MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

Beginner’s Guide To Growing Houseplants

From vibrant succulents to the elusive variegated Monstera, the popularity of growing your own houseplants spiked during the pandemic. Visually driven social media has become a haven for foliage fanatics. Simply ask your friends, who are proud plant-dads or plant-moms, about their collections and they will gush with enthusiasm.

Although this botanic popularity may seem like a fad, people have long been maintaining a love affair with plants. Let us focus on the Millennial generation. Their love of plants roots from the self-care and wellness movements. This generation spend money on wellness categories such as boutique fitness classes and athleisure wear. It only make sense that they embrace the physical and mental health benefits offered by plants. Swipe through Instagram to see what I mean!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Growing your own greens is a healthy way to save money and to enjoy fresh produce at home. When done correctly, you will be able to significantly cut down your grocery budget. Moreover, growing houseplants can help improve the indoor air quality. You just have to set aside a budget for gardening.

The total bill for a DIY garden will vary by the type of plant grown, the number of plants purchased, and other factors. To calculate the true cost of starting and maintaining a garden throughout the year, add the following factors together.

Cost of plants or seeds
Cost to provide nutrient-rich soil (i.e., dirt, fertilizer, and worms)
Cost to water plants
Cost to protect and structure plants (e.g., cages, coverings, and fences)
Cost of tools and accessories (e.g., garden forks, gloves, and spade)

Do your research when growing an arsenal of tools. You can start with these basic tools.

1. Gloves

Gardening is a wonderful hobby. Keep things on the pleasant side and avoid a thorny situation by using the right pair of gloves. Garden gloves should be durable, but not bulky.

2. Garden Fork

Garden forks can dig into dense soil better than spades. Forks with straight tines are used for digging and are great for rocky or clay soil. Forks with square tines are stronger than flat tines. Lastly, forks with slight curves to the spines are useful for scooping mulch or turning compost piles.

3. Spade

Spades are short-handled square shovels. A spade will help you to dig holes, create edges, and move small mounds of dirt from one are to another. It may be pricey, but a good spade will last for a long time.

4. Hoe

Hoes are useful in cutting down weeds and preparing your flower beds. You garden will dictate which hoe suits it best. For instance, a veggie garden may require a sturdy and wide hoe.

5. Watering Can

There are hundreds of styles, sizes, colors, and nozzle options when buying a watering can. However, the two basic types are plastic and metal. The plastic type may not last as long as the metal type.

6. Trowel

A trowel is useful for moving soil, digging, removing weeds, mixing fertilizer and much more. It is essentially a handheld shovel.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

I hope that this article gave you enough information to get you started. With everything else, do not forget to have fun! Embrace the physical and mental benefits that plants have to offer.

Sources: 1 & 2

* Update 27 April 2021: The crediting rates for new Dash PET sign ups with effect from 27 April 2021 will be 1.3%* p.a. for the first year for the first $10,000, and 0.3%* p.a. for the first year for amount more than $10,000. Crediting rate is non-guaranteed.

Dash PET by Etiqa Insurance, the latest insurance savings plan available on Singtel Dash, allows users to Protect, Earn and Transact – basically taking care of you! You can earn up to 1.7% p.a.* with no additional criteria required, making it absolutely hassle-free! At 1.7% p.a.*, this makes Dash PET highly attractive especially given the current climate of uncertainty and falling bank savings interest rates. Here’s how Dash PET can take care of you.

Singtel Dash is an all-in-one mobile wallet for your everyday needs, from your commute to paying at your favourite hawkers, supermarkets and restaurants, and even for your online purchases.

Enjoy attractive returns with capital guaranteed

Earn 1.7% p.a.* for your first S$50 – $10,000, and 1.2%* for amounts above S$10,000! This means that up to the first S$30,000 earn attractive returns of $410 (1.37%) per year. Ensure that you maintain a minimum account value of S$50 to start earning these high interest rates on your funds. You will be glad to know that your capital in Dash PET is guaranteed. It also comes with SDIC protection.

You won’t be kept on a tight leash with Dash PET (pardon the pun)

This insurance savings product offers the ultimate flexibility by having no lock-in period. Once your account is active, you can top up your funds anytime! This can be done at your convenience via Dash wallet or PayNow from S$1, or via eNets (minimum S$50 top up).

If you wish to use your money, you may withdraw anytime from S$1 to your Dash wallet (free) or to your bank account via PayNow (S$0.70 transaction fee applies for each transaction).

Highly accessible given low entry barriers

Some financial instruments in the market may require hefty contributions or long lock-in periods, which may not fit into some people’s financial needs. With Dash PET, all you need is S$50 to start saving and insuring. For instance, students can save their allowance or internship pay into Dash PET first to earn attractive returns. They can then withdraw via their Dash wallets to pay for their everyday expenses like their favourite bubble teas and even hawker meals.

Self-employed or gig economy workers who may not have regular monthly income can take advantage of Dash PET to save as it does not require them to complete the myriad of tasks required (e.g. meeting monthly salary crediting, minimum spends, etc) to unlock bonus interest rates.

Finally, there is no fall-below fee if the account runs low, so savers are not penalised when they have higher expenses for the month. One thing to note though, you’ll need to maintain at least S$50 average daily Account Value for the calendar month to enjoy the rates of return and Dash PET benefits.

Takes Care of You

The value provided by Dash PET is immense. It allows your capital to grow at an attractive rate, offers the flexibility for you to withdraw funds for everyday expenses and protects you by offering insurance coverage. Furthermore, the Protect element comes from the layer of insurance coverage of up to 105% of account value in case of death as well as financial assistance benefit for Covid-19.

As demonstrated, Dash PET is the PET that takes care of you by helping you to save and insure better!

All it takes are 3 simple steps to start your savings journey with Dash PET:

Download the Dash mobile app (if you are not an existing user)
Sign up for Dash PET through the Dash mobile app
Top up your Dash PET account from either Dash Wallet, eNets or PayNow

In these uncertain times, it is prudent to consider safe and flexible options to start saving smarter and allow your hard-earned savings to work harder. With Dash PET, Singtel Dash aims to be the companion app for saving, insurance, payments and more!

Disclaimers

The information is meant purely for informational purposes and should not be relied upon as financial advice.
Dash PET is not a bank account or a fixed deposit. It is an insurance savings plan that earns a crediting interest rate.
* Guaranteed 1% p.a. + 0.7% p.a. bonus on first S$10,000 for first policy year. Guaranteed 1% p.a. + 0.2% p.a. bonus on above first S$10,000 for first policy year.
This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K). This advertisement is for general information only. Terms apply. Full details of the policy terms and conditions can be found in the policy contract on dash.com.sg/dashpet. Protected up to specified limits by SDIC. As buying a life insurance policy is a long-term commitment, an early termination of the policy usually involves high costs and the surrender value, if any, that is payable to you may be zero or less than the total premiums paid. You should seek advice from a financial adviser before deciding to purchase the policy. If you choose not to seek advice, you should consider if the policy is suitable for you. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Information is accurate as at 1 February 2021.

What leaders can learn from Steve Jobs

Becoming a successful business leader is no easy task, and not many are born with leadership skills. But what makes a good leader is not some inborn quality but rather the ability to learn from others, take challenges, and grow from them both personally and professionally.

One of the world’s prominent business, technological, and corporate leaders, Steve Jobs, shared this belief. There are tons we can discern from his mantra and mission in transforming the world we live in.

Here are some leadership lessons we can learn from the man.

#1: Have accountability

A good leader knows that they can’t lead by simply delegating. Nothing is more tiresome than a group of people who have accountability for one small action but not the entire chain of events they’re a part of.

A leader claims the entire process from start to finish, giving more than what is asked of them time after time. They are also personally accountable for every step along the way. This intensive approach to leadership will draw respect from your colleagues and encourage them to work in the same way.

Steve Jobs inspected every bit of the product, including the user experience. From purchase to unboxing and use, he was involved in the full process.

#2: Believe that everything is possible

a man giving a thumbs up to a lady at work

Image Credits: careeraddict.com

Steve Jobs was in the habit of making the impossible possible, but in true leader fashion, he didn’t do it through force or demand. Instead, he would simply look at someone and tell them he believed in them.

His characteristic of not taking no for an answer is commendable. This optimistic mindset can help build pride and confidence in your team members. If they know of your trust and unconditional support for them, they will likely be more inspired to tackle the unthinkable and make massive progress in their responsibilities.

Just think about a time at work when your superior told you not to give up because he/she thinks you have the potential to make it happen. How did it make you feel? Were you more powered up? What was the outcome of your assignment?

#3: Foster collaboration

One of the biggest obstacles to leadership is the idea that specific fields, opinions, or teams should stay separated from each other. In fact, Steve Jobs saw this most clearly in the world of art and science.

He worked tirelessly to combine scientific innovation with aesthetic and graphic design because he believed in the power of collaboration.

A good leader understands that working between two separate teams can provide insight and spark fresh ideas you may never have discovered otherwise. They do not hesitate to go out of their way to bring collaboration wherever possible.

When collaboration at the workplace is done right, everyone can benefit from a variety of perspectives. It may bring to light strengths and weaknesses but take it as a chance to better fill in competency gaps. Learn and grow from the experience!

#4: Don’t settle for second best

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Steve Jobs once said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”

The man believed that it was critical to have a goal to work towards frequently. As soon as you settle, you give up on a potential future of incredible achievements. As a leader, you want to encourage your coworkers to dream big, more prominent than they ever thought possible, because dreams do come true.

Even if a project seems too big to accomplish, it’s okay. Having an aim is better than having none. It can push you to take that first step, challenge you to greater heights, and leave you hungry to be a better version of yourself than the previous day.

#5: Keep your focus

Overcomplicating anything is the fastest way to destroy a project. Steve Jobs recognised that excellent leadership was about keeping companies simple, processes streamlined, and goals focused.

He worked with a single-minded, intense focus on the missions he wanted to accomplish, and by keeping it uncomplicated, he was able to lead his team to better outcomes more quickly than ever before.

In 1997, Apple was working on several different prototypes and products. Instead of investing in research and development, they were an utterly unfocused team. It was Steve Jobs who brought back focus and saved Apple from bankruptcy.

“Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do, and this works for both companies and products,” he enlightens us.

Final thoughts

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Steve Jobs was one of the most significant technological minds, but he also left behind a legacy of decisive leadership and motivation for the world. With the lessons we’ve learned from him, we can continue to innovate and imagine as successfully as he did, one step at a time.

Useful advice for handling toxic parents

Not everyone has the privilege to grow up in a loving family without problems. But then, yet again, there is no one family without issues. So the question is, is it possible to deal with toxic parents?

But before we answer that question, do you know the signs of one? Heidi McBain, a licensed marriage and family therapist, shares it in a straightforward way for us to understand. “Everything revolves around them first and foremost,” she commented.

According to experts, here are the seven signs to guide you in identifying a toxic parent:

Asks you to parent them
Neglects your feelings or safety
Doesn’t respect set boundaries
Physically or emotionally abusive
Their needs take priority over yours
Gets bitter over your independence
Their raised voice or potential argument scares you

For those who think they might be a victim of toxic parenting, here is some useful advice that may help you handle it.

#1: Reach out for some support

Continuously being in the loop of a toxic environment can be devastating. It would make sense for you to reach out for some outside support from trusted friends or extended family members.

Having someone in your life that understands what’s going on, even if you don’t want to talk about it can help rough it out. Suppose you’re staying with your parents; a meet-up session outdoors can also provide you with a much-needed respite from your demanding parents.

#2: Meet them when you want to

a lady with a face mask knocking on the door

Image Credits: AARP

This tip can coincide with drawing boundaries that we will detail in the next point. If you hate spending the weekend, public holidays, or rest days with your parents, then don’t!

Spending time with them on your terms is going to help improve your viewpoint of the situation. It may even enhance your relationship with them in the long run because you are no longer dreading time together but looking forward to it because you’re treading along your choice.

But we are aware it’s easier said than done. Thus, this is where the next piece of advice will come in handy.

#3: Impose boundaries

Remember we mentioned in the introduction that a toxic parent does not respect set boundaries? Regardless of that, it is still essential to impose one or a few because it’s necessary to maintain your emotional and mental health in such a family environment.

Yes, you might feel like you don’t possess the “right” to set up a boundary, but think about it. It could just be the very thing that your toxic parent has taught you to believe all along. Boundaries are crucial for any relationship, though they may be challenged in a difficult one.

McBain suggests that we start small. For example, “I can’t talk on the phone while I’m at work.” can help you build your way to “I will be spending Christmas with my partner’s family this year.”

#4: Don’t see change as an aim

Image Credits: theclassichg.com

Once you are aware that your parents are toxic, it’s possible to want to change them. You know what? Don’t. It may be impossible to change anyone’s behaviours instantly, and it’s probably only going to end poorly.

Instead, focus on changing your behaviour or perspectives to make the situation better going forward. Sharon Martin, a licensed counsellor and psychotherapist, rightly shares her view in her article titled “You Can’t Solve Other People’s Problems: How to Stop Trying to Change Others”.

She says, “Try to focus on what’s in your control and the problems that you can solve. And remember that if you’re feeling particularly frustrated with your inability to change or solve a problem, you may be trying to solve someone else’s problem.”

#5: Pen down your emotions

As we come to a close, we want you to know that we understand how difficult it is to be at a toxic parent’s beck and call, 24/7. Not only is this unreasonable, but it’s also emotionally draining.

As such, take time to journal down your emotions. While talking about a problem to a trusted friend or relative is useful, they are two separate matters. Journaling practices can lead to various positive outcomes on happiness, goal attainment, and even several regards of physical health.

If you’re seriously considering therapy with a certified professional, then journaling would assist you in sharing your thoughts better during those sessions.

Final thoughts

a woman sitting on a chair facing the window

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Realistically speaking, most of us face toxic parents to varying degrees, and there’s no right or wrong method to deal with them. But if there’s one thing you can do, that is to ensure that you put your needs first and reach out for support before you explode.

If it helps, impose boundaries and schedule a meeting on your terms. Don’t see changing them as your ultimate goal because that will only frustrate you further. Also, consider spending some time penning down your thoughts and signing up for regular therapy sessions to help you cope better.

Sometimes, professional guidance can aid us to put things into perspective. Cheer up!

What is nomophobia? Can you deal with it?

In the “new normal”, the decrease in regular in-person connection has skyrocketed digital devices usage. You might probably even be reading this right now on your mobile phone. With over 3.5 billion smartphone owners in the world as of last year, there’s bound to be a lot of screen time logged!

Even though going on social media and watching YouTube videos can provide an escape from our present lives and offer an invaluable convenience that we’ve never had before, this accessibility can easily lead to phone addiction.

Phone addiction has become so bad that it’s even given a label called nomophobia.

What is nomophobia?

Image Credits: The Telegraph

The term nomophobia is made up of these words – no mobile phone phobia. It’s known as a psychological state where a person dreads being away from their phone.

Do you think you might be suffering from this condition? Well, if you’ve ever had an irrational fear of going somewhere without your phone, even for an hour or two, you might want to learn about how to combat this addiction.

Yet you might be wondering, why would you even need to stop using your smartphones as often? With quality cameras, Google at our fingertips, and an access line to our loved ones, there shouldn’t be any significant disadvantage to being addicted to our phones, right?

Wrong. If you’re not aware of the statistics, you should know that an average user touches their phone 2,617 times and unlocks it 150 times within a single day. In fact, it’s not just adults who are unhealthily attracted to their phones.

Dr Carol Balhetchet, a clinical psychologist in private practice, said, “Children love smartphones because it gives them easy access to a new world of information, social media and friends on a universal level, quite similar to the adults and everyone else.”

This amount of addiction can quickly produce noticeable physical effects, like the inability to concentrate, a feeling of isolation, lack of exercise, and a fear of missing out. Mental repercussions include loneliness and depression, anxiety, stress, superficiality, and less sleep. These issues can even be worse in kids and teenagers.

Thankfully, there are many practical tips to overcome phone addiction before it becomes too late. Keep reading for tips to stop your phone from overtaking your life.

#1: Enter silent mode

With a simple configuration, you can silence those phone notifications that compete for your attention and drag it away from your present task at hand. It’s one of the easiest ways to start tackling phone addiction.

#2: Drop the colours

Image Credits: Cult of Mac

The more colours something has, the more psychologically appealing it may be to you. By turning on grayscale for your phone, staying on screen for more extended periods suddenly might not seem as attractive anymore.

Please don’t take our word for it. Former Google design ethicist Tristan Harris shared that going grayscale removes positive reinforcements and dampens that urge to keep up with mobile games or social media feeds.

#3: Set a screen time

Try downloading an app or using the pre-programmed feature on your phone to have it forcibly limit your screen time after a certain number of hours. It’s like going cold turkey, but it works. I have it on my iPhone, and it does miracles to stop me from doomscrolling.

#4: Put it at a distance

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You know the saying, “out of sight, out of mind”? One of the reasons why phone addiction is so powerful is because we have it right within reach. If you leave it somewhere far from you, like in your closet or by your door, you will find it easier to forget about it.

For those working from home and need their phones by their side to work efficiently, by all means, go ahead. But peeps who are preparing to get their shuteye at night, putting it at a distance will assist you to sleep better.

#5: Leave it with someone

To truly commit yourself to tackle this addiction, you might want to leave your phone with a trusted friend or loved one. Share with them your nomophobia and advise them to not give your phone to you under any circumstances until an agreed amount of time has passed.

#6: Try decluttering

four frequently used apps on a phone screen

Image Credits: unsplash.com

For folks who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), keeping things symmetrical or in perfect order may resonate very well. But for those on the opposite spectrum, you may find your phone’s home screen flooded with all kinds of applications.

You know what? Just as you’ve done spring cleaning for Chinese New Year, do it for your smartphones right now. These seemingly harmless apps may be the culprit behind your increased screen time. We guess you don’t need to keep three photo editing apps on your phone, huh?

Reward yourself over mini-milestones

Trying to break away from nomophobia is hard work. Because it’s not easy, give yourself some rewards for your time and dedication.

Every mini-milestone you reach, go ahead and treat yourself to something nice. For example, if you’ve kept to your limited screen time for three consecutive days or a week, then isn’t that a valid reason to rejoice?