saving for good retirement

Tuesday June 2, 2009

Public Mutual declares dividend

KUALA LUMPUR: Public Mutual Bhd has declared the final dividends for five of its funds for the financial year ended May 31.

The distributable income comprised 6 sen for the Public Ittikal Fund, 1.75 sen for the Public Islamic Equity Fund, 2 sen for the Public Dividend Select Fund, 5 sen for the Public Balanced Fund, and 2.5 sen for the Public Select Bond Fund.

In a statement, Public Mutual chairman Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow said despite the challenging market conditions, the funds still managed to outperform their respective benchmarks and achieved respectable double-digit three-year returns to investors. — Bernama

Soalan Lazim Pengeluaran Pelaburan Simpanan Ahli KWSP

Adakah KWSP bertanggungjawab ke atas kerugian pelaburan di Institusi Pengurusan Dana (IPD)?
Ahli bertanggungjawab sepenuhnya ke atas pelaburan dengan IPD. Ini bermakna jika berlaku kerugian, KWSP tidak akan bertanggungjawab untuk memberi sebarang ganti rugi kepada ahli.

Apakah Pengeluaran Pelaburan Simpanan Ahli dan siapakah yang layak membuat pengeluaran ini?

Pengeluaran ini membolehkan ahli KWSP yang belum mencapai umur 55 tahun dan mempunyai simpanan yang melebihi ‘Simpanan Asas’ dalam Akaun 1 untuk melabur sebahagian dari jumlah simpanan tersebut melalui IPD yang diluluskan oleh Kementerian Kewangan.



Apakah maksud Simpanan Asas?

Simpanan Asas adalah satu jumlah simpanan dalam Akaun 1 yang ditetapkan mengikut umur bagi membolehkan ahli memperoleh simpanan minimum sekurang-kurangnya RM120,000.00 ketika berumur 55 tahun dan ianya tidak boleh dikeluarkan sebelum umur ahli mencapai 55 tahun. Bagi maksud pelaburan, ahli dibenarkan membuat pengeluaran pelaburan sebanyak 20% daripada amaun yang melebihi Simpanan Asas dalam Akaun 1. Kuantum Simpanan Asas akan dikaji semula setiap 5 tahun.



Bilakah Simpanan Asas ini terpakai?

Simpanan Asas ini terpakai dalam dua keadaan iaitu:
(i) Pelaburan Simpanan Ahli (Akaun 1)
(ii) Pengeluaran Umur 50 Tahun mulai 1 Januari 2013.



Bilakah tarikh kuatkuasa Simpanan Asas ini?

Simpanan Asas berkuatkuasa mulai 1 Februari 2008 bagi Pelaburan Simpanan Ahli dan 1 Januari 2013 bagi Pengeluaran Umur 50 tahun.



Apakah tujuan Simpanan Asas?

Adakah ini satu lagi diskriminasi untuk golongan berpendapatan rendah?Simpanan Asas bertujuan untuk memastikan ahli mempunyai simpanan sekurang-kurangnya RM120,000.00 pada umur 55 tahun untuk membiayai keperluan persaraan. Jumlah ini membolehkan ahli menggunakan simpanan mereka sebanyak RM500.00 sebulan selama 20 tahun bermula daripada umur 55 tahun sehingga ahli berumur 75 tahun. Jumlah RM500.00 sebulan diandaikan boleh membiayai keperluan asas ahli setelah bersara. Ini bukanlah satu diskriminasi, sebaliknya untuk memastikan golongan berpendapatan rendah mempunyai simpanan persaraan asas yang mencukupi apabila mereka bersara kelak.



Apakah formula yang digunakan untuk mengira Simpanan Asas ini?
Pengiraan Simpanan Asas adalah berdasarkan jumlah amaun minimum yang diperlukan oleh seseorang ahli untuk membiayai keperluan asas ketika mereka bersara. Kajian KWSP telah mendapati seorang ahli yang telah bersara memerlukan sekurang-kurangnya RM500.00 sebulan untuk membiayai keperluan asas mereka. Tempoh 20 tahun iaitu 55 tahun hingga 75 tahun adalah berdasarkan jangka hayat ahli. Bagaimanapun, jumlah Simpanan Asas ini akan dikaji setiap lima tahun.



Adakah Simpanan Asas di dalam Akaun 1 boleh dipindahkan ke Akaun 2 bagi membolehkan ahli membuat pengeluaran pra-persaraan?
Tidak. Simpanan dalam Akaun 1 tidak boleh dipindahkan ke Akaun 2. Bagaimanapun, simpanan di dalam Akaun 2 boleh dipindahkan ke dalam Akaun 1 pada bila-bila masa bagi menambah simpanan persaraan ahli.



Bolehkan ahli menambah simpanan mereka dengan menggunakan kaedah caruman sukarela untuk mencukupkan Simpanan Asas?

Ya. Ahli boleh menambah simpanan mereka dengan membuat pilihan mencarum secara sukarela atau mencarum melebihi kadar berkanun. Bagaimanapun, caruman tersebut akan dimasukkan ke dalam Akaun 1 sebanyak 70% dan Akaun 2 sebanyak 30%.



Apakah syarat-syarat yang melayakkan ahli untuk mengeluarkan kredit di bawah Pengeluaran Pelaburan Ahli KWSP daripada segi kelayakan di dalam Akaun 1?
Ahli hendaklah mempunyai simpanan melebihi jumlah ‘Simpanan Asas’ dalam Akaun 1 pada tarikh permohonan dibuat bagi membolehkan amaun minima pelaburan sebanyak RM1,000 atau tidak melebihi 20% daripada jumlah yang melebihi ‘Simpanan Asas’ dipindahkan ke Institusi Pengurusan Dana (IPD) yang dilantik.





Bagaimanakah kaedah pengiraan untuk mengetahui kelayakan amaun pelaburan ahli?

Kaedah pengiraan amaun kelayakan pelaburan ahli adalah seperti berikut:
(Jumlah Baki Akaun 1 – Jumlah Simpanan Asas) x 20%

Contoh Pengiraan Kelayakan Pelaburan Ahli :

: Baki Akaun 1 pada 01.02.2008 adalah RM 55,000.00 dan
Umur ahli adalah 30 Tahun di mana jumlah Simpanan Asas ahli adalah sebanyak RM 18,000.00.

: (RM 55,000 – RM 18,000.00 ) x 20%
: RM 7,400.00




12. Berapa kerapkah ahli boleh mengemukakan permohonan untuk skim ini?
Ahli boleh mengemukakan permohonan setiap 3 bulan selepas tarikh terakhir pemindahan dibuat dengan
syarat baki dalam akaun 1 ahli memenuhi syarat kelayakan Simpanan Asas.



13. Adakah ahli yang berumur lebih daripada 55 tahun perlu mendapatkan surat pelepasan kawalan daripada
KWSP untuk mengeluarkan simpanan mereka yang telah dilaburkan melalui Pengeluaran Pelaburan Ahli

di Institusi Pengurusan Dana (IPD)?
Ahli hendaklah mempunyai simpanan melebihi jumlah ‘Simpanan Asas’ dalam Akaun 1 pada tarikh
permohonan dibuat bagi membolehkan amaun minima pelaburan sebanyak RM1,000 atau tidak melebihi
20% daripada jumlah yang melebihi ‘Simpanan Asas’ dipindahkan ke Institusi Pengurusan Dana (IPD)
yang dilantik.

Top 10 Questions to Ask When Preparing for Retirement

Just because retirement seems like the right thing to do when you reach a certain age doesn't mean it's for everyone. There's also the issue of what retirement means to you. Do you consider retirement as a time to stop or as a time to just shift your focus? However you view retirement, you will need to make a decision at some point whether or not it is right for you. When trying to decide whether or not to retire, ask yourself these 10 questions.

1. Do I Really Want to Retire?
You've dreamed of the day when you can retire but do you really want to retire? With all the medical breakthroughs, people are living much longer than their parents or grandparents, so retirement could last 25 or more years. With out some serious planning, it might be difficult to survive emotionally or financially for that many years.


2. How Much Money Will I Need to Retire?
This is the question almost everyone wants answered when they start thinking about retiring. It is also the hardest one to answer because no one answer fits all. It all depends on their lifestyle and retirement goals.


3. Should I Accept an Early Retirement Package?
In an effort to cut costs, companies offer early retirement packages to some older employees. These severance packages can be extremely attractive but before you accept an early retirement package, be sure you evaluate whether or not it's a good decision for you and your needs.


4. Will I Work After I Retire?
Even though retirement is seen as a time to stop working, you might want to continue working well into your retirement years. There are some things you need to know if you plan to work after your retirement age.


5. Will Working After Retirement Affect My Retirement Income?
You have worked your entire adult life for retirement and now if you would like to work some while retired you should get all the retirement benefits you have earned. We all expect this but just like planning for retirement you should also plan your new career during retirement. If you don’t plan properly you could lose or be denied some of your retirement benefits.


6. Am I in My 50s or 60s With No Retirement Plan?
If you are in your 50s or 60s and have little or no retirement savings, don’t panic. It’s not too late but you shouldn’t procrastinate any longer. You will have to be very creative with your planning but it can be done.


7. Do I Know My Net Worth?
Your net worth is a good indication of where you are financially at this moment in time. I recommend preparing a Net Worth Statement at least once a year. The first time you prepare this statement will be the most difficult since you will be starting from scratch. Each time you figure your net worth in the future, you should have all the information and documents on hand.


8. Do I Have a Retirement Budget?
Budgeting after retirement is similar to budgeting before retirement. The same rules apply, just the outcome is different. Budgeting before retirement is done to help you reach your financial obligations and have enough set aside to meet your retirement goals. Budgeting after retirement is done to help you reach those goals and maintain funds through your remaining years.


9. Have I Reviewed My Retirement Plan Often?
A comprehensive review of your retirement plan every few years is almost as important as having a retirement plan. What you save for retirement is one of the most important financial challenges you might face in your lifetime so make sure you review and monitor it often.


10. Am I Prepared for Retirement?
OK, you’ve made up your mind that someday you are going to stop the 9 to 5 grind and kick back and enjoy yourself. If you are like most, you have some idea of what the ideal retirement should be. If you are like most, you procrastinate about preparing for retirement. If you are serious about your retirement goals, you must start to prepare right now, not tomorrow.

PANDUAN KEPADA AHLI KWSP UNTUK MENAMBAH JUMLAH AKAUN 1

How to Approach Complete Strangers at a Networking Event

If you are new to networking, one of the most difficult things to do is introduce yourself to complete strangers. We grew up being told to not talk to strangers. And, we wonder how to approach someone we've never met. Here are several strategies, tips, and techniques to help you approach people you don't know at networking events.

First, remember that meeting new people is the purpose of most networking events. This is not like talking to strangers at the grocery store. People are expecting to meet new people when they attend business-oriented networking activities. Many of them may be very shy and are hoping that someone else will make the initial approach. So not only is it expected that you'll approach strangers, but it is appreciated by many of the people who are there.

With this in mind (that meeting new people is the purpose), you can create a scenario of success in your head. Do not imagine that people are going to reject you; that will make you anxious and nervous. Remind yourself that your introduction is welcomed.

Prepare in advance by call the host or hostess to ask if they will introduce you to a few people when you arrive. They should introduce you to someone who knows other people there and would be willing to introduce you to more

Use the buddy system to feel more confident. Bring a friend whom you can count on. Together, you can approach other groups of two people as long as they are not in deep conversation.

Watch the body language of other people. Don't approach tight groups of just two or three people who are tightly focused on each other. They are either in a personal discussion, they don't want to meet new people, or they don't realize how their body language shuts out other people. None of these scenarios are appropriate and indicate inexperienced or poor networkers. Avoid these kinds of groups.

Instead, look for two or three people who are standing in a semi-circle. In other words, they are conversing with each other but are facing outward. Just walk towards them and make eye contact with one or two of them. If there is a pause in their conversation just stick out your hand and say hello. Introduce yourself and let them know you are new to the group.

Watch your own body language to make sure you are approachable. Don't cross your arms, and when talking to just one other person, stand at an angle to them. This creates a more open look to your conversation and encourages other people to approach you.

Look for other people who are standing by themselves. If you make eye contact, smile and walk over to introduce yourself. If they are there alone, you can also use the buddy system to meet more people.

Here are two tips especially for extroverted people:

• Do not interrupt people. Once you've made eye contact and have moved into proximity, do not break into anyone's conversation. Wait for an appropriate lull. They usually will pause once they've made eye contact with you, but allow this to happen naturally.
• If you meet someone who is new or a first-timer, offer to introduce them to people. You'll help them break the ice and strengthen their first impression of you.

The purpose of business networking events is for you to meet and make contact with people, many of whom you've never met. Still, it's natural to feel some insecurity or nervousness. Remember these tips and you'll feel more confident and will meet more people to grow your network.

Before You Go Networking, Have a Game Plan

When you prepare for success, you'll attract success. It's so important to take time prior to attending a networking function that you think about a few important things.

First, where are you going? If you are new to networking or just starting your business, you might want to try a variety of networking meetings before committing to them on a regular basis. I would suggest attending no more than 3 events per week but no less than 1 per week.

After you've determined your networks you want to participate in and build, mark them on your calendar every month until the end of the year. Networking only works when you make a full commitment to being present each month. Those that "show up" usually reap the rewards of gaining referrals. Networking is an important part of your marketing plan so make sure to follow through and be seen as dependable.

Decide if you would like to go with any one else or by yourself. Some people find comfort in attending functions with someone who I call your "Networking Buddy". This way, you can be a team and not have the fear of being left alone. If you plan on meeting in advance to drive together or simply meeting there, make a quick phone call to eliminate any questions.

Visualize yourself meeting lots of interesting people and attracting the right referral partners into your life. You might meet someone interested in what you have immediately but keep in mind that less than 3% ever do business the first time meeting.

Practice your 60 second introduction over and over until you feel confident in saying it to several people. Write it out and repeat it to yourself or share it with your "Networking Buddy". Make sure to include your name, company name, the typical problem most of your customers have and how you can provide a solution, plus a call to action. A call to action simply means an action step you want your audience to take. A few examples would be, call today for a free quote, visit our website at xyz.com or if you'd like a free report please hand me your business card and I'll send it to you.

A few other important things to bring with you include your business cards, a pen, a free promotional item or other leave behind piece such as a brochure, postcard or flyer. You won't be passing these items out to everyone unless they specifically ask for them. Don't assume that everyone wants information about what you offer.

Set a goal to meet 5 new connectors or referral partners at the event. Maybe look for other people that have a similar target audience as you and collaborate on a project. Listen to announcements of what additional events are coming up that you might want to attend. If you've been attending the same event for several months, maybe try and schedule 3 on the spot appointments or schedule lunch or coffee with someone new. Make sure to bring your calendar for the upcoming week.

Before walking out the door, freshen up, take some breath mints (just in case) check your attitude and don't forget to smile when you get there!

Networking Tips - A Proper Introduction

True to life networkers know the extreme importance of having a proper and powerful introduction when meeting colleagues and business counterparts. The introduction serves several purposes that establish meaningful connections. A good introduction can spark good conversations. It can initiate natural business card and contact information exchange. It can also be an icebreaker or can lead to another introduction or referral. There are a few things to consider and be mindful of while making a proper introduction.

Listed below are excellent tips for creating a great, memorable and significant self presentation.

All Eyes On Them

Eye contact is a significant element in your introduction. Showing someone your undivided attention elevates your level of professionalism. It sets the tone for the conversation and prepares each person for a meaningful dialogue. It also heightens your senses and awareness towards the other person. You appear to be more engaged, alert and attentive. While initiating an introduction, if you do not show any eye contact, it can easily be misunderstood. You can be perceived as uninterested, bored or impatient. It also can be a sign of disrespect in other cultures.

Body Language

The way in which you approach someone during your introduction is very key. If you are sitting down, you should stand up or leave your seat. You should be facing your business counterpart and standing straight. Leaning on nearby objects or furniture can give a negative and sloppy first impression. Your body movements should be fluid and parallel to your tone or verbal language. Positive body language promotes professionalism and maturity while interacting with others.

Words of Wisdom

While talking and presenting yourself, it is beneficial to display a positive and up beat attitude. Be natural and act very comfortable with your business counterpart. One way to relieve nervousness and stress is to customize a great 30 second or elevator speech. The 30 second or elevator speech describes who you are and what you do. It should not sound scripted or monotone and should be appropriate for your networking occasion.