Let me ask you this, which one you prefer, “buy cheap things” or “buying quality things cheap”. If you had to choose between these two, which one do you think the best?

A lot of people already set in their mind. It’s kind of an automatic teller machine saying to them; buy cheap things, save money more! Obviously there must be a reason why those things are cheap.

For an example if are looking for new shoes . Will you find the cheapest one in shop? Definitely you buy the cheapest one if you are on a budget or perhaps thinking on saving some money.

As for me, definitely buy quality things cheap is wise.Let say you bought a RM40 shoes with no brand or some funny idiotic brand like “CAP AYAM” brand.Do you know with that much money you can get a better branded shoes?Look out and find cheap offers for branded shoes instead of buying a cheap one.

You might find good quality shoes with 50% offers or even a 70% offers from original price. That is what I called buying quality things cheap is better than buy cheap things. Now do you see the differences between these two?My advice, spent your money wisely.

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to subscribes to our rss feeds

Just wondering, will i be able to buy units in every scheme below which offered by ASNB funds?If not now, maybe future will.I will update this entry once i got to buy units for all Amanah Saham package offered to the public.However it depends whether this scheme will bee offer in future or not.Perhaps there will be more products from ASNB in future with a btter portfolio.Hopefully la!

* Skim Amanah Saham Nasional
* Amanah Saham Nasional 2
* Amanah Saham Nasional 3 Imbang
* Amanah Saham Gemilang
* Skim Amanah Saham Bumiputera
* Amanah Saham Wawasan 2020
* Amanah Saham Malaysia
* Amanah Saham Didik
* Amanah Saham 1Malaysia

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to subscribes to our rss feeds

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is proud to announce that it is collaborating with Public Bank Berhad (PBB) to allow employers to pay their employees’ monthly contribution on-line through the bank’s PbeBank.com Services.

Effective September 3, 2002, all employers registered with the EPF and who are also customers of PBB can make their employee contributions via the bank’s internet channel. All employers with an account with PBB wishing to utilize the new service can make the application through PBB. The service is available free of charge and applications are to be made at the account holding branch.

This initiative by the EPF is the second on-line service offered by a bank. Bumiputera-Commerce Bank (BCB) launched a similar service on April 16 this year. The EPF will be launching such services with other banks in the near future.

The EPF is continuously looking for ways to improve its level of service to its members. The on-line service has tremendous benefits as it will allow employers to manage their employees’ EPF contribution payments in a faster and more efficient manner where everything is done at the touch of their fingertips. Using PbeBank.com Services would save employers the hassle of travelling, queuing and time.

Should employers require more information on this new service, they can call PBB at 03-21767188 or visit www.PbeBank.com.

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to subscribes to our rss feeds

President Barack Obama had hoped that health care reform would be resolved by now. But look for this debate to continue into the early part of 2010. If or when lawmakers reach an agreement, you’ll need to pay attention to what modifications might take effect.

Many changes, such as an increase in the amount of medical expenses necessary to deduct them, wouldn’t show up for several years. Others, however, are on a fast track. For example, the proposal to limit flexible spending account contributions to $2,500 a year would take effect in 2011. If that change comes to pass, you’ll need to account for it in 2010 as you make decisions about your company health care benefits

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to subscribes to our rss feeds

Similarly, several other Bush administration tax cuts are set to expire at the end of 2010. As for income taxes, the top tax rate is scheduled to return to 39.6 percent from the current 35 percent and the 10 percent bracket would be eliminated.

Will this happen? Right now, it looks as if the 10 percent bracket is safe, but higher-income individuals might be facing increased taxes in 2011. If you could be affected, talk with your tax and financial advisers about what steps you can take to soften the tax blow.

There has been some talk that growing deficits could prompt rate hikes ahead of schedule. However, a still-sluggish economy and upcoming 2010 midterm elections make that less likely. So pay attention to Congress and to Bankrate for the latest on where personal income tax rates might go.

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to subscribes to our rss feeds

The Bush administration tax cuts included reductions in capital gains tax rates based on taxpayer adjusted gross income. Currently, the highest rate is 15 percent for individuals in the 25 percent to 35 percent tax brackets. Taxpayers in the 10 percent and 15 percent tax brackets pay no capital gains.

That’s scheduled to change in 2011. The top rate will return to 20 percent; the zero rate will revert to 10 percent. There’s always a chance Congress could continue the current lower rates, but with the federal deficit, the top capital gains rate is likely to increase. If you are in a higher income bracket and could eventually face higher capital gains taxes, speak with your tax and investment advisers about whether cashing in now at the lower rates fits your portfolio plans

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to subscribes to our rss feeds

The estate tax died as scheduled in 2010, but look for a retroactive resurrection this year. Congress effectively has until September to approve a new law since estate tax returns aren’t due until nine months after a taxpayer dies. Most lawmakers agree that a tax should be in place.

The question is: How much of an estate’s assets should be exempted? The congressional re-examination of the estate tax highlights how estate planning can be complex, confusing and costly. Don’t follow Congress’ bad example and put off dealing with your estate and potential tax ramifications. See an estate tax professional and get your affairs in order sooner rather than later so that your heirs, not the IRS, are your ultimate beneficiaries

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to subscribes to our rss feeds

Gas prices stabilized over the last year, but there’s no guarantee they won’t once again nudge the $4 mark. If you’re concerned about it, consider a hybrid. Even better, these cars could pay off at tax time.

However, you have to shop carefully. The hybrid credit, which is available through 2010, was designed to phase out once an automaker sold 60,000 eligible vehicles. That happened years ago with popular Toyota and Honda hybrids. Other auto manufacturers, however, still offer an array of fuel-efficient cars, trucks and SUVs that could save you tax dollars.

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to subscribes to our rss feeds

Tax-deferred savings plans such as traditional IRAs or workplace 401(k)s are great ways to build a retirement nest egg. But the IRS won’t wait for its cut of the account earnings forever. Once you turn 70-1/2, tax law demands you start taking money out of these accounts via required minimum distributions, or RMDs.

In 2009, retirees didn’t have to worry about RMDs thanks to a one-year waiver granted by Congress. In 2010, RMDs are back, so make sure you take out the requisite money or you could pay a stiff penalty.

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to subscribes to our rss feeds

Thanks to another portion of last year’s stimulus bill, the tax savings for energy-efficient home improvements were themselves improved.

Instead of a complicated patchwork of credit amounts, homeowners can claim up to 30 percent of the first $5,000 spent on qualifying residential energy upgrades, or up to $1,500 in tax credits. If you want to go even greener, for example by installing a solar home heating system, you could get even bigger tax credits.

The new credit format took effect last year, but is running through 2010. This might be the last year, though, so if you need to make home repairs, consider energy-efficient upgrades that could pay off at tax-filing time.

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to subscribes to our rss feeds