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Showing posts from January, 2013

HDB Flat and the ONE

Courtesy of a male friend on FB :) Agree that the flat does play a big part in rushing the couple towards marriage. But it actually goes deeper into a subconscious need for stability and privacy after marriage. At the same time, there is always the question of "Is he the O NE? Will there be a better ONE out there?" This is where the girl's age may make a difference. No offence to younger girls, but girls nearing thirties or in their thirties should generally have their character, preferences and life experiences more or less formed/settled. The question of "Is he the ONE?" may have lost its relevance somewhat, and the more senior girl would have found contentment (and possibly happiness) in accepting her current partner, rather than seeking a possibly imaginery ONE. This may however appear to be a sad state of resignation from the perspective of the more idealistic girl in her early twenties. Feel free to disagree with my analysis, as I wou

8 Important Retirement Money Questions for 201

As 2012 draws to a close, people in or nearing retirement face a stunning set of uncertainties about their finances and even basic health and retirement benefits. Congress has left Washington for the Christmas break without passing any measures to delay or soften the effects of the so-called fiscal cliff. Perhaps it might still act before the end of the year, but don't count on it. Odds are that the new Congress that takes office next year will take action to prevent the very worst outcomes. But after years of gridlock, should we really expect things to get better? Here are eight pressing money and benefit issues that are barreling down on seniors. All of them are bad news. And while there aren't a lot of places to hide, it's important for anyone trying to build or conserve a retirement nest egg to develop contingency plans. 1. Tax rates. The Bush tax cuts expire December 31. All income tax brackets will shift upward--the 10 percent bracket disappe

5 Ways to Put Extra Cash in Your Pocket in 2013

Now that the President and Congress have reached a tax deal to avert the"fiscal cliff", many Americans are breathing a sigh of relief as most income tax rates will remain in place and certain benefits on which many Americans have depended have been extended or made permanent. Still, one major perk has gone away -- the payroll tax cut for most U.S. workers expired on December 31. This year, workers will see a two percent increase -- from 4.2 percent to 6.2 percent - in their payroll taxes from 2012 levels. This amounts to a reduction in an annual income of $1,000 for the typical U.S. family earning $50,000 a year. In addition, those workers who have been laid off in recent months or had work hours cut are certainly feeling a pinch. If you are among them -- or worried that you soon may be -- the start of the New Year is a great time to take the future of your financial situation into your own hands. Start searching now for ways to make extra cash to simply