Useful info - let's share

[kamehameha]

I don't know if there's an existing thread about this but could we share some info that proved helpful to us that others might find beneficial too? I'll start with something related to handling expenses ...

Pay your bills (including tax and mortgage) using your credit card. You can defer the payment at most 2 months (money can still earn interest somewhere), you save on stamps, and you can even earn mileage/cashback bonus. My husband and I pay almost everything using credit card - grocery, toll fees, gas, electric, utility, land phone, mobile phone, and long distance bills. We just retain 20-30 bucks in our pocket for emergency money.

I wish I had known this a long time ago...could have saved a lot especially on those stamps and/or trips to payment centers.

[lupuS]

Agree.

I would add that if you choose to do this, you should not settle your credit card bill with an auto-debit arrangement with your bank. (Definition: in a auto-debit arrangement, the bank debits your savings/account on a pre-agreed date to pay for the outstanding balance in your credit card account.)

By making your credit card payment "intentional", you are forced to review your credit card bill, protest any unauthorized charges, and pay only for legitimate items. Getting a refund from the bank for overpayment is like pulling teeth.

[payaSo]

Real estate taxes on property you own are assessed every year by your city or municipality. You may choose to pay the taxes yearly or quarterly.

Some municipal/city treasurers give discounts to those who pay taxes annually in advance. In Makati it's 10%. If your cash position can afford it, pay in full and avail of the discount. 10% off is a good deal.

[payaSo]

On a typical credit card bill, there are two significant dates:

a) the payment due date; and
b) the statement cutoff date (every xth day of the month)

depending on the credit card company, you may be able to get away with paying your bill after the due date, but before the next cutoff date, and not get charged for late payment. It works for BPI Express, but not with Equitable VISA. Check your crecit card's billing procedures.

[lupuS]

From: Raffy David
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2001 8:24 PM
To: PILIPINAS TELESERV
Subject: DFA PASSPORT DIRECT

Greetings!

Last Monday, 12 Mar 2001, Pilipinas TeleServ Inc. launched DFA PASSPORT DIRECT. The first call center based passport renewal service in the world.

We have spent months working on this project and I'm happy to say that I am very confident that this service will drastically improve the way our Department of Foreign Affairs serves the public.

The number to call is 737-1000. This is a no toll charge number unlike the US Visa appointment system's P18/min. Calls from cellphones and lines outside the area code (02) will only be charged normal NDD rates.

Initially, we will only process passport renewals. It will be available 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

The service is available to all Filipinos NATIONWIDE. Our courier partner is tasked to pick-up and deliver ANYWHERE IN THE PHILIPPINES.

Renewals coursed through DFA Passport Direct will be marked as RUSH.

The fee is P1200 inclusive of DFA rush processing fee, courier fees (2 ways), document tracking services. The total throughput time involved is only 6 working days.

Please help spread the word! I hope to renew your passport in the near future.

Thanks!

Raffy David
Director for Marketing and Quality Assurance
Pilipinas TeleServ, Inc.
rafsdavid@hotmail.com
0917-8401723
737-1528

[lupuS]

Please note that the deadline for filing income tax returns for the year 2000 has been extended to Wednesday, 18 April 2001. It's best, though, to avoid the rush and file as early as you can.

[lupuS]

I got this in my email today.

Oh, how great it would be if we could get everyone to do this!!! The best idea I have seen in a long time!

When you get those pre approved letters in the mail for everything from credit cards to 2nd mortgages and junk like that, most of them come with postage paid return envelopes, right? Well, why not get rid of some of your other junk mail and put it in these cool little envelopes! Send an ad for your local chimney cleaner to American Express. Or a pizza coupon to Citibank If you didn't get anything else that day, then just send them their application back! Just make sure your name isn't on anything you send them. Heck, you can send it back empty if you want to just to keep'em guessing!

Let's turn this into a chain letter! Eventually, the banks and credit card companies will begin getting all their garbage back in the mail. Let's let them know what it's like to get junk mail, and best of all... THEY'RE paying for it! Twice! Let's help keep our postal service busy since they say e-mail is cutting into their business, and that's why they need to increase postage again!

Send this to a friend or two or three... or fifty....

[__lil_lulu__]

Originally posted by lupuS
I got this in my email today.

Oh, how great it would be if we could get everyone to do this!!! The best idea I have seen in a long time!

When you get those pre approved letters in the mail for everything from credit cards to 2nd mortgages and junk like that, most of them come with postage paid return envelopes, right? Well, why not get rid of some of your other junk mail and put it in these cool little envelopes! Send an ad for your local chimney cleaner to American Express. Or a pizza coupon to Citibank If you didn't get anything else that day, then just send them their application back! Just make sure your name isn't on anything you send them. Heck, you can send it back empty if you want to just to keep'em guessing!

Let's turn this into a chain letter! Eventually, the banks and credit card companies will begin getting all their garbage back in the mail. Let's let them know what it's like to get junk mail, and best of all... THEY'RE paying for it! Twice! Let's help keep our postal service busy since they say e-mail is cutting into their business, and that's why they need to increase postage again!

Send this to a friend or two or three... or fifty....

oo nga...!!! cute! :D

here in singapore, they have little automated payment stations that allows you to settle the telephone bills, utilities, cable tv subscription and isp subscriptions among other things. you can also get stamps and pay traffic fines. and they have these stations dotted all over the island kaya it's convenient for most everyone....myself included.

here's my contribution to something useful:

use the internet to browse for gifts/flowers that you would otherwise be too busy to get for a friend or loved one. there are even those who can arrange for cakes!! most of them would require credit card payment, and some would even require that you register with them. some impose delivery charges while others may waive it if you meet a minimum order. there was one site (i forget the name!) that even allows you to place your orders for the entire year (you tell them the significant dates) and they will send you a mail a week or so before that date to remind you about it. why do i find this useful? i dunno...i just do!! ;)

[diwata28]

www.iyp.ph

[lupuS]

Reposting an email message received from SGV.


Dear Valued Clients and Friends of the Firm:

Beginning 1 July 2002, we will be using new e-mail addresses. Please note that the change will be in the company name, from "andersen" to "ey".

For example:

Current e-mail address: juan.d.cruz@ph.andersen.com
New e-mail address: Juan.D.Cruz@ph.ey.com

If you experience any difficulty in reaching your SGV contact by e-mail, please send a message to SGV.Information@ph.ey.com.

We will forward your message to the designated individual.

Thank you very much.

[angel02]

You can call and have your NSO birth certificates processed thru the phone (just like your passports). Call the number 737-1111. :) Hope this helps...

[Krakista]

Australia Non-Immigrant Visa, 1903-362-2779
Belgium Non-Immigrant Visa, 1903-101-4545
Canada Non-Immigrant Visa, 1903-101-8888
Germany Non-Immigrant Visa, 1903-101-7777
Italy Non-Immigrant Visa, 1903-101-2200
Netherlands Non-Immigrant Visa, 1903-101-3456
US Non-Immigrant Visa, 1-903-101-0000
US Non-Immigrant Visa, 1-903-101-0022
US Immigrant Visa Section, 1-903-101-0011
RATES:
Except for US Immigrant Visa Section which is at PhP 25/min, all the rest are at PhP 18/min.

[lupuS]

Information on Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas to Mexico (http://www.mexicanconsulate.org.uk/ingles/General_information_about_Migratory_Documents_and_Visas.htm)