Celeste Elle, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Affordable laptops from S$389 you can buy online

Are you looking for a laptop that is low-priced and high in quality? You’ve landed at the right article.

In recent years, the quick pace of technology development has led to a rise in laptops that perform advanced functions at prices well within budget. Along with the perks of being lightweight and long in battery life, these laptops are perfect for maximising your productivity.

Let’s look at some of the most affordable laptops from S$389 you can buy online.

#1: ASUS Chromebook C204

Sale Price: S$389

ASUS Chromebook C204 could possibly be the most durable laptop you’ve used thus far. It weighs about 1.2kg and built to withstand the harshest environments with its military-grade standards.

That means if you’ve got this laptop in the hands of students, you can relax worry-free. It’s equipped with many robust features, like its rubber bumper, tactile spill-resistant keyboard, and I/O ports.

In addition to the day-long battery life, the ASUS’s Chrome OS guarantees you a fast and smooth experience that’s worth every dollar spent.

#2: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 1i (11)

Price: from S$399

If you want a reliable travel buddy that’s both light and compact, look no further. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 1i (11) is your ideal companion for computing wherever you go.

Equipped with Intel Pentium processors and a long-lasting battery that will last you for up to eight hours without the need to recharge, you can work on the go without ever needing to worry.

Combined with 8GB of RAM and built-in dual speakers despite its small size, you’re going to love the performance that this laptop can grant you.

#3: Acer Swift 1

Sale Price: S$548

The Acer Swift 1 is a laptop packed with features at a low price.

Even though it has the latest fantastic processor and provides you with a 14-inch screen of vibrant colours, it doesn’t sacrifice ultra-thinness and battery life.

With its lightweight properties, strikingly long 15-hour battery life, embedded fingerprint reader, and high functional speed, it’s a laptop that packs a powerful punch for a long time to come.

#4: HP Pavilion 15-eh0005AU

Price: S$699

Peeps who want a laptop that’s dependable and highly functional, this could be the one for you.

With an optimum screen-to-body ratio and micro-edge display, you will have maximum viewability as you work on the device. The AMD processor and extra sensitive precision touchpad let you harness its high speeds and bandwidth to carry out your tasks that require high performance, such as multitasking.

The additional long battery feature and lightweight properties ensure that this HP laptop delivers beyond your expectations.

#5: ASUS Vivobook X415

Sale Price: S$699

Don’t let its small 14-inch size fool you. Together with its NanoEdge display and powerful i7 processor, it doesn’t fail to deliver the right combination of engaging visuals and a fast experience.

Its large storage capacity and graphics card enable you to store your content and creative works while ensuring speed and smoothness. The innovative features and capabilities packed within one ergonomic design allow you to accomplish more quickly and efficiently.

#6: Dell Inspiron 5547

Price: S$699

The Dell Inspiron 5547 has an impressive visual feature with its powerful Radeon Graphics card to bring all your content into a sharp and vivid focus.

It allows you not only to watch content but create your own through its graphic design and brilliant capabilities. The processor will guarantee that all your multitasking needs are possible without annoying lags and bumps for a well-rounded user experience.

All prices reflected are accurate at the time of writing.

FairPrice: Save up to 39% with discounted items from now till 24 March 2021

Good day, folks! Welcome to another episode of FairPrice weekly deals. This week at FairPrice, you can expect discounts on assorted Ben & Jerry’s ice cream tubs, food deals, and several 1-for-1 items.

If you’re planning to head down to your usual FairPrice supermarket this week, do remember to bring your brolly along because thundery showers are coming our way in the second half of March.

Yup, just a friendly reminder for all of us. Without further ado, let’s look at what you should buy from now till 24 March.

#1: Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream – Gimme S’More

Now: 3 for S$29.50

Usual Price: S$13.90

Savings: S$12.20

It’s been a while since we’ve seen a featured Ben & Jerry’s promotion. They are back just for Ben & Jerry’s fans! When having ice cream, it’s accurate to say that we don’t just stop at one scoop. Gimme S’More is a flavour to try if you agree with us. Peeps who can appreciate toasted marshmallow ice cream mixed with chocolate cookies and graham crackers, this one’s for you. As a bonus, you get fudge flakes toppings too!

#2: Bluebird Thick Cut Chips – Crispy Bacon

Now: 2 for S$4.95

Usual Price: S$3.95

Savings: S$2.95

Those looking for fresh flavours to try instead of their usual Lay’s Potato Chips or Doritos Tortilla Chips, why not give Bluebird a chance to impress you? A bag of thick-cut chips usually costs S$3.95, but you get 2 packets for S$4.95 this time! This means one pack is only S$2.48. Other than Crispy Bacon, you may also like Ready Salted or Sour Cream & Chives. Bluebird Delisio Potato Chips with flavours like Terikayi Chicken, Sweet Chili Relish, and English Deli-Style Sea Salt are also selling at 2 for S$4.95.

#3: Farmland Frozen Chicken Franks

Now: 3 for S$3.90

Usual Price: S$1.95

Savings: S$1.95

Before we move on to the 1-for-1 deals this week, here’s a buy 2 get 1 free deal for you. Farmland Frozen Chicken Franks are going at S$1.30 each if you buy three packs. Up your hot dog game with menus like pretzel dogs and chilli dog bread ring. Click here for a complete look at scrumptious hot dog recipes curated by the Tasty Team. Or check this long list out for great recipes you can use to cook with your newly bought chicken franks.

Buy 1 get 1 free promotional items!

#4: Agensi Pasta Sauce – Napoletana

Now: 2 for S$3.90

Usual Price: S$3.90

Savings: S$3.90

How about having pasta for dinner tonight? Agensi is having a 1-for-1 sale not just on its pasta sauce but Le Penne Regate and Spaghetti N.3 as well. The 500g pasta packs are going at 1-for-1 at S$2.20, so this means one will cost you only S$1.10! While grabbing your 1-for-1 pasta sauce, swing by to grab your pasta bundles too.

#5: Radox Anti-Bacterial Handwash – Moisture

Now: 2 for S$3.50

Usual Price: S$3.50

Savings: S$3.50

Peeps who practise frequent handwashing will understand the pains of dry skin. If that is you, you might want to hop on this 1-for-1 deal to get your Radox Anti-Bacterial Handwash. The moisturise version with chamomile and jojoba oil scents will ensure that your skin remains smooth to touch despite regular daily use. It is dermatologist-tested to be pH skin neutral and effectively removes germs and bacteria.

Shop the above products in-stores or at fairprice.com.sg by 24 March.

Must-buy items from now till 24 March 2021

Fresh picks at FairPrice till 24 March 2021

FairPrice’s weekly saver deals till 24 March 2021

5 points to note if you have a loved one with OCD

Living with OCD, or an obsessive-compulsive disorder referred to by medical professionals, is hard on both the person who has the condition and their loved ones.

The uncontrollable patterns of behaviour, the painful loops of repetitive motion, and the systematic thought cycles that derail successful functioning in people’s daily lives can be a real challenge.

If you have a loved one in your life who’s struggling to live with OCD, keep these things in mind as you continue to comfort and support them.

#1: Avoid excessive criticism

OCD tends to make your brain relive specific encounters, whether positive or negative, over and over again.

These thought loops can become oppressive to the point of exhaustion, mainly when one is focusing on negative thoughts and memories. Try to avoid giving critiques and criticisms to people with OCD. This will ensure your harsh words won’t play on repeat in their heads.

#2: Shine no unnecessary light on their routines

Image Credits: The Jakarta Post

One of the most noticeable components of OCD is specific obsessions or compulsions that a person affected by the condition might need to repeat. For example, checking the switch three times to make sure it’s off or washing their hands every other hour.

These rituals are often unavoidable and can be a source of anxiety for your loved one if they don’t do them. Therefore, try not to draw attention to their actions when it happens. Simply wait patiently until they’re able to move on to the following routine.

#3: Don’t force them to stop a ritual

Speaking of repetitive actions, don’t try to force your loved ones to hit the “stop” button on their repetitious acts. Their disorder is uncontrollable at times, and if you do, it will add to their distress.

Forcing them to move through without completing a ritual or behaviour pattern can make their urge to do it even more severe. This can exacerbate further potential emotional problems, so remember to be patient and let them move through life on their terms.

#4: Be patient when correcting

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When you’re helping someone with OCD do something, whether it’s for the first time or correcting their action, it helps to be incredibly patient.

OCD can require a series of behaviours or loops before a new action makes its mark. So, your loved ones may need to repeat some soothing behaviours before they can heed your correction and accept it.

Be patient and let them work through their feelings until they’re ready to listen to what you have to say.

#5: Show your support without enabling

Being supportive is genuinely one of the best things you can do to assist a loved one suffering from OCD. The condition can be an incredibly isolating experience that convinces the sufferer that they are dealing with it alone and singularly responsible for living with and treating it.

However, know the difference between supporting and enabling. It would be best if you were not answering their recurring questions all the time or buying more hand soap to facilitate their routines.

Consider this phrase or come up with your own, “‘It looks like you’re having an obsession and asking me to participate, but I’m not going to do that because I’m on your side, not OCD’s.”

Final thoughts

grayscale photo of a person's right hand

Image Credits: unsplash.com

A person with OCD may, at times, do something that seems ridiculous to an average person. For example, they may suffer from an intense fear of sin and feel the urge to “confess” to someone even if they’ve just accidentally brought home a paper clip from the office (true story).

As we’ve shared in this article, remember to hold back on your criticisms even when you feel the urge to correct them. Most people with OCD are aware of their condition, so there’s no need to spotlight their routines or, worse still, force them to stop.

They need your support and positive feedback, not your mindless judgements.

Engagement ring inspirations for your upcoming proposal

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Foundations of bankruptcy in Singapore

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

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

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

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.