1. The Rise of Digital Insurance Platforms

Technology continues to play a pivotal role in the evolution of Pakistan’s insurance sector. Digital insurance platforms are gaining traction, offering consumers a seamless experience to compare, purchase, and manage policies online.

There are several insurtech platforms in Pakistan now that are making life easier for customers. They can find customized insurance plans, whether it’s health, auto, or life insurance. This shift not only enhances convenience but also increases transparency, allowing consumers to make more informed decisions.

 Why This Matters:

• Reduced paperwork and faster processing times.
• Broader reach to underserved and remote areas.
• Enhanced customer support through AI-driven chatbots.

 2. Microinsurance Expansion

Microinsurance is emerging as a game-changer for low-income populations in Pakistan. With a significant portion of the population still uninsured, microinsurance provides affordable and accessible solutions to protect against risks such as health emergencies, crop failure, and natural disasters.

 Key Developments in Microinsurance:

• Partnerships between insurance companies and fintech firms to distribute low-cost policies.
• Increased awareness campaigns to educate rural populations about the benefits of microinsurance.
• The use of mobile payment platforms for premium collection and claims settlement.

Example:

Companies like Telenor Microfinance Bank have already pioneered mobile-based microinsurance products, enabling financial inclusion at scale.

 3. Focus on Health Insurance Post-Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has permanently altered how Pakistanis view health insurance. In 2025, health insurance remains a top priority, with providers introducing innovative policies tailored to meet diverse needs.

 Current Trends:

• Telemedicine Integration: Many health insurance plans now offer teleconsultation services, enabling policyholders to access healthcare remotely.
• Preventive Care Coverage: Policies are evolving to cover preventive measures like annual check-ups and wellness programs.
• Family-Focused Plans: Insurers are targeting families with bundled plans offering comprehensive coverage at competitive rates.

 Tip for Consumers:

Evaluate plans for their hospital network, ease of claim processing, and value-added services like 24/7 medical hotlines.

 4. The Rise of Takaful (Islamic Insurance)

Islamic insurance, or Takaful, continues to gain popularity in Pakistan. Offering Shariah-compliant coverage, Takaful appeals to individuals who prefer ethical investment options aligned with Islamic principles.

 Key Features of Takaful in 2025:

• A growing number of operators offering both family and general Takaful products.
• Collaboration between banks and Takaful companies to provide bundled services.
• Enhanced digitalization of Takaful services, improving accessibility and customer experience.

 Fun Fact:

Takaful now constitutes a significant share of the overall insurance market in Pakistan, with double-digit growth expected this year.

5. Customized Auto Insurance Policies

With the rise in vehicle ownership and increasing road traffic, auto insurance is becoming a necessity for many Pakistanis. In 2025, customized policies are in high demand, catering to specific needs like ride-hailing drivers, electric vehicle (EV) owners, and first-time car buyers.

 Notable Trends:

• Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance: Premiums calculated based on driving behavior and mileage.
• Coverage for EVs: Policies designed to include battery replacements and charging station support.
• Add-Ons: Optional features like roadside assistance and zero depreciation coverage.

 Pro Tip:

Drivers can save on premiums by maintaining a clean driving record and opting for higher deductibles.

6. Climate Insurance: Preparing for Natural Disasters

Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters has underscored the importance of climate insurance. Floods, droughts, and extreme weather events pose significant risks to lives and livelihoods, especially in rural areas.

 2025 Developments:

• Expansion of crop insurance programs to protect farmers from losses.
• Introduction of weather-indexed insurance, where payouts are triggered by predefined weather conditions.
• Collaboration between the government and private insurers to subsidize premiums for vulnerable communities.

 Why It’s Important:

Climate insurance not only provides financial relief but also encourages sustainable practices among farmers and businesses.

7. The Impact of InsurTech Innovations

The fusion of insurance and technology is known as InsurTech. This is driving efficiency and innovation across the industry. From blockchain to artificial intelligence, these technologies are transforming how insurance is bought, sold, and managed. Developments mentioned below are in international markets.

Notable Innovations:

• AI-Powered Claims Processing: Reducing claim settlement times from weeks to days.
• Blockchain for Fraud Prevention: Ensuring secure and transparent transactions.
• IoT-Based Monitoring: Devices like fitness trackers and car sensors provide real-time data to tailor premiums.

What’s Next:

Expect more personalized products and dynamic pricing models based on real-time consumer behavior.

8. Enhanced Consumer Education and Awareness

As competition increases, insurance providers are investing in educating consumers about the importance of coverage. Awareness campaigns through social media, community outreach programs, and collaborations with influencers are becoming commonplace.

Key Focus Areas:

• Busting myths around insurance being too expensive or unnecessary.
• Highlighting the long-term financial security benefits of insurance.
• Simplifying policy language to make it easier for consumers to understand terms and conditions.

A Step Forward:

These efforts are empowering consumers to make well-informed decisions, contributing to higher insurance penetration rates in Pakistan.

 Conclusion: A Dynamic Future for Insurance in Pakistan

The insurance industry in Pakistan is at an exciting juncture, with 2025 bringing a mix of innovation, inclusivity, and resilience. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade your existing coverage, staying informed about these trends will help you make better financial decisions.

From digital platforms to climate insurance and the growing popularity of Takaful, the landscape is evolving to cater to diverse needs. If you’re ready to explore your options, platforms like Smartbenefits.pk are here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to secure your future? Start exploring today and embrace the benefits of modern insurance solutions.

Sadia Zaheer

Sadia Zaheer holds a Masters in Business Administration from IBA, Karachi. After working in several financial institutions in Client Management, Corporate Lending, Islamic Banking and Product Management she jumped careers to pursue a career in writing.
She is a Finance, Business and HR Development writer with four years of experience. She reads a lot and takes care of her multiple cats to remain calm.

The post Insurance Trends in 2025: What’s New in the Pakistani Market? appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

Micro health and life insurance specifically target low-income individuals and small businesses, providing them with affordable protection. These insurance products serve as a safety net, offering financial security in the event of illness, accidents, or unfortunate loss of life. 

By providing access to these essential insurance products, microinsurance contributes to the financial empowerment of underserved communities, helping them mitigate the financial risks associated with unforeseen events.

What is Microinsurance?

Microinsurance is designed to offer affordable, accessible, and simplified insurance products tailored for individuals and families in lower-income brackets. It covers life, health, property, and other risks, but with smaller premiums and coverage limits than traditional insurance products.

In the context of Pakistan, where many workers operate in informal sectors or as daily wage earners, microinsurance can be a game-changer. It provides access to basic healthcare and financial protection, which would otherwise be unaffordable for many.

How Micro Health Insurance Works

Micro health insurance provides affordable healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families. It typically covers basic medical expenses such as hospitalization, surgery, and doctor consultations. 

How Micro Life Insurance Works

Micro life insurance provides low-income individuals with financial protection in case of death. The main objective is to ensure that the family or dependents of the deceased are not left in a financially vulnerable position

The Need for Microinsurance in Pakistan

With over 70% of Pakistan’s population living without health insurance and a large informal economy, the need for affordable insurance products is undeniable. Many low-income families cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket for healthcare expenses, and the lack of life insurance leaves families vulnerable to financial hardship in the event of a breadwinner’s death.

Micro health and life insurance can fill this gap by:

• Providing a safety net for vulnerable families who cannot afford traditional insurance.
• Promoting financial inclusion, helping more people gain access to financial services.
• Improving access to healthcare, which can lead to better health outcomes and reduced poverty.

The Role of Businesses in Promoting Microinsurance

For businesses operating in Pakistan, especially those employing low-wage workers, offering micro health and life insurance as part of the employee benefits package can be a strategic advantage. Here’s how businesses can benefit:

1. Employee Retention and Satisfaction: Offering microinsurance shows that the company values its employees’ well-being, leading to higher employee security and retention. This is particularly important in sectors like manufacturing, construction, and agriculture, where turnover can be high.
2. Improved Productivity: When employees have access to healthcare through microinsurance, they are more likely to seek timely medical treatment, reducing absenteeism due to illness and improving overall productivity.
3. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Providing microinsurance aligns with corporate social responsibility initiatives, showing that the company is committed to improving the lives of its employees and their families. It also helps build a positive image in the local community.
4. Cost-Effective Solution: Microinsurance offers a cost-effective alternative for smaller or more financially insecure businesses that want to offer insurance benefits but cannot afford traditional policies. It provides essential coverage without putting a financial strain on the company.

Challenges and the Way Forward

While microinsurance holds significant potential, it faces several challenges in Pakistan, including low awareness, distribution barriers, and trust issues. However, partnerships between insurance companies, NGOs, and the government can help overcome these hurdles.

For example, State Life Insurance and EFU Life have developed microinsurance products tailored to Pakistan’s market. Government initiatives like the Sehat Sahulat Program have also expanded access to healthcare for lower-income groups, creating more awareness around the importance of insurance.

Conclusion

Micro health and life insurance are essential tools that play a critical role in providing financial security to the low-income population in Pakistan. These insurance products are designed to offer protection in the event of unexpected health issues and provide coverage for life events, thereby contributing significantly to financial stability and poverty reduction. By offering affordable and accessible insurance options, these products ensure that individuals and families have the necessary support to navigate challenging circumstances without facing financial hardship. In addition to safeguarding against unforeseen medical expenses and life uncertainties, micro health and life insurance also empower communities by promoting a culture of financial resilience and long-term economic well-being.

By offering microinsurance, businesses can not only enhance employee benefits and improve productivity but also demonstrate a strong commitment to social responsibility. As the demand for affordable insurance continues to grow, businesses and insurers in Pakistan have a unique opportunity to collaborate and drive significant change in the insurance landscape, making a positive impact on the community and the business environment.

By understanding how microinsurance works and its benefits, businesses can make informed decisions about incorporating these products into their operations, contributing to a more financially inclusive Pakistan.

Sadia Zaheer

Sadia Zaheer holds a Masters in Business Administration from IBA, Karachi. After working in several financial institutions in Client Management, Corporate Lending, Islamic Banking and Product Management she jumped careers to pursue a career in writing.
She is a Finance, Business and HR Development writer with four years of experience. She reads a lot and takes care of her multiple cats to remain calm.

The post Micro Health & Life Insurance: How It Works? A Pakistani Perspective appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

You are in the mall to buy some important stuff, and suddenly you see something and cannot refrain yourself from buying it. Ignoring your budget and needs, you buy that specific item and are now thrilled to get back to home and try it? This is what makes you an impulsive buyer.

What is impulse buying?

As said by experts, impulse buying is purchasing any product that you may not need it, or pocket cannot afford it. This product can be candy or a shirt or handbag for sale. It can also be gadgets that amuse you, and you do not need or is out of your budget, but you buy it on impulse, just because you liked it so much.

As there are several types of impulse purchases, all of these are centered on the exposure of customer to stimuli in the shopping areas. There are times when a specific personal experience emotional changes as stress or happiness that is triggered by marketing materials displayed in the markets to pay for any product or service that caters to their specific emotional situations. An impulsive buyer does not consider the near future consequences of the buying. This unplanned decision of making a purchase is known as impulse buying, and the person who tends to make such an arrangement is referred to impulse buying.

If you are impulse buyers, here are few tips to help you control the issue and stick to your financial plans properly;

1. Create monthly purchase list and stick to it:

Living life with well-defined rules and limitations help you keep situations in hand and make you well prepared to deal with an uncertain situation in your life. Just like another thing in your life, be prepared to manage your finance and stay within your budget. Something that you will need the most to stick to your budget is “self-control.” You will have to enforce yourself that you can’t buy anything if you are not in need of it.

You must make a list of things that you will need over the month. Make sure this list contains the necessities. To make a budget, you must stick to your needs like toiletries, grocery, fuel, utility bills, etc. make sure that you are not spending more than that,make yourself stick to budget religiously.

2. Avoid going to shopping areas if you do not need to buy anything:

The impulse to buy is boosted when you are in the shopping area or if you are visiting an online store. So the best thing to prevent the urge of purchasing something is by not going to a shopping place at all. Do not go to Hyper Stores or any other shopping area if not needed. For your small needs, try to visit the departmental store in your area and always go with a to-do list. No matter what, do not buy anything that is not mentioned in the list.

Once you are done with buying what you need, get out of the store as soon as possible. The idea of window shopping or roaming around for entertainment can end up disturbing your budget and taking home much stuff that you do not need at all. Better would be to find other ways to have fun. The equation implies various types of online stores as well. Even on your social media profiles like Facebook where you might have liked pages that offer different stuff that may amuse you. Visiting such pages can be a bad idea if your earning does not support extra expenditure stick to your budget.

3. Limit your credit card use (try to pay most with cash)

A credit card is undoubtedly a good thing to have, but only if you are wise enough to use it with responsibility. If you find it tough to use the credit card, a better option would be to quit using it. If permanent cut-off from credit card is not a good option for you, you may think of freezing it. Alternatively, do not carry your credit card with you while you are out for shopping. Keep it away from your reach and do not write credit card number anywhere. In such case, if ever you wished to use your credit card, you have to unfreeze it or get back to your home and take it out of your drawer before you make a purchase. For all of this, you will have to wait, and this wait may lead to stopping you from buying anything all of a sudden.

4. Avoid the buying temptation

There is a big difference between needs and temptations. Never consider shopping as a mean of time pass or a hobby. Surrounding yourself with the lure of things will drag you to the urge of buying things that you do not need. Instead, try to find some other activities that can amuse you and keep you engaged and entertained for long. As I like to read books traveling at the same time but considering my budget, I prefer to stick to learning more and more books rather than planning trips around.

5. The Difference Between the need to buy and Nice to Buy:

Both are two entirely different things. Please make it a habit of monitoring your needs. Keep a small note paper or book with you all the time. Whenever you have an urge to buy something, tally with the notes to ensure if you need what you wish to purchase or not. This practice will soon make you care about the urges which most of the time are something that we don’t even notice. Having a clear goal in your mind is helpful in the matter. It may also involve the fact that what you need to do in your life? What are your financial goals and what is required to accomplish those goals? It is also essential to keep your goals for saving in your mind while making any purchase or having an urge to buy anything.

Khurram Zahid

The post How to Avoid Impulse Buying and Save at Hyperstores? appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

Freelancing is something that can help people of all ages, gender and with any kind of restrictions to make money online. No matter if you are a full-time job holder, a student, a mother of the toddler, or a lady who can not go out and do a regular job, freelancing is an idea that can help you all.

Also read: How to Live a Penny Pincher Life and Save Huge Money?

Online earning is something that anyone can do, but it is not as easy to deal with as it seems. With some basic skills and knowledge about how the technology works in this century,  you can make money while staying at your home or working part-time, with your job.

Below are discussed some of the most appreciated ideas that can help you make money online in Pakistan, even if you have limited knowledge or have restrictions of any kind.

Affiliate Marketing:

By affiliate marketing we mean a practice where a business share financial profit with the one who brings new customers or helps in making a sale through their own marketing strategies.

Earning money from affiliate marketing in Pakistan is growing rapidly. It is one of the simplest methods to make money online. All you need to do is to create your account in the affiliate website and promote the products they are offering.

In affiliate marketing the business owner can give you a commission on per click; per sale; or per visitor that you bring to their business website.

Also read: 5 Mistakes Pakistanis Make that Result in Financial Hardship

If during the promotion, any person buys the product by using your affiliate link, you will get a commission on that specific sale. With this simple process and by using the account you can earn an unlimited amount of money. Facebook is also getting popularity for promoting product links in relevant Facebook groups to make a good amount of money.

Thus to earn money from affiliate marketing, all that you need to do is to choose one business or product, go to social networking platforms, grab the attention of the audience and make them come to the targeted URL where you can sell them the product/service you are doing marketing for. With each sale or visitors, you will have a pre-decided amount of money in your pocket.

Make Your YouTube Channel:

You have landed on this page because you are looking for possibilities to make money online. Which means that you surely own a smartphone and with it, you will surely have the knowledge about YouTube. You might have visited it a number of times over the week to watch videos, movies or songs etc.

But do you have an idea that among the cluster of apps that you have in your smartphone, a default app as that of YouTube can earn you money?

All that you need to do is to make your own YouTube channel. Top YouTubers are making millions of dollars on yearly basis.

Also read: 5 Financial Skills You Must Teach Your Kids for a Prosperous Life

You do not need to have millions of followers or subscribers to make you money from YouTube. Try some valuable ideas as that of DIY tips, how-to, recipes or quick tips, unboxing of gadgets, product reviews, music videos, travel and food reviews, or even some comedy skits and pranks to make people laugh and stay involved in you.

The process of making money from YouTube is simple; you need to follow the following steps:

• • Make your own YouTube Channel where you will make your live videos.

• • Start making videos and upload them constantly. Make sure you are specific while describing the content in your video.

• • It is also important to make sure that your content is of high quality and highly entertaining. There is no need to have an expensive fancy camera, a simple yet latest smartphone would be enough.

• • Just like any other person in this generation, you will surely have a social account on FaceBook or Instagram, spread the word.

• • Share your channel and ask your peer to follow you on YouTube.

• • You can also share the video on social channels directly from your YouTube channel.

• • It is also important to keep responding to the comments from the viewers. Keep them interacting with you it will help you create your fan base and will help you have more audience on your channel.  Main focus must be to attract and keep the viewers.

• • Once you are done with such things, the next step to consider is to monetize your undertaking by allowing the YouTube to include ads in the videos you are sharing. Every time a viewer will click on the ad, you will share the fee with the Google.

• Thus the rule to make money from YouTube is simple. The more viewers you will have the more revenue you will make.

Online Tutoring:

Online tutoring can be a source of making money online, specifically if you are looking to make some extra amount of money, working for a few hours after your full-time job.

There are different websites like Udemy that offer services of online teaching to the students from different parts of the world. If you are good in Urdu you can give online lectures to students who are living in far areas (abroad) and are willing to learn to read and write Urdu.

Also read: 5 Excellent Mobile Apps To Start Tracking Your Finances Today

At the same time, you can give Quran Lectures online. There are a number of websites that are offering services of learning Quran online. You can join such platforms and teach Quran to kids and people of all ages.

In some cases, for online tutoring, you do not need to have formal degrees or certificate. Former teachers and college students can also become tutors online. Likewise are the possibilities for industry experts who have time and wish to teach in their spare time.  

Freelancing:

It would not be wrong to say that freelancing is a whole new world of opportunities. Any person from any field or any skill can become a freelancer and earn money as much as he or she wants to. You can find freelance projects as; developer; designer; virtual assistant; data entry operator and many other such skills.

To start working as a freelancer, you need to have an email id that is registered with any of the freelancing platforms like Upwork. You are supposed to register to such websites with a specific set of skills. Once you are already there, you can find a lot of open projects offered by employers who are looking for freelancing talent. You can search and bid on offering your services to any specific employer or project you are will to work on. Place your bid; get the project; complete the assigned task; submit work done and get paid.

Also read: How to Save Money for Your Next Big Family Vacation Trip?

The secret of success in freelancing is rating; the better rating you will have on your profile the more chances you will have to make money through freelancing. Your freelancing profile rating is based on the quality of work and professional attitude that you have carried in your previous project. By the end of each project, the employer can leave a remark about your services and these remarks will be shown as a rating on your profile. The new hiring person will then look at your profile to know what level of and skills you have.

And for a better rating, you need professional skills and abilities to deliver the best. There are a number of authentic platforms that offer freelancing opportunities for content writing, interior designing, software designing, software development, data entry, and other such skills.

You can sign up on different platforms and start bidding on the open opportunities that suit your skill set. Working with such a platform not only secures your money but will also give you unending opportunities to make money online. Some of the most known and used platforms for freelancing are, Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, Freelancer and Outsourcely etc.

Blogging:

Blogging can help you make a lot of money. However, you need the skills to deal with this mode of making money online.  You will also need to be patient and consistent in your efforts if you are willing to make your own blog and earn financial benefits from it.

Blogging is thriving if you are able to offer valuable content regularly. With the sheer focus on the type of content or information you share on your blog, you can grab the attention of like-minded people. Once the readers are able to find what they are looking for, they will come to your site time and again and make a purchase.

These readers or visitors can also be urged to buy products offered through affiliate marketing and affiliate links mentioned in the posts. The reason is that you have been offering useful and quality content and it’s offered for free. Moreover, the readers trust you for the offered information or services!

Also read: How to Prepare Yourself Against Uncertainties in Life?

You can also focus on the outlook of the site and keeping it updated with the latest information and you can end up having a higher ranking in Google. Make sure you are specific in sharing the information or material on your website.

Thus, if you are the one who is not able to find a well-paying job, there are a number of opportunities that can earn you a really handsome amount of money while staying at your home. Almost every field or skill offer opportunities to earn money online.  

If you are willing to make money through blog you need to follow the following steps in general;

• • Decide a business or market sector you are willing to talk about

• • Make a website of your own where you can share your unique ideas and content in form of images or text

• • Start posting high quality and unique content on your blog/website

• • You can share images, blogs/articles, or video content that must be  engaging and entertaining

• • Share your posted content on different social media platforms to grab attention from people and generate their interest in your blog

• Keep them entertained by posting regularly and interacting with the visitors

Once you have a considerable amount of visitors on your website, you can make money from it in a number of ways including;

• • Affiliate marketing

• • Google Adsense

• • Allowing other business to post their advertisement on your website  

• • If your blog is offering any kind of lectures or technical programmes, you can charge them for each lecture and make some money for you

• You can also charge business for promoting their products or services by addressing them in your content

These are some of the many ways you can make money online and can earn you a considerable amount of revenue while staying at your home.  Making money is not a tough thing to deal with, the world is not full of opportunities and you can make as much money as you want.

Selling Your Own Homemade Products Online:

Skills are not the only thing that can help you make money online. You can also sell products online and make money out of it while staying at home. Make your own virtual store.  If you have a budget, make the website to showcase all your products. If not, you can simply make a page on Facebook that will be free of cost and upload your products there. Share your page/products/profile, get orders, deliver customer for what they have demanded, and get rich earn while staying at home.

Also read: How to Manage your Expenses when you get Unemployed in Pakistan

You can make money online by selling homemade products like handmade jewellery, clothes, or by selling products online by using a simple and easy to deal with a Facebook page.  You can add products easily by using your cell phone based application and share the posted products to different groups or pages. You can also make an Instagram profile simply and sell your products there.

The rule remains the same as that of YouTube, the more friends or followers you will have the more you will have chances to make money through these profiles.

Khurram Zahid

The post 5 Absolute Legitimate Ways to Earn Money Online in Pakistan appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

However, in Pakistan, the concept of credit card is still in its early stages. People are accepting the concept and the facilities offered by the product and are thus getting themselves credit cards that suit their budgets and needs. From a job holder to a freelancer in Pakistan, all are now looking forward to having a credit card to help them in their hard financial times. However, the Pakistani community is still with limited knowledge on using a credit card. This is the reason why we have compiled a set of most needed information that is required to be kept handy, if you are a  first time credit card user, you will need to keep these points in your mind to ensure a secure use of the facility offered and not to fall in the black hole of debts.

Being a credit card user, below are the points that you may wish to have known in the first place, to use the credit card in a better way.

Understanding How a Credit Card Works:

First comes the understating about how this financial product works. In simple words, when you buy something with your credit card, you actually pay for it later. It is unlikely a debit card that immediately deducts money from your bank account. While buying with a credit card you actually owe to the bank rather than owing the store. The banks are the one that offers loans to the users for immediate use of the facility to pay them off later.

Thus the credit card will work for you in case you need to change your car tires now, but you are out of cash. With the help of a credit card, you can get things done when you need and pay for them later when you will have money in your pocket/account.

However, it is dangerous if you start buying more than what you can actually pay off.  Because no credit card will offer you the loan for more than one month which means that you will have to pay off the amount that you have lent from bank on monthly basis. If you are unable to do so, you will have to pay an additional amount in terms of interest or fee, apart from the actual amount that you have lent from bank.

Why You Must Have a Credit Card?

If you are good enough to stick to your budget and are able to secure a considerable amount in the name of savings, you may not need a credit card at all.

However, one good reason for having a credit card is that you need to build up a strong credit of financial profile. Although the credit score is not the only contributing factor to your financial profile, it does count much.

If you are looking forward to taking some bigger benefits or help from any financial service providing company in coming future, having a credit card with wisely used services can be of great help. You can use the credit card to make payments and then pay them off responsibly, and things will work magic for you. A good score will have an impact on the chances of getting a loan for your home or apply and get an auto loan successfully.

On the other hand credit card also offers a better level of security as compared to cash or debit card. For instance, if you lose your wallet, you can cancel the credit card easily and can dispute any charges that you didn’t make. But if you lost your cash, it is probably gone forever.

Expert Tips on Using Credit Card:

Here are some of the expert suggested tips to keep in mind while you are opting to use your first credit card wisely.

• The credit card issuing bank is lending you money for a specific time period and after that, you will have pay additional amount as an interest on the actual amount to be paid.
• Never tend to have more than one credit card at one time.  
• Based on how you are intended to use, try to keep the credit card limit as low as possible.
• When buy anything using your credit card, make sure to pay off the balance within a month. It will keep you safe from paying service charges and will also help you build a good credit record.
• Prefer to use a credit card only for emergencies focus on using a debit card, cheques and cash for making most of your payments.
• Never ever give your credit card to anyone else. Because the end, it is you who is responsible to pay off all the charges.
• Keep a proper track of where you used your credit card and how much amount you paid using it.
• Even if you are using the card for emergencies, make sure that it is in an active condition. You can do that by making small purchases in every 2 to 3 months. However, make sure you are paying off the balance before the due date
• Do not let your credit card spending cross 20% of your net income per month. Create a budget and stick to the plan.
• If you think or find that you are not able to handle your credit card wisely, it is better to get rid of it.

Using a credit card is a skill anyone can have, However, self-control is the key to use from a credit card. If you are able to keep a control on your spendings, you can use the credit card and can earn benefits.

Khurram Zahid

The post A Quick Guide for First Time Credit Card Users in Pakistan appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

For working women, in a country like Pakistan, the primary concern is travelling. With the surging prices of fuel, the fare of local transports keeps showing variables. At the same time the insecure public transportation and issues related to time etc. are of core concerns of ladies these days.

This is the reason why more and more females can be seen driving their cars and even bikes. They can now also is seen giving a pick and drop service to their kids and other family members, when and if needed. At the time when this freedom is a blessing to these ladies, they have to keep a check on some basics of driving safely, especially in Pakistan.

The traffic and conditions of roads in Pakistan are much different than what it is in other parts of the world. There are occasions that you will find no signal lights on the crossroads, or they will not be working correctly. Even if they do, you are not sure if the other person driving right behind you is considering the rules and regulations of driving or not.

In case of any mishap on the road, you can surely not blame the other person for the damage, even if they are on the fault. However, you can make sure that you are following the law and ensuring the safety of your car, family and yourself while driving the vehicle.  If you do not want to be guilty of any mishap on the road and want to ensure your safety on the road, here is a first crucial car driving safety tips for women drivers on Pakistani roads.

If you are keeping these tips with you while driving, you can protect yourself and avoid an encounter with any unwanted situation.

Mastering the parking Skills

While driving a car, the most apparent thing is stopping by or parking your vehicle. Unfortunately, this is also one of the biggest problem faced by women drivers. A large percentage of women drivers lack the basic skills of parking and usually scratch the car while parking.   Scientifically speaking, the reason for so is the poor space perception of females. Due to this inherent lack, women believe that they are at a fair distance from the other car or objects around, but they end up bumping into the things around.

The tip to avoid such an issue in practice. The more you practice, the more perfect you will become in your parking skills.

Rather than going shopping in the coming weekend, take your car and practice your parking skills. Move a little further from your neighbourhood and find some semi-empty or empty parking lot where you can practice in peace.  Take your time; un-park and then park your car as many time as you wish to do so. A reverse and parallel parking practice can be of great help in mastering your skills.

Just after few tries, you will find yourself standing at a better position.

Another thing that you can do is to have a parking sensor or a reverse camera in your car. It is a fantastic technology that can help you park your car safely without any assistance or scratch on it.

Shed Off the Fear

Fear is the biggest enemy of a  person. If you want to get success in anything, drop off the alarm, stop getting scared and start your journey to perfection and success. Remaining terrified while being behind the wheel can end up causing you a massive loss, financially and mentally.

Stay relax while driving. Even if you have done something wrong, accept that and apologize if necessary but do not quit driving. Who cares if you the person behind you is honking just because you didn’t move when the traffic light turned yellow? There would always be someone honking for no specific reason, learn to ignore people and keep moving on your track.

Surely, an ambulance is an exception!

Pay Attention to Surroundings

Being a driver, it is essential for you to keep your surroundings into consideration. You need to understand and admit the fact that you are not alone on the road and you have to keep a check on how the person ahead and behind you is driving. In case you have a rush driver in your surroundings, be careful.

This is the reason why it is strictly against the law to talk on the mobile while driving. You must also avoid activities like extra loud music and makeup on the red signals.

Keep your eyes on the road and pay attention to what is going on around you. Respect the rules of driving and traffic and obey the speed limit, if it is not a matter of life or death.

A good teacher and a handsome amount of practice can make you a good driver. Stop believing in myths, and you can perform better than a guy. Go slow and take your time to learn things, practice as much as you can and stay calm while driving and you will do the best.

Be Careful about your Dressing

Being a female driver in Pakistan, how you dress is of core importance. There is a minority of females wearing jeans and Tees, and they are all good to go with such a getup while driving as they will be facing no hurdles as that of managing their scarfs while driving.

But if you are a lady who wears traditional clothes like Shalwar Kameez with dupatta or Abaya, you need to be careful. Recommended would be to pin up your head scarfs accurately so that it can’t cover your face as the wind blow while driving. Also, better would be to pin your dupatta on the shoulder. If you are keen enough to cover yourself from head to toe, wear Abaya that is wholly pinned. It will cover you up all and keep you secure while driving.

Shoes are another significant aspect while driving. If you are not an expert driver, it would be better to avoid wearing a high heel of fancy shoes, instead prefer you sneakers or simple slippers while driving. You can change the pump while getting out of the car; it won’t hurt your style and will keep you secure at the same time.

Hair must also be adequately tied so that they won’t hurt your eyes and let you focus on your surroundings and driving and reach your destination safely. Females can be seen doing well in all fields of life.  There is no exception that women can be amazing drivers all they need to do is to place a little bit more efforts, focus and sheer determination and you can be one of those amazing female drivers that can be an inspiration for others.

Khurram Zahid

The post Car Driving Safety Tips for Women Drivers on Pakistani Roads appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

However, there is much more than time what you need to have in hand while planning a family trip. Without a considerable amount of money in your pocket, you can surely not consider, plan or execute the idea. For this reason, a better approach would be to start planning and saving ahead of time.  Here are some useful tips to keep effectively plan your next big family vacation.

Schedule Your Trip Wisely:

Enjoying a stress-free vacation is not just about earning extra money, saving and cutting down your costs, it also needs you to play smartly and plan wisely.  You need to review the date and time you are willing to go on vacation. Choose the time and place that can work in coordination your budget. For job holders, it is recommended to wait and apply for annual holidays which will save them from losing a part of their salaries in terms of paid annual leaves policies.

Not every vacation destination in the world comes with the same set of excitement and expenses.  Another critical factor that has an impact on the cost of vacation is the time of year when you are planning to go to the specific destination. For instance, if you are planning to go to Sydney, make sure there is no major festivals or celebrations planned on the dates you will be visiting there.

At the time when you are going on an off-season, it will save you money, you will also find time and ease of visiting the tourist spots with a lesser crowd and more chances of exploration.

An off-season trip to any destination of the world will also save you a lot of money regarding travel costs, the fare for a plane, costs for hotels and you may also find attractive packages or deals to save you some extra cash. Thus, planning your trip wisely, scheduling it while considering the peak festive seasons can help you have a better peaceful and entertaining time on vacations.

Finalize the Destinations:

The world is full of amusing wonders of nature and the artefacts showing the capabilities and creativities of mankind. You can not compare the pyramids of Egypt with the Sunset in Norway.

It means that no matter where you go for your upcoming family vacation, you will surely have something to enjoy. In this situation the core concern should remain about the budget you have in hand or you can manage. There can be certain unexpected events during the vacation and you need to keep a specific amount aside to help you deal with such an uncertain situation during your trip. With that consideration, you will then be left with a limited amount of money for necessary expenses for the trip.

It is essential to choose a destination wisely. A trip to Europe can surely be expensive as compared to a family trip to Dubai. It is you who has to decide which of the available options you are willing to avail. It would always be an excellent choice to plan a vacation to a destination that is in your budget.  

Budget Your Trip:

Once you are done with deciding the destination and the time of year you are willing to go for vacation, you will have a rough idea about the amount required for the trip.

The very first thing that experts recommend to do is to do a research.  Surely you will have the time to do that. During your research, you can consult your peer, friends or family and ask them for their recommendations and suggestions. Make a list of those suggestions and discuss with your family. Shortlist the available options and decide the one destination your family agrees on to have a trip to.

Once you have come up with a name, it is the time to look for what are the possible sites to explore, where you can stay during your trip and what would be your means of transportation, etc.  It is evident that you will find many offers, family vacation plans and other packages for a family vacation to your decided destinations. These packages are often economical and effective as the service provider will take care of all of your booking and other relevant issues.

However, make sure you are not scammed. If you are deciding to acquire a complete package you need to authenticate about the service provider before proceeding further.  

This entire drill of searching, shortlisting and finalizing will lead you to a precise number, a price that you will have to pay for the whole trip.

Start Saving:

The main thing that you will need for a big family trip would be to have enough money. To have sufficient cash in your hand, you need to have savings and if not it is the time to start saving. You can open a dedicated bank account to help you keep money aside. With a little restraint, you can put the saved money apart until the time for vacations come. You can also consider opening a saving account in a local bank and keep depositing money in that account. It will help you deal with responsibilities and save money at the same time.

For a trip like that, you must start saving almost a year ahead so that you are sure to reach the required number as the time arrives.

Cut Some Monthly Expenses:

Living your day to day life and saving for a big trip, with limited earning, can never be possible. Either you have to find an extra source of income, or you need to cut down your expenses to save money.

For this purpose, you may need to consider the food and other expenses that are common on a monthly basis. Cut down those expenses and shave a little off the top.  After a short time, you will realize that you have extra cash in your hand that you can secure for the future use. Such practice will also help you learn how to live a minimal life while fulfilling all the needs.

You can save money by buying grocery in sale and bulk, shopping with the help of discount coupons, etc. You can also cut your grocery bills in half by shopping for organic foods and avoiding luxury food items.

You can also consider cutting down the items that you do not need as a must to keep you healthy. Rather than going to a branded store to eat ice-cream, try finding some peaceful time with nature, sitting on a bench in the park and enjoying a cup of ice-cream over there.

Find Resources for Side Cash:

If you own a car and are generally using it for travelling to and from the office, while during your job hours it stays in the parking, makes it get you some additional income. You can use the car for Uber or Careem and hire a professional driver to take rides while you are busy with your job responsibilities.  Renting out your car while it is not used most of the time can be a good idea even if you are not planning for any significant event in your life.

At the same time when you are about to start your trip for a far of place and your car is supposed to be standing at home or the airport parking, why not utilize it in a way that can earn you some money.

Do a Side Job:

Aside or part-time job is something that can also support you in achieving your goal.  It is a sure thing that if you dream of something big, you need to work harder to get it.  So if you are looking forward to having a relaxing vacation, you need to make sure that you have paid for it in advance.

You can look outside your regular job and finds ways to earn money. Being in Pakistan, you can do some freelancing or can do overtime in your company if needed. If not, you can look for other part-time opportunities that are giving you some additional amount apart from your regular income.

Have a Credit Card:

As discussed previously, there can be any uncertain or unexpected expense that you may have to deal with, during the vacation. Or there can be chances that your young one’s wishes  to shop a lot of making another trip to a nearby place they heard of. In all scenarios, you will need some additional amount to fulfil their wishes.

To help you fulfil all the wishes of your family, you will surely need a  credit card. The core idea of a credit card is to leverage help from your financial service provider at times when you are short of funds. A credit card is not only meant to help you pay for big hospital bills, but you can also use them for shopping, entertainment, food, and other uses. With the help of a credit card, you can manage your financial matters during the trip, even if you do not have sufficient amount of money in the pocket.

Buy a Travel Insurance Before Flying:

Travelling is expensive and above it lies the cost of medical treatments abroad. With the changing atmosphere and surroundings, it is evident that any member of the family fell sick.  The illness can be, and the bills can be lengthy to manage with the in hand amount.

A smart and economical way to stay prepared and deal with any such situation is to buy a travel insurance policy before leaving. A comprehensive travel insurance policy offers a cover in case of any mishap that may occur to you or any members of your family. Right from theft to loss of documents, to a severe injury and medical treatment, a travel insurance policy offers financial support in all cases.

In other words, a travel insurance policy is a backup support document must carry with you before stepping onto the plane to enjoy your family trip to your decided destination.

Saving up for a big trip is not an easy thing but planning strategically will help you save a little more and bit faster. With these simple tips, you can have a better relaxed time with your loved one.  The more you will prepare beforehand for a big vacation, the more you will be able to enjoy with your family the trip. With the said tips you won’t have to worry about anything while being away from your home.

Khurram Zahid

The post How to Save Money for Your Next Big Family Vacation Trip? appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

Imports of used cars and minivans surged to 65,723 units in 2017, up almost 70 percent from 38,676 units a year ago, latest data released by the auto industry shows

It was one of the headlines of the Dawn News on January 26, 2018. At the time when Pakistan saw a massive revolution in both political and social arena, the year witnessed a lot of upsurge in the changing trends of ways people are living. At the time when there were changing preferences in buying properties, the Pakistanis were found to be more inclined to buy imported preferably Japanese cars rather than looking for local made.

According to a report published by the Import General Manifest (IGM), this year, about 75,723 cars were imported in Pakistan from around the globe and the most number of imported cars were from Japan. Despite the fact that the Government of Pakistan, added more tax on car import this year, an increase of about 70 % was witnessed, as said by the report. According to the survey report analysis, the topmost reason for the Pakistanis to encourage the use of Japanese cars is the latest technology and the comparatively economical price when they are asked about the locally made cars made in Pakistan.

Based on the survey report by the IGM, here are the top most appreciate imported cars in Pakistan that are bought and used in the current year.

1. Toyota Vitz

Toyota Vitz is basically a line of three-and five-door subcompact car initially manufactured in 1999 by a Japanese brand “Toyota”. This model has been appreciated by the people around the globe. From the first to third generation this car is being constantly appreciated by users. Toyota Vitz has a very broad international market and different countries are receiving the same vehicle under the Toyota Yaris name or Toyota Echo.

Since its very first import, this model has got massive popularity in Pakistan. Its elegant design, beautiful outlook and commendable road grip set it apart. Its mileage is one of the core reasons for its popularity which is due to the 996cc engine it has.

In countries like Pakistan where you can often get stuck in traffic jam and fuel prices are generally high, Vitz mileage (15-18 km/h (petrol) is good enough to to be in your budget. At the same time, the power steering adds more value to the model. Drivers have to put less effort to turn the steering wheel at any high speed which allows the drivers to enjoy the drive with sheer comfort. This model also comes in manual as well as an automatic gearbox.

Automatic gearbox makes the drive even more comfortable and effortless this is also thought to be a preferred choice for ladies. At the same time, the interior of a car is also of great importance, the high-quality leather stuffed with the most durable foam makes its interior super luxury. According to the IGM report in 2018, the import of Toyota Vitz has increased up to 40 % and 8,680 units have been imported to Pakistan.

2. Support Utility Vehicles (SUV)

These are a kind of estate cars with off-road vehicle attributes e.g. ground clearance and hardness. In the market, Sport Utility vehicles are available in four-wheel drive. These Station Wagon shaped vehicles are built on the light truck framework but work well as a family vehicle.

SUVs are designed to drive on rough and tough surfaces. More often than not, these are used on highway and city streets. In some countries ‘SUV’ has replaced the term like a jeep or Land Rovers. SUVs are built upright and tall. The high center of gravity makes its drive faster while marking it safe. The best quality interior packing and great seating position add worth in its comfort and luxury. These vehicles have the surprising towing capacity as that of a pickup truck with the passenger-carrying room of a large sedan. The less fuel consumption ability of this support utility vehicles is the main reason of the fame.

SUVs have prevailed in the market as well as the thoughts of the people by becoming the world’s largest automotive segment in 2015. According to the IGM report, the import of SUVs increased up to 69% and 7,758 units were imported to Pakistan this year (2018). The increasing demand for these vehicles has given a market another dimension and compelled countries to increase its imports.

3. Daihatsu Mira

With an increase of about 73% and about 6,051 units imported in the year 2018, the Daihatsu Mira is the most used and appreciated car in Pakistan. It is a kei-car type vehicle built by a great Japanese car maker.

The latest variant has four models e.g. MIRA, MIRA AVY, MIRA GINO and MIRA VAN. Mira has been the absolute choice of the customer. It is the latest successor to the line of cars began with a fellow of 1966. It was originally uncovered and introduced as a version of COURE.

The firm road grip at high speed distinguishes it from other cars available in the market. It comes in 850cc to the 1000cc front engine. The design is very elegant with a classy outlook. Power steering allows the driver to drive the car with ease and ultimate grip at the same time. The deep fuel tank and best fuel consumption capacity adds more worth to the model. The most luxurious interior and comfortable seating take you away from any trouble. The automatic gearbox is the most suitable and friendly for drivers.

4. Toyota Aqua

IGM publishes a report every year and this year, IGM published some wonderful stats. According to the report, 7,123 units have been imported to Pakistan which is means 56% import rate has improved. This is the biggest testimony of the unstoppable popularity of Toyota Aqua (Toyota Prius c).

Toyota Aqua is basically a new name of Toyota Prius C (c means city). Aqua is a Latin word used for water. It is full hybrid gasoline-electric subcompact hatchback produced and commercialized by Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan. The Toyota Aqua is the third member of the Prius family. It contains the merged features of Toyota Yaris sized car with a super hybrid powertrain.

Toyota Aqua’s price is comparatively lower than the conventional Prius and has a greater fuel economy as far as city driving. The beautiful style of the car is attracting the attention of the people speedily. Power steering, power windows, ABS, and economical mileage make it more special. It comes with a central lock system and super comfortable seating.

Beautiful body shape and high power engine shake hands with each other resulting in a great combination. The best existing foam covered with fine leather, make the drive extremely comfortable.

5. Suzuki Every

Suzuki Every is an advanced version of the Suzuki Carry. Suzuki Every is manufactured by the Japanese automaker Suzuki. The name was changed in 1982 from Suzuki Carry to Suzuki Every. This is actually a KEI-Car but the bigger version of this car Suzuki Every Plus had a long bonnet for safety issues. It had a large 1.3 LTR 86HP (63KW) four-cylinder Engine.

Suzuki Every has the engine power of 48HP @5700 RPM with EFI fuel (Petrol) system. It produces the torque of 62Nm @ 3500 RPM with sound value mechanism. The fuel consumption ability discriminates it from other vehicles as it has 19KM/LITER mileage average in the city while 21KM/LITER on the highway. High-level road grip and comfortable interior are its plus points. With the automatic gear transmission, it releases half of the problems for the driver. It comes with five doors and five-person seating capacity. The fuel tank is not the little one; 37 Liter fuel capacity and awesome mileage join to form a great combination. Its best power steering guarantees you the smooth and comfortable drive.

IGM gave some astonishing facts about Suzuki Every this year. In 2018 14.6 % import rate has increased and 5088 units imported to Pakistan. Suzuki Every is used the most in Pakistan. With high capacity and more seating, it has become the first choice of the people.

Khurram Zahid

The post Top 5 Most Popular Imported Used Cars in Pakistan in 2018 appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

Eid-ul-Adha is an occasion where millions of Muslims are at Makkah performing Hajj while the remaining are all set for the religious sacrifice of animals, in the name of Allah.

Following the great sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, each year on Eid-ul-Adha, and the Muslims slaughter animals in the name of Allah.

In Pakistan, we are ready for sacrifices to show willingness and acceptance of scarifying made by Prophet Ibrahim and his beloved son Hazrat Ismail as an act of submission to the Almighty Allah’s command.

According to Islamic rituals, the meat of the sacrificed animal is divided into 3 equal sections. This sectioned meat is then shared into different sets of Muslims in the community saying as; The Poor, relative or neighbors and family. With the immense importance of sharing with the community and those who are less blessed, Eid-ul-Adha also brings endless opportunities to sit with friends and family and enjoy delicious food items while sharing wonderful memories on the dining table.

To help you, we have compiled a list of most demanded and delicious food items that you can cook this Eid-ul-Adha to entertain your guest with finger licking menu.

1. Mutton Mandi

This recipe is known for the soft and tender meat served with aromatic rice. The dish is originally from Yemen but the taste and recipe gained immense popularity and appreciation in all parts of the globe. The term MANDI comes from an Arabic word “NADA” which means refreshing and dewy because of the texture of the dish.

The unique reason you must try this recipe this Eid-ul-Adha is that it is cooked in a clay oven (tandoor) which gives it a unique taste that you cannot try in any other dish. However, you can still try Mutton Mandi with regular stove/oven if clay oven is not available.

2. Kashmiri Pulao

Who does not love pulao in Pakistan? But Kashmiri pulao is something one must not ignore this Eid-ul-Adha. It can be cooked both in mutton and beef. It is an appetizingly aromatic rice-based dish that is believed to be the forerunner of Biryani. The history of this recipe is dated back to about 4000 years.

The Kashmiri Pulao is cooked with rice in a seasoned mutton/beef broth that gives it a unique aroma. This dish is famous all over the sub-continent and people love eating it every single time they are gathered with their loved one and willing to have some amazing and memorable experience., making it a perfect item to cook on this eid.

3. Paya

If you are a resident of Lahore or you have ever been to Lahore you must have had the idea that Siri Paya is one of the most loved breakfast items. It is a must to have on special occasions or treat a special guest. The amazing taste can be the reason for if you have slaughtered an animal at your home you must give it a try. It is a sticky slimy yet yummy recipe made of the lower parts of the legs of the animal. Well known and loved in Asia especially in Pakistan, Afghanistan etc. This recipe can be served both with plain boiled rice and Naan. Which mean that you can add variety to taste and additional eatery options on your dining table this Eid-ul-Adha with mutton/beef paya.

4. Kunna

To food lovers, Kunna is surely not a new word. It comes from the cultural richness and colourful province of Punjab. This recipe is loaded with the fullness of meat and will make you wish for it again and again. The recipe is named for the “Clay Pot” in which it is cooked. This dish is believed to be rooted with the Chiniot city of Pakistan but is well known and famous in all over the country. If you are thinking to make this recipe on their Eid-ul-Adha to entertain your guests, you must also get ready to order some fresh Naan to let them enjoy the real taste of it.

5. Black Pepper Karahi

Karahi is always loved by Pakistanis. It is a meekly spiced meat based recipe that is inspired by the cooking style of Balochistan, Pakistan. The unique feature of Black pepper Karahi is that it is made only with black pepper and salt. No other spice is added to it however you can use green chili for garnishing purpose. It is a perfect recipe for those who are not fond of spice yet love to eat. You can also consider a rich amount of yogurt to add a mushy or creamy texture to it.

Only a day left to serve your guests with these amazing dishes and make them feel delightful and content while they are leaving your home. These are easy to cook and appreciated dishes that you must try this Eid-ul-Adha

Khurram Zahid

The post 5 Yummy Meat Dishes You Must Try This Eid-ul-Adha appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

Here are some tips that you can carry in your daily life to become a smart spender and to use the given services smartly and economically.

Use discount coupons wisely:  

Coupons can be a great idea to save money but it is important to make sure that you are not using coupons to buy unnecessary items just because you can save a few rupees. For instance, if you are using a coupon to buy a bulk pack of cosmetics that you have never tried, you may get stuck with a product that sooner or later would be wasted if you didn’t like it. So try to use coupons for the items that you are sure about or you use them on regular basis. With intelligent use of coupons, you can surely save yourself a handsome amount of money. You can also take help of social media pages of the companies that are offering discount packages or can help you use your coupons to shop grocery for you. It will help you to stay up to date with the latest deals in town and will help you take maximum advantage of it.

Cell phone plan and use:

Cell phone a basic necessity of every person on this date and with a cell phone you can surely stay connected with your peers. However, with its extreme importance, it is also something that takes much of your monthly earnings. To aid the users the cell phone companies keep offering short and long-run plans for the users. You need to check if your cell phone package matches your needs or not. If you are paying for an unlimited data and not using it, it’s the time to shift your package. Also, check for your sms, data and call usage and buy a package accordingly.

Washing your car on your own:

There is no big deal in doing your own chores. Dealing with small activities at home like cleaning the garden or washing your car, will not only save you some money but also give you better health and some fun time with family if you get your kids involved with you for a car wash.

All that you need would be a bucket, soap and some old rags and you are all set for the amazing family adventure right in your garage. Although going to a car washer can be easier and quicker but it will also cost you a lot of money. Save that money for any better use.

Wearing clothes wisely:

Wear your clothes for at least 2 to 3 times before washing them or sending them to dry cleaner. We do understand that wearing Lawn suits twice, in the hot weather of Pakistan, is not a good idea but what about those jeans and jackets? What about your dress pants and suits? Washing them every now and they will tear them up quickly. The color will fade fast and it will surely lose the grace quickly.  

There is nothing bad in hanging these clothes again for a second use. It will save your dress from wear and tear, time of ironing them again and again, and the costs of washing or dry cleaning them every week or so. It will also help you keep your wardrobe look nice for the longer period of time and allow your favorite dress to make you look good for longer.

Pay bills and credit card payment on time:

This is a key to staying secure financially. Never delay your bills and credit card payments as just one small delay can end up making you pay hundreds of rupee in terms of late fee and other surcharges etc. Paying your bills on time not only make you punctual and teach you finance management but also impact greatly on your savings.

With the timely payment of bills and credit card can make you save the extra money in your safe deposit. On the other hand, late payments for the credit card will have a negative impact on your portfolio which will end up restrictions on many facilities that you could have availed if you had maintained a good portfolio.

Smart shopping with credit cards:

Having a credit card to be used in emergency and paying the credit card bill is not the only thing that you can deal with. A credit card brings you an unlimited amount of opportunities in life. Before you opt to buy a warranties item like any Mobile phone or LED TV, check your credit card. It is possible that the credit card you own offers an extension of the manufacturer’s warranty on items that you buy using the card. Although there can be few cards that can offer you such services, it’s worth doing research before making any such purchase.

Be careful about speeding on the road:

Yes! You need to slow down. It will save your life and a lot of money that you may need to give to doctors in case of any unpleasant incident, or the police may get you and charge you with a considerable amount of fine.

If you need to be somewhere at a specific time, let say a meeting or an interview, better is to set up the alarm and make sure that you are giving yourself some clear time gaps to cope with an uncertain situation. This small change in your attitude towards settling up things will not only save you some money but will also leave you with some better-settled rules for life.

No more smoking!

No, we are surely not up to give you some health advice but yes, quitting smoking will give you some financial benefits as well. We completely agree if you are not scared of cancer or you have some amazing health insurance policy to help you in any such case, but what about the impact of cigarettes on your pocket. Each pack of cigarettes costs an average of about PKR 100, which means that if you are smoking 3 packets in a week it makes 12 packets per month that cost PKR 1,200 and almost PKR 15, 000 per year. This amount is just for sustaining a bad habit that will surely lead you to bad situations as you get older. Remember in such cases, the physical cost is much more than the financial costs.

Become a handyman:

No need to become a jack of all trades but there are many small wears and tear that you can repair at your home or in the office with lesser knowledge about the issue. With the changing technologies, YouTube is also a great option to educate yourself to deal with these minor repairing tasks at your home. You can also find many books in the market about different How-To tips. Change your approach of calling experts every single time you need some help, Try to be your own boss.

Sticking to the budget:

There are hundreds of budget management applications that you can have right on your smartphone. Making yourself a budget is always the first step to save money.  However sticking to the decided budget is a tough task for many people, especially when they have an excessive money in hand. No matter how much excitement and fund you can have with that amount in hand, sticking to your budget is very important for you to stay independent and secure financially.

Here important is to write down your budget. No matter how much concerned and keen you are to stick to your budget, important is to take notes of everything that you have spent on and what was your budget demand.

Staying organized and advance planning are two major things to ensure and economical lifestyle. Planning in advance will not only let you find and avail amazing discount offers and other opportunities but will also help you keep a check and align other activities in your life, leading you to financial peace and stability.

Khurram Zahid

The post How to Live a Penny Pincher Life and Save Huge Money? appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.