marriage Archives | Page 7 of 12

Surefire Ways To Save Money On Diapers In Singapore

For many Singaporeans, purchasing baby products is a costly affair. Do not get me started with diapers! These product end up on the rubbish bin on a regular basis. So, is it worth all the money?

Since diapers play a vital role in your baby’s grooming, you must get creative in shopping. Try the following tips!

#1: GO BACK TO BASICS

As a child, my mother devotes her time on changing my cloth diapers. The ones I used were passed on to my siblings. Cloth diapers are washable, adjustable, and suitable for sensitive skin. Taking a step back to the old school routine can help you save years worth of cash.

Anything that you can reuse or recycle is a bonus for your wallet. Disposable diapers contribute to your monthly expenses. While, washable diapers can last you for years. Consider purchasing the six-dollar cotton diapers from Lazada.

#2: BE SLOW IN CHANGING SIZES

Diapers come with suggested weight per size. It comes as no suprise that bigger diapers are more expensive. Furthermore, it contains fewer pieces per package. This is why you must take things slow when switching sizes.

The numbers on the cover are merely suggestions. Some children could wear sizes beyond the time suggested on the package. Instead of going with what the company recommends, change sizes once you see a significant amount of leaks.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: LOOK AT THE PRICE PER DIAPER

Diapers come in different brands, sizes, and quantities. More often than not, you judge a brand by its price tag. Instead of looking at the price per package, look at the price per piece! This way, you will be able to access whether you are paying for the cheapest diaper price.

For instance, your child requires a taped diaper in small. Pampers offers 82 pieces for S$24 (i.e., 0.29 each). While, Merries offers 54 pieces for S$20.95 (i.e., 0.38 each). Which one is a smarter choice?

#4: PURCHASE IN BULK

When it comes to disposable diapers, it is best to buy in bulk. Bulk purchases are cheaper compared to buying per package. Some stores even offer additional discounts for bulk purchases.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Do not fret about wastage. You will go through countless amounts of diapers once the baby is out!

Sources: 1 & 2

Sensible Strategies To Split Expenses with Your Partner

There is truth to the idiomatic expression – “it takes two to tango”. With a relationship that spans for nearly a decade, I came to realize that giving and taking is an essential element to success. Arriving at an agreeable place avoids potential conflicts from rising. Compromise is vital when it comes to financial matters.

Who would be primarily responsible to pay the bills or to account for outstanding debts? Use the following strategies to help you split the expenses.

STRATEGY #1: DOWN IN THE MIDDLE

Living together entails the discussion of bills, loans, and other expenses. The most concrete way to divide an expense is to split it in half. From groceries to rent, you may share the household responsibilities by contributing an equal amount of money.

Keep track of your purchases and bills by creating a document or a spreadsheet file. You may want to consider setting a monthly price threshold to avoid conflicts.

STRATEGY #2: SET A PERCENTAGE

If you and your partner belong to similar salary divisions, the first strategy is beneficial. However, it can be difficult to split everything by 50-50 if you belong to both ends of the salary spectrum. Contributing S$1,000 per month to the household expenses may mean nothing to you. While, it can mean everything to others!

One of the most sustainable ways to conquer this situation is to contribute a certain percentage of your income. For instance, you can agree to allocate 30% of your income towards household expenses and other miscellanous. Both parters will be paying the same percentage to other expense categories such as utilities and transportation.

STRATEGY #3: TOGETHER AS ONE

Some couples prefer to establish a joint account with a foundation of trust and mutual understanding. With this account, you may allocate a percentage for entertainment. Entertainment includes funds for hobbies as well as vacations. Maintaining an account to fund an expensive vacation allows you to team up to achieve a common financial goal.

Motivation is elevated as you work together. Furthermore, your dual streams of income widens the resources for your funds.

STRATEGY #4: TOGETHER YET APART

Another strategy that can be just as effective is separating the expense categories based on one’s financial capacity. You will be responsible to pay for specific bills from your own account or savings.

Under this strategy, each person remains their individual bank accounts and identifies which expense they are responsible for. According to Andrea Rizk, the founder and CEO of of Risk Public Relations, this arrangement maintains maximum financial independence.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

At the end of the day, you must choose a strategy that works well with your personalities and relationship dynamics.

Sources: 1 & 2

FUNtastic Ideas To Spice Up Your Dates

I am not familiar about your dating habits, but predictability is not a part of my book! My significant other and I are actively browsing through online articles and asking for recommendations. We make it a point to “shake things up” every once in a while.

On that note, here are just some of the romantic and fantastic ideas that we have gathered throughout the years:

1. Let us start with a nostalgic date. Share your most intimate memories with your beloved by exchanging family albums. Then, reminisce the milestones you had as a couple by going back to where you first met.

2. Take the slang “Netflix and Chill” in its literal sense by streaming your favorite shows while indulging on ice cream. Eat as many ice cream flavors as you want! Personally, Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough is my guilty pleasure.

3. Stay in touch with your artsy side by attending craft workshops. From Calligraphy to Bento Box classes, there are many interesting workshops in Singapore! For starters, you can create a spectacular keepsake by Pottery Painting for as low as S$15 at Goodman Ceramic Studio.

4. Be the star of your own editorial by pretending to be famous photographers for a day. You can either take turns in modelling or find a stranger to do the work for you. Snap pictures of your model at the picturesque spots in Singapore (e.g., Haji Lane and National Gallery of Singapore are totally Instagram-worthy).

Image Credits: pixabay.com

5. Immerse yourself into the art of storytelling by attending poetry slams. Artists gather together to eloquently spread their messages out to the public. Considering reserving a free spot at the “Slam: A One Man Show by Neil Basu” on September 30 or October 1!

6. We might be known as a concrete city, but that does not mean that we lack furry companions! Spend a day with adorable felines as you drop by The Cat Cafe. Unlike other establishments, The Cat Cafe only charges for the entry fee of S$15 (i.e.,including a complimentary drink).

7. Aside from furry cuteness, you can get up close with over 100,000 marine animals at the S.E.A Aquarium. Be dazzled with one of the world’s largest acrylic panel that houses over 800 marine species. Their interactive displays will entertain you too! Prices for adults start at S$30 (T&Cs apply).

8. Celebrate your love for sultry Jazz music by visiting the Blu Jaz Cafe. The establishment hosts free-flowing jazz bands that are open to improvisations. Check out their menu to know how to keep your tummies full while you heart sings with glee!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

9. Reconnect with nature by visiting the highest pedestrian bridge in the country – the Henderson Waves. Jog in the Mount Faber Park before watching the sun set in this creative spiral bridge. The wonderful reflection of the the sun shall set the romantic mood for your outdoors date.

10. Inspire each other to reach the optimum physical health by joining fun runs or marathons. Engaging in these activities will not only give you a fitness boost, but it will also allow you to consistently motivate each other along the way.

11. Tired of seeing your partner glued to his or her gaming console? Well, you can ditch the virtual games and immerse yourselves in an intense reality game with Exit Plan. Exit Plan is a local escape room that offers thrilling rooms for friendly prices. Admission starts at S$15 for off-peak hours.

12. Strengthen your bond by revealing your inner self to your partner. Start by writing ten personal questions. Test how well your partner knows you by throwing said questions to him or her. The person who gets the highest score wins, while the loser will have to do a consequence.

Sources: 1 & 2

How Married Couples Can Deal With Huge Salary Gaps

Whether you want to admit it or not, income plays an integral part in the society’s perception of your worth and success. Fusing the the topic of finances to relationships makes things more complicated.

To some degree, your paycheck determines your role in a romantic relationship. An imbalance is created when your spouse earns more than you or the other way around. It is believed that the person who has a higher salary has increased options and financial freedom. Nonetheless, you must address the huge salary gap between you and your partner.

Here are just some tips to help you deal with your current situation:

COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY

Practicing open communication is one of the best ways to resolve issues in marriage (or any romantic relationship). If you are frustrated with your spouse because he or she is not making an effort to find a new job then, talk about it. If you feel guilty for spending more money than your spouse then, talk about it.

Start your financial discussion in a loving manner without accusing the other of anything. You are a family. You should not treat this like a heated battle or a boiling competition. The end goal is to help each other out.

ESTABLISH A BUDGET

Imagine taking a long ride in an unfamiliar place. Your journey can take you into different directions. To create a distinct path, you must follow a map. The same idea applies to your finances. To create a distinct path to your financial goal, you must set a budget.

Establishing a budget lets you allocate a specific amount to each member of the family. Also, you will be able to determine each other’s spending habits. Beginners in budgeting are recommended to use the envelope system.

RESPECT ONE’S ABILITY TO EARN

Before I went to bed, I came across a online discussion at Reddit. The thread surrounded the issue of having any significant achievement gaps between couples. Interestingly, these couples live in harmony.Reddit user pecrh001‘s story caught my attention.

“I have 2 degrees and work as a lawyer. My husband never finished uni but has a job that he loves. He’s a great father and husband. It doesn’t really matter that I earn more than him because it’s all just family money. We’re both working hard and supporting each other and our kids.”

Finding someone who respects you as a person and your ability to earn is more important than the degree that you are holding. Being successful on paper does not translate to your character. Each other’s money is valuable. Forget keeping score!

GIVE AND TAKE

Another important practice that the Reddit thread highlighted is the balance between the two individuals. You must have the chance to give and take. Reddit user The_Superbus illustrated this by posting:

“I worked two jobs while she was in medical school and one job while she was in residency. Now I work no jobs while she is an attending. She likes the fact that I do most of the work around the house so she doesn’t have to. I like the fact that I haven’t had to go to work for the last few years. It also lets us raise our own kid without relying on daycare for 9 hours a day, which is nice.”

EMPLOY A REWARD SYSTEM

After months and months of hard work, you may feel exhausted and overwhelmed. Break the cycle by motivating with reasonable rewards. For instance, you may go to a fancy dinner when your money exceed your budget or when you achieve a financial goal.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Rewarding each other is a way to remind yourselves that the money you make belongs to the both of you.

Sources: 1 & 2

Five Secrets To Handling Your Finances As A Couple

Managing your finances together can be tricky when you are in a committed or serious relationship. However, you can employ several strategies to avoid headaches and arguments surrounding money.

#1: DISCUSS ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS

There are a handful of Singaporeans who tackle life from paycheck to paycheck. These people deal with the expenses as they come without forethought about their retirement fund. Do you want to be in the same situation?

You have to realize that financial stability is important in strengthening the future that you want to build together. So, start by establishing at least three financial goals. These initial goals are short-term and realistic. Whether you want to save up for a getaway in Bali or a broadband bundle, your short-term goals will serve as an encouragement to take on bigger goals that will lead up to financial security.

#2: KNOW EACH OTHER’S FINANCIAL STATE

Tying the knot or living with someone who has a bad credit score may affect your finances. Imagine taking out a mortgage. Your partner’s credit rating may affect the potency of your combined credit score. This is not good!

Mutual disclosure can help you reduce conflicts over financial matters. As early as possible, carefully examine each other’s financial state and exchange useful tips. Are there any spending habits that you want to help your partner with? Do you have some outstanding student debts? Familiarize yourself with his or her deeply rooted attitudes and habits toward money.

#3: CREATE A MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING

As a couple, aim to distribute the control of your finances equally. Educate your partner about the facets of personal finance no matter how uninterested he or she might be. Financial literacy is necessary.

Aside from mutual disclosure, mutual understanding is crucial to your success. This means that you need to be aware of what you two can and cannot afford. Furthermore, you must contemplate on the process of dealing with unfortunate events.

#4: MAINTAIN JOINT AND INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNTS

A couple’s joint account is primarily used for shared expenses such as groceries, utility bills, phone bills, and mortgage repayments. Maintain this along with your individual accounts. You are entitled to a separate account because you must treat yourself or your partner personally without affecting the “household fund”.

You might say that this burns the bridges of sharing, but not really. The foundation of having individual accounts is that both would have access to each other’s account to prevent from keeping secrets. Spending beyond the threshold of your personal account is something that you need to discuss with your beloved first.

#5: DIVIDE YOUR MONETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Compromise could be your best bet when you are sharing the responsibility for your finances. This goes hand in hand with the above statement. Having a joint account and two separate accounts helps to keep your independence and to stick with your budget.

Here are just some things that you must contemplate on when you are dividing your monetary responsibilities:

a. What are the bills that you want to pay using your joint account?

b. How much shall each one contribute to the joint account?

c. Which of your partner’s spending habits do you want to keep and to ditch?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

May these tips help you to foster good financial management habits as a team!

Sources: 1 & 2

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