Avoid These 5 Bad Payday Habits If You’re Broke All The Time

• By CompareHero.my
• May 24, 2022

It’s payday week and we’re sure you couldn’t be more excited about it. Finally, it’s time to spend all your hard-earned money this month but what happens when you’ve spent it all… Wait again till next month? You have the power to stop this right now! Check out 5 bad payday habits to avoid if you want to stop living from paycheck to paycheck. 

Not setting goals

You know you need to save money, you know you need to pay your bills on time and you also know you need to set aside an emergency fund. But you don’t do any of these cause you believe you will change and be better when you get your next salary. Let’s start fresh this month! Set a clear goal on how you want to spend your money and try to commit. If monthly goals are too much for you, start with weekly goals. Small wins are crucial in developing long-lasting good habits.

Related: 5 Tips To Budget and Plan For Your Expenses Better in 2022

Not paying off debt on time

Try to clear off your bills and debts as soon as you receive your salary. Alternatively, you can also set aside all monthly commitments so you won’t accidentally use the money for other things especially if you have a YOLO mindset. Enjoying the money you work hard for is not wrong in fact, we highly recommend you to do so but never to the extent of neglecting your priorities. Paying your debts and bills late will lead to a bad credit score. Find out how a bad credit score can ruin your life, here.

YOLO mindset

#TBH there’s nothing wrong with the YOLO mindset because you literally only get one chance at living but that doesn’t mean you can be careless about everything. When you get your salary, remember your goals, pay off your debt immediately, and only spend within your budget. Be creative in finding ways to have fun without spending money. As a start, we’ve found this list of 105 things to do that don’t require any money. 

Not tracking your spending

This is another common mistake everyone tends to overlook. Try to track your expenses moving forward to understand your spending habits. The easiest way to manage your finances properly is via money management apps such as Spending, Money Manager, and Fast Budget. All of the apps listed in this link are mostly free, so there’s no excuse not to try them!

No retirement plan

“…but I already got the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF)?” You’re absolutely right. Every month you contribute to EPF for your retirement but you can only withdraw the money when you’re 55 years old. Do you plan to work till then? If not, start planning ahead!

Breaking bad payday habits will take time and dedication but will eventually pay off if you don’t give up. Acknowledge your mistakes and always try to improve yourself!

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Why air fryers are the perfect gift for busy parents (Hint: It’s FREE)!

• By CompareHero.my
• May 20, 2022

Between juggling work, kids and keeping the house clean, it can be an overwhelming experience for parents. Not to mention, spending long hours in the kitchen preparing wholesome meals for their families. Make it easy breezy with an air fryer!

Here’s why air fryers are the perfect gift for busy parents. 

1. It’s the perfect gift because it’s *FREE. 

Before you scroll down, we’d love to share this amazing news! You can get a GUARANTEED  Russell Taylors Air Fryer Large (3.8L) AF-24 worth RM700 when you successfully apply, activate and spend with an AEON Credit Card.

How ‘bout that? You don’t have to spend a penny for this gorgeous, sleek design air fryer! Sign up now, click here! Full promo deets down below.

2. Prepare healthier versions of comfort food.

There are days when the kids are craving for their favourite fast food or frozen meals and parents would sometimes be reluctant to feed their kids unhealthy, greasy food. But with an air fryer, everyone can bite into delicious crispy nuggets, fries, burger and more without deep frying. 

The Russell Taylors air fryer’s latest Rapid Air Technology gives out a crispy fried texture using little or no oil. This eliminates lots of calories, fat, and cholesterol!

3. Air fryer allows for faster cooking. 

Think of air fryers like a mini convection oven with fans to quickly circulate hot air around the food, only that it’s much smaller than ovens with large cubic-foot capacities. Hence, allowing it to cook food even faster! Not to fret, although it works fast, it’s pretty great at keeping food nice and crisp too. Thinking of cooking roast chicken for a family party but only have less than an hour to do so? No problem. It only takes about 20 – 25 minutes to cook with an air fryer!

4. Make a variety of scrumptious dishes. 

Time for parents to have fun in the kitchen! Put on that chef’s hat without worrying about spending time washing dirty dishes because one can make a variety of dishes and cuisines with an air fryer. Whether it’s main dishes such as chicken rendang or steam fish to desserts like brownies and cheesecake, all you need is an air fryer to make one! 

Ready to cook with your air fryer? Just shop for ingredients at Aeon with your NEW Aeon Credit Card and enjoy: 

Aeon Points 

• 4X AEON Points on the 10th of every month at AEON Stores.
• 2X AEON Points everyday for every RM1 spent at AEON Stores.

Cashback 

• 5% Cashback on the 20th of every month at AEON Stores.

5. It’s super easy to clean. 

Most air fryers come with a removable basket and tray that can be washed by hand or pop it right into the dishwasher! While for the exterior part, you don’t really need too much. You can either leave as it is if it’s not dirty or simply wipe it with a damp cloth to keep it shining on your counter. It’s that easy-peasy! 

6. Conveniently ‘set and forget’. 

Probably one of the most crucial reasons for every parent to own an air fryer – it’s the ‘set and forget’ concept! Just set the timer according to the presets which are labelled on the surface of the air fryer, once you’ve set the timer, you’ll have the freedom to go about your day! When the timer has gone off, it’ll automatically turn off.  

The Russell Taylors Air Fryer comes with an auto-shutoff feature that ensures added safety and security. You don’t have to worry about food getting burnt or over-spilling from the pot! No more wishing for the ability to split yourself. You can attend to your kids or have a cheeky me-time while waiting for the food to cook! 

Want your very own air fryer? You can! Get a GUARANTEED Russell Taylors Air Fryer Large (3.8L) AF-24 worth RM700 when you successfully apply, activate and spend with an AEON Credit Card. Sign up now, click here! 

Promotion Period

Sign-Up Period: 1 May 2022 – 31 May 2022

Spend Period: 60 days from the date of approval of the Eligible Credit Card issued by AEON Credit Service OR until 15 August 2022, whichever comes first

Redemption Period: 1 July 2022 – 31 October 2022

Promotion Eligibility

– You must be at least 21 years old, have a valid MyKad and have a residential address in Peninsular Malaysia.

– Only for New AEON Credit Card applicants.

Promotion Criteria

– You must activate and perform one (1) transaction of any amount within the Spend Period.

*Terms and conditions apply. 

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7 birth control options available in Malaysia and how much they cost

• By CompareHero.my
• May 18, 2022

Unfortunately, the topic of birth control is still a taboo subject in Malaysia and people often keep their questions to themselves until it’s too late.

However, we’re here to assure you that it does not have to be that way. Now more than ever, sex education is incredibly important in our lives not only for us to practise safe sex, but also for us to understand our bodies and what they’re trying to tell us. 

While not all bodies react the same way to one birth control method, it is possible to find one that is suitable for your needs and lifestyle. Thus, when going through your options, factor in things like comfort, cost, convenience, side effects, and effectiveness before making your decision.

Here are the types of contraception available in Malaysia:

1. Condoms

A condom is a rubber sleeve that is worn over an erect penis to act as a barrier to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. 

Why it’s great:

• It is the only type of contraceptive that can protect against sexual transmitted infections (STIs) as it prevents exchange of body fluids during intercouse.
• It has no side effects unless you’re allergic to latex.
• They’re the most easily available contraceptive and can typically be found in most pharmacies and convenience stores.
• You don’t need a prescription to buy condoms.
• They come in different sizes, thickness, and even texture to enhance pleasure during intercourse.

The drawbacks:
It is possible for condoms to break or slip off during intercourse.

Effectiveness:
It is 97% effective if used correctly, so make sure to watch a tutorial or read the instructions provided before using a condom.

Cost:
RM6 to RM15 for a box of three

Common brands in Malaysia:
Durex, ONE, Playboy, Okamoto

2. Oral Contraceptive Pills

Commonly known as birth control pills, these pills contain hormones higher than a woman’s normal hormone levels to stop ovulation, thus preventing pregnancy. When taken, the cervical mucus is thickened to keep sperm from entering the uterus.

There are two types of oral contraceptive pills: the combination pill (estrogen and progesterone), which has to be taken everyday for 3 weeks of the month, and progesterone-only pill, which has to be taken everyday of the month.

Though both types can be bought from a pharmacist without a prescription, we would suggest that you seek medical advice before using these pills as they might not be suitable for your body and its condition.

Why it’s great:

• These pills are known to treat acne and painful periods
• They can regulate periods, making it shorter and less heavy
• They’re convenient to purchase

The drawbacks:

• The side effects, such as hormonal acne, weight gain, depression, blood clots, and more.
• Users will have to take the pill at the same time every single day
• Doesn’t protect against STIs.

Effectiveness:
91% if taken at almost the same time everyday.

Cost:
RM25 to RM60 for a box which will last you one month.

Common brands in Malaysia:
Yasmin, Liza, Yaz, Diane, Regulon, Rigevidon, Mirogynon

3. Hormonal Injection

The hormonal injection is a progestin-based shot that can be prescribed and administered at any government or private clinic. It lasts for three months, so you will only have to get about four shots a year. 

Similar to oral contraceptive pills, the injected progesterone works to prevent ovulation, thin out the uterus lining, and thicken the cervical mucus to make it close to impossible to get pregnant.

Why it’s great:

• You don’t have to take pills everyday at the same time, making it extremely convenient.
• It’s an option for women who can’t take estrogen.
• Helps with heavy and painful periods by reducing menstrual cramps and flow.

The drawbacks:

• Can cause irregular bleeding or spotting.
• Could decrease bone density if used long term.
• Does not protect against STIs.
• Known to cause weight gain in some.

Effectiveness:
96%

Cost:
RM36 to RM90 for three months, depending on the clinic.

Common brands in Malaysia:
Depo-Provera

4. Hormonal Implant

Like the injection, implants introduce progestin into the body, but in the form of a 4cm plastic rod that is inserted underneath the skin of your arm. It then releases small amounts of progestin into your body over three years.

It also works to prevent ovulation by thinning out the uterine lining and thickening the cervical mucus. However, in order to get it, you will have to go to a clinic to be prescribed and administered this implant.

Why it’s great:

• Can be given to women who can’t take estrogen.
• Can be given to women who suffer from heavy and painful periods.
• It’s convenient as you will be able to practice safe sex for 3 years.

The drawbacks:

• Though it lasts for 3 year, the upfront payment is high.
• Doesn’t protect against STIs.
• Can cause irregular bleeding in the first couple of months of use.
• Can decrease bone density if used long term.

Effectiveness:
99%

Cost:
RM600 at government clinics, RM800 to RM900 at private clinics.

Duration of effect:
3 years

Common brands in Malaysia:
Implanon

5. Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)

The IUD prevents pregnancy by giving a direct spermicidal effect on sperm entering the uterus to prevent fertilisation from occurring. It is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is wrapped in copper and does not contain hormones, thus allowing you to still get your periods.

The IUD can only be inserted by a specialised doctor or a gynaecologist, and can protect you against pregnancy for 3 to 5 years. However, if you change your mind and would like to have a baby, the IUD can be removed earlier. 

Why it’s great:

• You’ll be able to practice safe sex, worry free, for 3 to 5 years.

The drawbacks:

• The insertion might be painful.
• Your periods might be heavier and more painful in the first few months.
• There is a risk of pelvic infection.
• Does not protect against STIs.
• You will have to check if the strings are still protruding from your cervix once a month as it is possible for the device to be suddenly expelled.

Effectiveness:
99%

Cost:
RM80 to RM110 at government clinics, RM500 to RM600 at private clinics for 3 to 5 years.

Common brands in Malaysia:
Multiload, Mona Lisa, Nova-T

6. Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD)

As opposed to the copper IUD, hormonal IUDs are wrapped with progestin to prevent pregnancies by stopping ovulation, thinning the uterus lining, and thickening cervical mucus.

Why it’s great:

• It offers contraceptive protection for up to 5 years.
• Can decrease menstrual bleeding and painful periods.

The drawbacks:

• The upfront payment is high.
• The insertion may be painful.
• Can cause irregular bleeding in the first few months of use.
• Can cause bone density if used long term.
• Risk of pelvic infection.
• Doesn’t protect against STIs.
• You will have to check if the strings are still protruding from your cervix once a month as it is possible for the device to be suddenly expelled.

Effectiveness:
99%

Cost:
RM800 to RM1,100 at private clinics for 5 years

Common brands in Malaysia:
Mirena

7. Emergency morning-after pills

Also known as plan B pills, a dose of emergency contraception comes in the form of one or 2 pills that contain much more hormones than regular OCP pills to immediately prevent ovulation.

However, due to its high volume of hormones, morning-after pills should only be taken in the event of an emergency as it could disrupt a woman’s menstrual.

They can also be bought over-the-counter at pharmacies without a prescription and must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, but of course, the sooner you take it, the more effective it will be.

Effectiveness:
Only effective within 3 days after unprotected sex

Cost:
RM5 to RM30

Common brands in Malaysia:
Postinor-2 (RM5), Escapelle (RM20 and above)

Always seek professional medical advice before using any contraceptive methods

As mentioned above, there is still much more information for you to learn about the side effects, methods of usage, and what fits your body and your needs. Whether you’re married or single, learning about safe sex is incredibly crucial and the topic should not be avoided in conversations.

It’s 2022, and it’s time to encourage those around us to learn about their anatomies instead of pretending like everything is okay, just to end up with an accident.

Also, if you’re going to be sexually active, ditch iffy “safe sex” methods, such as the “pull out method” or the “fertile window” method and just get real, proper protection. If you can spend RM18 on coffee, you can spend RM6 on condoms.

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5 Perkhidmatan Kesihatan Mental PERCUMA Di Malaysia

• By CompareHero.my
• May 17, 2022

Kesihatan mental merupakan perkara yang agak sensitif di kalangan rakyat Malaysia namun ramai yang semakin peka tentang ini dan ia merupakan perkara yang sangat bagus kerana kesihatan mental sama pentingnya dengan kesihatan fizikal. Sekiranya kesihatan fizikal kita terjejas, tanda-tandanya akan jelas terlihat seperti suhu badan yang tinggi, selsema dan sebagainya. Namun sekiranya kesihatan mental terganggu, ia agak sukar untuk dikenal pasti. Klik link ini untuk ketahui punca serta simptom kesihatan mental anda terjejas. Jadi amat penting untuk kita sentiasa peka dengan kesihatan mental serta fizikal. Jom ketahui 5 perkhidmatan kesihatan mental PERCUMA di Malaysia yang anda boleh rujuk.

1. Mental Illness Awareness & Support Association (MIASA)

Mental Illness Awareness & Support Association atau singkatannya MIASA ditubuhkan pada 2017 dan bermatlamat untuk memberi kesedaran mengenai kesihatan mental dan menyediakan sokongan kepada yang memerlukan. Antara perkhidmatan yang ditawarkan oleh Pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) ini ialah: 

• Penilaian kesihatan mental
• Kaunseling
• Perkhidmatan psikologi
• Sokongan rakan sebaya dan penilaian terapeutik. 
• Buat yang beragama Islam, MIASA turut menawarkan terapi rohani/ruqyah! 

MIASA menawarkan semua perkhidmatan secara percuma khusus untuk golongan B40. Klik link ini untuk daftar.

Hubungi MIASA menerusi:

Email: info.miasa@gmail.com

Portal: http://miasa.org.my/

No. Tel: +60379321409 / +60192362423

2. MindTalks

Buat anda yang sukakan pendekatan seperti kaunseling, motivasi serta bahan-bahan ilmu, kami cadangkan anda untuk dapatkan perkhidmatan MindTalks. Agensi yang ditubuhkan pada tahun 2021 ini menyediakan perkhidmatan seperti: 

• Kaunseling individu, berkelompok, keluarga dan juga kaunseling kerjaya
• Psikologikal seperti psikoterapi, penilaian teraputik, rundingan dan penilaian kesihatan kesihatan mental, mindfulness serta  motivasi

MindTalks turut menyediakan program pembangunan diri, organisasi, keusahawanan, kepimpinan, pendidikan, dan lain-lain. Malah mereka turut aktif di laman sosial seperti YouTube, Facebook dan Telegram berkongsi info mengenai kesihatan mental. Bukan itu sahaja, MindTalks turut menerbitkan bahan ilmu yang berdaftar dengan Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia bagi tujuan membantu individu yang memerlukan.

Hubungi MindTalks menerusi: 

Email: mindtalks.official@gmail.com

Saluran lain : FB, YouTube dan IG

No. Tel: +601135256796

3. Unit Pakar Kesejahteraan Psikologi dan Kaunseling (PKPK) UKM

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia menyediakan perkhidmatan Psikologi dan Kaunseling menerusi Unit Pakar Kesejahteraan Psikologi dan Kaunseling (PKPK) kepada semua lapisan masyarakat seperti kanak-kanak, remaja, keluarga dan warga emas. Untuk mendapatkan perkhidmatan percuma, anda perlu menggunakan khidmat kaunselor pelatih yang bertauliah. 

Hubungi PKPK UKM menerusi:

Email: pkpkukm@ukm.edu.my

No. Tel: +60389213960

Whatsapp: +60192906825

4. Befrienders

Befrienders merupakan talian sokongan emosi yang beroperasi 24 Jam 7 hari seminggu bagi membantu mangsa yang mengalami tekanan dan memerlukan sokongan. Befrienders adalah alternatif terbaik bagi mereka yang lebih suka berinteraksi secara dalam talian ataupun buat mereka yang tiada akses kepada perkhidmatan kesihatan mental berhampiran anda. Namun sukarelawan yang anda hubungi di talian ini hanya berfungsi sebagai pendengar, sekiranya anda dapati simptom anda semakin teruk ataupun kesihatan mental anda merosot atau tiada peningkatan, anda harus berjumpa dengan doktor dan mendapatkan rawatan.

Hubungi Befrienders menerusi: 

Email: sam@befrienders.org.my

No. Tel: +60376272929 / +60379568145 (24 Jam)

5. Talian Kasih

Talian Kasih adalah lagi satu talian 24 jam selain Befrienders yang berfungsi untuk memberi sokongan psikososial kepada yang sedang mengalami isu kesihatan mental. Talian ini merupakan usaha Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat bagi menangani masalah seperti penderaan, pembuangan bayi, masalah sosial remaja dan juga menyediakan perlindungan serta perkhidmatan kesihatan reproduktif.

Hubungi Talian Kasih menerusi:

No. Tel: 15999 (24 Jam)

Whatsapp: +60192615999 

Sekiranya anda memerlukan lebih banyak pilihan perkhidmatan kesihatan mental di Malaysia, rujuk link ini.

Cadangan di atas merupakan inisiatif percuma yang disediakan oleh NGO dan juga pihak kerajaan bagi membantu mereka yang sedang bertarung dengan kesihatan mental. Sekiranya anda, ahli keluarga ataupun kenalan mengalami sebarang simptom kesihatan mental terjejas, pastikan anda mendapat bantuan dari saluran yang betul dan individu yang bertauliah.

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Driving vs Grab: Which is more cost-effective?

• By CompareHero.my

With the traffic jams from Raya still haunting us in the back of our minds, many are now swearing off owning a car. We get it, dealing with morning traffic just to be greeted with a full parking lot is… not the best. 

For those who opt out of driving anywhere in their own vehicle or of driving in general, fret not, because as we all know, from Grab to other up and coming e-hailing services to car rentals and the (though slow) ever-evolving public transportation, there are more than a few options available these days for non-drivers!

Luckily for you, ditching your car and Grabbing everywhere is something you can still go for. However, the question still remains: does it make financial sense to do so? Here’s how much it costs to own a car vs ride-hailing with Grab.

How much does it cost to own a car?

The price you pay when owning a car goes beyond your monthly loan repayment and petrol costs. Other things you’ll have to take into consideration are the maintenance costs, road tax, insurance, toll charges, and parking. 

Let’s take a look at how much it would cost to purchase a Myvi in 2022.

But what about owning a Myvi for 5 years?

If you go the usual route of purchasing a car, you will have to fork out 10% of the car’s total price, and the remaining 90% will be financed. With the maximum hire purchase loan tenure at 9 year, car buyers who choose the longer tenure will have to spend more in the long run even though the monthly payment could be much less.

Moreover, depreciation is one of the highest costs of owning a car. Regardless of how well your vehicle is taken care of, you still can’t escape the crazy phenomenon we know as depreciation.

The average depreciation rate for a Myvi is about 60%. However, this is subject to change as factors such as mileage, degree of wear and tear, who you sell your car to (selling your car to a car dealer will lower your selling price further) could accelerate the depreciation rate of your car. 

How much does it cost to take Grab?

So, let’s say your commute to work is about 10km. This is how much it would cost you:

Base fare: RM2
Minimum fare: RM5
Cost per KM: 10km x RM0.70
Cost per minute: 25 minutes x RM0.20 (non-peak hours)
Total = RM14

Assuming you’ll be taking two trips every working day, it would cost you approximately RM588 a month, without factoring in high demand costs. However, do keep in mind that you’ll also have to fork out your own toll fees as well. To keep this estimation simple, we’ll assume these costs will remain the save over the next 5 years:

If budgeting is your priority, RM1,239.60 a month might not seem so bad. However, if you’re looking at the bigger picture, while taking Grab rides might save you time and energy,  RM14,875.20 a year is not very economical in the long run. At least when you own a car, you’ll be able to sell it off in 5 years and make some money back. 

But then again, these costs depend on the distance of your daily commute. If you lived much closer to the places you regularly travel to and only incur, say, RM10 per journey without having to go through tolls, using Grab could be a much more budget-friendly and logical option.

Before you make your decision on whether to ditch the driver life, do consider:

1. Cost of the car you would like
The more expensive the car, the more expensive its parts, its maintenance, and its insurance. Though if you’re a car enthusiast, you could always opt for a secondhand car. 

2. Lifespan of the car
Does the car you want have a history of reliability? It’s much more cost-effective to own a car you can use for a long time without much of a need to constantly spend money on its upkeep.

3. Amount of time you’ll spend commuting
You may be able to buy more fuel, but time is something that can never be bought. Before you buy a car or opt for the Grab life, do remember that the longer your daily commutes, the more money you’ll spend on Grab, and the wiser it would be to own a car of your own. However, some might prefer to work in the backseat or just spend the long journey doing their own thing, so to each their own.

So, which should you choose?

• You should own a car if you… have long daily commutes with an intention to keep your car long term.
• You should use Grab if you have short daily commutes and would much rather not drive.

That being said, not everything revolves around money and both forms of commuting come with its own pros and cons. While owning a car will allow you to enjoy the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want to without the need to make small talk on every journey, using Grab would save you from all the awful traffic or looking for parking. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide what your priorities are and go with what feels right for you.

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