Top 10 online shopping sites with free shipping

January 22, 2014

These are the top 10 online shopping sites with competitive retail prices and free shipping (though some with conditions).

By Matthias Sim

Does the thought of a crowded mall carpark give you the chills? Or maybe the thought of trying on an outfit in a claustrophobically tiny changing room makes you sweat. For some people, mall shopping is a nightmare come true hence why online shopping sites have become so popular. There’s something almost magical about hitting a button and have that item show up at your doorstep sometime later. Without overheads, online stores are also able to offer items at much cheaper prices than regular stores. Seems like a win-win situation.

Until you factor the price you pay to ship the item. Smaller items within Malaysia are a matter of RM6-7 in Poslaju costs but bulkier items can negate the discounts online shopping offers in the first place. But many online stores have now realised that offering free or subsidised shipping helps create customer loyalty, and puts them ahead of the competition. This comes at a smaller cost than most think thanks to bulk and frequent customer discounts given by courier companies and the postal service.

These are the top 10 online shopping sites with competitive retail prices and free shipping (though some with conditions).



1. Thepoplook
Thepoplook sells clothing and accessories for teen girls. They offer free shipping throughout Malaysia via Poslaju and even to Singapore using SF Express Courier Service. With a purchase of RM1000 in a single receipt, thepoplook provides free international shipping to every other country except Israel. Following UK sizes, thepoplook also has sales of up to 60% every so often.

2. Fblock
With up to 9 retail outlets throughout Selangor and 1 in Melaka, Fblock boasts a variety of products from clothes and accessories to bags and beauty products. With a purchase of RM100 and above, Fblock offers free shipping throughout Malaysia with a delivery time frame of 3 to 6 days.

3. Glam up boutique
In the running for online shop of the year in the Digi Wwwow Awards, Glam up boutique specialises in cosmetics from Korea. With the Hallyu or Korean Wave becoming popular with Malaysians in the past few years, Glam up boutique could be the go-to online shop for cosmetics. They provide free shipping to Malaysia and Singapore after reaching a minimum purchase of RM100 for West Malaysia, RM120 for East Malaysia, RM250 for Singapore.



4. Fashion valet
Fashion valet not only offers free international shipping; they reward shoppers with loyalty points where RM100 = 100 points = RM1 to spend. Free shipping is available for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei whilst other countries will have to place an order above a certain amount before enjoying free shipping (minimum amount varies depending on country. Fashion Valet sells clothes for women and children; shoes and accessories. Keep an eye out for their festive sales!

5. Zalora
Over the years Zalora has slowly become one of the hottest online shopping sites for both men and women. Zalora offer a wide variety of choices. Whether if it is for sports, grooming, beauty, clothes, shoes, whatever you are looking for, they most likely have it. Shipping is free provided shoppers make a purchase above RM75.



6. ASOS
Asos is well-known internationally as a preferred online clothing destination for men and women. They sell different brands and even have their own label. Most importantly, they offer free shipping to over 190 different countries with no minimum purchase required.

7. Book depository
Online shopping sites are not just about clothes and cosmetics. Book depository offers free worldwide shipping and has every type of genre imaginable. If a good book is hard to come by, then try checking out the inventory in Book depository.

8. Lazada
Specialising in electronic gadgets and devices, Lazada provides free shipping nationwide with a minimum purchase of RM50 (Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley), RM100 (West Malaysia) RM150 (East Malaysia). Lazada works on Cash on Delivery system and items are returnable within 14 days of purchase.

9. eBay
eBay may come off as a shock for most people but they do offer free shipping. Just keep an eye out for sellers that are offering free shipping (just make sure you ask if postage to Malaysia is included in the offer!). Sellers in Malaysia are more likely to offer free shipping especially on purchases exceeding a certain amount.

10. Foodworld
Even the food industry has taken the step into online businesses, this is not a food delivery like McDonald’s or Pizza Hut but instead, Foodworld delivers your groceries to you. This helps save time for working mothers, students living alone or for bachelor/bachelorettes. Foodworld provides free delivery as well but only within the Klang Valley area, Penang and Johor Bahru with orders above RM200.

With more sites offering free shipping options, shopping online is becoming more and more attractive. Though it’s unlikely to replace conventional shopping anytime soon (if the many crowded malls in Malaysia are anything to go by); online shopping with free shipping could create a whole new world of shopping options for people who once hesitated at the ‘buy’ button due to postage prices.
This was brought you by Matthias Sim from RinggitPlus.com. RinggitPlus compares credit cards, debit cards, balance transfers and personal loans to help Malaysians get more for their money.

7 tips to improve your memory

January 19, 2014

Can't find your car keys? Forget what's on your grocery list? Can't remember the name of the personal trainer you liked at the gym? You're not alone. Everyone forgets things occasionally.

Concerned about memory loss? Take heart. Simple steps — from staying mentally active to including physical activity in your daily routine — may help sharpen your memory.

Can’t find your car keys? Forget what’s on your grocery list? Can’t remember the name of the personal trainer you liked at the gym? You’re not alone. Everyone forgets things occasionally. Still, memory loss is nothing to take lightly. Although there are no guarantees when it comes to preventing memory loss or dementia, memory tricks can be helpful. Consider seven simple ways to sharpen your memory — and know when to seek help for memory loss.

No. 1: Stay mentally active Just as physical activity helps keep your body in shape, mentally stimulating activities help keep your brain in shape — and perhaps keep memory loss at bay. Do crossword puzzles. Read a section of the newspaper that you normally skip. Take alternate routes when driving. Learn to play a musical instrument. Volunteer at a local school or community organization.

No. 2: Socialize regularly Social interaction helps ward off depression and stress, both of which can contribute to memory loss. Look for opportunities to get together with loved ones, friends and others — especially if you live alone. When you’re invited to share a meal or attend an event, go!



No. 3: Get organised
You’re more likely to forget things if your home is cluttered and your notes are in disarray. Jot down tasks, appointments and other events in a special notebook, calendar or electronic planner. You might even repeat each entry out loud as you jot it down to help cement it in your memory. Keep to-do lists current, and check off items you’ve completed. Set aside a certain place for your wallet, keys and other essentials

No. 4: Focus Limit distractions, and don’t try to do too many things at once. If you focus on the information that you’re trying to remember, you’ll be more likely to recall it later. It might also help to connect what you’re trying to remember to a favorite song or another familiar concept.

No. 5: Eat a healthy diet A heart-healthy diet may be as good for your brain as it is for your heart. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Choose low-fat protein sources, such as fish, lean meat and skinless poultry. What you drink counts, too. Not enough water or too much alcohol can lead to confusion and memory loss.

No. 6: Include physical activity in your daily routine Physical activity increases blood flow to your whole body, including your brain. This may help keep your memory sharp. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity (think brisk walking) or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity (such as jogging) — preferably spread throughout the week. If you don’t have time for a full workout, squeeze in a few 10-minute walks throughout the day.

No. 7: Manage chronic conditions Follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations for any chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and depression. The better you take care of yourself, the better your memory is likely to be. In addition, review your medications with your doctor regularly. Various medications can impact memory.
---- Agencies

Average monthly income and cost of living in Malaysia

January 17, 2014

 

By Michelle Brohier

Back in March 2013, the 2012 Household Income Survey announced that the Malaysian households’ monthly income rose from RM4025 in 2009 to RM5000 in 2012. It’s a 7.2 per cent increase in total, and it was even announced that all states in Malaysia recorded better average monthly household incomes with Kuala Lumpur leading with the highest growth of 14.9 per cent from RM5488 to RM8586.

Overall, the increase is a positive one, with credits due to stable and strong economy.

Yet with the prices of everyday items rising, especially since the petrol price hikes, the significance of this means very little as our spending power remains weak. But are we really that worse off? We took a look at how our spending power compares to some other countries.

Average monthly income across the globe
While the current economy is rising slowly, it’s not without its share of obstacles and troubles. Here’s a chart on the average monthly income in four countries, including Malaysia.

Country	Average Monthly Income in 2012
Malaysia	RM5000 (or RM8586 in Kuala Lumpur)
United States of America	US$4251 (RM13965)
United Kingdom	£2796 (RM15064)
Singapore	S$7570 (RM19551)

Here are some interesting notes about the average monthly income in these different countries. In America, while the average monthly income is slowly rising in the past years, it is considered flat.

These numbers show that Americans are actually earning much less than their average monthly income back in 1989, which was US$4306 (RM14145). As one American aptly described; it is a loss of a generation of economic gains for America.

The United Kingdom isn’t doing too well either due to high energy prices, making their current average monthly income the lowest in three years. In reality, household spending power in the UK has been slashed for while they do have a total income of £699 (RM3766) a week; they are left with just £155 (RM835) after paying bills and taxes.

Singapore is the only country that’s average monthly income has been growing, with it being at S$7570, an increase in the past five years.



Spending power in Malaysia vs. other countries
Despite the rise of Malaysia’s average monthly income, the cost of most items in Malaysia remains high and its citizens continue to struggle to support families and themselves.

But even so, branded coffee such as Starbucks continues to be popular despite the price hike with an average price of RM12. In America, the price of a normal Starbucks costs roughly US$1.85 (RM6), which is significantly cheaper compared to their monthly income for sure.

Even so, it was announced that Starbucks coffee prices would rise by 10 cents, showing that even America isn’t immune to the rising prices.

Eating out is also a problem here in Malaysia.

An average meal costs about RM8 to RM10 here, which takes up to RM600 or more per month.

A Big Mac at McDonalds costs RM7.95 a-la carte, while in the UK it’s £3.50 (RM19).

In terms of amount, it may seem like a reasonable price for a meal.

But based on the earlier deductions, UK citizens only have £155 to spend, so they don’t have the pleasure to buy Big Macs whenever they please.

Of course, not all countries are having it as tough as Malaysians.

While still generally an expensive country, the average monthly income for Singaporeans allows them to spend a lot more.

Whilst hawker fare in Malaysia costs RM5-6; the ‘conversion’ is 1:1 as Singaporean hawker food can also cost SGD5-6 (RM13-16). So if in terms of money value based on food purchases alone, we’re almost as good (or bad) as Singapore.

A Malaysian Dilemma
The situation in Malaysia isn’t ideal, and we all wish we could have the same sort of spending power as other countries. But on the bigger perspective, Malaysians aren’t the only ones having it tough.

Though yes, there are still many ways of which Malaysia is definitely lacking and undoubtedly a number of items 10 cents, showing that even America isn’t immune to the rising prices.
This was brought you by Michelle Brohier from RinggitPlus.com. RinggitPlus compares credit cards, personal loans and home loans to help Malaysians get more for their money.

Top frugal living tips from the web

January 14, 2014

Here are some popular frugal money saving ideas that can be applied to us Malaysians

The internet has a wealth of tips for living on a shoestring budget. Though they’re mostly geared towards American audiences; here are some popular frugal money saving ideas that can be applied to us Malaysians.

Ideas for frugal living – NetmumsOpt for generic brands
More often than not, the generic brands are just as good as the branded products. There may be some exceptions and it may take a few test tries, but you’ll be surprised by how well the cheaper versions work and it could save you a lot of cash. You’ll find many stores here in Malaysia carrying their own range of products that are significantly cheaper.

Cook in bulk
You can cook large meals such as curries and vegetables and refrigerate them for the rest of the week. If you want more variety in your meals, cook certain meats, veggies or sauces beforehand so you can whip up quick dishes using the sauces when you need one!

Ten simple frugal steps that save money without skipping a beat – The Simple DollarCut down on sugary soft drinks
Not only is this good for your wallet, it’s also good for your health. While there are cases where you’ll need your isotonic drinks, especially if it’s hot or you’ve just exercised, keep them to a minimum and try not to indulge too much. You’ll be surprised how much money you save, and how much healthier you’ll feel too.

Pay attention to expiry dates
Look through your pantry and cupboards to make sure you use up all the food that you have before they expire. It’s possible that when you buy bulk items on sale, you’ll forget them later on as you continue to buy more, so just make sure you know how much you have to reduce wastage.

31 Ways to be frugal and save money – Money CrashersSkip the snacks at the cinema
A lot of the snacks offered at movie centers are overpriced and often leads to overeating. Eat a filling meal beforehand, and with enough resistance, you’ll be able to watch a movie without the popcorn and save money.

Forego gym membership
Gyms are everywhere these days, and they’re great if you use it constantly. But there are always cheaper options, like going for a jog or cycling. Or if you’d like to stay indoors, you can do your own push-ups and sit ups, or follow a Youtube workout video to stay in shape on the cheap.

75 ways to save money every month – Affordable Schools Online

Have a no-spend weekend
Maybe it’s time we Malaysians try to spend our weekends doing something other than being in shopping malls, as we’re bound to spend more money there. Get your family to cook a fun meal together, pull out an old DVD or borrow one from friends. You could also just try spend the weekend chilling out at home. While keeping your spending on a minimum can be quite hard to do initially, you may soon discover it is very possible and likely more fun than you think.

80 ways to be frugal and save money – The Art of ManlinessUse it up; wear it out; make do; or do without
It’s an old saying, but always try to make your items last as long as possible. If a pair of your pants is torn, get it sewn up. If your t-shirt is too small, donate it or use it as a wiping rag rather than buying new ones. Your phone screen cracked? If you’re still fond of it and it’s cheaper than buying a new one, just change the screen.

Keep your freezer full A refrigerator uses more energy when it’s empty, so keep it filled. If you have nothing to fill it up with, just make loads of ice and cold water. In that way, you’ll have extra water ready just in case a water shortage happens!

There are tonnes more tips where these came from. Take a gander through these sites for hundreds of tips to help you save.This was brought you by Michelle Brohier from RinggitPlus.com. RinggitPlus compares credit cards, personal loans and home loans to help Malaysians get more for their money.

How to turn yourself into a PROPERTY MOGUL in 2014

How to turn yourself into a PROPERTY MOGUL in 2014

RISING house prices are tempting investors back into property after a few lean years, and many are considering taking the next step and chasing bigger bucks through property development.

It can promise more riches than simple investing but has more potential traps for beginners, and a whole new world of knowledge to master.

Author, property developer and university lecturer Peter Koulizos says there is a great opportunity to make money in property development, "but there is also a great opportunity to lose a lot of money, because the risks are higher".

"Most capital city house prices are still below their peaks of three years ago and interest rates are very low, so it makes property development more affordable for the average mum-and-dad developer."

Koulizos says research is the vital first step. "That starts with the council," he says. Every council has a development approvals process and plans that outline minimum block size, minimum street frontage and other issues.

Developers need to research prices and know how much a property is worth. Koulizos says long-term investors may pay an inflated price for a property but are still winners if they hold it for 10-15 years, but a developer looking to turn it over faster does not have as much time to make up for their mistake.

"Get a fixed-price contract from a builder, and one where they guarantee the build time," he says. "In development, time is money. The longer it takes, the more your holding costs. And avoid changing plans once you have signed off on them."

Know your market: Research is key to minimising risk when it comes to property development Source: News Limited
 

Koulizos recommends writing down the worst-case, best-case and probable scenarios, and you should aim to make a gross profit of 20 per cent on the project.

Metropole Property Strategists chief executive Michael Yardney says now may not be the best time to start a new development, because house prices have already picked up and developments usually have long time frames - often a two-year process.

"A good way for the beginners to start is through renovations. It has much shorter time frames and you also learn budgeting, dealing with builders and dealing with banks," he says.

Yardney says it is vital to start small. "You are going to learn most of what you will learn in the first two or three developments. It's going to cost you more than you thought." But property development is a great strategy because you are not just waiting for the market to rise - you buy assets at wholesale prices and are able to create capital growth, he says.

Yardney says it is vital to surround yourself with a good team of experts. "If you are the smartest person in your team, you are in trouble," he says.

SOL Results property coach and developer Stan Kontos says his top rule is to ensure you make your money when you buy the property, not upon sale.

"Undertake a feasibility study for costs such as demolition, subdivision and so on, based on today's price, not a projected future price," he says.

"Don't depend on it going up and, if and when it does, consider this a bonus."

Kontos says people who do not like risks should not go into property development.

"Find a mentor, be teachable and get taught. Don't make the mistake of learning as you go."

Kontos says beginners need equity of about $50,000 to $100,000, plus a steady cash flow, and should only pick developments they can afford.

"Start by researching a specialist area," he says. "The risk is reduced when you understand the area and the council zonings, as well as any future changes."
--
EIGHT STEPS TO SUCCESS
1. Before looking at land, work out your finance and team of advisers including real estate agent, solicitor, architect and development manager.
2. Check the local council's policy toward development and come up with a concept.
3. Buy land at a price that allows you to make a commercial profit.
4. Get development approval, which can take months.
5. Get working drawings prepared so you can then obtain a building permit.
6. Obtain quotes from builders and finalise finance for the construction period.
7. Next comes the building stage, lasting 7-12 months. Most developers never get their hands dirty, and are more like a producer of a movie.
8. At final completion, the project is refinanced and leased, or sold. Be sure to always have an exit strategy before you start.
Source: Metropole Property Strategists

Should you rent or buy?

January 13, 2014

There are clearly differing views on the subject, and though the considerations will always be incredibly personal; there are universal factors to consider before taking the property plunge.

 

Many people will quickly tell you that buying a home is always a better financial decision than renting. After all, at the end of the term you will own the house as opposed to paying rent which in the end leaves you with nothing.

But if foreclosures and bankruptcy statistics are anything to go by; buying a home may not be the best choice for everyone. Owning a home is a big responsibility and taking that step just because someone else considered it right is landing a lot of youths who can’t (and don’t want!) the responsibility in hot soup with their bankers.

As such, we thought we’d revisit the old question on renting versus borrowing from a different perspective than one that is merely based on money.

What some are saying
“I don’t need to buy a home. I have no dependents to pass it on to and I don’t see why I need one. I like being able to pack up and leave anytime I feel like it. I am not worried about old age. I have some savings for a nursing home,” shares Darrin, an NGO worker.

Darrin comes from a new breed of young adults who don’t see the need to have a house in his name. But it doesn’t mean there aren’t those who prefer some asset security.

“Before I even bought a car, I bought a house. I was 25 and at my first job but I felt it was something I needed to do. I could still drive the old car my parents gave me but I am better off starting my mortgage payments as early as possible,” said Jeanne, a Customer Service Executive.

An ex-bank officer, Mala says she sold her house just a few years after buying it. “I bought it when I was 24 but sold it at 28. I realised I didn’t want to live in one place anymore and I didn’t want the hassle of renting it out.”

But some others weren’t so lucky to be able to make decisions on their own. A young couple in the Klang Valley bought property together only to find they couldn’t handle the responsibility of payments and were forced to sell at a loss as they were months behind on the monthly payments.

They sold within a year of buying. “I thought we could handle it but our debts overtook us.” The woman tells us.

There are clearly differing views on the subject, and though the considerations will always be incredibly personal; there are universal factors to consider before taking the property plunge.

The considerationsOf Plain Ringgit and Sen

Buying a house will definitely flatten your wallet at the get-go much more than the beginning of rental tenure.

Most banks now offer 90% financing but that means a 10% deposit from you. Even on a low cost apartment costing RM150,000; that is an RM15,000 deposit plus fees for the Sale and Purchase Agreement and stamping (1% on the first RM150,000+RM10 for stamping of each copy of the SPA + miscellaneous fees). All in all, you could be looking at a RM17,000 put down amount to buy.
 Using a home loan calculator, with an interest rate of 4.5% and tenure of 30 years; you’re looking at a monthly payment of RM684.* Of course, BLR rates fluctuate and your interest rate could climb at any time.

To rent, you will need a lump sum of one month’s utilities fees and three months full rental. Utilities are charged at half the monthly rental but some landlords actually demand a full month’s rental for the utilities deposit. For a low cost apartment, at approximately RM800 per month; you will be looking at forking out RM2400 (two months) + RM400 (utilities) = RM2000. A tenancy agreement costs approximately RM250 in legal fees, so a total of RM3050.**

Without the need for a large deposit, the upfront cost of renting is lower than buying. However, while you will save in the short run you are giving up the opportunity to own a home as opposed to just paying someone to stay in theirs. Last but not least, owning a home comes with other expenses such as quit rent (approximately RM90) and land tax (about RM900 per year and up depending on land valuation of a particular area. Kuala Lumpur assessment rates are expected to climb significantly this year).
Of Commitment and Lifestyle
Taking a purely monetary view, owning is a better alternative as you are pumping monthly payments into an asset as opposed to simply paying a charge.

However, buying a home is a commitment of 30 years of continuous payment. Owning a home also means you are responsible to maintain and care for it; whether or not you live in it. If you are looking for flexibility in housing arrangements without the added stress of property maintenance, renting is the way to go. It is definitely more difficult to sell a house as opposed to simply severing a tenancy agreement

In a Nutshell
Before buying a home the main factors to consider are:
• Do you have enough cash for a downpayment?
• Can you afford the commitment and maintenance of your own home?
• What is your preferred lifestyle (nomadic or staying put)?
• Do you really want it? The main thing about house ownership is to really want it. If you’re doing it to please someone else or conform; do think again.
The decision whether or not to buy is a big one: so don’t make it lightly.
* Calculations are based on the structure of legal fees released by the Bar Council FAQs on
Conveyancing matters and property prices at the time of writing. Agent or realtor fees are extra.
**Calculations based on tenancy securing without an agent or realtor. Realtor fees are extra.

All names have been changed.
This was brought you by Diana Chai from RinggitPlus.com. RinggitPlus compares credit cards, personal loans and home loans to help Malaysians get more for their money.

Survey: Internet addiction affects health

January 10, 2014

This addiction trend will continue to be fuelled by children growing up with the Internet as an integral part of their lives

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians feel less healthy compared with five years ago and Internet addiction is a major culprit to unhealthy lifestyles, according to global insurer AIA Group Ltd in its latest Healthy Living Index Survey.

“Some 67% of adults in Malaysia feel their health is not as good as it was five years ago, with 62% under the age of 30 agreeing with this sentiment.

The survey shows that Malaysian adults also scored lower than the regional average (6.6 versus 7 out of 10) in terms of their satisfaction with their health status,” said AIA Bhd in a statement yesterday.

Malaysia scores 61 out a possible 100 points in the landmark survey of over 10,000 adults in 15 Asia-Pacific markets, which also uncovers new modern-day threats to healthy living such as Internet addiction and concerns about being overweight.

The survey said 73% of adults interviewed agreed that their online activities and social networking are becoming addictive, ranking Malaysia among the highest percentage in the region, and 81% of respondents said that spending time online is a barrier to them getting enough exercise and sleep while also affecting their posture.

“This addiction trend will continue to be fuelled by children growing up with the Internet as an integral part of their lives,” said AIA.

Malaysians do not exercise regularly with 32% of adults admitting so and all these unhealthy habits are aggravated by a preference for sedentary means of stress relief such as watching TV and/movies (67%), playing computer or mobile games (50%) and spending time online (48%), said the survey.

Concern about obesity is one indicator of the impact of poor health habits – 64% of Malaysian adults say they want to lose weight, above the regional average of 53%.

Some 93% agree that obesity among younger people is a worrying trend, suggesting that the problem is likely to grow as it has been reported that more than 40% of Malaysians are obese with about 15% of the population diabetic, presenting a potential health timebomb in the future.



The survey showed Malaysians are concerned about cancer (50%), heart disease (45%) and being overweight (25%) with the former two being above regional averages.

Despite these concerns, only 50% of adults had medical check-ups in the past 12 months and 89% feel that employers should help employees live a healthy lifestyle by providing free health checks, not subjecting employees to undue stress and ensuring workloads are not excessive.

In Budget 2014, healthcare spending increased by 14.5% year-on-year to RM264.2 billion or 8.4% of the total budget planned.
This content is provided by FMT content provider The Malaysian Reserve