Business and Money Tips

*Good news: No new foreign workers caps PIC Extension till 2017* As announced by the Finance Minister Tharman on 21 Feb 2014, this is a 'People' Budget.  As such, there are not many things for businesses.  In fact, if you are an old person (called 'Pioneers'), you will get lots of benefits.  Not so for smokers and drinkers, there will be a 10% tax and 25% increase respectively. Here are the highlights: (more details will be revealed by the Government over the next week). All Singaporeans will receive GST vouchers of $250 cash , an increase over last year.  This may not mean much to most you, but will make your staff feel slightly happier TODAY Excise duty on tobacco and liquor to rise by 10% and 25% respectively, effective from 21 Feb 2014. Drinkers will face rising cost, and this will affect pubs that rely on liquor sale negatively Betting duty rates on lotteries to rise to 30% from 25%. This has zero impact on the punter (impact on Singapore Pools only) L

As you may know, I seldom see fortune tellers, but this guy was highly recommended by my friend, and I just saw him today.  After some soul searching questions, this expert revealed to me the answers that I have been looking for in the past whole year.  I asked this soothsayer what he prognosticate for me in the 5 key areas of my life and these are his answers: Money This year I have the chance to make more money than last year. However, I must be alert to take advantage of opportunities quickly or they will be gone. Furthermore, I must work hard, but not too hard or I will missed opportunities. As this year (2015) inflation will be another high, I must invest my hard earned savings into instruments that beat inflation, like REITs that offer quarterly dividends exceeding 4.5% per annum. Lastly, I must know how to donate money, for the more I donate, the more I have. Career and Business:  Things appear to be challenging in the short term, as the world economies are not looking