I prefer an environment where a business charge a package fee for its service and avoid making additional charges for additional items that should be part of the package. By imposing extra charges, the business is making life more complicated for its customers and also adding to the administrative costs. Often, the customers are not aware of the additional fees and are held under ransom - when they need the additional services.

The practice of charging additional fees has promoted a law-maker in the USA to introduce legislation to prevent some of the bad practices. While this legislation is not likely to be supported, due to the strong industry lobby, it goes to show the bad business practices.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/22/news/companies/baggage_fees/index.htm?section=money_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fmoney_topstories+%28Top+Stories%29

Investing in the stock market

Retail investors have been avoiding the stock market due to uncertainty, but corporations are buying back their own shares, as they represent good value. http://www.cnbc.com/id/45402485

Be educated on financial matters

I received a few requests from consumers asking for my views about specific insurance policies that they are considering. I asked them to attend the financial planning workshop to be held on Saturday 26 November. Details can be found here:
http://easyapps.sg/assn/Org/Event.aspx?id=5

I also asked them to read this document:
http://tankinlian.com/admin/file.aspx?id=444

Living with your parents after college

Hi Tan,
We posted an article that we thought you and your readers might be interested in having a look at, “10 Financial Benefits of Living With Your Parents After College” (http://www.businesscreditcards.com/bootstrapper/10-financial-benefits-of-living-with-your-parents-after-college/). Just thought I'd let you know that you would be interested in featuring or mentioning it in your blog.

Tips on Financial Risk Management

Read these tips to get an idea about the important risks that you have to take care of, and how to make the right decisions.


http://tankinlian.com/admin/file.aspx?id=595&PK=6a384d176546102f919ef4fa093d18bf

Medical records on Picasa

I found a good way to store my medical records that may need to be retrieved in the future. I took photos and uploaded them into Picasa. Here is an example of my spectacle prescription that is stored in this manner:

https://picasaweb.google.com/114697964702306407039/SpectaclePrescription?authkey=Gv1sRgCLnN1YLjtrvQTQ#5676484064970023762

I want to encourage people to keep their medical record on Picasa by taking and uploading the photos. This may come in handy, when they need to refer to another doctor needs to see their old medical records.

Google Maps and iPad

On arrival at Colombo Airport, I bought a pre-paid data card for my iPad. It was a great decision. I was able to use Google Maps during my visit to Kandy and also around Colombo. Google Map tells me where I am at any time (using GPS) and allows me to look at the buildings and roads nearby. I was also able to use Internet connection at any place. Steve Jobs had done a great service to mankind in developing the iPhone and iPad and the Maps from Google are also great!