Smart Money Hacks for 2024

As we step into the final weeks of 2023, it’s time to break free from old financial habits and embrace money-saving strategies that can boost your income and savings.

ALWAYS HAVE A SHOPPING LIST

Heading into a grocery store without a plan can be a recipe for overspending. We’ve all been there, wandering aimlessly and ending up with a cart full of things we didn’t really need. Avoid this by always carrying a shopping list with you. Having a clear plan in place will help you stick to your budget and make wiser purchasing decisions.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

SEPARATE YOUR SAVINGS ACCOUNT

If impulse shopping has been an issue for you in the past, it’s essential to protect your savings from unnecessary spending. Keep your savings in a separate account, entirely distinct from your day-to-day spending. By creating this barrier, you make it more difficult to dip into your savings impulsively, promoting a healthier financial discipline.

MONITOR YOUR EXPENSES

Stay in control of your finances by cultivating a habit of tracking your expenses. Whenever you receive a paycheck, record it in your budget’s income category. Likewise, make sure to log every expenditure, whether it’s filling up your gas tank or treating yourself to a delightful charcuterie night. By keeping a close eye on your spending, you’ll be able to identify areas where you can save and make necessary adjustments to stay on track.

DELETE SHOPPING APPS

Did you know that 4 out of 5 Singaporeans give in to impulse purchases? With 54% of consumers admitting that shopping on mobile devices has led to increased spending, it’s time to take control. Cut down on impulsive buying by removing those shopping apps from your phone. Instead, opt for online shopping from your laptop or desktop where you can be more intentional with your purchases.

PRACTICE MINDFUL BUYING

Before you hit that “buy” button, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself, “Is this the right time to make this purchase?” Give yourself some space between the desire to buy and actually making the purchase. Set a specific timeframe for consideration; for instance, commit to not checking out for 24 hours or even a few days after adding items to your cart. This simple money hack can be truly game-changing.

REGULAR BUDGET CHECK-INS

Whether you have ambitious financial goals as a family or just want to stay on top of your finances, communication is key. Schedule regular budget check-ins, either on a weekly or monthly basis, and involve everyone responsible for the family’s finances. By doing so, you can make informed decisions, track your progress, and work together towards achieving your financial objectives. Effective communication about family finances is vital, regardless of your specific goals.

CREATE A MINI-BUDGET FOR UNEXPECTED EXPENSES

No matter how well you manage your finances, there will inevitably be times when unexpected expenses arise. Rather than panicking and derailing your entire budget, it’s best to have a plan in place to handle these situations.

Consider creating a microbudget specifically for handling short-term unexpected expenses. Set aside a portion of your savings to serve as an emergency fund. This way, when unexpected costs arise, you can dip into this fund without disrupting your regular budget or long-term financial goals.

AVOID FREQUENT PHONE UPGRADES

Resist the temptation to constantly upgrade your mobile phone just to keep up with others. Telecommunication companies may entice you with appealing upgrade offers, but remember that you’ll end up paying for that phone through your monthly contract. Instead, focus on choosing a phone that meets your needs and holds its value over time, allowing you to save money in the long run.

REMOVE STORED CREDIT CARD INFORMATION

Increase your mindfulness and avoid impulsive online shopping by refraining from storing your credit card details on websites. When you have to enter your credit card information each time you make a purchase, it provides an essential pause to consider if the expense is necessary.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Additionally, by not saving your details, you reduce the risk of potential hacking and unauthorized access to your accounts. Keep your online shopping experiences deliberate and secure.

Sources: 1,2, 3, & 4

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How to Efficiently Overcome Money Worries in Singapore

With many people facing added mental, emotional, and financial stress, our overall health has never been more important. If you’ve been feeling less than yourself lately, you’re not alone. It’s normal to feel burnt out from everything that’s been going on. Unfortunately, burnout can extend to all parts of your life—from work to family and everything in between, including your finances.

Symptoms of Financial Stress:
There are obvious symptoms of financial stress that we can identify when we experience significant situations in our lives, as well as more subtle signs of burnout that can make problem-solving seem impossible. Watch for these signs and symptoms of financial burnout:

a. Constantly thinking about your budget, or lack thereof.
b. Feeling stressed about where your money is coming from and where it’s going.
c. Feeling guilty, exhausted, depressed, or overwhelmed about your finances.
d. Feeling cynical or apathetic towards your financial goals.
e. Lack of sleep or increased anxiety just thinking about money.

GET ORGANIZED

What’s the best way to help you stay on top of your finances? Get your finances organized and focus on the future! Understand the finer details of your finances, like when you get paid, when your bills are due, your monthly budget, and your savings. Find an organizational tool that works for you—whether that’s in an app, spreadsheet, or journal. We have lots of great resources to help you get started!

SET UP AUTO-PAYMENTS

If you haven’t set up monthly auto payments yet, why not? Take the guesswork out of your monthly payments so you never feel strapped for cash or worried about making payments on time. Keep track of your upcoming payments in your money diary so you’re aware of what’s coming in and going out of your bank account each week. And then don’t forget to check your bank statements at the end of each month to make sure your payments went through!

TALK TO SOMEONE

When you’re facing money problems, there’s often a strong temptation to bottle everything up and try to go it alone. Many of us even consider money a taboo subject, one not to be discussed with others. You may feel awkward about disclosing the amount you earn or spend, feel shame about any financial mistakes you’ve made, or be embarrassed about not being able to provide for your family. But bottling things up will only make your financial stress worse. In the current economy, where many people are struggling through no fault of their own, you’ll likely find others are far more understanding of your problems.

Keeping money worries to yourself only amplifies them until they seem insurmountable. The simple act of expressing your problems to someone you trust can make them seem far less intimidating.

DEVISE A SOLUTION

Brainstorm ideas with your family or a trusted friend or consult a free financial counseling service. You may decide that talking to credit card companies and requesting a lower interest rate would help solve your problem. Or maybe you need to restructure your debt, eliminate your car payment, downsize your home, or talk to your boss about working overtime.

EMBRACE YOUR DAILY ROUTINE

Get up at your normal time and stick to your usual routine. If you lose your routine, it can affect your eating – you may stop cooking, miss breakfast because you’re still in bed, or eat snacks instead of having proper meals.

LIVE A LITTLE

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Don’t make the mistake of budgeting out fun! Budgeting, like dieting, is all about balance and choosing moderation over deprivation. If you restrict yourself too much, you’ll feel unmotivated and less likely to see your financial goals through. Make sure to incorporate fun with friends, date nights, and “splurges” like spa days, haircuts, or coffee runs. Acknowledge your hard work by rewarding yourself when you need to.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Recapture Your Youth with 5 Exclusive, Limited-Time Activities

From watching movies on the beach to shopping for exclusive Super Mario items and learning how to draw iconic Disney characters, here are budget-limited-time activities in Singapore that can transport you back to your childhood.

IMMERSIVE DISNEY ANIMATION @ MARINA BAY SANDS (MBS)

Experience the magic of Disney like never before with Immersive Disney Animation, a 360-degree multi-sensory journey into your favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios movies. From timeless classics to modern blockbusters, this exhibition features state-of-the-art responsive projectors, bringing over 40 beloved animated films to life.

Best of all? You can discover behind-the-scenes secrets and learn to draw iconic Disney characters. Making its Southeast Asian premiere in Singapore, the exhibition runs from November 18, 2023 to December 31, 2023.

Price: Ticket starts at S$33. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the MBS website .
Location: Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956

WARNER BROS. STUDIO MOVIE MARATHON @ SENTOSA

Celebrate 100 years of Warner Bros. Studio at Sentosa today! From now until November 26, 2023, enjoy free movie screenings and the opportunity to pose with giant figurines of the Justice League squad.

Watching movies under the stars on a giant screen is a rare treat, especially for FREE! So, don’t miss the chance to experience this at Sentosa’s weekend screenings at Southside, featuring films like the recent Barbie and The Flash (2023) and classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

What’s more? DC superhero fans can explore the World of DC at the Emerald Pavilion, where Batman, Superman, The Flash, and Wonder Woman figurines await.

Price: FREE Admission
Location: Siloso Beach, Sentosa (11 am to 9 pm)

NINTENDO POP-UP STORE @ JEWEL CHANGI AIRPORT

Nintendo fans, rejoice! Nintendo has opened its first pop-up store in Southeast Asia at Jewel Changi Airport, featuring exclusive merchandise from popular games like Super Mario and Animal Crossing.

The store runs until January 1, 2024, and offers a wide array of merchandise, including iconic characters like Mario, Yoshi, and Luigi. For avid enthusiasts of Super Mario, keep an eye out for the iconic mystery block.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Jewel Changi Airport will also host ‘Pipe Around the World at Jewel,’ a Super Mario-themed event until January 1, 2024, at the Shiseido Forest Valley surrounding the Rain Vortex. Take pictures or it never happened!

Price: FREE Admission
Location: Jewel Changi Airport

CANDY CARNIVAL @ CHANGI AIRPORT T3, DEPARTURE HALL

Step into the vibrant and colorful Candy Carnival at Changi Airport Terminal 3 – Departure Hall. This delightful carnival features games, kiddy rides, claw machines, a bouncy castle, and adorable displays perfect for photos.

Don’t miss Candy Wonderland, a candy-themed display with a five-meter-tall bear and seven-meter-tall Ferris Wheel. It’s a fantastic photo opportunity, and there are snow shows at 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM from Monday to Thursday and at 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, and 9:30 PM from Friday to Sunday.

For the Candy Snow House, it is open daily from 12 pm to 10 pm until January 1, 2024, is located at Changi Airport Terminal 3, Level 1, outside McDonald’s.

Price: Entry starts at S$18 per pax (via the Changi App)
Location: Changi Airport, Terminal 3 – Departure Hall

ROLLERMANIA 3.0 @ PLAZA SINGAPURA

Transport yourself to the 70s at RollerMania 3.0! As it is taking over Plaza Singapura’s Level 7 car park from November 17, 2023, to January 1, 2024, you will be able to gather your friends and loved ones.

Glide through the neon-hued skate rink featuring LED-lit wheels during the 2-hour session included with each ticket.

Image Credits: trip.com

The Level 7 car park will also host a carnival with rides such as the Basketball Shoot-out Challenge, Creamy Carousel, and Battle Ships Merry-Go-Round. You can also try your luck at timeless carnival games like Hook a Duck and Lobster Pot.

The event runs from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Price: Admission starts at S$20
Location: Plaza Singapura, Level 7 Carpark, 68 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238839

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5

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Experience the First-Ever Christmas Eve Street Party on Orchard Road Starting Nov 16

Mark your calendars! This year’s highly anticipated Orchard Road Christmas light-up, officially named “Christmas On A Great Street,” is set to kick off on November 16, 2023. The festivities will include three enchanting Great Christmas Villages and, for the first time in forever – a Christmas Eve street party.

The groundbreaking street party on Christmas Eve will span from Paterson Junction to Bideford Junction and is scheduled to take place from 8 pm to 12:30 am. Attendees can anticipate a spectacular showcase featuring performances by the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Command Band from Swiss Cottage Secondary School, captivating dance performances, lively Christmas caroling, Meet & Greet sessions with Santa Claus, DJ live sets, and a bustling Christmas Market teeming with food trucks offering a diverse array of delicious treats. Gather your loved ones, as the evening will culminate in a thrilling countdown to Christmas Day and the New Year.

EMBRACE THE VIBRANT DECORATIONS

The Great Street will greet you with illuminating displays that will extend from Orchard Road to the area outside Plaza Singapura, boasting a dreamy theme adorned with LED cloud installations, teddy bears, and candy canes. In a commitment to sustainability, organizers aim to further reduce their carbon footprint by repurposing past years’ LED lights and decorations and installing solar panels to power two Christmas set pieces.

VISIT THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGES

This year’s celebration will host three Great Christmas Villages, each brimming with carnival rides, games, pop-up stores, and delectable food kiosks. The first village, located at Shaw House Urban Plaza, will be open from November 24, 2023 to Jan 7, 2024. It will feature a double-story carousel and a Ferris wheel. The second village, situated at Plaza Singapura, will showcase a giant bouncy castle, a balloon dome, and craft workshops by Kiztopia. This will operate from Dec 1, 2023 to Jan 1, 2024.

What’s more? The third Christmas Village, positioned at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, will welcome visitors from December 8, 2023 to January 1,2024. It will offer a Euro Swing ride, an arcade, food trucks, and live performances by local buskers and bands.

JOIN THE CHRISTMAS EVE STREET PARTY

In a nostalgic nod to the iconic Swing Singapore, this year introduces the inaugural Christmas Eve street party on Orchard Road.

Unlike Swing Singapore, which primarily celebrated National Day and the New Year, this street party will unfold on December 24, 2023, from 8 pm to 12:30 am along Orchard Road. Revelers can enjoy dance performances, Christmas caroling, Santa Meet & Greet sessions, a Christmas Market, food trucks, and a thrilling countdown to Christmas. Bring your friends along!

WATCH THE OUTDOOR AR PROJECTIONS

For enthusiasts of augmented reality (AR) projections, Hilton Singapore Orchard will host a mesmerizing 3D illustration on the hotel’s facade. Additional AR displays will adorn 25 glass panels along the pedestrian walkway from ION Orchard to Mandarin Gallery.

Immerse yourself in captivating, augmented reality displays running from November 1, 2023 to January 1, 2024. The inaugural installation at Hilton Singapore Orchard will showcase outdoor augmented reality projections in 3D through the PopAR Live app on our phones. The second projection can be enjoyed on 25 glass panels along the walkway from ION Orchard to Mandarin Gallery.

Image Credits: Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA)

Immerse yourself even more in the holiday spirit as, on the eve of both Christmas and New Year, a festive clock display will enhance the celebratory atmosphere. Feel free to take some pictures!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Exciting Upgrades to the Changi Airport Terminal 2 Experience

For those who, like myself, love traveling, you’ll be excited to learn that Changi Airport’s Terminal 2 has recently undergone a makeover! After three and a half years of extensive engineering works, Terminal 2 (T2) at Changi Airport has reopened, reinstating Singapore’s four-terminal operations.

The completion of T2 is both timely and essential to meet capacity demands, aligning with the anticipation of a full travel recovery to pre-COVID-19 levels by 2024. The T2 expansion project has notably increased Changi’s capacity by five million passengers per annum (mppa), elevating the airport’s total handling capacity to a whopping 90 mppa.

The expansion encompasses an additional 21,000 square meters, introducing new infrastructure, advanced systems, and an expanded array of shopping and dining offerings. A central common-use Fast and Seamless Travel (FAST) zone has been established, nearly doubling the number of automated check-in kiosks and bag drop machines.

During the T2 Expansion Opening Ceremony on November 1, 2023, Mr. Teo Chee Hean, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, expressed:

“The T2 expansion project, initiated in January 2020, was underway two months before Singapore closed its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite uncertainties, Changi Airport Group (CAG) remained committed to the project, confident that our Changi air hub would not only recover from the pandemic but emerge stronger.”

IMMERSIVE NATURE-CENTRIC EXPERIENCES

T2’s design philosophy revolves around a nature-inspired theme, seamlessly incorporating elements of nature throughout the terminal. From ceiling designs to wall finishes resembling natural landforms, carpet patterns, and horticulture displays, the terminal exudes a harmonious connection with the environment.

At the core of T2’s departure hall stands a 14-meter-tall digital display known as The Wonderfall. Nestled amid a vertical garden, The Wonderfall captures nature’s raw beauty in breathtaking detail, transporting onlookers to an immersive world of wonder with a majestic waterfall cascading over megalithic boulders.

Inside the departure transit area, the brand-new Dreamscape Garden mesmerizes with its enchanting array of plants set against a meticulously landscaped backdrop, dynamically brought to life by a “digital sky” that changes hues with the time of day. For instance, it sets a gloomy setting when it’s raining outside at 10 am.

REVITALIZED RETAIL-TAINMENT & FOOD SCENE

Visitors to the public areas of T2 will encounter a range of novel concepts, including Southeast Asia’s first Funko pop-up. Collectors can acquire exclusive Merlion figurines and pose with larger-than-life Funko statues of their favorite characters.

The departure hall introduces three new homegrown brands to Changi including Lynk Fragrances, Baker’s Well, and Café O. Lynk Fragrances offers handmade scents and products. Baker’s Well serves authentic Peranakan confectionaries. Lastly, Café O presents unique prata flatbread delights within a local kopitiam setting.

Another exciting addition to the departure hall is the Jones Grocer. Changi Airport’s first landside duplex cafe, Jones Grocer is a renowned artisanal café, features a grab-and-go deli-style food counter on the ground level and an upper-level bar and restaurant with a show kitchen, set to open later this year.

What’s more? The return of Korean fast-food chain JINJJA Chicken at T2 introduces a refreshing new concept known as JINJJA Kitchen, offering hotplate bulgogi and trendy Croffles.

CHANGI’S STELLAR REPUTATION

Renowned for topping Skytrax’s list of best airports for eight consecutive years, Changi Airport experienced a temporary dip in rankings in 2021 and 2022 due to the pandemic’s impact on passenger numbers. However, the airport reclaimed its top position in the 2023 awards, announced in March.

Image Credits: Changi Airport Group

Since its inception in 1981, replacing the single-runway Paya Lebar airport, Changi Airport has undergone remarkable transformations. Terminal 2 was initiated in 1986 and opened to travelers in 1991. Its recent improvements stand as a testament to Changi’s ongoing commitment to innovation in air travel.

Let us see what happens next!

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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