MONEY OPTIMISATION SECRETS 2014

Publication: NST

Date of publication: Nov 16, 2013

Section heading: 1Klassifieds

Page number: 001

Byline / Author: By Gerald Chuah

THE rising cost of living, weakening ringgit, tightening property lending, and volatile stock prices - If these are your financial concerns, you should attend YMH 2014 Money Optimisation Seminar in Kuala Lumpur next week.

Leading Independent Financial Advisor and best-selling author Yap Ming Hui, is giving a half-day talk to share the hottest investments opportunities and latest strategies on how to optimise your money, at Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort, Kuala Lumpur on Nov 23.

During an interview, Yap said: "Managing personal money is getting more and more challenging. There are many new risks that our parent never had to manage. At the same time, there are also new opportunities coming up in 2014.

"It is important for us to take note of these opportunities, weigh the risks, and have a sound plan. With proper planning, you will be able to grow your money with minimum risks and capitalise on the opportunities.".

At the YMH 2014 Money Optimisation seminar, Yap will share the impact of Budget 2014 to the middle-class, and how they can seize the opportunities provided in the budget. He will also dissect some of the hottest investments opportunities coming up next year.

Among the topics include: How to seize opportunities provided in Budget 2014 (to optimise your money)? What are the latest and hottest investment opportunities in the market (and are they for you)? What the latest ideas and strategies to help you optimise your money in 2014? What you should really be worrying about (its very important and not what you think)?".

During the talk, Yap will also reveal what's really going on in Malaysia with regards to the state of the global economy, and where are the next opportunities? How is this affecting you and your hard earned money; as he reveals the answers in a timely and informative manner.

"My firm has been advising many middle-class clients on how to optimise their monies on a personal level. This seminar is a platform to share some of these advice to a wider group of audience," said Yap, adding those who want to benefit from first hand professional financial insight and strategies should attend.

In this Q&A, Yap reveals a gist of financial topics to be covered:

Q: What is your view on the overall economy outlook for 2014?.

I believe that the economic growth will be slow and uncertain. The share market will continue to be volatile. One needs to put extra research to find opportunities and act on them cautiously.

Q: What do you think of Budget 2014?

To me, Budget 2014 shows the Government's intention to take care of various groups of people in our society. It is also a budget that marks an important threshold in this country. With the proposed implementation of GST, I think the budget will have a major impact on the people and the country's economy.

Q: How can the middle-class capitalise on lower income tax rate announced in the Budget?

I believe the move by the government to lower income tax bracket is to offset any increment in prices of goods and services. There is an additional RM2000 tax relief given to those who earn monthly income up to RM8,000.

These are all good news because the middle-class can realise some savings due to lower income tax. However, if people continue to consume like before, their savings will be neutralised due to the impact ofGST. Therefore, I would suggest the middle-class to invest their savings and minimise risk while generating a higher return than the rate of inflation.

Q: What is the impact of GST to the middle-class and how can they respond?

To some extent, GST will cause the living cost of the middle-class to rise further. And if they continue to consume and spend like before, they have to deal with higher expenses and lower savings. The impact on their financial planning will also be significant. In respond, they should sit down and examine their current spending and cut unnecessary items to offset the price increase. I would suggest they aim for about 10% cut.

Q: What is the impact of RPGT and DIBS ban to property investors?

The rationale is to slow down property price hike due to excessive speculation. The impact is that it will overall reduce the attractiveness of property as an asset class. As such it will be harder for property speculators to make easy and attractive returns. So, it is important to learn to invest in other asset classes (other than FD and property), that offer good returns with minimum risks.

* The YMH 2014 Money Optimisation talk will be held at Dewan Perdana, Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort, Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (Nov 23) from 9am to 12.30pm. Tickets are priced at RM50 for individuals and RM80 for couples. The first 30 people to register will receive Yap's latest bestseller Set Yourself Free: How to Optimise money with Minimum Risk and Effort. All proceeds will be donated to Pusat Penjagaan Kanak-kanak Cacat Taman Megah. To register, call 012-3900048/017-6835468, or visit www.yapminghui.com.