Here is a checklist to cut costs:

1. Tyres

Check your tyre pressure at least once every 2 weks and remove any foreign object embedded in the tread. Tread depth should also be monitored to check for wear and tear.

2. Under The Hood

Check the drive belts and ensure thre is no wear and tear. Also check the levels for transmission fluid, power steering fluid, engine oil and engine coolant to make sure they are not low.

3. Spark Plugs

They should be kept clean to get more mileage out of the car.

4. Battery

Car batteris can fail without any warning so ensure the terminals are tightly secured and look out for corrosion marks. Battery water has to be at correct level and the connection cables tightened.

5. Headlights and Indicators

Make sure the headlights and signal indicators are working.

6. Brakes

If they squeal or you have to press the pedal far down, it would mean the brake pads need to be replaced.

7. Leaks

Look out for them as it means your car is losing essential fluids.

8. Windscreen Wipers

Replace them when they don’t swipe cleanly and smoothly.

9. Regular Maintenance

Adhere to your car maintenance schedule to ensure your vehicle is in working conditions.

COE and Prices of Cars have risen lately. What are the things to consider if I should Buy, Keep or Sell a Car?

Buyers:

If you have limited budget, try a new car. Prices may have risen but not as high as that of new cars.

Keepers:

Renewing your Certificate of Entitlement (COE) is not cheap and you still have to pay the Prevailing Quota Premium (PQP) which depends on the average of the last 6 COE premiums.

Sellers:

If you want to trade in your current car for a new one, shop around before committing to a trade-in price. Consider also the price difference between the resale value of your current car and the price you are looking for.

1.   BE THE KIND OF DATE THAT YOU WANT TO DATE

2.   GET DATES AT THE RIGHT  PLACE

3.   BE APPROACHABLE

4.   LOOK FOR A FRIEND, NOT A MATE

5.   KNOW WHO PAYS FOR THE DATE

6.    BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR OPPINIONS

7.   UNDERSTAND DIFFERENCES EXIST

8.   BE THE RIGHT ONE

9.  MAKE   NEW  FRIENDS

1. Look for Common Interest
2. Pay Attention to Values
3. Don’t Try to Change the Other Person
4. Be True to Yourself
5. Expect Good Communications and Don’t Run from Conflict
6. Don’t Play Games, Pressure, or Manipulate Someone
7. Be True to for How You Want to Be Treated

One of the things we discuss is not to fall into guilt trap. When some undesirable character around us sometimes tries to be nice with an ulterior motive to get information or to get a service from us, it is wise to recognise that and not fall into the trap of being guilty for “their goodwill”. I learn that through numerous experience.

When that happens to the partner instead through our contact, I learn to take charge and handle the problem so that it doesn’t implicate the other partner. This is one way to protect my other partner and stay in charge.