Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Bryan LSC

Personal Finance and Economics

Bryan LSC — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 18:15:54 +0800

What is the relationship between personal finance (or rather personal investments) and economics? I can see that when the Dow Jones is going down, people around the world start to sell their shares. But I don't understand why?!

Let's say I invest in local companies but why should I sell my shares (local) when Dow Jones is doing badly? How does Dow Jones affects investors in other countries?

Thanks for answering...

Can We Make Money Via Blogging?

Bryan LSC — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 22:23:40 +0800

I've been reading a lot of personal finance books, internet articles and ebooks, as well as participating in online forums, and I can say that my financial knowledge has improved tremendously (at least compared to before).
Well, many claims that in order to succeed in investing, one must first SAVE! (of coz la, without money how to invest?) On the other hand, they say, we must also INCREASE OUR INCOME!
I found out that one of the ways to increase our income is by blogging. Some even claim earning hundreds and thousands by blogging. Before I invest my precious time and effort into learning how to blog, I would like to hear from you guys on this. Is is really worth the time and effort?
By the way, I'm still a student (going to grad soon anyway) and have no income now. I can't take part-time jobs (got reasons) so...is blogging a good way to get some income?

Unit Trust Books

Bryan LSC — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:12:05 +0800

Books about stocks and properties are everywhere. Is there any books on unit trust? Any local books about Malaysian unit trust?

Recommendation for Any Book About

Bryan LSC — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:51:39 +0800

Well, the title says it all. I wish to read on books that teaches us how to invest in Malaysia. Any recommendations? I want really really good books, not those that have loads of crab* (like how to have mindset of millionaires...)
GOOD as in useful and practical... I have read many websites and books but all are from US. I wish to have a more local approach... I wish to know the situation in malaysia... Any recommendations? Thx!

Wish to pursue Masters but at the same time

Bryan LSC — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 10:45:14 +0800

Hi all, I'm a final year Bachelor of Science with Education student from UPM, currently undergoing my teaching practicum at SMK Bukit Changgang.
My question is... Can I further my studies in Masters and at the same time apply for posting? I wish to study Masters in Environmental Biology or Zoology at USM. So is it possible if I take Masters part-time and then apply for posting at the same time? So confused as I couldn't find any info on this at the very unfriendly MOE website... Need some help here

BSN SEDAR Account

Bryan LSC — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 16:21:31 +0800

BSN SEDAR Account (effective 8 May 2009)

Period of Savings (Annual Interest Rate) [Bonus]
First Year (12 months): (2.5%) [15% bonus upon interest received]
Second Year (24 months): (2.5%) [30% bonus upon interest received]
Subsequent Years: (2.5%) [30% bonus upon interest received]

1. Minimum opening amount for savings is only RM50. You will need to continuously credit RM50 each month to your account until the 24-month contract expires.

2. Your monthly savings must be credited to your account within the first 7 days of each month to be entitled for the interest rate for the said month. Each savings will receive the benefit of rate that is calculated upon the minimum monthly balance and interest will be credited to your account annually.

3. Savings may be performed via Salary Deductions, Standing Instructions or at BSN counters.

4. Withdrawals are not permitted within the 24-month contract. Note: BSN reserves the right to amend any Terms & Conditions from time to time.

Q1. Anybody has this account? Seems nice... Is it worth it?

Q2. If I put RM50 monthly (as required for 2 years) I will get RM600 in the 1st year. Will get 2.5% interest = RM15 and bonus: RM15 x 15% = RM2.25. So in 1st year I will get RM 617.25. Then, in the 2nd year, I will save another RM600 and add this to RM617.25 = RM1217.25. Will get 2.5% interest = RM30.43. Bonus: RM30.43 x 30% = RM9.13. So total I will get RM 1256.81. So I will gain RM56.81 lo? If so, 56.81 / 1200 is actually 4.734% interest!!!

Is this calculation correct? Pls correct me if I'm wrong...

CIMB Max InvestSave

Bryan LSC — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 21:29:46 +0800

Hi all I've just opened a CIMB Max InvestSave account today and I've just deposited the minimum amount (RM50). Then when I check my CIMBClicks, it shows this:

Total Investment Units with Bonus : 0.00
Total Investment Units without Bonus : 0.00
Total Bonus Units : 0.00
Total Units : 0.00
Deposit Pending Conversion : RM 50.00
Redemption Pending Conversion : 0.00

Why don't I have any units? Am I not suppose to have 50 units? Isn't 1 unit = RM1? I'm so confused... Sorry, I new to all these investments things... And what is Max InvestSave Redemption? Redeem what?
Any masters care to enlighten me on this? Desperately need help... SOS! Pls and thx a lot...

CIMB YOUth

Bryan LSC — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 21:15:45 +0800

I wish to know the interest rate for CIMB YOUth. Does anybody know? Its not stated in the website nor in the brochure... Only say 100% bonus interest on the total interest p.a. if save regularly. Means what?!?!

Maybank m2u savers 2.1% pa

Bryan LSC — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:04:07 +0800

I've just come across this ad from Maybank about m2u savers. Maybank2u.com users may open a m2u savers account and enjoy 2.1% p.a. by keeping RM2000-RM50000 monthly and 2.3% p.a. by keeping RM50,000 and above monthly balance.
2.1% p.a. for a savings account?!?!? Is this true? Seems too good a deal... What do u guys think?

Any (Low/No risk & high return) other than FD?

Bryan LSC — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 21:59:21 +0800

Hi all I'm a beginner here. I'm 24, final year (biology with education) bachelor degree student so I have no clue at all about finance, business and economics... (been learning science since 4ever!)
I have only just started to care and be interested in Personal Finance, which I found out to be very important in one's life. In recent weeks, I've been learning a lot about money management and investments, which seems to be endless to learn! (so much info!!!)
I found out that FD is the safest kind of investment with literally no risk at all but the problem is the interest rate is far too low (perhaps in Malaysia?) I wish to know is there any other options besides FD which is safe but gives higher returns in Msia?
Thank u 1st to all who are willing to reply... Would appreciate any info...