7 Ways to Prevent You from Touching Your Savings Account

It’s really tempting to avail of well-advertised items, especially if they’re offered at a lower price. However, not everything you see on T.V. or social media ads is really a necessity, which in turn, would only be a regretful purchase. When you are on a tight budget, you would require great self-control when it comes to spending. Most of all, you would also do your best to avoid spending your hard-earned savings. With that in mind, it would be necessary for you to follow a few important tips in order to avoid touching your savings account. Trust us; it’ll help a lot in the long run.

1. Create a separate fund for emergencies.

Make a habit of separating your emergency funds from your savings. The thing is, emergencies are sudden and unexpected. Hence, you should always be prepared. Even if you aren’t earning that much, the fact that you have the responsibility and ability to control your funds only shows that you can dictate where your money will be spent on. Car repairs, hospital bills, supplies, are just a few examples of emergency expenditures that you’d have to prepare for. They are definitely in contrast to casual purchases such as gadgets and clothes, which is why you should separate and organize them from the former.

2. Switch to cash only.

Switching to cash would enable you to gain self-control, in the sense that you do not always have to pay with your debit card, meaning that you are not going to be able to spend from your savings account. Yes, you would still need to withdraw for your daily necessities, but having a certain amount in mind whenever you withdraw would at least leave a few in your account, rather than having all of them ready for spending.

3. Forget that your savings account exists.

This may sound weird, but the best way to save money is to forget that you even have a savings account. It’s a way of surprising yourself in the end. Just imagine, tipping in a few amounts every once in a while, forgetting that you have a piggy bank, and then, just when you thought you have run out of cash, you suddenly find that piggy bank again, full and heavy.

4. Adjusting your budget.

If you find yourself taking a bite out of your savings every now and then, this is a sign that there is something inconsistent with your routine. You may need to adjust your spending in order to make up for the other expenditures. Do it the old-fashioned way, list down all of your expenses and then organize which amount goes to which expense, whatever is left, throw it in your savings account. If you happen to be spending too much on food that you can’t even finish, then adjust the amount that you’re going to purchase. When your monthly adjustments add up, you’ll be surprised at how big you had saved at the end of the year.

savings-account-budget

5. Find an additional income.

You may need to find an extra source of income, just in case your current job only provides the exact amount of earnings monthly. The thing is, you wouldn’t be able to save if your cash flow only entails you to make both ends meet, thus resulting to a possible deduction from your savings, in case of emergencies which would raise your expenses in the long run.

6. Compare prices when making major purchases.

Be a wise consumer. Yes, a well-known brand would provide you with high quality, but remember that there are always affordable alternatives which could provide the same durability and functionality that an expressive brand can offer. “Canvassing” is a common trend among Filipinos, in the sense that they always tend to look for a lower price. Keep your eyes open for promos and package deals. This way, you would be able to save more and spend less, leaving your savings account untouched in the process.

7. Save what you have left over.

Choose to save whatever you can spare. This means that you may set a certain amount in your savings account at the end of the month, and save anything above that amount. Feel free to experiment on this process, get a feel of what works best, and then, go for the specific amount that you would be able to save per month. This would help your funds grow, rather than deteriorate in the long run.

With all of these in mind, you finally decide to open a separate account for your savings; however, you still haven’t chosen which bank to apply for, as each has their pros and cons. No need to worry. If you are in Cavite or Batangas, Cebuana Lhuillier has rural banks that cater to all of your needed transactions, including loans and deposits. All transactions are real time, erasing all the hassles that you may experience in other establishments. So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier Bank branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

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7 Important Questions to Ask Yourself before Getting a Loan

You’re in need of extra cash and you don’t feel like borrowing from a family or friend, that’s all well and good, in case you already have enough debts to go around with. You find out that you may apply for a loan, thus giving you an opportunity to receive a certain amount, to pay off all of your debts. You tell yourself, “Well, having my loan application may just be as easy as 1-2-3,” not putting into consideration certain important factors that goes along with the process of your application. In such case, you would need to ask a few important questions; just to be sure that you are not biting more than you can chew. Here are just a few of them:

1. What is your purpose for applying for the loan?

Naturally, this would be the very first question that a lender would ask. Every action is motivated by a reason. What is your motivation and goal for applying for a loan? Is it because you want to pay off your debts? Is it because you have something important to avail? Is it because you’d want to take a vacation and is sincerely in need of funds? Whatever your reason may be, be sure to answer honestly.

2. How much would you need?

It would be wise to remember that a loan is basically money borrowed from a lender. This would mean that, in certain cases, you would have to consider the interest rate as well, aside from the exact amount that you are borrowing. Keep this in mind to avoid borrowing more than what you can pay for, with other underlying add-ons as a return.

3. Would it be worth it?

Admit it or not, we tend to be compulsive buyers at times. When faced with a beautifully advertised product, be sure to think twice or thrice, before deciding to make a purchase. Remember, applying for a loan is not an easy task, and you wouldn’t want to waste all your time and energy in achieving a loan for an item you wouldn’t really need.

4. Is this the best loan for me?

There are different types of loans, and you must know them by heart before applying for one. Aside from the fact that you would be oriented with the policies and technicalities, you may also be able to score a discount, especially if you’re going for an emergency loan, which comes with lower rates and more flexible terms than other types (if you happen to live in an area commonly ravaged by storms) because it’s partly subsidized by the government (you may coordinate further on your lender regarding this).

5. Am I okay with the conditions indicated on the fine print?

Be aware of the fine print on the contract. As with all types of deals, ask yourself if you are okay with the conditions. Do not decide things in a rush, just because you would want to receive the loan immediately. Remember, be wise. Look into the methods and monthly deadlines of payment, as well as the loan maturity and delay charges. After this, you may negotiate with the lender and appeal for a few adjustments, if necessary.

6. Am I comfortable with the payment option?

Ask yourself if the payment option is flexible enough for you to be able to pay on time. Remember, there are penalties when it comes to late payments, so it would be better to explore your options. Do your best to negotiate on some terms if needed, be realistic in your approach and coordinate with the lender for a mutual agreement on the terms.

7. Is my current cash flow and income sufficient enough to pay for my loan installments?

Remember what we said about being realistic on your approach? Never borrow more than what you can pay for. Always put your monthly income into consideration, so that you may have a close approximate of the right amount that you’d want to loan for. Go for an amount that you’re sure will be manageable enough to be paid back monthly, with no delays or shortcomings, whatsoever.

So, you’re finally ready to apply for a personal loan, but don’t know where to begin. No worries, we have got you covered. Here at Cebuana Lhuillier, we offer our Happy Loan, a multi-purpose loan amounting to Php 5,000 , Php 10,000 or Php 15,000 offered to any individual who is employed, self-employed, student, or a remittance beneficiary. Our network of more than 2,200 Cebuana Lhuillier branches and online presence give customers unlimited access and utter convenience in applying for a loan. Our five-point application to disbursement process ensures services are delivered on time.

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7 Fire Prevention Tips That Every Homeowner Should Know

Home is where the heart is. It is where we seek refuge from the harsh conditions of weather and other external dangers. In such case, it would only be fair for us to protect our homes, the same way that it protects us. While we are oriented in the usual activities of cleaning up and fixing broken parts of our home, there is one aspect that we should never forget in the long run – safety. To be more specific, safety against fire and other related incidents. In the first quarter of this year alone (January to March 2017), there were already 1,217 reported cases of fire incidents. Seeing that it is such a big number (and counting), it would only be right to have a few fire prevention tips in mind. Here are 7 of the most vital ones you may need to remember at all cost:

1. Be sure to monitor your cooking.

Don’t just leave your stove unattended. You may be a great chef, but it would all amount to nothing if you leave your food to burn, and that’s not even the worst case scenario yet. A stove left to burn on its own is a disaster and a house fire waiting to happen. Avoid kitchen fire by staying in the kitchen while frying, grilling or broiling food. If you really need to get out of the kitchen (to go to the comfort room, for example), then turn off the stove and continue the cooking when you get back.

2. Regularly check your LPG tank.

Still a task to be done in the kitchen, apply soapy water to the outer surface of your LPG. If a certain part seems to bubble up more than the other surface, then you may have a gas leak. Immediately contact your supplier to replace it. Make sure that the hose and regulator (the one you twist to turn on the gas) are securely fitted to the cylinder valve. It is recommended that you replace the hose every two years and the regulator every five years, just to be sure.

3. Keep lit candles away from clothing and other flammable objects.

One of the basic things we were thought in elementary was to specifically keep lit candles away from nylon cloths (since it easily catches fire). To be 100% safe, keep all objects away from a lit candle, no exceptions. Nylon or not, any piece of cloth like a curtain or a piece of tissue paper can definitely cause big problems when it catches fire. If you really want to be technical, keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.

4. Do not leave electric cookers unattended.

The advent of technology brought us many cooking utensils and gadgets that are now powered by electricity instead of the usual LPG. In such case, the same amount of caution should be applied when using one. Whenever you’re using a coffee maker, toaster, rice cooker, electric cooker, etc. always make sure to never leave it working on its own. You should monitor the whole cooking process, and then unplug the appliance thereafter. Using these types of appliances may pose double risk, since their heat (when unregulated or left unattended) may cause fire, even then, a sudden surge of electricity may also yield the same disastrous result.

5. Do not plug all your appliances in a single extension.

You should avoid electrical overloading. Most of us would use extensions so we may utilize several devices and appliances at the same time, however, this may cause that particular extension to overload and overheat, resulting an unwanted spark.

6. Unplug appliances and chargers when not in use.

Not only will you be able to avoid overcharging your cellphone, it would also save you a lot in the electricity bills. The same goes for your television, computer, and other gadgets. Save money, save your life.

7. Have smoke alarms installed in your home.

While we could all agree that most fire incidents happen due to negligence and carelessness, we couldn’t ignore the fact that some are also accidental. Having a smoke alarm would immediately let you know that a fire broke out, even if you haven’t smelled the smoke yet (due to you being in a separate room, perhaps?). Not only would it help you rinse out a small fire with an extinguisher, if things get worst, you would at least still be able to get out of the house if it becomes uncontrollable, saving your life in the process.

Speaking of safety, what better way to protect both you and the interest of your home than with a a full-pledged service that has nothing but your comfort and protection in mind? With that being said, nothing beats Cebuana Lhuillier’s HomeCARE Insurance, a very affordable Residential Fire Insurance coverage. It offers loss protection to buildings and residential dwellings including their contents against perils of fire, lightning and other allied perils such as earthquake, typhoon and flood. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

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How to Minimize Your Risks as an Online Seller

The Internet opened many possibilities for the average Filipino to make and earn a living. The prevalence of online businesses has become a trend, especially in the recent years. Whether it’s on a blog or on social media, online buying and selling has become a great part of our online community. You may try to search for a keyword on social media, and there will definitely be someone nearby or from the neighboring cities that would be selling that particular item you are looking for. This isn’t limited to bags and apparels, as gadgets and even affordable personal computers have become commodities that are now being sold online. Now, you may wonder if transactions made online are safe. You may be motivated by these online sellers and think of starting your own. How safe are you as an online seller from individuals that have wrongful thoughts in mind? Well, worry no more, as here are a few tips to minimize your risk as an online seller:

Secure the payment process.

The thing about online businesses is that the payment method pretty much varies from traditional in-store transactions. You post the products on a website or social media page. An interested buyer will message you to inquire about the product and then make an order. You then send them the item through a third-party courier while they send you their payment either via bank deposit or money transfer. Simple enough, right? However, you can’t really grasp the real intention of the buyer as you’re just transacting online. Are they honest customers or scammers who are out for an easy score? There is a technique to avoid a potential scam. Confirm the payment first before sending the item to the customer. If they’re going to deposit the payment via your bank account, take time to check your balance and see if the amount was already credited into your account. If they’re going to pay via money transfer, ask for the control number and immediately pick up the payment. Once received, only then should you send the item to the customer.

Never give too much information on your store page.

This is one of the most basic things to remember when being a seller, let alone being an online seller. It is acceptable to post your name and contact number within your product advertisement. However, you don’t have to post your bank details upfront (if the payment method is through bank deposit). You may just give it to them via private message or text message once the customer confirms that they are indeed going to make a purchase. Not only would you reduce the risk of making your bank details public, but it would also protect you from scammers who are frisking online accounts for other malicious transactions.

Select a safe meet-up point.

Don’t get confused, yes, there are online sellers who prefer meet-ups when it comes to the exchange of payment and the ordered item. It may sacrifice a bit of your convenience as the seller, since it would involve travel (and possibly traffic), but this would add points to your credibility – showing your customers that you, as a seller is willing to meet them face-to-face to show them the item (and assure that there is no damage on the product and that it perfectly works fine). It would also ensure that you get the payment immediately. Thus, no extra effort to check your bank balance or pick up by money transfer. With all this being said, choose a safe and public spot for the meet-up transaction. If you prefer a mall, choose a spot next to the entrance guards or roaming guards, so that scammers would need to think twice if ever they decide to mess with you.

Do a bit of profiling whenever possible.

There are times in which the interested buyer would transact via a social media messenger. This would allow you to check their profile and personal info. A profile which is only a week old and only has around 50 or less online friends would seem fishy. Be vigilant with these types of accounts as scammers love to transact using a faulty accounts, to hide themselves and their true intentions. Stay alert!

Get insured.

What better way to minimize your risk than with a very helpful insurance policy. Cebuana Lhuillier’s NegosyoCARE is a Personal and Property Insurance specifically designed for clients with micro, small (non-online), and/or medium enterprises or businesses. It covers property insurance, burglary and robbery, accidental death, permanent disablement and dismemberment, accident medical reimbursement (AMR), and money, securities, and payroll coverage. A pointer to remember would be that this coverage may not cover small-time online sellers; instead, it is much focused on bigger businesses that have higher risks of loss when unexpected circumstances would arise. With all of those coverages, you may never have to worry about someone ruining your business momentum, Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back.

So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now and inquire about our NegosyoCARE.

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How to get Quick Cash Loans

When tough times come and they surely will, most people would have one thing in mind:

“Where can I get quick cash?”

For most folks, tough times refer to periods of economic hardship or a short-term need for additional cash. Whatever the extent or gravity of the financial need, the most important consideration is how one can find the right and fast solution.

Some approach loan sharks, although that is certainly dangerous.  Some reach out to their family or relatives for a handout.

Others opt to go to Cebuana Lhuillier, a company that has financially helped millions of Filipinos for many decades. Its traditional pawning and online pawning system has served and helped thousands of people in their times of need.

Traditional Pawning

Traditional pawning is essentially about taking your valuable possessions to the pawnshop, getting an appraisal, and receiving the corresponding amount in relation to your collateralized property.

At Cebuana Lhuillier, you can pawn both jewelry and non-jewelry items.  For jewelry, a person can pawn gold, silver or platinum jewelry items. Diamonds and high-end watches are also acceptable as collaterals. For non-jewelry, one can pawn gadgets such as a laptop, a tablet or a cellphone.

Traditional pawning with Cebuana Lhuillier is very fast and convenient. The process is easy to follow and receiving the money you need is totally hassle-free.

The first step to take is to visit the Cebuana Lhuillier branch nearest your home or place of work.  Once at the branch, approach the friendly staff and present the item that you want to pawn.  The expert pawnshop staff will inspect the item and will conduct an appraisal.  Once they are done with the appraisal, they will inform you about the appraised value and net proceeds that can be received.

The pawn shop staff will also request for your identification card. Government-issued IDs are the best forms of identification to present and use for the transaction.

If you agree to the terms, the staff will request you to sign the pawn ticket. After signing, you will be given the money that corresponds to the item that you pawned.

During renewal or redemption of the property that you pawned, all you need to do is to present the signed pawn ticket.

Another amazing feature of Cebuana Lhuillier’s service is called Renew Anywhere which allows a person to renew a loan without having to go to the original branch where the first transaction was made. Any Cebuana Lhuillier branch can process a loan renewal because of the company’s computerized database system.

Online Pawning – not yet available

While traditional pawning still works very well, living in the 21st century has opened other avenues for people to receive financial help.  People who are too busy to visit a pawnshop, especially those who work nights and have no opportunity to go to Cebuana Lhuillier during operating hours, worry is absolutely unnecessary.

With online pawning, people can get the same level of service and satisfaction that Cebuana Lhuillier offers through its traditional pawning system.  Cebuana’s online pawning site is available to customers who prefer to transact online.

To use this online service, one simply needs to create an account with Cebuana Lhuillier.   With online pawning, one can take a photo of the jewelry or non-jewelry item to be pawned.  The photo of the item can be uploaded onto Cebuana Lhuillier’s secure website. The expert team of appraisers will review the photo and will give immediate feedback.  Once item is approved, Cebuana Lhuillier will send a notification to be followed by a cash deposit to the lendee’s bank account.

Indeed, whether you choose to do traditional pawning or opt online transactions, Cebuana Lhuillier has got you fully covered.  In just a few, simple and easy steps, you can get quick cash to help you.

Your Definitive Guide to Pawning Items Online

Pawning items online is now possible with Cebuana Lhuillier, the country’s top lending and money remittance service.

If you’ve never tried online pawning, read this easy-to-follow guide.

All you need to remember is R-U-S-H.

R- egister online

Pawning online begins with creating an account with Cebuana Lhuillier.  The quick registration process will enable you to have an online account that you can use for all your pawning needs. Using a computer, laptop, phone, or gadget with a stable internet connection, you can use this to make fast and secure transactions.

The registration process includes providing Cebuana Lhuillier with your preferred username, password, and other important information such as your address.  The registration may also include providing your bank account number wherein the cash from pawning will be transferred to.

U – pload the photo

The next step involves taking a good photograph of the item you wish to pawn online and uploading it.  You can take a snapshot and upload on Cebuana Lhuillier’s website using your online account.

A team of expert appraisers will examine the photo ploaded. Once they make an initial approval based on their photo assessment, a schedule of item pickup will be arranged.

S- ubmit the item

Cebuana Lhuillier will deploy authorized couriers that could visit your home, office, or preferred address based on the agreed-upon date, time, and location.  These couriers will be responsible in handling the items to be pawned.

Once you meet with the authorized couriers, you need to turn over the item you wish to pawn.  The couriers will securely transport the item. The appraisers will conduct another evaluation, this time, by actually inspecting the item to be pawned.

If approved, you will be promptly notified and the corresponding amount will be deposited to your bank account.  There are also other convenient payout options available aside from making the bank deposit.

H- ead to your bank

The last step is to head to your bank or its automated teller machine to withdraw the cash.  Cebuana Lhuillier will deposit the cash to the bank using the account number and other related details you have provided during the online registration process.

Indeed, pawning items online has become a preferred way of getting quick cash for thousands. People from all walks of life have found Cebuana Lhuillier’s online pawning system quick and convenient.

In the past, one had to travel and go to the actual pawnshop to pawn jewelry and non-jewelry items.  This means taking time out from your day and physically bring the items to the pawnshop.

With the online pawning system of Cebuana Lhuillier, you get to save both time and money since the transactions can be done anywhere, anytime.  This transactions is also more secure since you no longer have to physically carry these valuable items all the way to the pawnshop. Cebuana Lhuillier’s authorized couriers can do that for you.

The best part is — online pawning can actually bring you higher appraisals. Using the power of internet and communications technology, Cebuana Lhuillier can make its services more accessible, safe, secure, and convenient at a much lower overhead.

While going to a brick-and-mortar branch of Cebuana Lhuillier is still a good option, having the means to transact online is truly a bonus.  Pawning items online is a flexible way of obtaining quick cash without any hassles.  This is especially beneficial to people who work during the night and have no opportunity to go to the pawnshop during normal daytime operating hours.

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Ways to Finance your Business Expansion

Expanding a business is always a challenge even for the most passionate entrepreneur. While one can have boundless commitment to the business, financial capital may be short to start the expansion. Sometimes, limited financing also prevents entrepreneurs from hiring much-needed staff to ramp up production or pave way for upgrades demanded by customers or clients.

However, entrepreneurs with their mindset focused on growth are not afraid of financing challenges. One such entrepreneur is a young lady named Celine who was fresh out of college and had a dream of putting up her own pastry business. With nothing but her dream and a capital of Php 1,000, she mustered enough courage to start her journey as an entrepreneur. After buying the materials needed from a local supplier, she went back to her small home kitchen to work on her baked creations.

After fourteen months of patience and hardwork, her pastries are now being sold in several malls and bazaars across the city.  With her daily sales ranging from Php 2,500 to Php 8,000, orders for her products are definitely getting larger by the day.

How did she do it? How did this young entrepreneur expand her business from her small kitchen to upscale malls and restaurants in just a little over a year of doing business? What did she do to convert her passion for baking and Php 1,000 capital to produce a three or four-fold profit?

After meeting with a purchaser from a high-end restaurant, she dealt with the challenge of making more pastries than what she was accustomed to.  During the early months of the business, it was really a one-person job. Celine did all the work – from buying the materials, to baking the pastries, up to the marketing and distribution of her products. When her pastries became a big hit, she knew she had to expand her production and her business, as a whole.

With her parent’s financial support, she was able to buy more materials and ingredients needed for her pastry business. However, this was not enough to expand her business to the scale she deemed fit.

In one of her delivery runs, she saw a pawnshop and money remittance shop that had a sign saying, “Lucky Loans.”  The staff of the pawnshop explained the basics of making a loan amounting from Php 20,000 to as high as Php 150,000. Armed with this information, she excitedly prepared all the requirements to make a loan for her much-needed expansion capital.

The money she got from loan allowed her to hire more staff and upgrade her products’ packaging. She was also able to buy more ingredients, making the increase in her production volume possible.

Finally, Celine was able to meet the delivery quotas requested by the high-end restaurant. Satisfied customers and their reviews of her products made Celine’s pastries popular. Not too long after, she was making deliveries in other restaurants who needed delicious pastries as desserts.  With her “Lucky Loans,” Celine was able to elevate her business beyond what she had earlier dreamed of.

To learn more about financing to expand your business, click on www.cebuanalhuliier.com for more information.

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Money Remittance Tips for OFWs

As an OFW, a modern hero of the Filipino society, you are entitled to honor your family by providing all of their needs and wants. You sacrifice homesickness for the sake of giving them a better life, even risking your own health at times, just to work countless hours for extra pay. In spite of all these hardships, your fatigue is dissolved and your energy is rejuvenated every time you hear their cheerful thanks, due to your recent money remittances towards the Philippines. Money transactions may look simple and totally risk-free. However, you must also be aware that there are people who do not have your best interest at heart. In this case, you must always be careful and knowledgeable when it comes to money remittances. Here are just a few factors to consider when sending money to your loved ones in the Philippines:

1. Avoid sending money through postal service.

Never go for a very outdated procedure, just to save on service fees. Depending on the remittance agent, the fee may range from two to three digits. Nonetheless, some would prefer to send their financials via post or snail mail in order to save. It is unsafe and should be avoided at all cost, not to mention, takes a much longer time to reach your loved ones.

2. Put into consideration the foreign exchange rates before every transaction.

Always remember that the amount you’re sending would equal to a much bigger amount when it reaches the local remittance outlets, however, you must also time your transactions, in terms of following the foreign exchange values. A dollar that amounts to 49 Pesos today may be equal to 45 Pesos tomorrow. Study the ever-changing patterns to ensure that your loved ones back in the Philippines would receive a much bigger value.

money-remittance-foreign-exchange

3. Use technology at your advantage.

You may now transfer money using just your smartphone (of course, you got to have a wi-fi or data connection). There are certain apps that allow you send money with just a few clicks. Avoid long lines and send the amount on time.

4. Choose a well-known remittance center.

Some remittance center offers a low service charge for the transaction, but holds the risk of a non-secured transaction. It is much better to deal with a reputable agent to avoid any hassles or possible scam in the long run. Your loved ones would be waiting for your money transfers, ensure that they would receive it and not some unknown stranger.

Speaking of well-known remittance centers, you are ready to send your hard-earned money to your family back at home; however, you are still undecided as to which remitting center you should transact with. Well no need to look any further, with Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pera Padala Service, you are ensured an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With more than 2,200 branches nationwide and accredited international partners, this money transfer service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. Transactions are real time, which enables clients to claim the money as soon as the sender completes the sending process in the branch. So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

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Ever Wondered How Pawnshops Determine the Value of Items? Here’s How

You are well versed in pawning off your preloved items and gadgets. You have done it on multiple occasions and are urging to do it again, just to gain a little extra in your savings. One question crosses your mind, how do pawnshops determine the value of the items I pawn off? Surely, it isn’t just the size and weight of the jewelry; of course it’s much more complicated than that. Before you even spend a minute or so researching online regarding this, allow us to enumerate a few important factors that would answer your question. Some of them may even surprise you:

1. Experience

Believe it or not, pawning is a type of profession that you can master by fully immersing yourself in the deal. Pawnbrokers must be knowledgeable about prices in order to be good at their job, and experience is a huge part of this process. They must know the current values of products that are regularly brought into the shop, such as jewelry, gadgets, and even musical instruments. Knowing all of this, they can determine how much they’ll be able to pay you in return for the item being surrendered.

2. Expert Opinions

Another interesting thing to know is that there is more than one type of pawnbroker. Yes, you’ve read that right. Those that can be found in the usual pawnshops specialize in determining the price of gadgets, jewelries, etc. On the other hand, there are those who can distinguish the price of other vintage items, like cars, paintings and firearms. Not all shops can specialize in these items, so sometimes pawnbrokers will reach out to those that do. Think of it as a network of pawnbrokers, sharing their thoughts and knowledge on various categories of items.

pawnshops-expert-opinion

3. Online Resources

Technology really has its perks. When you’re not familiar with a certain term, you immediately search it on the internet, curious to find out its meaning. The same goes for pawnbrokers, who (at certain times) use online resources such as Craigslist, eBay and even Amazon to help find information on the market of the item. This is common with rare books, stamps, and prints. By doing an advanced search on one of these sites and looking at multiple pages of results, pawnshops can easily get the information they need to properly price an item. Think of it as their extra measure in ensuring that you get a fair price on the item that you’d pawn.

4. Sentimental Value

This isn’t limited to your typical story of – “My grandmother gave it to me, hence, it has a significant value.” This would refer to items which have a particular add-on that made them stand out from the ordinary. For example, an old novel would sell with a decent price as long as it’s still in mint condition, and definitely still readable. On the other hand, if it was signed by its famous author, the price would be higher than the usual, even surpassing its original store price, depending on its rareness and present condition.

With all of that being said, you may be looking for a pawn shop that would provide you with the most honest and highest appraisal possible. No worries, as Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With their Pawning Service you can never go short in any amount, as they accept an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collaterals. They also lead the pawning industry by offering safety and the highest appraisal rate in the industry in its more than 2,200 branches nationwide. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Image Source:
https://unsplash.com/photos/PSyRo2P2Qbs
https://unsplash.com/photos/RjeVqc8eC3s

7 Ways to Reduce Your Car Insurance Cost

So you finally get a chance to purchase your own ride. After countless months or years of saving up, you now have your own sleek car, complete with a flashy paint job and a classy interior. It’s all well and good, until you realize that the road isn’t always a safe place. You decide to avail of insurance for your car, just in case, but are surprised to find out that the very first establishment that you had gone to sells their car insurance at a steep price, so what do you do? Worry no more, as we had enumerated a few ways for you to lower your car insurance cost:

1. Visit more than one insurance outlet.

The thing about being a consumer is that you have the free will to choose whichever product or service that you would like to avail. This is of course not limited to car insurances. Take time to “canvass,” ask and shop around through various establishments. You would be surprised to find that others are willing to offer their insurance packages for a much lower price. As a consumer, never be afraid to ask for the cost, it’s your money on the line, after all.

2. Pre-purchase factor: A car’s price also affects insurance cost.

You’ve read that right. Car insurance premiums are based in part on the car’s price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft.

3. Never be too shy to ask for higher deductibles.

Deductibles are basically what you pay before your insurance policy comes into effect. By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your insurance costs significantly. This is much like a domino effect, for example, increasing your deductible could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by a few percentages, enough to save you a noticeable amount. It’s important to note though that before you choose a higher deductible, be sure you have enough money set aside to pay if you have a claim.

4. Consider deducting coverage on an older model.

In this case, you may try dropping collision or comprehensive coverages on older cars. If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, purchasing the coverage may not be cost effective. Make sure to coordinate with your auto dealers and banks so they may let you know of the car’s worth and the other underlying amounts.

car-insurance-deducting-coverage

5. Buy your homeowners and auto coverage from the same insurer.

Think of this as a package deal. Buying multiple coverages from the same insurer may bring about discounts on your purchase, as with the case of all bulk orders. Aside from this, it would also be much easier to process the coverages, owing to the fact that you had already provided the requirements, all in one go, compared to having to submit the same requirements twice when coordinating with two different insurers.

6. Maintain a good credit record.

Believe it or not, your credit history can also affect your insurance costs. Some insurers use credit information to price auto insurance policies. Recent studies had indicated that people who effectively manage their credit have fewer claims. You may ask, how may I best maintain a good credit record? Simple, you just have to pay your bills on time, avoid obtaining more credit than you need, and keeping your credit balances as low as possible.

7. Try out for low mileage discounts.

If you’re only going through a short travel every day, then why not apply for this type of discount? Basically, some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive a lower than average number of miles per year. Low mileage discounts can also apply to drivers who car pool to work. This is most appropriate for those who drive just a few blocks towards work every day.

With all of these in mind, you are definitely ready to avail of your very own car insurance; however, you’re not sure where to purchase one. At Cebuana Lhuillier, we offer the AutoCARE Insurance, a Standard Comprehensive Car Insurance that covers Own Damage (OD), Theft, Loss and/or Damage. Excess Bodily Injury (EBI), Excess Property Damage (EPD), and Acts of God/Nature (AOG/AON). So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Image source:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/car-driving-keys-repair-97075/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-suv-beside-grey-auv-crossing-the-pedestrian-line-during-daytime-125514/

CORPORATE AGENT PARTNERS

  • ACTION.ABLE, INC.
  • ALL ACCESS GATEWAY INC.
  • ANTRECCO (AGUSAN DEL NORTE TEACHERS, RETIREES, EMPLOYEES & COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE)
  • ACM VIP
  • ALL CASH
  • AGRILIFE/ AGRIVET
  • ASENSO PINOY STORE, INC. (EASY DAY SHOP)
  • AVICOM ENTERPRISES
  • AYALA ALABANG VILLAGE ASSOCIATION
  • BAUG CARP MULTI PURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • BAGUIO BENGUET COOP
  • CARD BANK INC
  • CARD MRI RIZAL BANK INC
  • CARD SME BANK
  • CARITAS BANCO NG MASA, INC.
  • CEBU PEOPLE’S MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • CIS BAYAD CENTER, INC
  • COOPERATIVE BANK OF BOHOL, INC
  • COUNTRY BUILDERS BANK
  • CREDENCE FINANCING, INC.
  • CURAMED PHARMACY
  • DALTON PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY INC.
  • DANIELA PAWNSHOP
  • DIRECT AGENT 5 (DA 5)
  • DEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHILS.
  • EXPRESSPAY INC.
  • EVRIJEM FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONEY REMITTANCE
  • FILHAI MULTI PURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • GLOBAL PINOY REMITTANCE AND SERVICES (GPRS)
  • GEMARY PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY (CORP.)

OVER 600 BILLER PARTNERS NATIONWIDE

  • 123 FINANCE CORPORATION
  • 123 LENDING CORPORATION
  • 2C2P
  • 8AMC (VIA ECPAY)
  • ABEJO WATERS CORP.
  • ABRA
  • ACOM CONSUMER FINANCE CORPORATION
  • ACTIVE REALTY & DEVELOPMENT CORP.
  • ADA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION (VIA ECPAY)
  • AEON CREDIT SERVICE
  • AETERNITAS CHAPELS AND COLUMBARIUM (VIA ECPAY)
  • AFC SME FINANCE INC
  • AFTERWEST MICROLOANS INC
  • AGODA – DRAGONPAY
  • AGRIBANK
  • AGRO-INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION COLLEGE OF THE PHILS.
  • AGUSAN DEL NORTE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • AIR YOU GO TRAVELS PHILIPPINES CO.
  • AKLAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • ALAMINOS CITY WATER DISTRICT (VIA ECPAY)
  • ALLIANZ PNB LIFE INSURANCE INC.
  • ALPHA FUND SAVINGS & CREDIT COOPERATIVE (VIA ECPAY)
  • AMADEO WATER DISTRICT (VIA ECPAY)
  • AMYA POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, INC. AND FINANCING CORPORATION (LENDPINOY)
  • ANGAT WATER DISTRICT (VIA ECPAY)
  • ANGELES ELECTRIC COMPANY ANGELICUM SCHOOL , INC. ILOILO CITY (VIA ECPAY)
  • ANJELMAN REAL ESTATE LEASING
  • ANTIQUE ELECTRIC COOP, INC ANTRECCO (BILLS PAYMENT)

OVER 600 BILLER PARTNERS NATIONWIDE

  • 123 FINANCE CORPORATION
  • 123 LENDING CORPORATION
  • 2C2P
  • 8AMC (VIA ECPAY)
  • ABEJO WATERS CORP.
  • ABRA
  • ACOM CONSUMER FINANCE CORPORATION
  • ACTIVE REALTY & DEVELOPMENT CORP.
  • ADA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION (VIA ECPAY)
  • CREDIT SERVICE
  • AETERNITAS CHAPELS AND COLUMBARIUM (via ECPAY)
  • AFC SME FINANCE INC
  • AFTERWEST MICROLOANS INC
  • AGODA – DRAGONPAY
  • AGRIBANK
  • AGRO-INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION COLLEGE OF THE PHILS.
  • AGUSAN DEL NORTE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • AIR YOU GO TRAVELS PHILIPPINES CO.
  • AKLAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • ALAMINOS CITY WATER DISTRICT (via ECPAY)
  • CREDENCE FINANCING, INC.
  • CURAMED PHARMACY
  • DALTON PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY INC.
  • DANIELA PAWNSHOP
  • DIRECT AGENT 5 (DA 5)
  • DEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHILS.
  • EXPRESSPAY INC.
  • EVRIJEM FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONEY REMITTANCE
  • FILHAI MULTI PURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • GLOBAL PINOY REMITTANCE AND SERVICES (GPRS)
  • GEMARY PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY (CORP.)

List of Accepted Government/ Valid IDs

  • Passport
  • Driver’s License
  • Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
  • National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
  • Police Clearance
  • Postal ID
  • Voter’s ID
  • Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) ID
  • Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card
  • Social Security System (SSS) ID
  • Senior Citizen’s ID
  • Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
  • OFW ID
  • Seaman’s Book
  • Alien Certification of Registration (ACR)
  • Barangay Certificate or ID (with picture and signature)
  • Birth Certificate (applicable to minors only)
  • Firearm License
  • Immigrant Certificate of Registration
  • Marriage License
  • National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons
  • New TIN ID
  • OWWA ID
  • Student ID
  • Alien Certification of Registration (ACR) / Immigrant Certificate of Registration
  • Government Office or Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC) ID (e.g. AFP ID, HDMF (Pag-ibig Fund) ID, etc.
  • Certification from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP)
  • Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification
  • Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID (IBP)
  • Company IDs issued by private entities or institutions registered with or supervised or regulated either by the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas), SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) or IC (Insurance Commission)

IDs Accepted

As required by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), clients who engage in a financial transaction with covered institutions for the first time shall be required to present the original and submit a clear copy of at least ONE (1) valid photo-bearing identification document issued by an official authority. For our clients’ convenience, Cebuana no longer requires submission of the photocopied ID. IDs are captured using a webcam in all branches. Clients are also required to submit an updated photo and other relevant information whenever the need for it arises.

Forms of identification accepted are the following;

Pawn Accepted IDs
1. Passport
2. Driver’s License
3. Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
4. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
5. Police Clearance
6. Postal ID
7. Voter’s ID
8. Philippine Identification (PhilID) card
9. Social Security System (SSS) Card / Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
10. Barangay Certification
11. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card
12. Senior Citizen Card
13. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
14. OFW ID
15. Seaman’s Book
16. Alien Certification of Registration/Immigrant Certificate of Registration (for foreigners)
17. Government Office and GOCC ID, e.g., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP ID)
18. Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF ID)
19. Certification from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP)
20. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification
21. Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
22. Company IDs issued by private entities or institutions registered with or supervised or regulated either by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Securities and Exchange Commission or Insurance Commission
23. ID issued by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA)