan anak hilang so ibu2 jangan jatuh air mata ye and anak jangan bagi ibu jatuh air mata. Menangis kerana anak berjaya dan bukan sedih kerana angkara anak
- Kalau balik tengah malam, buka lampu tengok dan tatap muka ibu, sebab wajah orang tidur akan menampakkan segalanya
Ada 3 mata yang tak dijilat api neraka
- Melihat kaabah sehingga menitis air mata
- Membaca quran sehingga menitis air mata
- Memandang wajah ibu yg sedar tidur / sedar hingga berlinang air mata
3 orang yg kita kena tengok dan selalu pandang dalam hidup, tengok masa tidor!
- Anak
- Ibu
- Suami
Selingan: kata ustaz kalau kita ada perselisih faham dgn suami sampai nak bercerai, tgk laa muka bila dia tidor kalau masih terbit perasan kasih, saying, cinta, rindu atau simpati, janganlah bercerai tapi jika tiada rasa tu semua maksudnya jodoh dah memang takde, boleh proceed pi mahkamah J
- Orang yang selalu menatap and memandang ibunya takkan menangis di hari kematian ibunya… kira tak menangis teruk laa..Bagi siapa yg masih ada ibu, pandang laa selalu
- Adalah menjadi satu dosa jika kita mengguna jari telunjuk untuk menujukkan sesuatu pada ibu
- Kalau ada niat yang baik teruskan laa..Allah akan bersama, jangan takut
- Kalau tak mampu lakukan sesuatu, pasang niat pun mencukupi e.g. tak mampu tolong org, niat nak tolong pun dah memadai
*** Kalau kita tak mampu letakkan diri kita di tempat yang terbaik, Allah akan letakkan kita di tempat terbaik dengan syarat letakan ibu kita di tempat yang terbaik
- Ada kaedah yang mana kita boleh minta pada Allah, “ungkit” kebaikan yang menimpa dengan tujuan untuk makbulkan doa kita. Kaedah tu dipanggil “wasilah amal”. “Ya Allah semalam aku sudah bersedekah sebanyak RM1, kalau itu satu kebaikan jadikanlah ia penyebab makbulnya doaku ini”
*** Paling banyak buat baik dengan ibu kita, lagi mustajab. Makna dia wasilah amal ni sangat berkesan kalau yg dituntut tadi adalah hal hal yang berkaitan kebaikan yang dibuat kepada ibu kita
- Tapi geng kalau sedekah RM1 takkan nak tuntutkan J
- Antara lain yang boleh dituntut adalah apabila kita ditimpa sakit/musibah
- Kalau ditimpa sakit, baca laa Innalillahiwainnaillaihirojjiun,,, then cakap dengan Allah
“Ya Allah, berilah pahala besar untuk sakit yang aku tanggung ini”
“Ya Allah, bagilah aku keampunan dosa atas sakit ku ini”
***Even suapkan anak pun kita boleh tuntut, apatah lagi sedekah kepada ibu dan orang yang memerlukkan.
*** Barang siapa yang tidak mendoakan ibu selepas sembahyang buat ibu yang sudah meninggal maka dikira dia anak derhaka walaupun pada waktu ibunya hidup dia tak pernah menderhaka. Maksudnya jika ibu masih hidup atau telah tiada, selepas setiap solat kita mesti doakannya!
- Doa orang yang masih hidup makbul untuk orang yang hidup dan mati. Jadi doakan ibu kita telah tiada!
*** Doa orang yang mati makbul untuk orang yang masih hidup
Masa ni ustaz tu bagi contoh sadis sket..sedeh gak laa.. pi ke pusara mak kita cakap..“Mak, esok anak saya nak kawin, kalau mak ada tentu mak bahagia engok cucu mak kawinkan” atau “bapa saya nak kawin esok, kalau bapa ada, pasti bapa akan gembira tengok sayakan..” Ustaz kata luahkan kepada ibu/bapa yang telah tiada kerana mereka mendengar dan mereka boleh mendoakan kita dari sana.
Bila lalu kubur, perlahankan dan beri salam! Mereka akan doakan kita “berkatilah si A ini” dan jika tak bagi salam, mereka akan kata “celakahlah orang ini” Jadi, jangan lupa bagi salam next time
Tanda tanda siksa Allah atas muka bumi ni antara lain simpan harta sampai mati tak pernah keluarkan
- Sesiapa yang bersedekah selalu, takkan miskin orang itu selamanya..
- Bila nak berbelanja @ shopping always spare duit untuk sedekah kerana dalam duit kita tu ada hak org susah. Jadi bila orang buta datang masa makan, bagi laa duit sebab kita nak cari org susah untuk sedekah dah amat susah masa sekrg and takde masa jadi Allah hantarkan org2 susah ini untuk kita dapatkan pahala!
*** Jika mak kita sudah meninggal dan semasa hayatnya kita ada peruntukkan wang untuk dia, bila mak kita dah takde teruskan memberi peruntukkan tu sebagai sedekah. Jangan kurangkan peruntukkan!! “Ya Allah, aku sedekahkan bagi pihak ibuku, semoga pahala sedekah ni sampai kepada ibuku”. Itu yang yang buat ibu kita bahagia di sana.
- Kalau kita susah nak bersedekah, bayangkan wajah ibu kita baru kita ringan tangan nak bersedekah
*** Allah panjangkan usia ibu dan bapa supaya dia sakit dan nyanyuk untuk beri syurga pada anak anaknya. Jagalah mereka dengan baik insyallah, syurga balasanya. Jadi kalau tahu ibu/bapa sakit, berebutlah menjaga ibu/bapa kita. Besar sangat pahalanya.
- Allah kalau boleh taknak kita masuk neraka jadi Allah takkan matikan seseorang dalam keadaan kotor dan berdosa jadi dia bagi kita sakit/malu/miskin untuk membersihkan kita sebelum dia mengambil kita
Selalu Bergaduh Dengan Ibu
- Jika ada antara kita yang selalu bergaduh dengan ibu, ada kemungkinan kita diganggu saka
- Antara ganguan saka, selalu mimpi bayi/budak. Dukung bayi, susu bayi or selalu mimpi jatuh dari tempat tinggi/ selalu sakit tulang belakang/ tulang belakang bengkok/ rasa mengantuk selepas asar
- Saka dipindahkan melalui Kasih saying/ Harta pusaka, walaupun sebiji pinggan / Amalan / Sentuhan
Symptom dah terkena saka
- Tak boleh tidor lena tapi bila dekat azan subuh, senang lena
- Bila dah peringakat teruk, di usia tua kita, tgh malam selalu lapar
- Susah nak dapat anak, senang gugur
- Ada rasa kelibat orang lalu
- Yang lagi parah, saka bersetubuh dgn kita, mengandung tapi anak hilang dalam kandungan jadi bila nak beintim, bercakap laa sedikit kerana saka menyerupai suami kita dan dia datang dalam keadaan diam
- Cara hilangkan saka, Zikir “Laillahaillalah” 700,000 sampai habis, insyallah saka akan cair dan keluar dari badan
Antara penyakit saka adalah breast cancer, cancer rahim and cancer tulang. - 3 penyakit yang tiada ubat yang penyakitnya adalah datang dari syaitan adalah cancer, aids and leukemia. Kalau dapat ni pi laa perawatan cara islam jugak.
- Kalau ibu kita sakit cancer dan dia tak mampu berzikir, kita tolong zikirkan
- Kalau ada penyakit was was, bacalah surah al-ikhlas.. “Qulhuwallahuahad…” 1000x sehari
Anak Lari Dari Rumah
- Kalau anak lari dari rumah, gantungkan bajunya dihanger dan anginkan dan hadiahkan surah al-ikhlas setiap hari
- Masa lauangan azan yang pertama, panggilah nama anak kita, insyallah akan sampai panggilan kita kepadanya
Anak Degil
- *** Bila anak dah tidor, duduk di hujung kepala pangil ROH ANAK
- Ni seram sket masa nak buat hehehe..mula2 je lepas tu ok..e.g. Wahai roh anakku "nama anak", jadilah kamu roh yang baik, roh yang bertimbang rasa pada ibu dan bapa, roh yang taat pada Allah, roh yang sayang sesama manusia
Tajuk ceramah - Dasyatnya Doa Seorang Ibu oleh Ustaz Abdullah Mahmud. Dia ustaz untuk angkatan tentera malaysia last time. So kat sini nak share laa info yang menarik kot2 kawan2, kakak2, makcik2,adik2 boleh guna. Agak panjang kalau malas nak baca, baca laa yang nasha tanda ****
Ibu Kita dan Kita Sebagai Ibu
- Lapangnya masa kita ada kaitan dengan keberkatan hidup kita. Kita adalah di bawah siksa Allah bilamasa ada masa untuk buat benda tak baik tapi takdak masa nak buat yang baik
- Jika kita tak pernah kecukupan duit maksudnya kita disiksa Allah
- Setitik air mata ibu jatuh, 10 kebajikan anak hilang so ibu2 jangan jatuh air mata ye and anak jangan bagi ibu jatuh air mata. Menangis kerana anak berjaya dan bukan sedih kerana angkara anak
- Kalau balik tengah malam, buka lampu tengok dan tatap muka ibu, sebab wajah orang tidur akan menampakkan segalanya
Ada 3 mata yang tak dijilat api neraka
- Melihat kaabah sehingga menitis air mata
- Membaca quran sehingga menitis air mata
- Memandang wajah ibu yg sedar tidur / sedar hingga berlinang air mata
3 orang yg kita kena tengok dan selalu pandang dalam hidup, tengok masa tidor!
- Anak
- Ibu
- Suami
Selingan: kata ustaz kalau kita ada perselisih faham dgn suami sampai nak bercerai, tgk laa muka bila dia tidor kalau masih terbit perasan kasih, saying, cinta, rindu atau simpati, janganlah bercerai tapi jika tiada rasa tu semua maksudnya jodoh dah memang takde, boleh proceed pi mahkamah J
- Orang yang selalu menatap and memandang ibunya takkan menangis di hari kematian ibunya… kira tak menangis teruk laa..Bagi siapa yg masih ada ibu, pandang laa selalu
- Adalah menjadi satu dosa jika kita mengguna jari telunjuk untuk menujukkan sesuatu pada ibu
- Kalau ada niat yang baik teruskan laa..Allah akan bersama, jangan takut
- Kalau tak mampu lakukan sesuatu, pasang niat pun mencukupi e.g. tak mampu tolong org, niat nak tolong pun dah memadai
*** Kalau kita tak mampu letakkan diri kita di tempat yang terbaik, Allah akan letakkan kita di tempat terbaik dengan syarat letakan ibu kita di tempat yang terbaik
- Ada kaedah yang mana kita boleh minta pada Allah, “ungkit” kebaikan yang menimpa dengan tujuan untuk makbulkan doa kita. Kaedah tu dipanggil “wasilah amal”. “Ya Allah semalam aku sudah bersedekah sebanyak RM1, kalau itu satu kebaikan jadikanlah ia penyebab makbulnya doaku ini”
*** Paling banyak buat baik dengan ibu kita, lagi mustajab. Makna dia wasilah amal ni sangat berkesan kalau yg dituntut tadi adalah hal hal yang berkaitan kebaikan yang dibuat kepada ibu kita
- Tapi geng kalau sedekah RM1 takkan nak tuntutkan J
- Antara lain yang boleh dituntut adalah apabila kita ditimpa sakit/musibah
- Kalau ditimpa sakit, baca laa Innalillahiwainnaillaihirojjiun,,, then cakap dengan Allah
“Ya Allah, berilah pahala besar untuk sakit yang aku tanggung ini”
“Ya Allah, bagilah aku keampunan dosa atas sakit ku ini”
***Even suapkan anak pun kita boleh tuntut, apatah lagi sedekah kepada ibu dan orang yang memerlukkan.
*** Barang siapa yang tidak mendoakan ibu selepas sembahyang buat ibu yang sudah meninggal maka dikira dia anak derhaka walaupun pada waktu ibunya hidup dia tak pernah menderhaka. Maksudnya jika ibu masih hidup atau telah tiada, selepas setiap solat kita mesti doakannya!
- Doa orang yang masih hidup makbul untuk orang yang hidup dan mati. Jadi doakan ibu kita telah tiada!
*** Doa orang yang mati makbul untuk orang yang masih hidup
Masa ni ustaz tu bagi contoh sadis sket..sedeh gak laa.. pi ke pusara mak kita cakap..“Mak, esok anak saya nak kawin, kalau mak ada tentu mak bahagia engok cucu mak kawinkan” atau “bapa saya nak kawin esok, kalau bapa ada, pasti bapa akan gembira tengok sayakan..” Ustaz kata luahkan kepada ibu/bapa yang telah tiada kerana mereka mendengar dan mereka boleh mendoakan kita dari sana.
Bila lalu kubur, perlahankan dan beri salam! Mereka akan doakan kita “berkatilah si A ini” dan jika tak bagi salam, mereka akan kata “celakahlah orang ini” Jadi, jangan lupa bagi salam next time
Tanda tanda siksa Allah atas muka bumi ni antara lain simpan harta sampai mati tak pernah keluarkan
- Sesiapa yang bersedekah selalu, takkan miskin orang itu selamanya..
- Bila nak berbelanja @ shopping always spare duit untuk sedekah kerana dalam duit kita tu ada hak org susah. Jadi bila orang buta datang masa makan, bagi laa duit sebab kita nak cari org susah untuk sedekah dah amat susah masa sekrg and takde masa jadi Allah hantarkan org2 susah ini untuk kita dapatkan pahala!
*** Jika mak kita sudah meninggal dan semasa hayatnya kita ada peruntukkan wang untuk dia, bila mak kita dah takde teruskan memberi peruntukkan tu sebagai sedekah. Jangan kurangkan peruntukkan!! “Ya Allah, aku sedekahkan bagi pihak ibuku, semoga pahala sedekah ni sampai kepada ibuku”. Itu yang yang buat ibu kita bahagia di sana.
- Kalau kita susah nak bersedekah, bayangkan wajah ibu kita baru kita ringan tangan nak bersedekah
*** Allah panjangkan usia ibu dan bapa supaya dia sakit dan nyanyuk untuk beri syurga pada anak anaknya. Jagalah mereka dengan baik insyallah, syurga balasanya. Jadi kalau tahu ibu/bapa sakit, berebutlah menjaga ibu/bapa kita. Besar sangat pahalanya.
- Allah kalau boleh taknak kita masuk neraka jadi Allah takkan matikan seseorang dalam keadaan kotor dan berdosa jadi dia bagi kita sakit/malu/miskin untuk membersihkan kita sebelum dia mengambil kita
Selalu Bergaduh Dengan Ibu
- Jika ada antara kita yang selalu bergaduh dengan ibu, ada kemungkinan kita diganggu saka
- Antara ganguan saka, selalu mimpi bayi/budak. Dukung bayi, susu bayi or selalu mimpi jatuh dari tempat tinggi/ selalu sakit tulang belakang/ tulang belakang bengkok/ rasa mengantuk selepas asar
- Saka dipindahkan melalui Kasih saying/ Harta pusaka, walaupun sebiji pinggan / Amalan / Sentuhan
Symptom dah terkena saka
- Tak boleh tidor lena tapi bila dekat azan subuh, senang lena
- Bila dah peringakat teruk, di usia tua kita, tgh malam selalu lapar
- Susah nak dapat anak, senang gugur
- Ada rasa kelibat orang lalu
- Yang lagi parah, saka bersetubuh dgn kita, mengandung tapi anak hilang dalam kandungan jadi bila nak beintim, bercakap laa sedikit kerana saka menyerupai suami kita dan dia datang dalam keadaan diam
- Cara hilangkan saka, Zikir “Laillahaillalah” 700,000 sampai habis, insyallah saka akan cair dan keluar dari badan
Antara penyakit saka adalah breast cancer, cancer rahim and cancer tulang. - 3 penyakit yang tiada ubat yang penyakitnya adalah datang dari syaitan adalah cancer, aids and leukemia. Kalau dapat ni pi laa perawatan cara islam jugak.
- Kalau ibu kita sakit cancer dan dia tak mampu berzikir, kita tolong zikirkan
- Kalau ada penyakit was was, bacalah surah al-ikhlas.. “Qulhuwallahuahad…” 1000x sehari
Anak Lari Dari Rumah
- Kalau anak lari dari rumah, gantungkan bajunya dihanger dan anginkan dan hadiahkan surah al-ikhlas setiap hari
- Masa lauangan azan yang pertama, panggilah nama anak kita, insyallah akan sampai panggilan kita kepadanya
Anak Degil
- *** Bila anak dah tidor, duduk di hujung kepala pangil ROH ANAK
- Ni seram sket masa nak buat hehehe..mula2 je lepas tu ok..e.g. Wahai roh anakku "nama anak", jadilah kamu roh yang baik, roh yang bertimbang rasa pada ibu dan bapa, roh yang taat pada Allah, roh yang sayang sesama manusia
Balik Kampung
Pening kepala ni.. semalam hubby beritahu company dia offer dia balik kampung...wawawa....yahoooo...... hihihi... seribu macam rasa. Perasaan aku berbelah bagi nak balik kampung ke tak
a) Kalau balik kg
- Pendidikan anak2 - perancangan aku untuk anak2.. disamping mereka mendapat pendidikan formal, mereka juga mendapat pendidikan agama.. Harapan aku, mereka menjadi macam Dr Danial (pengamal perubatan bebas), Dr Wan (pakar bedah jantung di PPUM). Walaupun mereka mempunyai kerjaya doktor, accountant, banker dll tetapi mereka berpengetahuan dalam agama. Disebabkan itu, aku memilih sekolah agama integrasi... Bila ke sekolah menengah, aku akan hantar ke Maahad Sains.(itupun kalau anak aku dapat 5A). Aku telah memilih sekolah antara yang terbaik dan termampu bagi aku untuk mereka.. Walaupun terpaksa bayar lebih sikit daripada sekolah kerajaan... sikit je. Kalau balik kampung... entah le.. kena survey dulu le..
- aku suka window shopping, office aku sekarang betul2 dekat klcc.. so memanjang ke sana.. panjang je langkah bila ade sale.. kalau balik kg... nmpknya kena pendek langkah sikit..
- persekitaran di kampung, aku tidak hina orang kampung walaupun akupun dibesarkan di bandar kecil. Tapi di kampung suami ke aku, persekitaran mereka tidak menyenangkan aku..Mereka agak malas bersekolah.. hanya suka bermain...kurang mementingkan pelajaran..Walaupun mereka dalama keadaan rukun damai, suka tolong menolong.
- Aku baru je beli rumah teres... sayang le nak tinggalkan rumah tu..nampaknya kena sewa le.. minta2 penyewa tu jaga sebaik mungkin.
- Terpaksa le cari keje kat hometown.. mana nak cari ni..rasa sayang lak nak tinggalkan officemate dah 7 tahun kat sini.. lagipun gaji kat sini agak lumayan
b) Kalau tidak balik kampung
- Nanti dikatakan derhaka kepada suami
a) Kalau balik kg
- Pendidikan anak2 - perancangan aku untuk anak2.. disamping mereka mendapat pendidikan formal, mereka juga mendapat pendidikan agama.. Harapan aku, mereka menjadi macam Dr Danial (pengamal perubatan bebas), Dr Wan (pakar bedah jantung di PPUM). Walaupun mereka mempunyai kerjaya doktor, accountant, banker dll tetapi mereka berpengetahuan dalam agama. Disebabkan itu, aku memilih sekolah agama integrasi... Bila ke sekolah menengah, aku akan hantar ke Maahad Sains.(itupun kalau anak aku dapat 5A). Aku telah memilih sekolah antara yang terbaik dan termampu bagi aku untuk mereka.. Walaupun terpaksa bayar lebih sikit daripada sekolah kerajaan... sikit je. Kalau balik kampung... entah le.. kena survey dulu le..
- aku suka window shopping, office aku sekarang betul2 dekat klcc.. so memanjang ke sana.. panjang je langkah bila ade sale.. kalau balik kg... nmpknya kena pendek langkah sikit..
- persekitaran di kampung, aku tidak hina orang kampung walaupun akupun dibesarkan di bandar kecil. Tapi di kampung suami ke aku, persekitaran mereka tidak menyenangkan aku..Mereka agak malas bersekolah.. hanya suka bermain...kurang mementingkan pelajaran..Walaupun mereka dalama keadaan rukun damai, suka tolong menolong.
- Aku baru je beli rumah teres... sayang le nak tinggalkan rumah tu..nampaknya kena sewa le.. minta2 penyewa tu jaga sebaik mungkin.
- Terpaksa le cari keje kat hometown.. mana nak cari ni..rasa sayang lak nak tinggalkan officemate dah 7 tahun kat sini.. lagipun gaji kat sini agak lumayan
b) Kalau tidak balik kampung
- Nanti dikatakan derhaka kepada suami
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Aksi akrobatik latih otak
Oleh JAGATHESWARY NARAYANAN (Kosmo)
NASREEN MA, 32, memegang erat kedua-dua tangan anaknya, Alicia, dengan kedudukan si comel itu bersandar pada tubuhnya sementara kepalanya pula ke bawah. Hujung kedua-dua kaki Alicia terpaut kemas pada bahu ibunya itu. Dalam satu pergerakan pantas, kaki Alicia dilepaskan lalu badan anak kesayangannya itu kembali dalam kedudukan tegak.
Bagaikan baru saja selesai melakukan aksi jungkir balik, Alicia kini membuat lagak 'ngeri' yang seterusnya. Hujung kedua-dua kaki dan tangannya dipegang dengan bantuan seorang ahli terapi. Dalam keadaan tergantung melintang itu, Alicia dihayun dari kiri ke kanan selama dua minit.
Melihat aksi-aksi yang menyerupai latihan gimnastik itu memang cukup menyeramkan. Namun begitu, kanak-kanak yang baru berusia dua tahun itu pula langsung tidak takut atau menangis. Dia sebaliknya gembira dengan aktiviti itu sambil tersenyum dan sesekali ketawa terkekeh-kekeh.
Itu bukan pertama kali dia diajar melakukan pergerakan mencabar seumpama itu. Sejak berusia lapan bulan, Alicia sudah pun diajar oleh Nasreen untuk berbuat demikian.
Menurut Nasreen, semasa berusia lapan bulan Alicia seperti bayi lain yang menunjukkan respons asas seperti menggerak tangan, kaki dan kepala serta peka terhadap bunyi dan warna.
"Ketika berada dalam fasa meniarap, Alicia semakin menunjukkan tanda-tanda untuk berdiri dan mengatur langkah pertama. Perbuatannya itu amat membimbangkan saya kerana dia langsung tidak cuba untuk merangkak sebelum berjalan."
"Sungguhpun ada ibu bapa yang teruja melihat anak mereka cepat berjalan, tetapi bagi saya ia sesuatu yang luar biasa," ujar Nasreen.
Baginya, lumrah seseorang bayi ialah mereka perlu merangkak sebelum tahu berjalan. Nasreen percaya, jika bukan begitu turutannya perkembangan otak bayi boleh terjejas. Fasa merangkak kata Nasreen, amat penting kerana integrasi asas untuk perkembangan daya penglihatan kedua-dua belah mata sedang berlaku.
Integrasi visual itulah yang akan membantu proses pembacaan, kosentrasi dan tumpuan di dalam bilik darjah.
Menyedari kepentingan proses merangkak itu, ibu muda itu lantas mendapatkan nasihat dan panduan daripada pakar terapi Neuro Network, Daya Bhagwandas, 52.
Pengasas pusat pengajaran pendidikan saraf yang kini berpangkalan di Burwood, Australia itu menyediakan perkhidmatan patologi pertuturan, audiologi dan terapi bunyi. Berpengalaman lebih dua dekad dalam bidang perkembangan otak dan neuron, Daya banyak mengadakan program untuk menyedarkan para ibu bapa tentang potensi kepintaran anak-anak mereka.
Nasreen memberitahu, anak sulungnya itu telah menjalani beberapa sesi latihan pergerakan di bawah penyeliaan Daya. Alicia dibaringkan di atas meja sambil menggerak tangan, kaki serta kepala secara serentak.
Sesi latihan
Terapi yang dikenali sebagai cross pattern itu lama-kelamaan membuatkan Alicia merangkak dengan sendiri. Difahamkan, Alicia telah merangkak selama enam bulan sebelum berjalan.
Tambah Nasreen, kebanyakan ibu bapa terutama yang baru berkahwin kurang peka pergerakan asas seseorang kanak-kanak. Pergerakan asas yang betul amat penting demi mencetuskan kecerdasan anak-anak. Anak-anak sebenarnya pantas memahami dan mempelajari setiap yang diajar oleh ibu bapa mereka.
Penjelasan wanita itu memang benar. Selain membuat aksi pergerakan mencabar pada usia yang terlalu muda, kebolehan anak kecil itu membaca nombor melalui kepingan kad dengan cetakan berbentuk bulat amat mengagumkan.
Menurut Nasreen, berbanding bentuk numerikal, permainan kad dengan cetakan geometri berwarna lebih efektif untuk mengajar anak-anak tentang pengiraan. Ia merangsang visual kanak-kanak dan perkembangan minda terutamanya pada otak bahagian kanan.
Menjelaskan tentang perkembangan otak dan pembelajaran otak kanan, Daya berkata, otak manusia bagaikan satu sistem komputer rumit yang dikawal oleh dua bahagian.
Kedua-dua bahagian itu mempunyai kemahiran dan cara berfikir yang berbeza. Bahagian kanan otak memproses maklumat dengan cepat, melewati ruang dimensi fizikal dan membuat tanggapan tepat. Otak kiri pula memproses dengan cara yang berbeza tetapi dalam bentuk lisan yang lebih kompleks atau berbentuk analisa.
Dominasi otak
"Pada asasnya, manusia berfikir menggunakan keseluruhan otak. Bagaimanapun, satu bahagian daripadanya lebih menguasai atau mendominasi. Semasa berfikir misalnya, otak seumpama bercakap sendiri," katanya.
Jelas Daya, satu bahagian akan lebih mendominasi untuk mengeluarkan kata-kata atau memberi arahan. Bahagian yang mendominasi akan merancang personaliti hidup seseorang manakala bahagian yang sebelah lagi memberi respons terhadap tekanan atau krisis.
"Amat menguntungkan jika seseorang berusaha untuk mengembangkan kedua-dua bahagian otak kerana ini akan menambahkan lagi maklumat dalam menyelesaikan masalah.
"Jika anda dapat menguasai proses dominasi otak kiri dan memperkembangkan otak kanan pasti boleh menjadi seorang yang lebih kreatif dan bijak," kata wanita yang telah memperkenalkan Neuro Network sejak enam tahun yang lalu di beberapa buah negara luar termasuk Malaysia, Australia, Amerika Syarikat (AS) dan United Kingdom (UK).
Ujar Daya, ketika kecil seseorang amat bergantung kepada fungsi otak kanan yang merangsang imaginasi dan visual. Sebab itu, kanak-kanak cenderung mengaju soalan-soalan yang di luar imaginasi ibu bapa. Mereka juga mampu bercakap seberapa banyak bahasa hanya melalui mendengar percakapan seseorang.
Kesemua itu boleh dilakukan disebabkan fungsi otak kanan. Antaranya memori fotografi, mendengar dan baca dengan pantas, kreativiti, muzik, seni dan kemampuan mempelajari banyak bahasa.
Bagaimanapun, dari alam sekolah sehingga dunia kerjaya, ramai yang hanya menekankan pada kemampuan otak kiri.
"Program pendidikan di Neuro Network menekankan tentang kepentingan melatih otak kanan. Bagaimanapun, perkembangan otak itu perlu diberi perhatian dari peringkat bayi sehingga ia berusia enam tahun.
Apabila proses koordinasi gagal berlaku secara sempurna maka seseorang akan mengalami masalah apabila dewasa. Di sini pergerakan merangkak memainkan peranan penting.
Daya memberi penekanan tentang fasa merangkak: "Jikalau seseorang anak tidak melalui proses merangkak dengan sempurna maka proses koordinasi akan menjadi lemah hingga boleh menimbulkan masalah penglihatan, sentuhan, tumpuan, keseimbangan badan dan pernafasan.
Dalam pada itu, programnya juga turut menekankan tentang proses visual ataupun imaginasi yang terdapat pada otak kanan. Kebolehan visual membantu kanak-kanak mempelajari sesuatu dengan lebih cepat dan gembira. Kemahiran visual yang baik amat penting untuk mempelajari mata pelajaran seperti Matematik, Sastera dan bahasa.
NASREEN MA, 32, memegang erat kedua-dua tangan anaknya, Alicia, dengan kedudukan si comel itu bersandar pada tubuhnya sementara kepalanya pula ke bawah. Hujung kedua-dua kaki Alicia terpaut kemas pada bahu ibunya itu. Dalam satu pergerakan pantas, kaki Alicia dilepaskan lalu badan anak kesayangannya itu kembali dalam kedudukan tegak.
Bagaikan baru saja selesai melakukan aksi jungkir balik, Alicia kini membuat lagak 'ngeri' yang seterusnya. Hujung kedua-dua kaki dan tangannya dipegang dengan bantuan seorang ahli terapi. Dalam keadaan tergantung melintang itu, Alicia dihayun dari kiri ke kanan selama dua minit.
Melihat aksi-aksi yang menyerupai latihan gimnastik itu memang cukup menyeramkan. Namun begitu, kanak-kanak yang baru berusia dua tahun itu pula langsung tidak takut atau menangis. Dia sebaliknya gembira dengan aktiviti itu sambil tersenyum dan sesekali ketawa terkekeh-kekeh.
Itu bukan pertama kali dia diajar melakukan pergerakan mencabar seumpama itu. Sejak berusia lapan bulan, Alicia sudah pun diajar oleh Nasreen untuk berbuat demikian.
Menurut Nasreen, semasa berusia lapan bulan Alicia seperti bayi lain yang menunjukkan respons asas seperti menggerak tangan, kaki dan kepala serta peka terhadap bunyi dan warna.
"Ketika berada dalam fasa meniarap, Alicia semakin menunjukkan tanda-tanda untuk berdiri dan mengatur langkah pertama. Perbuatannya itu amat membimbangkan saya kerana dia langsung tidak cuba untuk merangkak sebelum berjalan."
"Sungguhpun ada ibu bapa yang teruja melihat anak mereka cepat berjalan, tetapi bagi saya ia sesuatu yang luar biasa," ujar Nasreen.
Baginya, lumrah seseorang bayi ialah mereka perlu merangkak sebelum tahu berjalan. Nasreen percaya, jika bukan begitu turutannya perkembangan otak bayi boleh terjejas. Fasa merangkak kata Nasreen, amat penting kerana integrasi asas untuk perkembangan daya penglihatan kedua-dua belah mata sedang berlaku.
Integrasi visual itulah yang akan membantu proses pembacaan, kosentrasi dan tumpuan di dalam bilik darjah.
Menyedari kepentingan proses merangkak itu, ibu muda itu lantas mendapatkan nasihat dan panduan daripada pakar terapi Neuro Network, Daya Bhagwandas, 52.
Pengasas pusat pengajaran pendidikan saraf yang kini berpangkalan di Burwood, Australia itu menyediakan perkhidmatan patologi pertuturan, audiologi dan terapi bunyi. Berpengalaman lebih dua dekad dalam bidang perkembangan otak dan neuron, Daya banyak mengadakan program untuk menyedarkan para ibu bapa tentang potensi kepintaran anak-anak mereka.
Nasreen memberitahu, anak sulungnya itu telah menjalani beberapa sesi latihan pergerakan di bawah penyeliaan Daya. Alicia dibaringkan di atas meja sambil menggerak tangan, kaki serta kepala secara serentak.
Sesi latihan
Terapi yang dikenali sebagai cross pattern itu lama-kelamaan membuatkan Alicia merangkak dengan sendiri. Difahamkan, Alicia telah merangkak selama enam bulan sebelum berjalan.
Tambah Nasreen, kebanyakan ibu bapa terutama yang baru berkahwin kurang peka pergerakan asas seseorang kanak-kanak. Pergerakan asas yang betul amat penting demi mencetuskan kecerdasan anak-anak. Anak-anak sebenarnya pantas memahami dan mempelajari setiap yang diajar oleh ibu bapa mereka.
Penjelasan wanita itu memang benar. Selain membuat aksi pergerakan mencabar pada usia yang terlalu muda, kebolehan anak kecil itu membaca nombor melalui kepingan kad dengan cetakan berbentuk bulat amat mengagumkan.
Menurut Nasreen, berbanding bentuk numerikal, permainan kad dengan cetakan geometri berwarna lebih efektif untuk mengajar anak-anak tentang pengiraan. Ia merangsang visual kanak-kanak dan perkembangan minda terutamanya pada otak bahagian kanan.
Menjelaskan tentang perkembangan otak dan pembelajaran otak kanan, Daya berkata, otak manusia bagaikan satu sistem komputer rumit yang dikawal oleh dua bahagian.
Kedua-dua bahagian itu mempunyai kemahiran dan cara berfikir yang berbeza. Bahagian kanan otak memproses maklumat dengan cepat, melewati ruang dimensi fizikal dan membuat tanggapan tepat. Otak kiri pula memproses dengan cara yang berbeza tetapi dalam bentuk lisan yang lebih kompleks atau berbentuk analisa.
Dominasi otak
"Pada asasnya, manusia berfikir menggunakan keseluruhan otak. Bagaimanapun, satu bahagian daripadanya lebih menguasai atau mendominasi. Semasa berfikir misalnya, otak seumpama bercakap sendiri," katanya.
Jelas Daya, satu bahagian akan lebih mendominasi untuk mengeluarkan kata-kata atau memberi arahan. Bahagian yang mendominasi akan merancang personaliti hidup seseorang manakala bahagian yang sebelah lagi memberi respons terhadap tekanan atau krisis.
"Amat menguntungkan jika seseorang berusaha untuk mengembangkan kedua-dua bahagian otak kerana ini akan menambahkan lagi maklumat dalam menyelesaikan masalah.
"Jika anda dapat menguasai proses dominasi otak kiri dan memperkembangkan otak kanan pasti boleh menjadi seorang yang lebih kreatif dan bijak," kata wanita yang telah memperkenalkan Neuro Network sejak enam tahun yang lalu di beberapa buah negara luar termasuk Malaysia, Australia, Amerika Syarikat (AS) dan United Kingdom (UK).
Ujar Daya, ketika kecil seseorang amat bergantung kepada fungsi otak kanan yang merangsang imaginasi dan visual. Sebab itu, kanak-kanak cenderung mengaju soalan-soalan yang di luar imaginasi ibu bapa. Mereka juga mampu bercakap seberapa banyak bahasa hanya melalui mendengar percakapan seseorang.
Kesemua itu boleh dilakukan disebabkan fungsi otak kanan. Antaranya memori fotografi, mendengar dan baca dengan pantas, kreativiti, muzik, seni dan kemampuan mempelajari banyak bahasa.
Bagaimanapun, dari alam sekolah sehingga dunia kerjaya, ramai yang hanya menekankan pada kemampuan otak kiri.
"Program pendidikan di Neuro Network menekankan tentang kepentingan melatih otak kanan. Bagaimanapun, perkembangan otak itu perlu diberi perhatian dari peringkat bayi sehingga ia berusia enam tahun.
Apabila proses koordinasi gagal berlaku secara sempurna maka seseorang akan mengalami masalah apabila dewasa. Di sini pergerakan merangkak memainkan peranan penting.
Daya memberi penekanan tentang fasa merangkak: "Jikalau seseorang anak tidak melalui proses merangkak dengan sempurna maka proses koordinasi akan menjadi lemah hingga boleh menimbulkan masalah penglihatan, sentuhan, tumpuan, keseimbangan badan dan pernafasan.
Dalam pada itu, programnya juga turut menekankan tentang proses visual ataupun imaginasi yang terdapat pada otak kanan. Kebolehan visual membantu kanak-kanak mempelajari sesuatu dengan lebih cepat dan gembira. Kemahiran visual yang baik amat penting untuk mempelajari mata pelajaran seperti Matematik, Sastera dan bahasa.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Dumbest Things You Do With Your Money
by Kathy Kristof (Moneywatch.com)
Brad Klontz knows all about the dumb things that smart people do with their money: He's a smart guy (with a doctorate in psychology) who lost half of his assets in the technology stock bubble.
A financial psychologist, Klontz says that when it comes to money smarts, size matters: The logical part of your brain is so much smaller than the emotional side that it's like "a circus performer riding an elephant." To make smart decisions about your finances, you need the logical side to dominate. But once you get tweaked by greed or fear, that elephantine emotional brain is likely to run amok.
That's why otherwise intelligent people chase get-rich fantasies. Or cling to stocks that are long past their expiration dates. Or find other ways to let fear and superstition keep them from smarter financial moves. Here are nine of these common, emotionally driven money mistakes — plus some tricks from experts for getting that elephant in line.
1. Falling in Love ... With Your Investments
It can be great to fall in love with a person, but stocks can get you into deep trouble. Newport Beach, Calif., financial planner Laura Tarbox says she sees this all the time: Some clients keep concentrated stock holdings because they inherited them and "Mom just loved IBM," or because they work for the company and feel that selling would be disloyal.
Then there's the couple who came to her asking for help investing $12 million. "That sounded really great until we found out that this couple used to have more than $1 billion," Tarbox says. "All their money had been invested in a company that the husband helped launch — and he couldn't convince himself to diversify when he walked away."
Sorry, but that relationship just won't work, says Tarbox. No one should have more than 10 percent of his or her wealth locked in one stock. Just ask the former employees of Enron, who lost both their jobs and their retirement savings when the company filed for bankruptcy 10 years ago.
2. Chasing a Fantasy
You've read it 100 times: "Past performance is not an indication of future returns." But no one appears to believe it. Purveyors of investment data can trot out tons of statistics showing that when a mutual fund or asset class (such as gold, emerging markets stocks, or junk bonds) gets singled out for great quarterly or annual returns, investors start to pour money into that investment like it was going out of style.
And, of course, it is. One extensive study that looked at 19 years of market data found that investors consistently poured money into "hot" investments just as they were about to turn cold. That left the average investor with returns that fell way below the market as a whole and didn't even keep up with inflation. (For more on this, see our recent story "The Biggest Mistake Investors Make.")
Klontz admits that this is why he lost his shirt in technology stocks. It's a natural inclination to "run with the herd," he says with a shrug. Maybe so, but if you don't want to get trampled, you have to devise an investment strategy that suits your goals and then stick to it, even as your neighbor gets (temporarily) rich on the investment du jour.
3. Equating "On Sale" With "Good Deal"
Consider two television sets: Both are $500, but one is marked down from $800. Which one do you buy? If you're being reasonable, you buy the one that got the better rating in Consumer Reports. But most people buy the one that's on sale, says Matt Wallaert, a consultant for LendingTree, which owns the money management Web site Thrive. In fact, even people who would never have spent $500 on a television often will when it's discounted — simply because it's so cheap!
In reality, $500 is $500. If you wouldn't normally spend that much on a television (or any product, for that matter), you shouldn't do it now. We've been fooled by "anchoring": the illogical, but nearly inescapable, tendency to base our estimates of value on the nearest number we see, rather than an independent assessment. Just because the tag has $800 crossed out and replaced by $500, that doesn't mean $800 was a meaningful price. Indeed, an MIT experiment revealed that students who wrote down the last two digits of their Social Security numbers based their estimates of a wine bottle's worth on those two random numbers. The higher their numbers, the more the students were willing to bid for the wine.
Before you pull out your checkbook to splurge at a sale, evaluate whether the product, be it a television or a bread machine, is worth that price in enjoyment. Consider how often you'll use it, for instance, and whether you can get something of similar quality for less.
4. Retaliatory Spending
You don't need it. You don't want it. But, dang it, no one is going to tell you that you can't have it. New York psychologist Bonnie Eaker Weil calls it "POP" spending — for "pissed-off purchases." She did a survey before publishing her latest book, Financial Infidelity, and estimated from the results that POP spending accounts for about $424 billion in purchases each year.
One of Weil's Brooklyn-based clients, for example, went on a retaliatory $500 shopping spree when her husband gave one of her beat-up old jackets to charity without asking her first. When she got home, she informed him that since he didn't like her old jacket, she had gotten a new one from Saks Fifth Avenue. Such purchases can also result from a fight with your boss, mother, or best friend, according to Weil.
But as good as retaliatory spending may feel, it can do real damage to your financial health. Tarbox says a better approach is to talk out the anger, hurt, or disappointment — or just your bad day — with a friend, or even a professional counselor. If you have to spend money on a psychologist, it's probably still cheaper than the golf clubs or designer shoes you put on your credit card after that last argument with the boss.
5. Hanging On to Debt
The number of people who have money in savings accounts, earning less than 2 percent, while carrying debt on credit cards that charge more than 14 percent is "shocking," Wallaert says. Of Thrive's customers who have more than $500 in credit card debt, almost 40 percent have more than enough in savings to pay it off, he says.
Wallaert connects this mistake to "mental accounting" that separates our money into different stacks that we think ought to stay separate. But illogical separations can create mathematical mayhem.
Consider a person with $5,000 in credit card debt and $10,000 in savings. The debt costs him 14 percent per year, or $700, but the $10,000 in savings earns just 2 percent annually, or $200. He could pay off the debt, saving the $700, and still earn $100 annually on the remaining $5,000 in savings. Net result: He's immediately $600 richer and can start saving faster.
You might argue that you need those savings for emergencies. And you do need some emergency savings, allows Frank C. Presson III, a financial planner in Tucson, Ariz. But if you've got considerably more savings than debt, there's no excuse. Keep one month's worth of living expenses in the bank, even at those sorry returns, Presson advises. Use the rest to pay off the high-cost debt. Then rebuild the emergency savings, not the debt. Worst-case scenario: You still have the credit cards (now with zero balances), and you can tap them in an emergency.
6. Parental Martyrdom
An emerging problem involves parents who spend themselves to the edge of insolvency bailing out their children. "It starts from a good place, basically from wanting to be a good parent," Klontz says. "They'll say that Johnny is going through a rough patch and needs some help. But it becomes financial enabling."
Worse, it often causes the parents to suffer money woes that keep them from retiring or living comfortably because they're constantly paying Johnny's bills.
Any time you help an adult child, you should have a clear idea of how much help is necessary, how long it will be required, how it will help the child get back on his or her feet, and when (or whether) the child will have to pay you back. When there's no plan — just an open checkbook or couch — you turn the child into a dependent who becomes increasingly incapable of taking care of himself, Klontz says.
"I talk to the parents about how their attempts to help are like giving a drink to an alcoholic because his hand is shaking. This kind of helping is hurting," he says. "Then we talk about what kind of help would really help." (Hint: That kind generally doesn't involve cash.)
7. Cyber Insecurity
Roughly half the world has signed on for free online banking, which makes money management easier and saves the typical consumer about $50 annually in postage stamps. Among the people who don't use online banking, 41 percent say they've held back because of security concerns, according to a recent survey by Gartner Research.
What do banks typically do to secure online customer accounts? They put up multiple firewalls, which are the equivalent of brick enclosures around your house, and they have techno-security teams attempting to find the weak spots and shore them up. They also patrol the firewalls 24/7, looking for climbers.
Now, let's look at your mailbox. It's probably unlocked and unguarded — just what a thief needs to steal your credit cards. In reality, the chance of becoming a victim of identity theft or financial fraud as the result of low-tech crime — whether it's somebody stealing cards or "spoofing" you into providing private information via e-mail — is a lot greater than the chance that somebody will breach your bank's online vault.
So sign up already and save the stamps. And if you're worried about security, check your account regularly to make sure there's no suspicious activity.
8. State of Denial
Remember when you were 2 years old and you thought you could hide by closing your eyes? When the stock market plunged last winter and spring, that's just what investors did, leaving their quarterly statements sitting unopened on the counter.
If watching too closely would make you abandon a reasoned investment strategy, go ahead and ignore a statement or two. But losses don't go away just because you don't look at them, Tarbox points out. At some point, particularly if you're nearing retirement or need the dough for some other reason, you need to take a look, assess where you are, and figure out what to do about it.
9. Hoarding Money
Children of the Depression did a lot of this — stuffing $20 bills in their bibles or balling up tinfoil and rubber bands so they wouldn't have to buy more. But planners say that this is often a problem with wealthy and responsible older folks today: They're so afraid of running out of money that they don't enjoy the money that they have.
"When people deny themselves things that they could clearly afford, you have to ask them what they're saving that money for," Tarbox says. "We have to tell them that they're not spending enough."
If you're worried about running out of money, sit down with a financial planner and work out the math. Make sure you consider worst-case investment scenarios, not just the averages. That will make you more comfortable about weathering a bad patch like the one we just muddled through. Then, if you still have more than enough, make a plan that will allow you to enjoy your wealth by either spending the excess or giving it away.
Money, after all, is a means to an end — not the end itself. You save it to make you, and the people you love, calm and comfortable. And it's a lot more fun to take the kids and grandkids on vacation — or provide them with college money or other gifts while you're around to get the hugs and kisses — than to know that they'll inherit a fortune after you die.
Brad Klontz knows all about the dumb things that smart people do with their money: He's a smart guy (with a doctorate in psychology) who lost half of his assets in the technology stock bubble.
A financial psychologist, Klontz says that when it comes to money smarts, size matters: The logical part of your brain is so much smaller than the emotional side that it's like "a circus performer riding an elephant." To make smart decisions about your finances, you need the logical side to dominate. But once you get tweaked by greed or fear, that elephantine emotional brain is likely to run amok.
That's why otherwise intelligent people chase get-rich fantasies. Or cling to stocks that are long past their expiration dates. Or find other ways to let fear and superstition keep them from smarter financial moves. Here are nine of these common, emotionally driven money mistakes — plus some tricks from experts for getting that elephant in line.
1. Falling in Love ... With Your Investments
It can be great to fall in love with a person, but stocks can get you into deep trouble. Newport Beach, Calif., financial planner Laura Tarbox says she sees this all the time: Some clients keep concentrated stock holdings because they inherited them and "Mom just loved IBM," or because they work for the company and feel that selling would be disloyal.
Then there's the couple who came to her asking for help investing $12 million. "That sounded really great until we found out that this couple used to have more than $1 billion," Tarbox says. "All their money had been invested in a company that the husband helped launch — and he couldn't convince himself to diversify when he walked away."
Sorry, but that relationship just won't work, says Tarbox. No one should have more than 10 percent of his or her wealth locked in one stock. Just ask the former employees of Enron, who lost both their jobs and their retirement savings when the company filed for bankruptcy 10 years ago.
2. Chasing a Fantasy
You've read it 100 times: "Past performance is not an indication of future returns." But no one appears to believe it. Purveyors of investment data can trot out tons of statistics showing that when a mutual fund or asset class (such as gold, emerging markets stocks, or junk bonds) gets singled out for great quarterly or annual returns, investors start to pour money into that investment like it was going out of style.
And, of course, it is. One extensive study that looked at 19 years of market data found that investors consistently poured money into "hot" investments just as they were about to turn cold. That left the average investor with returns that fell way below the market as a whole and didn't even keep up with inflation. (For more on this, see our recent story "The Biggest Mistake Investors Make.")
Klontz admits that this is why he lost his shirt in technology stocks. It's a natural inclination to "run with the herd," he says with a shrug. Maybe so, but if you don't want to get trampled, you have to devise an investment strategy that suits your goals and then stick to it, even as your neighbor gets (temporarily) rich on the investment du jour.
3. Equating "On Sale" With "Good Deal"
Consider two television sets: Both are $500, but one is marked down from $800. Which one do you buy? If you're being reasonable, you buy the one that got the better rating in Consumer Reports. But most people buy the one that's on sale, says Matt Wallaert, a consultant for LendingTree, which owns the money management Web site Thrive. In fact, even people who would never have spent $500 on a television often will when it's discounted — simply because it's so cheap!
In reality, $500 is $500. If you wouldn't normally spend that much on a television (or any product, for that matter), you shouldn't do it now. We've been fooled by "anchoring": the illogical, but nearly inescapable, tendency to base our estimates of value on the nearest number we see, rather than an independent assessment. Just because the tag has $800 crossed out and replaced by $500, that doesn't mean $800 was a meaningful price. Indeed, an MIT experiment revealed that students who wrote down the last two digits of their Social Security numbers based their estimates of a wine bottle's worth on those two random numbers. The higher their numbers, the more the students were willing to bid for the wine.
Before you pull out your checkbook to splurge at a sale, evaluate whether the product, be it a television or a bread machine, is worth that price in enjoyment. Consider how often you'll use it, for instance, and whether you can get something of similar quality for less.
4. Retaliatory Spending
You don't need it. You don't want it. But, dang it, no one is going to tell you that you can't have it. New York psychologist Bonnie Eaker Weil calls it "POP" spending — for "pissed-off purchases." She did a survey before publishing her latest book, Financial Infidelity, and estimated from the results that POP spending accounts for about $424 billion in purchases each year.
One of Weil's Brooklyn-based clients, for example, went on a retaliatory $500 shopping spree when her husband gave one of her beat-up old jackets to charity without asking her first. When she got home, she informed him that since he didn't like her old jacket, she had gotten a new one from Saks Fifth Avenue. Such purchases can also result from a fight with your boss, mother, or best friend, according to Weil.
But as good as retaliatory spending may feel, it can do real damage to your financial health. Tarbox says a better approach is to talk out the anger, hurt, or disappointment — or just your bad day — with a friend, or even a professional counselor. If you have to spend money on a psychologist, it's probably still cheaper than the golf clubs or designer shoes you put on your credit card after that last argument with the boss.
5. Hanging On to Debt
The number of people who have money in savings accounts, earning less than 2 percent, while carrying debt on credit cards that charge more than 14 percent is "shocking," Wallaert says. Of Thrive's customers who have more than $500 in credit card debt, almost 40 percent have more than enough in savings to pay it off, he says.
Wallaert connects this mistake to "mental accounting" that separates our money into different stacks that we think ought to stay separate. But illogical separations can create mathematical mayhem.
Consider a person with $5,000 in credit card debt and $10,000 in savings. The debt costs him 14 percent per year, or $700, but the $10,000 in savings earns just 2 percent annually, or $200. He could pay off the debt, saving the $700, and still earn $100 annually on the remaining $5,000 in savings. Net result: He's immediately $600 richer and can start saving faster.
You might argue that you need those savings for emergencies. And you do need some emergency savings, allows Frank C. Presson III, a financial planner in Tucson, Ariz. But if you've got considerably more savings than debt, there's no excuse. Keep one month's worth of living expenses in the bank, even at those sorry returns, Presson advises. Use the rest to pay off the high-cost debt. Then rebuild the emergency savings, not the debt. Worst-case scenario: You still have the credit cards (now with zero balances), and you can tap them in an emergency.
6. Parental Martyrdom
An emerging problem involves parents who spend themselves to the edge of insolvency bailing out their children. "It starts from a good place, basically from wanting to be a good parent," Klontz says. "They'll say that Johnny is going through a rough patch and needs some help. But it becomes financial enabling."
Worse, it often causes the parents to suffer money woes that keep them from retiring or living comfortably because they're constantly paying Johnny's bills.
Any time you help an adult child, you should have a clear idea of how much help is necessary, how long it will be required, how it will help the child get back on his or her feet, and when (or whether) the child will have to pay you back. When there's no plan — just an open checkbook or couch — you turn the child into a dependent who becomes increasingly incapable of taking care of himself, Klontz says.
"I talk to the parents about how their attempts to help are like giving a drink to an alcoholic because his hand is shaking. This kind of helping is hurting," he says. "Then we talk about what kind of help would really help." (Hint: That kind generally doesn't involve cash.)
7. Cyber Insecurity
Roughly half the world has signed on for free online banking, which makes money management easier and saves the typical consumer about $50 annually in postage stamps. Among the people who don't use online banking, 41 percent say they've held back because of security concerns, according to a recent survey by Gartner Research.
What do banks typically do to secure online customer accounts? They put up multiple firewalls, which are the equivalent of brick enclosures around your house, and they have techno-security teams attempting to find the weak spots and shore them up. They also patrol the firewalls 24/7, looking for climbers.
Now, let's look at your mailbox. It's probably unlocked and unguarded — just what a thief needs to steal your credit cards. In reality, the chance of becoming a victim of identity theft or financial fraud as the result of low-tech crime — whether it's somebody stealing cards or "spoofing" you into providing private information via e-mail — is a lot greater than the chance that somebody will breach your bank's online vault.
So sign up already and save the stamps. And if you're worried about security, check your account regularly to make sure there's no suspicious activity.
8. State of Denial
Remember when you were 2 years old and you thought you could hide by closing your eyes? When the stock market plunged last winter and spring, that's just what investors did, leaving their quarterly statements sitting unopened on the counter.
If watching too closely would make you abandon a reasoned investment strategy, go ahead and ignore a statement or two. But losses don't go away just because you don't look at them, Tarbox points out. At some point, particularly if you're nearing retirement or need the dough for some other reason, you need to take a look, assess where you are, and figure out what to do about it.
9. Hoarding Money
Children of the Depression did a lot of this — stuffing $20 bills in their bibles or balling up tinfoil and rubber bands so they wouldn't have to buy more. But planners say that this is often a problem with wealthy and responsible older folks today: They're so afraid of running out of money that they don't enjoy the money that they have.
"When people deny themselves things that they could clearly afford, you have to ask them what they're saving that money for," Tarbox says. "We have to tell them that they're not spending enough."
If you're worried about running out of money, sit down with a financial planner and work out the math. Make sure you consider worst-case investment scenarios, not just the averages. That will make you more comfortable about weathering a bad patch like the one we just muddled through. Then, if you still have more than enough, make a plan that will allow you to enjoy your wealth by either spending the excess or giving it away.
Money, after all, is a means to an end — not the end itself. You save it to make you, and the people you love, calm and comfortable. And it's a lot more fun to take the kids and grandkids on vacation — or provide them with college money or other gifts while you're around to get the hugs and kisses — than to know that they'll inherit a fortune after you die.
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