Surefire Ways To Save Money Aside From Quitting The Lottery

One of the pastimes that my father has passed on to us was betting on the lottery. Whether you are an avid fan of the 4D or TOTO, many people believe that winning these can give them a shot to be a crazy rich Asian overnight.

Reality check! That is not the case for many of us. In fact, a recent Facebook post showed that you can earn a significant amount of money by saving your “lottery funds”. Eilin Tan from Malaysia shared how her father saved up all the money he would normally spend on buying 4D. He started last January 2018. A year later, he found that the total savings was equivalent to the top prize. Both were shocked! Netizens estimate that the money could be worth RM6,000 to RM15,000 (about S$1,900 to S$4,900).

Image Credits:pixabay.com

Much like Eilin’s father, you can commit to simple changes in your life to improve your finances. Start with these aspects:

#1: ASSIGN A FINANCIAL DATE

Much like designating a day for your beloved, you must assign a day to assess your finances. The first step towards saving money is to look at your current spending habits. Which categories can you cut down on? Find specific areas in your expenses which you can reduce without compromising your lifestyle.

Image Credits:pixabay.com

Afterwards, you must track your progress in relation to your financial goals. Spend time with your money to improve your financial life.

#2: WAIT BEFORE YOU CHECK OUT

When it comes to saving money, make delayed gratification your best friend!

These days, you can get anything you want with a quick click or tap of a button. There is an instant gratification for almost anything you can think of. To combat impulse buying brought by said convenience, you may find a buffer. Employ a self-imposed waiting time. Wait a day or two before spending your money on things that cost more than S$60. When you practice this on a regular basis, you will realize that most of your purchases are triggered by wants rather than your needs. Moreover, you will be able to save more money and work towards mindful spending.

#3: CHOOSE QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

Minimalism is one of the latest trends that I subscribe to. It encourages consumers to choose quality over quantity. This can be applied to clothes, gadgets, food, home decorations, bags, and so on.

Yes! It may be tempting to purchase cheaper alternatives on a regular basis. However, you must remember that your small purchases add up! Choosing quality products will help you save money in the long run.

Image Credits:pixabay.com

What is the best that you can afford now? Use the cost-per-wear philosophy when it comes to clothing, accessories, and shoes. Stick to classic silhouettes, which you can use for a long time.

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Cleaning Queen Marie Kondo’s Guide To A Joyful Home

As “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo” debuted early this year, cleaning queen Marie Kondo went from a best-selling author to a Netflix star. Viewers were inspired by the KonMari method and started cleaning up their own messes at home. However, what stood out was her specific way of folding clothes.

Aside from the special way of folding clothes, here are some tips that you can employ to spark joy in your home.

INSTILL RESPONSIBILITY ON EVERYONE

As parents, is your duty to encourage the maintenance of cleanliness and orderliness inside the home. Your children should be responsible for cleaning up their own space.

You should lead by example and start giving your toddlers minimal tasks such as sweeping or wiping. For instance, my two-year old students can sweep pieces of paper when prompted. Make cleaning a bonding activity for the whole family.

PUT AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE

Minimalism is one word that encapsulates the KonMari method. Let us apply minimalism in the kitchen. She organizes her kitchen by putting as little items as possible on the counters and around the sink.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

For her, de-cluttering the kitchen should be based on the ease of cleaning. Which items will save you more time and space?

STORE YOUR POSSESSIONS BY CATEGORY

As mentioned above, ensure that your children are responsible for their own belongings. Your job is to help them find a designated place to store their items. While, their job is to put back their belongings to the designated place/s.

Start by gathering your clothes, books, documents, miscellaneous, and sentimental items. Organize your belongings following this order. When going through your clothes, ensure that you toss the unwanted items in one massive pile.

According to the KonMari method, you must only keep items that spark joy to your life. If it does not bring joy then, toss it out.

FOLD YOUR CLOTHES SIDE-BY-SIDE

Marie Kondo’s popularity can be attributed to the way she organizes her drawers by stacking clothes side-by-side. She teaches a strategic way of folding clothes whereby a properly folded article of clothing can stand on its own. Not only does it make for some very Instagram-worthy portraits, it also allows you to see what is inside your drawer at a glance.

Image Credits:pixabay.com

Through this, you can survey which articles of clothing to you spend most on. Which articles of clothing should you stop buying? Which colors do you invest more on? What do you lack in your wardrobe? Asking these questions will help you make more informed shopping decisions in the future.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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4 Ways To Dine With Theme In Singapore

Whether you believe it or not, themed restaurants and other eateries go way back. Its roots can be traced from the burlesque cabarets of 19th-century Paris. While many concepts are challenging to pull off, many talented people have turned it into reality!

Take the following unique eateries as concrete examples.

FOR THE FANS OF F.R.I.E.N.D.S

The creators of the wildly popular American sitcom FRIENDS were supposed to name the show: “Insomnia Café”. They later kept it simple and picked the title FRIENDS. You see, the fictional characters frequent the nearby café called Central Perk. It is an iconic backdrop for most of their silly and touching moments.

Fortunately for you, you can reenact some of your favorite scenes by dropping by Singapore’s own Central Perk. The prices of their items might discourage most from becoming regulars, but it is something that a fan shall experience once. If the café’s novelty means nothing to you then, you might want to skip this.

Address: Central Perk, 1 Magazine Road, 01-01 Central Mall, Singapore 059567

FOR THE HIPPIE AT HEART

Picture a slate of vintage automobiles decorating a restaurant that is filled with home-style dishes. Words cannot fully capture the hippie vibe, which Kombi Rocks exudes. You have to see it with your own eyes!

Image Credits: fb.com/KombiRocks

Its versatility comes from being a diner, a vintage shop, a rental company, and a museum. The collection of restored cars are available for bookings at weddings and other events.

Address: 66 Yio Chu Kang Road, Singapore 545568

FOR THE SUPERHERO GEEK

With the release of Aquaman, I cannot deny the fact that the DC Comics universe has been stepping their game. Fortunately for us, we can immerse ourselves with all its glory by going to the DC Super Heroes Cafe. Choose the dishes that focus on your favorite superhero or villain!

Image Credits: danielfooddiary.com

There are two branches in Singapore including the Marina Bay Sanda and Ngee Ann City outlet. Try the vividly sweet Joker’s Rainbow Freakshow (S$16.90) or the King of Atlantis Crab Leg Aglio Olio (S$26.90).

Address: 391A Orchard Road, #02-13, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238873

FOR THE CAT LOVER

Unless you are living under the rock, you might have encountered the adorable gray cat called Pusheen at least once. Pusheen is an online character created by Claire Belton and Andrew Duff. Since its creation, it has been turned into merchandise and Facebook stickers. Its growing following paved for the first Pusheen-themed eatery in Singapore.

The Pusheen Café is located at Kumoya. It is a Japanese-French café, which offers food without alcohol, pork, and lard. Its menu will feature food designed by the talented @LittleMissBento (Shirley Wong) together with the Kumoya kitchen team.

Image Credits: spot.ph

The Pusheen Café is here for a limited time only. Enjoy their dishes until March 2019! 🙂

Address: Kumoya @ 8 Jalan Klapa Singapore 199320

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Try These New Food Twists In Singapore

From Milo-coated chicken to salted egg yolk fries, here are some of the new flavors available in Singapore.

Salted Egg Yolk Fries by McDonald’s

Last Christmas, I discovered that my nephew has been allergic to potatoes. Imagine not being able to eat fries and all its glorious flavors! What’s more? McDonald’s just introduced the Salted Egg Yolk Fries. It takes the trend to another level! Simply upgrade your regular fries by adding S$1.20.

Pandan Ice Cream by McDonald’s

Launched at the same time as the Salted Egg Yolk fries and the Peach Pie (i.e., retails for S$1.40) is none other than the Pandan ice cream. Local-inspired Pandan desserts are now available on the McDonald’s menu. Begin by trying the Pandan Soft Serve Cone, Pandan Twist Cone, or the Pandan ChocoCone. These three retail for about S$1 to S$1.20.

Image Credits: mukahpages.blogspot.com

McDonald’s Sundae or the McFlurry fans will be happy to hear that the Pandan flavor extends to these treats as well. Pandan Soft Serve Sundae costs about S$2. While, the McFlurry is S$3.

Sweet Potato Milkshake by Don Don Donki

Expect nothing but long queues at Don Don Donki, especially with their newly offered Sweet Potato Milkshake (S$4.90). Members can get this unique milkshake at a dollar off. However, you can also collect points and redeem these in-store points for additional discounts.

This drink is available on a limited time only. Head down to their outlets at Orchard Central or 100 AM to enjoy this drink while stocks last!

Milo-Coated Chicken Pops by Flavour Flings

You do not have to cross the Malaysian border to get the hugely popular calorie bomb called the Milo-Coated Fried Chicken. In Malaysia, the spicy fried chicken is coated with the cocoa powder and Milo dip. In Hougang, an eatery called Flavour Flings recently added the Milo-Coated Chicken Pops to its menu. It costs about S$9.90 per plate. This comes with the Sambal Belachan Mayo and Nacho Cheese Sauce.

Does it sound weird to you? Well, it seems that the people of Have Halal Will Travel gave it a resounding thumbs up. Judge it for yourself!

Image Credits: Flavour Flings via facebook.com

The new year 2019 calls for more foodventures! Be bold enough to try at least one of these dishes. 🙂

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Dramatic Increase In Transport Fares Welcome 2019

Capping off the year was the application of the price hike as suggested by the Public Transport Council (PTC). This is a part of the Fare Review Exercise, which affects the train and bus services (i.e., including Go Ahead Singapore, SBS, SMRT, and Tower Transit).

Notice your remaining balance for the past few days. You may tap out of a station and feel that you have been charged more than the usual rate. The same thing happened when you took the bus. It just does not add up, right? Well, you are not alone. The increase in transport fares began in December 29, 2018.

Adults who take the trains and buses will have to pay 6 cents more for the card fares. While, an adult cash bus fare and a single-trip train fare bumps up by 10 cents. Lastly, students and senior citizens are experiencing a cent increase in card fares.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

Many factors contributed to increase in fares. Firstly, the fare review came after the three consecutive years of fare reductions. In its press release last October, the PTC highlighted that the fare reductions totaled to 8.3%.

Secondly, the biggest contributing factor to the hike was the surge in energy prices. As the authorities track how much a bus or rail capacity has in relation to the ridership, they found that the real usage has not kept up with the capacity growth. Following this observation, the Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan agrees that raising fares are unavoidable due to the operating costs.

” PTC’s decision on fares seldom pleases all. Commuters do not welcome fare increases; operators need fare adjustments to keep pace with their operating costs. Against such challenges, PTC has chosen the right strategy to be open, transparent and fair. ” – Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on a Facebook post

Lastly, the funds collected from the hike will benefit the SMRT Rail and the SBS Transit. The former will get about S$24.1 million more for its repair and maintenance costs. Furthermore, the funds will be used to increase the manpower for improved rail network performance. The latter will take about S$10.9 million more, which can be used to cover the operations and to adjust the salaries for the workers.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Equipped with these information, may you always keep your EZ-Link cards topped up!

Sources: 1 & 2

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