Showing posts with label Banking Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Banking Tips. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Safety Tips for Avoiding Defrauding Account

The technology used by cyber criminals are also becoming increasingly sophisticated. No doubt, the banks must have a strong security system for confronting.

However, to avoid this crime also required an active role customer. Learn 6 tips to avoid break-ins secure this account according to M. Salahuddien, Vice Chairman of the Indonesia Security Incident Response Team on Internet Infrastructure (ID-SIRTII):

1. Use only the chip card, if your bank has not provided a chip card, you have to ask for change and do not use for the transaction before it is replaced. Rules of Bank Indonesia (BI) is new, since January 2010 an official card and may be used only type of chip card

Card types of chips will be more secure from the actions of duplication of data on credit cards or ATM through a tool that is often referred to as ATM Skimming.

2. Protect code 3 digit (CVV2) on the back of your card. Except for the authorization of transactions online, the code will never be used for conventional transactions at ATM machines, or in counter EDC merchants. Close the 3 figures at the back of the card with stickers, cellotape anything that is not transparent.

3. Change your PIN as often as possible. Simple parameters, when you shave your hair, change socks (since starting the smell), or replace the toothbrush (because it was starting to wrinkle) or every time you check vehicle tire, it is time to replace your ATM card PIN. For example, at the gas station, usually there is now an ATM machine, you can change your PIN when purchasing the fuel transaction.

"It's serious, security problems are the main enemy of human behavior itself, habits, behavior, most break-ins occur because of the exploitation of social disadvantage, so called social engineering," he said.

4. Never give personal information and data pins used for banking authorization to anyone for any reason, including the bank's customer service, such as mother's maiden name and others. Unless indeed convinced that it is the procedure that must be passed. For now a lot of third parties (eg insurance companies) by reason of cooperation with the bank issuing the card, offering its products in telemarketing and you are asked to provide personal information.

5. Be cautious when receiving an offer from telemarketing like that, because usually you give consent will be interpreted as a willingness to do auto debit on your account. This is dangerous, better if less sure, you asked for more time to confirm the correct issuing bank if the bank has a partnership with the telemarketing and how the rules and risks.

6. Keep an eye on your card presence while in the merchant's counter, do not let the card to carry anywhere and swiped into a different machine many times. You better cancel the transaction and do not have to sign anything and report to the issuing bank when the suspect with the conditions in a counter merchants.

Watch also the condition of EDC, whether there are visible enhancements or additional cable connections are suspicious. But this need technical understanding, ordinary users normally would be difficult to distinguish.

We must remember, so we swipe the card, then all the important information will be recorded by EDC and some even in print. Such as name, card number and expiration date (sometimes the dates start using).

One does not need to have a super memory to memorize a row of code numbers listed on the card. If you are careless enough time can be used to record information that the perpetrator (thrasing). Even their cooperation with each other for example two, one intentionally distract you and only carry the card records or even swipe your card skimming machines that are not visible.

Tips for Using Credit Cards

Safety Tips for Using Credit Cards
1. At the time of filing a new application

* Try not to ever ask the manufacture of credit cards through an agent (like a lot at the mall shopping malls, restaurants and supermarkets) even though they use a certain bank facilities, still they are not bank employees but employees of a company agent who works with that particular bank.

* If you want to make a credit card labored to come directly to the Bank / Financial Institution card issuer credit card center to its division (Credit Cards) or at least to a branch bank.

* Do not just look at the free annual fee just for the first year, so the next year and looking for more lid card free annual fee again. Here are very vulnerable your data is leaking into the lain.Karena we do not know the person from an institution that mischievously.

* Credit limit is the maximum sought half of the Take Home Pay us, if too high'm down limit only, rather than hard to pay.

2. At the moment already have a Credit Card

* Always try to pay off the entire bill before the due date, so that you avoid the costs and interest rates high enough

* Rate credit card interest rate is always above other loans because credit cards are loans without collateral, usually a percentage rate is the monthly, so you must multiply by 12 to determine the rate annually.

* The calculation of credit card interest is since from our transactions or cash withdrawal has been running the flower, but if we paid in full (Full Payment) prior to maturity then we are freed interest.

* Do not ever inform the data contained in our credit card to others, including close relatives, whether the card number, validity period, the name printed on the card, and so forth. Beware of marketing via phone (Tele marketing) who said it was as though the bank issuing the card and there is good cooperation with their insurance, hotels, clubs, etc. remember that cuman their tricks, and you never know your card number to them! as well as other data, including data bank card issuer.

* Endeavored swipe card at the time credited, cashier swipe in front of us, especially in restaurants is common card to the cashier before we brought them a string of new without the presence of us, well this is as much as possible be avoided. Always rub in front of us.

* Do not ever order goods via the internet with our credit cards states. How to Avoid spending this model even more so if the transaction in the cafe and in companies that can not be trusted (not bona fide)

* Always check your credit card, if lost immediately report to the bank card issuer to avoid misuse.

* Have a credit card nowadays is not a luxury and prestige, so it would not need to have credit cards lined up, my advice is 1 of 1 more than Visa and Master Card with two different publishers, which provide the most benefit and good. For example, a percentage discount at the supermarket, a percentage discount meals, etc.

12 Tips and Tricks for Your Money Saving Strategies

People are always trying to save money, especially if economic conditions are deteriorating. Whatever your reason for saving, you will find various tips and tricks that you can apply. Saving money is actually not difficult, and you just need a little creative to learn whatever ways you can apply for saving.

There are many ways you can do to save money. Although seemingly only a few ways you can make a little money set aside, but when you continue to do so, then in the end you will see how much money you save. You need to remember, that saving is not only set aside money. Saving money is something that you encounter in your everyday life. Saving money is how you live and how you choose the possibilities that exist in life.

Believe in yourself that it is never too late to save, regardless of your current age. Arrange your mind, and believe that now is the time to start building the future.


1. Use the Back

When you shop, look for items that you can use again. A simple example is the battery that you can re-charge, rather than disposable batteries. The price initially is more expensive than ordinary batteries, but as time progresses you will certainly find it useful.

2. Financial Plan

Everyone should have a financial plan. One of the best ways to save money is by writing down your expenses. In general, when someone does not know where their money went, then when they see the spending records on paper, they will be surprised and immediately change their bad habits.

3. Self to please

Set aside funds for your own pleasure, lest you forget the self sendir! Even though your budget is low, you should not forget to give yourself pleasure, such as buying new clothes or go out to eat your favorite food at the restaurant. Do not let yourself be constrained by the scarcity mindset. Remember the law of abundance, "The Law of Abundance": this world will pleasure of God abound, including money. You only need to control how you use it.

If you think rare, then that is what will become a reality.

4. Insurance

Look for a good insurance company. Insurance you can use to transfer the financial risk you are, but you need to consider whether you need insurance or not. About ways to choose an insurance company, profit and loss insurance, as well as to determine whether you need it or not, in Personal Finance eBook: Recipe for Success Secret Behind The Rich (www.AsetInternet.com), you can learn everything completely.

5. Change Old Habits

Take the time to find out what exactly triggers your spending. When you are depressed, stressed, sad, happy, or whatever it is, whether you spend more money? As you already know what the trigger, then you can learn to control it. For example, if you recently laid off from work, even though you have little money, maybe you have a "need" strong to spend money. Then, maybe you noticed that when you're bored, you'll go shopping. Now, by knowing what causes it, then you can change the way you cope with boredom, sadness, or other triggers. Look for other more useful ways.

6. Avoid temptation

If you have a weakness, stay away. For example if you are easily tempted when looking at shoes, then do not stop at the shoe store when traveling. Avoiding temptation is hard, but saving money is also important. When you want to satisfy the urge of temptation before, you can use a special fund that you have saved for the sake of your pleasure (tips number 3).

7. The Right Time to Shop

Research has proven that when you shop at when you are hungry, depressed, sad, and tired, then you will spend more money. Before you go shopping, eat something so that later was not hungry when you get around the mall or market. If you're annoyed or upset, calm yourself before you bergi shopping. It may sound funny, but with a clean mind, then your shopping activities also will be more effective:)

8. Create Your Own Gift

When there are friends or family who has a birthday, try creating your own gifts or gift. Gifts made by his own hand coming from the heart .. hehe. Examples such as just when you're intoxicated by romance; if you're good to sing and make songs, then you can make a song about the people you care about it, sing it yourself, and record it on CD for your gift. But, make sure your voice is really good:) Or you can also make their own photo albums. Chances are, you just need a little creativity.

9. Envy and competition is Unnecessary

You do not have to compete with anyone. Competition is part of life, but there is no so-called healthy and unhealthy competition. What is the purpose here is unfair competition, ie for example if your neighbor bought a new luxury car, then you do not have to envy and compete by buying a nicer car, when you have not been able to buy it. Grateful and proud of what you currently have.

If there was your neighbor who bought a new luxury car, do like what PT Barnum said that included in my eBook, Golden Rules to Success Financial (www.targetpositif.com): You only have to do what he did, but you do not can make others believe that you are as rich as him.

The attitude is the attitude towards poverty jealous heart and treasure, and you can not become rich by taking the road to poverty.


10. Beware Compliments

if you're shopping and trying clothes you want to buy, then often times you will hear a compliment from the seller. Do not jump to buy when he said the clothes were good and suitable for you. I'm not saying that all clothes seller was a lie, you know .... but you need to know exactly what you desire. You also need to know what price you can afford. Obey the rules of your own, not the seller clothes or someone else.

11. Printed Checks Would You Throw

One time, there is a mother who sent her daughter to clean rooms. Because of imitators, his son and then took a large plastic bag, and fill it with items he did not need. Out of curiosity, the mother and then examine what's in the bag. He then surprised to find a picture frame, roll your hair, wear clothes that are still reasonable, and other good stuff. The child did not realize that the thought is not useful, it is useful to others. After talking to her daughter, the mother and daughter wearing inappropriate clothing to donate to an orphanage, and use other items that are still functional.

12. Good Products Do not Ignore

The mistaken belief in the saving is, you have to buy cheap goods with low quality in order to economize. That's wrong. Goods are cheap and low quality it will drain your pocket. To overcome this, you can follow the suggestion of David J. Schwartz, author of best-seller "The Magic of Thinking Big": pay two times as much and buy a half.

For example, you used to buy two pairs of shoes worth Rp 100.000,00 because you want to save money. Instead, you can buy one pair of shoes worth Rp 200,000.00 with better quality

Tips for Safe Internet Banking

1. Do not tell the details of banking information and passwords E-Banking you to others. Do not also put in a computer or send it via email.

2. Change your E-Banking password regularly.

3. Do not believe the emails are accompanied with a link to a website that asks you to verify details of personal information, including your banking information.

4. Make sure the time will transact, you visit the site proper. Start by opening a new browser session and type the site address fully and correctly in the browser address bar. This is done to prevent you are directed to a fake site addresses that are similar to your E-Banking site.

5. Do not leave your computer while transacting.

6. After the transaction is completed, make sure you are completely out of your online account (logged out).

7. Make sure the computer you are using is installed antivirus and other security applications. Be diligent to update your antivirus program regularly.

8. When transacting, avoid using public computers that can not be trusted, for example computer cafe.

Safe Trading Tips Banking and Online Shopping

Protect Your Assets: Banking and Online Shopping

* Your bank account numbers will not ask you via email. It will never happen. If you receive an email that looks like a really sent from your bank, do not respond, do not click any links, simply open your web browser and type in your bank.com address in place and go there directly. Even so, be careful if there is a change in screen log on the bank. If you asked for things that do not normally, do not enter anything!
* Perform an online bank transactions at home. Bank online is very convenient. We all have a smart phone (smart phones) and laptops with wireless access. It does not mean that a good idea to combine the two. Although wireless networks that may be safe, you still do your financial transactions are very personal in a public place. You not only have to worry if there Hecker recording a Wi-Fi networks you use at the local coffee shop. You should worry if there is a standing right behind you who browse from over your shoulder. You think not comfortable to wait until I got home? Imagine how it would be "uncomfortable" when savings are stolen in front of your eyes!
* Do not buy from sites you've never known before. Why is the price at "CheepestPricesAnywhere.ru" much cheaper than in all other sellers? In addition they may have the most hidden secrets on the Web, it could be they are a disguise designed to get your credit card details. Before you buy, do your homework first. Find reviews about his company and ask your family friends if they ever find out the website. Do the same if there is any time someone you barely know come up to you on the road and offer a cheap clock.

Shop Smart with Credit Cards

1. Remember if you are still leaving this month in credit card bills? When the remaining bills are still large, avoid spending large amounts.
2. Conversely, if the rest of the bill a bit, does not mean you are free to swipe a credit card. Permanent make a budget for the use of credit cards.
3. Even if you are forced to spend large amounts, make sure there is budget next month to pay for it.
4. Do not be too daring to use a credit card if you do not know whether there next month's budget to pay for it.
5. As much as possible pay the bill according to the number of bills this month.

Safe Use of Internet Banking

1. Do not tell the details of banking information and passwords E-Banking you to others. Do not also put in a computer or send it via email.
2. Change your E-Banking password regularly.
3. Do not believe the emails are accompanied with a link to a website that asks you to verify details of personal information, including your banking information.
4. Make sure the time will transact, you visit the site proper. Start by opening a new browser session and type the site address fully and correctly in the browser address bar. This is done to prevent you are directed to a fake site addresses that are similar to your E-Banking site.
5. Do not leave your computer while transacting.
6. After the transaction is completed, make sure you are completely out of your online account (logged out).
7. Make sure the computer you are using is installed antivirus and other security applications. Be diligent to update your antivirus program regularly.
8. When transacting, avoid using public computers that can not be trusted, for example computer cafe.

Masalah penggunaan BNI Internet Banking

T : Bagaimana kalau saya menghadapi masalah BNI Internet Banking?
J : Apapun masalah Anda mengenai BNI Internet Banking, terutama kehilangan dan kerusakan
atau terblokirnya BNI e-Secure hingga lupa User ID dan password, hubungi BNI Call di
(021) 5789 9999 atau 68888 dari ponsel

Terblokirnya BNI e-Secure

T : Mengapa BNI e-Secure saya terblokir?
J : BNI e-Secure terblokir karena Anda salah menulis password tiga kali berturut-turut. Hubungi BNI
Call di (021) 5789 9999 atau 68888 dari ponsel untuk hal ini

Koneksi Internet terputus saat melakukan transaksi

T : Apa yang harus saya lakukan jika koneksi terputus saat saya melakukan transaksi?
J : Jika transaksi belum selesai, maka transaksi tidak berhasil. Jika koneksi terputus saat selesai
melakukan transaksi, maka transaksi berhasil. Untuk mengetahui keberhasilan transaksi, silahkan
login lagi setelah sepuluh menit dan cek mutasi rekening di menu Informasi Rekening

Tak bisa login

T : Mengapa saya tak bisa login lagi setelah koneksi Internet terputus?
J : Hal yang sama akan Anda alami jika menutup browser tanpa log-out terlebih dulu. Anda bisa login
lagi setelah 10 menit

Tips Keamanan dengan Kartu Kredit Bank BNI

1. Jangan memberikan nomor kartu kredit melalui telepon kecuali Anda yang berinisiatif menelpon.
2. Jangan mudah memberikan informasi kartu kredit Anda memalui email ataupun website yang tidak Anda kenal dengan baik.
3. Jangan pernah mencatat nomor kartu kredit Anda di tempat umum.
4. Tandatangani kartu kredit Anda segera setelah diterima.
5. Jangan menulis nomor PIN di Kartu Kredit atau dimanapun dekat dengan kartu kredit Anda.
6. Jangan pernah meninggalkan kartu kredit dan bukti transaksi Anda disembarang tempat dan simpan bukti pembelanjaan Anda.
7. Periksa tagihan kartu kredit Anda, pastikan tidak ada tagihan palsu dan tidak ada tagihan yang tanpa bukti pembelanjaannya.
8. Hancurkan dan buang setiap transaksi yang salah dan segala hal catatan mengenai kartu kredit Anda.
9. Jangan pernah menandatangani bukti transaksi yang kosong.
10. Sebaiknya membawa kartu kredit secara terpisah dari dompet Anda dan diletakkan di tempat yang ada risleting atau kantong kecil.
11. Jangan pernah meminjamkan kartu kredit kepada orang lain.
12. Informasikan setiap perubahan data Anda kepada pihak bank penerbit kartu kredit Anda.
13. Jika Kartu Kredit Anda tertelan di mesin ATM, simak beberapa langkah berikut untuk keamanan kartu kredit Anda:
* Segera hubungi BNI Call (021-5789 9999, pilih nomor 2).
* Pastikan bahwa petugas Call Center telah memblokir kartu kredit Anda.
* Jangan memberi tahu PIN kartu kredit Anda walaupun kepada pegawai BNI. Nomor PIN hanya untuk Nnasabah dan sifatnya confidential.
* Pegawai BNI tidak akan pernah menanyakan PIN untuk keperluan apapun.
* Apabila di lokasi ATM ada yang meminta bantuan untuk menerima transfer ke rekening Anda, kemudian meminta untuk menarik tunai dari kartu kredit Anda, jangan dilayani karena kemungkinan transfer tersebut merupakan hasil tindak kejahatan.
14. Jika Anda berencana untuk bepergian ke luar negeri untuk waktu yang cukup lama, informasikan kepada Bank Anda.
15. Simpan hati-hati seluruh Kartu Kredit maupun Kartu ATM, Travellers Cheque, dan passport Anda. Apabila memungkinkan simpan di Safe Deposits Box jika tidak dipergunakan.
16. Jangan meninggalkan Kartu Kredit, ATM, Travellers Cheque, dan Passport Anda di dalam mobil.
17. Segera hubungi bank Anda jika Anda kehilangan Kartu Kredit untuk minta diblokir, dan pastikan tagihan dan transaksi terakhir adalah yang memang Anda lakukan.
18. Informasikan setiap perubahan data Anda kepada pihak Bank Penerbit Kartu Kredit Anda.
19. Bagi Online User, berikut ada beberapa cara untuk melindungi data dan informasi Anda agar selalu aman dari pencurian data atau informasi melalui internet:
* Waspadalah jika Anda menerima email yang meminta informasi tentang rekening Anda, seperti nomor rekening tabungan, nomor kartu kredit, ataupun PIN Anda. BNI tidak pernah meminta informasi rahasia Anda melalui sarana yang tidak aman seperti email.
* Jika Anda menerima email yang meminta Anda untuk memberikan informasi tentang rekening Anda dan mengunjungi situs BNI, pastikan bahwa situs tersebut adalah resmi milik BNI.
* Untuk melindungi Anda lebih jauh terhadap penipuan Kartu Kredit melalui internet pastikan Anda memasukkan alamat URL yang lengkap dalam alamat browser Anda. Jika Anda menerima email yang berisi peringatan mengenai apapun tentang kartu kredit Anda, jangan membalas atau mengklik link yang ada dalam email. Tetapi ketik alamat URL BNI yang sebenarnya di browser Anda.
* Untuk mendapatkan informasi yang lebih lanjut, silakan hubungi BNI Call di (021) 5789 9999 atau 68888 melalui ponsel.

Cara Mudah dan Aman Menggunakan SMS Banking Mandiri

Bagi Anda yang telah mencoba layanan SMS Banking Mandiri, pernahkah Anda merasa kesulitan menggunakan layanan tersebut dan masih merasa khawatir dengan keamanan SMS Banking Mandiri? Berikut ada tips cara mudah dan aman dalam menggunakan layanan SMS Banking Mandiri:

1. Jangan lupa mintalah leaflet petunjuk penggunaan SMS Banking Mandiri kepada Customer Service di cabang dimanapun Anda berada. Bentuk leaflet tersebut sangat kecil dan dapat dimasukkan ke dalam dompet.

2. Apabila pada saat akan bertransaksi Anda lupa format perintah transaksi SMS Banking Mandiri, ketik tanda “?” pada menu SMS Anda dan kirim ke 3355. Maka Anda akan segera dikirim pesan balasan dari 3355 yang berisi format perintah transaksi SMS Banking Mandiri.

3. Apabila ponsel Anda telah tersedia fitur template pada menu SMS, maka fitur tersebut dapat Anda gunakan untuk menyimpan format perintah transaksi sesuai dengan indeks daftar rekening yang Anda miliki.

4. Cek selalu asal SMS Anda dari 3355. Bank Mandiri hanya menggunakan nomor tersebut untuk layanan SMS Banking Mandiri. Oleh karena itu, jangan pernah percaya terhadap SMS palsu yang mengatasnamakan Bank Mandiri.

5. Pada saat Anda melakukan transaksi transfer dan memperoleh balasan TRANSAKSI BERHASIL, anda dapat menyimpan No. referensi transaksi, No.Referensi dapat digunakan sebagai bukti/catatan pelaksanaan transfer.

6. Hapus Sent Item pada menu Messages ponsel Anda setelah mengirim perintah transaksi ke 3355, khususnya perintah cek saldo dan transfer dimana terdapat PIN didalamnya.

7. Jaga keamanan identitas diri Anda (KTP, SIM, PASPOR), bukti kepemilikan rekening (buku Tabungan atau ATMandiri), dan ponsel Anda sendiri tentunya. Tanpa ke-3 hal tersebut dan kehadiran Anda di cabang Bank Mandiri, tak seorangpun yang dapat membobol uang Anda pada layanan SMS Banking Mandiri. Jadi bila ponsel Anda hilang sekalipun, Anda tidak perlu khawatir.

8. Namun apabila Ponsel Anda hilang dan khawatir akan privasi data rekening Anda, maka Anda dapat segera memblokir sementara atau menghapus layanan SMS Banking Mandiri, dengan cara menghubungi Call Mandiri di (021) 5299 7777.

9. Pada saat Anda selesai mengirim perintah transfer ke 3355 tetapi setelah lebih 1 menit tidak ada balasan dari 3355 Bank Mandiri, untuk menghindari double transfer jangan lakukan transfer sama seperti sebelumnya, cek terlebih dahulu status transaksi ke Call Mandiri di (021) 5299 7777.

Selamat menikmati layanan SMS Banking Mandiri.

Cara Aman Melakukan Transaksi On-line Bank Mandiri

Bank Mandiri menyediakan sarana untuk Internet Banking secara aman dan terjamin menggunakan metode terbaru dalam sistem keamanan Internet banking yang berjalan 24 jam sehari, sepanjang tahun.

Di bawah ini tindakan pencegahan yang mudah dilakukan untuk memastikan keamanan ketika Anda menggunakan Internet Banking:

* Anda akan melihat syarat dan ketentuan pada waktu pertama kali Anda Log In di Internet Banking. Silahkan baca sebelum Anda log in di Internet Banking.

* Pastikan Anda menggunakan tombol Log Out di sebelah kanan atas dari monitor jika telah selesai menggunakan Internet banking, Hal ini untuk memastikan bahwa orang yang menggunakan komputer tersebut tidak dapat mengakses informasi account Anda.

* Jangan meninggalkan komputer jika Anda sedang Log in di Internet banking.

* Pastikan Anda mempunyai software anti virus yang up-to-date yang selalu aktif di komputer Anda

* Hapus cache browser Anda setelah menggunakan Internet Banking. Hal ini mencegah browser untuk menyimpan di hard disk halaman web yang telah Anda lihat yang bisa digunakan oleh orang yang mengakses komputer untuk melihat informasi account Anda.

* Gunakan hanya komputer pribadi untuk menggunakan Internet Banking Bank Mandiri, jangan gunakan komputer yang bisa diakses banyak orang.

* Jagalah dengan aman informasi Internet Banking dan PIN ATM. Jangan menyimpannya di tempat yang sama di kartu ATM Anda.

Jadi santailah dan nikmati Internet banking bersama Bank Mandiri.

Tips Menjaga PIN Bank BCA

* Mengganti PIN secara berkala
* Menutup tombol pinpad dengan tangan pada saat memasukkan PIN ke ATM
* Jangan meminjamkan kartu ATM dan memberitahukan PIN kepada orang lain (petugas bank tidak pernah meminta PIN dari nasabah)
* Jangan melayani pihak yang menawarkan bantuan di ruang ATM.
* Jika Anda mengalami kesulitan di ATM, hubungi segera HALO BCA pada nomor 500 888 atau (021) 500 888 via ponsel GSM

TIPS BERINVESTASI DALAM KRISIS PEREKONOMIAN GLOBAL BANK BCA

Belakangan ini, media massa banyak mengulas tentang gejolak perekonomian dunia. Fenomena ini telah menarik perhatian seluruh dunia, baik kalangan bisnis maupun orang awam. Banyak investor yang kemudian menjadi takut untuk berinvestasi. Hal ini dikatakan Andy Untono, General Manager Produk Investasi dan Bancassurance BCA, belum lama ini. Berikut hasil wawancaranya mengenai kondisi perekonomian serta tips-tips berinvestasi dalam kondisi yang tidak menentu ini.

Q: Sebagai GM produk investasi dan bancassurance di BCA, kami ingin minta pendapat Bapak atas kondisi pasar dan iklim investasi di indonesia saat ini.

A: Tidak dapat dipungkiri, situasi perekonomian global akhir-akhir ini penuh dengan ketidakpastian. Berawal dari krisis subprime mortgage yang mulai pada tahun 2007, dampaknya tidak hanya dirasakan oleh institusi keuangan raksasa di Amerika, tetapi juga oleh banyak investor di Indonesia. Hal ini nyata terlihat pada pergerakan nilai IHSG yang pada tanggal 8 Oktober 2008 lalu sempat menyentuh level 1.451, turun 50% dari level tertingginya sebesar 2.830 pada awal Januari 2008.

Q: Berarti kondisi pasar yang demikian sudah berlangsung cukup lama. Bagaimana dengan prospek kondisi ekonomi di tahun 2009 dan seterusnya?

A: Tahun 2009 ini dapat dikatakan bahwa kondisi pasar mulai berada dalam level yang stabil, walaupun belum kembali ke situasi seperti sebelum krisis perekonomian akibat subprime mortgage.

Hal ini dapat dilihat dari nilai IHSG yang perlahan bergerak naik, menandai bahwa para investor sudah mulai mendapatkan kembali kepercayaan untuk berinvestasi di pasar modal. Di samping itu, sebagian besar pemimpin negara maju juga sudah menyatakan akan menjalankan program stimulus ekonomi agar resesi ekonomi dapat segera berakhir dan ekonomi kembali bertumbuh.

Apabila semua program stimulus ekonomi ini dijalankan sesuai dengan komitmen yang sudah diberikan, diharapkan tanda-tanda berlalunya krisis perekonomian dapat mulai dirasakan dalam waktu dekat.

Q: Dengan kondisi pasar yang tidak menentu itu, apakah ada tips-tips berinvestasi untuk para nasabah yang mungkin masih awam dengan investasi ?

A: ada umumnya, investor dapat dibagi menjadi 3 tipe investor berdasarkan profil resikonya:

1. Yang pertama adalah tipe investor agresif. Tipe investor ini menyukai pertumbuhan portfolio yang agresif dan tidak terlalu khawatir terhadap fluktuasi pasar jangka pendek/menengah. Mereka cocok untuk berinvestasi di pasar saham.
2. Yang kedua adalah tipe investor moderat, dengan karakteristik condong kepada pertumbuhan portfolio yang stabil. Untuk mereka, sebagian besar investasi bisa ditanamkan dalam instrumen pendapatan tetap dengan sisanya di pasar saham.
3. Yang terakhir adalah tipe investor konservatif, yang lebih mengutamakan pengembalian hasil investasi secara rutin, tanpa ada fluktuasi pasar. Tipe seperti ini cocok untuk menanamkan seluruh dana mereka dalam instrumen pendapatan tetap.

Dengan mengetahui profil risiko, anda akan dapat memilih jenis investasi yang cocok untuk diri anda.

Q: Lalu setelah kita tahu profil risiko kita, apa lagi yang harus kita perhatikan?

A: Ada tiga hal tambahan yang perlu terus diperhatikan oleh setiap investor di masa-masa tak menentu ini, yaitu melakukan investasi jangka panjang, memperhatikan diversifikasi dan berinvestasi dengan sistem menyicil atau Rupiah Cost Averaging.

Q: Mungkin bisa dijelaskan satu persatu agar nasabah lebih jelas.
Yang dimaksud investasi jangka panjang itu berapa lama? Kalau kondisi market tiba-tiba drop apa yang harus dilakukan?

A: Dalam jangka pendek, pergerakan nilai investasi, terutama di pasar saham bisa saja sewaktu-waktu turun. Namun dalam jangka panjang, misalkan 7 tahun ke atas, pergerakan nilai investasi cenderung mengikuti pertumbuhan ekonomi dan laju inflasi di Indonesia. Oleh karena itu investor dianjurkan untuk tetap tenang ketika investasinya tiba-tiba turun.

Q: Bagaimana dengan diversifikasi. Bisa dijelaskan lebih lanjut ?

A: Pepatah lama mengatakan, “Jangan menaruh semua telur dalam 1 keranjang”. Setiap investor, selain perlu mengetahui profil risiko yang dimiliki, juga harus melakukan diversifikasi investasi. Sebagai contoh, jika anda investor berprofil agresif, anda perlu menyebar investasi di berbagai macam saham. Cara termudah adalah dengan membeli produk reksadana atau unit-link, di mana manajer investasi secara otomatis menginvestasikan dana anda di berbagai macam saham di sejumlah sektor untuk menyebar resiko investasi sehingga nilai investasi tidak turun signifikan bila terjadi gejolak di salah satu sektor.

Q: Tadi bapak juga bicara tentang sistem menyicil, sebenarnya apa keuntungan dari sistem menyicil ini?

A: Dalam keadaan pasar yang tidak menentu, strategi investasi dengan Rupiah Cost Averaging (atau sistem menyicil) sangat cocok untuk diterapkan. Dengan berinvestasi secara menyicil, anda akan dapat memanfaatkan keadaan pasar yang sedang turun untuk tetap disiplin membeli unit investasi di tingkat harga lebih murah. Dengan demikian, jika pasar membaik kembali, anda akan mendapat keuntungan tambahan dengan sistem cicilan ini.

Q: Sepertinya cukup merepotkan ya Pak, kalau harus melakukan itu semua, apalagi bagi nasabah yang mungkin sudah cukup sibuk dalam pekerjaan sehari-harinya. Apakah ada cara yang lebih mudah?

A: Sebenarnya sudah ada produk yang dikenal sebagai unit link, yang fitur-fiturnya sangat cocok dengan kiat-kiat investasi seperti yang sudah disebutkan di atas.

Q: Kalau di BCA sendiri apakah ada produk seperti itu?

A: Saat ini, BCA sudah menawarkan berbagai produk yang cocok untuk nasabah yang ingin berinvestasi di tengah kondisi yang kurang kondusif ini. Selain produk investasi seperti beberapa jenis Reksadana (Pendapatan Tetap, Pasar Uang, Terproteksi), ORI, dan SBI, BCA juga menawarkan produk Bancassurance hasil kerjasama BCA dan PT AIG Life.
Salah satu produk Bancassurance yang ditawarkan BCA tersebut adalah Provisa dan Provisa Platinum yang merupakan produk unit link.

Q: Sebelum melangkah lebih jauh ke produknya, mungkin bisa diceritakan sedikit tentang background kerja sama BCA dan AIG ?

A: Sebagai bank unggulan pilihan masyarakat Indonesia, BCA sangat selektif dan hati-hati dalam memilih semua perusahaan partner untuk produk investasi dan asuransi. Keunggulan produk, nama besar yang terpercaya, dan posisi finansial yang kuat, adalah faktor-faktor penting yang menjadi pertimbangan kami dalam pemilihan perusahaan partner. Itulah kenapa kami memilih PT AIG Life yang mempunyai aset sebesar Rp 10.7 trilyun dengan nilai ekuitas sebesar Rp 1.72 trilyun dan merupakan salah satu perusahaan asuransi terbesar di Indonesia.
Kerja sama BCA dan PT AIG Life sendiri dimulai pada akhir tahun 2006. Sejak itu, produk-produk bancassurance hasil kerja sama BCA dan PT AIG Life telah ditawarkan di cabang-cabang BCA, termasuk di ruang-ruang Prioritas.

Q: Respon dari nasabah mengenai produk-produk kerja sama BCA dan AIG tersebut seperti apa?

A: Tanggapan dari nasabah sangat antusias, terbukti dari banyaknya permintaan nasabah akan produk ini. Malah ada beberapa nasabah yang membeli lebih dari 1 polis untuk istrinya atau untuk anak-anaknya.

Q: Baik sekali pak, kembali ke produk, saya yakin di pasar juga banyak produk unit-link selain yang ditawarkan oleh BCA, lalu keunggulan produk Provisa dan Provisa Platinum dibandingkan dengan produk-produk sejenis lainnya apa?

A: Berdasarkan hasil riset team Bancassurance BCA, produk Provisa/Provisa Platinum memiliki 3 keunggulan dibanding produk-produk unit-link lain yang ada di pasar:

1. Keunggulan pertama adalah fitur back-end loaded di mana lebih banyak porsi dana nasabah yang diinvestasikan di depan, dibandingkan yang digunakan untuk biaya asuransi. Produk-produk unit link di pasar kebanyakan menggunakan sistem front end loaded (dimana sebagian besar dana nasabah dimasukkan ke dalam biaya asuransi di tahun pertama).
2. Keunggulan kedua adalah pembayaran premi dilakukan setiap bulan/setiap tahun selama jangka waktu yang sudah ditentukan, ini memastikan perkembangan dana nasabah dalam jangka panjang dan mengurangi fluktuasi nilai investasi nasabah melalui investasi dengan sistem menyicil (Rupiah-cost averaging).
3. Keunggulan terakhir adalah berbagai pilihan jenis investasi yang ditawarkan (Ekuitas, Pendapatan Tetap, Pasar Uang, dll) sesuai dengan profil risiko nasabah, di mana manajer investasi otomatis melakukan diversifikasi investasi.

Q: Tapi beberapa waktu yang lalu saya dengar ada berita yang menyatakan bahwa AIG Amerika mengalami kesulitan likuiditas ? Apakah ini akan berdampak terhadap produk Provisa dan Provisa Platinum ini, maupun terhadap PT AIG Life itu sendiri?

A: Mungkin ada beberapa nasabah yang resah dengan berita AIG Amerika yang beberapa waktu lalu sempat masuk di media masa. Namun nasabah tidak perlu khawatir karena :

1. Per tanggal 2 Maret 2009, AIA group of companies (kelompok usaha AIA), yang merupakan perusahaan induk dari PT AIG Life Indonesia, telah menjadi perusahaan independen dari AIG Inc dan beroperasi dengan dukungan langsung dari pemerintah Amerika Serikat serta mendapatkan rating A+ dari Standard & Poor’s.
2. PT AIG Life memiliki rasio kecukupan modal (Capital Adequacy Ratio) yang berada jauh di atas ketentuan minimum yang ditetapkan oleh Departemen Keuangan Republik Indonesia
* Rasio kecukupan modal PT AIG Life adalah sebesar 238% (diatas ketentuan minimum sebesar 120%).
3. Seluruh dana investasi nasabah untuk produk unit-link PT AIG Life disimpan oleh bank kustodian indepeden (bukan di PT AIG Life) dan PT AIG Life sudah mencadangkan dana yang cukup untuk membayar semua klaim pemegang polis saat ini maupun di masa depan, sesuai dengan ketentuan dari Departemen Keuangan Republik Indonesia.
4. Pada tanggal 18 September 2008, Departemen Keuangan Republik Indonesia dan Bapepam juga telah menyatakan bahwa PT AIG Life dalam kondisi sehat, serta memiliki modal yang cukup untuk beroperasi dan membayar semua klaim pemegang polis.

Q: Kalau begitu dapat saya simpulkan, berita kesulitan likuiditas di AIG Amerika itu tidak ada dampaknya sama sekali terhadap PT AIG Life maupun nasabah yang sudah memiliki atau ingin membeli produk Provisa/Provisa Platinum.

A: Betul

Q: Kembali lagi ke produk Provisa/Provisa Platinum tadi, biasanya produk investasi yang ditawarkan di BCA Prioritas ada minimumnya, kalau produk Provisa dan Provisa Platinum ini berapa minimumnya?

A: Provisa Platinum yang ditawarkan khusus bagi nasabah BCA Prioritas, mempunyai premi minimal Rp 25 juta.

Selain Provisa Platinum yang ditawarkan di BCA Prioritas, BCA juga menawarkan produk Provisa di cabang BCA reguler dengan premi yang lebih terjangkau, mulai dari Rp 7.5 juta/tahun, yang dapat dicicil secara bulanan maupun tahunan.

Q: Selain produk Provisa Max/Provisa Platinum Max, produk Bancassurance apa lagi yang ditawarkan oleh BCA?

A: Kami masih memiliki produk Optishield dan Edusave, yang juga adalah hasil kerjasama kami dengan PT. AIG Life.

Optishield adalah produk asuransi yang memberikan proteksi yang optimal, meliputi asuransi jiwa, penyakit kritis, cacat tetap total, dan santunan tunai harian rumah sakit. Selain perlindungan yang komprehensif, nasabah juga mendapat kesempatan berinvestasi sesuai profil risiko mereka.

Sedangkan Edusave adalah produk yang dapat membantu nasabah dalam mempersiapkan dana pendidikan bagi putra putri mereka, terlepas dari risiko yang mungkin terjadi. Seperti halnya Optishield, produk ini juga memberikan kesempatan berinvestasi, untuk mengantisipasi naiknya biaya pendidikan dalam masa 10 – 20 tahun ke depan.

Kami harapkan dengan produk yang bervariatif, kami dapat semakin berbagai kebutuhan finansial nasabah mereka, terutama yang terkait dengan investasi dan asuransi.

Q: Kalau ada dari nasabah yang ingin membeli, apakah dapat langsung ke cabang BCA?

A: Saat ini produk bancassurance sudah dapat dibeli di lebih dari 500 cabang dan seluruh ruang Prioritas di Jakarta dan kota-kota besar di Pulau Jawa dan Sumatera Utara. Nasabah bisa menghubungi CSO di cabang BCA terdekat untuk keterangan lebih lanjut.

Sumber :
Unit Bisnis Wealth Management BCA

Cara Mudah dan Aman Menggunakan SMS Banking Mandiri

Bagi Anda yang telah mencoba layanan SMS Banking Mandiri, pernahkah Anda merasa kesulitan menggunakan layanan tersebut dan masih merasa khawatir dengan keamanan SMS Banking Mandiri? Berikut ada tips cara mudah dan aman dalam menggunakan layanan SMS Banking Mandiri:

1. Jangan lupa mintalah leaflet petunjuk penggunaan SMS Banking Mandiri kepada Customer Service di cabang dimanapun Anda berada. Bentuk leaflet tersebut sangat kecil dan dapat dimasukkan ke dalam dompet.

2. Apabila pada saat akan bertransaksi Anda lupa format perintah transaksi SMS Banking Mandiri, ketik tanda “?” pada menu SMS Anda dan kirim ke 3355. Maka Anda akan segera dikirim pesan balasan dari 3355 yang berisi format perintah transaksi SMS Banking Mandiri.

3. Apabila ponsel Anda telah tersedia fitur template pada menu SMS, maka fitur tersebut dapat Anda gunakan untuk menyimpan format perintah transaksi sesuai dengan indeks daftar rekening yang Anda miliki.

4. Cek selalu asal SMS Anda dari 3355. Bank Mandiri hanya menggunakan nomor tersebut untuk layanan SMS Banking Mandiri. Oleh karena itu, jangan pernah percaya terhadap SMS palsu yang mengatasnamakan Bank Mandiri.

5. Pada saat Anda melakukan transaksi transfer dan memperoleh balasan TRANSAKSI BERHASIL, anda dapat menyimpan No. referensi transaksi, No.Referensi dapat digunakan sebagai bukti/catatan pelaksanaan transfer.

6. Hapus Sent Item pada menu Messages ponsel Anda setelah mengirim perintah transaksi ke 3355, khususnya perintah cek saldo dan transfer dimana terdapat PIN didalamnya.

7. Jaga keamanan identitas diri Anda (KTP, SIM, PASPOR), bukti kepemilikan rekening (buku Tabungan atau ATMandiri), dan ponsel Anda sendiri tentunya. Tanpa ke-3 hal tersebut dan kehadiran Anda di cabang Bank Mandiri, tak seorangpun yang dapat membobol uang Anda pada layanan SMS Banking Mandiri. Jadi bila ponsel Anda hilang sekalipun, Anda tidak perlu khawatir.

8. Namun apabila Ponsel Anda hilang dan khawatir akan privasi data rekening Anda, maka Anda dapat segera memblokir sementara atau menghapus layanan SMS Banking Mandiri, dengan cara menghubungi Call Mandiri di (021) 5299 7777.

9. Pada saat Anda selesai mengirim perintah transfer ke 3355 tetapi setelah lebih 1 menit tidak ada balasan dari 3355 Bank Mandiri, untuk menghindari double transfer jangan lakukan transfer sama seperti sebelumnya, cek terlebih dahulu status transaksi ke Call Mandiri di (021) 5299 7777.

Preparing Education Funds

In this modern era, quality education has become a necessity. Especially since the level of one's education can be one of the factors in determining a career. This has led to many parents planning to provide the best education for their children.

Along with the wishes of each parent to give their child the best education possible, they are faced with the realisty that the costs of schooling has increased substantially. Financial planning is the solution to make sure that their child's education is not interrupted. .

According to Izakea Mahdi, President Director of Mess Pierson Finas Investment Management (Kompas 8/7), there are a few factors that can be used to prepare for a child's education. Most importantly, start early. The longer you save for their education , the smaller the installments will be. Ozakea advises all parents to save as early as possible.

The second factor to consider is the interest rates offered. Higher interest rates can mean you can reach your target goals faster.

The next factor is insurance protection to ensure the child's education fund and minimizing the uncertainty that can happen in the future.

The last factor yet not the least is the flexibility of depositing and withdrawing funds. This last consideration is to anticipate any miscalculations or for any emergency needs. We should also be able to deposit funds whenever we can such as when a bonus is received.

Looking at these suggestions by Izakeea, it is actually not that easy to set aside an education savings program that can accomodate all of the above factors. Especially since banks launch the same products with different options and benefits. Account holders should be careful in selecting the right product. Read these tips on finding a saving account that is covered with insurance

Don't be fooled by an Education Savings Fund with free insurance!
To think that any banking product will offer free insurance is fool hardy. In real life, banks need to protect themselves from the death of an account holder from accidents or diseases, and thus must work with the insurance companies. No bank will take the risk alone since it is against the banking laws
On the other hand, insurance companies will definately charge for their services. If the insurance is free then the bank is the one who pays. If that is the case, the cost of the fund for the education savings will be high. To protect their profit margin, the bank would probably lower their interest rates. So even if insurance is "free" for a particular account, customers eventually pay for it from their lowered interest rates.
By lowering the interest rate of the education fund will cause the account holder to lose in the long run since the higher the fund balance becomes, the higher the "cost" is from the low interest rate. For example, a 1% loss from a balance of Rp. 1 million means that the "free" insurance premium is Rp. 10,000. However, should the balance reach Rp. 100 million, then the cost of the premium becomes Rp. 1,000,000.
The concept of providing "free insurance" in exchange for lower interest rates is not suitable for an education fund that is in effect an long term investment. The account holder in the long run will not gain as much as they could with a higher interest rate.

The best thing to think about insurance and the savings fund is to ask the cost of the insurance and the benefits it brings to the account holder. Basically, from this "free" insurance, how much does the account holder stand to lose (due to the lower interest rate) and how much is the total benefit of the insurance during the policy term.

Select a product that offers high interest
Everyone would hope to get the best result from their savings/investment. In that case, avoid any banking product that offers free insurance premiums for a low interest rate. The longer the term to save for the fund, the more the account holder loses from the opportunity cost of the "free" insurance.

Select an education fund that offers an insurance scheme that allows the account holder to focus on the education fund goals.
The point of having an education fund is to fulfill the scholastic needs of the children of the account holder. They therefore need some guarantee that the funds will be available to the children should there be a claim. For that, you should select an education fund that has clear benefits of the insurance.
Perhaps the key questions to ask are:
- How much is the benefit from the insurance for the education fund? Is it enough to fund the children's school?
- Will the account holder be protected from the risk of death/disability due to an accident or disease? When does that protection begin?

Choose an education fund where the account is locked until the end of term (maturity).
An education fund is to provide for your children's future education. Account holders must have another separate product for this end to ensure that the money is not used for other things. Thus, account holders should not be able to access their education fund for things outside of their child's educational needs..

Select an education fund that allows the customer to save routinely.
A good education fund allows their clients to save regularly through an auto-debit facility directly from their savings account. This is one of the advantages of Tabungan Pendidikan Danamon.

Choose a savings fund that has the flexibility to deposit monthly while guaranteeing to reach the targeted amount.
From time to time, the costs of educations go up. A good education fund should have the ability to allow customers to add funds monthly to anticipate this raise. They should also allow customers to deposit any amount whenever possible, in order to reach the targeted objective even if the costs of education has increased.

Investment: Which one is suitable for you?

There are many investment products that are interesting to join. But, which product is really suitable for you?

Savings
  • Not limited by time and place. You can save and withdraw anytime and anywhere.
  • The money is safe and it gets an interest.
  • The amount needed for setting up a saving account is relatively small.
  • Suitable for daily investment or short term investment.
Deposit
  • Relatively limited. You can use one deposit for one account and withdraw it on a particular date.
  • The fund is safe and it gets a higher interest rate.
  • The amount for deposit is relatively bigger.
  • Suitable for long term investment or pension fund.
Foreign Currency
  • Not limited by time and place. You can purchase foreign currencies and sell them anytime.
  • Can be placed in savings or deposit with an interesting interest rate.
  • Give an opportunity to gain higher profit if purchased when rupiah value is low and sold when it is high.
  • The value tends to fluctuate since Indonesia applies !!system devisa bebas!!.
  • Suitable for profit seekers and those who deal with foreign business partners.
Gold
  • Not limited by time and place. You can purchase and sell it anytime.
  • Can be used for accessories.
  • The value is relatively stable.
  • Does not get an interest even kept for years.
  • The weight can decrease because of scratches.
  • Cannot be used for daily transaction.
  • Suitable for conventional people or those who do not deal with the bank.
Property (Land and Building)
  • Can be purchased or sold anytime, depending on cash ability.
  • Relatively safe unless there is fire or disasters.
  • Selling price tends to increase, especially in times of inflation.
  • Has to posess lots of money to buy them.
  • Difficult to sell if buying power decreases.
  • Suitable for those who have additional funds.
Stock
  • Limited by place (officially). Has to be done in Stock Exhange buildings.
  • Can be transacted periodically or just once.
  • Give the chance to get lots of profit.
  • The value fluctuates depending on market sentiments.
  • The risk is high and you must be prepared to lose a great deal of money.
  • Suitable for those who like to take risks.
Reksadana (Mutual Funds)
  • The combination of savings, stock and obligation with minimized risk.
  • Limited by place (officially). Has to be purchased or sold in a particular place.
  • Can be transacted periodically or just once.
  • Give the chance to get lots of profit, though not as big as profit from stock.
  • Suitable for investors who want to get big results with low risks.

Applying for Credit at the Bank

Need investment for your own business? Actually, getting a bank loan is not that difficult as once thought. Many people are getting it, so why can't you?

In principle, banks will only provide loans to people they can trust. So the first thing you have to do is to get the bank to have confidence in you. How? Fulfill all their requirements!

Debitors
The banks divide loans into two types: individual or corporate. Of course, the requirements for each are different.

If you have filed a loan application under your name, then you are making a personal (individual) loan. Individual loans are usually given out to people in various professions such as doctor, government employee, architects, fashion designer, merchants, etc.

If you send in an application in the name of a group or company, then you are under the corporate loan program. All businesses valid under law (such as PT, CV, Firma, etc) can apply for credit.

Individual Loans
The Bank then categorizes individuals into three groups, which are entrepreneur, employees and professional, based on the profession of each loan applicant. The requirements are more or less the same, which requires:

  1. Photocopy of identity document(KTP, SIM, or passport).
  2. Photocopy of a marriage certificate (for those who are married).
  3. Photocopy of the Kartu Keluarga (family card).
  4. Photocopy of the savings, checking or current accounts for the last 3-6 months.
  5. Photocopy of a salary slip along with a letter testifying the applicants status within a company (for employees only).

Corproate Loans
The requirements for this group of loans, include:

Legal Documentation of the company

  • Photocopy of the identities of each of the directors and commisioners of the company.
  • Photocopy of the company tax number (NPWP).
  • Photocopy of the incorporation license (SIUP).
  • Photocopy of the Declaration of the launching of the company signed by a notary.
  • Photocopy of the TDP (Tanda Daftar Perusahaan).

Financial Performa

  • A photocopy of the saving, checking or current account in any bank for the past 3 - 6 moonths.
  • Other financial information such as proposed budget, profit and loss statement, cash flow, sales records, and other records.

Collateral
Banks usually require a collateral to guarantee a loan. It can take many forms such as certificates, bonds, as well as in the form of land, buildings, vehicles, etc. Most importantly, the value should be greater or at least the same as the value of the loan recieved.

Give it a try. Good luck! 

Economize With Your Credit Card

1. Used it when it is really important. In other words, use your credit card when it is necessary or in an emergency.

2. Always keep your eye on your credit card limit. If your balance is above the maximum limit, you will be charged a penalty..

3. Remember your payment due dates. Pay on time or a few days before its deadline. If not, you will be penalized.

4. Try to make it a habit to pay off all your credit card bills, unless you have carefully considered the benefits of paying in monthly installments.

5. Avoid using your credit card when the previous balance has yet to be settled. If not, your credit card bill may be more difficult to pay off.

6. To avoid temptation from using too much credit, don't put your credit cards in your regular wallet. Take it out when it is absolutely necessary.

Planning on House Ownership

1. Calculate the fund needed for owning a house. For the start, the house needs not be big but comfortable to live in and upgradeable.

2. Calculate your savings and assets based on real income that is received at present time.

3. Seek the chance to obtain !!kredit kepemilikan rumah (KPR)!! from a bank. How much loan can you get?

4. Considering your present income, set a time target to own your dream house. One, two, five or ten years?

5. Start allocating the needed fund based on step no. 2 and 3. You can start saving from now.

6. If you decide to take KPR, think carefully who will continue the credit payment and who will take care of the asset if something should happen in the future.

7. Joint venture with people you can trust the most (wife or parents). In case something happens to you, there will be someone who will continue the payment and maintain the asset.

8. Be very careful with legal documents. Choose a reputable notary to handle the sales agreement. Every page of the documents is signed only once. Make sure to keep a copy for each document.

9. Reconsider your house ownership plan every year, even the financial and other condition remain relatively the same.