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Woman “bullied” on plane over budget seating trick

A young woman has recalled a flight from hell when she was “bullied” by a couple who were trying to utilise a seating hack that went viral on TikTok. The solo traveller took to Reddit to recount the story and ask social media users if she was in the wrong for her action. The woman began by saying she usually pays more to select her plane seat ahead of time, but a medical emergency on another plane had her waiting on standby and left with no option other than to sit in a middle seat. When she was finally able to board, she was greeted by a couple who had purchased both the window and aisle seats in a bid to have more space, utilising a travel “trick” that has been popular on TikTok. The method, which has been dubbed the 'poor man's business class', usually leaves travellers with an empty middle seat and more space, and few travellers opt to pick a middle seat. “When I got to my row the man and woman were chatting and sharing a snack... it was obvious they were together. I mentioned to the man that I'm in the middle, and he got up to let me in,” the unsuspecting traveller wrote on Reddit. “I asked them if they would prefer to sit together, I said I was totally okay with that. The woman reacted rudely to this and said ‘you're not supposed to be sitting here anyway’.” After noticing how the plane was full, she offered to show the pair her new ticket with the correct seat number on it. “She flicked her hand at my ticket and made a disgusted sound. I offered again if they wanted to sit together to which she didn't reply, her partner said it's okay and... made some small talk,” she continued. The man’s girlfriend then interrupted their conversation to ask,”'Did you use one of those third party websites to book your flight? It's so frustrating when people cheap out to inconvenience others.” The American woman explained that she had booked her flight directly and she had been placed on standby like everyone else and didn't choose the middle seat - she was assigned it. She then tried to keep the peace by refusing to engage with the furious woman. “I was so done with her attitude, I put my headphones on and attempted to do my own thing,” she explained. But the “entitled” girlfriend wasn't letting it go, as the woman explained, “This woman kept reaching over me and tapping her partner and trying to talk to him in a way that was super intrusive.” “I could tell even her partner was trying to engage her less so that she would hopefully stop, but she didn't.” “I think they tried to pull that tactic where they don't sit together on purpose...hoping no one will sit between them. But on full flights it doesn't work. And even so - it's not the other person's fault.” The traveller's post was met with hundreds of comments slamming the girlfriend’s behaviour, as one person wrote, “It's like a toddler having a tantrum.” “She was disappointed and a total a**hole. Gross entitled people,” another added. Another person applauded the traveller’s level-headed behaviour, writing, “Wow! You are my hero for keeping it classy - I’m afraid I would not have been as kind as you.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

How to score yourself free onboard credit on your next cruise

Everybody loves to splurge on holidays especially when you’ve been given free credit! Here’s how to score yourself some free cash. Grab a deal With so many cruise lines now sailing out of Australia, they will all be competing hard for your business. You can book a great deal at any time of year and, alongside things like free upgrades or 50 per cent off for a second passenger, you’ll find onboard credit. Do your research and you could easily score yourself hundreds of dollars to spend onboard at no extra cost. Book through an agent Specialised cruise travel agents develop strong relationships with the lines and will be able to secure you the best price. As part of their offering, they can also throw in some free onboard credit. This could be with an individual shopfront agent or one of the larger online third parties, so look around for the best offers. And if you don’t see anything advertised directly, it never hurts to ask! Stay loyal to a line Most major cruise lines will have a dedicated loyalty scheme that operates sort of like a frequent flyer program. Cruise multiple times with the one line and they will reward you with special fares, upgrades and (you guessed it) onboard credit. Make sure you use your unique identification number every time you book so that you don’t miss out on any of your points. Book another cruise If you’re loving your cruise, take advantage of the onboard sales office and book another one right away. You’ll be able to take advantage of exclusive offers that you won’t find on land and many of these include onboard credit. The line will be eager to get you to sign up again before you can look at other ships, so it’s a chance for you to grab some big bonuses. Make the best of a bad situation When something goes wrong on a cruise (like a change of itinerary, missing a port or a fault with your cabin) the line will very often compensate you with onboard credit. We’re not saying you can create a problem to grab some cash, but if you have a legitimate problem then alert the crew as soon as possible and see if they can offer you some in exchange.

Cruising

Common credit card mistakes to avoid

If you regularly use your credit card, you’ll know how easy it is to plonk down the plastic for your shopping and other purchases. It’s also easy to forget those pesky card payments that follow. Along with the convenience of credit cards comes the danger that your bills can quickly snowball into a major debt that can linger for years if not managed properly. It pays to be aware of the pitfalls of credit cards and ensure you’ve got good habits in place to avoid them as much as possible. The following are a few suggestions: Shop around for the best card deals Don't make the mistake of signing up for the first credit card offer that arrives in your mailbox. Go online and look for the best possible card terms and features to suit you. Credit card rates can vary significantly, depending on the card and type of promotion offered. Rewards programs Following on from the point above, make sure the card you choose provides features you genuinely need and will actively use. Credit card rewards are promoted to make consumers think they’re getting something for free. But when you add up what it costs to earn rewards, a rewards program may not be much of a perk. For instance, credit cards that offer rewards often have much higher interest rates than cards with no rewards. Keep track of your spending While using a credit card sometimes feels like you’re not really spending money, not keeping track of your spending can wreak havoc on your finances. Carry a small notebook or if you’re more tech savvy, use one of the many apps available on your phone to record your purchases so you won't get a nasty shock when you receive your monthly statement. Make sure you check your statements regularly too. Late and minimum payments Credit card payments that aren’t paid on time result in late fees and higher interest rates. Read through your credit card statement carefully so you know when the payment is due. Consider auto-payment facilities or put a recurring note in your calendar each month a few days in advance of your payment due date to ensure you don’t miss it. Most card statements list the date that payments must be received by to avoid penalty interest fees. Ideally, it’s best to pay the full amount every month. Only paying the minimum amount will make the situation worse over time by attracting cumulative interest payment penalties. Using cash advances While they’re a tempting option, cash advances attract higher interest rates and should be used with care. Handle with care! Credit cards can be useful financial tools when used responsibly. Getting into good habits can ensure you take full advantage of the benefits while avoiding the traps. Image credit: Shutterstock

Money & Banking

Surprising differences in how we use credit cards and cash

With more credit cards used by Kiwis than ever is definitely seems as though New Zealanders are addicted to the convenience of not having to pay with cash. But what is the impact of this on New Zealand consumer behaviour? Since the late 1990’s researchers have been interested in understanding the psychology behind credit card use, not least because of the proliferation of debt in the consumer market and the concern of the ease with which to gains these cards (and debt) preys on vulnerable consumers. A 1998 study conducted by George Lowenstein and his colleagues that was published in 2001 made the finding that payments with cash elicited quite a different emotional response to payments made with credit cards or any other payment methods where the actual payment is to a certain extent “delayed”. The suggestion is paying by traditional methods with cash requires a physical transaction that can be more painful than paying for something with credit, where you see a figure on the receipt but you’re not actually handing over a physical amount of money in real life. In another experiment as part of the project, Mr Lowenstein observed that people were willing to pay much more for a particular event with credit cards than with cash, with the premium ranging anywhere between 60 and 113 per cent more, which represents quite a significant difference. Similar research has also found people are more likely to spend money when given $50 in cash rather than $50 in a gift voucher, they were more likely to spend a higher proportion of that in the latter rather than the former, which is again probably because of the lack of physical exchange. So what does this mean for you? Well, if you’re looking to tighten your purse strings around the house, opting to make more purchases with cash might just be the best way to do it. By making your purchase with cash you’re statistically likely to be less likely to overspend and more mindful of the items you are actually buying, which could lead to significant savings down the track. Willpower can be hard, especially when shopping, but this is an easier way to make willpower happen. Image: Getty Images

Money & Banking

Nurse swipes credit card from dead patient and USES it in vending machine

UK healthcare worker, Ayesha Basharat, has been slammed as she stole a dead patient's card and used it at the hospital's vending machine. She had taken an 83-year-old woman's card from her room in the heartlands Hospital's COVID-19 ward and used the card six times at the vending machine, making contactless payments. Basharat had stolen the card from the woman just moments after she died on January 24th, according to <a rel="noopener" href="https://west-midlands.police.uk/news/hospital-worker-used-dead-patients-bank-card-buy-sweets-and-fizzy-pop?fbclid=IwAR0zaC47A9DaQWcq_aaGVGjmJOOV9ccbobeGBpAjHpu-SHpTsADEfOmeqso" target="_blank">West Midlands Police</a>. Police caught up to her after she continued to use the credit card despite the family of the woman cancelling it. Basharat has been given two concurrent jail terms of five months each, both of which were suspended for 18 months. Detective Constable Andrew Snowdon said the act was an "abhorrent breach of trust". “This was an abhorrent breach of trust and distressing for the victim’s family," he said. “They were having to come to terms with the death of a loved one from Covid when they found the bank card missing – and then of course the realisation that the card was taken by someone who should have been caring for her. “I wish the family all the best for the future and with this conviction hope they can move on from this upsetting episode.”

Legal

5 ways you can save money by using credit cards

Credit cards sometimes get a bad rap, and that’s mostly because they can lead you to temptation to spend beyond your means. Used responsibly, however, these little pieces of plastic can actually save you money as banks are constantly running promotions that offer discounts for spending. The key is to pay your bills in full every month so you don’t incur the astronomical interest rate, which, in Singapore, is about 25 per cent per annum. Check out these 5 ways that using credit cards can help save you money. 1. Dining deals Credit cards that offer dining deals are a foodie’s best friend and the good news is, there are plenty of such cards in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. Be sure to subscribe to receive promotional emails and mailers from your banks to find out about current dining deals such as 1-for-1 offers, cashback or complimentary treats at selected eateries. 2. Discounts on hotels and flights Keep an eye out for special flight or hotel deals from your credit card of choice. You can also get discounts when you book through hotel booking sites such as Agoda or Expedia. Some cards are specially designed for frequent travellers as you get complimentary use of airport lounges a number of times a year, and free travel insurance if you purchase your ticket using the card. Be aware, though, that some airlines charge a fee when you pay for your tickets online using a credit card, so do some calculations to see if it still works out cheaper. 3. Take advantage of interest-free instalment plans If you need to buy expensive electronic or electrical goods, such as a new TV or laptop, the 0 per cent interest instalment offered by most major credit cards at most major electronic stores can come in very handy. It helps spread the payments out over your chosen six or 12 months without the high interest rates you would otherwise incur if you were to pay for it upfront using your credit card. This allows you to better manage your monthly expenses and avoid overspending. Credit card companies make profits on a simple fact of human nature: we buy today and worry about how to pay for it tomorrow. 4. Discounts on everyday items Credit cards aren’t just useful for big ticket or luxury goods, they can help you save on everyday items too, such as groceries and petrol. In Singapore, cards from POSB, Citibank, HSBC and others can knock off up to 20 percent from your petrol spending each time you fill up the tank. There are many similar campaigns available in Australia and New Zealand. And with the high cost of car ownership, every single dollar counts. 5. Collect rebates and cashback If you’re not after dining deals and you don’t like going for holidays, you may want to keep it simple and just collect good ’ol rebates or cashback from your spending. In Singapore, most cashback cards require you to have a minimum spend per month, such as $500, in order to qualify for rebates. Written by Siti Rohani. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/money/5-ways-you-can-save-money-using-credit-cards">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRN93V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a>

Money & Banking

4 credit card rules you should never break

According to a study from <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/1-6-million-australians-have-3-credit-cards">finder.com.au</a>, 40% of Australians own one credit card, 19% own two credit cards and 8% own three or more. Unsurprisingly, cardholders with several cards were more likely to have bigger credit card debts than those with just one credit card. The study found that those with several cards carried on average $6,500 of credit card debt – more than double the national average. However, credit cards are not necessarily a bad thing, says Prudential’s financial wellness advocate Tiffany Aliche. “It’s a myth that credit cards are innately bad,” she says. “Think of them instead like a tool, just like a hammer. You can pick that hammer up and build a house, or you can pick up that same hammer and destroy that same house. It depends entirely on the user.” So, is there a method to the credit-card madness? We ask trusty financial experts for their top credit card dos and don’ts. 1. Stick to one or two cards It’s a common belief that to have good credit, you need credit cards. The truth is yes… and no. Financial wellness advocate Felicity Aliche recommends keeping at least one but not more than three cards. “Remember, if you have no credit history, you are a bad borrower,” she says. “It’s just like if my 16-year-old relative said, ‘Look, I’ve never been in an accident,’ yet she’s never driven a car, so therefore she’s a bad driver. Well, the same goes for credit.” However, that doesn’t mean you need to fill your wallet with plastic in order to have good credit, either. “Because the word ‘credit’ is in credit cards, people associate the two, but your credit score is about much more than that,” she says. “Your credit score encompasses many more aspects than cards. It’s about any time you borrow and pay back money, whether it’s a mortgage, car loan, student loan, even your utility bills.” 2. Remember the 30 per cent rule You could be paying your monthly credit card bill on time, but if you’re continually carrying a high balance, that will bring your credit score down. “Think of 30% as your new maximum, and realise that anything above that is going to tank your score,” says Aliche. Gearing up for a big purchase, like a home or car? Then aim for 15%, she says. 3. Shop around Interest rates may be low for those with a mortgage, but credit card interest rates haven’t moved much. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look for a lower rate. Let’s say you bring your interest rate down from 20% to 15%. That means for every $100, $20 is going to interest and fees, versus $15. That’s quite an amount over a period of time. “That’s why I suggest that people regularly negotiate their rate. Pick a date every year that you spend on negotiating your fee, and you may be surprised how easy it can be to lower it,” says Aliche. Better still, try and pay off the whole amount each month so you don’t pay any interest at all. 4. Look for cash-back cards Cashback credit cards are fairly new to Australia so it’s crucial to understand your money reward options before choosing that new piece of plastic to sit in your wallet, says <a href="https://mozo.com.au/credit-cards/guides/cash-back-credit-cards-unveiled/84">mozo.com.au</a>. <a href="https://mozo.com.au/rewards-credit-cards/cashback">Cash back credit cards</a> work in a similar way to reward credit cards like platinum and frequent flyer cards: every time you use your card to buy something you earn reward points which you then redeem for products or flights. However, with cash back cards your points are converted into cash. “I’m a big believer in cash-back cards,” says Foguth. “I put everything – petrol, restaurants, you name it – on one credit card that offers cashback. Even if I get 1% cashback, that’s 1% more than if I used a $100 note in my pocket,” he says. Written by Michelle Crouch. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/money/12-credit-card-rules-you-should-never-break">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRN93V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a>

Money & Banking

5 ways to escape the credit card debt trap

Feeling the pinch towards the end of the year and want to get ahead on your finances and debt? Here are some suggestions. <ol> <li>Start a piggy bank Go old-school! Save up for purchases instead of buying on impulse.</li> <li>Only use one credit card. The more cards you have, the more you’ll be tempted to carry a larger balance and take on unwanted debt.</li> <li>Pay the highest interest rate first. If possible, pay off your credit card bills and card balance in full each month. Or pay as much as you can afford above the mandatory payments on the highest interest rate card first. Set up a direct debit for minimum payments to avoid late fees or transfer your balance to a new 0% interest credit card for a limited time.</li> <li>Spend less than you earn. Cut back on unnecessary expenses and use what you already have before buying new things. Create a self-imposed ‘spending freeze’ for a few months. Take your credit card out of your wallet and only use physical cash for a month.</li> <li>Don’t spend ‘imaginary money’. Avoid spending any money you haven’t yet earned and lower your credit card limit to help avoid temptation. Financial experts suggest keeping records, making a budget and sticking to it. If you have more than one card, close off each credit card as you pay it off.</li> </ol> Written by Readers Digest Editors. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/money/5-Ways-to-Escape-the-Credit-Card-Debt-Trap">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRN93V">here’s our best subscription offer</a>.

Money & Banking

5 times to never use your credit card for payment

<div class="postIntro">Credit cards might be convenient and reliable, but here are some scenarios where swiping or entering your digits could be dangerous.</div> 1. When a website address does not begin with "HTTPS" If you don’t see these five letters in the address bar of the website you are trying to make a payment on, it means the site is not secure. “HTTPS is a protocol for secure communication over a computer network which is widely used on the Internet,” explains Robert McKee, lawyer and certified international privacy professional. “Its main motivation is authentication of the visited website and protection of the privacy and integrity of the exchanged data.” When the URL begins with “HTTPS”, the site is secure, and you are safe to use a credit card. If the site does not include an “s” in this beginning part of the URL, opt out of the online purchase, and try using a third-party payment system like PayPal instead. These sites act as another barrier between an organization and your credit information. If all else fails, try paying in person. 2. When you're responding to an email It is actually better to provide your credit card to someone over the phone (only when you have initiated the call—more on that later) or even via text message than it is to respond with your credit card number in an email. “There is a technique called ‘phishing’ or ‘spear phishing’, and it involves emails that are designed to extract your credit card number for an unauthorized purchase,” warns Stephen Lesavich, PhD, JD, attorney, credit card expert, and best-selling author. Before clicking on any link, look for phishing clues like spelling mistakes, strange use of English, and logos that look off. Another technique is to hover over a link while not clicking on it and see if you can recognize the URL. Look for the same site outside your email and compare them. If there is anything suspicious, do not make the purchase or make it from another site. They’re smart, they’re sneaky, and they want your personal information. 3. When charity fundraisers approach you on the street Quite often, and mostly in big cities, you’ll see charity fundraisers walking the streets in an attempt to collect donations in the form of money for a variety of causes – the environment, child welfare, and pet care, to name just a few. They might only ask to take your name down so they can contact you at a later date, but if they ask you for your credit card, beware. “These causes are known to target people’s emotions to get them to donate,” warns Lesavich. “Although legitimate in some cases, they could instead be scams to charge your credit card and get your credit card information.” If you want to contribute to these causes, a safer bet is to visit their website, check that it’s secure and then make a donation from there. 4. When speaking to anyone over the phone Try to avoid giving your credit card information over the phone for the simple reason that you don’t know where it will go once you hang up. You also don’t know who’s listening in on the call – whether it’s people around you, someone else on the line, or even the person on the other end of the phone who’s taking down your digits. “One of the most common examples of card information being given over the phone is through delivery food purchases,” says Jeremy Brant, VP of Information Technology for . Bank. “In situations like these, or other instances where a vendor is asking for card information over the phone, order the service online or pay cash in person.” With delivery food, should the location not have its own website (or the website is not secure), third-party smartphone apps can fill in the gap. 5. When an online merchant has no reviews If you’re considering buying from a merchant on any type of marketplace – from eBay to Etsy – look them up online. If you Google them and there’s only one listing for the merchant, with no online reviews, no past experiences from other customers, and no social media accounts, you should think twice about handing over your card. This is true for online merchants, of course, but real-world merchants as well. “The Internet has given consumers a much more effective way to gauge the reputation of the companies we do business with, so use it,” suggests Adam Jusko, founder and CEO of a card comparison and news site. Along these same lines, look for contact information on the websites you buy from, including address and phone number if you’re unfamiliar with the merchant. “Cross reference the address and phone numbers by looking them up in a search engine to see if they match the merchant.” Written by Jenn Sinrich. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/thought-provoking/10-times-never-ever-use-your-credit-card-payment">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA93V">here’s our best subscription offer</a>.

Money & Banking

Parents' surprise credit card bill after son books $2,400 flights

A 13-year-old boy has given his parents a shock after he bought a $2,400 return flight from Adelaide to Rio de Janeiro using their credit card. The New Zealand boy booked the $2,400 Qantas tickets through the flight booking site Webjet on a hand-me-down phone which still had his parents’ credit card details loaded, the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/travel-troubles/113150382/autistic-boy-13-books-2400-worth-of-flights-to-rio-de-janeiro" target="_blank">Sunday Star Times</a> reported. The autistic boy’s father, who wished to remain anonymous, said he first became aware of the booking when he received a confirmation email from Webjet, which he and his wife initially dismissed as a scam. “When we discovered it was real my heart started to flutter and I ended up on the phone to Qantas and Webjet trying to sort it out all weekend,” he said. “[The boy] has always been interested in travel and often talks about travelling. We think what’s happened is he’s seen a Webjet ad on TV while my wife was making tea in the kitchen.” The father cancelled the booking in an attempt to get a refund, but he was still hit with cancellation fees. “I explained that he was a minor and on the autism spectrum but there was not much response to that,” he said. On Friday, a Qantas spokesperson confirmed that the case had been reviewed following media enquiries, and the family would receive a full refund. “We’ve taken another look at the case and it is a genuine mistake so we’ll be making sure the fares are refunded without any cancellation fee being applied.” The parents have been told the repayment could take 12 weeks, but the father said he was relieved to gain the money back. He said he would make sure to clear his old phones in the future. “We’ve cancelled our credit cards too, just to be on the safe side. It definitely could be a good lesson for others.” Last year, a 12-year-old Sydney boy made <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/how-did-a-12-year-old-australian-boy-manage-to-fly-to-bali-by-himself" target="_blank">headlines</a> after he stole his parents’ credit card and flew to Bali alone. Following a family argument, the boy reportedly went to the airport, boarded a flight for Perth and another for Indonesia. He spent four days on the island, where he checked into the All Seasons hotel, drank beer and hired a scooter. The boy was eventually found by the police and taken home by his parents.

Travel Trouble

4 things you should consider before switching credit cards

Thinking about changing your credit card? Our lifestyle and how we use our money can change throughout the years, so it’s always good to re-evaluate your spending habits from time to time and check if your card still fits the bill. Here are the four things you should consider before switching to another credit card. 1. Annual fees The annual fee is not always a deal-breaker – in general, the higher the annual fee is, the more rewards and features the credit card offers. However, if you don’t use your credit card often, you are unlikely to get value out of it as the annual fee cancels out the benefits. Some cards will also waive annual fees if you spend a certain amount in a year. But if you are not a big, regular spender, a zero-dollar annual fee card might be what you are looking for. 2. Interest rates Not everyone can pay their bill in full every month – and this is where interest rates matter. Your ability to repay debts may be significantly influenced by the interest rates of your credit card. You may end up getting stuck in a cycle if your card is charging interest rates faster than you can pay off the bills. When this occurs, you might want to find a balance transfer credit card with a low or zero per cent interest rate for a limited period. You can then move your debt from the old card to the new one, save on interest and focus on getting on top of your balance. 3. Foreign transaction fees When you are travelling overseas, having a credit card can give you a peace of mind – it makes transactions possible even if you don’t have cash at hand. This convenience comes at the cost of foreign or international transaction fees. You don’t even have to be abroad to be hit with these fees – if you are shopping online and the merchant happens to be out of the country, the card can still charge you to cover the currency conversion. Most banks and credit providers generally charge between 2 to 3.5 per cent on any purchases being made under these circumstances. Frequent travellers and shoppers can cut costs by opting for cards that have no foreign currency exchange fees. Many of these cards will also offer other travel benefits, including low to no ATM withdrawal fees. 4. Rewards You may be a good customer, with regular spending and on-time payments. However, if the rewards that you were promised upon signing up still turn out to be elusive, it might be time to find a new card. Rewards might take the form of travel miles, points, cash-back, gift vouchers, special offers and more. While these benefits might sound tempting, you most likely have to spend a significant amount on the card to be able to access them. Rewards credit cards also generally come with higher interest rates. Are you thinking of finding a new credit card? Let us know in the comments.

Retirement Income

5 ways you can save money using credit cards

Credit cards sometimes get a bad rap, and that’s mostly because they can lead you to temptation to spend beyond your means. Used responsibly, however, these little pieces of plastic can actually save you money as banks are constantly running promotions that offer discounts for spending. The key is to pay your bills in full every month, so you don’t incur the astronomical interest rate charged on top of your purchases. Check out these 5 ways that using credit cards can help save you money. 1. Dining deals Credit cards that offer dining deals are a foodie’s best friend and the good news is, there are plenty of such cards in Australia. Be sure to subscribe to receive promotional emails and mailers from your banks to find out about current dining deals such as 1-for-1 offers, cashback or complimentary treats at selected eateries. 2. Discounts on hotels and flights Keep an eye out for special flight or hotel deals from your credit card of choice. You can also get discounts when you book through hotel booking sites such as Agoda or Expedia. Some cards are specially designed for frequent travellers as you get complimentary use of airport lounges a number of times a year, and free travel insurance if you purchase your ticket using the card. Be aware, though, that some airlines charge a fee when you pay for your tickets online using a credit card, so do some calculations to see if it still works out cheaper. 3. Interest-free instalment plans If you need to buy expensive electronic or electrical goods, such as a new TV or laptop, the 0 per cent interest instalment offered by most major credit cards at many major homewares and electrical retailers can come in very handy. It helps spread the payments out over your chosen six or 12 months without the high interest rates you would otherwise incur if you were to pay for it upfront using your credit card. This allows you to better manage your monthly expenses and avoid overspending. Credit card companies make profits on a simple fact of human nature: we buy today and worry about how to pay for it tomorrow. 4. Discounts on everyday items Credit cards aren’t just useful for big ticket or luxury goods, they can help you save on everyday items too, such as groceries and petrol. Do your research and work out what the best rewards programs are available in Australia that suits your lifestyle and needs. With the high cost of car ownership, every single dollar counts. 5. Collect rebates and cashback If you’re not after dining deals and you don’t like going for holidays, you may want to keep it simple and just collect good old rebates or cashback from your spending. Most cashback cards require you to have a minimum spend per month, such as $500, in order to qualify for rebates. Written by Siti Rohani. This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/money/5-ways-you-can-save-money-using-credit-cards?items_per_page=All">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="https://www.isubscribe.com.au/Readers-Digest-Magazine-Subscription.cfm">here’s our best subscription offer</a>. <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Money & Banking

Nicole Kidman shares the crucial decisions she credits for her daily happiness

Aussie actress Nicole Kidman has shared the micro-decisions she believes helps maintain her daily happiness despite her overwhelmingly demanding schedule. The 51-year-old balances her duties as a mum, wife and award-winning actress all with a smile by making the right choices day in and day out. In an interview with <a href="https://www.byrdie.com/nicole-kidman-skincare-routine--5b35522486b08/slide3" target="_blank">Byrdie</a>, Kidman revealed the secret to her happiness, saying she always chooses “to feel gratitude, first and foremost.” “Choosing to sleep in sometimes rather than get up and exercise – give things up so that I can have more time with my kids," she said. The Big Little Lies star also said it was a priority for her to spend time with her husband of 12 years, Keith Urban. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 33.24074074074074% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk8YmOKlIDW/" target="_blank">A post shared by Nicole Kidman (@nicolekidman)</a> on Jul 7, 2018 at 1:15pm PDT </div> </blockquote> Kidman said to keep her relationship with her husband healthy, she always needs to stay flexible and always be “willing to adapt to change”. In such a fast-paced world, Kidman says she chooses to ‘go with the flow’ to live stress-free. “I like that feeling of going, you know what? This morning, I’m just not going to do that,” she said. “I’m just going to sit and read the paper, and we’re all just going to kick back. “And I know that we have plans, but we’re not going to do that,” she added. “We’re going to change that. I have a big thing about just being easy on yourself, and on others. To go with the flow.” Although the star keeps on top of current affairs by reading The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal, she exercises when she needs to get away from it all. In the interview, Kidman confessed that she likes to get massages to ease stress, revealing that she has been trained as a masseuse since the age of 17. “It’s an interesting story because my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 45, I was 17, and I became a masseuse and did a course because we couldn’t afford for her to get massages after her chemo and her radiation,” Kidman said. “We didn’t have enough money. So I learned to give massage. And then I really fell in love with giving massage.” Kidman also said that making decisions such as “saying thank you and smiling” also allow her to live a fuller life. Do you agree with Nicole Kidman’s tips? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Movies

Can you spot the 2 glaring mistakes on this bank's credit card?

One of Singapore’s top banks has released an exclusive gold-plated credit card for its high-rolling millionaire customers. However, the unveiling of the credit card issued by United Overseas Bank (UOB) was overshadowed by two glaring mistakes on the plaque it was displayed on. Can you spot the two mistakes on the diamond-studded plaque? <img width="498" height="645" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7819322/1_498x645.jpg" alt="1 (157)"/> The plaque reads: “For those who value exclusivity in it’s most extinguished form.” “They should have employed a better copywriter to 'extinguish' themselves from the competition!” noted one social media user who posted a photo of the plaque. Commentators also speculated whether the word was meant to be written as ‘distinguished’ or ‘exquisite’, while others pointed out that there was an unnecessary apostrophe in ‘it’s’. The UOB exclusive Reserve Card is offered only to UOB Privilege Reserve wealth management service clients who keep above a minimum balance of $2 million in assets with the bank. Social media users quickly criticised the copywriting on the plaque, with one saying: “I’m just glad there is a card that is designed for firefighters finally.” “When you have 1 million to spend, I guess you would need to extinguish the heat from swiping the card,” another wrote. The bank has since said that the plaque was a display for a promotional event earlier this week and it is not the final copy. “The promotional text that was printed only for a table display at a private event last night had been overlooked during our clearance process,” Ms Choo Wan Sim, head of Cards and Payments Singapore at UOB, told <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/diamond-embellished-uob-reserve-metal-card-10451802" target="_blank">Chanel NewsAsia</a>.

Money & Banking

Airline offers passenger $13,000 travel credit to give up her seat

A woman has been offered US$10,000 ($13,000) to give up her seat on an overbooked United Airlines flight from Washington, DC to Austin, Texas, where she was travelling for a hen’s weekend. Allison Preiss took to Twitter to vent her anger at her treatment by the airline, who initially offered US$1,000 ($1,300) worth of travel credit to anyone who voluntarily gave up their seat. “If nobody bites, they will kick off the lowest fare passenger by pulling them out of the boarding line,” Preiss wrote. “For a flight that THEY oversold. Unreal.” In a surprising turn of events, Preiss revealed that she was in fact the lowest fare passenger, leading the airline to kick her off the flight. “They can’t board me on this plane because there is a broken seat.” After being removed from the flight, Preiss claims United “tried to get me to sign a document that says I volunteered my seat on this plane when I was involuntarily denied boarding,” a move she describes as “sketchy”. But the story gets even crazier. “They really do not want to give me cash,” Preiss wrote. “They just offered me $10,000 in travel credit. TEN THOUSAND.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> This is how badly United didn’t want to give me cash: <a href="https://t.co/sI7vmbeB2Q">pic.twitter.com/sI7vmbeB2Q</a> — Allison Preiss (@allisonmpreiss) <a href="https://twitter.com/allisonmpreiss/status/976808960262131712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote> She also alleges that United denied her access to the lounge for the inconvenience, instead offering her two $10 vouchers at Pizza Hut. “On the upside, I wasn’t physically dragged off the plane and my dog wasn’t killed on board, so I’ve got that going for me... which is nice,” Preiss remarked, referring to the April 2017 incident in which Dr David Dao was physically dragged off a flight, as well as the <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-insurance-articles/2018/03/flight-attendants-tragic-mistake-leads-to-dogs-death/" target="_blank">recent tragedy</a> in which a dog passed away after being placed in the overhead compartment. Image credit: Allison Preiss/Twitter.

Travel Trouble

Why you still need to care about your credit score in retirement

Finder money expert Bessie Hassan explains how your credit score affects your life during retirement and why it’s important to care about this money issue. You may have reached a point in your life where you’re a little blasé about your financial behaviour and your credit score. But there are actually plenty of reasons why you should maintain a clean credit score throughout your twilight years. Whether you need to provide financial support to your kids, you want to expand your investment portfolio or you need to take out a loan to cover your travel costs, a good credit score will serve you well during your retirement. Wondering what a credit score is? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s a number ranging from 0 to 1,200 that banks use to determine your risk as a borrower. The higher your score, the better. Your score is determined by your financial behaviour, so the better your financial history, the higher your score should be. You can look up your <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/credit-score" target="_blank">credit score online for free here and find out where you stand</a>. Here are a few reasons why you should care about your score. 1. To support your kids (or grandkids) With inflated property prices in many of Australia’s capital cities, it’s become increasingly difficult for young people to get a foothold on the property ladder. This is where the “bank of mum and dad” comes in. If you want to go guarantor on a loan for your child, the bank will review your financial situation to see if you’re in a sound position to assume responsibility for the mortgage should your child default on their repayments. Having a good credit score could make or break your ability to help your kids secure their family home. 2. To diversify your investment portfolio If you’re looking to <a href="https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/investing/invest-smarter/risk-and-return/diversification" target="_blank">diversify (or expand) your investment portfolio</a>, it’s crucial that you have a good credit score. If you want to take out an investment loan, for instance, a lender will use your score as an indication of whether or not you’re capable of servicing the loan. Remember, as you get older, banks view you as a greater liability given your lack of employment and stable income, so a good score may help you secure the loan or investment you need. 3. To get discounts on financial products If you’re a self-funded retiree or you’re relying on pension benefits, you may still want to sign up for a credit card for any unexpected medical costs that may arise. Not only does a good credit score mean that you have a better shot of being approved for finance, but it also means that you could enjoy discounted rates on financial products like credit cards or loans. For example, if you need to take out a line of credit or a personal loan to cover a home renovation project, you may be given a cheaper interest rate if you have a higher credit score (say, higher than 700). Your credit score is important during every life stage, but it has particular importance as you get older. Whether it’s being there for your loved ones, being in a sound position to diversify your portfolio, being approved for finance or accessing cheaper interest rates, there are many reasons why you should ensure that your credit score is in good shape. A good credit score will give you and your family the financial independence to enjoy life to its fullest.

Retirement Income

5 steps to clear your credit card debt

You've spent up a storm on the credit card and now your internet shopping binge is racking up interest at a frightening rate. Don't panic. There is an easy way to avert disaster and get your head above water. Best of all, if you follow these five steps, you get to give your bank a good spanking along the way. Step One: Assess the damage The first step is working out your own personal contribution to that gaping whirlpool of red ink. If you have got more than one card, add up all the balances, and check out the interest rates. Recent estimates put the average credit card bill around $3600, so we will use that as our template. With a minimum repayment rate of 3 per cent a month, it would take a staggering 14 years to repay. Over that time, you would also end up paying close to $3000 in interest, almost doubling the original debt. This is an incredibly expensive option, and it is exactly what banks want you to do. The minimum payment level is cynically calculated so that you are only ever chipping away at a tiny bit of the actual debt. Step Two: Slash interest Even while you are treading water, banks will fight each other to toss you a lifebuoy. It is called a "balance transfer", and you should grab it with both hands. You may have seen ads popping up recently offering 0 per cent interest for credit card balances transferred from another bank. A couple of years ago, the going rate for balance transfers was 3-5 per cent. Earlier still, it was more like 8 per cent. "There is clearly a war on out there, which benefits the consumer," says Raewyn Fox, chief executive of the Federation of Family Budgeting Services. Step three: Stop spending The 0 per cent and 1 per cent offers are clearly loss leaders. The banks are actually losing money in order to win your business. Sounds too good to be true? Unless you tread a careful path, there are a couple of pitfalls that will quickly tip the balance back in the bank's favour. The lenders have a few tricks up their sleeves, though they are hidden in plain sight. "The first thing you have to do is make sure you have read the terms and conditions," says Fox. Big mistake No 1 is to keep spending. Any new purchases start racking up interest at full cost. This is a double-whammy. You might assume you can add a couple of morning lattes on top of the transferred balance, and then quickly pay them off. In fact, they will be the most expensive coffees you ever drink. Any repayments go towards the transferred balance first, rather than the bit that is actually racking up interest. That means you have to clear the entire card before you can think about new spending. To avoid temptation or confusion, leave the card safely hidden away at home, or even cut it up. Step four: Make a plan The second big mistake is to transfer the balance, breathe a sigh of relief and then do nothing. Six or 12 months will fly by, and you will be right back to square one. "What you should really do to take advantage of it is… aim to have it paid off in that period of time," says Fox. "Make monthly payments of what you owe, and get rid of it before the interest comes back on." Setting up an automatic payment or direct debit is a good idea but that is not enough by itself. "You need to have a really good plan to make that happen," says Fox. Of course, some people will be so mired in debt they won't have a chance of clearing it in a year. Financial adviser Alan Borthwick, of Dux Financial, has had clients transfer as much as $18,500 in one go when consolidating several debts. Although there is "no way" they can ditch the lot, they can certainly make a big dent, he says. It also provides breathing room to tackle other problems, which may be more pressing. "If they're not able to roll everything in, it will free up money to hammer some of the smaller [debts]," says Borthwick. Step five: Credit surf If you do need more time, not to worry. Simply go back to step two, rinse, and repeat. Yes, that's right. It is entirely possible to hop from bank to bank as each offer comes to an end. If you still have your original credit card open, you can take turns exchanging the balance between them, or to a different bank entirely. Keith McLaughlin, managing director of credit reporting bureau Centrix, says banks can see your credit card limits, the number of cards, and how far behind on payments you are. "If you have multiple cards you are a higher risk. When a credit card issuer is looking at you, they would take that into account," he says. But assuming you close off each old card as you go, there is no issues for your credit score. "Each organisation will potentially look at it differently. They might say, if he has moved three banks … how loyal is this customer going to be for us?" McLaughlin says. "But if you are talking about credit risk, no." The only other risk is that the juicy offers won't be around forever. "Funding costs for banks and credit card providers are starting to rise, which will raise questions around the sustainability of balance transfer rates at their current levels," says ANZ's Herrick. However, they are highly unlikely to disappear overnight. The aim of the game Borthwick is always wary when recommending balance transfers, for fear they will be used poorly. He says some people revel in the low interest and forget about the actual aim of the game, which is to become debt-free. "That's tomorrow's problem. Today's problem is about ‘how do I enjoy the weekend'," he says. "And that is how they get you." As long as you keep the purpose firmly in mind and steer clear of the pitfalls, balance transfers are a great tool. For once, you get the opportunity to rip off your bank, not the other way round. Written by Richard Meadows. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/">Stuff.co.nz</a>. This article is for general information only. You should seek formal financial advice on your specific circumstances. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/finance/money-banking/2017/02/more-secrets-of-worlds-most-money-savvy-senior/">6 more secrets of the world’s most money savvy senior</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/finance/money-banking/2017/02/ways-to-cut-your-grocery-spend-in-half/">8 ways to cut your grocery spend in half</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/finance/money-banking/2017/01/best-saving-tips-for-seniors-in-2017/">Over60 community’s tips on how to make extra money in retirement</a>

Money & Banking

Man credits grandma for inspiring him to pay for elderly woman’s groceries

<a href="/please%20need%20you%20to%20look%20after%20the%20News%20eDM%20–%20send%20Michelle%20top%206%20news%20stories%20(and%20include%20Money%20&%20Banking%20as%20well%20as%20Retirement%20Life).">Yesterday, we brought you the story</a> of a Good Samaritan who stepped in to pay for the groceries of an elderly woman after her card was declined. Now it has been revealed that his grandma is the inspiration behind his act of kindness. Ryan O’Donnell, 34, from the town of Wyoming in NSW, was caught on camera at his local Coles after he paid for the groceries of a stranger. O’Donnell told TODAY he was waiting in line when he noticed the woman in front of him in the line was having problems processing her payment. Her card had been declined several time and she went to the service desk for assistance. After O’Donnell had finished paying his groceries, he walked to the service assistance desk and handed the cashier a $50 note to cover the elderly stranger's expenses. The woman was grateful, asking O’Donnell how she could pay him back. O’Donnell assured the stranger it was “only $44, you’ll be right – enjoy your day”. O’Donnell told TODAY he was compelled to help the woman because of her resemblance to his grandmother. “So I just could not walk away,” he told hosts Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson. “That’s how my mum and dad brought me up.” Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2017/02/elderly-woman-gets-arrested-for-bucket-list/">Dutch woman in her 90s ticks “getting arrested” off bucket list</a> <a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2017/02/elderly-man-dancing-in-street/">Sweet elderly man dancing in the street will make your day</a> <a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2017/02/bride-asks-92-year-old-grandmother-to-be-her-bridesmaid/">Bride asks 92-year-old grandmother to be her bridesmaid</a>

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Nicole Kidman shares the crucial decisions she credits for her daily happiness

Can you spot the 2 glaring mistakes on this bank's credit card?

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Why you still need to care about your credit score in retirement

5 steps to clear your credit card debt

Man credits grandma for inspiring him to pay for elderly woman’s groceries