Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Things You Never Knew Your Car Insurance Could Cover


Did you know that comprehensive car insurance policies might cover more than just your vehicle’s damages, loss or theft? Learn about these little-known benefits offered by your auto insurance policy!


Did you know that comprehensive car insurance policies might cover more than just your vehicle’s damages, loss or theft? Learn about these little-known benefits offered by your auto insurance policy!
A car insurance policy usually comes with a few surprise benefits that many are not aware of. These little extras can go a long way towards reducing your costs, and add up to your convenience. Before you get too excited about the freebies, note that they are often extended only for the Comprehensive, Third Party, as well as Fire and Theft policies. So do check your policy thoroughly before putting in a claim for any of these additional benefits.
Here are the six additional things that might be included in your car insurance policy’s coverage:
Your policy can cover the legal fees to defend you and your authorised drivers if charged with road offenses in court.
The maximum coverage offered is RM2,000, which typically covers incidents that occur outside of Malaysia as well. Bear in mind that this benefit varies from policy to policy, and that it doesn’t cover any legal penalties such as fines or damages.

2. Free Towing

If your policy provides a complimentary tow service, you will not have to pay to get your car towed to the nearest approved workshop. Score!
Just remember that there is usually a cap on how far the tow service will take your car for free or how much it covers for the tow service - which depends entirely on your policy. Motor Takaful offers up to 50 km of free towing while AIG offers offer up to 150 km. Zurich Motor Takaful on the other hand will cover towing costs at a maximum of RM200 per incident.

3. Roadside Assistance

It’s quite unsafe to change your own tire in high traffic areas; if your insurance provides roadside assistance, you won’t have to. Call your insurance provider’s hotline and request for assistance any time of the day (it’s usually a 24-hour service) to help with minor repairs including changing tires, jump starting your engine, or replacing spare parts.
Some policies will provide cover if you are with friends and relatives when breakdowns occur but not the labour or spare part costs. Make it a point to save your insurance provider’s hotline number in your phone or keep a copy of the contact information in your car.

4. Discount On Accommodations

If you’ve been in an accident where you are unable to drive further or require hotel accommodations, some policies offer alternative travel assistance.
The service can help you make accommodation arrangements at a discount of up to 30%, depending on the policy.

5. Concierge Service

If you need help securing reservations while on the road, you might count on your car insurance policy to help make arrangements for you.
Liberty Insurance for instance, offers to schedule flower deliveries, make travel ticket and dining reservations, as well as book golfing rounds. They will help make the arrangements for free but the cost of the services will be borne by you.

6. Emergency Assistance

Your policy can be ultra-helpful during emergency situations. For example, your provider can send a notification to your family or employer if you are involved in an accident. They can also arrange for a chauffeur or alternative transportation to help you continue on with your journey.
If you require medical treatment, your insurance provider can assist with making clinic or hospital appointments before your arrival. What’s more, they can even set up an interpreter service for you if you have language difficulties (should the accident took place outside of Malaysia).




Clever Ways to Reuse Your Old Smart Devices


Don't just recycle or trash your old smart devices... there are many other ways you can still use them and here are some you may not have even thought of!


Just like any other unwanted technology, you can always recycle them, donate them, or sell them off. But smart devices like tablets, iPhones, and Android phones due to the advanced tech embedded in them, present a different set of opportunities for you to repurpose them and give them a new lease on life. Here are some way cool things you can do with your obsolete smart devices you probably didn't know about.

Children's Toy

The tech in a three-year-old device may not be up-to-date enough for you, but it's perfect for a three-year-old. Just remember to set up the Guided Access (for iOS) or a Restricted Profile (for Android) for the child before passing it on to them. These two features lock the device so the kid can only access a restricted number of apps, preventing them from accidentally messing up the device while making it super simple for them to use as well.
Also, don't forget to wrap the device up in a robust protective casing to shield it from bumps and scratches that would inevitably happen in the hands of rambunctious toddlers. There are many educational games, books, and apps available for kids to use on both Android and iOS. For children with weak grips or who are still developing their coordination, you can keep them occupied with YouTube Kids, a version of YouTube with kid-friendly content.

Alarm Clock

Sure, you can use your phone as one, but why waste the battery for that? Leave your phone off and charge it overnight then use an older device as a dedicated alarm clock. There's no shortage of cool alarm clock apps on both Android and iOS you can install on your device to make it a superpowered alarm clock.
The best thing about using a smart device as an alarm clock is how you can customize the clock face, the alarm noise, and set up unlimited alarms with no trouble at all. All that, plus other dizzying custom options like volume fade, alarm tone randomizer, and many others. Having an old phone always by your bedstand is also useful if you ever lose your current phone. Just pop your alarm clock in your pocket and you have a spare phone.

Security Camera

Even the oldest smartphones have better cameras than a lot of webcams you can find on the market right now. So using an old device as a security camera should be a no-brainer. Just like our alarm clock suggestion, there are plenty of apps available that can turn your device (both Android and iOS) into a powerful webcam you can use to secure your house or property of choice.
These apps allow you to peek through your smartphone's camera from a connected computer anywhere you are in relation to your house or property. You can also use this function as a makeshift baby monitor to keep an eye on your little tyke as they play around with your old tablet.

Music Player

If your ancient device has a lot of storage space in it still, even though the software is badly outdated, you can use it as a dedicated music player. Just load it up with all your favourite tracks and you're good to go. You can even leave it in the car connected to the power port and auxiliary audio to play all of your driving music right from your device. No more boring radio ads.
This is also a great idea to use if your device's screen is all smashed up or your speakers are dead or even both. Since you can just plug in your headphone jack and you won't need to stare at the screen for long anyway.

Dedicated E-reader

Ah, but what if your device's screen is in perfect shape but the speakers and headphone jack are the ones that don't work any more? In that case, you can use it as a dedicated e-reader for all your ebooks.
Ebooks typically don't require too much storage as well so you can carry pretty much your entire book collection without worrying about running out of room in your device's memory. Also, you can turn off wireless connectivity on it and use it as a pure, focused reading device without worrying about internet distractions.

Digital Photo Frame

This one works best with devices that have really bright displays. What you need to do is get yourself a really nice stand and cover case, then put it somewhere visible in your house or workspace.
Next, install a digital photo frame app (available for both Android and iOS) and enjoy a rotating slideshow of images displayed on your desk. Of course, since it's a smart device, you can customise which images show up on rotation, change which images to show at what time of day, and even combine this function with the alarm clock as well as a calendar app for a handy multitasking device you never knew you needed.

Real-time Window to the Outside World

This one, like the digital photo frame idea, is more suited to older tablets than phones. What you do is essentially connect the device to a live feed of something happening elsewhere in the world and your device becomes almost a literal window into the goings on of the world.
Install EarthCam on your device (yes, available both on Android and iOS) and look through the different feeds around the world and check out what's happening from the Abbey Road crossing in London to New York City's Time Square. You can also find other interesting mobile-friendly live cameras around the web, too. Take a look at the San Diego Zoo’s Panda Cam or SeaWorld’s Penguin Cam if you need a quick fix of adorable animal cuteness.
Smart devices are called so for a good reason. Even the oldest, lamest versions of them are made up of highly sophisticated technology. Just because they're no longer the hottest thing right now doesn't mean they've outlived their usefulness. As our list shows, they may still have some life in them yet!
Do you have an obsolete device you're still kind of using as something else right now? What do you use it for? Let us know in the comments section below!




How To Plan A Euro Trip On A Shoestring Budget It's not impossible to travel to Europe on a small budget. Follow our tried-and-tested tips for a Euro trip on a budget and start planning yours now!


It's not impossible to travel to Europe on a small budget. Follow our tried-and-tested tips for a Euro trip on a budget and start planning yours now!


With the falling Ringgit Malaysia, it’s getting harder and harder to travel outside of Malaysia, especially when it comes to travelling around Europe.
Fortunately, with good planning, plenty of research, and a positive can-do attitude, you can still travel to your dream destinations in Europe without having to sell your kidney. Here are some practical tips that might help you(r bank account) plan an economical and enjoyable Euro trip.

Track The Exchange Rate

Since Euro is much higher than Ringgit Malaysia, follow the exchange rate in advance (even months before your planned travel dates) and plan your trip when the exchange rate is at its lowest. Every cent counts when you travel, and it’s better to have as much money as you can to better enjoy your Euro trip.

Make Use Of Your Credit Card Rewards Program

Check if your credit card offers a rewards program that includes air miles and discounts on hotels. You can redeem your points for flight tickets and accommodations to offset your travel expenses. Even the smallest savings, when accumulated, can help stretch your travel budget further.

Cut Down On Accommodation

If you prefer comfort over savings, plan ahead and scan through the available deals and discounts on websites such as Hotels.com and Bookings.com. Once you find a hotel that is convenient ( make sure they offer free wifi and breakfast) and comfortable for you, make it a point to get in touch with them via email or phone call to see if you can get a better deal.
Otherwise, skimp on your accommodation and stay at hostels instead. Go on HostelWorld, where you can find a comprehensive list of available hostels in the area, along with reviews from fellow travellers to help you get a better feel of the offered lodgings.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to learn more about the locals and their culture, book a cheap stay via Airbnb, or try CouchSurfing, where you can stay at friendly local’s homes for free! Just remember to be polite to your host, mind your hygiene, and treat them to a meal or two as a thank you gesture.

Travel Compact And Light

Since you’ll most likely be traveling via budget airlines a lot, make sure you’ve learned all their weight restrictions by heart. European budget airlines are extremely particular when it comes to the rules and regulations, including checked baggage or carry-on weight limits.
Make use of the free carry-on or checked baggage weight allowance and if you must pay for the checked baggage, be sure to settle all payments online before your trip takes place. Don’t waste your precious cash on checked baggage or carry-on penalty fees, as they can be quite exorbitant.

Book A Long Layover

There’s a stigma around long layovers, but they can be some of the best travel experiences of your life! Not only are layover flights cheaper than direct flights, most major airlines are known to provide free accommodations, transfers, and meals during lengthy layovers.
If you plan it right, you can spend a day or two at popular layover stops such as Dubai or Amsterdam without having to pay a single cent.You can leave your luggage (or if you’re backpacking, just bring them along) at luggage storage areas for a fee before you explore the city. Just make sure you’ve researched on whether or not you will require a visa for the country beforehand.

Fly Into The Cheapest City

If you have an open schedule, go on flight comparison websites such as SkyScanner or Vayama, and look for the cheapest city that’s near to your intended destination. Popular destinations like London, Rome, Paris, and Amsterdam are always expensive to fly into, so opt for the less frequented and cheaper cities. Once there, you can either travel across the countries via the buses or the trains - which is more enriching for your travel experience.

Travel Like A Local

Transportation in Europe can cost a huge chunk of your travel budget, so travel smart and research your routes extensively. Use public transportation as much as you can to save your cash. Opt for the busses, trains, and even the car sharing platforms such as BlaBlaCar to get around. Also, find out if the city you’re visiting offers discount or free public transportation passes for tourists.
If you’re travelling long distances, use bus services like Eurolines that can take you throughout the continent. However, don’t be so quick to dismiss the budget airlines, there are often amazing deals on the budget flight tickets - if you plan ahead.

Go On Budget Sightseeing Activities

Europe offers countless spectacular attractions, and most of them can be enjoyed at no cost at all. Go for long walks and take in the breathless architectures scattered throughout the continent and learn their history as well as unique cultures at the local museums.
Take advantage of the free tours, and check TripAdvisor if the city is hosting a carnival or a festival for you to join in. You can also go on Groupon and see if there are activities like bus tours, kayaking, dining, and boat cruises that are on sale and have fun while saving a tonne of money. If you’re buying these activities in advance, make sure to follow through with them and not regret it later on.

Use Cash

Credit and debit cards often charge a fee on every international transaction you make, whether you’re cashing out or make purchases with your card. Avoid paying for these unnecessary expenses and just use cash instead. Be sure to stash your cash safely, and remember not to keep all of them in one place - in case you lose all of them.

Don’t Be Shy To Make New Friends

Whether it’s the locals or fellow travellers, be friendly and try to strike a conversation with them wherever you go. Talking to locals and other travellers is the quickest way to learn all the hidden wonders and best eateries in the city.
It’s also the best way for you to learn the local culture and history of the city you’re in. You’ll discover the weirdest and most fascinating lore and ancient history, things that you’ll never find in books or the internet - even the museums.
Make memories with the locals and your fellow travellers and exchange travel tips with them, and who knows? You might make a lasting friendship with a promise of a new place to visit soon.

Eat Smart

If you’re staying in a hotel or a hostel, cut down on your food expenses by digging into the breakfast buffet. Pack some extra Ziploc bags with you and save some of the buffet food to take with you on-the-go.
When you’re out exploring the city, avoid the touristy restaurants and cafes that are sure to cost you a bomb. Pay attention to where the locals go to eat, or talk to them and find out the best and most economical eateries you can go to enjoy the local delicacies. You can also refer to TripAdvisor for some pointers on where to head to for tasty and cheap grubs.
Of course, the cheaper option would be to pack some dry food with you before embarking on your trip. Things like instant noodles, granola bars, dried fruits, and nuts are usually custom-friendly and can save you a lot of money.
We hope these tips can help you plan an affordable and economical Euro trip, even on a low budget. 




Monday, March 27, 2017

How To Run For Politics As An Independent Candidate

About 270 independent candidates contested the 13thgeneral election, making it the most number of unaffiliated hopefuls vying for a shot at top-level politics.
But all of them lost, with 266 candidates losing their deposits as they failed to secure one-eighth of the votes cast. Needless to say, many did feel the burn.
“Being independent is actually stupid. There is no way I got into this with the hope of winning in the first place. If that was my intention, I am just extra stupid. The system doesn’t allow it. You can’t win,” says Mak Khuin Weng.
He should know. Mak was among the 266 who lost their deposits after running for the Bukit Gasing state assembly seat in GE13. Rajiv Rishyakaran of DAP won that contest.
But what motivated him to campaign despite the uphill battle?
“I threw away about RM30,000 for a point. I wanted to raise awareness on an issue that affected a lot of people in a particular constituency,” Mak tells iMoney.
He campaigned for grassroots problems such as land titles wrongly given out in thousands of homes in Petaling Jaya and developmental rules which were not followed by municipal councils.
“Before I went on this route, I went to the media with this story and not a lot of people picked it up. I even went on BFM but the response wasn’t there. This was a last-ditch effort.”
But despite the loss, Mak does not regret his decision. “I spent the money for an experience. It’s no different from you going on a holiday.”
On how he would rate himself, he believes he did what he could do with the resources he had and the obstacles he faced.
And was it worth the money?
“I got people to interview me. It generated media. I paid for advertising and if I looked at it that way, I got a lot more coverage than just buying an ad.
“And it is still paying dividends… because you are interviewing me.”

independent politician graphic

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Should You Have More Than One Credit Card?

We've talked before about the reasons to do business with multiple banks, but is there also a good reason to have multiple credit cards? Let's find out!



Regularly swiping on your credit card and paying your bills on time is an easy way to develop good credit, collect rewards and enjoy multiple promotions and deals. But is it a smart thing to have more than one credit card in your wallet?
To help figure this out, let's first take a look at the advantages of having two or more credit cards:

Pros

You Can Boost Your Credit Score

The more credit cards you have, the more diverse your credit report will appear. Pat yourself on the back if you never make late payments for all of the bills and rest assured that your credit score is probably in your favour when you need to take up a loan.
Multiple cards contribute tremendously in your credit history, but don’t let them harm your financial well-being because of unsettled debts or high credit utilization (meaning you tend to reach your credit limits often).

Have Different Cards For Different Needs

A credit card that is used for grocery shopping may not be ideal for big purchases such as electronic gadgets. Simply because you will not get to enjoy the bank’s cashback offer as your card is usually featured with benefits for a specific spending category. Furthermore, you wouldn’t want to use up your credit before the month ends on a single item, or worse is not having enough cash advance for emergency situations.
Having two to three credit cards for different spending purposes can in fact be a healthy financial plan. For example, you can assign one card for everyday use (petrol, food, grocery) and another one for major expenditures (medical bill, insurance, holidays).
If you own a basic credit card, your second one can be something that offers extra benefits based on your lifestyle and spending habits. That way, not only will you get to prioritise your finances more effectively, you will also enjoy greater deals just by simply enjoying your life!
Of course, having more than one credit card isn't all fun and merriment. There are some important caveats to note when you're juggling multiple cards at once.

Cons

Multiple Credit Card Applications Count as Hard Inquiries

It is not recommended to apply for many cards at once. The reason is the moment all of your lenders pull out your credit score, they will be recorded as hard inquiries.
To put it simply, it means that the creditor perceives a large number of credit score viewing as a sign of credit risk, which of course will negatively affect your report.

Trickier to Manage

To those who don't have a solid monthly financial plan, owning several credit cards can be cumbersome. This is simply because you are exposed to higher chance of missing your payment for a specific account and end up drowning in debt (that you are possibly not even sure where they came from).
Furthermore, the flexibility of swiping for big purchases, not just with one but multiple cards, might negatively affect your spending habits. It can be hard to resist your inner shopaholic knowing that you can have the items without having to pay first.

So How Many Credit Cards Should You Have?

It is true that maintaining a good credit report really boils down to consistent on-time payments and healthy purchasing limit. Although a single credit card may be all you need to achieve good financial health, there is no exact ideal number of credit cards that one should own especially when taking into account personal spending habits.
It is worth considering multiple credit cards as they can help you to improve your credit score and net you awesome promotions and rewards. 




Friday, March 24, 2017

How to Protect Yourself from Investment Scams

You work so hard for your money, don’t blow it all on a scam! Find out how to spot and stay clear from common investment scams in Malaysia.




Investment scams are everywhere these days. It’s sad and ironic when those who try to grow their money end up losing it - or worse still, encounter heavy debt as a result. Some have even taken out loans from the dreaded loan sharks and put their lives (and family) at risk to invest in deceptively profitable deals, only to end up to be victims to elaborate scams!
To help you steer clear of such swindle, we’ve compiled a list of common cons that you need to be aware of, as well as some tips on how you can protect yourself against them:

Extreme High-Interest Loans

If you are invited to help out with a loan that is going to repay handsomely with absurd interests - like 60% or twice your principal amount - it is very likely a scam. You may hear about it from friends or relatives, but do recognize that this is exactly why others often get taken in, because they trust the source. Often times, these well-meaning folks are unwitting victims themselves.
If you want to extend financial help to someone in need, make sure it’s someone you know intimately, and be prepared to never see the sum again. That is the actual risk when you give a friendly loan.
Real-Life Case: Three people including a Datuk were involved in a scam to borrow money to fund a government project. Lenders were promosed returns of 30% to 90%, but their RM176 million-scam was foiled when victims came forward and lodged police reports.

Fake Investment Platforms

Lots of people dream of quickly striking a windfall when playing the stocks – but very few actually do in the short term. Warren Buffet, the investment savant, has said time and again that investing is for the long-haul. Expecting extremely high returns very quickly is akin to gambling because no one can accurately predict the risks associated with the stock market.
If you have been offered hot stock tips from an unsolicited source that guarantees a high payout, it’s likely a scam. Look out also for rogue traders who aren’t licensed to make stock trades. The Securities Commission (SC) regularly updates a list of unauthorised dealers that you should check before you invest.
Real-Life Case: A couple offered financial consultancy services on social media, promising returns of 50% to 80% and conned their clients out of RM20 million in an investment scam.

“Business Opportunity” Scams

You’ve most likely had the experience of friends, colleagues, and even relatives approaching you with an amazing business opportunity that will yield high returns when you invest. While some may have been genuine, the risks of losing your money to unscrupulous deals are often a possibility.
As with most of these “deals”, easy money from ultra-high returns is often a scam but even if the deal seems sensible; do not part with your money until you are able to verify its authenticity.
Real-Life Case: A man was allegedly cheated into leasing non-existent hotel rooms in Mecca and was promised profits of 360% a year. The victim had deposited some RM320, 000 into the scammers personal account and is among many others who have fallen victim to the con.

Forex Trading Scheme

Trading foreign currencies sounds super sexy and lucrative, but if you are investing with unlicensed brokers, you could very well lose that investment. Forex trading is a rather risky scheme of currency trading that involves quite a bit of speculation. Even for the licensed traders (which are commercial, Islamic, investment, and international Islamic banks), it’s very difficult to predict the rise and fall of currencies. This is because the factors that influence rates extend globally.
Just to be clear, those who are not licensed (such as an onshore bank) and without the approval of the central bank is not allowed to trade in foreign currencies. If you are intending on investing with overseas companies, be sure to check with the individual country’s regulatory agencies on the legitimacy of the brokers.
Real-life case: A woman lost RM30, 000 in a forex scheme where the trader was a family friend. She was promised lucrative returns and was asked to deposit funds to the trader’s personal account. She found out later that the company that was supposedly trading her funds was recorded on the SC’s list of unauthorised traders.

Protect Yourself and Recognize the Signs

What most of these scams have in common is that they offer unusually high returns in a short span of time, but there are also other red flags of which you need to be aware of.
For instance, these con-artists may pressure their targets to invest quickly, incessantly call or email, refuse to explain the ‘highly complex’ products’, and avoid proper paperwork. All these are tell-tale signs that indicate a potential scam at work.
Follow these tips to protect yourself from the perils of investment scams:
Don’t respond to unsolicited calls or emails offering investment options. Verify the validity of investment opportunities via the Securities Commission of Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysia, and the Companies Commission of Malaysia. Independently research the information you are given and seek appropriate licenses. Hire a lawyer or certified financial consultant (when dealing with large amounts of money). Ask for a prospectus for investment products.




5 Financial Lessons to Teach Your Children Before They Turn 12

Give your children an early introduction to the all-important concepts of money – from saving to being a clever consumer!




To Be Young and In Debt

It’s a future no parent envisions for their children but an article by the Malay Mail in 2016 claimed that an estimated 11 people under the age of 35 go bankrupt every day.
In addition, a whopping 1,157 people under the age of 25 have been declared bankrupt between 2012 and 2016. That’s certainly reason enough to start educating your kids about money as early as possible.
Here are important financial lessons you can teach your kids, especially the younger ones:

1. Where Money Comes From (from the age of 5)

We’ll venture so far as to say this question is going to be much easier to answer than “where do babies come from?”. But in all seriousness, you don’t have to get into the technical definitions, instead focus your explanations on money being earned. The basis for this lesson is to teach your little ones the value of money.
This is a good time to introduce allowances for little chores done around this house. This will help them equate work with money and prepare them for the next lesson: saving.

2. How To Save (from the age of 7)

A 2013 study made a positive connection between financial literacy and saving, planning for retirement and making informed financial decisions. Thus, learning to save is probably one of the most valuable lessons to impart on your kids.
Saving carries with it other virtues and teachable moments such as patience and responsibility. An effective way to teach about the importance of saving is to empower your kids to get started on personal financial goals. It can be as simple as buying a new toy or game with their own money, once they’ve saved up enough.
This way you’ll be encouraging them to see the importance in putting money away as well as giving them a glimpse of financial independence.

3. Spending Responsibility (from the age of 9)

Children are not often in a position to overspend, not just since they do not have access to credit but also because, it will be you the parent who does the spending. Thus, if you aren’t mindful of your spending habits, it’s possible for your child to pick up on it as well.
A good way to teach responsible spending is to give your offspring some control over their purchases. For instance, allow your kids to spend a portion of their birthday or festive money on his or her food expenses for a day. From here, your child can learn to set money aside for each meal and spend within their means.

4. What is Budgeting (from the age of 10)

Once your kids have an allowance or access to money, they can start learning about budgeting and managing the funds in their possession. It’s a necessary life skill that should be cultivated from a young age so that your child, no matter their future earning potential will always know how to maximise their income.
This lesson really builds on the basics of saving and spending – and takes it a step further by teaching them how to manage money and prioritising more important goals.
Give your kids the opportunity to budget with you on little tasks such as helping you with grocery costs for the week and planning monthly savings as well as small family outings. Encourage them to start their own budget to balance personal expenses such as toys and games with savings goals.

5. How to Be a Clever Consumer (from the age of 11)

Once the foundations of financial literacy has been laid (in the first four lessons), what should follow is the ability to discern between good and bad deals. Teach your children to compare between products and services before making a purchase. Shopping around for affordable prices that still offer good quality will help your kids make better money decisions in all areas of life as they mature.
A good way to teach them how to be a better consumer is by involving them in your shopping process – how you choose groceries, buy a computer or what you look for when shopping for clothes. Teach them to compare in terms of price and quality rather than just choosing by brand.
Learning how to be a smart shopper is a long-term process. Continue teaching them about more complicated purchases as they get older – for instance, how to use comparison sites when buying insurance.
But the best thing you can do right now is to start your kids off with a savings account for a better financial future. Choose a junior account with extra special benefits like bonus interest earnings, free insurance and more