Engagement ring inspirations for your upcoming proposal

Engagement ring inspirations

For a woman looking forward to being engaged, there’s almost nothing better than the excitement that a beautiful engagement ring can bring.

With the symbolic meaning a ring carries, it has to be as perfect as it can be. That’s why the process of choosing an engagement ring must be taken seriously.

As usual, every prospective bride wants to see the three Cs in their engagement ring, namely carat, clarity, and cut. However, it’s crucial that the ring also keep up with the year’s latest trends and stay fashionably classy throughout the years.

Some fashion statements can fall out of style, and an engagement ring must be able to match various accessories and outfits for a stylish and sophisticated look.

That’s why we’re here to share with you some elegant engagement ring inspirations for your upcoming proposal this year.

#1: Black Diamonds
rose gold black diamond ring

Image Credits: alexisrussell.com

Move aside, classic diamond. The black diamonds are now up and coming. This is due to their striking nature and the mysterious and cool, edgy vibes it carries.

The engagement ring can stand out even more if it’s set in a bold yellow or rose gold colour, which offers a step away from the traditional diamond ring approach. 

#2: Halo Rings
hexagonal halo ring

Image Credits: whowhatwear.com

One of the top emerging trends of 2021 is halo rings that have a hexagonal or octagonal shape. 

It creates the perfect balance between preserving the essence of timeliness but also adding that element of uniqueness. No longer are purely traditional rings a must-need if you’re planning to propose this year.

Those searching for a beautiful ring without being too “bridal” can consider this design.

#3: Colourful Stones
Teal sapphire engagement ring

Image Credits: capucinne.com

When you think of proposal rings, you might imagine the classically cut glimmering diamond. 

However, you can slowly replace that idea with the new trend of colourful stones. Specifically, teal-coloured sapphire is a stone growing in popularity, creating an ideal blend of blue and green shades.

Because these stones are on the rarer side and not alike, they make for a ring that’s entirely one of a kind and precious to the bride who wears it. 

#4: Mixed Diamond Cuts
Mixed Diamond Cuts

Image Credits: reebonz.com

Sometimes, trends can work backwards by capturing the looks that give off an antique or vintage feel.

This specific trend involves mixing different diamond cuts, like tapered baguettes combined with rounds, epaulettes, or bullets. It encompasses the well-known art-deco design but adds a modern-day twist to make it an exceptional diamond engagement ring.

Plus, if you’re environmentally conscious, incorporating existing stones into a single ring allows for plenty of upcycling. 

#5: Remodelling
remodelling diamond rings

Image Credits: pinterest.co.uk

Even though an engagement ring by itself is already meaningful, it can be made even more special by incorporating existing stones that carry a sentimental value.

Across the board, more and more jewellers encounter clients who’ve inherited jewellery and want it to be remodelled into a specific shape or form into their engagement ring.

It’s a fabulous way to make an engagement ring even more personal to the modern-day bride holding on to traditions.

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Fundamental Rules Of Budgeting

As you gloss over the pages of old personal finance books, you will realize that they stress on the importance of creating a budget and sticking to it. Poof! All your financial problems will be solved in a snap. However, life is not as simple as that.

Budgeting is the process of creating a financial plan based on your estimated revenue and expenses over a period. It is a complex task that takes your entire financial profile into account. It is up to you to embrace the process!

On that note, here are the fundamental rules of budgeting.

#1: BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF

Awareness of how much money comes in and how much you spend will enable you to pinpoint your spending habits. Be honest with yourself! You will be surprised that everything adds up, once you keep track of your money on a regular basis. Start by writing down your expenses for a week and continue. Include your daily coffee runs and Netflix subscription. You can use online budgeting tools to help you monitor your money.

#2: BE PREPARED TO CHANGE

The only permanent thing in this world is change. Your efforts of controlling your environment will be put to waste because change is inevitable. If you reached the end of the month and noticed that you are struggling to pay bills, something needs to change. Alter your budgeting strategies and identify which categories you can cut down on. Fortunately for you, small changes can make a big difference.

Your income, expenses, and priorities will change over time. You must adjust your budget accordingly.

#3: LEARN SELF-CONTROL

Within my immediate social circles, my partner is the primary model for self-control. He steers away from luxury and focuses on strategies that make him a savvy spender. He practices delayed gratification too. Learning self-control can help you accomplish your realistic budget.

If you are lucky, your parents or teachers taught you this skill when you were a child. If not, you will learn the importance of delaying gratification. Despite the tempting nature of credit cards, it is better to wait until you have saved up the money for a purchase. You do not want to spend the rest of your years paying for your credit cards alone!

#4: USE CASH WHEN NEEDED

Notice your spending habits. If you are constantly overspending on a budget category, consider having an envelope system. Use the allocated cash from the envelop and stop spending once it runs out. It is the ultimate accountability strategy.

#5: CREATE GOALS

Be realistic when it comes to your budget and your priorities. Whether you are paying off student loans or building an emergency fund, you need to focus on the goal. Knowing the reasons behind why you are saving and why you are making sacrifices will help you sustain your budget.

#6: PROTECT YOUR WEALTH

Ensure that your hard-earned money does not vanish by taking some safety measures. IF you are renting a flat, consider getting an insurance to protect your belongings from fire or burglary. If you just bought a laptop, sign-up for the warranty. This will help you cushion the costs of repairs.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You must educate yourself on budgeting and handling money. The more you learn about handling money wisely, the more concrete your reasons for budgeting will be. Good luck!

Sources: 1 & 2

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You Need To Know These 7 Job-Hunting Tips

Due to the global economic shifts brought by the pandemic, the unemployment rate in Singapore raised to around 4.38 percent in 2020. Unemployment has forced many Singaporean workers to reinvent themselves and pursue different career paths. It does not necessarily mean that they will try to get back the job they once lost.

If you are one of this people, you may turn to technology for advice. As you dive into the pool of job vacancies, you will encounter a massive wealth of job-hunting advice online. It is easy to get lost in the pile of articles found in Google. Avoid overwhelming yourself.

Let me start by cutting down the list of timeless job-hunting tips to help you survive this complex process.

#1: TAILOR YOUR APPLICATION

When applying for a job online, it is highly likely that your Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) or resume will be screened by an applicant tracking system. The first human encounter your C.V. will encounter is from a recruiter or an entry-level HR officer. It is best to tailor your application to the company you are applying for. Make it obvious that you are fit for the job!

Start by studying the job description and all the available information about the vacancy. Then, mirror the words and phrases found in the job description. Showcase your strengths in the areas that are important to the role being filled. Connect your skills to what they are looking for.

#2: CONSIDER FACE-TO-FACE JOB SEARCH

While most companies accomplish the initial hiring process online and thru Zoom interviews, you must not limit yourself to online applications. Accelerate your chances of getting the job by dropping by the office and handing over the application in person.

Schedule informational interviews with would-be peers, if possible. You may also approach the internal recruiter and ask a few questions. This will get you on their radar. Remember that decision makers usually interview people who were recommended or referred. Letting the company know your genuine interest can help you set yourself apart.

#3: DO YOUR RESEARCH

Always come prepared. Do your research on your target companies. Once you know what you want, it is time to find out what the companies want.

A great tip is to find out the company’s culture and structure through their LinkedIn page and website. Figure out what questions they commonly ask during job interviews and discover the approximate amount of salary you may get.

#4: CURATE YOUR ONLINE BRAND

It goes without saying that modern recruiters search through the Web to find out who you really are. It is best to build a brand that showcases your expertise and passion. Most recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary search tool. Use it to your advantage!

Moreover, you must be cautious about you post online. It can make or break your chances of getting the job.

#5: ORGANIZE YOURSELF

During the early stages of job-hunting, you must gather all the documents supporting your claims. This includes Transcript of Records and Recommendation Letters. Ensure that your C.V. and cover letter are up to date. Then, determine how many hours per day will be dedicated to job-hunting or networking.

You can neatly compile all the professional email accounts and job interview schedules into a spreadsheet. This way, your job search process can be faster and easier.

#6: ASK PEOPLE FOR ADVICE

During the end of your job interview, it does not hurt to become vulnerable. It is alright to ask your interviewer for advice on how to build strong working relationships and how to succeed in the current vacant position. Do not forget to admire their company and the work they do.

#7: NOTICE YOUR BODY LANGUAGE

Carry yourself well during interviews. How many times have you heard this: “body language is vital in job interviews”? It is in your interest to take this advice seriously. Watch out for your posture, gestures, and non-verbal cues. These may either exude confidence or incompetence.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Communication, much like dancing, is a two-way street. Pay attention to your interviewer’s body language too. This will help you know if you are on the right track.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Foundations of bankruptcy in Singapore

petition for bankruptcy form

Bankruptcy is a big word, and some people fear it. But if one were to be familiar with its foundations, maybe it wouldn’t be that terrifying.

According to Investopedia, bankruptcy is a legal proceeding in which a debtor and a creditor resolve debts through the court system. The debtor has its debt resolved while the creditor obtains repayment based on the debtor’s available assets.

In Singapore, section 61 of the Bankruptcy Act states that debtors may be declared bankrupt when a debt has fallen due and is worth at least S$15,000.

For folks considering bankruptcy, here are the basics you should be aware of.

After declaring bankrupt

Once you are declared bankrupt, you gain exemption from your creditors’ legal actions intended to reclaim debt from you. A public servant called an Official Assignee (OA) would examine your financial capabilities and design a suitable repayment plan.

Think of it as your bankruptcy supervisor.

Your OA will ensure that you make monthly contributions on your road to being discharged. They will set up this monthly plan after evaluating your financial resources, income and credentials, household expenses, and the economy’s overall status.

Wave goodbye to your assets
car and private house

Image Credits: EdgeProp

During the bankruptcy proceedings, your OA will sell any assets you possess to pay off your creditors. This can include items from artworks to furniture and even sentimental gifts.

The OA will not sell off any “protected assets”, which include:

  • HDB flats if the owner is a Singaporean
  • Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions
  • Life insurance policies if it benefits the bankrupt’s immediate family members
  • Compensation awarded legally due to personal injuries or wrongful acts against the bankrupt

While it may be tempting to hide or dispose of your possessions quietly, lying to your OA or evading the procedure on purpose can lead to fines of up to S$10,000 and/or up to 3 years in prison.

Not worth it, ladies and gentlemen.

Ready for restrictions on daily activities

Bankrupt persons in Singapore are subject to various duties and responsibilities. Gambling, travelling, seeking credit, or managing businesses while involved in bankruptcy proceedings can lead to monetary fines or jail time.

These restrictions exist to prevent bankrupts from exploiting corporate structures, concealing income, hiding assets, or generally cheating the system. However, the OA can ease or accommodate these restrictions.

Their willingness to do this is based on your level of cooperation. If you are engaged in the bankruptcy process and consistently settling your debts on time, the OA is more likely to view you as reliable and ease those limitations.

Especially so in the business realm, full cooperation, including the provision of requested documents promptly, is the single best strategy for getting those restraints lifted as soon as possible.

If you feel that the OA is not treating you fairly or is imposing ridiculous restrictions, the ideal course of action is to seek the court’s review. Simply ignoring the limits is likely to end with criminal charges against you.

Look forward to the discharge
bankruptcy documents in Singapore

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Bankruptcy is not forever. Eventually, your debts will be paid, and you will be discharged from them. However, a discharge is dependent on the fulfilment of specific conditions and approval from either the OA or the High Court. 

First-time bankrupts with debts of less than S$500,000 may be discharged after 3 to 7 years. For repeat offenders, it will take between five and nine years.

There is a well-known belief that a bankrupt is automatically released after three years, but this is not true. To speed up the process, cooperate fully with the OA and make sure you’re keeping up with your monthly repayment amount.

Bankrupts who have debts exceeding S$500,000 will need to apply to the High Court to seek an Order of Discharge. However, the courts will examine the interests of all involved parties before making a decision.

Noncompliance with the OA or any violation of behavioural restrictions will make the court reluctant to dismiss your bankruptcy.

Resume life after bankruptcy

Being discharged from bankruptcy is not necessarily a return to normal. At least not immediately. Depending on the circumstances of your bankruptcy, the courts may require you to entrust any new properties to the OA if debts remain after discharge.

Should the owed amount be repaid, bankruptcy can only be removed from your records after five years. If not, the bankruptcy status will remain in your public record permanently. Employers and creditors will have access to this information, so this should be a huge red flag for concern.

Final thoughts
Empty wallet

Image Credits: AsiaOne

Bankruptcy is not a walk in the park, but it is not the end of the world too. The Bankruptcy Act is designed to be fair to both debtors and creditors and focuses on providing rehabilitative measures to the bankrupt.

For the severely indebted, bankruptcy can provide a mechanism to help recover financial health and gain a second chance at life. Be sure to cooperate fully with the courts, and the OA and the law will likely give you more space to breathe.

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Worst Things To Purchase Online

As I was mindlessly scrolling through my Instagram feed, I saw an advertisement for a porcelain triple barrel hair waver. It was sold for less than S$10. Can you grasp how cheap it was? I was skeptical at first. I did not want to burn my hair for a hair tool that normally costs more than S$50. However, I took my chances and bought it online thru a popular retailer.

Online shopping sounds like a good idea, until the item you purchased disappoints you. In my case, it was the hair waver. I did not get the “beautiful beach waves” that I dreamed of. Instead, the hair waver barely worked. I did not want to trouble myself further by placing a return. I used it once and never touched it again!

I know that I am not the only one. Online shopping is a tricky platform. Nonetheless, there are some items that are best purchased in store. This way, you will be able to judge its quality up-close and ensure its perfect fit. Moreover, you will be avoiding expensive shipping fees and will be given the chance to negotiate the price.

Apart from hair tools, here are some of the items that you must consider buying in the physical store.

1. WEDDING GOWNS

While online shopping is always tricky and risky, buying a wedding dress online is one of the biggest gambles you may enter. Despite being a once-in-a-lifetime piece of clothing, many brides go to the Internet to search for tempting discounts on wedding gowns. Some of these gowns were designed to look like the latest bridal collections of renowned designers such as Vera Wang and Monique Lhuillier.

In most cases, your dream dress can turn into an unrecognizable garment on your doorstep. Imagine ordering a white dress and ending up with a lime green dress after several weeks. Dresses may come in different colors, poor materials, and crooked hemlines. If a deal is too good to be true, it probably is!

2. PANTS

Articles of clothing may not always come as it was advertised. Colors may appear different due to the studio lighting and sizing may vary from brand to brand. Thankfully, most of us have skipped wearing jeans due to the current work-from-home setup. Some of you may regret buying jeans online, because you never had a chance to wear them. While others may have purchased the wrong size.

If you are attending to your professional duties at home, it is better to invest on a comfortable pair of jogging pants or leggings. Who needs to wear a tailored pants during a Zoom call anyway?

3. BICYCLE

Health is wealth! As the world puts a spotlight on the importance of regular exercise, you may embrace the benefits of cycling. The Internet is a great place to research on bicycles and its accessories. You can read all about bike geometry and carbon fiber frames, but the information found here can be limited. It is important to purchase a bicycle that is tailored to your measurements. You can feel the specifications of a bicycle by visiting the nearest bike shop. Most cyclists do test-rides before purchasing their newest bicycle. You may do the same.

Moreover, it can be a hassle to get repairs done under the warranty on a bicycle that you ordered online. Save yourself the stress of packing it up and shipping it to the seller. With a locally purchased bicycle, you can just take it to the nearest bike shop and have it fixed.

4. CHILDREN’S SHOES

It is no secret that children grow up fast. Their feet are no exception! My mother used to draw our foot on a piece of paper and take it on a store when she bought shoes. Nowadays, you can simply order shoes with a few taps on a screen. Although you know your child’s current measurements, sizing varies among brands. If you child is size 3 on brand A, she may be size 4 on another.

It takes more time and effort to purchase several pairs of shoes in a store, but you will be able to purchase the right ones. Remember that some retailers do not offer free returns.

5. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Last year, I studied how to play the Kalimba or thumb piano. I still have it with me and play its soft tunes whenever I can. I opted to purchase online as I was a beginner and I am not a professional musician. It provided a great start in discovering my musical prowess.

For professional musicians and Music students, it is a different story. These people need higher-end equipment, especially for fragile instruments such as violins and cellos. You should purchase these items in person rather than on the Web. It is important to play the instrument in person to ensure that you are getting a good value for your buck.

6. SWIMWEAR

For some people, shopping for a new swimsuit or bathing suit can be a daunting task. As such, you may opt to hide behind your computer screen and order online. The only downside of doing this is that fit can fluctuate among suits from the same brand. It is better to not take your chances with fit!

Furthermore, you may not be able to return a small swimsuit if the packaging has been opened or if there is evidence that the suit has been worn. The same restrictions can apply to other intimate apparel such as bras, purchased online.

7. MATTRESS

My uncle always highlights the importance of buying a good mattress. He works tirelessly everyday and dreams of getting home to a comfortable bed. We spend a third of our lives on the bed. This is the primary reason why you should invest on a mattress that you can use for several years. According to the Better Sleep Council, a mattress should last up to seven years.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

It is challenging to commit to a mattress that you merely saw online. A reviewer may sleep on his back and you may be a side sleeper. Your online reviews on the same mattress may be polarizing since we all sleep differently. It best to feel the material of the mattress face-to-face. Who knows? You can score a better deal during store promotions and seasonal sales!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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