It is at such times that I think it’s even more crucial for us to be taking better care of our health. Don’t let the worries bog you down, keep up the positive mood and physical health so that we don’t bring on more negative vibes to our lives. Take your supplements regularly, eat proper diets and keep a healthy mind with balanced emotions.

Whilst it’s easier said than done, I think we should all try not to worry too much about the unknown. Whether or not we will eventually lose our job or close down the business, it doesn’t help for us to worry. You may want to start thinking of alternatives and ways to work around such situations, but don’t be too emotionally bogged down by problems that do not currently exist.

This is a reminder to all, myself included. Let’s help each other along to stay sane and healthy. There’s a lot more to life that we can enjoy.

Post from: Health or Money?

But then I didn’t see much direct benefit which is what we need right now rather than indirect ones which may only yield result sometime in the future. It’ important to fix things now so that we don’t get poorer by the day!

Some of my personal wishlist items for a better stimulus package include these things:

1. A significant cut in personal income tax rate (it could come in the form of more exemptions or just a direct tax rate cut)

2. Better and more affordable health or medical care. A lot of people need immediate medical attention which they cannot afford at private healthcare centers and have to resort to long queues at government healthcare centers. Some illnesses just can’t wait that long!

3. More affordable living standards. Compared to many countries, our standard of living is considered quite high. Probably due to the currency being weak and small in the world.

What about you, do you have your set of wishlist items that you hoped would come off from the second stimulus package? Are you happy with the 2009 mini budget?

Post from: Health or Money?

If you think the global financial crisis has reached its peak, well no, it’s not quite there. I think we’re far from it still. First it was the banks falling one after another and then the automotive industry followed suit. Soon after, many other industries were laying off workers, most evidently seen in the manufacturing businesses.

Now, the banks and automakers are making another comeback with worse news than before. We thought the US had it all under control with all the huge bailout plans but they don’t seem to be enough. Now, many of these conglomerates are on the verge of going bankrupt.

Domestically, we are also seeing layoffs and there will be more layoffs to come in the coming months, I suspect. Those who are working in MNCs do face quite a bit of challenge now that many of these MNC’s parent companies aren’t doing well in their home ground.

The central bank has announced yet another cut in the overnight policy rate and I believe the banks will soon be lowering their base lending rate as a result of the lower OPR. All these are signs of what’s to come next – a recession.

What’s your plan going forward?

Post from: Health or Money?

Photo credit

With most of the industries being hit in the financial crisis, lots of people have lost their jobs and hence, a steady income stream. As the gloom sets in for many families, more are feeling nervous with news of impending job cuts to come in Penang.

Technology giants like Dell and Agilent are rumoured to be laying off its staff in the coming months. You can read the full story here on The Star Online. Whilst the government was convincing its people that Malaysia is not that badly hit in the global economic slowdown, we are not hit in the face more than expected.

Let’s hope that these layoffs will not increase the social ills we are seeing in the country. It’s quite a scary place to live in, not knowing when we will be victmised in the most horrifying manner.

Post from: Health or Money?