To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty, McDonald’s has launched an exclusive line up of Hello Kitty plush toys. Released today, on February 15, 2024, these plush toys could be acquired for a $9.90 with the purchase of an Extra Value Meal, Feast, 2x Value Meal, or Family Meal, subject to a limit of two sets per customer.
Within hours of the launch, scalpers took to Carousel, a popular online marketplace, to offer the plush sets at a staggering markup. Priced at $60 a pair, the resale value represents a significant increase over the original purchase price.
That is a markup for an eye-watering 506.06%!
In another listing, another seller has listed 4 sets for $160.
Approaching the milestone of 30 often evokes a mix of emotions, including anxiety about stepping into full-fledged adulthood. However, reaching this milestone actually signifies a significant upturn in various aspects of life, especially financially.
From enhanced independence to valuable government subsidies, here are 7 financial benefits awaiting individuals hitting the 30 mark in Singapore.
EMBRACING FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE
While the support of parents is undoubtedly cherished, transitioning to financial self-sufficiency is crucial. By your 30s, with a stable income in place, it’s time to bid farewell to dependency on parental finances.
This includes taking charge of personal expenses such as meals, bills, and travel costs. Assert your independence graciously, freeing yourself from the chains of reliance.
SECURE RETIREMENT PLANNING
Entering your 30s often coincides with a newfound discipline in managing finances, steering away from impulsive spending towards long-term financial goals, notably retirement.
With a robust retirement savings strategy apart from your CPF, which may involve diversifying investments, exploring supplementary income streams, and securing retirement policies, you lay the groundwork for realizing your aspirations in the future.
ENHANCED FINANCIAL LITERACY
Years of earning experience equip you with a deeper understanding of financial concepts like insurance, investments, and interest rates.
Armed with this knowledge, you can navigate financial decisions more confidently, from budgeting effectively to optimizing savings and investments. This financial preparedness ensures you’re equipped for the various life stages that lie ahead.
QUALITY SOCIAL CONNECTIONS
As you approach 30, you’ve likely curated a more refined social circle, having distanced yourself from toxic relationships.
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This streamlined network means fewer obligatory social engagements and a focus on nurturing meaningful connections with those who genuinely care. You would need trusted people to help you make significant financial choices. With reduced drama and authentic relationships, your 30s offer a more fulfilling social landscape.
RENEWED IC
Turning 30 in Singapore marks a symbolic transition as you bid adieu to the youthful snapshot on your identity card (IC). Re-registering for a new IC signifies a step into a new phase of adulthood, ensuring your identification remains current for essential activities like voting and accessing government services.
FREE HPV SCREENINGS FOR WOMEN
Women reaching the age of 30 in Singapore enjoy the advantage of complimentary HPV screenings at designated clinics, facilitating early detection of potential health issues. Get a free HPV Screening at the Singapore Cancer Society Clinic in Bishan. Test results will be available within 4-6 weeks, and the clinic will schedule follow-up medical appointments if you test positive.
Considering the connection between HPV and cervical cancer, regular screenings are crucial for safeguarding your health and well-being.
ACCESS TO FREE SKILLSFUTURE COURSES
Singaporeans aged 25 and above are entitled to SkillsFuture credits, with an initial allocation of S$500 as well as a one-time top-up of S$500, valid until December 31, 2025.
Leveraging these credits for courses in diverse fields such as career advancement, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship empowers you to upskill and seize new opportunities in the evolving job market. Tapping into these resources early is advantageous for personal and professional development.
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By embracing these financial benefits as you cross the threshold into your 30s in Singapore, you lay a solid foundation for continued growth and prosperity in various aspects of life. Cheers to being thirty and thriving!
As the Lunar New Year festivities fade into memories, the rush of Valentine’s Day preparations is upon us. If you’re among the early birds who meticulously plan for this day of love, hats off to you!
But if you find yourself in the “Wait, Valentine’s Day is tomorrow?” category, fret not—you still have time to make it special. Whether you’re seeking the perfect present for a dear friend or a sweet surprise for your new flame, these last-minute gift ideas will help you express your affection with thoughtfulness and care.
FOR THE MELODY MAKER
If your loved one is a music enthusiast, consider gifting them the second-gen AirPods, available at a discount of 20% (S$159) at Courts. These wireless earbuds provide quick access to Siri and boast a range of convenient features. Alternatively, the second-gen AirPods Pro offer enhanced sound quality and noise cancellation, making them a perfect choice for audiophiles. Find them at Courts for a discounted price of S$325.
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Imagine the joy on their face as they immerse themselves in their favorite tunes, thanks to your thoughtful gift!
FOR THE CREATIVE SOUL
Express your love through art with a blank sketchbook from Popular Bookstore. Fill its pages with heartfelt words and cherished memories, creating a personalized gift that speaks volumes. Available for as low as S$8.70, this simple yet meaningful gesture is sure to touch their heart.
Pouring your emotions onto paper, you create a unique masterpiece that reflects the depth of your feelings.
FOR THE SWEET TOOTH
Indulge in decadent delights with ANGELINA’s macarons. Treat your sweetheart to a box of assorted flavors, each bite a symphony of sweetness and delight. Available in various sizes, these delectable treats are sure to sweeten your Valentine’s Day celebration. Order online or visit the ANGELINA store at MBS. Price starts at S$13 for a box of 4.
Share a moment of sweetness as you savor each macaron together in an at-home romantic dinner, creating memories as delightful as the flavors themselves.
FOR THE TIMELESS ROMANTIC
Declare your love with the PUREST LOVE quartz movement watch by Swatch. Its elegant design, featuring a red sun-brushed dial adorned with symbols of love, makes it a timeless symbol of affection.
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Priced at S$106, this watch is a simple yet meaningful gesture that will be treasured for years to come.
FOR THE MEMORY KEEPER
Capture precious moments together with the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12. This instant camera is perfect for creating tangible memories on the spot. With its user-friendly design and built-in selfie mode, it’s ideal for preserving your special moments in an instant. Get your very own Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 kit for S$179 at Harvey Norman.
Every click of the shutter captures a memory that will be cherished for years to come—a tangible reminder of your bond.
FOR THE PAMPERED PRINCESS
Spoil your beloved with luxurious self-care products from Lush. The With Love Gift Set, priced at S$59, includes a selection of indulgent bath and body treats designed to pamper and rejuvenate.
Whether they prefer a relaxing bath or a refreshing shower, this thoughtful gift is sure to make them feel cherished. So, grab a set at the nearest Lush store or purchase it online.
FOR THE BEAUTY CONNOISSEUR
Treat your beauty enthusiast to fragrant delights from Jo Malone or vibrant lipsticks from MAC Cosmetics. Whether it’s a signature scent or a red lip color, these beauty essentials are sure to delight. Choose from a range of options, including Jo Malone colognes starting from S$120 and MAC lipsticks starting from S$38.
The bestsellers of Jo Malone colognes include English Pear & Freesia Cologne, Lime Basil & Mandarin, and Honeysuckle & Davana. As for my personal favorites from MAC, I adore the Ruby Woo and Russian Red shades. These universally beautiful shades complement most skin tones perfectly.
FOR THE LOVER OF ELEGANCE
Elevate their style with exquisite jewelry pieces from Pearly Lustre. From elegant earrings to enchanting necklaces, their Valentine’s Day collection offers timeless pieces that reflect your love and admiration. Available online or at their flagship store at 313@Somerset, these stunning pieces are sure to capture their heart.
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This Valentine’s Day, let these thoughtful gifts serve as expressions of your love and appreciation, making your celebration truly memorable. Whether it’s a grand gesture or a simple token of affection, what matters most is the love that lies behind it.
Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year (CNY), marks the transition from the old to the entrance of good fortune in the new year.
In 2024, embrace the Year of the Dragon by celebrating strength, power, and success. Start by understanding its significance.
Significance of the Year of the Dragon
To truly appreciate each Lunar New Year, it’s essential to grasp the attributes of both the element and the animal.
With wood as the element for CNY 2024, we welcome growth, success, and the initial stage of development. Wood signifies humanity’s aspiration to achieve, progress, grow, and expand.
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The Year of the Dragon symbolizes health, strength, and good fortune, embodying natural leadership, charisma, and boundless enthusiasm for those born in this year.
Your Guide to Surviving this CNY 2024
PREPARE YOUR SPACE
As the festive season approaches, consider cleaning and decorating your home to optimize feng shui. This will help invite good luck, health, and prosperity throughout the year.
Feng Shui Teacher Anjie Cho emphasizes the importance of cleaning your front door, the “mouth of chi,” to welcome in new energy and enhance your connection with the world.
EMBRACE THE CHANGING SEASONS
On the first day of spring on the lunar calendar, open all your windows and doors for nine minutes, an auspicious number in Chinese culture.
Allow fresh air to flow through, dispelling stagnant energy and inviting new, revitalizing energies.
MASTER THE ART OF TOSSING
Enhance your participation in the CNY tradition of tossing yusheng by learning the art of lo hei.
Watch a video tutorial on the lo hei prosperity toss to confidently partake in this joyful activity.
DISCOVER LOCAL CELEBRATION SPOTS
Immerse yourself in the Lunar New Year festivities by exploring various events in Singapore.
Highlights include the Chinatown street light-up, River Hongbao, Chingay Parade, Dahlia Dreams at Gardens by the Bay, and more.
LOOK YOUR BEST
Symbolize a new start by dressing in new threads during the festive season.
Opt for bright colors or explore modern cheongsam and fashionable CNY clothes from brands like Mama & Misse, Shanghai Tang, Lark & Peony, and YeoMama.
IMPRESS WITH LUXE HAMPERS
Gift luxurious hampers filled with goodies from brands such as FNP SG, The Hamper Story, or Lady M, perfect for picky family members or those you want to impress.
RELAX WITH CNY ACTIVITIES
Take a breather after festive gatherings by indulging in a movie marathon with your favorite Chinese movies. Alternatively you can enjoy games like mahjong, baccarat, blackjack, or CNY trivia for a delightful time with loved ones.
Ever walked into a store or surfed through an online retailer with a shopping list, thinking it’s a simple pick, pay, and go scenario? The reality is, the retail world is a maze of cunning strategies designed to nudge you towards making those unplanned purchases.
Before you begin your shopping spree, whether at the mall or behind the screen, it’s crucial to be savvy to the sly tricks crafted to part you from your hard-earned cash.
COLOR PSYCHOLOGY
Shopping is more than just choosing items, it’s a journey through a kaleidoscope of colors strategically picked to sway your behavior. The color of a product or its display has the power to evoke specific emotions. Take red, for instance – often associated with sales because it triggers action and stimulates interest. Even the sales staff, dressed in attention-grabbing hues like red, can influence your choices.
Watch out for falling in love with a product just because it looks pleasing and make sure it genuinely aligns with your needs.
POWER OF TOUCH
Ever wondered why some items are placed just where you can’t resist picking them up? It’s not a coincidence, as it’s a strategy. Research shows that the act of touching an item increases the likelihood of buying it.
Stores carefully position products in areas where customers are likely to reach out. Think about your experiences – faced with neatly folded items, there’s a hesitation to disrupt the arrangement. You’ll feel a different way shifting thru the clearance rack.
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Remember, the more time an item spends in your hands, the more likely you are to add it to your cart. Be choosy about what you touch, focusing only on items you genuinely plan to take home.
PLAY ON YOUR SENSES
Stores aren’t just selling products…they’re selling experiences. From enticing scents to free tastings and the overall feel of the environment, retailers play with your senses to make you stay longer and spend more.
Stay on guard and, if needed, bring a shopping buddy to help you navigate these sensory tricks consciously.
POTENCY OF FREE SHIPPING
Online retailers have a powerful weapon in their arsenal – the word “free.” The promise of free shipping can be a tempting bait, leading you to throw more items into your cart just to meet the threshold. In most cases, those extras aren’t really necessary.
So, remind yourself that the allure of free shipping shouldn’t dictate your purchases. Stick to your needs and resist the urge to overspend just for the sake of free shipping.
PRODUCT PLACEMENT
Supermarkets are like chessboards where the pieces are more expensive items strategically placed at eye level, creating an illusion of value. They might even position pricey items right at the store’s entrance, making everything else inside seem like a bargain.
Watch out for the “add-on” tactic near cash registers – seemingly cheap items that can tempt tired shoppers standing in line. Stay aware and resist the impulse to make last-minute, unnecessary purchases.
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Now that you’re armed with this insider knowledge, navigate the shopping landscape with a mindful approach. Avoid falling prey to the subtle manipulations that retailers use to boost your spending. Your wallet will thank you!
