Spending Tips for the Savvy Consumer

Spending is part and parcel of everyday life. Everywhere you go and everything you do would most likely entail making a dent in your wallet. Yes, the age old adage “The best things in life are free” still holds true but the fact is, spending is a necessity and properly managing your finances is a must.
Now, living frugally and curbing your spending doesn’t mean taking out the fun in life. You can still enjoy life’s little luxuries, give in to your indulgences and pamper yourself once in a while if you know how to spend your money wisely.

For those who find it hard to keep their spending in check, here are simple tips that you can follow to make you a smarter, savvier consumer.

Make a list. Yes, you’ve heard this a thousand times before but have you actually made one? Making a list is easy and not to mention highly effective. List down and review all your bills every month and organize your expenses by category. Track your spending and make sure that you are not spending more than you are earning. Setting aside money for savings is important and should be your top priority.

Set a budget. Same with making a list, you’ve been told time and time again to apportion your funds properly. Divide your funds accordingly and determine how much you can afford to spend. With a specific budget in mind, you’ll be able to plan your payments and purchases ahead of time and avoid spending on unnecessary things.

Expand your shopping options. In this day and age when anything and everything is available online, your options now extend to virtual stores. Whether you’re on the lookout for home appliances, electronics, clothes and other personal items or even if you’re finalizing your vacation plans, after scouting your options at the mall, check out the items you want to purchase online or vice versa. This way, you’re guaranteed to snag the best available deal.

Schedule your payments. When it comes to spending, timing is also crucial. Apart from allocating your monthly salary for your basic necessities, take into account your bonuses and other incentives. Schedule payments for insurance (for your home, car or life plan), tuition fee if you have kids, and other big ticket purchases when you have lump sum cash that you can spare.

Find a substitute. If the item that you’re intending to buy is too expensive then go for an alternative that fits your budget. But just make sure that your replacement item is of standard grade. The money that you’ll save won’t be worth it if you’ll only end up using the item for a short period of time. Keep in mind that it’s okay to pay a high (but still reasonable) price for good quality items.

The sales person is not your friend. No matter how affable and accommodating the sales person is, or how many compliments you’ve been told, remember that he/she is there to make a sale, so don’t be easily swayed. Listen and take note of his/her expert opinion but make up your mind about the purchase on your own.

Keep an eye on special offers and promos. Take advantage of discounts, freebies and rebates. Getting items at a lower cost, or with a complementary treat, is always a plus. And this is what practical spending is all about—being able to extend the value of your money.

For no fuss and hassle-free instant savings, the new American Express® Cashback Credit Card offers a unique cashback feature that is perfect for smart savvy spenders—automatic cash rebates for every purchase, whether local or overseas.

The ideal means to pay for your shopping needs, everyday expenses, and even big ticket purchases, the American Express Cashback Credit Card is not only convenient and easy to use, it also guarantees outright cashback with every spend.

Discover the World Over with BDO Credit

Even if you live in a vibrant city with a thriving career and an active social life, nothing can ever replace the unique and invaluable experience that traveling brings. Journeying to different places will open your eyes to how the rest of the world live, giving you a whole new perspective, a renewed appreciation and an even broader insight to life’s infinite splendor.

So, at least once in your life, you should take a breather, pack your bags and go somewhere, anywhere you haven’t been before – alone or with people that matter most to you. Without a doubt, the memories that you’ll share are the ones that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

To each his own
If you’re a lover of impressive architecture or nature, or you have a profound interest in history and culture, or a palate for diverse and authentic cuisines, there’s absolutely a bevy of travel options waiting for you.

Cultural Exploration. Revel in the rich cultural heritage of different countries all over the world. Visit museums, tour ancient and historical landmarks, attend festivals and eat local food (the more exotic, the better!). Immerse yourself with the locals and enrich your understanding and appreciation of their culture.

Adventure Trip. Step aside your comfort zone and do something out of the ordinary. Go bungee jumping, swim and scuba dive with sharks or arrange a wildlife safari tour. Embark on an activity that will make your vacation truly unforgettable.

Jet Set. Travel for pleasure and experience the best things that a city has to offer — shop ’til you drop, dine at the best restaurants and cafes, hit the nightlife, spend a pamper day at a world famous spa or lounge around a premier resort. Simply relish every minute of your time off and make the most out of it.

Travel to your heart’s content
In every corner of the world, there is an adventure waiting for you. It’s just a matter of choosing your destination and making it happen.

No words will be enough to describe the rush you’ll feel when you walk the halls of the Louvre and gaze upon some of the most spectacular works of art known to man, or the goose bumps you’ll get when you go on a sojourn to the majestic Taj Mahal. How about basking in the golden sunset at the beaches of Australia or while you’re on an African safari expedition? You can also get lost in the beauty of Central Park in New York, the many cultural landmarks in Southeast Asia or the famed sand dunes in the Middle East. And for the foodies, how ecstatic can you get when you feast on a variety of delectable and mouthwatering dishes from around the globe?

If you have a BDO or American Express Credit Card, then consider yourself  lucky!

You can avail of an exclusive Buy 1 Get 1 Sale on Cathay Pacific Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class fares for up to 37 cities worldwide – from USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, South Africa and Asia.

For as low as USD550*, you and a loved one can give into your wanderlust and explore the many places you’ve always wanted to visit. But hurry, you have to book your flights now! This special promo runs until June 30, 2014 only. Travel period is until March 31, 2015.

For booking, Contact Cathay Pacific Reservation office at (02) 757-0888 or visit their website at www.cathaypacific.ph.

To know more about the best deals and exclusive perks for BDO Credit Cardholders, download the BDO Deal Finder App for FREE from the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store.

Not yet a BDO Credit Cardholder? Visit www.bdo.com.ph or call the BDO Customer Contact Center at 631-8000 or 1-800-10-631-8000 (Domestic Toll-Free) to apply.