Smartphones That Won’t Cost You A Kidney

• By CompareHero.my
• September 12, 2019

Paying an arm and a leg for a mobile phone?

Just as it is habit, Apple launched its new 2019 phones and besides the oohs and aahs over the models, the biggest chatter among Malaysians is how expensive the phones are. So, so expensive. But don’t forget, even some of the Samsung and Huawei flagship phones can burn a hole in your pocket. Now isn’t a mobile phone is just a mobile phone? As long as it works fast, has enough storage for apps and tons of photos, most of us would be happy.

Besides, we think that you should just cut back on expenses and use the money you saved (from buying expensive mobile phones) on better things or towards your retirement fund. While the prices of smartphones have been steadily rising through the years, and the price of a midrange phone can go to RM1,500 nowadays, there are some great devices in that price bracket. With that in mind, we’ve compiled some of best ones in between RM800 – RM1,500.

Before we move on, it’s important to note that everyone has different priorities or requirements of a mobile phone, and as such, there’s really no right and wrong when it comes to picking the best option for you. This guide only has some current options in this price range, that they are all Android phones (because Apple prices are in a league of their own) and that we’ve also stuck to smartphones that are officially available in Malaysia. Prices listed are retail prices, although you can probably find slightly cheaper deals from retailers—remember to check if the warranties are covered by local manufacturers, as well.

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Are You Financially Better Or Worse Than Average Malaysian? [INFOGRAPHIC]

• By CompareHero.my

You can’t measure what you don’t manage.

This phrase is particularly true when it comes to your personal finances. You need to pay attention to your money if you want to grow your wealth. And we at CompareHero are very concerned about Malaysians’ financial status. The B40 group are are struggling, the M40 group still find it hard to keep up with rising costs of living. Whether it is saving, investing, insurance, or managing money, the financial health of an average Malaysian highly depends on these fundamentals. So where do you stand?

According to the Visa Financial Literacy Study 2018, 53% of Malaysians are saving to prepare for their futures, while 22% do not keep track of their savings and spending. It also said about 24% of the population avoid keeping a budget and financial record.

Keeping up with cost of living.

Malaysia has changed and the government is making inroads into political and institutional reforms, but the persistent high cost of living remains an issue that policy makers have not been able to solve. It can safely be heard across the nation that being unable to keep up with rising prices boils down to three main issues of slower growth income, unaffordable property prices, and a weak ringgit. There are other contributing factors such as creeping food prices and changing lifestyles.

More Malaysians Are Getting Into Financial Trouble

The data on financial problems faced by Malaysians is concerning. Statistics from the Malaysian Department of Insolvency showed over 95,000 individuals have been declared bankrupt between 2014 and 2018 after failing to honour their borrowings with lenders. According to Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK), 943,181 individuals have volunteered for AKPK’s assistance and counselling services, and from that figure, 281,073 participants have participated in the Debt Management Programme (DMP), a programme designed to assist loan defaulters to clear their loans.

In AKPK’s Financial Behaviour and State of Financial Well-being of Malaysian Working Adults survey, one out of five working adults did not manage to save any money over the last six months and three out of 10 working adults had to borrow money to buy essential goods. One out of three Malaysians are not comfortable with their financial knowledge, while half of the population (52%) say they face difficulties raising even RM1,000 for emergencies. The main reason why many of them were unable to save was the high cost of living.

National Strategy for Financial Literacy.

The National Strategy for Financial Literacy 2019-2023 was launched in July 2019, that sets out priorities and actionable plans to equip Malaysians with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions and to nurture healthy attitudes in financial management. At the launch, it was revealed that 68% of Malaysians who retire at 55 do not even have at least RM240,000 in their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) account. And that there are situations where 70% of those who withdrew their EPF money use up the money within five to 10 years.

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Top Credit Cards in Malaysia

• By CompareHero.my
• September 1, 2019

Looking for a credit card that best suits your spending style? You’re in luck! We’ve compiled the best credit cards in Malaysia for 2019. So whether you’re looking for a rewards credit card, petrol, cashback, Islamic or even a basic credit card – we’ve sorted it all out for you. Read on to find the best credit card in Malaysia for you!

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Best Credit Cards For Free Airport Lounge Access

• By CompareHero.my
• August 22, 2019

Updated August 23 2019

Remember ‘The Terminal’, the things Tom Hanks did being stranded in the airport. Well, If you travel a lot for work or leisure, you’re bound to spend a big chunk of your time at airports. Fortunately, with certain credit cards, you don’t have to emulate some of the things Tom Hanks did. You can make the hours spent at the airport way more pleasant by taking advantage of airport lounges? Check out these travel credit cards which not only grant you access to airport lounges but also reward you for your purchases while traveling! (more…)

Financial Advice for Fresh Graduates in Malaysia

• By CompareHero.my
• August 19, 2019