Credit Card Loans: To Use or Not To Use

I have mentioned quite a few times in this blog that I have several credit cards. And I think for that reason, credit card agents are always calling me- offering all sorts of things. It can be annoying at times but I just learned to deal with it. One of my goals next year is to get rid of some of my cards. I really just need one or two. Anyway, the reason for this post is because a credit card company recently sent me a check. Again, it is a loan offer. Actually I have already availed a loan offer from the same card company less than a month ago (I have two cards with them) so I am surprised to received another insta-cash offer again. The offer last time was for Php16,000 with 0.5% interest per month.

This time, the offer was much higher (Php40,000) and it has an attractive offer of 0% interest. Of course it is impossible that credit card companies would offer a loan without an interest so I check the terms and conditions and saw that they would charge a one time service fee that is 6% of the loan amount. Looking closely one can easily see that they would still charge 0.5% interest per month that way.

Anyway I sent the check back to the card company because I again can’t encash it to my bank account because the check bears my maiden name. They promise to resend it again after one week. I did that not because I would avail the loan. I just want to keep it in case of emergency since I still have more than a month to decide before the offer expires.

I kind of hate it because I want to eliminate credit card debts. However I am also tempted because I know that they are offering me loan with a very low interest rate and that any people would grab the chance to use it if they are given the opportunity I have.

I am also tempted to use the money to buy the new laptop I want or the aircon and ref my husband and I are planning to purchase. But after much thinking, I know that the wise decision is not to use it. Why? Because I need to focus on my goal of more savings and less debt. And I should only avail a loan if I can use that money for business so the money will grow and I can afford to pay the interest

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Withdrawing Paypal Money Through Citibank Credit card

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The last time I attempted to withdraw money from my paypal account, I encountered a problem. The bank officer of Banco de Oro called to let me know that they can’t process the withdrawal because the name in my paypal account is different from the name registered in my bank account.

This is because my paypal account still has my maiden name while my bank account already bears my married name. I did not know what to do to remedy the situation then nor did the bank officer so after much prodding and pleading, the bank manager gave in and let me withdraw the money. They let it pass because it was the first time it happened and I have withdrawn paypal money before using the same bank account with my maiden name.

In the meantime, since name change in my account can take time, I opted to try another way to withdraw – that is by using credit cards (since I still use my maiden name in some of my cards). I decided to use my Citibank Shell Visa card to withdraw since I heard that paypal only allows withdrawal for credit cards with a  VISA logo (am not so sure with that).

I withdraw the money in paypal on October 29 and called Citibank customer service at 9995-999 on November 2 to check and they said the money is still floating. The money was credited to my account on November 4 so the fund transfer took approximately 6 days including the weekends and holidays. I find it pretty fast. I then requested for an overpayment cheque via phone and the agent told me that they will deliver the cheque to my billing address within seven days. I can then encash the cheque to any Citibank branch or simply deposit it to my bank account  Overpayment cheque has no charge.

Good thing I do not have any payable balance in my account so I was able to request an overpayment cheque. If i have a payable balance, my paypal money will be consider as payment so I can’t withdraw it.

Withdrawing money through Citibank using an overpayment cheque takes some time so there is another option for those who need to get their money fast. That is through the Cash Advance method but it has some charges.

Drawbacks:

Some Citibank customer service agents are unaware about paypal and they have the tendency to give confusing or wrong advice. One officer told me that I can only withdraw my money if I closed my account. It pays to be aware of the procedures so you don’t get misled.

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Got My Free Blog Hosting and Domain

I am feeling lucky lately. One of the reasons is the fact that I finally got my free blog hosting and domain name. I made a post about this a few weeks back and my efforts paid off. It was so easy, I just made one blog post, gathered 7 comments and wow, WP Webhost  already gave me free blog hosting with domain name worth USD30.  I want to extend my gratefulness to WP Webhost for this wonderful giveaway!

Now all I have to do is create my own niche blog. I have actually registered a domain name already but when I entered the control panel, I was quite overwhelmed with all the technical terms I saw that I am not really used to. I felt at a little lost at first. But I did some research, viewed some wordpress tutorial videos, made some inquiries so I am slowly getting comfortable with it so I think my website would be up and ready in no time. Wish me luck okay. Hooray for my new website!

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October is Rosary Month

I know that we are almost halfway through October but I just want to do a post about this. Actually I have been planning to do it since the start of October but it just keep on slipping my mind. Anyway now that I finally got the chance, i just want to acknowledge one reason why October is a special month. That is because it is the month of the Holy Rosary.

I remember when I was still in high school that i would pray the rosary twice a day; in the morning and in the evening at school because I was part of a religious club then. Now as I look back, I find it amazing. I know all the mysteries and can recite all the prayers in the rosary even while sleeping. Oh I am such a good girl then and I miss those times. It’s been ages since I have prayed a whole rosary. Hope I can do that before this month ends. Anyway here’s a short post about the Holy Rosary: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Power_of_the_Rosary 

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Certified Gleek!

You know what, I am feeling like a teenager lately- like I wanted to be a high school student all over again. I just miss the feeling of having a crush in school and then hanging out with your best girl friends talking about anything at all. Time seems to stood still then as there is no need to hurry most of the time and almost no need to worry. Then we encounter minor sometimes silly problems and we feel like we are carrying world’s burden- These are the stuff that makes young life so charming.

Well, you might be wondering the reason why I am feeling like this lately. I know it sounds like I am having a midlife crisis. But thankfully not, I am too young for that (lol) The reason is because of the American show Glee!. Ever since I watched the first episode of its 2nd season, I am hooked.

I have watched the 2nd and 3rd episodes and I have also catch the few episodes of the 1st season.. I just fell in love with the story. I like Lea Michele- she reminds me of Ms. Lea Salonga whom I also look up to. And then after Sam Evans, I also have a crush now with the character of Finn and Puck.

Here are some of my fave clips:

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A Piece Of Me This...October 2010

This is my entry to the game hosted by We Loved The Toothfairy called Piece of Me.

This month....

 
I like: to save up more and minimize spending. I also want to be more organized and calm and happy.

I don't like: being late and absent at work. Need to wake up earlier to minimize tardiness at the office.

I want you to know: that I am feeling a little stressed out lately because I have to be a mom and a working girl and a wife all at the same time. But I am praying for God’s guidance so I will have the strength to perform my various roles in life well.

I've planned: to set up a new blog with my own domain name. I also want to start an online business.

I want to say to someone special: To my daughter, I want you to know that I am so proud of you and I love you very much.

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Review: SM Supermarket Salad Bar

When it comes to food, my husband is a healthier eater than me. While I mostly prefer chips and iced teas, my husband wants salad and buko juice most of the time. Since he really loves vegetables and fruits, the Salad Bar in SM Supermarket appeals to him. It’s that small area outside the supermarket where people can get a bowl and just choose from the selection of fruit and veggies to make a healthy, tasty salad. The price of your salad will be determined by its weight. We usually pay around 60 to 70 pesos per salad bowl. Well my husband seems to enjoy and I agree it is a tastier and a better snack than chips. But I just find it a little pricey. The salad counter only has melons, watermelons, pineapples, apples and sago so I think I can make a better and tastier salad at a much cheaper price. Also some of the fruit pieces are not so fresh.

I like the vegetable salad row better because for a small bowl, we can have a salad with lettuce, carrots, cucumber, tomatoes, etc. I love the carrots as they are crisp and fresh. I always find the price reasonable even if one has to pay a separate price for the dressing.

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