Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

5 Useful Strategies to Help You Win at Wordle

Wordle, the daily game that is taking the Internet by storm, is a relatively simple word game.

Players must guess a five-letter word within six tries. The game tells you if you placed the correct letters or if you guessed the correct word. If the letter you typed is right and is in the correct spot, it displays as green. If the letter you typed is right and is in the wrong spot, it displays as yellow. If the letter you typed does not belong to the word, it shows up as gray.

The mechanics may seem complicated at first, but you will get used to it. Here are a few useful tips to get you started!

#1: PICK COMMONLY USED LETTERS

Do not waste your first guess with random words. Instead, pick a word that includes many vowels or a word that includes frequently used consonants. For instance, “table” is a great word that includes two commonly used vowels “a” and “e” as well as a frequently used consonant “t”. Another good word to begin with is “audio”, which can get rid of four out of five vowels immediately.

Steer away from words that involve uncommonly used consonants such as “x”, “q”, and “z” on your first guess. Remember that the point of your first guess is to narrow down your search.

#2: EXPAND YOUR VOCABULARY

Is your vocabulary getting rusty? Enhance it through reading. Vocabulary is a tool that you can bring with you while playing this game. The more words you know, the better you will do at Wordle.

While you can get clues through the color displays, using these clues to figure out the solution requires knowledge of the English language. So, reading non-fiction or fiction books as well as playing text-heavy video games can help strengthen your vocabulary.

#3: TRY TO IDENTIFY PATTERNS

Patterns are your best friend when it comes to playing Wordle. Try to identify patterns that commonly used words have. For instance, “q” will almost always be followed by “u” in the English language.

Moreover, the most common letters at the beginning of an English word are a, d, o, t, and w. Lastly, the most common letters at the end of an English word are d, e, s, and t.

#4: NEVER USE THE GRAYED-OUT LETTERS AGAIN

Beginners at Wordle can make the mistake of using the letters displayed in gray. If the letter you typed does not belong to the word, it shows up as gray. You will be wasting your chances if you use the grayed-out letters again. Focus on the in-game keyboard to help you decide which letters to use.

#5: PLAY IT DAILY

To expand your vocabulary and to familiarize yourself with how the game works, you can play it every day. Wordle and other word games are good for your brain and can be beneficial in other areas of your life.

Image Credits: powerlanguage.co.uk/wordle

Word games are all about communication and problem solving. After the past few years, I think the world could use a game to help improve communication and to help decompress stress.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Which Music Streaming Service Reigns Supreme: Apple Music vs Spotify?

When it comes to the best music streaming services, Apple Music and Spotify immediately pop into our minds! After all, these two music streaming providers are leading the charts in paid subscribers. Carrying distinctive features that cater to specific users, it can be hard to choose between the two.

So, let us dig a little deeper into their traits to see which is the ideal music streaming service for you!

AUDIOPHILE-GRADE STREAMING EXPERIENCE: APPLE MUSIC

In February 2021, Spotify announced that it will be releasing its Spotify HiFi tier. This is an upgraded level of streaming that aims to deliver lossless CD-quality music. Upon its release, it will only be available in selected regions. However, Spotify users have yet to see any signs of HiFi anywhere. By default, Spotify sets its streaming quality to automatic. This setting depends on your connection strength – whether you are using Wi-Fi or cellular data.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

On the other hand, Apple Music recently released its high-resolution streaming options at no extra cost. Apple has developed its own lossless audio compression technology called Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC). With it, you can experience 16-bit/44.1kHz, 24-bit/48kHz, and 24-bit/192kHz streaming and Spatial Audio through Dolby Atmos.

POCKET-FRIENDLY PLANS: APPLE MUSIC

Both Spotify and Apple Music offer three-month free trials for their premium versions. When comparing the prices of the plans, Apple Music is minutely cheaper than Spotify Premium.

Here is a comparative list:

	Apple Music	Spotify Premium
Free Trial	3 months	3 months
Student Plan	S$4.98/month	S$4.99/month
Standard Plan	S$9.98/month	S$9.99/month
Family Plan	S$14.98/month	S$14.98/month

FREE VERSION: SPOTIFY

If you are not willing to spend money on a music streaming service, you can download Spotify and use its free version. There is a catch! Spotify Free is supported by advertisers, so expect to listen to these ads.

You also cannot download your favorite songs or access the offline mode. This free version will either use your cellular data or connect to your Wi-Fi whenever you stream.

MOST FLEXIBLE STREAMING SERVICE: SPOTIFY

Choosing Apple Music is a no brainer if you are stuck in the Apple ecosystem and are blessed with a wealth of iTunes music. In contrast, Spotify welcomes both its Apple and Android users.

You can also stream your Spotify playlist across various devices from smart speakers to game consoles and smartphones. There is also a robust range of podcasts and concerts.

WHICH MUSIC STREAMING SERVICES SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

As a personal preference, I prefer using Spotify Premium on my Android and Apple devices due to its superior song recommendation algorithm. If Spotify suddenly stopped its services and I had to switch to Apple Music, it would not be so bad.

You need to choose a service that suits your personal and financial preferences. Save money on your subscription by getting the Family Plan. Spotify and Apple Music offer Family Plans at S$14.98/month. You can share your subscription with five other people. Thus, your contribution will amount to about S$2.50/month/person.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Are there only three members in your family? Do not worry about sharing your plan with your actual family members! You can form a group of friends or co-workers instead.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

6 Money Lessons To Avoid Being Broke

Nobody ever wakes up one morning and thinks, “I want to be broke.” A hefty loan here, a bad investment there, and a long credit card statement later – you have no idea how you landed in this state. You are living paycheck to paycheck without savings intact.

What can you do to turn the tide? Start by reading this article and applying these lessons into your life.

#1: THE POWER OF SETTING CLEAR FINANCIAL GOALS

Goals mark your direction in life. If you do not have a clear destination to work towards, it can be difficult to find the passion or motivation to save. Whether you are eyeing on purchasing a flat or figuring out how to pay off your debts, crafting a plan can get you there.

As you set your financial goals, consider making them SMART. Financial goals need to be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound. Creating goals using the SMART method can help you ensure that you are working on an achievable goal within the timeline that you set. Stay on course!

#2: DON’T BUY WHAT YOU CAN’T AFFORD

Spending less than you make and buying what you can afford seem like simple personal finance rules. However, these are easier said than done. You can get distracted with the consumer-driven society that tempts you to live beyond your means. When this happens, a good rule of thumb is to save at least 15% of your income.

If you find it hard to save money, try paying for groceries and clothes with cash instead of a credit card. Take it one step further by using a budget per month. Withdrawing a fixed amount every month can help you to become more aware of your spending choices.

#3: EMBRACE THE FINANCIAL WORLD

The majority of personal finance lessons do not center around financial education, but on financial behavior. If you can modify your behavior with money, you can alter your financial future. Remember that you do not need to be a financial expert to prepare an emergency fund or to save for retirement. Start by building a solid financial plan and committing to it.

#4: THE IMPORTANCE OF INCREASING YOUR INCOME

Search for part-time jobs such as freelancing or dog walking to grow your income. You can take on other positions in the same company too. If you feel like you have reached the glass ceiling in your field, consider looking for new career paths to generate more income. Increasing your income can help your financial future.

#5: INVEST SMARTLY, AND NOT IMPULSIVELY

Investing is a good way to protect and grow your assets. However, the talent of wise investing does not come to us all. You may be succumbing to emotions and invest impulsively, hence you win big or lose big.

As a precaution, have an advisor who is trustworthy and credible. Research on your part is vital as well. It will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to make smart investments.

#6: BUDGET YOUR MONEY

It is understood that budgeting plays an essential role in controlling your spending, paying off debts, and staying on track with your financial goals. Creating a budget starts with adding up all your expenses for the month and subtracting that amount from your total income.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Set monthly and daily spending limits to adjust and make up for any oversights. You can create a budget using a notebook, a spreadsheet, or a budgeting app. Use a tool with which you are most comfortable.

Sources: 1 & 2

Best Cordless Vacuum Cleaners in Singapore, Under S$230

From robot vacuums to cordless vacuum cleaners, modern technology redefined how we achieve spotless floors! Cleaning your home became less of a chore with innovations such as these.

Let’s put a spotlight on cordless vacuum cleaners in Singapore. You do not have to worry about pulling a cord throughout the house because these are convenient and portable. It also operates with rechargeable batteries.

Cordless vacuum cleaners come in different shapes and sizes, but some of the best models in Singapore include the ones listed below.

#1: ELECTROLUX ALLERGY ERGORAPIDO BRUSH ROLL CLEAN CORDLESS VACUUM CLEANER

Price: S$225 at Lazada Singapore
(Sale Price: S$204.47)

Electrolux Allergy Ergorapido’s name may be mouthful, but it is efficient. People with dust allergies can find this model beneficial as it comes with a filter that gets about 99.99% of micro dust. It claims that its “HEPA grade five-fold high filtration system effectively blocks secondary pollution”.

Image Credits: lazada.sg

Lastly, its charging time is four hours.

#2: AIRBOT SUPERSONICS PLUS CORDLESS PORTABLE VACUUM CLEANER

Price: S$149.90 at Airbot

Do not be fooled by its inexpensive price as Airbot Supersonics Plus is a portable handheld cordless vacuum cleaner that comes with several modes. It has an OLED display screen for clearer and easier monitoring of battery levels and vacuum modes. As a bonus, it looks aesthetically pleasing in deep red!

Image Credits: airbot.sg

Use its LED light for easier visibility under sofas and beds. In terms of power, Airbot Supersonics Plus is an upgraded 25 kPa model with a charging time of about 4 to 5 hours.

#3: ELUXGO LIGHTWEIGHT CORDLESS VACUUM EC19C

Price: S$68 at Lazada Singapore
(Sale Price: S$64)

Weighing in at only 0.84 kg, the Eluxgo EC19C is lighter than many laptops in today’s market. If you are always on-the-go and intend to use this vacuum cleaner while you travel, this extremely light tool is a lifesaver.

Image Credits: lazada.sg

As a friendly warning, Eluxgo has a weaker suction power and a shorter battery life compared to the other models on this list. It is sufficient for a university student that is looking for a device to clean his or her dormitory room.

4. DIBEA D18 CORDLESS VACUUM CLEANER

Price: S$135 at FairPrice

Dibea D18 is a powerful mid-range model that empowers up to 40 minutes of cleaning with 12,000 pa suction power. It comes with two cleaning modes to suit your needs. You can also access hard-to-reach corners with its wide floor brush and LED lights.

Image Credits: fairprice.com.sg

Take advantage of its 2-in-1 soft brush function that can clean floors as well as office carpets. Lastly, it is supported by HEPA multi-stage filtration system. Simply put, it is practical and flexible!

Sources: 1 & 2

2022 Ang Bao Rates: How Much Money Should You Give?

The roaring Year of the Tiger begins on 2022 Feb 1 and ends on 2023 Jan 21. Abundant food, vibrant family reunions, and little red packets called ang bao will grace Singapore once again.

Singaporeans usually give these red packets during social gatherings such as Chinese New Year or weddings. Its color embodies “good luck”, which is supposed to ward off evil spirits.

If you are new to giving these red packets, how much money should you give? Let us start by knowing what a red packet or ang bao is.

What is an ang bao?

Married couples usually give these red packets to single people. It dates back from the Chinese belief that you achieve the adulthood once you get married. So, the newfound status comes with the privilege to distribute ang baos to those who remain single or are younger.

Since Singapore consists of diverse cultures, we as a nation have created practices surrounding ang bao gifting. It is not uncommon to have marriages between two different races, leading to traditional practices being modified.

Why do people give ang baos?

Ang bao gifting is a sign of goodwill and symbolizes good fortune. You do not need to break the bank for this gesture to be meaningful. It is a kind gesture, so give whatever you can afford.

Moreover, do not open your ang bao in front of everyone as it is considered impolite to start counting money in plain sight.

What is the minimum amount to give?

To this day, there is no strict rate to be followed. The amount you give usually depends on how close you are to the recipient. We have heard people receiving ang baos ranging from S$6 to S$1000. As a general guideline, you should give the most to your parents, grandparents, and in-laws. Doing this is a sign of respect and gratitude.

Your siblings and own children can receive about S$50 to S$200 as a symbol of your love. Cousins, nephews, and nieces can receive S$10 to S$50 as a symbol of well wishes. You can also pack a couple of S$2 or S$6 ang baos in case you meet your acquaintances, distant relatives, and their little ones.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Are there numbers to avoid?

Giving S$4 is debatable because the number “4” in Chinese sounds like “death”. As tempting as it sounds to give a modest amount of S$4, it may be better to avoid this in case others take offence.

Furthermore, elderly folks may advise against giving odd number amounts as it is considered inauspicious. Steer away from amounts like S$7 or S$11.

Can you give digital ang baos?

Giving digital ang baos is convenient and fast! Who does not love saving time and effort? You can give digital ang baos through the help of banks or retailers.

While it sounds good theoretically, not all Singaporeans are open to it. Traditionalists may frown upon this rising trend. However, money is money! Just remember to give within your means.

Sources: 1 & 2

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