Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Beat The Rushed Deadlines With These 4 Tips

Singapore’s highly competitive society values the ability to work at a faster rate. The problem with focusing on urgency is the maintenance of quality. You may question whether there are smarter ways to get things done quickly without sacrificing premium standards. For starters, you can consider adding these four tips to your work or academic routine.

#1: THE ENERGIZING HOUR

Be honest with yourself! Are you an early bird or a nocturnal owl? The good news is, either of these personas can work to your favor. Determine the specific time of the day when you are most productive. Exhaust your creative juices to the important tasks and use your “low-energy hours” to fulfill less essential tasks such as household chores.

#2: TIME IS GOLD

Parkinson’s Law is among the most relevant concepts in business. It highlights that “work expands to fill the time available for its completion”. In other words, the effort you exert on a task stretches to suit the allotted time. Work at a quicker pace by setting a clear schedule. Doing this will motivate you to beat the clock!

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#3: CRUSH THE DISTRACTIONS

It goes without saying that procrastination is an enemy during crunch time. It is best to eliminate all the possible distractions that are within your reach. Please toss your handphone and other electronics on the side. To power through a long period of concentration, you may increase the volume of your preferred music. Jazz and classical tracks may soothe your mood to focus better on the tasks.

#4: ONE STEP DOWN

No matter what you are working on, you can always breakdown the process into smaller chunks. Examining each step aims to make an efficient progress. Furthermore, your “mini victories” will motivate you along the way.

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Imagine that you have to write an essay as a Poly student. The first step is to choose an interesting topic. Secondly, you need to do an extensive research and make a rough outline. Thirdly, you must accomplish a draft. The fourth step is to edit and review your draft. Lastly, you must proofread and print your assignment. Tackle the task…one step at a time!

Sources: 1 & 2

Going Head-to-Head With Your Financial Fears

Fear, a primitive human emotion, refers to the physiological and psychological response to threatening situations. The sources of fear may have evolved throughout the years, but I am putting focus on the Singaporean’s financial fears.

FEAR #1: FEAR OF LOSING ONE’S JOB

Unemployment is a global phenomenon. Our economy continues to narrow down jobs at an alarming rate. Do you know what is worse than that? Being unemployed in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Losing your job can trigger anxiety as it opens doors to uncertainty. However, you may conquer this fear by improving your “job seeking skills”.

A good place to start making connections is LinkedIn (i.e., a professional networking site). Moreover, you may ask your family and friends if they can recommend you to work for their companies. Do not hesitate to approach your resources!

FEAR #2: FEAR OF LOSING EVERYTHING

Devastating and crippling – these two words are not enough to encapsulate what you will feel when a catastrophic event wipes out your entire fortune. The abundance of disaster stories on social media and on the paper media supports this fear. It is undeniable that the society highlights negative stories (e.g., bankruptcy, divorce, or scam) due to its significant impact.

How do you turn the tables around? For starters, you must assess whether your fear has supporting evidence or objective data. Moira Somers, a renowned Clinical Neuropsychologist, once said: “If you focus your energy on what you can control, then all of the things that you can’t control will have less of an impact if the worst were to happen.” Establish control by building a sufficient emergency fund and by reviewing your insurance policy coverage. Work with what you already have!

FEAR #3: FEAR OF GETTING RIPPED OFF

Getting swindled by an individual or a corporation is not something that you should take lightly! From soaring handphone scams to tempting dating scams, it is easy to fall prey to exploitation. Awareness of the process is the first step. You need to get involved in your financial plan.

Figure out your current monetary standing. Then, map out a future by setting at least 5 financial goals. You may even hire a professional adviser to understand the process better. Remember that getting rich does not happen overnight!

FEAR #4: FEAR OF BEING AN OLD MAID

A recent government survey shed a light on the public’s attitudes toward marriage and parenthood. The participants were 2,940 singles and 2,861 married Singapore residents, ranging from 21 to 45 years old. Majority of the single participants intend to marry. Although, 6 in 10 are not dating with marriage in mind. Finding the right partner and diving into a serious relationship seems to be more challenging now. Thus, several people left the romantic game to chance.

When the cards of chance is not on your side, you may be considered as a woman who is “too old for marriage”. Some women are not comfortable with being an old maid. They believe that marriage is critical to fully supporting themselves. Overcome said fear by building a financial plan based on your income. The written projections show that you can rely on yourself for financial security.

FEAR #5: FEAR OF NOT AFFORDING A HOUSE

Reality check, please! Property in Singapore is far from cheap. Younger generations of working Singaporeans are coming into the realization of how hefty housing has become. The prevailing sentiment among people in their thirties surround how unaffordable condominiums are and how costly HDB flats are.

Diminish your fear toward housing by determining how much you will need to save and invest for the future. Be sure to adjust for inflation.

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The first aid to your financial fears is strategic planning. Analyze your current financial circumstance and the supporting objective data. Make a plan that is reflective of this. Getting started is as easy as having a plan.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

4 Time Management Tips To Help You Work Smart

We all posses a set of (or at least one) positive traits useful in the workplace. Mine just happens to surround time management. Time is a finite commodity that you cannot take back! Thus, I make it a point to strategically exhaust it.

Managing time is not about squeezing as many tasks as you can within 24 hours. Instead, it is about carefully choosing which tasks you can fulfill to alleviate stress and which tasks you can leave behind. Simplify your operations in order to accomplish your tasks at a faster pace. Consider these tips to work smarter:

FIRST THINGS FIRST

As much as I want to discuss about the catchy Iggy Azalea song, I am going to expound on the seemingly unfamiliar territory of prioritizing. Prioritizing focuses on determining the order of the items in your to-do list. Stephen Covey, the co-author of “First Things First”, introduced four categorizations for one’s tasks. The categories are:

a. Important and Urgent,
b. Important and Not Urgent,
c. Urgent and Not Important, as well as
d. Not Urgent and Not Important.

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Write down at least three “Important and Urgent” tasks that you must accomplish by today. Waste no time in addressing each one. Reap the sense of accomplishment as you fulfill each one of them. Use this motivation to tackle the less vital items.

USE SPARE TIME WISELY

No matter how busy your weekday can get, you still have a decent amount of down-time. Use your waiting time wisely by completing simple tasks such as calling possible sponsors for your company event. While you are waiting to board the next bus, you can answer important emails with your mobile applications.

As a pre-school teacher, I envision my lesson plans whenever I have idle moments. My finest thoughts spark when I am relaxing in the shower or when I am running a mile in the town stadium. Maximizing my spare time allows me to push my creativity beyond limits.

ELIMINATE THE UNNECESSARY

Taking a series of commitments can be detrimental to your schedule. Whenever you agree to help out a co-worker, you are increasing your personal workload. You may not be able to immediately tackle the tasks assigned to you!

It is hard to refuse to friendly requests from colleagues especially if you are the type of person who loves lending a hand. However, if you want to jump-start your productivity, it is important to learn to say “NO” or “not at this moment”.

ABSORB FUTURE’S ESSENCE

It is no secret that I am an avid people watcher! Not to sound creepy, but it comes from my background in Psychology. Let us move on to the anecdote. As I was sipping my hot mocha, I overheard two women talking about their careers. One seems to be the other’s mentor. I realized that they were both dancing instructors as the discussion went on. The “mentor” shared valuable tips such as preparing an overall timeline and strict goals for each day. She said that it was better to record one’s routine to record any flaws, before the presentation comes. She made some valid points!

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Having a realistic plan eases the tension of the coming days. You know your glistening target and the corresponding moves to achieve it. Now, you do not have to be prudent to absorb the future’s essence. Start by sparing at least 10 minutes before your shift ends to clear out your desk and to prepare your task for tomorrow. Alternatively, you may clear your desk as you arrive to the office. Allot the first 10 minutes to prioritizing your to-do list.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

FUNtastic Ideas To Spice Up Your Dates

I am not familiar about your dating habits, but predictability is not a part of my book! My significant other and I are actively browsing through online articles and asking for recommendations. We make it a point to “shake things up” every once in a while.

On that note, here are just some of the romantic and fantastic ideas that we have gathered throughout the years:

1. Let us start with a nostalgic date. Share your most intimate memories with your beloved by exchanging family albums. Then, reminisce the milestones you had as a couple by going back to where you first met.

2. Take the slang “Netflix and Chill” in its literal sense by streaming your favorite shows while indulging on ice cream. Eat as many ice cream flavors as you want! Personally, Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough is my guilty pleasure.

3. Stay in touch with your artsy side by attending craft workshops. From Calligraphy to Bento Box classes, there are many interesting workshops in Singapore! For starters, you can create a spectacular keepsake by Pottery Painting for as low as S$15 at Goodman Ceramic Studio.

4. Be the star of your own editorial by pretending to be famous photographers for a day. You can either take turns in modelling or find a stranger to do the work for you. Snap pictures of your model at the picturesque spots in Singapore (e.g., Haji Lane and National Gallery of Singapore are totally Instagram-worthy).

Image Credits: pixabay.com

5. Immerse yourself into the art of storytelling by attending poetry slams. Artists gather together to eloquently spread their messages out to the public. Considering reserving a free spot at the “Slam: A One Man Show by Neil Basu” on September 30 or October 1!

6. We might be known as a concrete city, but that does not mean that we lack furry companions! Spend a day with adorable felines as you drop by The Cat Cafe. Unlike other establishments, The Cat Cafe only charges for the entry fee of S$15 (i.e.,including a complimentary drink).

7. Aside from furry cuteness, you can get up close with over 100,000 marine animals at the S.E.A Aquarium. Be dazzled with one of the world’s largest acrylic panel that houses over 800 marine species. Their interactive displays will entertain you too! Prices for adults start at S$30 (T&Cs apply).

8. Celebrate your love for sultry Jazz music by visiting the Blu Jaz Cafe. The establishment hosts free-flowing jazz bands that are open to improvisations. Check out their menu to know how to keep your tummies full while you heart sings with glee!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

9. Reconnect with nature by visiting the highest pedestrian bridge in the country – the Henderson Waves. Jog in the Mount Faber Park before watching the sun set in this creative spiral bridge. The wonderful reflection of the the sun shall set the romantic mood for your outdoors date.

10. Inspire each other to reach the optimum physical health by joining fun runs or marathons. Engaging in these activities will not only give you a fitness boost, but it will also allow you to consistently motivate each other along the way.

11. Tired of seeing your partner glued to his or her gaming console? Well, you can ditch the virtual games and immerse yourselves in an intense reality game with Exit Plan. Exit Plan is a local escape room that offers thrilling rooms for friendly prices. Admission starts at S$15 for off-peak hours.

12. Strengthen your bond by revealing your inner self to your partner. Start by writing ten personal questions. Test how well your partner knows you by throwing said questions to him or her. The person who gets the highest score wins, while the loser will have to do a consequence.

Sources: 1 & 2

3 Ways To Make The Most Out Of Your SRS

Prudent individuals go through great lengths in order to build retirement fund. Many Singaporeans completely rely on the government-mandated Central Provident Fund (CPF). It is a savings plan to fund important expense categories such as retirement, housing, and healthcare. Unbeknownst to some, there is a scheme that is meant to complement the strength of CPF. I am talking about the Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS). SRS flourishes your retirement savings by providing tax relief and investment options. Unlike CPF, SRS is a voluntary scheme. SRS members are free to contribute varying amounts which are subjected to a specific limit.

Make the most out of your SRS account by employing these tips:

MAXIMIZING YOUR TAX REDUCTIONS

While helping you cultivate your future, SRS simultaneously reduces your tax expenses at the present moment.

There are different types of tax relief that you can claim, such as the Earned Income Relief, Qualifying Child Relief, NSman Self Relief, and Parent Relief. The first one refers to the deduction of taxable income for every dollar deposited into the SRS account. Furthermore, you can reap tax-free investment gains made through your SRS account (i.e., not applicable to Singapore dividends).

SCHEDULING YOUR WITHDRAWALS

Let us be honest! You can withdraw funds from your SRS account even before you retire. Unfortunate instances such as medical emergencies and bankruptcy are among the significant reasons why this happens. Withdrawals can be completed in the form of cash or investments.

You must strategize your withdrawals to receive the most profitable scenario. You see, there is a chance that you will end up paying more tax if you withdraw the entirety of the SRS account upon retirement. By “more”, I am referring to the comparison between the “withdrawal tax” and the income tax savings. Consider scheduling your withdrawals spanning the period of 10 years.

GROWING YOUR INVESTMENTS

SRS is more than just a scheme to reduce your tax as it is an efficient tool for growing your retirement funds. It is meant to supplement your retirement money by embracing investment options. An increasing number of Singaporeans had been making contributions to their SRS accounts. For instance, the contributions made until December 2015 reached more than S$4 billion.

Why are people drawn to investing their SRS funds? For starters, gains are non-taxable. Furthermore, the long-term returns are higher when invested as compared to leaving your SRS fund in idle. From the retirement age and beyond, only 50% of your withdrawals will be taxable. It goes without saying that your bigger risk appetite is subject to the volatility of the stock market.

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A local institution that allows using SRS funds for unit trusts, index funds, unit trusts, or blue chip shares is OCBC.

Sources: 1 & 2

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