Important Money Matters To Sort Out After Divorce

Ending your relationship with someone you vowed to spend a lifetime with is never easy. Getting a divorce causes a significant life change that is often complex and stressful. It involves coping with several issues such as division of assets, discussion of maintenance, and custody of the children. These issues bring forth emotional, economic, and legal considerations.

Divorce is not simplistic wherein one solution fits everyone else’s circumstance. It is case-specific as it takes the needs and means of each person into account. Even the length of your marriage affects the division of assets. For instance, if your marriage is brief, the court may decide to part you with the money you had before coming in to the relationship.

According to the 2013 Population Trends by Statistics Singapore, marital dissolutions are escalating with 7,386 in 2009 from 7,216 in 2008. With this increasing number of divorced couples, it is important to discuss the financial matters to sort out after the breakup.

1. IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL CONCERN

Your first concern shall be the recurrent household bills. If you had been paying your bills through a joint account, you have to make some arrangements with your bank to dissolve this account and pay through your personal account instead. Remember to update your GIRO arrangements as well.

2. MAINTENANCE AFTER DIVORCE

Maintenance is intended to cover the living expenses and necessities of the wife and her children. Under Singapore’s law, maintenance for the wife continues until she remarried or passes away while the maintenance for the children continues until the age of 21 or until graduation. The husband can pay the wife in a lump sum but only monthly maintenance is allowed for the children.

There is no specific amount or length of maintenance as the Family Justice Courts examine the situation to arrive at a reasonable and fair decision.

3. THE FAMILY HOME

One of the most daunting decisions you have to make (especially if you used your CPF savings to buy a property with your ex-spouse) is the housing arrangement. Are you going to sell your family home? Or will you keep it while the other one moves out?

If you intend to sell your house wherein CPF savings were used to purchase it, you will need to apply for CPF refunds to your respective accounts. Please visit the CPF Board website for more information.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Delicious And Affordable Places For Vegan Food In Singapore

One of the things Singapore is abundant of is food. The diverse food selection extends to the vegetarian options. From organic snacks to vegan Western food, this list has you covered!

1. VEGGIE COTTAGE

Camouflaged within the neighboring grocery stores is a beautifully casual cafe called Veggie Cottage. It serves a wide array of Asian and Western vegetarian food such as Avocado Salad, Claypot Tofu Rice Set, and Spaghetti Bolognese. They also sell cupcakes to satisfy your sweet tooth.

With seriously inexpensive prices ranging from S$2.50 to S$10.80, you will surely wear a smile while browsing their menu – here.

Image Credits: facebook.com/162388397257546/photos/a.162391280590591.1073741826.162388397257546/575124989317216/?type=3&theater

Image Credits: facebook.com

Online Reception: 100% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere.com

Location: 13 Dalhousie Lane, Singapore 209682

2. GOKUL VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

Fusing Indian cuisine with other yummy vegetarian meals, GOKUL Vegetarian Restaurant boasts with over 100 food items. From bite-sized munchies such as Samosa Chaat and Dosa to health main courses such as Tom Yum Noodles and Paneer Fried Rice, they have it all for you. Furthermore, all of these are free of onion, garlic, and egg.

Image Credits: http://www.hungrygowhere.com/singapore/gokul_vegetarian_restaurant_upper_dickson_road/photo/98920000

Image Credits: hungrygowhere.com

Online Reception: 84% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere.com

Location: 19 Upper Dickson Road, Singapore 207478

3. CI YAN ORGANIC VEGETARIAN HEALTH FOOD

Nestled at the bustling streets of Chinatown is a humble treasure of an eatery called Ci Yan Organic Vegetarian Health Food. This place serves nothing but organic ingredients without the use of MSG.

With an uncomplicated menu of only 4 to 6 dishes that vary per day, it will take your taste buds to a healthy adventure. The quality of the dishes makes up for the lack of choice. However, if you are a picky eater, you may call them up in advance at 6225 9026. Worry not about their prices, as the average plate is S $7 while the noodle dishes are about S $5.50.

Online Reception: 84% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere.com

Location: 8 Smith Street, Singapore 058922

4. REAL FOOD

If I were asked to name a place perfectly suited to a health conscious Singaporean, I would definitely suggest Real Food. Known for serving organic and vegan yet really tasty food, Real Food consists of affordable meal selections.

All of the Real Food outlets showcase a contemporary setting with relaxing lighting. What separates it from other eateries is that the Killiney Road outlet has a 3-in-1-concept design featuring a Cafe and Restaurant, a grocery, and a bookstore. Everything you need in one delightful space.

The recommended dishes include Steamed Dumplings (S$9.80), Beet Millet Burger ($13.80), Genovese Pesto Pasta (S$11.80), and Rise-n-Shine Breakfast ($8.80). End your meal with one of the cold-pressed fruit juices priced as low as S$6.50.

As blogger Doria Teo puts it:
“Everything is vegan and organic and especially for someone health conscious like me, this is a rare gem. I hardly find food that tastes so good and yet is so healthy at the same time.”

Online Reception: 77% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere.com

Locations: Several outlets islandwide, visit: realfoodgrocer.com/outlets for more information.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Special DIY Gifts To Make Your Mother Smile

There are women in this world that are willing to work tirelessly for others, are willing to teach young minds, are willing to forgive failures and are willing to put someone’s else’s happiness ahead of their own. Remarkable in every way, these women are called mothers.

With less than three weeks more under your belt, it is about time to think of a precious gift to reward your beautiful mother on Mother’s Day (May 8). The good news is that you do not have to spend loads of cash since you can just use the materials you already have at home!

Here are some inexpensive yet very heart warming ideas for you:

1. FOR YOUR CRAFTY ARTSY ANGEL

If the angel of your life is into creating artistic items than receiving them, plan an afternoon crafts session. While sipping your tea, you can create lovely jewelry with the materials on promotion at Spotlight such as Pony Beads (S$4.99), Pom poms (S$2.99), and Quill Feathers (S$5.99).

Alternatively, you can grab a DIY kit from Typo to make the stylish and useful items such as a tote bag (S$34.99) and a scrapbook (S$29.99).

2. FOR YOUR POETIC PARENT

Celebrate the essence of Mother’s day by capturing the moment through a poem. Describe her in the sincerest of ways. A unique gift such as this will flatter her heart and make her feel how much you are thankful that she is in your life. You can also put a melody and turn your poem to a song if you want to.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

3. FOR YOUR CINEMA CHAMP

My mother is one of those people who are fond of films. From romantic comedies to action, she is delighted to watch any flick as long as she has her family along. Apply this concept at home by purchasing a few DVDs from the yesteryear. As much as possible, select her favorite movies. Gather your family in the living, as having everyone present is valuable to the occasion.

4. FOR YOUR WORKAHOLIC WARRIOR

The best way to reward your workaholic warrior is by giving the present of an enjoyable bath time filled with relaxing fragrance. Achieve that by making bath bombs that are similar to the ones sold at Lush Singapore.

Image Credits: www.lushsg.com

Image Credits: www.lushsg.com

Here are four ways you can make different types of bath bombs from basic to herbal type.

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5 Things To Consider Before Investing On Gold

1. WHAT TYPE OF GOLD INVESTMENT?

There are two types of gold investment: physical gold and paper gold. The physical gold consists of the tangible gold bars, jewelry and coins. While the paper gold consists of the gold exchange traded funds or gold-related equities in the stock market.

The latter is more at risk with fraud, as you have no guarantee that the fund holds the amount of gold they claim. Furthermore, the stock market can be vulnerable due to the government intervention and hacking.

2. WHY SHOULD YOUR PORTFOLIO INCLUDE GOLD?

Including gold to your overall portfolio is a good way to diversity your assets. As the price of gold generally moves in a different direction than other types of investments, it can balance out your returns when the others are performing badly.

Cary Guffey, a Certified Financial Planner Professional and Board Ambassador, forewarns that you must not put too much of your wealth in gold. According to him, a good rule of thumb is having no more than 5% of a certain commodity in your portfolio.

3. HOW PURE SHOULD YOUR GOLD BE?

Pure gold (100%) is too soft to manipulated as bars and jewelry, therefore it is mixed with other types of metals such as silver, nickel or copper to improve its strength. Based on the content of gold, it is divided into “karat” configurations namely: 9k (37.50%), 14k (58.33%), 18k (75,00%), 22k (91.66%), 24k (99.99%). Ensure that you are getting what you paid for.

4. WHERE SHALL YOU BUY THE PHYSICAL GOLD?

In Singapore, physical gold can be purchased online or at the bank. For online bullion shopping, consider the trusted bullionstar.com where 1 gram of PAMP Gold Bar costs about S$79.54. Alternatively, you can purchase gold bars and gold bullion coins at UOB.

5. WHAT IS THE REAL PRICE OF GOLD?

Just like anything else, the price of gold is influenced by the supply and demand dynamics. In fact, 5 years ago gold’s price was about S$1,800 per ounce compared to today’s S$1,664 per ounce. Alongside this dynamics are other factors that affect the gold’s price…

Sources: 1, 2, 3,  4, & 5

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4 Ingenious Travel Scams Singaporeans Should Be Aware Of

Do not taint your vacation by becoming a victim of the latest travel scams targeting unsuspecting tourists. From your expensive belongings to your personal safety, the risks of scams are overwhelming. The finest form of protection in these situations is to be forewarned.

1. THE PHOTOGRAPHY SCAM

The wonderful backdrop of Bali’s serene sunset deserves to be encapsulated forever through a photograph. As quick as you are, you gathered your group to take a special “jumping shot”. Then one of the locals approached you and offered to take your group photo for free. Seconds later, your newfound friend disappears with your expensive camera.

Bustling city attractions are the most vulnerable places for this scam. Do not be fooled! If you have to take a photo, it is best to ask your fellow tourists and return the favor to them.

2. THE PIZZA FLYER SCAM

As a busy tourist with a fully packed schedule, you are bound to forget about your meals at times. A promotional pizza flyer slipped beneath the doors of your hotel room seems like the most convenient choice. So you gave your payment details over the phone and end up waiting for nothing. There was no pizza and you just gave your credit card details away to a stranger! Cue the *panic* music here.

This is why it is best to check with the authorization of the fliers first at the hotel’s concierge.

3. THE FAULTY TAXI METER SCAM

Using the different modes of transportation overseas will make you realize how lucky you are that Singaporean taxi companies are very well-regulated. But in other countries, the taximeter can be faked. Your driver may overcharge you by not stopping the meter while he takes a “toilet break” or by wiring the meter itself. To avoid this you must negotiate the rates beforehand, have your map handy, and ensure that the meter is in tact.

Here are the other taxi tips by Christine Kaaloa :

4. THE BOGUS WIFI HUB SCAM

Modern technology paved way for keeping all your information such as credit card details (via Blogshop sites), savings account details (via internet banking), and school data (via university portal) in one place – your laptop or Smartphone. And as you login through the “free WiFi” at a terminal, you can fall prey to hackers. Hackers may set up unsecured WiFi spots in public locations in order to access of your device and steal important information.

Avoid this by asking which WiFi connection belongs to the establishment and by bringing your own pocket router while you travel. Consider the affordable portable WiFi Router available at Changi Recommends.

Sources: 1 & 2

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