Best Credit Cards, Savings Account, Home Loans, etc

Have you been researching lately for the best credit cards and savings account?

If your answer is YES, then you are lucky to be reading this post.

Screenshot of Barefoot Investor Logo

The Barefoot Investor is one of the blogs we are also following and we have subscribed into for its weekly newsletter. Scott Page shared his research in his blog.

Happy reading!



*********

Each year, without fail, the first Christmas card I get is ... from my bank.

They never forget, bless them. They’re more regular than the fat man when it comes to doling out the Christmas credit.

So let’s you and I save a thousand bucks today by screwing the banks over and getting some sweet financial candy canes.


Best Mojo Money

Here’s the first sign your bank thinks you’re a sucker: transaction accounts pay, on average, 0.01 per cent in interest. Which means that, if you keep $5,000 in the account, your bank manager will tip you a shiny fifty cent piece annually.

Touring Sydney - Bondi Beach in Spring

Australian spring season is from September 1 to November 30. Spring is a good time for outdoor activities like biking, surfing and/or merely going to beaches. 

Sydney has a lot of beaches and one of them is Bondi beach.

bondi beach

IREMIT Australia Writes To Their Customers To Ensure The Survival of Australian Remittance Service Providers

The following is the actual letter sent to me by IREMIT

========================================

To our Valued Customers,

We trust you read this note in good health.

We are writing in reference to the on-going round of petitions for Australian banks to keep the accounts of Filipino remittance companies open. We are happy to inform you that we have joined the Australia Remittance and Currency Providers Association (ARCPA) in order to pursue this common objective.

Vote for Vigan City as one of the new 7 Wonders Cities of the World

Vigan made it to the finals! 

Vote for Vigan City as one of the new 7 Wonders Cities of the World in the final voting phase! 

Photo from TPB Libary

Pacquiao - Algieri Fight Live Streaming

On November 23, Pinoys will again drop everything to watch the country’s pride Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao battle it out with the young and hungry Chris Algieri of the US.

If you are a Smart, Talk ‘N Text, and Sun Cellular subscriber, you are in for a treat. For the first time, you can watch Pacquiao’s fight live and with no commercial breaks, on your mobile device, for only P199.

Pacquiao-Algieri Fight

Australia and other G20 Countries Cut Remittance Fees

Remittance fees being charged for money sent by Filipino workers abroad will go down. This was after a consensus was reached by world leaders at the recent G-20 summit in Australia.

- ANC, Prime Time, November 20, 2014





Watch the video Remittance fees to go down on Yahoo Yahoo Philippines News.


https://anc.yahoo.com/video/remittance-fees-down-234411129.html

Low, low Fares to Manila

Low, low Fares to Manila from Sydney

It's time to plan for your 2015 holidays or invite friends and/or relatives to go to Manila.
But you have to hurry as Sale Period is until November 21, 2014 only or until seats last.

TRAVEL PERIOD: DEC. 1, 2014 - MAR. 31, 2015


Sydney - Manila

       AUD 199 ALL-IN

Sydney to Manila

Advertised fare is one way inclusive of 7 kg carry-on luggage allowance, AUD 55 Passenger Movement Charge, AUD 31.25 Passenger Service Charge and AUD 4 Web Admin Fee. 

Fare available (from Nov. 19–21, 2014) but not on all flights or days. Fare is non refundable (subject to statutory rights). 

Limited changes permitted, charges apply. Fare does not include checked-in luggage allowance which can be purchased at time of booking.

Low, low Fares to Hong Kong

Low, low Fares to Hong Kong

It's time to plan for your 2015 holidays or invite friends and/or relatives to go to Hong Kong. With the current promo from Cebu Pacific Air you can visit Hong Kong from Sydney (AUD 499)

But you have to hurry as Sale Period is until November 30, 2014 only or until seats last.


Round Trip Sydney - Hong Kong

       AUD 499 ALL-IN

Sydney- Hong kong

Advertised Sydney to Hong Kong fare is for roundtrip travel, inclusive of 7kg carry-on luggage, 15 kg checked luggage, Hong Kong and Australia country specific charges, Web Admin Fee and Fuel Surcharge. 

Fare is available (from Oct. 28 - Nov. 30, 2014) but not on all flights or days. Fare is non refundable (subject to statutory rights). 

Limited changes permitted, charges apply. Advertised fare does not include meals which can be purchased at time of booking. 

The Plastic Cards I keep and How I am Saving Using Them

UPDATED: July 2020

At this time of crisis, we must be smart financially. You can take a look at these financial products and take advantage of their technical and savvy features to earn rewards or even avoid fees like dishonour fees.

Summary:

1. Transferwise Debit Card 👈
2. HSBC Everyday Global (2% cash rebate, $100 account opening bonus, 0% intl fees)
3. ING (high interest, 0% intl fees)
4. UBank (high interest, sweep technology (avoid dishonour fees), best to link for Raiz and Spaceship Voyager)

5. Commonwealth Bank Diamond Rewards Card

6. Coles and Woolworths reward cards

In Australia, with almost all merchants have EFTPOS (electronic funds transfer at point of sale) machines already, I and my family rarely use cash any more to buy our things.

We use our debit/credit cards in combination with a loyalty card and/or discount card.

In this regard, I am happy to share with you the plastic cards we keep and how we are saving using them.

HSBC Everyday Global

Reasons:

 1. When you deposit at least $2,000

     - $100 Bonus (must deposit  at least $2,000 it for 3 consecutive months, within 6 months of opening your Everyday Global Account)

     - Earn 2% cashback on tap and pay under $100

2. International transaction fees = $0. I use this when travelling overseas.

• $0 Monthly account fee
• $0 Transaction fees
• $0 ATM fees charged by HSBC Australia

ING Orange Everyday Card

The following are the current features of this card:

Earn $50 by Sending Money through OrbitRemit

OrbitRemit is just again of the remittance providers that you can use to send money internationally including the Philippines.

They have an ongoing promotion where you can earn $50. Invite your friends to join OrbitRemit and they will pay you cash straight to your bank account. For every three (3) friends that successfully complete a payment, they will pay you $50 . The more friends that join, the more money you earn. 

You can start by visiting OrbitRemit  here.

Sending Money Internationally via WorldRemit

From our previous blog, we shared some info regarding the imminent closure of remittance providers in Australia. If the business of most remittance providers such as iRemit and ForexWorld would closed or be affected, it is time to look for other ways.

see Filipino and other Remittance Providers in Australia to be close on 24 November 2014

From my own personal research/readings, the big four Australian banks are joining many of the world's largest banks in fighting money laundering and terrorism funding and eventually will make it difficult for Asia and the Pacific's poorest people from receiving remittances from relatives in Australia.

That's basically the gist on why remittance providers will likely be closing soon.

Nevertheless, I am here to discuss about WorldRemit - which has offices in UK, US, Canada and Australia - may be here to stay.

I've been using WorldRemit for quite a few time already to send money from Australia to UK and the Philippines.
I have some relatives on both countries and there are some occasions that I need to send money to them.

Some things I like about WorldRemit are:

1. ZERO transaction fee for your 1st money transfer

Filipino and other Remittance Providers in Australia to be closed on 24 November 2014

Major banks in Australia plans to shut all remitter accounts by Monday 24 November 2014.

This news is now circulating in Facebook. At first, I found it to be a hoax only but a friend shared to me a page or website from a Filipino remittance company (https://www.forexworld.com.au) which also says the same.

For many Australians, the low-cost and fast money transfer services provided by registered remitters is the only way they can send essential funds home safely and securely. These funds are considered a lifeline to the many communities that depend on them.

Hundreds of migrant communities across Australia will lose their ability to send money home to family and friends if banks continue their plans to close the accounts of remitters. The last of the major banks plans to shut all remitter accounts by Monday 24 November 2014.

Without bank accounts in Australia, remitters cannot complete the transfer of their customers’ funds to destination countries, which means that millions of Australians will no longer be able to support their families and communities overseas.

If you normally send money to The Philippines, Vietnam, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Fiji, Samoa, Somalia, Colombia, Peru and many other countries, your service will soon be affected.

Real Life Needs Real Plans

Real Life Needs Real Plans
By: Eduardo F. Jarabe - Philamlife Agent

 Where is the best place to invest?

In the recent interview by CNN with Mr. Michael Spencer, Deutsche Bank Chief Economist for Asia. He said, the best country to invest is in the Philippines. Philippine economy is very consistent in its growth. Together with Peru, the Philippines are among emerging economies that would become much more prominent in the next few decades. The Philippines is set to leapfrog 27 places to become the 16th largest economy by 2050, according to a prediction of international bank HSBC.

The last time I attended an OFW forum, one of the questions arises was, how long will you be staying abroad to work? Majority of them answered, maybe 15 to 20 years still because they don’t have enough savings yet. I felt sad. I realized that as a Financial Planner it is my duty to inform and assist every Filipino specially OFWs to meet their financial goals. I am sharing to you Philamlife’s Financial Planning Program through its Unit Link Products that can gives you high potential earnings through long-term investment.

Benefits and Services for OWWA Member-OFWs

As an OFW and an OWWA member, are you already aware of the benefits and services that you are entitled to?

OWWA

An OWWA member-OFW is entitled to services and benefits over and above the provisions of the employment contract offer of employers or the laws of the receiving country. For an £18.00 / 25USD membership contribution (renewable every two years, or for the duration of his/her contract if its less than two years), an OWWA member is entitled to the following benefits and services:

Insurance and Health-Care Benefits

Life Insurance. A member is covered with life insurance for the duration of his employment contract. The coverage includes Php 100,000.00 for natural death and Php 200,000.00 for accidental death.

Mark So Unlitrader Tutorials

Did you know that there are tutorial videos available even if you are not yet a subscriber of unlitrader.com?

1. How To Check For Latest Posts
2. How To Get Email Notifications

FOREX Traders Dilemma - Moderating Greed

Moderating greed is one of FOREX Traders dilemmas. If your trades are winning, you are sometimes tempted to hold on or tempted to close early.  The newsletter below is the actual newsletter for the Unlitrader subscription from unlitrader.com

You can see the advice from our mentor, Mark So and the actual screenshot from his own trading account.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unlitrades Closed for A Majestic +1,902Pips!!! All Losses For October Recovered And Then Some! Done For The Month!!!

By Mark So on October 31, 2014

10PM

Hi All!

Thanks to the FOMC and the surprise move by the BOJ today, I’m happy to say that majority of the trades have hit limits while the rest of the trades did splendidly. I’ve manually closed out all trades for a majestic +1,902Pips!!! Singletrades by comparison made a very respectable +518Pips as well which has helped recover ALL trade losses for the month of October!!!

Watch clear recordings of Filipino News like Bandila and TV Patrol, movies and sports events via SBS on Demand

You want to watch Filipino News but do not have TFC TV subscription? Tired of watching blurry and full of ads clips from YouTube? 

Do you want to watch a recording of the latest sports events such the FIFA World cup 2014, football, basketball, rugby, etc?

SBS on Demand - This is the new app I have stumbled onto, that allows Filipino News & Current Affairs.

SBS on Demand

You can watch recorded Filipino news like Bandila and TV Patrol through your smartphones and smart TVs. Just search for 'SBS on Demand' on Apple Store or Google Play store.

Manila-Sydney Lowfare via Cebu Pacific Air (Travel Period: Jun 1 - Sep 30, 2015)

Sydney Lowfare! We just wanna have fun in Sydney, Australia.

It's time to plan for your 2015 holidays or invite friends and/or relatives to either go to Sydney or visit Manila. With the current promo from Cebu Pacific Air you can visit Manila (AUD 99) or visit Sydney (Php4,999).

But you have to hurry as Sale Period is until October 31, 2014 only or until seats last.


Manila to Sydney 

       Php 4,900 ALL-IN

Manila to Sydney at Php4,999

All-in Manila to Sydney fare is one way, inclusive of base fare, Web Admin Fee, Australia Airport Passenger charges and 7 kg hand-carry baggage allowance but exclusive of Php 550 Terminal Fee, Php 1,620 Philippine Travel Tax to be paid at the airport upon departure from Manila and checked-in luggage.

         

Air New Zealand Hobbit safety video: 'The Most Epic Safety Video Ever Made'

Safety is fantasy in Air New Zealand's latest Hobbit star-studded in-flight safety video, directed by Taika Waititi.

Air New Zealand has today released its new safety video which, weighing in at more than four-and-a-half-minutes, has been aptly titled The Most Epic Safety Video Ever Made.

Two countries - one visa

If you are travelling to Australia and New Zealand between 26 January - 5 April 2015 for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015​, you only need to apply for an Australian visa.

Two countries - one visa

Australia and New Zealand will co-host the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 which is being staged between 14 February and 29 March 2015.

Under a new Trans-Tasman visa arrangement, eligible visitors will only need to apply for an Australian visa to travel to and between both countries for the period of 26 January and 5 April 2015. New Zealand will grant a three month visa on arrival to visitors holding an eligible Australian visa for the duration of the tournament.

How I saved on Renewing my Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy with Coles

It's just one month before my current comprehensive car insurance  policy with Coles would expire and I just received via post the renewal notice. To my surprise, the premium cost was $100 higher. My first year was around $500 only.

I initiated a chat support through their online website and requested Coles an explanation. The agent on the chat instructed me to contact by phone their team who is handling their Loyalty Program for existing policy holders.

TFC.tv (Australia) new subscription plans

As new immigrants to Australia, we find ourselves sometimes longing for our relatives and friends in the Philippines and all the things we used to having and doing.

This is also true now for our visitors and relatives coming from the Philippines, who will be staying with us for a few weeks or a few months. But thru the internet and the gadgets and applications we have right now, we lessen the chances of being home-sick by communicating frequently with our loved ones who are away from us.

We have now my parents-in-laws with us here in Sydney and they will be staying with us for the next 11 months. Aside from having the Internet and the gadgets and applications we currently have, we are planning to subscribe to TFC.tv during their stay with us.

Manly Beach in Spring (NSW, Australia)

Australian spring season is from September 1 to November 30. Spring is a good time for outdoor activities like biking, surfing and/or merely going to beaches. 

Sydney has a lot of beaches and one of them is Manly beach.

You can ride a ferry from  Circular Quay to Manly.

Circular Quay Ferry Station bound to Manly

Circular Quay Ferry Station bound to Manly

Treatment Costs for Visitors in Australia

"Even with insurance you are required to pay for any treatment received in the Emergency Department"

If you will be visiting Australia or will be sponsoring your relatives and visitors to visit you in Australia, the following information will give you a brief information about the treatment costs for visitors in Australia.

If you do not have a Medicare Card

• Each occasion of service attracts a fee
• This may include a consultation with a doctor, pathology or blood test and/or x-rays (medical imaging)

 This picture is one of the ads taken in one of NSW hospitals

Cebu Pacific Manila-Sydney A330 - The world's most densely configured airplane

Cebu Pacific A330 all economy cabin. With a total of 436 seats this makes it the world's most densely configured airplane.

Seating on the Cebu Pacific A330 featuring a 30 inch seat pitch and nine abreast seating configuration Picture Source: Lala Rimando/Rappler

How I booked a 1-year return flight Manila-Sydney via Cebu Pacific

I just booked my parents-in-law to visit us here in Sydney thru Cebu Pacific from October 11, 2014 to October 4, 2015. Yes. That is a week less of being 365 days or 52 weeks or 12 months or 1 year.

If you will call an airline or try an airline online booking system now, and try to book or reserve a flight for a duration of 12 months or 1 year, you will most probably not be able to do it immediately.


How I did the booking?

From the time their tourist visa was granted last July 2014, one of the challenges is to find a flight booking that is cheap and can be booked for 1 year or close to that. A direct flight from Manila to Sydney will be a plus only but not required.

With the advent of Cebu Pacific flights offering Manila-Sydney, all other airlines seem to have been eliminated from our options. Cebu Pacific became our priority and number 1 option. However, booking a desired flight is not that easy back then.

100% FREE Training From The Philippine's Most Respected Forex Trading Authority

Never before has Mark given away such VALUABLE INFORMATION absolutely 100% FREE!

Watch and Learn from Mark So as he teaches you, step-by-step exactly how he analyzes and trades the Forex Market!

Mark So will be training you 100% Free through a series of 4 (30 minute, super comprehensive) videos that will teach you:

Video#1: "How To Turn Headlines Into Trades"
-Understand How Geo-Politics, Natural Disasters, Financial News Affects Forex Trades. All Markets Move On News First, What Happens Afterwards is What You See On The Charts

I earned $490 in Forex Trading Online in just 30 days

I managed to grow my 500AUD close to 1,000AUD in just 30 days. 

An Open Letter from Future iPhone6 Users

Dear Android Users,

We could say that most of the charts, and audio-visual presentations versus the iPhone6 and generally Apple products are truthful. You probably spent a lot of work and time to make them colourful and appealing.

You are claiming the iPhone6 hardware specs to be as good as the 2012-release android phone. You maybe right on this. But have you though about the software applications? Your android phones maybe 2 years advanced, but the applications are not yet ready and more importantly - the users are not ready. Our relatives and loved-ones are not yet ready and they don't even care and Apple is very good on its timing.

What you are doing are not good enough or are not really helping. The more you attack the iPhone6, the more our daughters, mums and wives would like to have an iPhone6. Everyone in the family would soon wish to have one as his/her present in Christmas or on their respective birthdays.


Given this fact of life, we would appreciate it if you can think ways on how Apple would make its pricing lower, more competitive and more reasonable. It would be better also if you can stop or at least make Samsung and other Android manufacturers to slow down from raising the bar and from releasing new models.

We maybe iPhone/iPad/Mac users but we are not necessarily die-hard fans of Apple.
We just love buying for our loved ones. And soon, we will be owners of pre-owned Apple products including the iPhone6.


Sincerely Yours,

iPaid Users

Cebu Pacific Now Flies to Sydney

September 9, 2014 - This marks the start of Cebu Pacific long-haul service (Manila-Sydney) in Australia. The airline is the only low-cost carrier operating the route.

Filipinos based in Sydney are really fortunate. They need not to to travel via Darwin (Jetstar), Singapore (Scoot) or Malaysia (Air Asia) just to avail of a low-cost or a budget airlines. The arrival of Cebu Pacific is an alternative to another Philippine carrier, Philippine Airlines, which also operates on the same route.

Last month, I was able to book my parents-in-law to fly Cebu Pacific in going to Sydney. They will be here to be with us as they were fortunate to be given a one-year visa as tourists.

Cebu Pacific lowest all-inclusive year-round fare for Sydney is as low as P12,150.

Seat sale fares go as low as P4,999, all-in.

Opal - The New Electronic Ticketing System in NSW, Australia

NSW, Australia is now experiencing an upgrade for the public transport system. The NSW government has just implemented the new electronic ticketing system, Opal. With Opal system, commuters need the credit-card-like, opal card.

The Opal card is an easy, convenient way of paying for your travel on public transport. It has been successfully rolled out across all Sydney ferries, Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink Intercity services and a number of bus services.

How I Saved on my Comprehensive Car Insurance with Coles Insurance

November last year, I started shopping around for a comprehensive car insurance even before I bought my first brand new car. My car by the way is a Honda Jazz Vibe-S (Japan-made) - the top-of-the-range. I started with the insurance companies where my employer has some ongoing discounts such as Allianz, and QBE. Both offer 15% discount that time thru my employer. I was amazed that getting quotation from them was so quick thru their websites. However, the premiums seem still high to me. The premiums averaged from $700-900 annually.

Brio Tower

Prime Property near Rockwell and Ateneo de Manila Makati City

Soon to rise in Makati City...BRIO TOWER 

- a resort-inspired development that provides a home for a growing family. 

-with 24 hours security with complete amenities.
-Down-payment is payable in 68 MONTHS (ZERO INTEREST)

Standard units 
1BR – 2.07M – 2.9M
2BR – 4.3M – 4.5M

Upgraded units
1BR – 2.3M – 3.1M
2Br – 4.7M – 5.03M
3Br – 6M – 6.28M

Prime (Considered PH) – higher ceiling
2BR – 5.3 – 5.5M
3BR – 6.6 – 6.9M

Launching on AUGUST 28, 2014

Tentative unit types and prices only. May change without prior notice.
BIG Discounts for Cash Buyers! Flexible Terms for Instalment Buyers!

Medibank vs Bupa vs HCF

Medibank vs Bupa vs HCF - These are the Big 3 players in Australia for private health insurance (PHI).

After reading, google-ing in the internet and asking friends and co-workers,  I've got to know these 3 PHI better.

As such, I will share the infos I already solicited and summarized.

Medibank

• Medibank perhaps is the biggest player being a formerly owned or part-owned by the Australian government as claimed to those who I have talked with. 
• They could be found in almost every mall.
• Highest premium among the 3 PHI
• Most popular. Clinics, health boutiques and kiosks - most of them probably accepts Medibank

Bupa

• Multi-national. I believe they could be of serviced in UK and in Europe.
• They could be found in almost every mall.
• Cheapest among the 3 in terms of premium
• The least recommended among the 3 in forums

Learn Forex Trading - The Fast and Easy Way

This is a fast-track to the Forex Market.

It will only take 30 to 60 minutes of your time per day to trade in Forex.

Whether you are university graduate or a housewife, as long as you have this time, you can do Forex trading. It is a complicated topic, but easy if you have the right resources.

Anyone can do it! wherever you are - Philippines or abroad!

I am also still learning, but I am now earning thru Forex trading.

As I go deeper into Forex trading, as a student of this subject matter, I am taking notes as well. You can copy below my notes and hopefully you can kick-start your way into Forex trading.

THEORY PART

First of, you have to know the fundamentals:

• What is Forex 
• Why Trade Forex 
• Basic Concepts

HANDS-ON PART

After reading the above articles, time for some lab exercises.

1. Download the FXCM Trading Platform 

       

2. Register for a free practice account.

         

    

          Fill up the form accordingly and check your registered email afterwards.

3. Using the username/login ID and password provided, login to the FXCM Trading Platform

    

4. Now, using the how-to-place-trades guide, manipulate and enter some dummy trades.

5. Do some demo trading and be more familiarized.

 In parallel, while practising trading in a demo account, if you are in the Philippines, you can attend some Forex trading seminars and orientations or an intensive course.

Businessmaker Academy offers a series of Online Forex Trading Courses conducted by Mark So, Chief Forex Trader / Trainer to guide traders and  investors on how to make the most out of the Forex Market.

I myself have attended the seminar before moving to Australia. You will learn a lot more and discover a new, exciting and legitimate way to make money today.

TIME TO EARN PART

If you are now interested in diving into actual Forex trading, I am inviting you to join Mark So's Unlitrader already. From here, you will start taking advantage about his expertise and at the same time continue learning.

STEP 1

For as low as $50, you can open an FXCM trading account. Recommended is $300-$500 if you will trade already.

STEP 2 

Join and subscribe to Mark So's Unlitrader. Perhaps you can start in SingleTrader Copy Service or better yet, the UnliTrader Copy Service.

STEP 3
Actual Trading.
Log in to the myfxcm client portal, deposit funds, and start trading.

How it will be easy?

          Answer:

          The fundamental analysis and technical analysis will be done by Mark So.
          All you have to do is cheat - I mean copy & paste his trades.


See also  - I earned $490 in Forex Trading Online in just 30 days

Apple Is Replacing Some iPhone 5 Batteries for Free

Apple has determined that a very small percentage of iPhone 5 devices may suddenly experience shorter battery life or need to be charged more frequently. The affected iPhone 5 devices were sold between September 2012 and January 2013 and fall within a limited serial number range.

If your iPhone 5 is experiencing these symptoms and meets the eligibility requirements noted below, Apple will replace your iPhone 5 battery, free of charge.


Eligibility

If your iPhone is in working order and exhibits the symptoms noted above, use the serial number checker below to see if it is eligible for this program.

Serial number Checker


Replacement process

As of August 22, 2014, the replacement process will be available in the U.S. and China. In other countries, it will be available as of August 29, 2014.

To prepare your iPhone 5 for the battery replacement process, please follow the steps below:

1. Back up your data to iTunes or iCloud
2. Turn off Find my iPhone
3. Erase data and settings in Settings > General > Reset > Erase all Content and Settings

Note: If your iPhone 5 has any damage such as a cracked screen which impairs the replacement of the battery, that issue will need to be resolved prior to the battery replacement. In some cases, there may be a cost associated with the repair.

Inviting Visitors, Relatives and Parents to Australia

This article reflects my personal experience in inviting my parents-in-laws to Australia.

Some things to consider:

1. When do you plan to have them in Australia

• I and my wife plan ahead as the processing of their visa will take around 1 month after actual lodgement
• They too, at their end, need to secure some requirements themselves in relation to their application. They       must secure or renew their passport; they validity of their passport must be 6 months or more.
• I, who invited them also need to prepare some documents

2. The Health of your visitors (Physical, mental/emotional)

• Physical: Are they healthy enough? not just for the consideration of passing the medical exam but in      considering the cost of medical-related expenses such us health insurance, medicines, hospitalization, etc.    see Visiting Australia - Medical Costs
• Mental/emotional: Are they ready to be away from your other relatives? Do they really want to visit Australia? Discuss possible issues with them before they visit you

   
The documents that we provided are the following:

      1. Certificate of Marriage (NSO copy)
      2. Statutory declaration with certificate of employment and payslips
      3. Statutory declaration that my wife is pregnant
      4. Certified copy of our passports , and Australian Visas
      5. Certified copy of our NSW Driver License
      6. Centrelink Income Statement

         Sample Invitation Letter
       Sample Statutory declaration that my wife is pregnant (insert contents in the actual document)
       Commonwealth statutory declaration

Note/s:

•   A statutory declaration is a written statement that allows a person to declare something to be true.
•   JP-certified mean "Justice of the Peace" certified. JP's are like 'notary public' in the Philippines.
•   Other proof of funds can be bank statements and credit card statements
•   I submitted a Statutory Declaration (JP-Certified) - declaring that I am working for company AAA, my start of employment, with attachments of my payslips and certificate of employment. I did this since my certificate of employment, though it has my annual income stated on it, does not have a 'wet signature'. My certificate of employment is an electronic file which I have to print on a coloured-printer.

A checklist document for the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Application  can be found online.

As a summary, the Visitor visa (subclass 600) lets you visit Australia:

• to visit or for business purposes
• for up to three, six or 12 months.
• The base application charge for this visa ranges from AUD130 to AUD335.
• If you hold a certain passport, you might be able to apply for a free or cheaper visa.
• The Tourist stream is for people travelling to Australia for a holiday, recreation or to visit family and friends and for other purposes not related to business or medical treatment. Since you are outside Australia, your application must be made outside Australia. If you apply for this visa outside Australia, you must be outside Australia to be granted the visa.
• The Sponsored Family stream is for people travelling to Australia to visit their family. You must have a sponsor who might be asked to provide a bond.You must be outside Australia when you apply and you must be outside Australia to be granted the visa.

Note:

Although it appears that we shouldered all expenses for our visitors, we did not post a bond and our visitors were fortunately granted with their visa's.

PayPal Account Opening

I opened my PayPal account and registered my CommBank AMEX credit card.

Why AMEX?

- AMEX points system is better than MasterCard and Visa cards (at least for the case of CommBank)




STEP 1 - Registration

- upon registering, paypal charged my card $2 which will be refunded later on once paypal successfully confirm my credit card. I was able to confirm the $2 charge when I accessed by online bank transactions.

- paypal also sent me an email like the following:

You linked your credit or debit card to your PayPal account on 21 Jun 2014. To make sure the card is yours, we made a small charge to it that you'll need to confirm (and we'll refund the money to your PayPal account when you're done).

The charge creates a unique 4-digit code on your card statement. If you don't see the charge right away, don't worry — sometimes it takes a few days to show up. If you can't check your card statement online, check your paper statement when it comes in the mail (this can take up to 30 days). You will find the charge from PayPal with a 4-digit code.

How to confirm your card:

Check your card statement and look for a $2.00 AUD charge from "PAYPAL" with a four-digit code next to it. 

Log in to your PayPal account and click "Confirm my credit or debit card" in Account Overview.
Follow the prompts and enter the 4-digit code from your statement.

We'll refund the $2.00 AUD charge to your PayPal account within 24 hours, once you've successfully confirmed your card.

Remember, only PayPal allows you to make a payment using your credit or debit card without sharing your card number with others.

In addition, if your PayPal account is unverified, confirming your card will result in your PayPal account becoming verified and your initial sending and withdrawal limits will be raised.

Sincerely,
PayPal

STEP 2 - Confirm your card

- after 24 hrs or so, I checked my credit card transactions for paypal and the 4 digit code was reflected already

- I logged in to my paypal account and verify ,my card by inputting the 4-digit code.

- after which, I received an email like the following:


Dear xxxx,

Thank you for confirming your credit/debit card or bank account with us. This completes our verification of your financial details.

Verification lets us know that you're the legitimate owner of the credit card or bank account helping keep PayPal's network more secure. As a result, we're able to raise the sending and withdrawal limits initially placed on your PayPal account giving you greater freedom to make purchases.

Don't worry – even though your limits have been raised, you're still protected against unauthorised transactions* sent from your PayPal account. Learn more about Unauthorised Transactions Protection.

* Unauthorised transactions protection covers eligible transactions sent from your account without your authorisation or permission that are reported through our Resolution Centre within 60 days.

Sincerely,
PayPal

Mandarin Picking - Ford's Farm

Have you ever tried picking your own mandarins?

Well, if you are in NSW Australia, you must try Mandarin Picking with your family or friends. It is a nice activity during May-July. One of the famous citrus orchard is Ford's Farm. They have four(4) varieties of Mandarins; they are the Satsuma, Imperial, Emperor and Hickson Mandarins. Other citrus available are Tahitian Limes, Lemons, Cumquats and Kaffir Limes all for picking.


Satsuma is a juicy and seedless fruit. My sons love it. In fact, they are eating the fruits while we are picking.

The farm also offer sheep feeding. In the entrance, they are selling hay for feeding the sheep. One paper bag costs 50cents.

Ford's farm also have other products like honey and jams. http://www.fordsfarm.com.au/home/products

Location:
1275 Singleton Road, Laughtondale (via Wisemans Ferry), NSW 2775

Just input the address in your SatNav device and make your setting avoid "unpaved roads" and you will be fine. Otherwise, your GPS device may direct you down Laughtondale Gully Road which is one-car-wide, dirt, windy and is unsuitable for general traffic.


What to consider before going:

1. Consider the weather - if it is raining, you may have to bring umbrellas and your boots as it will be stepping on muds.

2. Pack some some water and food specially if you have kids.

3. Of course your cameras and/or smartphones with camera. However, there will be no mobile carrier signal in the area. So even if you have a data plan, you cannot upload instantly your photos in facebook or instagram.

4. You can also have a family picnic in the area. Either in the farm or one of the lookouts overlooking the Hawkesburry river near the area.

Earning while Learning Forex Trading

Forex trading appears to be intimidating; apart from being high risk, it is also a complicated course/topic.

However:

• What if you will be earning while learning it? 
• What if the instructor, who is also an expert trader, is trading at your side? 
• What if you will be given the opportunity to cheat by copying the trades of the expert trader? 

Read more

Computation for Travel Insurance and Health Insurance

The following are sample computations for Travel Insurance coming from the Philippines and some Private Health Insurance for Visitor visa (subclass 600).

AIG Travel Guard

They offer 2 plans:
Standard Protection - 1M Medical cover

Enhanced Protection - 2.5M Medical Cover

Standard Protection

- amount in Philippines peso
- 2,750 for the 1st 30 days and 392 for additional week)
- Total payments for:
1 month of stay = 2,750
2 months of stay = 2,750 + (392 + 392 + 392 + 392) = 4,318
6 months of stay = 2,750 + (1,568 x 5) = 10,590

Enhanced Protection

- amount in Philippines peso
- 3,026 for the 1st 30 days and 430 for additional week)
- Total payments for:
1 month of stay = 3,026
2 months of stay = 3,026 + (430 + 430 + 430 + 430) = 4,746
6 months of stay = 3,026 + (1,720 x 5) = 11,626

Do contact AIG Philippines for updated premium prices.

Treatment Costs for Visitors in Australia

An alternative for AIG is BLUE CROSS. But I prefer AIG because of the following reasons:

AIG is a multinational company and they have a local branch as well in Australia. AIG offers their Medical Expense Benefit which they claim to be cashless for In-Patient Treatment. The Insured may contact their 24-hour emergency hotline to assist them during emergency cases as our Travel Guard Representatives will be the one to coordinate with their Claims Department in the Philippines.

Travel Guard 24-hour Emergency Hotline. In case of emergency, all you have to do is call collect any time from anywhere in the world.
(632) 878-1280 (Philippines) or
(603) 2772-5672 (Malaysia)

Getting an Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC)

IMAN Budget

IMAN Budget, as per my personal research, so far offers the lowest plan that meets that 8501 condition set by the Department of Immigration for tourist visas including 457 and 458. As of writing, they offer $77.85/mo for an individual. You can also pay in weekly, fortnightly (2 weeks), quarterly, half-yearly and yearly.

You can also review the offers from Medibank, Bupa and HCF. These are the Big 3 Private Health Insurance in Australia.