How To Spend Money Using The 5 Love Languages

Making a conscious effort to speak your partner’s love language allows you to understand each other better and to make him or her feel loved. Dr. Gary Chapman is the renowned author of the “5 Love Languages”. He highlights that there are five ways that we can communicate love namely through: words of affirmation, receiving gifts, quality time, acts of service, or physical touch.

With the continued practice of communicating each other’s love language, a happy and loving relationship will solidify.

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

People who have “words of affirmation” as their love language value sweet and encouraging words. To them, whispering “I love you” brings more happiness than any expensive give that you can buy. On the other hand, they will feel unappreciated if you do not verbally convey your emotions or if you do not praise them for their accomplishments.

This person will appreciate a handwritten card. A book can be a good choice too. Moreover, you may gift an artwork or a decorative sign with empowering or loving words in it.

RECEIVING GIFTS

For some people, receiving gifts make them feel most appreciated. This does not mean that they are materialistic. They simply love the thought behind every gift. They have special fondness for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries. Forgetting the special dates and not showing you care can become issues to these people.

If your loved one has this as his or her love language, spend your money on a gift that is important and personal. Buy something that has special significance to your relationship. Also, pay attention to any hints your partner drops.

ACTS OF SERVICE

For many people, actions speak louder than words. To make your partner with this love language feel loved, help him or her with the household chores or with anything that will ease one’s burden. Laziness, broken commitments, and creating more work for them indicates that their feelings do not matter.

Serve your partner by giving a set of “love coupons”. These coupons may contain the following acts: free housecleaning services or free candlelit dinner. Do all the planning and preparing!

QUALITY TIME

For this people, they find the greatest gesture of love in spending undivided attention with the ones they love. It does not matter where you take your partner! What matters most is that you listen actively and you are free from any distractions.

Consider booking a weekend getaway with just the two of you. If it is a family member, go out for a dinner or roam the Botanical Gardens. Make sure you spend an ample amount of time with your loved one. Do not make him or her feel rushed.

PHYSICAL TOUCH

Lastly, people who have physical touch as their love language value appropriate gestures such as holding hands or hugs. If your significant other speaks this language, it is important to appreciate them through your touch. Physical touch fosters a sense of security and care in any relationship. Neglect or abuse can be unforgivable for this people.

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An ideal gift for this person is a massage or manicure. Another option is to book a cuddle session at home while watching Netflix in bed and drinking some hot chocolate.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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6 Simple & Legit Ways To Earn Money In Singapore

As we abide to the social distancing protocols and the restrictions brought by the pandemic, many of us began relying on delivery services to get household essentials such as food and grocery. Due to the high demand for delivery services, it has become a lucrative sideline for many locals. If you are not able to drive a vehicle and are looking for ways to make money, you may try these legitimate alternatives.

#1: SELL USED ITEMS ONLINE

You can earn money by selling your used or unused clothes and other items online. Firstly, you may swap your belongings with your friends and loved ones. Secondly, you may offer your repairing services to others. Lastly, you may sell your clothes and other items online. You can sell virtually anything these days. From footwear to figurines as well as bags to plants, you can easily spot an item or two that someone else might want. Try selling these to numerous platforms such as Carousell, Shopee, Lazada, and Etsy.

#2: REDUCE YOUR FOOD WASTE

Consider making money by saving it. A major category that consumes most of your budget is food. Reduce your food expenses by cutting down your restaurant trips and by budgeting your groceries. An environmentally-conscious group called SG Food Rescue started a movement that aims to reduce food waste. This group rescues “unsellable” and edible food from vegetable and fruit sellers and brings them to charitable organizations. Being a part of the group means being able to consume fruits and vegetables that would otherwise get thrown away because they do not look aesthetically pleasing. It can save you about S$200 per month on groceries.

#3: OFFER TUTORIAL SERVICES

As a tutor, your rate will vary depending on your qualifications. If you have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree at a local university, you will likely enjoy higher rates for subjects such as Maths and English. Students may get the benefit of flexibility when hiring a freelance tutor. You can teach a student at their own pace. Tutoring from home means you can conduct your sessions via Google Meet or Zoom.

#4: TRANSLATE A MESSAGE

It is time to put your mother tongue lessons to good use! Consider translating a document or two for people online. This job can earn you about S$5 to S$100 per assignment. The quicker you clear out the assignments, the more you can earn. Find assignments from freelancing platforms such as Fiverr, Gengo, and Upwork. You may be asked to set up a PayPal account to receive your pay.

#5: BECOME AN INSTAGRAM INFLUENCER

Do you enjoy taking selfies and going live on Instagram? If you have a strong following, you can become an influencer. Share your interests with your content and build an audience as you become a paid influencer. You can earn money through ads and through linking back to an online store. You can earn about S$5 to S$150 per post through Partipost. Individual retailers may approach you for promotional posts too. This can range from S$50 to S$100.

#6: CONSIDER DROPSHIPPING

One of the simplest ways to venture into the e-commerce world without investing too much upfront is through dropshipping. Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where a store does not keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, it transfers the customer’s orders to the manufacturer or wholesaler who then ships the goods directly to the customer. The only downside is the upfront starting fees. However, you can earn more than S$3000 per month with the right strategy.

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Making money online does not have to be an unreachable dream. It is feasible to generate income online with the right tools and strategies. Use the above tips as inspiration. Then, feel free to choose which route to take.

Sources: 1 & 2

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2020 Trends In Consumer Behavior

Consumer behavior is the study of individuals, groups, or organizations and all the activities associated with the purchase, use and disposal of goods and services. It includes consumer’s emotional, mental and behavioral responses. In short, it answers the following questions: “How do people buy? What do they buy? When do they buy? And, why do they buy?”

The COVID-19 pandemic had an abysmal effect on the world as we know it. People are altering their lifestyles, are purchasing in different ways, and are thinking outside the box. Supply chains have been tested. Some retailers were forced to close. The pandemic caused the consumers to look at products and brands through a fresh lens.

On that note, here are the observable trends in consumer behavior this year.

#1: “I DESERVE IT” MENTALITY

The pandemic tested our physical and mental strength. Many have turn to self-care for solace at home. As the Yuletide season began, we saw a rise in self-gifting. This “I deserve it” mentality came about due to months of being locked down at home. Moreover, treating oneself is a way to ease the mental worries of an individual. Thus, retailers who fall under the “self-care” category such as Bath & Body Works (fragrance), Cotton On Body (loungewear), and Sephora (beauty) can see an increase in sales this season.

#2: CONSCIOUS MENTALITY

Consumers moved further towards sustainability and away from mass consumerism this year. They are more mindful of what they are buying. It is likely that this trend started to emerge pre-pandemic. However, it has accelerated during pandemic. More and more people are eager to purchase sustainable options such as cloth masks and bamboo toothbrushes. They are limit food wastes and shop more consciously.

#3: HEALTH-FOCUSED MENTALITY

Health is wealth. Brands that focused on health have seen an ever-increasing demand this year. Consumers are eager to find ways to support their healthy lifestyles. Having a “health-focused strategy” will be a strategic differentiator for the foreseeable future.

#4: LOCAL MENTALITY

There has been a growing love for local brands and products during the pandemic. The desire to shop local was reflected in both the way people shop (e.g. supporting community stores or online market sites) and what the people buy (e.g. locally sourced or artisanal). Many small and local businesses have effectively capitalized on tools and online platforms to sell their goods.

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People who are no longer commuting to town have began to shop locally. With consumers both willing to shop online and from independent retailers, now is the time for you to react and adapt to this ecommerce trend.

Sources: 1 & 2

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6 Last-Minute Shopping Ideas

Christmas falls on the same each year, but it still manages to sneak up on us. Many people prefer to do last-minute shopping by rushing to the mall or by clicking “add to cart”. While you can always give your loved one a gift card, these last-minute gift ideas feel way more personal.

#1: BATH TOWEL – S$15

Muji creates high quality items at affordable prices. Add posh to your friend’s house by gifting a set of Muji bath towels. You may add a personal touch by stitching your friend’s initials on these towels.

#2: LAVENDER SOY CANDLE – S$18

As your loved ones deal with the copious amounts of work or school stress, they will need a trip to the spa or two. Help them unwind in the safety of their owns by gifting soothing candles. Lavender helps the person to relax and calm down. You may purchase a Lavender soy candle at naiise.com.

#3: VANITY TRAYS – S$9.90

Find a gift that is perfect for organizing all smaller items in the bathroom or in the desk. Look no further than IKEA’s SAXBORGA. This set of 2 cork trays make it easy to organize makeup, jewelry, and other small accessories. Help your friend keep her space neat and tidy with this handy organizer.

#4: SPORTS BRA – S$39-45

If your significant other loves to keep fit, then athleisure is her ideal present. A reliable sports bra keeps you supported and comfortable during a workout. You will strike a jackpot by gifting the Anta or Under Armour sports bra at zalora.sg.

#5: FOREO FOFO CLEANSER – S$130

If your sibling enjoys skincare as much as I do, consider purchasing a waterproof facial cleansing device such as Foreo. Foreo uses T-Sonic pulsations to assist deep and gentle cleansing over the skin. It is a cleansing device that helps absorb the skincare products better. Sephora Singapore carries the Foreo Fofo for S$130.

#6: FITBIT VERSA 2 – S$258

The most expensive item on this list suits both men and women. The Fitbit Versa 2 is a smartwatch that helps create bedtime reminders, set alarms, and check the weather with its voice-activated technology. You can also receive insight into your health necessities such as your sleep schedule and your heart rate. Moreover, you can connect it to Spotify and play songs from your watch. It is available for a discounted rate at Lazada Singapore.

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It helps to know what your recipient’s interests and hobbies are. Find an ideal gift that suits his or her preferences. Afterwards, add a touching written message to brighten his or her Christmas.

Sources: 1 & 2

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How To Master The Art Of Giving Speeches

For some people, merely thinking about public speaking can cause their palms to sweat. It is one of the most common fears out there. However, there are many ways to overcome your fear and deliver a memorable speech. Here are some useful tips.

#1: DO YOU KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE?

Know the reason why you are asked to talk in a room full of people. Identify your audience. It is important to identify your audience to know what they want or need to take away from your speech. If you are speaking in front of your friends at a wedding, entertain them. If you are speaking in front of your co-workers, inspire them.

#2: HAVE YOU REHEARSED?

Make time to practice your speech. Write down your goals and the content of your speech ahead of time. This will ensure that your muscle memory will work while you deliver your speech. Try practicing despite having different distractions to mimic real-life situations.

#3: WHICH STYLE WORKS FOR YOU?

While others may benefit from having their script memorized, some may perform better with a few notes on a paper. Different events will usually require a different style. Know which style works for you.

#4: HAVE YOU TESTED ALL THE EQUIPMENT?

Nothing is more frustrating than last-minute technical difficulties. Avoid adding more stress to your day by testing all the equipment and audio visual presentations ahead of time. It is best to have backups too.

#5: HOW DID YOU USE YOUR BODY LANGUAGE?

The right physical or non-verbal communication can have a profound impact on how your message is interpreted and received. Be aware of your body language! For instance, you must make eye contact. Face your audience and stand straight. Avoid crossing your arms or putting your hands in your pockets.

#6: DID YOU GRAB ATTENTION?

Grab attention by refraining from starting a speech with what today’s talk is about. Instead, use an interesting anecdote or a shocking statistic to kick things off. Conclude your speech with a summary and a strong statement that your audience will remember.

#7: HAVE YOU TRIED ENJOYING THE EXPERIENCE?

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Fake it until you make it. If you look bored, then the audience will think that you not interesting. Exude confidence by adding a little humor (i.e., as long as it is appropriate) and interesting anecdotes. This will help you and your audience relax. Remember to eliminate sentences that does not clearly support your purpose. Remember that it is not about you, it is about your audience.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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