SM Magazine July 2014 by komstudio8

JULY 2014

magazine

JULY 2014

SaveMoney Raya Edition kuah

Raya Clothes

rend

ang

SaveMoney and DIY your Raya! A Guide to “Save Money” on Ramadan Buffet

t & ketupa lemang

JULY 2014

Full of love, peace and prosperity on Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Sending you our warmest wishes

Contents & Editor’s Note

JULY 2014

CONTENTS 4 FINANCE

Publisher Saving Plus Sdn. Bhd. Redberry City, Lot 2A, Jalan 13/2, 46200 Petaling Jaya Selangor D.E., Malaysia.

• Money Transfer from Malaysia

6 TECHNOLOGY • Introducing the Xiaomi MI-3

Editorial Hann Liew Balkish Rosly Eugene Chua Caitlyn Ng Diana Chai Joshua Ong Winnie Wu Nadia Asha Michelle Brohier Chester John

8 LIFESTYLE • Nutrition Guide for Runners on a Budget • Father’s Day: What if you had to pay your dad?

11 SM RAYA EDITION

Design Komalah Sithamparam Tag Teoh

• Top Places to Grab Affordable Baju Raya!

Advertising Lucas Ooi Sudy Yeo

• SaveMoney and DIY your Raya! • Prepare to Balik Raya

• A Guide to Save Money on Ramadan Buffet

19 JIMATCERMAT.MY • Menabung atau Membayar Pinjaman Anda – Yang mana lebih baik?

www.facebook.com/SaveMoneyMy www.twitter.com/SaveMoneyMy

20 SAVEMONEY TRAVELLER

www.savemoney.my

• Goes to Rainforest - World Music Festival

theeditor@savemoney.my

22 SAVEMONEY TOP PRODUCT TABLES

Editor’s Note Selamat Hari Raya, everyone! Personally, Raya won’t be complete without my two favourite dishes in the world – my mom’s Soto Ayam and her special Taucong sauce. Let’s face it, Raya without the scrummy food is practically unheard of! This month, DIY your own Raya dishes and decorations with a little help from our “Raya DIY” article. Rest assured, the task is less daunting than it sounds.

We welcome any comments or feedback. Tweet, e-mail, or Facebook us to share your Money Saving experiences!

Disclaimer Whilst SaveMoney uses a journalistic approach to deliver the best consumer guides, tips, tools and tricks, we cannot guarantee everything to be perfect. Therefore in using our site, you are agreeing to peruse all information at your own risk, and you acknowledge us for who we are and accept that we are not perfect. We are unable to assume the responsibility, nor do we accept any liability if things go wrong. The content we produce are general in nature and should not be construed as financial advice. Always do your own additional research to meet your own specific goals and requirements. Any action that you take as a result of information, analysis or commentary in the magazine is ultimately your own responsibility. We may link you to other sources, but we are not, and cannot be responsible for their content.

Road trip, anyone? As usual, there will be thousands of cars heading outside of the Klang Valley and a massive traffic congestion is inevitable. Our tip for drivers out there is to plan ahead; head on to our “Prepare to Balik Raya” article for some balik kampung tips! For those who are transferring money overseas to a loved one this Raya season, our “Money Transfers from Malaysia” is a must read. Our financial writer Eugene Chua explored the best way to transfer your money – without breaking the bank! Lastly, I would like to wish a joyous Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all of our readers! May you have a blessed Syawal filled with joy, happiness, and forgiveness.

Balkish Rosly

Finance

Money Transfers P

from Malaysia

JULY 2014

By Eugene Chua

lanning to transfer money to another country? Don’t be disheartened by the horror stories! There is a plethora of painless methods to transfer funds to a beloved relative, friends, or other parties located outside of Malaysia. With the right knowledge and awareness of the services out there, you’d be surprised at how much you can actually save. This guide aims to show you everything you need to know (and perhaps more) about transferring your funds abroad, along with the most efficient way to do so!

Factors to Consider Price/Cost

Time

A savvy shopper would not purchase an overpriced item, so why pay a higher fee when transferring your funds? Before agreeing to a service, you should always check and compare the costs involved! In the pursuit of finding the best cost-effective way of transferring money, there are three main costs that you should look out for; the currency exchange rate, transfer agent’s commission, and transfer fees.

Time is money, which makes it an important factor that you should consider when transferring funds abroad. Some money transfer services can take as short as a few minutes, while some require up to weeks for completion.

First of all, currency rate is the most pivotal cost when it comes to transferring your funds overseas. All international money transfers involve this stage and hence, it is important to find the best currency rate. A tip for newbies! Always find the current rate online before starting your transfer quest. The second cost that many transfer agents may charge is a commission, which is usually dependant on the amount of money transferred. Remember that the exchange rate you get is crucial. Many companies that transfer money claim to be charge-free/commission-free but then give you a substantially worse exchange rate, meaning you get less value for your money. The third and most occasional cost you may acquire when sending money is the actual transfer fees, usually charged by banks. In any case, it is best to ask the golden question of ‘How Much Euros/Yen/Dollars Will I Get for My Ringgit, Etc. After All Fees And Charges?’

Amount Money transfer services tend to impose a maximum transfer limit (in Malaysia, the limit is typically RM5,000 – RM10,000 per day), based on whether or not they are designed for large transfer amounts. This limit should also be considered when choosing the best method for overseas money transfer.

Safety While small amounts may not involve high risks for transfer, larger amounts of money call for extra security measures. For this reason, it is always best to work with those services that have been long in the business. Tip : Consider the use of a colleague or a friend’s past experiences in a successful money transfer.

Methods of Transferring Your Money 1. Cash Though this may be considered the “old-fashioned way” when it comes to transferring money, this option can be extremely practical in some circumstances. For occasions where time is not of the essence, simply withdrawing cash and physically bringing it to another bank to deposit into an account is completely free! However, do be careful as it is not exactly the safest method of moving money around. Keep in mind that sending cash through the mail is discouraged. If the mail gets lost, there is no way to retrieve the money.

2. Personal Cheques Things get a bit trickier when sending cheques internationally. Sending a cheque overseas that’s written in Ringgit Malaysia can often result in delays in cashing the cheque; some banks may not even accept foreign cheques! The recipient may also have to pay a fee to cover some expenses. Despite the hassle, this method is safer than cash if you’re planning to go the old fashion way of sending it by mail – as you could easily cancel the cheque if it didn’t arrive at its destination.

3. Bank Drafts and Cashier’s Cheques Both of these methods are great, as they are safe, when it comes to sending money in foreign currencies. Bank drafts and money orders typically cost around RM2 - RM5 in most banks, and you can purchase them in the currency that you want. As mentioned previously, since a bank draft requires a physical transfer, it is entirely up to you to decide on how long it would take to reach it’s designated bank or institution.

JULY 2014

Finance

4. Remittance via MoneyGram and Western Union MoneyGram and Western Union provide similar services that allow you to transfer money to a different city, state or country without the physical money or draft. They charge a flat rate for the transfer, and the fee is based on the speed, the location, and the amount of money transferred. If you’re doing an overseas or international transfer, you’ll also be charged an exchange rate. These money transfer services don’t generally offer a very competitive exchange rate. However, one of the major benefits of these services is that they tend be both highly dependable and convenient.

MoneyGram Banks that have it: 1. Maybank Berhad

2. CIMB Bank

What is it?

Typical charges

MoneyGram is a US based money transfer company and one of the worldwide leaders (second largest) in providing money transferring services. The company has specially chosen agents in 284,000 locations across 196 countries and territories. It is a fairly common and popular method of transfer in Malaysia as this service is offered by some banks, along with other locations as well.

The charges vary according to the destination and amount sent, and ranges between RM9.00 to RM800 depending on the destination. Fees are typically cheaper when sending money to neighbouring countries (e.g: Indonesia, Phillipines) and higher when transferring money abroad (e.g: America, United Kingdom)

Western Union Western Union locations: Banks

Others

RHB Bank Berhad

myNEWS.com

Bank Kerjasama Rakyat

Lotus Group Enterprise Sdn. Bhd

Bank Simpanan Nasional

NS Cash Point Sdn Bhd

United Overseas Bank

Horizon Remit Sdn Bhd

AgroBank

Access Remittance Sdn Bhd

Public Bank Berhad

What is it? Western Union is a global leader in providing money transfer services, with more than 463,0001 Authorized Service Provider locations in over 200 countries and territories around the world. In Malaysia, the Western Union service is available in more than 2,5001 Authorized Service Provider locations across the country.

Pride Express Sdn Bhd

Hong Leong Bank Berhad

Vitcomex Sdn Bhd

AmBank Group

Typical charges

Reit Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad Kuwait Finance House Malaysia Berhad

Ongaya Sdn Bhd APFT Express Sdn Bhd Selected Pos Malaysia offices

The service charges vary according to the destination country and amount sent, and ranges from RM11.00 up to a few hundred ringgit depending on the destination.

Remit Money International Sdn Bhd

5. Online Remittance via PayPal PayPal – International Money Transfer Online through the PayPal network PayPal allows users to accept or make payment in the following currencies: • Canadian Dollar • Euro • British Pound • U.S. Dollar • Japanese Yen • Australian Dollar

• New Zealand Dollar • Swiss Franc • Hong Kong Dollar • Singapore Dollar • Swedish Krona • Danish Krone

• Polish Zloty • Norwegian Krone • Hungarian Forint • Czech Koruna • Israeli New Shekel • Mexican Peso

• Brazilian Real (only for Brazilian members) • Malaysian Ringgit (only for Malaysian members) • Philippine Peso • New Taiwan Dollar • Thai Baht • Turkish Lira (only for Turkish members)

What is it?

Typical charges

PayPal is a global e-commerce business allowing payments and money transfers to be made through the Internet. PayPal is an acquirer, performing payment processing for online vendors, auction sites, and other commercial users, for which it charges a fee.

Let’s assume that you want to send RM1,000 overseas.

More commonly associated with online shopping, PayPal also offers a sending money overseas service. You and the recipient both need PayPal accounts which are FREE to open, then you can transfer money into it from a bank account or credit card. Funds will be instantly credited to the receiver’s PayPal account but will take three to nine days to withdraw to a bank account. However, you will still be able to use the funds in your PayPal account to make online payments via PayPal and such.

Sending money to neighboring countries such as Singapore will cost you no service fees if you use your Bank Account or PayPal balance. However, you will incur a cost of RM36 should you choose to transfer via Credit Card. Sending money to United Kingdom for instance, will cost RM5 should you choose to transfer using your Bank Account or PayPal balance. A cost of RM 41 will be incurred if you choose to transfer via Credit Card.

Cheapest Ways to Transfer Money Overseas In the modern day of technology, transferring money by cash, cheque, bank draft or money order may seem like it’s going out of style. These methods may appear less popular when there are faster electronic methods for transferring money between accounts, states and even countries – though that doesn’t mean that they’re no longer viable options. If cost is your primary concern, there are certainly inexpensive options for transferring money, and the cheapest method may vary depending upon your circumstances. As such, shopping around and investigating your options will help you find the best deal for money transfers. Take your time and look at your options. The cheapest method for transferring money in one circumstance might not be the same in another. Do your homework to make sure that you’re not giving away your hard-earned money to big financial institutions or money transfer organizations.

JULY 2014

Technology

Introducing the

Xiaomi MI-3

By Joshua Ong

hat does the term “Xiaomi” actually mean? For those of us vaguely competent in the language of Mandarin Chinese, the name “Xiaomi” literally translates into “little grain of rice”. But don’t worry, the Xiaomi MI-3 has absolutely nothing to do with rice (duh!).

The Xiaomi MI-3 is in fact the latest smartphone to burst its way into the growing Malaysian market via Beijing based tech company Xiaomi Inc. The smartphone debuted on May 20th via Xiaomi’s Malaysian website for a price of only RM889. As expected, local Malaysians went crazy at the thought of a high-spec smartphone for only RM889 which lead to a total and complete sell out of the initial stock of 4,000 units of the Xiaomi MI-3 (no surprise!). But don’t worry too much if you haven’t got your hands on the latest Xiaomi MI-3, the company has promised that more shipments of the smartphone will be available soon (fingers crossed!). So while you’re sitting at home playing GTA 5 in anticipation of the next shipment of this ultra-cheap smartphone, why not take a break from “stealing cars and ramming people down” and read on for our all-inclusive, “no punches pulled” guide on the Xiaomi MI-3.

Xiaomi MI-3 Specifications Okay... I get it, the Xiaomi MI-3 is a super cheap high-spec smartphone... yay! But cheaper does not always mean better, so is the Xiaomi MI-3 actually a decent smartphone or is it just one of those “cram everything we got into it” kind of smartphones? For more detail, here are the highlighted features and specs of the Xiaomi MI-3: • 5 inch 1080p high definition LCD touchscreen

• Dual Band Wi-Fi Connection (Up to 5Ghz)

• Snapdragon 800 2.3 GHz processor with 2GB RAM

• Up to 500 hours battery life with 3,050 mAh lithium ion battery

• Android v4.2.1. operating system

• Thermal Graphite coated frame (won’t stop a bullet, but it looks good)

• 13 Megapixel dual-LED camera

How does the Xiaomi MI-3 match up against other top end Smartphones? As you’ve probably derived from the highlighted features and specs, the Xiaomi MI-3 is no pushover in the land of the smartphone. But how does the Xiaomi MI-3 stand out in the school yard? Does it have the power and capacity to beat down and spank big market powerhouses like the Samsung Galaxy S5 iPhone 5S? Or does the Xiaomi Mi-3 looks like “a small grain of rice” next to the imposing HTC One M8?

Xiaomi MI-3 vs LG Optimus G Pro Xiaomi MI-3

LG Optimus G Pro

Display

5 inch 1080p HD LCD touchscreen

5.5 inch 1080p HD LCD touchscreen

Processor

Snapdragon 800 2.3 GHz processor

Snapdragon S4 Pro 1.7 GHz processor

Battery

3,050 mAh

3,140 mAh

Camera

13 Megapixel

RM889

RM 1,888

RRP

No doubt, the LG Optimus G Pro is a remarkably handsome looking smartphone with its 5.5 inch full HD LCD touchscreen among other gadgets. But perhaps the best feature of this sleek piece of tech is the smart-video playback option. The LG Optimus G Pro smart-video playback essentially tracks where your eyes are looking while you watch a video. If your eyes stray away from the video (because a really pretty lady just walked past), then the video automatically stops, allowing you the time to check her out. When you’re done or she’s done (whichever comes first), you can always return to your video after taking a few deep breaths. The Xiaomi MI-3 does not have smart-video playback (awwwwww), but it does offer the user a very similar quality of display, battery, camera and processor... all for less than half the price. That’s right, you could technically buy 2 Xiaomi MI-3 smartphones for the cost of a single LG Optimus G Pro. So while the LG Optimus G Pro does have one or two nice gadgets up its sleeve, does the phone offer that much more than the XIaomi MI-3 to warrant it being twice the price of the latter? That’s for a discerning SaveMoney reader to decide.

Technology

JULY 2014

Xiaomi MI-3 vs Samsung Galaxy S5 In a strictly hardware versus hardware battle, the Samsung Galaxy S5 will beat the Xiaomi MI-3 into oblivion every single time. The statistics speak for themselves, the Samsung Galaxy S5 is stacked with the best technology in the market today. So if the Samsung Galaxy S5 beats out the Xiaomi MI-3 in almost every aspect of the game with the exception of the battery (tsk tsk Samsung), then why should Malaysians even bother buying the Xiaomi MI-3? The answer is 2,399. That’s right, investing in a Samsung Galaxy S5 will set you back by RM2,399. How much is RM2,399? Food for thought, RM2,399 will buy you approximately 1,000 Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate bars (not the hazelnut or almond variety). Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S5 to the Xiaomi MI-3 is akin to facing off a Mercedes Benz and a Toyota Camry. On one end, you have a really expensive yet high quality piece of machinery and on the other end, you have a more affordable yet less advanced piece of technology. “You get what you pay for” Some people might find the Samsung Galaxy S5 to be “worth the investment”, just like how some drivers choose to fork out half their savings to buy a Mercedes when they could instead be saving so much more by choosing a Toyota Camry. Xiaomi MI-3

Samsung Galaxy S5

Display

5 inch 1080p HD LCD touchscreen

5.1 inch 1080p AMOLED touchscreen

Processor

Snapdragon 800 2.3 GHz processor

LTE 2.5 GHz quad core processor

Battery

3,050 mAh

2,800 mAh

Camera

13 Megapixel

16 Megapixel

RM889

RM 2,399

RRP

Xiaomi MI-3 vs Apple iPhone 5S While the ever popular iPhone 5S may have the support of legions of die-hard fans, the fact remains that in terms of hardware, the iPhone 5S simply does not stack up against the Xiaomi MI-3. So why do so many people still care about the iPhone 5S? The allure and charm of the iPhone is so strong that asking a long time iPhone user to switch to a Xiaomi MI-3 (or any other phone) is akin to telling a someone to drive on the other side of the road. The switch draws the person out of his/her comfort zone and into new territory, a feeling that most people will find utterly displeasing. So while most people might shy away from the iPhone and its high cost of RM2,399, there will always be an endless supply of Apple fan-boys waiting in line at the next Apple release (with this writer being an Apple fan himself). For the rest of us not under the deceased Steve Jobs’ hypnotic spell, the Xiaomi MI-3 does offer a good quality smartphone for a decent price of only RM899. It may not have the specific userfriendliness of the iPhone 5S, but it does have a larger screen, better battery and higher quality camera. Xiaomi MI-3

Apple iPhone 5S

Display

5 inch 1080p HD LCD touchscreen

4 inch 640p HD LCD touchscreen

Processor

Snapdragon 800 2.3 GHz processor

64 Bit Apple A-7

Battery

3,050 mAh

1,570 mAh

Camera

13 Megapixel

8 Megapixel

RM889

RM 2,399

RRP

Xiaomi MI-3 vs HTC One M8 After the awkward design of the HTC One Max, the HTC One M8 presents itself as a definite improvement over its uglier predecessor. Sporting a completely redesigned exterior, the HTC One M8 has a full length granite-colored metal back that can only be described as sleek and sporty. No joke, the HTC One M8 is truly a work of brilliant art. In terms of hardware however, the HTC One M8 does lag behind several other smartphones in the market such as the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Xiaomi MI-3. But just like in real life, the HTC One M8’s good looks are more than enough to make up for its apparent lack of “talent”. Xiaomi MI-3

LG Optimus G Pro

Display

5 inch 1080p HD LCD touchscreen

Processor

Snapdragon 800 2.3 GHz processor

Snapdragon 801 2.5 GHz quad core processor

Battery

3,050 mAh

2,600 mAh

Camera

13 Megapixel

4 Megapixel

RM889

RM 2,399

RRP

Most Malaysians have always held the assumption that smartphones should be expensive and that investing in “cheaper” alternatives usually equate to stabbing oneself in the back with a knife (or maybe a pen drive). While that statement may have been true back in 2008, the recent global rise of start-up tech companies like Xiaomi Inc. has turned the tide away from overpriced smartphones and towards affordable yet durable pieces of technology. With most other top-of-the-line smartphones sporting a price tag of RM2,200 or higher, the Xiaomi MI-3 coming in at RM899 really does change the landscape, and will undoubtedly be a hit for people at that price range. The smartphone may not carry the international recognition of a Samsung or Apple but it certainly offers a reportedly decent quality product for a price that is hard to turn away from. So while choosing the Xiaomi MI-3 will not make you the envy of your friends, it will enable you to Save Money at the end of the day.

Lifestyle

JULY 2014

Nutrition Guide

for Runners on a Budget By Joshua Ong Even wonder what would happen if you filled up the tank of your Perodua Myvi with palm oil instead of petrol? Suffice to say, the results would be nothing short of disastrous. On the flip side, what if you ate a bucket of fried chicken and went on a run around your neighborhood? Will you be able to beat your personal best? Or will you be vomiting all the way back home? For athletes, a healthy diet constitutes 50% of your training regiment. It doesn’t matter how hard you train, if your diet consists of oily metabolism slowing foods, then you will never achieve your goal of marathon success. Unfortunately, maintaining a consistent healthy diet can be quite the challenge, especially when you live in “Nasi Lemak” country. However, besides the obvious temptation of oil soaked and sugar rich local delicacies, there is also the unfortunate dilemma of healthier foods being much more expensive than their junk food counterparts. So how do you eat clean and train hard in Malaysia without breaking the bank? Believe it or not, with a little creativity, it is entirely possible to adhere to a healthy diet while on a budget. So leave your sweating for the race track and read on for our all inclusive nutrition guide for runners on a budget.

Boost your Morning Run with a Healthy Breakfast Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially if you are on a hard training regiment. Even if you are a light eater, breakfast should be the meal that you invest the most in. Why? Because after a long night of “fasting”, your body is absolutely craving for nutrients, which makes this the best time to capitalize and absorb as much goodness as you can. Unfortunately, most Malaysians (in their rush to leave the house every morning) often neglect eating a proper breakfast in favour of much more convenient options like take-out nasi lemak from the neighbourhood mak cik. While there is nothing wrong with indulging in a little bit of Nasi Lemak once a week, it should not be the kind of food that you stuff down on a daily basis…unless your goal is to become a flesh-coloured balloon (in that case you should probably wash down your food with full-cream milk). The ideal runner’s breakfast should constitute of a mix of complex carbohydrates, protein, unsaturated fat and fruit. But does it have to be downright expensive? Nope.

The Breakfast Meal Plan: Total Cost = RM6 10g carbohydrates, 12g protein,

2 eggs any style (1g fat of which 3g is saturated)

ad with peanut butter 2 slices of whole wheat bre tein, 10g fat of which 2g (30g carbohydrates, 12g pro is saturated) OR instant) with sugar-free 1 bowl (50g) of oatmeal (not ates, 7g protein, 3g fat jam for taste (35g carbohydr of which 0g is saturated) bohydrates, 0g protein, 1 wedge of papaya (10g car 0g fat)

Why Complex Carbohydrates? Complex carbohydrates (whole wheat bread, brown rice etc.) are significantly more nutritious than their “refined” carbohydrate counterparts (white bread, white rice etc.). During the processing of white rice, the grain bran and germ is removed which leaves the shiny white “core” behind. The removal of the bran and germ means that significant amounts of nutrients such as vitamin B and fiber are forfeited in the process. Sadly, food products containing complex carbohydrates are often priced significantly higher. For example, a loaf of whole wheat bread goes for around RM3.50 in Malaysia whereas white bread will only sell for around RM2.50. Is the extra investment of RM1 worthwhile?

JULY 2014

Lifestyle

Juice Up on Energy before Your Evening Jog Your “pre-run” meal is essentially the equivalent of pumping up your car with petrol before embarking on a long drive. If you start your journey on an empty tank of gas, then you probably won’t survive the trip. Likewise, if you do not have enough stored carbohydrates in your body, then it is likely that you will gas out before the end of your run. To save yourself from turning into a heaving and puffing human steam engine, you’ll want to chow down on fast absorbing easily digestible carbohydrates. Your body will be able to break down these carbohydrates easily to provide your machinery with all the ammunition it needs. But does this mean that you should stuff your face silly before your run? No! Always remember that when it comes to running, it is always better to feel a tiny bit hungry than a little too full. If you run on a full stomach, the only burn you’ll be feeling is the fireworks in your stomach. After which, you will probably stoop down by the side of the road and create your very own “vomit painting”. Don’t forget to take a Selfie. In addition to giving yourself at least 1 hour to digest your food, you should also be wary of any oily or deep fried foods before your run. Oily foods are more difficult for the body to digest due to the significant amount of energy required to break down fats. So don’t wolf down a bag of chips before your run unless you want to feel lethargic.

The Pre-Run Meal Plan: Total Cost = RM4 (not instant) with 1 bowl (100g) of oatmeal bohydrates, 15g car 1/4 cup of raisins (84g urated) sat 0g protein, 6g fat of which OR ad with peanut 4 slices of whole wheat bre bananas (73g butter and 3 sliced fat of which 10g , tein carbohydrates, 12g pro 3g saturated) ar)

1 cup coffee (little or no sug

Fueled-Up and Ready to Go! Good nutrition doesn’t always have to be expensive. Most of the time, people choose to stray away from their healthy diets simply because they lack the motivation to stay on them. Keeping with a strict diet plan can be painfully difficult sometimes but no matter how things pan out, don’t give up on your goal. You will only have one chance on race day to complete your marathon. There will be no reruns or double-takes, so if you know what you’re worth then get out there and give it all you’ve got.

Bananas are nature’s energy capsules. They’re tasty, come in a cool shape and are absolutely loaded with B vitamins and potassium. The perfect nutrients to have in your system when you’re getting ready to give your muscles a good burn. In addition, compared to many other fruits in tropical Malaysia, bananas are also extremely affordable. Just try not to make eye contact with anyone while eating a banana and you should be all right.

Ban

anas?

JULY 2014

Lifestyle

Father’s Day:

What if you had to pay your dad?

By Michelle Brohier

athers don’t often get a lot of acknowledgement when it comes to parenting and being a Father, mostly because everyone believes that the only thing men have to do is work to support the family.

But fathers play just as important role as a mother for the upbringing of a child. Fathers give guidance, discipline and protection. They share their wealth of knowledge; they are the protectors and a child’s source of strength; their love is immeasurable. Unfortunately for some of us, a good father isn’t easily located in an aisle at a shopping mall or a recruitment agency. But if you could put a price on the number one man in your life, would you be able to afford him? In no way is this meant to demean the King of our Hearts but more as a way to show you just how priceless he is. We did a similar article for Mother’s Day and now it’s dad’s turn in the limelight.

Facilities Manager

Cook

Workforce average salary: RM6,750

Workforce average salary: RM4,500

Hourly rate: RM42.19

Hourly rate: RM28

Chief Mechanic

Teacher

Workforce average salary: RM2450

Workforce average salary: RM3,500

Hourly rate: RM15.31

Hourly rate: RM21.88

Driver

CEO

Workforce average: salary: RM1,700

Workforce average salary: RM19,833

Hourly rate: RM10.63

Hourly rate: RM123.95

It all adds up There isn’t a father cookie cutter and though many do play different roles to different degrees – this isn’t meant to be a one cost fits all. There are many different types of fathers out there: those who stay at home, those who can only provide financially, those who aren’t really good at taking care of the house, etc. But for the sake of calculating; we made some assumptions about our ‘model’ father. Here’s what his hours may look like: 15 hours a month in his CEO role (RM1,859.25), 14.4 hours as a facilities manager (RM607.54), 12.8 hours teaching you (RM280), 4 hours working on the car (RM49.24), 10 hours cooking (RM280) and 15.2 hours driving (RM161.57) within a month. Adding all this up; his monthly salary would be RM3,237.60. A father plays just as an important role to a child, and it’s important to give him love not just on this special day, but every day. Have a Happy Father’s Day, everyday!

SM Raya Edition

JULY 2014

Raya Edition

Save Money and

DIY your Raya!

By Balkish Rosly

Hear ye, hear ye! Raya is fast approaching, and shoppers are naturally going berserk in the quest of finding the perfect Raya clothes, furniture, curtains, cushions…The list goes on! The festive season is an excellent excuse for us to splurge on brand new items; but then again, why spend an absurd amount of money when you can DIY? Trust us, it is not as daunting as it sounds. This Raya season, treat your bank account kindly and break the spendaholic tradition by starting a Raya DIY project instead.

How To DIY: Raya Food Celebrating Hari Raya without the signature Raya dishes? Impossible! It is a crime to not have Rendang chicken or beef, ketupat, satay, and a profusion of Raya cookies on full display on your buffet table. Here, we show you the easy DIY steps on how to prepare some of these mouth-watering cuisines in your own kitchen.

t r a T m a J e l Pineapp

During Raya, visitors will surely be eager to get their hands on the pineapple jam tart cookie jar. It is surprisingly easy to make, and all you need is an oven, pastry cutters, and these items: Ingredients: 225 g salted butter, melted 340 g plain flour 1 egg, whole 1 bottle, pre-made pineapple jam ¼ tsp vanilla extract (optional) 40 g caster sugar (optional)

Honey Cornflakes Biscuit For novices, honey cornflakes biscuits are the answer to kick-start your Raya DIY project (because a burned kitchen is a no-no for Raya)! The recipe that we found does not even require an oven, so you could start making them pronto. Ingredients: 50g butter 1 tbsp sugar 3 tbsp of honey 3 cups of cornflakes Toppings of your choice (sprinkles, shaved chocolate, etc) 50pcs mini paper cups

DIY Steps: • Pre-roll the pineapple jam into round balls. • Get the oven ready by preheating it to 180°C or 365°F. • Mix all the ingredients (minus the pineapple jam balls) together until they form the dough for the pastry. • Roll the dough out to about 5 to 6mm thick. • Cut them with the pineapple tart pastry cutter. • Place the dough onto the baking tray. • Place the pre-rolled pineapple jam onto the pastry, pressing them down lightly so that they sit well on the pastry. Allow your creativity to shine and add your own design on top of the jam! • Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn into a golden brown colour. It is imperative that you do not over-bake them to avoid a hardas-rock jam situation. • Remove cookies immediately from oven when done and let it cool on a wire rack. Once cool, refrain yourself from popping them into your mouth and store the tarts in a container.

DIY Steps: • Melt the butter, sugar and honey in a frying pan on a low heat setting until they are frothy. • Add in the cornflakes into the pan and mix the ingredients thoroughly. • Switch off heat and quickly scoop one tbsp. of crispy, buttery goodness into the mini cups. • Top it up with the topping of your choice – and voila! Your honey cornflakes biscuits are ready to be served.

SM Raya Edition

JULY 2014

Raya Edition

n e k c i h C g n a d n Re

Rendang and Raya are practically synonyms; one can’t live without the other. Beef rendang is everyone’s first choice, but it does require a cooking skill of level 9,000 to pull off the succulent and flavourful meaty dish. Instead, try cooking the equally scrumptious – but less appreciated – chicken rendang!

Method

the first ingredients with a few tbsp 1. Blend of water to form a paste, and set this aside.

the oil in a heavy pan or a wok. After 2. Heat a few minutes, add in the blended paste and sauté.

in the chili paste and continue to stir 3. Add fry the ingredients for 15 minutes.

4. leaf, kaffir lime leaf and bruised lemon Add in the chicken, tamarind peel, turmeric grass. Stir and mix these ingredients for about 5 minutes.

5. ts

Ingredien

– to blend

arlic • 5 cloves g • 5 shallots ns • 2 big onio uas) • 1” ginger ngal /lengk inger (gala g e lu b ” 1 p • all ieces , cut into sm ss ra g n o m • 2 le eras) uts (buah k • 5 candlen rmeric • 1” fresh tu

Ingredients – to cook • 2tbsp chili paste • 1 tamarind peel (asam keeping or gelugor) • 150ml thick coconut milk • 200ml water • 1 turmeric leaf, finely shredded • 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn into few pieces • 2 lemongrass, bruised • 5tbsp cooking oil • 2tsp salt or to taste • 1 and 1/2tbsp sugar or taste

How To DIY: Raya Decorations A festive Raya is not complete without fancy new furniture to decorate the living room? Nay, we beg to differ. There are plenty of other methods to freshen up your living room space, such as: • Rearranging your furniture. • Use mirrors to increase light – Mirrors can transform a small, dark room into a space that feels lighter, bigger and more open. • Artwork – A good painting brings colour and sets the mood of a room, so hang some new paintings or prints to change the tone of your living space. • Remove your carpet – A brand new carpet is expensive, so keep the current one in your storage room and expose your lovely living room tiles instead. • Change your cushion covers.

Add in water, and continue to simmer for 20 – 25 minutes. Stir occasionally. Season with salt and sugar, add coconut milk into the wok and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.

Note: First timers, don’t be disheartened if your dish or cookies turned out less than desirable. Cooking is a skill that can be acquired through time, and you’ll be fit for MasterChef with enough practise!

JULY 2014

SM Raya Edition

Raya Edition 5-Minute Cushion Covers Tutorial We kid you not, 5 minutes are all it takes to stich up a brand new cushion cover. Here are the steps:

Things you need: Fabric, scissors, sewing machine / needle and thread

STEP 1 Measure you Pillow STEP 2 Cut Front And Back Pieces

2 inch Longer

STEP 3 Cut The Back Piece In Half STEP 4 Position Your Pieces

Fold long edge over and sew

STEP 5 Pin Pieces Together

STEP 7 Flip it Inside Out

Right sides together

STEP 6 Sew Around Edges

How to DIY: Raya Packets/ Hari Raya Cards Raya is not complete without “Duit Raya”! For those who are sick of the same ol’ generic Raya packets, why not personalise it and make your own? There are plenty of tutorials out there, and we found a comprehensive tutorial on www.inmystudio.com. au. For a simpler version, try out this easy design instead:

SM Raya Edition

JULY 2014

Raya Edition

Prepare to

Balik Raya By Michelle Brohier

It takes a lot of effort to get through a full month of fasting, but there’s the excitement of the Hari Raya celebrations to look forward to. The amazing food, the delicious treats, the new clothes, being surrounded by family and of course, the duit raya! Yet, there’s still the hardship of preparing to balik kampung. The kids may be excitedly singing to Sudirman (oh..oh..balik kampung!), but they’re not the ones who have to bear the possible headaches and cost of making sure everyone reaches their destination safely! Yes, balik kampung can be a trying time for everyone involved. But with a little pre-planning, you can definitely cut down on the hassle and especially the spending. While it can be trying to plan things so far ahead, especially during the Puasa month, this will help you make your trip back a lot easier. Your mode of transport to head back for the holidays plays a key role in this. Here’s what you have to expect when you’re taking each of these.

Driving It’s almost expected for the highways to be jam-packed during festive season, and Hari Raya is no exception to this. Despite the ease of being able to drive directly to your destination, it still comes with a lot of risks such as the possibility of your car breaking down, being stuck in a traffic jam and wasting not just time but money in terms of petrol as well. Don’t steel yourself up, determined to battle through the jam with the risk of your car breaking down. While these things can be unpredictable, you can still keep your mind at ease by doing the following:

Send your car for service Before you can start driving, you need to get your car serviced. Yes, you will need to spend in this department but it’s a necessity and it’ll save you a lot of frustration and further spending required to fix your car in the event that it does break down. So rather than spend thousands of ringgit when your car does break down, better spend a few hundreds to get it serviced. Depending on the car that you own, the cost may vary. But here’s a simple calculation; if the cost of your car is below RM50,000 mark, you can expect to pay around 0.8% to 1% of your car cost. If your car is above RM50,000, it would be about 0.6%. So assuming you bought a car for around RM42,000, it could cost around RM336 to service your car.

Inflate the tires Inflating your tires are not only free, it can save you a lot more money. Properly inflated tires means it uses less petrol so you’ll save about 3.3%. The best part is that inflating them is totally free at available petrol stations!

Plan your timing It’s easy to think that traffic jams are to be expected with your balik kampung journey but it doesn’t have to be. After all, being caught in a traffic jam means you’ll be using up more petrol, and that equals money. If possible, aim for a time to drive when there are fewer cars on the road. If you plan to go early morning, make sure you’re properly rested if you’re driving. There are highways that releases a schedule on the best times for people in different areas to drive in which hours, so look out for that and make sure you follow the timings if necessary!

SM Raya Edition

JULY 2014

Raya Edition

Bus To those of you taking the bus home, and have done so before, you would understand how legendary the packed bus stations can be during the balik kampung season. There are even people who would be lining up at the last minute to get their tickets only to have it all sold out. So it’s best to make your bookings as early as possible! You can make your booking online either through the bus company of your choice or using comparison sites such as easibook. Here’s a simple table on the average prices for a one way ticket if you’re traveling up North (Penang) or to the East coast (Terengganu) to take note of if it’s your first time to buy a ticket. State

Average cost of ticket

Penang

RM35

Terengganu

RM44

Flight It’s not common to hear of many people having to take a flight to balik kampung, but that’s no excuse to forget those in East Malaysia. Timing to book your tickets here is key. If you weren’t lucky enough to get all those free seats promos or other airline promos, you’ll have to resort to the usual prices. Flying in days before Hari Raya may be a little more expensive but traveling on Hari Raya day may be cheaper. Here’s a table with the list of one way tickets to Kuching with different airlines. Airlines like MAS and Malindo Air already includes the cost of checking in your baggage so despite how high their price may seem, those may be a better option if you’re bringing heavy baggage. Airline

Balik in style It may be nerve wrecking to ensure a smooth balik kampung, especially with so many problems possible so don’t stress yourself too much. As long as you reach your destination safely you’re all good. Besides, the excitement of being with your whole family and the celebrations should be enough to keep you motivated to do what you can. Have a great Hari Raya and stay safe on the roads!

Friday Saturday Sunday (25 July 2014) (26 July 2014) (27 July 2014)

Monday – Hari Raya (28 July 2014)

Tuesday – Hari Raya (29 July 2014)

AirAsia

RM216

RM304

RM260

RM183

Malindo Air

RM329

RM419

RM329

RM199

RM183

MAS

RM331

RM436

RM402

RM183

JULY 2014

SM Raya Edition

Raya Edition

Top Places to Grab Affordable Baju Raya!

ey big spenders, you don’t have to splurge to look good for Hari Raya! Forget designer brands that will cost you thousands of Ringgits; our Kiam Siap fashionista will guide you on where to seize stylish yet affordable Raya clothes in the Klang Valley. Sharpen your bargaining skills, because we are about to explore the world of budget shopping. Read on!

By Balkish Rosly

Kenanga Wholesale City Fashion Mall Beyond the hazy atmosphere and the permanently congested traffic near Bukit Bintang lies a bustling mall every frugal fashionista simply must visit. Kenanga Wholesale City Fashion Mall is unlike any other; this mall offers items at a wholesale (and not retail) price. But this mall comes with a twist! Most shops require visitors to purchase at least two items or more to enjoy the discounted prices. To combat overspending (because we are SaveMoney after all!), we highly recommend that you drag along a handful of jolly friends and family to enjoy the exceptionally low prices on baju kurung and other necessary Raya items. Be prepared, comrades. There are close to 800 lots and 8 floors of stores for you to explore. For this purpose, comfortable shoes and an adequate amount of cash is necessary – so break a leg and don’t go too crazy! The beauty of the mall is that most wholesalers carry similar items, so a good browse for the cheapest option is highly recommended. Price Range: We found a set of modern baju kurung for RM80 (must purchase two pairs for this price).

Shah Alam Here’s another spot that prudent shoppers should visit for a cheaper alternative to upscale boutiques. KLites will have to drive 20 minutes (40 minutes if the traffic is crazy) to get here, but sacrifices must be made for the love of clothes! Shah Alam is a huge city but it is considerably less packed compared to popular locations like Jalan TAR and the likes. The three areas that we would like to highlight are Seksyen 7, PKNS, and Plaza Shah Alam. If you don’t mind the El Niño heatwave, then have a stroll around the Seksyen 7 area; there is a plethora of boutiques with plenty of choices for the rich and the thrifty. Do lather yourself with a bottle of Sunblock SPF 50, use an umbrella, and maybe a hat when you battle the heat, please. If you’re not ready to get sweaty, then head on indoors to the PKNS and Plaza Shah Alam malls to find your Raya clothes. For the truly Kiam Siap spenders, wait until the eve of Raya to make your purchases. Places like PKNS and Jalan TAR will offer unbeatable prices from as low as RM50 on a fancy baju kurung! The con? Limited choices and sizes, plus the boutiques will be jam-packed with eager shoppers and you might have to physically fight your way to victory. Price Range: Expect to pay a minimum of RM180 to RM300 in Seksyen 7, and around RM100 to RM150 at PKNS and Plaza Shah Alam.

The Internet

Modvier

The next stop in our shopping destination is familiar to everyone, the Internet! There are several perks to online shopping; shoppers do not need to combat the heatwave, battle traffic, or even put on clothes to make purchases on the internet. Those who don’t mind a little splurging can hover their mouse over the Raya collaborations between prominent local designers and online shops like Fashion Valet, Zalora, and Poplook. This year, fashion heavyweights like Nurita Harith collaborated with FashionValet to produce an array of stunning Raya pieces and sets, while Rizalman and Jovian Mandagie both showcased their collections on Zalora Malaysia. Affordable options are also available at these shopping sites, so don’t sweat!

Hari Raya won’t be complete without a matching hijab for your outfit, and we know the right store for the occasion. Located in Bangsar, Modvier is a concept store that features young designers like Kree and 14November by Yuna.

Price Range: Expect to pay a minimum of RM400 per set from the designers’ collections!

Price Range: Price differs according to the designers, but RM40 could get you a nice hijab.

Expect to see close to thirty brands strategically placed in this hipsterly decorated concept store; think high ceiling, indie music, exposed brick walls, and an outdoor Cafe to fuel your caffeine addiction. Here, the options are plenty! Hijabs, abayas, maxi skirts and long dresses? Modvier has them covered.

JULY 2014

SM Raya Edition

Raya Edition

A Guide to Save Money on Ramadan Buffet By Shazwani Atiqah

he fasting month begins! As expected in a food-loving country such as ours, top hotels, restaurants, and food-chains will be sprouting an assortment of promotions to delight many taste buds. Good readers, don’t bother scouting the papers or websites for promotions because we’ve got you covered! In the usual SaveMoney fashion, we have compiled and summarized all current (and decent) food and drink promotions offered during the Ramadhan period for your ease.

Be Wary! Food has quite an effect on everyone, but always give a seemingly awesome promotion a second look. Plenty of adverts out there are sugar-coated to sound and look tantalizing, but only to leave a huge disappointment to those who took the bait.

Terms on the price Be wary of the “++” or “NETT”! The “++” sign after an advertised price indicates that more charges will be added to the final bill, so refrain from a heart attack by packing more cash with you. Your final bill will include added charges such as the service tax, government tax, service charge and others. On the other hand, “NETT” price is final and you should not be paying more than what is stated on the bill.

Ramadhan Buffet and Meal Promotions Restaurant Name

Hotel

Star Rating

Price

The Sultani

RM55.00 nett per adult / RM38.00 nett per child / free for kids below 5 years old

1st July 2014 26th July 2014

Flavors @ Swiss Garden Hotel

Flavors @ Swiss-Garden Hotel

RM85++ per adult / RM40++ per child

30th June 2014 26th July 2014

Essence

Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel

RM118++ per person

1st July 2014 24th July 2014

Melting Pot Cafe

Concorde Inn

RM58.00++ per adult/ RM45.00++ per child below 12 years old, senior citizen age 60 years old and above

29th June 2014 27th July 2014

Big Apple Restaurant

Berjaya Times Square Hotel

RM108.00++ per adult / RM54.00++ per child

29th June 2014 27th July 2014

Utara Coffee House

Hotel Armada

Ramadan Buffet Dinner RM85++ per adult / RM43++ per child

23rd June 2014 27th July 2014

Serena Brasserie

Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur

RM120++ per adult (July 21 – July 25)

28th June 2014 27th July 2014

RM138++ per adult (July 7 – July 13) and (July 14 – July 20)

Date

*20% discount for group booking of 20 persons or more Pago Pago Cafe

Plaza Hotel Kuala Lumpur

RM60.00nett per adult

1st July 2014 25th July 2014

Cafe Lavista

Hotel Bangi Putrajaya

RM102.10 nett per adult/ RM52.20 nett per child

29th June 2014 27th July 2014

Carousel International Coffeehouse

Palace of The Golden Horses

RM98++ per adult / RM49++ per child and senior citizen

29th June 2014 27th July 2014

Eccucino

Prince Hotel Kuala Lumpur

RM108++ per person 50% off for children below 12 years old and complimentary for those below 6 years old.

30th June 2014 25th July 2014

The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur

RM115++ per adults / RM57.50++ per children between 6 and 12

28th June 2014 27th July 2014

For group bookings or more than 20 people, enjoy a Special Group Dining Deal of 10%.

Pearl International Hotel Pearl International Hotel Kuala Lumpur

RM98nett per adult / RM40nett per child

30th June 2014 - 26th July 2014

Ancasa Hotel & Spa

Ancasa Hotel & Spa Kuala Lumpur

RM75nett per adult / RM50nett per child

30th June 2014 - 25th July 2014

Nook Cafe

Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral

RM100nett per person

30th June 2014 - 26th July 2014

TEMPTations

RENAISSANCE KUALA LUMPUR HOTEL

RM108++ per adult / RM54++ per child

29th June 2014 - 27th July 2014

Checkers Cafe

Dorsett Regency Hotel Kuala Lumpur

RM104.40nett per person

29th June 2014 - 27th July 2014

Sunflower Brasserie & Delima Hall

The Royale Bintang Kuala Lumpur

RM85++ per adult / RM45++ per child 6 - 12 years old and senior citizen

2nd July 2014 - 25th July 2014

SM Raya Edition

JULY 2014

Raya Edition Restaurant Name

Hotel

Star Rating

Price

Date

Palms Cafe

Palm Garden Hotel

RM90.00 nett per adult / RM45.00 nett per child (4 – 12 years)

28th June 2014 27th July 2014

Maya Brasserie

Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur

RM 135 per adult / RM 90 per children between 5 – 12 years old

30th June 2014 – 26th July 2014

The Everly Hotel, Putrajaya

RM98nett / Children 50% discount Pay for 10 person, get 1 free

30th June 2014 24th July 2014

Bangi Golf Resort Restaurant

Bangi Golf Resort Clubhouse

Voucher - RM50nett per adult / RM25nett per child Walk-in - RM65nett per adult / RM30nett per child

2nd July 2014 26th July 2014

Kembali Kitchen

BEST WESTERN PREMIER Dua Sentral

RM98++ per adult, RM58++ for senior citizen and RM39++ for children below 120cm

1st July 2014 25th July 2014

Fuzion & The Atrium, Sunway Resort Hotels & Resorts

Sunway Hotel

RM138++ per adult

28th June 2014 27th July 2014

Bunga Emas Restaurant

The Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur

RM90++, RM120++ and RM150++ per person

2nd day of Ramadhan - 27th July 2014

Warisan Cafe

The Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur

RM118 nett per person

2nd day of Ramadhan - 27th July 2014

Chatz Brasserie

Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur

RM125 nett per adult RM62.50 nett per child

29th June 2014 27th July 2014

Vasco

Hilton Kuala Lumpur

RM145 ++ per person

28th June 2014 27th July 2014

Swez Brasserie

Eastin Hotel Petaling Jaya

RM110++ per adult / RM55++ per child For every 10 diners, 1 dines for FREE

29th June 2014 27th July 2014

Cinnamon Coffee House

One World Hotel Petaling Jaya

RM128++ per adult / RM64++ per child (aged 4 -12 years)

19th June 2014 27th July 2014

JP Teres

Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

RM148++ per adult / RM74++ per child

30th June 2014 25th July 2014

Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur

RM68 ++ per adult / RM48++ per child

29th June 2014 27th July 2014

Quality Hotel City Centre

Quality Hotel City Centre Kuala Lumpur

RM85 ++ per adult / RM43 ++ per child

29th June 2014 27th July 2014

Wild Rice Restaurant

Boulevard Hotel Mid Valley Kuala Lumpur

RM70nett per adult / RM35nett per child or senior citizen

4th July 2014 25th July 2014

Nomad Bistro

Nomad Bistro @ The Nomad Sucasa

RM70nett per adult / RM35nett per child or senior citizen

29th June 2014 29th July 2014

Dining Promotions Restaurant Name

Promotion

Date

Paddington House of Pancakes (The Curve Shopping Centre)

Paddington House Of Pancake all-you-can-eat Ramadhan Buffet The Curve outlet - RM65++ per adult / RM38 per child Ampang Point outlet - RM55 nett per adult / RM30 nett per child

29th June 2014 - 27th July 2014

Shah Alam Convention Centre

Sinar Ramadan Buffet RM 88.00++ per adult / RM 44.00++ ( 6-10 years old children) Free for children below 6 years old

1st July 2014 - 25th July 2014

Sime Darby Convention Centre

Sajian Tradisi RM80++ per adult Ramadhan Voucher

Start from first day of Ramadhan (6.30 p.m - 10.30 p.m)

Riverside, PWTC

Cahaya Ramadhan RM60++ per adult / RM15++ per child

Start from first day of Ramadhan (6.30 p.m - 10.30 p.m)

Pak John Steamboat & Yong Tao Foo

Ramadhan Buffet Buka Puasa RM 39 ++ per person

RM 2,399

Chakri Palace Pavilion KL

RM69.50 ++ per adult RM35.50 ++ per child ( 7 -12 years old) and senior citizen

28th June 2014 - 29th July 2014

Pizza Hut

Citarasa Ramadhan 40% OFF after 9 p.m in-store

Until further notice

Dejavu Restaurant

Buffet Ramadhan RM29++ per person

Until further notice

Kampung in the City

Ramadhan Al-Mubarak Menu RM99++ per person

29th June 2014 - 27th July 2014

Ramadhan Al-Kareem Menu RM135++ per person Songket Restaurant

Delight In The Splendour Of Ramadhan RM 75++ per adult / RM 35++ (above 3 years old)

1st July 2014 - 25th July 2014

BoraOmbak Cafe

Buffet Ramadhan RM48++ per adult / RM29.90++ per child

The whole month of Ramadhan

Voucher - RM39.90++ per adult / RM29.90++ per child Before 14th July 2014 Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club

Dapur Nusantara Member: RM75++ per adult / RM38++ per child Non-member: RM88++ per adult / RM44++ per child

*for a more comprehensive list, head on to savemoney.my!

30th June 2014 - 25th July 2014 (6.30 p.m - 10 p.m)

JULY 2014

OCTOBER 2013 Jimat Cermat

Haruskah Anda Mendapatkan Menabung atau Membayar Pinjaman Anda –

Kad Kredit? Yang mana lebih baik?

nda teringin untuk membuat permohonan kad kredit, tapi risau akan mengalami masalah hutang Terjemahan: Nadia Asha yang banyak? Ramai menganggap bahawa berhutang Patutkah Saya merupakan sesuatu yang tidak baik, tetapi sebenarnya ika anda mempunyai lebihan wang, apa yang akan anda lakukan dengan wang

Diterjemah oleh: Balkish Rosly

Mendapatkan Kad Kredit (Walaupun itu? Kebanyakannya akan menjawab menabung atau shopping; maklumlah,risiko pemilikannya tinggi?)

atau kejatuhan seseorang. tiadapenyebab siapa suka membayar hutang-piutang yang tertunggak. Namun begitu, Seperti yang kami katakan di atas, kad kredit bukan punca masalah anda. Dengan sedikit disiplin, pemilikan kad kredit boleh memberi banyak manfaat kepada langkah di atas mungkin bukan langkah terbaik untuk anda. HUTANG YANG TIDAK TERURUS ialah punca sebenar masalah kita semua. Hutang pada asasnya adalah sesuatu yang baik jika diuruskan dengan bijak. Tapi jika kita tidak mengambil peduli tentang hal kewangan sendiri, maka kesemua hutang ini akan bertukar menjadi hutang “buruk” (dan mimpi ngeri anda!).

anda. Ia boleh membantu anda mengawasi perbelanjaan bulanan, menolong anda membuat bayaran sebelum gaji masuk, memberi pelbagai ganjaran dan juga boleh menolong anda menyimpan wang jika digunakan dengan bijak.

“Patutkah saya menabung, atau melangsaikan hutang saya”? Jadi, baca tips-tips berikut untuk untuk mengelakkan diri anda daripada

terjebak ke dalam femonena “hutang keliling pinggang”! Memiliki Kad Kredit: Gaji Sarah ialah RM2,000 sebulan. Selepas ditolak semua kos untuk bil elektrik, barangan runcit, dan keperluan lain, dia mempunyai lebihan RM400 setiap bulan. Kini, Sarah berada di dalam dilema: Baki Peringatan Sebelum Memilih Kad Kredit pinjaman kad kreditnya tepat RM400, tetapi dia hanya ingin membayar jumlah minimum yang diperlukan 1. Ikut bajet bulanan dan pastikan anda langsaikan hutang kad kredit setiap bulan! sahaja, dan sebaliknya mendepositkan lebihan RM400 ke dalam akaun simpanan, “Lagipun, seorang 1. wanita memerlukan dana kecemasan “, fikir Sarah. Kad kredit bukan pendapatan tambahan anda! Jadi jangan anda menggunakan kad kredit untuk mendapat menambahkan perbelanjaan harian hanya kerana anda 2. Jika pemindahan baki 0%, pastikan anda tidak terlepas bayaran mempunyai kad kredit. minima yang perlu dibayar sepanjang tempoh 0% itu. Dari segi emosi, dana kecemasan memberikan kelegaan bagi sesetengah pihak. Namun dari segi kewangan, membayar pinjaman anda terbukti lebih menjimatkan kos dalam jangka masa panjang. • Cuba membuka akaun direct debit untuk bayaran minima setiap bulan. Dengan cara ini anda boleh mengelakkan Cuba untuk menggunakan kad kredit anda secara penalti lewat bayaran / kehilang faedah pembelian 0% Contoh: Sarah Bintilangsaikan Mat minima dan segera bil kad kredit bulanan anda untuk mengelakkan kadar faedah berganda. • Pada saat anda membuat bayaran lewat, kurang Gaji Sarah ialah RM2,000 sebulan. Selepas ditolak semua kos untuk daripada bayaran minima atau terlupa untuk membuat bil elektrik, barangan runcit, dan keperluan lain, dia mempunyai bayaran, anda akan terus hilang bonus kadar 0% dan akan dikenakan kadar faedah tertinggi untuk kad kredit jenis ini. lebihan RM400 setiap bulan. Kini, Sarah berada di dalam dilema:

Tips

Membayar balik Pinjaman Anda!

bulanan kad kredit anda. Jika anda dia hanya ingin BakiBerhati-hati pinjamandengan hutang kad kreditnya tepat RM400, tetapi Untuk pelan pembayaran mudah 0% selama 12 atau 24 bulan gagal untuk membayar secara penuh setiap bulan, anda kena 3. yang membayar jumlah minimum yang diperlukan sahaja, dan sebaliknya selalu digunakan untuk pembelian seperti telefon bimbit, membayar faedah 13% p.a. – 18% p.a. sebulan! perkakas rumah, dan lain-lain, sentiasa membuat bayaran tepat mendepositkan lebihan RM400 ke dalam akaun simpanan, “Lagipun, seorang wanita memerlukan dana kecemasan “, fikir Sarah. pada masa pada setiap bulan.

• JIka tidak, anda akan kehilangan kadar 0% yang ditawarkan itu. Elakkan pembayaran lewat kerana ia mungkin mengakibatkan kehilang tawaran kadar faedah rendah, pembayaran denda Faedah penalti ke atas dan/atau pinjaman menjejaskan anda sebenarnya lebihkredit tinggi dan daripada faedah yang diperolehi pada akaun simpanan anda (termasuk deposit tetap!). Oleh itu, cara yang penilaian permohonan Pilih kad kredit yang boleh memberikan ganjaran kepada setiap 4. dilangsaikan, terbaik dan paling logik ialah dengan membayar pinjaman anda. Sebaik sahaja hutang anda anda boleh menabung lebih banyak pada setiap bulan. kad kredit anda dimasa hadapan. perbelanjaan anda. • Jika anda banyak berbelanja di tempat tertentu (contoh : anda selalu melancong / anda suka tengok wayang ), carilah kad kredit yang memberikan ganjaran dan keuntungan mengikut Ragu-ragu tentang jenis kad kredit yang mana anda pilih?jika Cuba kuiz pinjaman kad Secara umumnya, lunaskan pinjaman anda harus terlebih dahulu faedah anda perbelanjaan anda. kredit kamilebih di bawah! Kami akan sebaik mungkin untukpinjaman mencadangkan adalah daripada 4% p.a.melakukan Jika anda mempunyai beberapa untuk dilunaskan, kadfokus kreditkepada terbaikpinjaman untuk anda: yang paling mahal terlebih dahulu, contohnya:

Jenispasti Pinjaman yangyang Perlusesuai Dilangsaikan Segera Tidak kad kredit untuk anda?

• Kad Kredit

Soalan 1: Tunai • Pendahuluan

Adakah anda mampu melangsaikan hutang kad kredit • Overdraf sepenuhnya setiap bulan? • Flexi Mortgage (jika anda mampu untuk meningkatkan pembayaran cagaran bulanan, apa salahnya?) Pergi ke Soalan 2 untuk mengetahui cara untuk mengurangkan YA kadar bayaran faedah – dan seterusnya menjimatkan wang anda!

TIDAK Tahniah! Oleh kerana anda mampu melangsaikan hutang kad Pengecualian kredit setiap bulan, anda tidak perlu risau dengan kadar faedah

yang dikenakan bank. Sebaliknya, anda patut mencari kad kredit Terdapat beberapa ketika di mana pinjamanganjaran adalah lebih “murah” berbanding yang boleh menawarkan untuk perbelanjaan anda. simpanan (atau Misalnya, pinjaman jika begitu mahal, membayar balikwayang, dalam masa anda seorang penggemar maka yang carilah singkat adalah agak kadmustahil): kredit yang memberikan anda ganjaran di panggung wayang.

Penalti Pembayaran Awal / Pembayaran Soalan 2:tetap bulanan

Adakah anda mampu melangsaikan hutang kad kredit sepenuhnya Pinjaman kereta, cagaran tetap, dan pinjaman peribadi biasanya mempunyai setiap bulan? ansuran bulanan yang anda perlu patuhi, jadi jika anda mendapati bahawa Cuba soalan 3. TIDAK anda masih mempunyai sedikit wang tambahan dalam bajet anda selepas menolak semuaCari pinjaman dan bayaran cagaran bulanan bil kad kad kredit yang mempunyai promosidan faedah 0%kredit dengan YA (jangan pernahtempoh lupa bilyang kad lama! kredit ya!), simpan baki wang anda di dalam akaun simpanan atau akaun deposit tetap .

Soalan 3: Adakah anda mempunyai disiplin untuk menukar kad untuk mendapat kadar faedah 0%, selalunya setiap 3 hingga 6 bulan?

TIDAK YA

Cuba soalan 4. Cuba untuk mendapatkan kad kredit yang memberi kadar faedah 0% paling lama. Selepas itu, tukar kad kredit anda dan dapatkan pindahan baki 0% (tempoh 0% selalunya 3 hingga 6 bulan) untuk memindahkan hutang anda ke kad yang baru tanpa dikenakan caj faedah langsung.

Faedah Pinjaman Rendah / Pinjaman Percuma

Ya, perkara sebegini wujud! Sebagai contoh, pemindahan baki kad kredit Soalan 4: anda memindahkan baki kad kredit anda kepada yang baru 0% membolehkan tanpa sebarang kos faedah kad asalkan anda membayar dalam tempoh yang Anda perlu menggunakan kredit namun tidak mampu membuat diberikan. dalam ini,mampu rakan kita Sarah mampu untuk meletakkan RM400 bayaranJadi penuh dankes tidak memohon kad baru setiap kali tempoh wang tambahan ke 0% dalam akaun deposit tetap dengan faedah yang tinggi (pada promosi faedah tamat? kira-kira 4% p.a sebulan) selama 6 atau 12 bulan, dan kemudian membayar bil-bil Pilihan terbaik untuk diri anda adalah untuk memohon kad kredit dengan kad kredit beliau pada tempoh 0%! kadar faedah paling rendah, dan elakkan kad kredit 0% .Ini kerana setelah tempoh 0% , kadar faedah akan meningkat lebih berbanding kadar faedah Akhir sekali, lebih cepat anda membayar pinjaman membebankan tersebut, lebih paling rendah kad kredit yang tersedia. cepat anda dapat mengumpulkan wang untuk masa depan yang lebih cerah!

JimatCermat.my laman penjimatan kewangan di Malaysia, kami sentiasa berusaha menyelidik cara-cara untuk anda menjimatkan wang tanpa mengubah cara hidupcara anda dan anda! berjimat JimatCermat.myialah merupakan laman penjimatan kewangan di Malaysia yang boleh menolong anda menjimatkan sekurang-kurangnya RM1,000 setahun tanpa mengubah hidup sekurang-kurangnya RM1,000 setahun!

JULY 2014

SaveMoney Traveller

The SaveMoney Traveller Goes to..

Rainforest

World Music Festival By Caitlyn Ng

he SM Traveller is back again, this time taking a trip to the famous Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) in Kuching, Sarawak. Over a period of 3 days, renowned international musicians from all over the world (Wales, Italy, Japan, Indonesia and Cuba, to name but a few) as well as indigenous musicians were brought together in the Sarawak Cultural Village. Touted as a unique festival that allows visitors to enjoy the music of the world in the midst of the lush Borneo jungle, this is one event worth checking out! One could opt for either the 1-day pass or the 3-day pass. As in the case of most concerts / festivals / events, the earlier you buy the passes, the cheaper the price will be. This year, the 1-day pass was priced at RM110, but early birds could purchase the pass for RM90. Due to the ticket verification processes and other security measures, festival goers were advised to go as early as possible to collect their tickets. Rest assured, there wasn’t a dull moment while at the event - the organisers went all out in ensuring that visitors got the best bang for their buck. There were plenty of activities for anyone to engage in! If cultural learning is your kind of thing, then checking out the various halls and houses that are strategically placed throughout the Village is a good idea. There, you could attend all the interactive workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts to your heart’s content. There was also the Food and Village Mart within the venue that ensured there’s more than just music-related activities to enjoy. It doesn’t have the word “food” in the name for nothing! From local delicacies such as Sarawak laksa, kolo mee and Manok Pansoh to international favourites like burgers, sushi and kebabs, visitors made sure their stomachs were emptied before arriving! To get through the sticky hot weather, they were plenty of chilled beer and ice cold drinks available to quench one’s thirst! Of course, what would a festival be without a few booths showcasing the people-pleasing activity of airbrushed tattoos and henna paintings? Many people of old age and gender were spotted sporting quite a few of these, at strategic areas where their clothes revealed sweaty skin.

In addition, there were tents that had local fabric arts, paintings and crafts for those who were keen on taking home something more lasting as memorabilia. Did you know that opposite the Sarawak Cultural Village lies another venue that visitors can head to? At Damai Central, the party doesn’t stop there, with more booths and stalls to check out! Visitors were spoiled for choice with even more food options (most of which were fried or grilled and placed on skewers, for easier handling and eating). There was even a special section that held not one, not two, but THREE international tribal tattoo artists. And we’re not talking about the non-permanent ones; these were the real deal, with sharp needles, blood and plenty of muffled screams! At the end of the RWMF, people were seen crossing the street to Damai Central’s main music stage where the after-party was held. DJs provided lively dance music, and the tireless crowd jumped and danced until the wee hours of the morning! A setback is that you weren’t allowed to bring any food or drinks whatsoever (this includes the all-important elixir of life: water!) inside both the venues; which means that you needed to quench your thirst via the drink stalls there, whose prices weren’t exactly on the cheap side either. And when all else fails, there is the Damai Beach to turn to! Soft sand, salty breeze, calm waves, and a most breathtaking sunset. What more could you possibly ask for? If you’ve missed out on all the fun and excitement this year, there’s always next year to look forward to. Just make sure that you book way in advance in terms of the tickets and accommodation to ensure that you take advantage of the cheaper rates. Assume Depart from Kuala Lumpur to Rainforest World Music FestivalSarawak per pax; SaveMoney Budget*

Mid-Range**

Splurge***

Air Fare (return/pax)

RM200– RM300

RM400 – RM600

RM1,200 – RM1,500

Accommodation 3D 2N

RM50 – RM200

RM300– RM450

RM600 – RM1,100

Transportation

RM5 – RM15

RM75 – RM95

RM200 – RM300

Meals

RM5 – RM10

RM20 – RM30

RM40 – RM50

RM90

RM110

RM130

RM350- RM615

RM905 - RM1,285

RM2,631- RM5,103

Entrance Fee for Attractions Total for 3D 2N

*Budget Traveller: Assuming he/she stays in a hostel/backpacker inn located in the city and uses the official shuttle bus/van service to the RWMF. **Mid-Range Traveller: Assuming he/she stays in a 2-3 star hotel located in the city and drives to the RWMF in a small budget car. ***Splurge Traveller: Assuming he/she stays in either a 5-star hotel located in the city or a resort located near the venue and drives to the RWMF.

JULY 2014

Internet Shopping How To Safely Shop Online With A Credit Card

How Does Online Payment Work? When making a payment at the online checkout counter, you will be prompted to enter your credit card or debit card details. They will need your full name, credit card number, expiry date, verification code, and a billing/shipping address. In addition, your transactions are also protected by Verified by Visa and MasterCard Securecode.

Phishing Emails Never respond to bank emails, SMSes, browser pop-ups, and even telemarketers calling to request that you give them your credit card details to "update" your records — they simply have no business in knowing these things, and sharing sensitive information such as passwords through email shouldn't be in anyone’s best practices handbook.

Two-step authentication This is a one-time password after filing in your card details. It will be sent directly to your mobile phone via SMS which you will need to enter when asked. Only you and the bank will know the password, it is not stored anywhere else, only used once, and never recycled.

You Need To Play A Role Too It is never a good feeling to look at your account balance or monthly credit card statement and not remember that you've made some of the transactions printed in black and white — perhaps because it wasn't you!

HTTPS You probably see it every day in your browser address bar, but what does it do? It is a widely deployed way for computers and servers to communicate safely. It plays a big part in keeping your information safe during e-commerce transactions, so make sure that you see these initials when making any transactions online.

Something you should periodically do is to check on your monthly statements for any suspicious activity, and it is important to know where you've used your card and at what amounts. Always keep your receipts and cross check with your online statements using online banking.

PayPal PayPal is a popular service that allows you to pay online using cash stored in your PayPal account, or cash in your linked bank account or credit card. If your credit card linked PayPal account gets hacked, your liability will be limited to $50, which translates to RM160 if you report within 2 business days. The same cannot be said for an account linked to your bank account, as a perpetrator can siphon money out directly from your bank account!

Verification Code

000

Other Things to Consider It is never a good feeling to look at your account balance or monthly credit card statement and not remember that you've made some of the transactions printed in black and white — perhaps because it wasn't you! Periodically check your monthly statements for any suspicious activity, and it is important to know where you've used your card and at what amounts. Always keep your receipts and cross check with your online statements using online banking.

Malaysia's No.1 Money Supermarket This was brought you by Chester John from RinggitPlus.com. RinggitPlus compares credit cards, personal loans and home loans to help Malaysians get more for their money. Disclaimer: This article is for information only. Nothing in this article is an endorsement, recommendation or suggestion of any banking, monetary or financial institution, product, service or security, in any form whatsoever. It is not, and shall not be construed as, an offer (that is capable of being accepted) of any credit card, or a solicitation or invitation to purchase or otherwise deal with any credit card issuer. The reader must obtain independent and appropriate financial, legal and other advice before dealing with any credit card issuer. This article does not constitute financial, legal or other advice. The views expressed are the writer's own, and do not reflect or incorporate the views of any entity within the Ascension Lab or Saving Experts Sdn. Bhd entities. Nothing in this article binds or incorporates the views of any Entity, or creates legal relationships between the reader and any Entity.

JULY 2014

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