Celeste Elle, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Support local and mask up in style from 5 SGD

Here’s your chance to do some good supporting local businesses and mask up in style. Yes, we are aware that Singapore residents can collect two free reusable masks from 29 June. All thanks to Temasek Foundation! But if you’re looking to spice up your style, we’ve got you.

You can expect a dilemma between classic colours, various prints, and even the option of custom embroidery. No more mixing up with alike masks from your family members’. Prices start from 5 SGD. A couple of products that caught our eye were already out of stock. Saw something you like? Act fast!

#1: ANS-EIN

Ans-Ein is the brainchild of Anseina (Ans) and Erlyn (Ein). Founded in 2017, the brand encompasses the idea of “everybody is an artist”. You can find a wide variety of masks on their website. Their reusable masks are made up of three layers – the cotton / polyester outer layer, waterproof middle layer, and breathable inner layer.

The kids and pre-teen masks are priced from 5 SGD. The handmade batik series was a scene-stealer. If you take a liking towards batik prints, you will adore the collections:

Apart from the batik series, there are other patterns, denim series, and even seasons-inspired prints! Those who appreciate Japanese culture will be thrilled to know that there is the Seigaiha series. Seigaiha refers to blue seas and waves literally. Take a look at the patterns below and you will know what we mean!

Image Credits: ans-ein.com

#2: MAKERLY SINGAPORE

Named after the phrase ‘making happily’, Makerly’s products reflect design for longevity and size-inclusiveness. Most of their pieces are created with the batik print fabric and as you would have probably guessed, their reusable masks too.

At the time of writing, there are only the SIA’s signature sarong kebaya batik fabric masks left. It is available in navy, red, and green. There are both kids and adults version of the masks which come with a filter pocket and wire at the nose area. It’s retailing at 9 SGD each.

You can email them at [email protected] to check if there will be a restock on other designs or watch the space patiently.

#3: CYC

CYC has a history that dates back to 1935. They specialize in tailoring shirts and suits with physical storefronts at Capitol Singapore and Fullerton Hotel. Just two months back in April 2020, they had a #CYC300kMaskChallenge for migrant workers. Many volunteers signed up to sew masks so they could be directly sent to the foreign workers.

Want to do your part for the migrant workers? Purchase a mask or two from CYC and a portion of the sales will benefit them. CYC’s premium quality cotton fabric masks come with a washable N95 hydrophobic filter. You can expect three sizes – kids’, small, and large. There are also three design series – technicolour, corporate, and colour surprise.

We found a few interesting prints like the…

Monkey Forest Face Mask (Technicolour Series) (20 SGD)

Image Credits: CYC

Kopitiam Chair Print Mask (Technicolour Series) (20 SGD)

Image Credits: CYC

Retro Blue Cars Liberty Face Mask (Technicolour Series) (20 SGD)

Image Credits: CYC

Happy shopping!

People’s Association online courses below 15 SGD

While the majority of us are out and about during phase two, it’s still important to abide by the rules. Rather than keeping to hearsay, it’s wiser to refer to authentic news sources. Here’s all you need to know as we’re a week into phase two.

And of course, that’s not the aim of today’s article. For those who are still staying home as much as you can, thank you. We appreciate you being careful towards Singapore’s reopening of the economy. Hence, we’ve searched on a couple of online courses by the People’s Association (PA) you can attend in July. Better still, you can get 2% off the course fees if you register online from now till 31 March 2021! Here are some courses below 15 SGD. All prices shown are after discount.

#1: PILOXING

Date: 11 July 2020

Time: 9am to 10am

Public fee: 4.90 SGD

Get your heart pumping with an hour session of piloxing via Zoom. As the name suggests, it is a type of exercise involving a mixture of pilates and boxing. Let the team from Nawal Haddad Fitness lead you in this cardio-heavy workout that’s bound to work up a sweat! For more details, please refer to the course page.

#2: HEALTH QIGONG

Date: Several dates throughout July to August 2020

Time: Varies across sessions

Public fee: 9.80 SGD

Health Qigong is a type of mind body exercise (MBE). It uses repeatable physical movements and is not a physically strenuous activity. Thus, Health Qigong makes a suitable exercise for the elderly to take part in. Think of it as the Chinese version of yoga, just less intense.

Image Credits: vimeo.com/belgianhealthqigong

If your parents or grandparents aren’t tech-savvy, how about signing them up for one or a few sessions? We saw a couple of dates available throughout July and August 2020. Click through these links for easy sign-ups:

Or simply search for ‘Health Qigong (Online)’ via onePA’s website for other available dates.

#3: ZUMBA

Date: Several dates throughout July to August 2020

Time: Varies across sessions

Public fee: free to 14.70 SGD

I’ve personally tried Zumba before. Not going to lie, it wasn’t easy for my very first session. The hand-leg coordination was my roadblock. If you’re a perfectionist like I am, then it will be really stressful wanting to master the dance moves. But that’s not the point! I’ve learnt how to feel the music, let go, and have fun during Zumba sessions. You can too!

There’s one free session coming right up on 1 July 2020. Registration closes on 28 June 2020 so fastest fingers first. Here are the next available dates:

You can also search for other available dates in August using this keyword: ‘Zumba® Gold (Online)’.

There are also other free online courses on selected dates. If you’re keen to check them out, click through these links:

Purchase these 3 travel deals now to save more

Are you waiting for travel bans to be lifted? Then you must be like me, faithfully following the latest news relating to travel restrictions. While we may not be able to travel immediately, let’s at least plan ahead. Well, that’s the only thing we can do right now. Isn’t it?

You can start by purchasing these three discounted deals we’re about to introduce to you. Consider buying now and travelling later! We welcome you to browse even if you’re simply just looking to satisfy your wanderlust.

#1: CHIVA-SOM

We’re starting our list of deals with Chiva-Som. Chiva-Som International Health Resort, its full name on Google, is located in the Hua Hin District. They are all about helping you to transform your health. This is the to-go place if you’re desperate to begin a wellness journey. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you for this reward.

Chiva-Som is offering a travel deal in the form of wellness vouchers. From now till 31 July 2020, you can get up to 15% discount with a minimum purchase of 50,000 THB (2,250 SGD) worth of Chiva-Som wellness vouchers. Vouchers will only expire after 31 December 2021. Splurge it on yourself or on people you know who deserves a break.

Contact them via [email protected].

#2: BELMOND

Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, Belmond is a hospitality company. They have a wide collection of luxury hotels, trains, river cruises, and safari lodges on their website. Bet you didn’t know you could make a booking from Singapore to Bangkok on board their Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train.

Image Credits: belmond.com

Belmond Travel Pass is the deal to look out for. You can now purchase a 500 EUR (785 SGD) gift card to receive an additional 100 EUR (157 SGD). Have the means to spend more? Buy 1,000 EUR (1570 SGD) or more to receive an additional 200 EUR (314 SGD). You have the option to purchase the gift card in EUR, USD, or GBP. The gift cards have no expiry date.

#3: CAPELLA UBUD

If you’ve stayed in one of the hotels managed by Capella Hotel Group before, you should know the value you’re paying for. How about switching the hotel experience for a special tented camp affair on your next Bali getaway? You can do so at Capella Ubud, proudly designed by architect Bill Bensley.

The travel deal titled ‘Dream Now, Travel Later‘, allows you to purchase vouchers at attractive rates for your stay at Capella Ubud in the future. You will have to pay in full upon check out on their website. However, you don’t have to choose your travelling dates right away. There will also be complimentary breakfast, round-trip airport transfers, and in-tent private dinner perks depending on your length of stay.

Singapore’s public holidays for 2021 have also been released. With four long weekends next year, hopefully, the virus situation will allow us to put it to good use.

Free and affordable mental healthcare in Singapore

Did you know that for every 100,000 people, there’s only an average of four psychiatrists in Singapore? Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Anthea Ong and Non-Constituency MP Daniel Goh raised this issue in Parliament on 5 March 2020. With the lack of professionals, it could be a reason to explain the high prices.

While the government reviews its mental healthcare system, some of us are probably on the search for free and affordable mental help in Singapore. If you’re reading this, good news! We will be sharing with you some avenues to get some help without breaking the bank.

#1: FAMILY LIFE SOCIETY (FLS)

Established since 1985, FLS is a member of the National Council of Social Services (NCSS). They offer a range of services including counselling sessions and Pregnancy Crisis & Support (PCS) for the public. Their subsidized counselling rates start from 75 SGD per session.

For free sessions, you may consider speaking to a para-counsellor. Para-counsellors do not have formal counselling qualifications. However, they are trained to provide basic listening support.

As some of you might be sensitive with religions, we’ve got to put it upfront that the para-counselling locations are held at Catholic churches. They are available in different parts of Singapore. However, FLS has stated on their website that all their services are open to all races and religions. Your background is also of least importance.

Dial 6382 0688 to connect with them.

#2: WINGS COUNSELLING CENTRE

WINGS Counselling Centre started as a pilot project named Ramakrishna Mission Counselling Centre (RMCC) with financial help from NCSS. They only rebranded with its current name in 2002.

Affordably-priced at 80 SGD for the first session, subsequent sessions will cost only 60 SGD. In the event that you still find it a splurge considering your financial status, don’t worry. You can send in a request via their online appointment form to enjoy partial or full waivers.

#3: SHAN YOU COUNSELLING CENTRE

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Shan You Counselling Centre is a non-profit social service organisation affiliated with NCSS. Apart from counselling and psychotherapy, they also offer befriending, motivational interviewing, and more.

Probably the lowest price we’ve seen thus far, their counselling sessions are at 40 SGD. You may also seek a fee discount or waiver if you’re going through difficult circumstances to fork out money for mental healthcare. Contact them via 6741 9293 or drop them an email through [email protected].

#4: ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN FOR ACTION AND RESEARCH (AWARE)

Founded in 1985, AWARE advocates gender equality. Their counselling sessions are specially catered for women above 21 years old. Whether you’re facing family violence or sexuality issues, AWARE can help.

The counselling cost is based on your monthly salary. For example, if your income is 2000 SGD, then the cost per session would be 20 SGD. Those who are not working will be charged 20 SGD per session. Interested? Speak to someone via the AWARE helpline at 1800 777 5555 or leave a callback request.

#5: HELPLINES

Not ready to commit to a counselling session just yet? You can converse with someone professional through these hotlines:

Mental well-being

– Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline (6389 2222)
– Samaritans of Singapore (1800 221 4444)
– Silver Ribbon Singapore (6385 3714)

Violence or abuse

– Big Love Child Protection Specialist Centre (6445 0400)
– HEART @ Fei Yue Child Protection Specialist Centre (6819 9170)
– PAVE Integrated Services for Individual and Family Protection (6555 0390)
– Project StART (6476 1482)
– TRANS SAFE Centre (6449 9088)

Counselling

– TOUCHline (Counselling) (1800 377 2252)

We would be extremely grateful if you could share this article with someone who might need to see this today. We’re never alone!

5 telemedicine providers and its costs

Crippled by fear at the idea of visiting a doctor physically? With the ongoing virus, it’s understandable. I was going about my day when I overheard a conversation. It goes something like that, “Huh? See a doctor? I don’t dare to.”

We’re sure you might have heard similar conversations recently. Either it’s from the public or within your own family members. Since the clinic is highly frequented by the sick, visiting one might be an idea frowned upon. If that’s your concern, how about turning to a telemedicine provider?

Just like how the word ‘telecommute’ means ‘work from home’, ‘telemedicine’ essentially means ‘medical support from home’. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has also claimed that telemedicine will become a key feature of Singapore’s healthcare landscape going forward. Thus, we’ve come up with a list of telemedicine providers and its relevant costs for your consideration.

#1: WHITECOAT

WhiteCoat’s doctors are registered with the Singapore Medical Council. Apart from general medical consultation, WhiteCoat also offers chronic disease management. You may also seek specialist referrals and laboratory results review with them.

To start, download the app and create an account. After logging in, you will be able to select the symptoms you’re experiencing. The consultation will begin after you select your preferred doctor or have one assigned to you. In addition, you may request for an e-medical certificate. The doctor’s prescribed medicine will be sent to your doorstep. Easy peasy!

Consultation cost: from 25 SGD

#2: DOCTOR ANYWHERE (DA)

Image Credits: doctoranywhere.com

You know the drill. To start, download the Doctor Anywhere app. You may see a doctor in real-time or schedule an appointment to see one later. Doctor Anywhere promises to deliver your medicine within three hours at no extra cost! Also, we’re heartened by the fact that their dedicated care team will follow up with you on your condition after three days.

Other than their virtual clinic, you can also book a home-based health screening or vaccination session. To view the range of packages available, head to their website. Their online marketplace is also worth checking out. Besides health products, you may also book yourself a massage or therapy session.

Consultation cost: from 20 SGD

#3: SATA COMMHEALTH

For once, you don’t have to download any app. To access SATA CommHealth’s teleconsultation service, you may do so via WhatsApp. As advised on their website, please only use it if you’re experiencing stable and common acute and chronic healthcare symptoms.

Unlike other telemedicine providers, this service is only available on weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm. It’s not available on public holidays. We guess that explains the pocket-friendly price.

Consultation cost: from 12 SGD

#4: DOCTOR WORLD

Similar to Doctor Anywhere, Doctor World promises to send your medicine within three hours. There are no hidden costs or extra delivery charges. It works pretty much the same way as most telemedicine apps with the exception of an eQueue service.

The eQueue service comes in handy should you require to visit a general practitioner (GP) in a face-to-face session. Just get a priority eQueue number via the app before heading out. You will also be advised the approximate waiting time so you can arrange your schedule accordingly.

Consultation cost: from 18 SGD (for the first 15 minutes)

#5: HIDOC

We will end our article by introducing to you HiDoc. HiDoc works a little differently from the other telemedicine providers. Along with tele-consulting with a GP, you can video chat with a specialist. It is perfect for people seeking specialist opinion for a second time and more. It is also a great platform to use to get a second opinion.

Choose from their list of medical doctors and review the consultation charges before you commit to an appointment. Not sure which specialist to see? Drop them an email at [email protected] or call them via 6887 5000 for suggestions.

Consultation cost: 120 SGD for the first consultation (80 SGD for follow-ups)