Saving Smart: Money Saving Tips In Pakistan

In today's economic climate, saving money is more important than ever. Whether you're planning for a secure future, a major purchase, or simply want to improve your financial well-being, this guide provides practical strategies to help you save money effectively in Pakistan.

1. Budgeting: The Foundation of Saving

·         Track Your Expenses: Start by meticulously tracking where your money goes. Use a notebook, a spreadsheet, or a budgeting app to record every expense, no matter how small.

·         Create a Realistic Budget: Once you understand your spending habits, create a budget that allocates your income to essential expenses (housing, food, transportation), savings goals, and discretionary spending.

·         Prioritize Needs vs. Wants: Differentiate between essential needs and non-essential wants. Identify areas where you can cut back on discretionary spending.

·         The 50/30/20 Rule: A popular budgeting guideline suggests allocating 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and debt repayment. Adjust this rule to fit your individual circumstances.

2. Reducing Housing Costs

·         Downsize: If possible, consider moving to a smaller home or apartment to reduce rent or mortgage payments.

·         Refinance Your Mortgage: If you own a home, explore refinancing options to potentially lower your interest rate and monthly payments.

·         Conserve Energy: Reduce your utility bills by using energy-efficient appliances, turning off lights when leaving a room, and using fans instead of air conditioning when possible.

·         Negotiate Rent: When your lease is up for renewal, negotiate with your landlord for a lower rent, especially if you've been a reliable tenant.

3. Smart Grocery Shopping

·         Plan Your Meals: Before heading to the grocery store, plan your meals for the week and create a shopping list. This will help you avoid impulse purchases.

·         Compare Prices: Compare prices at different grocery stores and opt for the most affordable options.

·         Buy in Bulk: Purchase non-perishable items in bulk to save money in the long run (provided you have adequate storage space).

·         Reduce Food Waste: Minimize food waste by properly storing food, using leftovers creatively, and avoiding buying excessive amounts of perishable items.

4. Transportation Savings

·         Use Public Transportation: Opt for public transportation (buses, trains, etc.) instead of driving your car to save on fuel, parking, and maintenance costs.

·         Carpool: Share rides with colleagues or neighbors to reduce individual transportation expenses.

·         Walk or Cycle: For short distances, walk or cycle instead of driving. This is not only cost-effective but also beneficial for your health.

·         Maintain Your Vehicle: Keep your car in good condition with regular maintenance to prevent costly repairs.

5. Managing Debt

·         Prioritize High-Interest Debt: Focus on paying off high-interest debts (credit cards, personal loans) as quickly as possible to minimize interest charges.

·         Debt Consolidation: Consider consolidating your debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate.

·         Avoid Unnecessary Debt: Be mindful of taking on new debt. Avoid impulse purchases and think carefully before using credit cards.

6. Savings and Investments

·         Open a Savings Account: Deposit a portion of your income into a savings account regularly.

·         Explore Investment Options: Consider investing in government bonds, mutual funds, or stocks to grow your savings over time. Seek advice from a financial advisor to determine the best investment options for your risk tolerance and financial goals.

·         Take Advantage of Employer Benefits: If your employer offers retirement plans or other savings programs, take full advantage of them.

7. Reducing Entertainment Costs

·         Seek Free Entertainment: Take advantage of free activities in your community, such as parks, museums, and community events.

·         Limit Eating Out: Reduce the frequency of eating out at restaurants. Prepare meals at home instead.

·         Explore Affordable Entertainment Options: Look for discounts on movie tickets, concerts, and other entertainment activities.

8. Additional Tips for Saving Money in Pakistan

·         Negotiate Prices: Don't hesitate to negotiate prices when shopping at local markets or bazaars.

·         Buy Secondhand Items: Consider buying used clothing, furniture, or electronics to save money.

·         Take Advantage of Discounts and Sales: Keep an eye out for discounts, sales, and promotions at local stores.

·         Review Your Insurance Policies: Shop around for better rates on your insurance policies (car, health, etc.).

Conclusion

Saving money requires discipline, planning, and a willingness to make lifestyle adjustments. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can take control of your finances, achieve your savings goals, and build a more secure financial future in Pakistan.

 

Breeze through Toll Plazas: Your Guide to Getting an M-Tag in Pakistan

Tired of waiting in long lines at toll plazas across Pakistan? The M-Tag offers a convenient solution for automated toll payments, saving you time and hassle on your journeys. This article will guide you through the process of acquiring an M-Tag, so you can experience smoother travels on Pakistan's motorways and highways.

What is an M-Tag?

The M-Tag is a Radio-Frequency Identification tag affixed to your vehicle's windshield. This tag is linked to a prepaid account, and as your vehicle passes through an M-Tag enabled toll booth, the toll amount is automatically deducted from your account. This eliminates the need to stop and pay cash, significantly reducing travel time.

Benefits of Using an M-Tag

·         Time-Saving: Bypass long queues at toll plazas.

·         Convenience: No need to carry cash for toll payments.

·         Reduced Congestion: Contributes to smoother traffic flow.

·         Discounts: Often offers discounted toll rates compared to cash payments (subject to specific routes and promotions).

·         Digital Record: Easy tracking of toll transactions for expense management.

Steps to Get Your M-Tag

Here's a step-by-step guide to acquiring an M-Tag:

1.      Visit an M-Tag Registration Center:

o    M-Tag registration centers are typically located at or near major toll plazas on motorways and highways. Look for designated booths or signage.

o    Many banks and customer service centers also offer M-Tag registration services. Check with your local banks or search online for authorized registration points in your city.

2.      Required Documents:

o    Original and a copy of your Computerized National Identity Card.

o    Original and a copy of your vehicle registration book (for cars) or smart card.

3.      Application Process:

o    Fill out the M-Tag application form, available at the registration center.

o    Submit the required documents along with the completed application form.

4.      Initial Recharge:

o    You will need to recharge your M-Tag account with a minimum balance. The amount may vary, so check with the registration center for the current minimum recharge amount.

o    Payment can usually be made in cash or through debit/credit card.

5.      Tag Installation:

o    Once your application is processed and your account is recharged, the M-Tag will be issued to you.

o    A trained representative will install the M-Tag on your vehicle's windshield, usually on the top center or top corner of the windshield.

Recharge Your M-Tag Account

Keeping your M-Tag account sufficiently recharged is crucial for uninterrupted travel. Here are common methods for recharging:

·         Online Portals: Many M-Tag service providers have online portals or mobile apps where you can recharge your account using a credit/debit card or online banking.

·         Mobile Wallets: Recharge your M-Tag through popular mobile wallets like EasyPaisa, JazzCash, etc.

·         Designated Recharge Points: Recharge your M-Tag at designated recharge points located at toll plazas, petrol stations, and other convenient locations.

·         Bank Branches/ATMs: Some banks offer M-Tag recharge facilities through their branches or ATMs.

Important Tips

·         Check M-Tag Balance Regularly: Monitor your M-Tag balance to ensure you have sufficient funds before traveling.

·         Drive Carefully Through M-Tag Lanes: Maintain a safe speed while passing through M-Tag lanes.

·         Report Lost or Damaged M-Tags: If your M-Tag is lost or damaged, immediately report it to the issuing authority to prevent misuse.

·         Keep Your Contact Information Updated: Ensure your contact information (phone number, address) is updated with the M-Tag service provider to receive timely notifications and updates.

By following these steps, you can easily acquire an M-Tag and enjoy a smoother, more convenient travel experience on Pakistan's motorways and highways. Enjoy the ride!

Lost Your Number? A Simple Guide to Finding Your Number on Any Pakistani Network

We've all been there. You're filling out a form, trying to give someone your number, or just generally need to know it, and suddenly your mind goes blank. Don't worry; it happens! Finding your own mobile number in Pakistan is usually a quick and easy process, no matter which network you're on. Here's a simple guide to help you out:

Why This Happens (and Why It's Okay)

Before we dive into the "how-to," let's acknowledge the "why." In today's world, we rely so heavily on our phones that we often don't memorize the basics, like our own numbers! Plus, with dual-SIM phones being so common, it's easy to lose track of which number is which. So, don't beat yourself up about it.

The Universal Method: Call a Friend

Let's start with the simplest method, which works regardless of your network:

• Borrow a friend's phone:.
• Dial their number: Your number will appear on their screen.
• Write it down: Problem solved!

This method is foolproof and requires no special codes or settings.

Network-Specific Codes: The Quick Fixes

Each mobile network in Pakistan offers a USSD code that you can dial to display your number on your phone screen. Here's a breakdown:

• Jazz (formerly Mobilink): Dial *99# and press the call button.
• Zong: Dial *8# or *100# and press the call button.
• Telenor: Dial *7788# and press the call button.
• Ufone: Dial *6611# or *1# and press the call button.

After dialing the code, your number should appear in a pop-up message on your screen.

Checking Your Phone's Settings: The Built-In Option

Many smartphones display your own phone number within the settings menu. The exact location may vary depending on your phone's operating system and manufacturer, but here are some general guidelines:

• Android: Go to Settings > About phone > Status > My phone number (or SIM status).
• iOS (iPhone): Go to Settings > Phone > My Number.

If your number isn't displayed, it might be because it hasn't been saved to your SIM card.

A Few Extra Tips

• Save your number in your contacts: Once you've found your number, save it as "My Number" or something similar in your phone's contacts. This way, you can easily find it whenever you need it.
• Keep a written copy: Consider writing your number down in a safe place, like your wallet or address book. This can be helpful in situations where you don't have access to your phone.

 

How To Pay Credit Card Bill Through MCB Bank Credit Card Online?

Credit Card is one of the most innovative and demanding product in banking, Most Self-employed and Salaried individuals enjoy the amazing features of this product. Credit card gives you Credit limit and ease to pay latter. Mostly people pays the bill of credit card through Cash or from bank account funds transfer, but do you know you can also pay your credit card bill through other credit card? Yes, you can pay your Any bank credit card bill through MCB Bank Credit Card Online. 

If you are MCB Account Holder and holding MCB Credit Card, You can pay your other bank Credit Card Bill in just few taps. So Lets learn the complete payment process of  How To Pay Credit Card Bill Through MCB Bank Credit Card Online.

STEP 1:-

Download MCB Live Application, and get yourself Register.

STEP 2:-

Start your application, Login with your secret credentials, Tap on Bill Payment Option.

Tap On Bill Payment Option

STEP 3:-

In Bill payment option, Tap on Three small circles showing below, And Select Add Biller

Add Biller

STEP 4:-

In Add Biller Option, Select the Category, 1 Bill

Select 1 Bill Category

STEP 5:-

Select Biller Name, 1 Bill Other Bank Credit Card

Select 1Bill Other Bank Credit Card

STEP 6:-

Input The Other Bank Credit Card Number and Tap on Validate Button

Input The Other Bank Credit Card Number and Tap on Validate Button

STEP 7:-

After Successfully Adding Biller (Your Other Bank Credit Card), Now Again go to Bill Payment option, and find your Credit Card in 1 Bill Category, And Tap on Pay button.

Tap On Pay Button in Bill Payment Option

STEP 8:-

Now you are ready to pay your other bank credit card bill through MCB Bank Credit Card, In this Step you need to select Credit Card In Payment Type, And Proceed Payment.

Select Credit Cards Option In Payment Type

Make sure to pay your credit card bills on time, Non compliance/Payment may create adverse impact on your ECIB Report. 

How To Clean a Fish Tank?

Cleaning a fish tank is very much important for your fish health, and you can clean your Fish Tank at your Home Easily, It takes Up to 2 hours to Clean it depends on the size of your tank. there is no any rule of thumb to clean fish aquarium. So if you are Beginner and wants to clean your  fish tank this is the right place to learn.

When I bought my 1st Fish aquarium, I remember that in one month my fish tank became dirty, i call the shopkeeper from where i bought it, he said Clean your Fish Tank, well i searched on internet regarding how to clean fish tank and believe me i found more than thousand articles and videos regarding this, some professionals were saying empty your fish tank by 60% and clean it without removing fish from tank, and some professionals were recommending for completed detailed cleaning of Fish Tank, So i select the option of detailed cleaning of fish tank.

Now the big question for me is that how to remove fishes from tank and where to put fish when cleaning the tank. I went to market and buy a Fish Net and small size Bucket and Shift the fishes from Tank to Bucket using Fish Net. It was easy but be careful because when you bring fishes out from tank they may jump into the floor so be careful.

Fish Net Used For Removing/Shifting Fishes From Tank/Aquarium 

Medium Size Plastic Bucket Used For Temporarily 

Now the Main process starts from here....

Wear Hand Gloves:-

Your safety is first, before starting the cleaning process you need to wear Hand Gloves in order keep your self away from germs and bacteria because your fish tank is full of bacteria when it become dirty specially .

Remove/Unplug All Electrical Wires:-

The Most Remove all the Electricals Wires that are connected with Heater, Light, Filter, Air pump Etc.

Remove All Accessories From Tank:-

Now its time to remove all the accessories one by one carefully i.e Heater, Tube light, Filter, Air Pump, Plants, Artificial Plants, Artificial Fishes, Aquarium big rocks, remove all objects that are inside of your aquarium and place it on one side.

Remove Water From Fish Tank:-

Be careful while draining/removing water from Fish tank, there are multiple ways to remove water, but my suggestion is if you tank is not too much big, use small buckets to remove water, and if your tank size if big then use drain pipe for removing water. whatever method you use, but don't waste the tank water, use dirty water for your plants because this water may play the role of fertilizer.

Remove and Clean Stone/Rocks

Now Remove all the Stones/Rocks From Bottom of the fish tank, and put stone/rocks in separate bucket, And Start Cleaning the Stone/Rocks With Hot/Warm Water. Do not use any Chemical for cleaning the Stone/Rocks. Always try to clean Stone/Rocks with Clean Hot Water.

Clean Empty Fish Tank With Hot Water:-

Now Clean the Empty Fish Tank With Hot Water, and use scrub pad while cleaning the Tank. and make sure to clean it properly.

Cleaning Fish Tank With Scrub Pad 

Clean All The Accessories of Fish Tank:-

Cleaning the Accessories of fish tank is also very important part, So From Filter to Artificial Plant you need to clean it with the help of Hot water. Make sure to clean the Filter properly.

Clean All The Accessories of Fish Tank

Put Stone/Rocks, Accessories back to Fish Tank:-

Now its time to Install back all the stone/rocks along with accessories i,e Heater, Tube light, Filter, Air Pump, Plants, Artificial Plants, Artificial Fishes, Aquarium big rocks.

Now Our Fish Tank/Aquarium is Cleaned

Put Stone/Rocks, Accessories back to Fish Tank

Fill the Clean Tank With Clean Water:-

Now Fill the tank with clean water. Make sure your water is clean, my suggestion is to fill the tank with drinking water, Be careful regarding the temperature of water, Normal temperature water is good for you fish.

Put the Fishes Back:-

Here you go, your Fish Tank is clean now and it is good for your fishes, now it is time to put back all the fishes from bucket to tank, with the help of Fish Net. And start the filter and Air pump for keep the water clean and oxygenated/Enriched with Oxygen.  

Process Of Cleaning Fish Tank/Aquarium Complete, Your Beautiful Fish Aquarium is ready for your beautiful and healthy Fishes

This is the process of detailed cleaning process of Fish tank/Aquarium. which must be done after 3-4 month. apart from this make habit of cleaning the filter twice in a month in this way your fishes will remain happy and healthy.   

How To Pay PTCL Bill Online Through Debit Card / Credit Card?

You can pay your PTCL Bill Online Through Multiple Modes, Just Like you can pay it through Mobile Application or Directly Through PTCL Website, Today We will learn how to Pay PTCL Bill Online Through Debit Card / Credit Card Without Any Commission Charges and you can use your any bank Debit Card / Credit Card I.e HBL , UBL , Faysal Bank Limited, Bank Al Habib, Al Baraka Bank, Askari Bank, Bank Alfalah, Bank Islami, ABL, First Women Bank, SCB, JS Bank, MCB, Naional Bank, Meezan Bank, Every Bank Debit Card/ Credit Card Is Acceptable For Paying PTCL Bill Online Directly Through PTCL Official Website. So Lets Learn How To Pay.

Step 1

In First Step you both option, Directly Logon To "www.ptcl.com.pk" , Or You can Search Website of PTCL by Googling for PTCL,

Google Search For PTCL Website

Step 2

As you are on main page of PTCL Web portal, Now in This Step you have to click on "Bill Payment Options, As Given In Below Attached tutorial Picture.

Click On Bill Payment Options

Step 3

As we already discussed earlier that PTCL is providing Multiple modes/ Medium, So as you Click On Bill Payment options, PTCL website will show you all the Possible ways to pay PTCL Bill Online as well as offline, I.e Through Online Your can Pay Your PTCL Bill Through PTCL TouchApp (Android), PTCL TouchApp (IOS), PTCL Website. As our objective is to learn how to pay PTCL Bill Online From PTCL Website, So In This Step You have to click on PTCL Website 

Click On PTCL Website

Step 4

As you click On PTCL Website, It will show all the PTCL Products For Bill Payment, I.e PTCL Landline/VFone Postpaid. Charji/EVO/Vfone/PGL/OTT Prepaid. Charji/ Evo Postpaid. Telephone  Internail Setup Carhes. Ufone. So You can pay bill any of the mentioned Product Online Through your Debit Card / Credit Card Online. In This Step Click On PTCL Landline/ Vfone Postpaid.

Click On PTCL Landline / Vfone Postpaid

Step 5

In this Step, Simply you need to Select your Area Code and Enter Your PTCL Number without Area Code, and Click on Inquire Bill Button.

Enter Your PTCL Landline Number

Step 6

In This step, You need have to click on Pay Bill, As you click On Pay Bill, PTCL Web Portal will ask you Login credentials if you are not registered on PTCL Website then you need to register your self in PTCL web portal. after Successfully entering your Credentials, PTCL web portal will require your Debit Card / Credit Card Information, I.e Your Debit Card / Credit Card Number, Name On Your Debit Card / Credit Card, Expiry Date of Your Debit Card / Credit Card, CVV Number of Your Debit Card / Credit Card.

After Completing All the easy steps, PTCL Web portal will provide you reference number on your email address that your PTCL will has been successfully paid.

How To Get Registered In STS (SIBA Testing Services)

STS (SIBA Testing Services) is established by Sukkur IBA University, For conducting the test for Admission and Hiring (Recruitment). So many of students and job aspirants always thinking that how to get registered in STS. So Today Through this informative article you will know and able to register your self in STS for Multiple Job Vacancies and Admission.

Lets learn how get registered in STS( SIBA Testing Services) Step By Step.

STEP 1

In Step 1, you have both options, you may use google search engine by writing "STS" or you may direct visit the Website of STS, Which is http://www.sts.net.pk/

STS (SIBA Testing Services) Search Engine Result, Click On STS Website

STEP 2

After Opening the Web Portal of STS, Click On Open Vacancies.

Click On Open Vacancies

STEP 3

As you click on Open Vacancies, a new window will be open, Now click On "Create An Account"

 

 Click On Create An Account

STEP 4

Now In this step you have to fill the information as per your CNIC, You have to fill the field of Full Name as per CNIC, Enter your CNIC Number, Enter Your Valid Mobile Number, and finally You have to enter your valid email address, And Click On Send OTP Code.

As you click on Send OTP Code, you will receive OTP code on your mobile phone which you have entered earlier. Now enter your OTP Code in required field. After this you will receive your password on your mobile phone.   

Fill the Required Field and Send OTP Code On Mobile Number, Enter OTP Code which is Received On Mobile Number. And You will Get Your Login Password. 

   STEP 5

Here you Go, You have successfully Registered in STS (SIBA Testing Services), Enter Your CNIC Number and Enter Your Password Which you have received From Mobile Number, And Click On Login.

    

How To Factory Reset The Inverex UPS Nitrox Series

Do you want to factory reset / factory defaults the settings of your inverex UPS Nitrox series, Please follow below simple steps and you will successfully perform your task of factory reset.

This is my Inverex UPS Nitrox Series 5KW.

Let's factory reset of the gadget. 

Touch on Settings option encircled above.

Touch on Basic Settings, Encircled Above. 

Check the Factory Reset bar, for Factory Reset.

In last touch on done option.

Here we go, you have successfully done the Factory Reset,  It takes around 15 to 30 secs in Factory Reset. 

How To Turn Off The Beeping Noise of Inverex Ups Nitrox Series

Beeping sound of any UPS is always disturbing, but don't worry if you have inverex nitrox series UPS you can easily mute your UPS from all kind of faults, I.e low battery, frequency error etc.

To turn off / disable the beeping of your UPS you have to follow below easy steps.

In my case iam using Inverex Nitrox Series 5 KW SP Hybrid. 

So this is my Inverex Nitrox Series 5 KW SP Hybrid, Now let's mute it from beeping. 

First thin first you have to go to your settings option by touching on settings option which I have circled for you in above picture. 

Touch on Basic Setting option, encircled in above picture for your ready reference. 

Uncheck the Beep bar, like I have unchecked in my UPS.

In last touch on done option which i have encircled in above picture. 

Your problem resolve, No more Beeping disturbances/ noise in your UPS.

How To Play YouTube Video in Background in Andriod Smartphones.

In YouTube most of the time we watch video because of audio content, and for listen  that audio content we have to watch complete video in this way we can perform only one task at a time. Through this article you will get to know how to play YouTube video in background even your cell phone is lock mode in your android smartphone. So let's learn how to play youtube video in background, below you can see iam using Google chrome but believe me you can perform the same in any android browser of your android smartphone I.e Safari, opera, firefox and Uc browser.

First of all you need to start your android  browser application in my case iam using Google chrome.

After Opening application logon to www.youtube.com

Then open any desired video that you want to listen in background. Just double tap / click on that video.

Open the menu tab of your browser by press on three vertical dots highlighted in below image.

After this press the Destop Site option.

When you select the Desktop Site option your browser mode will be changed from mobile to desktop.

Now you can minimize your browser and listen the video in the background or lock mode of your android smartphone.

And in last press the play button and listen  your desired content.

If your know any other option. Please share with us through comment option.