Budget-Friendly Ways To Look Taller

Wearing heeled leather shoes or skyscraper stilettos is not the only solution to a taller figure. Consider these affordable tips:

#1: MEET YOUR BEST FRIEND

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When choosing a style for your skirt or dress, A-line is the best way to go. An a-line cut exudes glamour and class that does not require too much fabric. You see, a pleated ball gown can make you appear smaller. A-line garments suit a petite bride better. Guests should put a focus on you and not what you are wearing.

#2: GET EVERYTHING FITTED

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Dropping by the fitting room to try an article of clothing is a good practice when shopping. Doing so ensures that the clothes you buy fit you perfectly. Choosing clothes that stay close to your body can make you appear taller. In contrast, baggy clothes will stretch the silhouette horizontally and make you seem wider. You do not want that! So, a shorter man must opt for streamlined silhouette.

#3: EMBRACE ONE COLOR

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As obvious as this may seem, dressing in a monochromatic manner can make you look longer. A head-to-toe outfit in one color won’t be breaking up your body in sections. A single hue will act as a continuous length that keeps on flowing.

#4: OPT FOR THE V

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What better way to accompany your a-line skirt than pairing it with a v-neck top? A v-neck top gives an illusion of a longer torso. It does not chop your shoulders away like wearing a tube top. Instead, it creates extra inches with skin exposure. Complete the look with chunky heels, stilettos, or platform sandals.

#5: DITCH THE WAISTCOATS AND BELTS

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Belts and waistcoasts have the same shorterining effect by creating a middle-section of the body. The horizontal line it creates cuts your body in half. It draws attention away from your overall “long” vertical line. After all, you do not need these accessories if your suit is tailored properly to your figure.

#6: WEAR NUDE SHOES

Lastly, wearing nude shoes create a leg-lengthening effect. They may have fallen out of the wagon with some of the high-fashion labels, but there is a reason why nude shoes are still popular with the masses. It is timeless.

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Sources: 1,2, & 3

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Everything You Need To Know About: Value For Money

When you hear the phrase “value for money”, what is the first thought that pops to your mind? Most people would say that it involves cost-effectiveness. Its definition goes beyond that. Value for money is a utility derived from every purchase or every sum of money spent.

It is based on the minimum purchase price and the maximum effectiveness of the purchase. Simply put, value for money should have four different dimensions. These four dimensions are: economic, efficient, effective, and equitable.

The value of money should be economic in terms of its processing. Inputs must have been procureed at the least cost for the relevant level of quality.

The value of money should be efficient in terms of its outputs. The value of outputs should be considered in relation to the total cost of the inputs.

The value of money should be effective in terms of achieving program outcomes. Sometimes, equity considerations are put in here.

Lastly, the value of money should be equitale in terms of ensuring that the benefits are distributed fairly.

EVALUATION OF VALUE FOR MONEY

There are different ways to evaluate the value for money. Here are just three of the common ones:

1. Cost Utility Analysis

When the evaluator needs to consider individual preferences, this is usually the method that they turn to. This approach takes two or more alternatives and compares their costs to their values. However, it can result to a number of potential outcomes.

2. Cost Effectiveness Analysis

This approach can be employed when you need to compare the programs that aim to achieve the same goal. It involves evaluation of two or more alternatives based on the relative costs and outcomes.

3. Cost Benefit Analysis

If you want to know whether the costs outweigh the benefits then, you must use this method. This approach is the evaluation of alternatives by determining the costs and benefits of each one. It highlights whether a course of action is worthwhile or not.

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It is essential for an evaluator to consider a variety of methods for determining whether an activity is value for money or not.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Newbie’s Guide To Investing In Singapore

Contrary to popular belief, investing is not only for the rich and famous. Anyone can get started with an investing program. There are various ways to invest small amounts of money and to grow one’s portfolio over time. In fact, this differentiates investing from gambling. Investing takes time and effort!

#1: SET THINGS STRAIGHT

This week, I invited an insurance agent to enlighten my team about the products available in the market. She highlighted how important it is to map out one’s financial future. What are your goals? Will you keep the money for 3 years and withdraw all the earnings? Or, is the money coming from a disposable income that you can risk losing? You need to set a clear path to reach your target.

#2: FIGURE OUT HOW MUCH MONEY YOU NEED

Once you have your financial goals lined up, it is time to determine how much money you need to invest. Use online calculators such as the Central Provident Fund’s savings calculator to work out a monthly investment plan. What are the helpful strategies that you can employ to save money each month? Well, developing a budget is a good place to start.

If you do not seem to have enough money at the end of the day then, figure out what needs to be changed. Eliminate unnecessary expenses or expand your income streams. A combination of these two can help you adjust.

#3: KNOW HOW MUCH RISK YOU CAN TAKE

The next step is to identify your investment risk level. Are you willing to shell it all out just to gain high profits? Or, do you need to be as conservative as possible?

There are hundreds of investment programs that you can partake in. From bonds to equities as well as gold bars to expensive artworks, you need to narrow down your options. So, know your preferences.

Stocks gives you a hiigher return in the long run. However, it can be highly volatile in short-term basis. On the other hand, bonds are designed to create a steady stream of income. The most conservative option is the mutual funds. Think about these information.

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When things fall into place, you may open a brokerage account. Investing directly in shares and bonds or indirectly through the exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be less costly. A mixture of investment types can help balance the potential gain and the risk.

Sources: 1 & 2

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What On Earth Are Investment Bonds?

DEFINITION

A bond is a fixed income investment in which an issuer or investor loans money to an entity. Entities such as companies or governments borrow the funds for a definite period of time, involving an interest rate. These bonds are used by said entities to raise money or finance a variety of projects.

PREPARATION

If you are comfortable with getting less money in return, then you will benefit from investing on bonds. You may think that bonds are less risky than others. However, this statement is not entirely true. Bonds are usually less risky than stocks when you are comparing products from the same issuing company.

Most investment bonds are whole of life. Thus, there is no minimum term. At surrender or during the occurence of death, a lump sum of money will be paid out. The amount of money depends on the bond’s terms and conditions as well as the investment’s performance.

ACQUISITION

a. Bond ETF

The ABF Singapore Bond Fund is listed on the Singapore Exchange and managed by Nikko Asset Management. Investors can easily sell or buy holdings in the bond fund for as low as S$100. This fund buys the bond issuance of quasi-government entities such as Temasek, LTA, and HDB. What’s the main catch? There is no maturity period for this. The fund will use the proceeds to buy other bonds. You will receive your principal by selling your holdings in the open market.

b. Singapore Government Securities (SGS)

The Singapore Government issues bonds under SGS. It offers treasury-bills, SGS Bonds, and Singapore Savings Bonds. These are typically risk-free and are applied through the three local banks.

c. Investment Grade Bonds

Whether you believe it or not, bonds come with bond credit ratings. These ratings measure credit worthiness. An investment grade bond (i.e., AAA, AA+, or AA) means that the bond issuer is unlikely to default.

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These are just some things that you must consider before investing on bonds. Best of luck on your financial journey!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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The Thriving Coffee Culture In Singapore

One of the most deeply rooted icons in Singapore is Kopitiam. Kopitiam is an age-old tradition that thrives until today. The country’s coffee culture dates back for about several centuries. It serves as a reminder of how diverse and rich our culture is. You see, the word “kopi” means coffee in Malay and the word “tiam” means shop in Hokkien and Fujianese.

Notice how people interact in Kopitiams. At Kopitiam, you will rarely see people who are working on their laptops. It exudes a laid-back atmosphere where people can read the morning paper, enjoy lengthy conversations with friends, or watch as the day goes by. What makes their coffee unique is how it is made.

Kopi is made from Robusta beans, a type of bean which contains a high dosage of caffeine. The beans are roasted in a wok with butter and sugar to enhance its flavor. The mixture caramelizes the beans and gives it a tempting aroma. Lastly, the beans are strained and combined with condensed milk. To experience a cup of kopi, you must visit famous chains such as Ya Kun and Killiney. Both of these chains go way back to the early 20th century. Would you believe that?

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In the modern days, independently owned cafes began sprouting like mushrooms. No neighborhoods or CBDs were left untouched! With its great prevelance, coffee has gone through several waves. I shall focus on the third-wave which is highend or speciality coffee. Third-wave coffee is a conscious consumption that highlights on the fair trade of coffee beans. Thus, it is an eco-friendly choice, which puts a focus on natural flavors. One can only imagine the methods they use!

Aside from the third-wave coffee model, some shops in Singapore offer subscriptions. It is a new dimension in the growing specialty coffee scene. According to the Perk Coffee founder: “The subscription model fits very well with the roasted coffee model. You want to make sure it’s very fresh and regular – small quantities, and frequently [distributed].”

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Do you agree that subscription coffee is the future? Will this help you save money and effort? Feel free to leave a comment.

Sources: 1 & 2

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