TIPS ON WISE USE OF CREDIT CARDS

* Shop around for the best deal. Look for waivers on joining and annual fees.

* Limit the number of credit cards you carry based on your needs and payment capability(recommend a maximum of two cards only)

* Shop online only with trusted websites.

* Pay before the due date to avoid late payment and penalty charges

* Pay the amount due in full when you get your monthly statements to avoid interest charges. know the consequences of paying only the minimum amount.

* If you have a cash flow problem, pay the minimum amount for a start and work towards paying the full amount as soon as possible.

* Avoid using your credit card if you cannot make the monthly payments.

* Do not use your credit card to get cash advances from an ATM. Remember, each time you use your credit card to withdraw money, you are increasing your loan commitments in addition to paying upfront withdrawal charges and daily interest.

* Always check your credit card monthly statements to ensure proper transactions and charges are recorded. These statements will detail all your transactions, including fees and charges, payment due dates and the minimum payment. Call your bank if there are discrepancies in your statements or if you have not received one.

BENEFITS OF A CREDIT CARD

Benefits of credit card:

* It is a convenient and efficient mode of cashless payment.

* Enables purchase of products and services online-including airlines tickets.

* The statements will assist you to track your spending for budgeting purposes.

* Some credit cards provide free personal accident and travel insurance coverages.

* Attractive schemes, such as zero-interest installment plan, flexi-payment scheme and balance transfer.

* Earn loyalty points to enable you to redeem goods and/or services.

TIPS ON BUYING A CAR

* Shop around for a car that is reliable and meets your needs. Do some research and ask for advice from family and friends.

* if you decide to buy a used car, get a trusted mechanic and PUSPAKOM to first inspect the car.

* Consider the resale or trade-in value of the car, should you decide to sell it later.

* If you decide to apply for a loan, shop around for a package based on your affordability. Find out what is the effective interest rate you will be paying.

* Work out the budget based on your monthly income. Take into account the monthly installment and related running costs such as fuel, toll, parking fees, other expenses like road tax, insurance and regular servicing.

* Try saving more cash for the down payment and apply for a smaller and shorter loan tenure. The longer the loan tenure, the more interest you pay. In addition, applying for a longer loan tenure may not work in your favor should you decide to sell your car as the value of your car may be lesser than the outstanding loan amount.

* Do not use your credit card to pay for the down payment as doing so would mean getting myself into a loan high interest rates.

* Be prepared for unexpected expenses to cover repairs in case of a breakdown or an accident. It is advisable to know the availability of spare parts and the costs to replace them.

* Ensure that your car is adequately insured. There are two main types of motor insurance: comprehensive and third-party coverage.