Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

What Can You Still Buy with S$1 in Singapore?

In a city where kopi often costs more than S$1 and hawker meals regularly climb past S$5, it is hard not to wonder…is there anything left that still costs just a dollar?

With the rising cost of living and food ingredients, is the humble S$1 still good for more than just candy? Can you still get an actual bite to eat for that price, or is it just a number from the past?

We searched around and found a few surprising ways that S$1 still stretches in Singapore.

#1: BREAD FOR UNDER S$1

Most bakeries now price soft buns and cake slices at S$2 or more. But Love Confectionery in Bukit Timah is keeping things simple.

This old school heartland bakery still offers custard buns, cream puffs, pandan cake slices, and sugar coated doughnuts for S$1 or even under. It is not just affordable. It is also packed with nostalgia.

Image Credits: facebook.com/loveconfectionerysg

#2: ICE CREAM FOR $0.50

Mixue sells its Signature King Cone for S$1.50. You get soft serve in a big crispy cone and according to one Redditor, it is a much better deal that the McD’s. Someone wrote, “Better than McDonald’s by far in my opinion. You get more for what you pay.”

Image Credits: unsplash.com

For a budget option, you can always grab the soy ice cream at IKEA for just 50 cents. Still one of the cheapest cool treats in town.

#3: IKEA’S S$1 HOTDOG

IKEA’s hot dog is something of a local icon. Despite inflation, it still sells for just S$1. You can choose the classic meat version or a plant based option made with kale, lentils, and quinoa. The veggie dog is available at IKEA Tampines and IKEA Jurong.

One Redditor shared, “This was how I used to bribe my son to behave in IKEA. He knew he would get a hot dog at the end.”

#4: DOLLAR DEALS AT 7-11

From now until 15 July 2025, 7-Eleven Singapore is running its rotating S$1 deals and there is a huge list of drinks and snacks on offer.

Items include Milo Gao, Pokka Lychee Tea, Fuze Jasmine Tea, Eurocake mini rolls, Want Want crackers, Nestlé Milo energy bars, and more. All at just a dollar. Do note that these are available only at selected stores and while stocks last.

#5: INSTANT NOODLES FOR JUST OVER S$1

They are no longer exactly one dollar, but Maggi Hot Cup Curry is only S$1.21 and Indomie Mi Goreng Cup goes for S$1.22 at FairPrice.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If you are in need of a quick and comforting bite, these cup noodles deliver that warm familiar taste.

IN A NUTSHELL

You might not get a full meal for one dollar anymore, but if you look around, you can still find sweet deals for that price or just a little more. Ice cream, drinks, and hot dogs can still be within reach if you know where to go.

Got more S$1 finds? Let us know before they vanish too!

2025 GSTV Payout Guide: What You Get & When

The GST Voucher (GSTV) Scheme for 2025 continues to provide vital financial support to help Singaporeans handle everyday costs arising from rising prices. It’s part of the larger Assurance Package, alongside Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers. The scheme comprises four key components designed to benefit different needs: GSTV Cash, U‑Save utility rebates, MediSave top‑ups, and Service & Conservancy Charges (S&CC) rebates.

Let us start with GSTV Cash. It is available to Singapore citizens aged 21 and above with an assessable income of S$39,000 or less and who own at most one property with an annual value (AV) of S$31,000 or less. Applicants in homes with AV up to S$21,000 receive S$850, while those with AV between S$21,001 and S$31,000 receive S$450.

Next, MediSave top‑ups are offered to Singaporeans aged 65 and above, subject to the same AV and property criteria . Recipients aged 65–74 receive S$250 (AV ≤ S$21,000) or S$150 (AV up to S$31,000); those aged 75–84 receive S$350 or S$250; and those 85+ are awarded S$450 or S$350.

Thirdly, U‑Save rebates are provided quarterly to eligible HDB households that have at least one Singapore citizen and must not own more than one property. These rebates are automatically credited to SP utilities accounts in January, April, July, and October 2025. The quarterly amounts are S$95 for 1‑ and 2‑room flats, S$85 for 3‑room, S$75 for 4‑room, S$65 for 5‑room, and S$55 for executive or multi‑generation flats.

Lastly, S&CC rebates offset town council charges and are similarly credited quarterly. Depending on flat type, households receive between 1.5 and 3.5 months’ worth over the year, including a bonus half-month rebate in January 2025.

PAYOUT PROCESS

To receive GSTV Cash, register for PayNow‑NRIC by 27 July 2025 or update your bank details by 28 July. Payouts begin on 6 August via PayNow‑NRIC, 15 August via direct bank credit, and 22 August via GovCash for those without bank accounts. MediSave top‑ups are credited from 11 August 2025 for those already signed up or who sign up by 13 July 2025. Later registrants (14 July 2025 to 20 June 2026) will receive their top-up within two months of signing up. On the other hand, no action is needed for U‑Save or S&CC rebates as they’re automatically applied.

You can check eligibility, update payment details, or review payout statuses through Singpass or at govbenefits.gov.sg.

Image Credits: govbenefits.gov.sg

IN SUMMARY

The following is a quick summary of the key details above to help you better understand the 2025 GST Voucher benefits. Do check govbenefits.gov.sg regularly for the latest updates, as details may change.

GSTV Cash

S$850 for AV ≤ S$21,000
S$450 for AV between S$21,001–31,000
Income limit: S$39,000 or less (YA 2024)

MediSave Top‑ups (age 65+)

S$250 (AV ≤ S$21,000) or S$150 (AV S$21,001–31,000) for ages 65-74
S$350 / S$250 for ages 75–84
S$450 / S$350 for ages age 85+

U‑Save Rebates (quarterly)

S$95 (1–2 room)
S$85 (3‑room)
S$75 (4‑room)
S$65 (5‑room)
S$55 (executive/multi‑gen)

S&CC Rebates (quarterly)

1.5 to 3.5 months’ worth based on flat type (+0.5 month in January 2025)

Payment Dates

GSTV Cash via PayNow‑NRIC: From 6 August 2025
Bank crediting: From 15 August 2025
GovCash: From 22 August 2025
MediSave: From 11 August 2025

Actions Required

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Link PayNow‑NRIC by 27 July 2025
Update bank details by 28 July 2025 (if needed)
Register for MediSave by 13 July 2025; later registrations processed in ~2 months
Sources: 1 & 2

July 2025 BTO Launch: Price Estimates, Hot Estates, & What to Expect

BTO VS RESALE

If you are planning to buy a flat in Singapore, chances are you are considering an HDB Build To Order (BTO) flat. These are brand new homes that are only built once demand reaches about 70%, with a waiting period of around three and a half years. The appeal? A fresh, never-before-lived-in home at subsidized prices.

Unlike resale flats, which are ready for immediate move-in, BTO flats require some patience. But for many Singaporeans, they offer better long-term value and appreciation potential.

JULY 2025 BTO LAUNCH

The July 2025 BTO launch is one of the largest in recent years, with about 5400 flats across 7 locations, offering a range from 2-room Flexi to 5-room units, including 3Gen options for multigenerational families. Both mature estates like Bukit Merah and Toa Payoh and non-mature towns like Woodlands and Sembawang are in the lineup.

And yes, Simei is finally back on the map after over a decade! For East-side fans, that is big news.

WHERE ARE THESE FLATS LOCATED?
PRICE ESTIMATES?

While official prices for the July 2025 BTO launch have yet to be released, past launches offer useful benchmarks. In Toa Payoh during the February 2023 exercise, prices started at around s$90,000 for a 2-room Flexi flat, approximately S$351,000 for a 3-room unit, and from S$395,000 for a 4-room flat.

Over at Tanjong Rhu Parc, which was classified under the Prime model, a 3-room flat was estimated to start from S$309,000, while a 4-room unit began at roughly S$493,000. In Yishun, buyers could expect lower entry prices, with 3-room flats from about S$140,000, 4-room flats from S$236,000, and 5-room units starting from S$392,000.

These figures are based on previous exercises and should be viewed as general guides. Final prices for the July 2025 BTO launch may differ, so always check the official HDB website for the latest information.

WHAT DRIVES BTO PRICES?

Common factors that affect pricing include:

a. Location: Mature estates like Bukit Merah, Clementi, and Toa Payoh tend to cost more due to their amenities, transport links, and schools.

b. Flat Size: Bigger flats like 5-room units come with higher price tags.

c. Lease Length: This applies more to resale flats as shorter leases typically mean lower prices.

d. Grants: First-time buyers can qualify for schemes like the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant, which can shave off a significant amount from the total cost.

WHICH ESTATES STAND OUT?

a. Bukit Merah and Toa Payoh
Expect high demand here. These mature estates offer great access to the city, popular schools, and public transport. Projects in these areas may fall under the Prime or Plus classification, which means longer minimum occupation periods and stricter resale conditions.

b. Simei
After over a decade without a launch, Simei is back. Located near Upper Changi MRT, SUTD, and Changi General Hospital, it is ideal for families and East-siders looking to stay in a familiar zone.

c. Woodlands and Bukit Panjang
More affordable, with room for growth. These estates are increasingly attractive to younger buyers who want value and space.

d. Clementi and Sembawang
Clementi continues to appeal to families due to top schools and mature estate convenience. Sembawang, meanwhile, offers rare 3Gen flats, perfect for bigger households.

CHECK THESE OFF BEFORE YOU APPLY

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Confirm your eligibility: citizenship, income ceiling, and household structure
Understand the classification of your preferred project: Standard, Plus, or Prime
Look into transport, schools, and workplace distance
Sort out your finances: CPF Ordinary Account, HDB loan eligibility, and housing budget
Stay tuned to HDB announcements for application dates and official price lists

IN A NUTSHELL

Whether you are looking for your very first home or aiming to move closer to family, the July 2025 BTO launch is packed with potential. From familiar mature estates to under-the-radar growth towns, now is the time to shortlist your picks and prepare for the ballot.

Sources: 1,2,3 & 4

The Real Cost of Art Therapy in SG

Nowadays, individual stress levels are at an all-time high. With long work hours, economic pressure, and growing mental fatigue post-pandemic, many Singaporeans are quietly hitting a wall. While some seek traditional talk therapy, a growing number are turning to a quieter and more expressive form of healing called art therapy.

Searches for “art therapy Singapore” have surged in recent months. Yet many still don’t know what it really involves or how much it actually costs. We break it down here.

MORE THAN JUST MAKING ART

Let’s clear this up. Art therapy isn’t just arts and crafts. It’s not art class, and it’s definitely not only for artists.

Art therapy is a professional form of psychotherapy that helps people express and process emotions through creative practices like drawing, painting, or sculpting. It isn’t about making something pretty. It’s about releasing what’s hard to say in words.

As a psychometrician and mental health advocate, I’ve witnessed how powerful this can be. I’ve also lived it. One day, I picked up a brush. I just painted as I needed to let something out. That moment was a turning point.

WHY IT’S DRAWING PEOPLE IN

In a society where productivity is prized and emotions often buried, art therapy is emerging as a safe and nonverbal space to breathe. It’s gaining traction especially among those:

a. Burnt out at work
b. Coping with anxiety or trauma
c. Struggling to open up through talk therapy
d. Parenting neurodivergent or emotionally sensitive children

Singapore therapists are also adopting trauma-informed, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based approaches. Truly, the field is becoming more diverse and adaptive.

Watch this introduction to understand it better:

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST

Art therapy in Singapore isn’t cheap, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Some clinics even offer free consults or subsidized options.

1. Singapore General Hospital
Offers individual, group, and family sessions
Learn more: sgh.com.sg

2. The Red Pencil (Singapore)
A nonprofit offering art therapy for communities and individuals
Learn more: redpencil.sg

3. Ayana Art Therapy
Personalized sessions with a FREE 20-minute consultation
Learn more: ayanaarttherapy.com

4. Haven Art Therapy
Works with clients from 4 months to 97 years old
Learn more: haventherapy.sg

5. Art For Good
Therapy, enrichment, and community art
Learn more: artforgood.sg
Prices:
Art Jamming (2 hours): S$50
Individual Therapy (1 hour): S$150
Consultation (30 minutes): S$60

6. Solace Art Psychotherapy
Offers multi-session packages
Learn more: solace.com.sg
Prices:
Single Session: S$230
5 Sessions: S$1100
10 Sessions: S$2000

ARE ART THERAPISTS LEGIT?

In Singapore, qualified art therapists typically hold a Master’s in Art Therapy and are members of the Art Therapists’ Association Singapore. Many are also credentialed by ANZACATA, a professional body for creative arts therapists.

Their training includes:
a. Supervised clinical placements
b. Personal therapy
c. Rigorous ethics and trauma-informed education

Image Credits: unsplash.com

FINAL PIECE

You don’t need to be an artist to begin healing. You don’t even need to know where to start. All you need is the willingness to explore what you feel.

When words fall short, art speaks through color and movement. In those quiet moments of creation, you may find calm and clarity.

Lazada 7.7 vs Shopee 7.7: Which Sale Is Really Worth Your Click?

Singapore’s mid-year shopping showdown is here again, and it is game on between Lazada and Shopee. With both platforms promising jaw-dropping prices, lightning-fast delivery, and massive vouchers, the real question is: where should you spend your money?

We took a deep dive into both Lazada’s 7.7 Big Summer Sale and Shopee’s ongoing 6.6 to 7.7 Great Shopee Sale to help you figure out where the real savings are hiding this season. The discounts may be loud, but we’re cutting through the noise to find the true value.

THE SALE TIMELINE

Shopee launched its Great Shopee Sale, stretching the campaign from June 6 all the way to July 7. It is a full month of timed flash sales, daily dining deals, and exciting voucher drops. The main event will happen on July 7. The campaign keeps shoppers coming back with fresh offers almost every other week.

In contrast, Lazada keeps things concise. Its Big Summer Sale begins on July 6 and ends on July 10. The deals are tightly packed, and users can consult LazCalendar to track the daily highlights and prepare in advance.

Verdict: Shopee dominates in duration and frequency.

FOOD & LIFESTYLE DEALS

Shopee’s 50% off daily dining deals are a clear win for budget-savvy foodies. From Popeyes and KFC to Mr Bean, the discounts cover everyday cravings and quick comfort meals. Combine that with Shopee Live cashback, time-limited vouchers, and major markdowns on fashion and beauty, and you get a fantastic online GSS experience.

Lazada offers lifestyle deals as part of wider store promotions, but it is not as aggressive in food discounts. Their focus leans more toward value-for-money bundles across electronics, home, and essentials.

Verdict: Shopee steals the spotlight for lifestyle and food offers.

DELIVERY, RETURNS, & USER PERKS

Shopee’s guaranteed next-day delivery is a major win for shoppers. Free shipping vouchers are available all day and buyers enjoy a no-questions-asked 15-day return policy. It is fast, forgiving, and fuss-free.

Lazada offers free shipping on selected items and LazMall products often arrive quickly. Returns are usually accepted but policies can vary depending on the seller. Their 100% satisfaction guarantee provides some peace of mind, although it feels less straightforward than Shopee’s blanket return policy.

Verdict: Shopee leads the way with convenience and smoother logistics.

FLASH SALES, FASHION, & TECH

Shopee’s flash sales hit hard with up to 90% off branded items from Timberland, David Jones, and H&M. Vouchers stack across categories including fashion, home, beauty, and electronics. With major discounts on Roborock, PrismPlus, and Samsung, it is easy to get caught in the shopping loop.

Lazada focuses more on big-ticket deals across electronics, appliances, and home essentials. It may not have as many fashion-forward drops, but for large purchases, Lazada gives strong value through bundled discounts and cashback stacking.

Verdict: If you are planning to upgrade your home tech, Lazada offers a more structured deal path.

OVERALL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Shopee thrives on daily engagement. Its interface is built around live shopping, surprise vouchers, and limited-time rewards. The campaign feels more interactive, like a shopping game you want to keep playing.

Lazada appeals more to the planner. LazCalendar helps map your buys ahead of time and big-brand deals are usually clean and clearly labeled. It is less flashy, but arguably more efficient for focused shoppers.

Verdict: Shopee is more fun and immersive, while Lazada wins for structure and simplicity. It depends on your shopping habits.

FINAL VERDICT

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If you are chasing everyday value, fast delivery, and the joy of stacking vouchers across categories, Shopee is your go-to this 7.7. But if your eye is on the prize and that prize happens to be a new appliance or serious electronics upgrade, Lazada still holds its ground.

Want the best of both? Compare, claim early, and shop smart. These deals move fast and so should you.

Follow @moneydigest or facebook.com/MoneyDigest for real-time alerts and top picks this GSS season.

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