Celeste Elle, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

You can buy these cars in Singapore with a budget of only S$80K

Are you thinking of buying a brand new car but don’t quite have a high budget to spare? Yes, we get how some people think that cars fall into the category of wants rather than needs. But if you really think having a car is necessary and have at least S$80K to spare, why not?

But before you make that payment, be completely aware that other than the upfront payment, there are other costs tagged to driving. We’re referring to petrol prices, ERP charges, parking fees, and more. Let’s not forget maintenance fees and car insurance.

If you’ve taken into account the long-term costs, let’s take a look at these five cheapest car types you can buy even with a budget of only S$80K.

#1: Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (A)

First up on our list, we have the Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (A). The lowest recorded price was previously S$54,999 apparently. At the time of writing, it currently costs S$64,999.

The engine is made by Toyota so you will be assured a smooth driving experience. If you often find yourself storing your belongings behind the boot before driving, you will find the roomy boot space a lifesaver.

#2: Perodua Myvi 1.3X (A)

Next up, slightly pricier than the Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (A) is also another series launched by Perodua in 2019. The Perodua Myvi 1.3X (A) hatchback costs S$67,999.

Its specs and features are similar to the Bezza. It has a reasonable boot space of 277 litres and a superb fuel consumption figure of around 17km per litre. For those with a little more budget to spare, you can power-up with the Perodua Myvi 1.5 (S$71,999) instead.

#3: Mitsubishi Attrage

The bronze medal goes to the Mitsubishi Attrage. To be exact, the Mitsubishi Attrage 1.2 CVT Style (A) is the model to look out for. It is priced at S$69,999, similar to the Mitsubishi Space Star 1.2 CVT Style (A).

Those who struggle to navigate around tight spaces will find the Mitsubishi Attrage driver-friendly. That’s all thanks to its fabulous turning radius! With an impressive fuel efficiency of 13.5km per litre, it wins first place for being a fuel-efficient car.

#4: Nissan Note 1.2 (A)

Making into our list at fourth position is the Nissan Note 1.2 (A), a hatchback that costs S$74,900 at the time of writing. You may have come across even lower pricing before because the rock-bottom figure recorded was S$67,888.

Anyway, it has a spacious interior so you will be guaranteed comfort during your drive. While its fuel efficiency stands at 19.6km per litre, some drivers have reviewed otherwise. With that said, its Automatic Stop/Start function manages energy efficiently so that’s one bonus point.

#5: Honda Fit 2020 1.3 (A)

As you’ve probably anticipated the price to rise as we go, we have the new Honda Fit 2020 1.3 (A) to end our list of cheapest cars to buy in Singapore. It costs approximately S$77,000, ranging between different dealers.

Looking at the fuel consumption, it’s a pretty good sight at 19.6km per litre. Compared to the Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (A) and Perodua Myvi 1.3X (A), it has one of the highest number of airbags at six. It also offers a keyless engine start.

FairPrice: Save up to 40% with must-buy items from now till 21 October 2020

We’ve arrived at mid-month, already! We wish office workers have been able to get used to the back-to-the-office arrangements thus far. You’ve worked hard so reward yourself with savings this week at FairPrice.

We’re looking at discounted items such as Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, Crusty’s salted egg fish skin, 1-for-1 Shokubutsu body foam and more. Keep reading!

#1: Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream – Chocolate Shake It

Usual Price: S$13.90

Sale Price: 2 for S$19.90

Savings: S$7.90

Work has been tough, isn’t it? Shake all that stress away as we wait one more day to the weekend. From now till 21 October 2020, enjoy Ben & Jerry’s assorted ice cream flavours at only 2 for S$19.90! Not a fan of chocolate? There are other choices like strawberry cheesecake, salted caramel core, and classic vanilla.

#2: Crusty’s Salted Egg Fish Skin

Usual Price: S$7.50

Sale Price: S$5.45

Savings: S$2.05

Nothing beats a bag of salted egg fish skin to soothe the soul. Since we were on the topic of ice cream, we shall roll with the treats! Crusty’s uses only the best quality ingredients and spices that are 100% free of preservatives to prepare their collection of snacks. Taste the difference in every bite but beware because once you pop, you might not be able to stop.

#3: Shokubutsu Anti-bacterial Body Foam – Rejuvenate & Purify

Usual Price: S$9.50

Sale Price: 2 for S$9.50

Savings: S$9.50

Save big on Shokubutsu body foam this week at FairPrice. This is probably FairPrice’s only 1-for-1 deal we’re going to spotlight in this article so take advantage of the promotion when you do your marketing. Shokubutsu anti-bacterial body foam comes in the Refresh & Purify and Deodorize & Purify series as well.

#4: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Instant Noodle – Spicy (Halal)

Usual Price: S$4.35

Sale Price: 2 for S$6.95

Savings: S$1.75

Nongshim instant noodles at 20% off! There are two halal versions for our Muslim friends to choose from. For the rest of us, there are options like Korean claypot, kimchi, neoguri, shrimp, and rich potato. And if you’re a supporter of Myojo instant noodles, the brand is also having an 18% discount this week with flavours like Mala Xiang Guo and more.

#5: FairPrice Cheese Slices (3 Packs)

Usual Price: S$9.55

Sale Price: S$7.65

Savings: S$1.90

Cheese makes life better. Have you tried adding cheese to your cup ramen before? Try it and let us know what you think of the upgraded taste. FairPrice Cheese Slices are individually wrapped and high in calcium. For peeps who often skip breakfast, having a slice of cheese or two before you start work is better than surviving on an empty stomach.

#6: Beautex Facial Tissue – Soft (2ply)

Usual Price: S$4.60

Sale Price: 3 for S$8.90

Savings: S$4.90

Singapore has had a long fight with COVID-19. Fellow brothers and sisters, you have fought well and kept to the social distancing rules. As we’re facing single digits of infected patients in recent days, let’s continue to keep up with personal hygiene habits. While washing hands are important, it’s also essential to wipe them dry to keep germs at bay. Remember to discard the used tissue properly after that!

Other must-buy items from now till 21 October 2020

Save more with FairPrice’s weekly saver deals till 21 October 2020

FairPrice: Save up to 47% with must-buy items from now till 14 October 2020

More savings this week at FairPrice! Save up to 47% with must-buy items when you shop from now till 14 October 2020. We’re looking at discounted Häagen-Dazs ice cream stick bars, bubble milk tea ice cream, mi goreng (assorted), and more.

Keep reading if you want to score yourself some good deals.

#1: Häagen-Dazs Stickbar Ice Cream – Assorted

Usual Price: S$13.90

Sale Price: 2 for S$19.90

Savings: S$7.90

Take your pick from Häagen-Dazs’ assorted flavours ice cream stick bars. Vanilla caramel almond fans can get that pack of three and enjoy the same flavours all day, err day from the comfort of home. Those who prefer a variety can purchase the assorted pack with flavours like chocolate choc almond, cookies & cream, and salted caramel.

#2: The Ice Cream & Cookie Co. Gelato Ice Cream – Bubble Milk Tea

Usual Price: S$12.95

Sale Price: 2 for S$17.20

Savings: S$8.70

Peeps who are currently on a strict less-sugar diet, we apologize for advertising sweet treats right from the start of this article. For me, my ‘cheat days’ are on weekends. If you can afford the sugar rush just for the weekend, don’t forget to bag home The Ice Cream & Cookie Co. assorted ice cream flavours on your trip to FairPrice this week.

#3: Asia Evergreen Frozen Edamame (Kernels)

Usual Price: S$3.20

Sale Price: 2 for S$3.20

Savings: S$3.20

It’s about time we insert a one-for-one deal. Do you know that Edamame is considered as immature soybeans? You will usually see them encased in their pods and sold frozen. It’s high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and even fibre. For convenience sake, Asia Evergreen has kindly packaged them in kernels form.

#4: Ibumie Mi Goreng Instant Noodles – Original

Usual Price: S$2.35

Sale Price: 2 for S$3.35

Savings: S$1.35

Save 28% if you buy 2 packets of mi goreng instant noodles from FairPrice from now till 14 October 2020. If you don’t fancy mi goreng, we’ve got you. Get the Penang Har Mee (Prawn) at the same discounted price. But just to let the calorie-counters know, a pack of mi goreng has slightly lesser calories when compared to the pack of prawn mee.

#5: Ferrero Rocher Chocolate

Usual Price: S$10.25

Sale Price: S$6.95

Savings: S$3.30

Homebased bakers, have you run out of cake ideas? How about making a Ferrero Rocher chocolate cake this weekend? Click through the link to view the recipe that has been tested by almost 4,000 people with a thumbs up!

#6: Kotex Soft & Smooth Slim Overnight Wing Pads – Heavy (28cm)

Usual Price: S$5.95

Sale Price: 3 for S$11.90

Savings: S$5.95

Sorry guys, this one’s for the ladies. Sisters, check your treasure box to see if you need to stock up on some sanitary pads. There are various types to suit your monthly needs:

The abovementioned sanitary products are all on a buy 2 get 1 free special this week at FairPrice. Don’t miss it!

Other must-buy items from now till 14 October 2020

Save more with FairPrice’s weekly saver deals till 14 October 2020

Singapore residents may look forward to ‘air travel bubbles’ for general travel soon

Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung announced on Tuesday (Oct 6) that ‘air travel bubbles’ with countries with low COVID-19 infection rates may soon be possible. Negotiations are on the way though he advised the public to manage their expectations.

“I need to manage expectations here. For members who are hoping that I’m about to announce some air travel resumption and even possible December holiday destinations, I am sorry I will disappoint you,” he said.

No requirements for a strict itinerary

‘Air travel bubbles’ differ from reciprocal green lane arrangements because there are no requirements for a controlled itinerary. Also, reciprocal green lanes are used mainly for official and business travel.

What to expect?

Image Credits: AFP/Roslan Rahman

Singapore will only establish ‘air travel bubbles’ with safe countries and regions. Other than abiding by the COVID-19 test protocols, authorities might look into setting a quota on the number of travellers per day.

“We also require travellers to apply for an air travel pass before their journeys, to allow us to plan for their arrivals, and throttle down the numbers, reduce the quota, if the epidemic situation changes,” Mr Ong added.

Which country is top on the list?

Hong Kong has revealed its intention to establish such ‘air travel bubbles’ with Singapore alongside other countries. As such, Singapore will most likely begin discussions with Hong Kong and other partners soon.

COVID-19 testing capacity no longer a major constraint

travellers entering Singapore amid COVID-19

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Mr Ong shares that about 27,000 people in Singapore are tested daily and the numbers are set to rise. By November, Singapore may be able to increase testing capacity to 40,000 tests a day.

There are also plans to set up a dedicated COVID-19 testing laboratory at Changi Airport. This is so as to support aviation recovery in the coming months. Currently, Changi Airport has an existing facility to swab up to 10,000 passengers a day.

Travellers must get used to being tested before departing. This additional step is very much similar to us going through security and having our bags checked before we board a plane. Most importantly, it’s crucial to kickstart general travel.

Other plans in place to safely reopen borders

travellers checking-in at a hotel amid COVID-19

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Countries which are economically important to Singapore but with higher infection rates will be considered with “practical schemes”.

“For example, we can replace the 14-day (stay-home notice) in a hotel with new requirements, such as a more stringent and repeated test protocol… we can segregate them from the rest of the community… we can closely track their movements while they are here,” said the minister.

Apart from ‘air travel bubbles’, Singapore will continue to pursue reciprocal green lane arrangements with other countries or regions. At the moment, Singapore has such arrangements with Brunei, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea.

Uniqlo celebrates Doraemon’s 50th anniversary with a special edition of Doraemon graphic t-shirts

Doraemon fans should not miss out on Uniqlo’s special launch of Doraemon UT Collection as part of Doraemon’s 50th anniversary!

Our favourite fictional character in the Japanese manga and anime series has brought many smiles to our childhood. You can look forward to graphic t-shirts with designs including popular characters, secret gadgets, and some “Stand by Me Doraemon 2” motifs.

Let’s take a look at what’s available for women, men, and kids.

WOMEN & MEN’S COLLECTION

There are a total of eight designs under the women & men’s collection. They are all priced at S$19.90.

DORAEMON UT #1

First up, we have a lovely side view of Doraemon with a text that reads:

“A cat-type robot from the 22nd century. Traveled back in time to watch over Nobita.”

This graphic t-shirt has no image at the back. It’s a classic white t-shirt with a simple graphic one can pair with shorts or jeans.

DORAEMON UT #2

Next, fans who are looking to show their love for Doraemon in a minimalistic way will find this design perfect. The graphic t-shirt in olive green comes with a logo on the left side that reads “ドラえもん”, which is literally Doraemon in Japanese.

DORAEMON UT #3

And how can we ever give up on black? This is the first design of the two black coloured graphic t-shirts available in the women & men’s collection. This piece features the back view of Doraemon filled with the magical items it’s capable of using.

DORAEMON UT #4

Taking a test and need a psychological memory boost? This navy blue graphic t-shirt with an 暗記パン Anki Pan might do the trick.

DORAEMON UT #5

This is the second design of the two black coloured graphic t-shirts available in the women & men’s collection. Let’s give Doraemon a break and shine some light on the characters in the Doraemon series!

DORAEMON UT #6

“Stand by Me Doraemon 2” is a follow-up to the 2014 film “Stand by Me Doraemon”. It was originally scheduled to release in Japan on Aug 8 but news has it that it has been postponed indefinitely. We shall be contented with this for now and await the release date!

DORAEMON UT #7

This graphic t-shirt is also part of the “Stand by Me Doraemon 2” movie. The artwork will probably make more sense when we finally get to watch the film.

DORAEMON UT #8

We love how this graphic design accurately encaptures Doraemon’s fear of mice. Well, if you have ever experienced getting your ears bitten off by a mouse… that should explain why.

KIDS’ COLLECTION

Want to play a match-up with your kids? Uniqlo’s kids’ collection has six designs with all items priced at S$12.90 each.

Some of the designs are strikingly similar to the adults’ collection so you know what to do if you’re planning to twin with your kids for a trip outdoors. Here’s it:

View the full Doraemon UT Collection here.