Fancy a Quick Buck?

I don't usually give advice to people on how to get rich quick. Never believe in earning fast cash and don't encourage people to jump into those "short-cut way to rich and famous" bandwagon.

However, in view of recent price hike in petrol, toll, transportation etc., one can't help but to find out how to earn a few extra Ringgit to cover some of these expenditures. I would like to share some of the "tips" based on some casual office talks that you may find interesting:

Disclaimer: The following excerpts were based on words of mouth and comments from people not professionally trained as financial planner/adviser. The author will not be liable to any form of damages either financially or physically (both mentally or bodily).

1. Stock market

• The market sentiment is currently mixed with special interest in certain sectors/industries such as Plantations, Infrastructure, Automotive and some haram (non-Halal or Kosher) businesses.
• Palm oil related: IOI and Golden Hope share prices have been on the climb since 8 months ago. The next big hype about palm oil related industries is the potential plans to build mega plants to convert palm oil to diesel. When that happens, you can rest assure that those related counters' quote will be moving at rocket prices.
• Automobile industry: Most people have missed the mega one-day jump of near 70-80 cents on Proton. The profit taking is currently bringing the counter back to earth. All eyes are now on the outcome of getting the 'right' CEO and also the future development of the Approved Permits. Nevertheless, both Proton and Hicom are counters to watch in the coming months.
• Banking stock: Safest bet (if you have the cash and patient). Public Bank and Maybank are currently quite expensive but expected to go down slightly in the next 2 months. When it hits a 5 months low, it is time to do some bargain hunting. The key is to hold for at least 6-9 months with close supervision of NPL statuses for both.
• Leisure and services: Genting and Resorts are both at the "hold" state due to the pending results of the two gaming (a.k.a. gambling/casino) licences to be awarded by the Singapore government. Analysts' prediction was that Genting is likely to secure one of the concessions because of various reasons that include the close tie with Star Cruise which can potentially bring in the bulk of the selective gaming customers from the region.
• Other stock to watch include: Maxis, Astro (and Tanjong - as long as they belong to Ananda Krishnan, they can't be that bad), AirAsia and surprisingly Plus. Plus is kind of predicted as analysts and consultants already "calculated" their projected new revenue stream and potential future income 5 years in advance.

2. EPF

• Rather than putting your hard earn money into the bank and get like miserable 3%-4% per annum from Fixed Deposit. Consider setting up your own company and start contributing to your EPF account. At least, you will be getting a 6% or higher (hopefully it stays there or better) interest although you are not likely to take it out so easily.

3. Selling contents over Internet or Mobile

• Instead of lying on the sofa and watch TV every night after work, why not think about a way to create some clever and easy-to-catch-on contents to be downloaded from the Internet or Mobile download sites. You will be rewarded handsomely even if you charge RM 1.00 for each download. I have a friend whom has written a small Java program to "blank out" the Palm's screen but he advertised it as "Palm Mirror" but charging US$ 1.00 per download. He has advertised it in some US sites as well as Malaysia, Singapore etc. His average monthly income from that download business is approximately RM 20K in 2003.
• If you have a pretty face or nice body figure...uhhmmm...there are still many suckers out there whom are willing to pay RM1 or RM2 to download your picture(s)...how spicy are the pictures is entirely up to you....you may even wear a mask if you like. OK OK...cut the crap...it's porn and that is the biggest money earner on the Net or Mobile contents download. The unfair truth is that only certain gender has the advantage in that area but not the male species (or should I say less popular).

4. Getting Internet Click-Money

• Google Adsense, Spedia, etc. etc. so many of them these days. Seem like easy money but you do need to pay attention on getting something really attracting the public eyes.

That's all for now folks! Please make sure you still maintain a permanent job unless you have hit the jackpot from either of the above trade. Drop me a line if you have been successful so that I will also give it a try....change sex if need be.