Use the call center or e-mail

Dear Mr Tan,

I have an agent. However, can I choose to buy direct from NTUC call centre for travel insurance? Can I get a direct discount without going through her?

I am not happy with the agent (million dollar roundtable member) as she is away often on seminars. I can't contact her sometimes.

But unfortunately, this is the experience I have with previous NTUC agent, so I live with it.

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REPLY

For simple matters, such as travel insurance, it is more convenient for you to go through the call center or handle it directly through the internet. NTUC Income offers a very low premium for travel insurance. Most people arrange it directly.

It is best to use the agent for the more complicated product, where you need advice. If the agent is travelling, you can send an e-mail to the agent.

If the agent does not respond to you, you can find another agent who is able to spend more time to take care of your needs.

Buy a Dell PC through the Dell shop

I bought a Dell Dimension PC through the Dell shop. It got an attractive price (same as buying direct through the internet) and the service of a Dell representative from the shop in Funan Center.

As the Dell representative is familiar with the product and options, it was a great help to me.

The Dell representative uses the information from the Dell website (which is available to customers). As he handles many orders a day, he knows where to go on the site, and what to do.

This is a great business model. It is good for customers. It is efficient and brings down the cost.

I am happy with the Dell PC and the service.

Financial planning tips

Dear Mr Tan,

I enjoy reading your blog. Do you have any advice for my father, who is reaching age 60. I am now 33 years old, with a child. How should I invest my savings?

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REPLY:

You can click on the link "Financial Planning Tips" that appears on the right panel, below my photograph. It will bring you to my website, where there are tips for people at various ages.

You can also click here.

Learn about insurance

Dear Mr Tan

I like to learn about insurance. Can you advise me on a suitable website?

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REPLY:

You can try the following:

www.tankinlian.com
know your insurance

Invest in Bonds

Hi Mr. Tan,

I'm interested in buying bond but have no knowledge of which bond to buy. Could you recommend same save and low risk bond.

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REPLY:

I suggest that you consider the following:

* Global Bond or Singapore Bond fund from NTUC Income

* Singapore Government Securities (buy through a stockbroker or from Fundsupermarket or DollarDex.

Four Clever Financial Tools

Larry Haverkamp posted a article entitled "4 clever financial tools" in his blog. It is easy to understand and is useful for the lay investor.