Should You Buy Your Essentials Online Or In Store?

Welcome to the new normal! The Circuit Breaker period allowed us to stay at home out of necessity, while we anxiously spray disinfectant on every item around the house. WE all know that we have to follow the social distancing measures and to wait for the COVID-19 updates. However, it is hard to stay at home when you are running out of home essentials and grocery supplies. How do you shop for your essentials? Is it safer to buy online or in store?

GOING OUT TO SHOP IN STORE

Stepping outside to buy groceries and household supplies is the quickest and simplest way to restock. It is also accessible, whereby everything you need can be found in one place. The shopping mall can also provide you with different brands and packaging sizes. You can even return a damaged item on the spot.

Going outside to shop is no longer simple and safe as it used to be. Since most stores close earlier and some ceased their operations, you will have to time your shopping accordingly. You need to wear a mask and carry a disinfectant with you. Without the usual public transport measures, you will have to walk to the store or to avoid the peak hours. You will also have to line up for hours to fulfill your grocery journey.

Going outside also increases your chances of getting sick. You can contract the illness from surfaces, from crowded lines, or from the cash. This is according to the World Health Organization. Not to mention, the germ exposure that you can get from ATMs and banks. Remain safe wherever you are by practicing social distancing and by keeping your hands clean at all times.

The use of cash can be prevented by carrying your debit or credit card. You may also use cashless services such as Apple Wallet and PayPal. These methods are convenient and safe.

STAYING INDOORS TO SHOP

Shopping online has become more popular than ever. Getting deliveries right at your doorstep lets you skip the countless hours you spend in the store and the anxiety of getting infected. Most stores have strict disinfection practices, encourage no-contact deliveries, and accept contactless payments. It is easier to find specialty items online such as bubble milk-tea shops or freshly-baked goods.

The only downside is that you will have to visit several websites to look for everything you need. Stocks are limited too. You need to tick the item into the cart before you lose your chance. Most online stores have delivery delays due to the surge in demand. You have to be patient. Nonetheless, you can always order in advance.

FairPrice and Lazada Singapore are just a few of your online grocery options. These shops accept electronic payments and cash on delivery. After filling in the shop’s bank account details and amount, review your details and confirm. You will be spoiled with their item selections found online.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

For Singaporeans who only need a set meal without having to shop, food delivery apps can provide cravings for an entire family. This options offers all the advantages of shopping online, minus the long queue. There are upsides and setbacks to any way you choose to shop, and it is up to you to decide which best suits your lifestyle.

Read More...

Surefire Ways To Maximize Working From Home

With the Circuit Breaker period put in place, work from home became the new normal. And while your co-worker diligently sends out emails at 8 am or messages some ideas to brainstorm on Monday, I can assure you that he or she would rather do something else at home.

This work from setup is not for everyone. It is harder from some people, and you may be suffering from anxiety already. For starters, there seems to be more work to be done as the company wants to ensure that you maximize your time. Secondly, there are constant distractions such as your clingy household pet or sister’s loud Kdrama show. Thirdly, your mother may be asking you to help around the house. Lastly, you may feel gloomy due to the uncertainty of the current pandemic.

While our tasks our different, one thing remains the same. We need to get our job done! We need to clock in at a certain time, check emails, attend Zoom meetings, and message our clients. While you have read almost all the tips surrounding the at-home office setup, each person’s experience will be completely different.

The struggle is real. The question is, what do you do about it? Here are five tips that can help you during the CB work-from-home period.

#1: TIDY UP YOUR SPACE

If you have been working in an open-space layout, then you know how it feels to not have a desk of your own. Well, now is the time to personalize your space and to get your interior design hats on. Brighten up your workspace by putting family pictures or indoor plants. Having a dedicated and decorated area makes it more inviting for you to work.

#2: TAKE BITE-SIZED BREAKS

One round of Design Home or Mobile Legends app did not hurt anyone. You may also indulge in an episode of Money Heist or take a 30-minute long nap. All of these mini-breaks enable you to work productively at home. No one is going to stop you, anyway! Ensure that you are following the deadlines and scheduled meetings set by your boss. Do not forget to provide the output that he or she needs. Get that all-important water break to nourish you throughout the day too!

#3: KNOW WHEN TO STOP

This tip goes hand-in-hand with the previous one. There must be clear boundaries set in place for all of us working from home. Because all communications are done through the email or through the phone, we tend to forget that we are already working beyond our working hours. Setting boundaries is not just for your boss. It is for your own mental and physical health too. Go offline when you are done for the day. Do a non-work related activity to ease your mind too. Take an hour of hot bath or yin yoga. Enjoy anything that will keep your mind and hands off your tools for work!

#4: DRESS COMFORTABLY

Find a style that works for you. If you find that you are more productive by wearing pajamas then, do that. Others may feel the need to get dressed in uniform to set the tone for their work day. It is all in the matter of preference. There is no pressure to dress nicely as you will only sit in your home office. However, you must dress appropriately for video conferences or online meetings.

#5: COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

Communication is essential to help you survive this setup. Talk to your co-workers about the task at hand. Ensure that no details are wrong or misunderstood. Talk to your boss about the support you need to get for a particular project. Communicating what you need and how you feel will bridge the gap between the online and offline processes. It can also be a way for you to reduce your stress.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

At the end of the day, it is really up to you to find a flow that would help you stay productive and efficient while enjoying your work-from-home setup.

Read More...

How To Avoid These Common Mishaps

The Circuit Breaker period is almost over! With merely two weeks left, many Singaporeans are prepared to get back to their previous routines. Going back to the “outside world” can bring some irrational and unpleasant fears for us urban-dwellers.

What will happen if you forgot your mask at home? What if you stumbled through an open manhole? Who do you ask for help if you tripped along the stairs? This list compiled some of the most common intrusive thoughts, which run in the minds of many people. You are not alone.

#1: FALLING ONTO THE TRAIN GAPS

Going back to our “normal” travel route entails that you will encounter rush hour lines at the MRT and bus station. People jostling you when you are trying to stand behind the safety line on the platform is a commuter’s worst nightmare! Not to mention, you may fall onto the gaps. We all need personal space, especially these days. Ride during off-peak hours to avoid situations like these.

#2: BEING CRUSHED BY THE LIFT DOORS

With the rise of sensory-operated lift doors, people have embraced faster lifts. However, being caught between the lift doors can be painful and embarrassing. Prevent this from happening by being kind to your co-passengers. Always hold the lift door for someone. You will never know when you will need that favor back!

#3: HAVING YOUR GADGET EXPLODE

Few years ago, there was a particular smartphone model that explodes on its own. It was banned in several airlines worldwide. It is one of the top tech scare – having your phone explode while you are using it. Avoid this from happening by putting your gadget in your hand-carry bag. This includes your power banks, laptops, and smartphones. Keep your gadgets from overheating or overcharging.

#4: GETTING SICK FROM STREET FOOD

Singaporean street food has a diverse collection of cuisines. From Roti Prata to Kaya Toast and Ice Cream Sandwich, your tummy will be delighted with many choices. Still, some people worry about buying street food. For people with weak stomachs, check the establishment’s food safety or hygiene rating. An “A” grade means the establishment met 85 percent of the requirements. Be guided accordingly.

#5: SLIDING OFF THE MOTORCYCLE

One of the quickest ways to travel Singapore from one end to another is by riding the motorcycle. Riding the motorcycle in the front or the back seat can save you time and money. Although, there is a slight chance that you can fall off the vehicle. This is why you must obey the road safety rules and wear proper safety gears at all times.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

We all encounter situations where we’re confronted by our own mortality. And this unpleasant situations can happen at any moment. Do yourself a favor by getting insured. Ease your worries of the future by ensuring your life and your health. You may also build an emergency fund to cushion unforeseen events.

Read More...

Coronavirus Shopping List: Important Things To Buy During CB

We are living in extraordinary times. Since many Singaporeans have ample amounts of supplies before the Circuit Breaker (CB) period started, you probably have what you need inside your home already. There is no reason for you to crazy and hoard items on the grocery shelves. There are more vulnerable consumers such as elderly and people with auto-immune diseases that may need supplies right now.

Think about other people apart from yourself. Take what you need and save some for the rest. On that note, here are the essential items to purchase during CB period.

#1: CANNED GOODS

Canned goods are staple items to stock up on during emergencies. If kept at a room temperature, canned goods may last decades. While you will not need a canned item to last you that long, we do not know how long this pandemic will last. It is best that we stay prepared. Buy canned goods that have fish, veggies, and fruits in them. This is a great way to ensure that you are still consuming vital minerals and vitamins.

#2: PET FOOD

The same can be said for your pets. Ensure that you have sufficient pet supplies to last you for a month. Do you need to purchase grooming supplies or extra litter boxes? You can get creative by cooking your own pet food too.

#3: DRY GOODS

Aside from canned goods, dry goods can last a long time in your pantry. Dry goods include pasta, cereal, rice, nuts, and beans. You can easily throw these things to a pot and cook.

#4: DRINKS

My father cannot live without his trusty energy drink. If you need an energy drink or a caffeine fix to boost your day, you will have to stock up your supply. The amount of drinking supply that you will purchase depends on how frequently you consume it. You know your habits the best. It is a good idea to brew tea or coffee at home too.

#5: SOAP

Hand sanitizers are scarce in all parts of the world. If you are isolated by yourself or are quarantined with your family, there is no need to carry one all the time. All you need is to religiously wash your hands with soap and water. You can kills the coronavirus through scrubbing for at least 30 seconds. Experts agree that cleansing with soap and water is the best option!

#6: EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

You cannot go to the gym since fitness centers and parks are closed. However, you can still pick up a mat or a dumbbell and complete a set of exercise inside your home. Look through YouTube for free exercises that will heighten your mood. Personally, I like to follow dance and yoga tutorials.

#7: ENERGY BARS

Whether you call it protein or energy bars, these bars can help you fell well enough to go out for a quick run. You can also snack on these ready-to-go snacks after a grocery run or while you are watching Netflix at home.

#8: FROZEN FOOD

A lot of frozen food does not last forever – much like relationships. You do not want to waste your time, money, and efforts. Purchase enough supplies that will incorporate frozen fruits, frozen veggies, and frozen meat. You can buy chicken breast and ground beef. These can be added to soup or rice. For frozen fruits, you may purchase peaches and mangoes. These are rich sources of Vitamin C. Lastly, you may consider frozen spinach, broccoli, peas, and carrots.

#9: POPCORN AND CHIPS

If you are going to be inside the home for two weeks, chances are you will be watching plenty of shows on Netflix, YouTube, and Toggle. Buy several boxes of microwaveable popcorn and several bags of chips, if you like to make it the old-fashioned “cinema” way.

Read More...

Telltale Signs That You’re Financially Unstable

Your sense of stability will be at its peak at the age of 40. During this phase, you will get more control on your finances and your family plans. You may prioritize your child’s education and sustain the needs of 3 people in your household. On the flip-side, being financially stable in your 20s is a rare sight!

It is terrifying to navigate through the adult world while being confused with will happen next. Sometimes, you think you have plenty of money to spare. The next minute, you feel that you need to call your mom or dad for help. This stage of instability can last up to your 30s.

Relax. You are not alone. For a friendly warning and healthy awareness, here are the telltale signs that you are not doing financially well.

999. WHAT’S YOUR EMERGENCY?

It comes as no surprise that you will borrow a small amount of money while you are applying for a job. Sometimes, you may ask for a little help too. However, if you have your parents on speed dial as your financial helpline, you are in a sticky situation.

Your parents may not be able to support your financial needs all they time as they are going through another phase of their lives – retirement. It is seemingly embarrassing to rely on your parents when you have no cash left as an adult. Hence, you need to do your best not to be an added weight to your parents.

YOU BETTER HAVE MY MONEY!

With red markings on your calendar, you saw that #PAYDAY is two days down the line. You keep on waiting for this day to come. You have not gotten your salary yet, but you have numerous plans on how to spend your money. Do you want to hangout with your friends at the pub? Do you want to purchase the designer bag online? You have no worries! You got plenty of money. At least, that was what you thought.

Seven days after your payday, you are already regretting most of the things that you have done. Why didn’t you spend your money wisely? You should have kept some of your money in your investment portfolio. Now, you are wondering how you will get through the week with only S$50 on your pocket.

PAY ME WHAT YOU OWE ME!

It is your creditor’s phone operator again. The operator is calling to remind you about your unpaid credit card bills. You think you are responsible just by carrying a credit card? You think you will only use it for emergencies? Think again!

As you get comfortable with swiping your expenses on your plastic card, you will be able to widen the scope of your shopping categories. After two to three months, you will notice that you will feel safe to swipe your card when purchasing new clothes and when eating out. Online shopping? It is easy with a credit card!

Your bill arrives and you feel horrific! You are wondering where you can borrow money to pay for all your bills.

WHAT SAVINGS?

You are in a financially unstable place if you do not have a savings account. A payroll account does not count! It is essential for working adults to have a separate savings account to create an emergency fund.

People typically see the value of a savings account after being caught in a financial mess with no emergency funds or no one else to run to. Taking loans or cash advances can incur more debt in the future.

THE FUTURE IS NOT NEAR

You are not thinking about your retirement. Retirement? Yes. You are too young for this. You have your lives ahead of you. But, time is in your hands. Use its power to create a wealthy retirement fund.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You do not want to beg people for money 30 to 40 years down the road. Being financially stable is a lot of hard work, but you can achieve that by planning and spending wisely. Reach your financial goals in a slow and steady pace.

Read More...