Month of July 2024

Updated finance page.

https://drinkingspot.blogspot.com/p/finance-sharing.html

And just like that, the eldest son had completed the foundation coursework although there's concern he might fail one subject and therefore having to repeat a semester. Fortunately, he passed, by a whisker. Meanwhile, he has two months break and I'm encouraging him to do some meaningful activity rather than coop up at home, mostly playing games or lazing. It's one thing to say yet whether he's receptive is another matter. At work, I can set a direction for others to follow. As a parent, my words do not yield equal influence. I think most of us are caught in a similar situation.

After three intensive days of research, the itinerary for an upcoming holiday was finalized. The initial planning had begun three months prior and details were sketchy then. I showed a draft to the wife and she scrubbed off half the schedule since her preference was to go to a different part of the holiday destination. So I went about filling in the blanks while trying to retain some of the hotels already booked. In this exercise, there was a realization. It's indeed cheaper to pre-book hotels much earlier. There's savings of an average $50-$100 per night! Another tip would be to utilize cashback deals currently offered by Trust card which also gave better exchange rates. Also, opt to pay now rather than a later date as the charged foreign currency amount would translate to higher SGD.

Tip: Tatenokawa Seiryu Junmai Daiginjo, melon, grape musk, luscious and appetizing

Finance Investment Movement 47

On 1 Apr, SCB sent me an invitation offer to enjoy Exclusive Bonus Interest for four months (Apr to Jul) at an interest rate of 3.5%. Even though other banks or instruments out there had similar deals, I thought to take this up just because it could act like a four month fixed deposit except it's liquid. For users of the esaver account, it usually gave two months promotion each time, using incremental fresh funds as a criteria. So in April and May, the bonus interest came on time i.e the last day of the month. June passed and I awaited the same outcome but did not receive. Maybe it was the weekend and the bank needed a couple of working days to process. I waited till 3 July and decided to contact the online chat. Customer service told me that I wasn’t entitled to June’s bonus since a new cycle of esaver promotion had begun. Since there was no balance increment in my account, it wasn't entitled to earn the bonus portion. This totally deviated from my understanding of the terms and conditions. Obviously, it was a disappointment and I didn't want to argue my case. Without wasting time, I looked for another avenue to park these idle funds and fortunately, HSBC EGA had an offer. Five days later, the Exclusive Bonus appeared. Be hopeful, there is sunshine after the rain. Customer service staff are humans too and they make mistakes.

There’s been not much investment activity as I ponder whether to subscribe to Astrea 8. Share prices have rebounded nicely amid expectations of an interest rate cut. To that, I think it depends on the US election outcome. If Trump wins, I am concerned that inflation would return, thereby keeping rates high. Meanwhile, enjoy what the high yield savings accounts can give.

Tip: Petrolo Torrione 2019, young and approachable, ripen peach with cedar wood, soft tannins