If only I can earn $4.7m a year!

A bit of trivia, did you know that incoming Qantas CEO Alan Joyce will be earning $4.7m a year plus plus plus incentives! He is the new head of Australia’s flag carrier, and I am sure he would be inheriting a lot of head ache caused by the current financial crisis, as well as other quality issues that plague the company. I am sure he’s got a whole bunch of big responsibilities that would have come together with that big, fat (excuse my politically incorrect term) paycheck.

Rising costs

Today I am finding it difficult to put my thoughts into words, for some reason. Whatever I am thinking just does not come out in words the way I want it to. It could very well be my current state. I guess it must be because of the many things running through my mind. That can happen to one person, when thinking about cash advance payday loan for example and the current rising market prices. I think I am still a bit quite lucky though, as I’ve spoken to a friend in Manila, and she’s mentioned about the rising prices of general commodities back home, such as oil, rice and other things. Everything is just getting to be too expensive. Expensive enough that even high income earners are feeling this big slump in the economy. It is a worldwide thing, but it is even more of a concern for the less fortunate from third world countries. Times are getting to be really hard. It is hitting even the first world countries, and careful measures about planning, forecasting, and the like should be thoroughly studied. This is what globalization means, that whatever is happening to the other side of the world, one is rest assured that the other side feels the effects as well (good or bad)

Another breakthrough in technology to make our life easier?

.. Doing a transaction using one's credit card is getting easier each time. In a few weeks' time (June 4) one will be able to have a choice whether to finalise a credit card transaction with their signature (PEN) or by a secret set of numbers (PIN). More details on this can be found on PENorPIN.

I am not quite sure how it is in other parts of the world, but I think this is quite a tricky one just because some countries have more issues on trust (?!) and the use of credit cards! Well, Australia's chosen to trust the system and so most cardholders of Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club and American Express, would have the option! As an introductory thing, there are limited number of merchants who will offer this. There are a few advantages and disadvantages arising from this technology. Merchants would love the fact that they can make a sale easier. Cardholders would think of this as a convenient alternative to having to fill up signature on file forms.

I suppose with anything, there are different ways of looking at a new technology. The good part is, we are given the option. So, there at the end of the day, its your choice and mine as well. What do you think?

Do you believe in long distance relationships?

I have been in a long distance relationship at least five times in my entire life. It just seemed to have dropped on my lap, one after the other! Talk about attracting a particular circumstance over and over again. Having gone through this Long Distance Relationship (or LDR as they call it) made me realise how important communication is in a relationship. It is hard enough to be living in the same city and not having enough quality time to talk, what more for couples who are separated by the ocean and affected by different time zones.

When I moved to Sydney and left my longtime beau, I immediately mastered the art of buying an international phone card. I knew which phone card company offered the best rates, and to which city. Some even had great specials such as better night rates, or additional minutes for higher dollar credit bought. I can remember buying so much phone cards over a span of two years. Most of these cards are actually still kept tucked in my memorabilia box. I opened them recently when I was reminiscing old times, and found out I spent close to 2 grand worth of phone cards. Expensive I know, but at that point in time, I needed it. I needed to call home to speak with family or my loved one to keep my sanity and to keep me from being too homesick.

Hubby followed me here and I don't think we would have made it if we've lost touch during the years that we were apart. Long distance relationships work but only when both parties work towards a goal, and there is a compromise to be together again one day. I've said how much I've spent on phone cards, but that's just my side of the story! Talk to hubby and he'll tell you his share of call expenses as well. All in the name of love, couples would do everything and all effort to keep communication going. And only then can an LDR work.

Are you suffering from bad credit?

How bad is it to pick up your reputation from a bad credit? Pretty difficuly I would say, but for those who find themselves in that situation you can search around as there are some companies out there who offer credit cards for bad credit history. Bad credit credit cards offers are out there to give people a second chance at improving their financial status. So for those who are feeling hopeless, fret not because bad credit credit card offers are available out there. Make use of it wisely.