Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Budget-Friendly Ways To Motivate Your Employees

Recognizing the efforts of your employees can help show your appreciation, boost their morale, and retain your loyal workers. On that note, here are four budget-friendly ways to reward your beloved employees:

#1: HIGHLIGHT THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

Recognize the exemplary performance of your employees by rewarding them with opportunities for growth. Let me share a personal story. Before I got accepted as an educator for an international school, the President highlighted that I will be boxed in a single position for long. He wants us to travel with him to ensure that the school aligns with the global standards of the “main branch”. More so, training will be provided to ensure that we are professionally ready to acquire various roles of the school. Growth is one of the main reasons why I committed for a long period of time.

Growth can be passed down to the employees through seminars and classes that will prepare them for more responsibilities in your company. Afterwards, promote the employee who has manifested that he or she is ready for the next step.

#2: ACCEPT COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS

The plain act of being heard transmits a signal that you value your team. Listen to the opinions or complaints of your employees by establishing a company intranet. An intranet is similar to a social media networking platform, but it is exclusive to the company. An inexpensive way to set this up is by creating a closed-group Facebook page. Allow your employees to post their ideas on the wall. Please reply diligently.

Give credit to the person who came up with the brilliant idea. And, do not forget about the organization who brought the idea into fruition.

#3: SHARE THE GIFT OF TIME

What better way to reward your employees than by giving them one currency that you cannot replace – time? Employees in Singapore pose so much value to their work. If your company works on a fixed schedule, you may consider offering the flexitime incentive to the high-performing employees.

The schedule in my first job followed a 48-hour cycle per week (including overtime). This is similar to how most companies operate. Due to the distinctly long and stressful shifting hours at the office, my rest days were deeply treasured. I shifted to freelancing after a year. I realized that flexibility in time weighs more than any cash incentives I received in the past. Some of your employees may feel the same way.

#4: SURPRISE THEM WITH THE WHEEL OF PRIZES

Turn the fun meter up a notch by creating a wheel filled with attractive prizes. Keep your employees motivated by hosting an “Employee of the Month/Term” competition whereby the winner will be able to spin the wheel. The beauty of this wheel is that you will be able to manipulate the prizes based on your budget.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Here are just some things that you can put on your colorful wheel:

a. Gift cards such as a S$25 card from iTunes or a S$50 card from Takashimaya,
b. Voucher for an extra paid leave,
c. A personalized trophy (i.e., make sure it is shining),
d. An electronic announcement of the specific accomplishments via team email, or
e. A free pass to the latest film in the movie house.

Sources: 1 & 2

Highest-Paying Jobs For Fresh Graduates Of Singapore

For individuals who are in a serious search for a management consulting firm with global grasp, Hay Group is a viable option. Hay Group aims to transform your company’s distinct strategy into coveted reality. It makes things possible by developing and motivating talent to be more efficient at the workplace. In its relatively recent survey, this firm tackled the salary expectations of approximately ninety-five organizations in Singapore.

The aptly called “Fresh Graduate Pay Survey” found the average monthly salary for degree holders without Honors, with Second-Lower Honors, and with Second-Upper honors. The 2014 starting salary for these said categories were $2,741, $2,853, and $2,939 respectively. Furthermore, the researchers showed that the employers were likely to pay more for degree holders than for mere diploma holders. The gap in credentials and certificates is understandable as the country poses importance in education.

The highest-paying positions for diploma holders were in the industry of Engineering, Marketing, Administration or Support, and Information Technology. Diploma holders holding positions in the field of Engineering had an average salary of $1,976. While, diploma holders in the Marketing field had an average salary of $1,938. If you are planning to reap an administrative or client’s support position as a diploma holder, you will likely to have a salary of $1,925. Lastly, diploma holders in the Information Technology industry can expect a salary of $1,920.

Let us dive into the highest-paying positions for degree holders. The top four slot belongs to Project Management. The average starting pay for this position as a degree holder without Honors is $2,813. Project managers oversee and document most of the aspects of a certain project.

The third spot belongs to the field of Information Technology (IT). Many of my friends have spouses who thrive in this fast-paced scene. You see, IT has a myriad of offerings including programmer, systems analyst, and software engineer. Find one that fits your preference and expertise. Know that the average starting pay for this position as a degree holder without Honors is $2,816.

The Legal positions still holds a sense of prestige next to becoming a certified physician. There has been a shortage of fresh law graduates, which is why possessing a law degree is easily attractive. The average starting pay for this position as a degree holder without Honors is $2,856.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

As a specialized degree, it is no wonder that fresh engineering graduates earn the highest median salary ($2,888) of among the list.

The main takeaway from this research is the fact that the primary motivation of the fresh graduates is not the salary. Most of the participants highlight thirst for the accelerated career development as money will follow. Cultivating the aspects of the well-being such as autonomy and self-expression in the workplace is a must.

Surefire Ways To Save Money On Beauty Products

Most consumers believe that beauty expenses are “needs” rather than “wants”. This is why they do not look for ways to save money. However, you can still pamper yourself and save money at the same time.

Consider these four tricks:

SPOT THE DUPES

If you have been accustomed to using high-end cosmetics and salon-quality hair products, your beauty expenses may take a toll on your budget. Stop ignoring the inexpensive products at the drugstore! Challenge yourself to downgrade at least two products and see if the cheaper option is an acceptable alternative.

Let as take a look at the makeup products to put things into perspective. In the beauty world, dupes refer to the affordable options similar to the expensive products. Dupes carry similar shade, texture, and results with the “original”. For instance, you may amp up your lashes for less by purchasing the Rimmel Scandaleyes Reloaded Mascara at Watsons. This is way cheaper than its competitor – the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara at Sephora. Get more dupes by following @Dupethat on Instagram.

WIDEN YOUR SEARCH

As I mentioned above, the drugstore holds several gems waiting to be discovered. Widen your search for inexpensive alternatives by considering unconventional locations such as the “dollar store”. Purchase general items at Value Dollar or Daiso Singapore. General items include facial cotton pads, hair clips, manicure kits, and beauty sponges. People who do not have sensitive skin may try some of the cosmetics available at these stores.

FACE YOUR STASH

Using the available beauty products is probably the easiest money-saving trick in the book! Begin by creating a realistic inventory of your cosmetics before moving on to your skin care and hair care items. Narrow your collection by removing any unnecessary duplicates. Do you really need six identical red lipsticks or a dozen of face masks?

Aside from avoiding duplicates, you must avoid the harmful effects of unusable products. I am referring to the beauty products that are already expired or tarnished. Check for the products’ dates, the formula consistency, and the packaging condition. You do not want your hair oil leaking all over your purse.

BEAT THE GIMMICKS

Do not be tempted by flashy gimmicks and clever infomercials.

Are you looking forward to grab the new stainless steel mascara by Hourglass Cosmetics? Well, the 78-dollar instrument (about S$109) aims to catch you attention and to make you perceive that it improves the mascara. However, “innovative” products like this are almost always wasteful. Do you really want to waste your money on a tool that resembles a screw?

Master hairstylist Pasquale Caselle once said: “It (infomercial) is a specifically written script portrayed by models and actors so, you think you must have that product. Remember, no product is good for everybody all the time, as they would have you believe.” Please research on the beauty product first before buying it.

Sources: 1 & 2

Learn About The Essence Of Money By Watching These Films

Money is all around us. Thus, it comes as no shock that this subject sparked the imagination of countless screenwriters. Their works either graced the small or the silver screen. Many movies surrounding money or finance creates dramatic performances and universal themes. You could learn a thing of two from these films.

Without further ado, here are some “money movies” that are actually worth your time…

THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATING AN EMERGENCY FUND

Several articles I wrote stressed on the importance of establishing an emergency fund (e.g., Clever Ways To Build A Sufficient Emergency Fund). Widen your understanding by perceiving life through the lenses of George Bailey.

One of the most beloved films of all time, “It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)” teaches us about the effect money can have over us. Its follows the journey of George Bailey who led a seemingly perfect life in Bedford Falls. He was the head executive of a local financial institution – the Bailey Bros. Building and Loan Association. Everything changed on a Christmas Eve when an employee lost the $8,000 bank deposit. George had to face serious criminal charges for embezzlement. The financial crisis took a toll on him and he contemplated suicide.

If George set up an emergency fund, his financial crisis would have been alleviated significantly. An emergency fund aims to cushion personal financial dilemma such as bankruptcy, unemployment, or theft. He was a thrifty individual, but he did not consider to pay himself first.

Realistically speaking, chronic stress is a possible reaction to monetary woes. Do not hesitate to seek professional help when necessary.

THE FRUITS OF DETERMINATION

Pursuit of Happyness (2006) holds a special place in my heart. I would never forget the quote that Will Smith’s character delivered. He said: “Don’t ever let someone tell you, you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you got to protect it.” Naysayers and jealous people are inevitable in a competitive field such as ours. Not letting them get in the way of your success is just one moral lesson in the movie.

The movie beautifully paints rags-to-riches tale. Will Smith portrays the character named Christopher Gardner. Christopher was a salesman who struggled to make ends meet for his family. The height of their financial crisis led to the abandonment of his son. Against these depressing odds, he maintained a positive outlook. He took an unpaid internship to become a stockbroker. He would make about 200 calls a day! His determination and persistence shined through. These two factors are vital, if you want to thrive in life.

Christopher’s ability to find solutions in the face of financial adversity is truly inspirational.

THE EFFECTS OF GREED

The 1987 Wall Street flick conveyed the superb message that every dream has its price. The story centers on a young, desperate, and impatient stockbroker who is willing to do anything just to reach the peak. He was willing to step on his integrity to gain power. The characters embodied that greed is good, is right, and is necessary.

Let us define greed (pertaining to wealth) first. Psychologists have a definition for excessive love of money. They stated that it is about needing money for its own sake. Contrary to the need for money to satisfy personal and social goals. Greed, for the lack of a better term, is bad.

You are likely to commit mistakes, the more you are emotionally attached to money. You develop several biases when you are clouded with greed. For instance, “money lovers” were more likely to believe that savings could wait. Oh! Talk about not building a nest for the golden years.

This movie may be a classic, but its lessons are still relevant today.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

How To Quickly Sell Your Property In Singapore

You can sell your property in a faster pace by combining strategy with a little dedication. Consider these tips:

SET AN ATTRACTIVE STAGE

There is something that you cannot deny. We all heard the saying: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”. The essence of this statement is clear. The second and succeeding impressions are not as pervasive as the first! Most people dwell on the first meetings or interviews to create consistency. It is up to you to make a stellar introduction of your home.

Home staging is the process of transforming your property into an appealing “show flat” before listing it on the market. It is important when there is a surplus of properties in a relatively slow market. Begin by making minor tweaks such as adding flowers in the living room or by making major tweaks such as re-painting the entire flat. Doing these things will help increase the perceived value of your property.

If you have a shortage of creative juices, consider hiring companies that offer Home Staging Services such as the Singapore Furniture Rental. Singapore Furniture Rental usually accessorizes the flats with neutral colors as it can attract the highest number of potential buyers or tenants.

MARK THE RIGHT PRICE

It is no secret that sellers typically underrate or overrate their beloved properties. Swaying in either of the two directions can lead to losing a significant amount of money. Let us start by dictating an elevated price point. Quoting too high can discourage the buyers from grabbing your offers.

Let us focus on the other side of the coin. Singaporean buyers are becoming more prudent. So, a low price point is immensely attractive. However, you are at risk of earning almost nothing as you need to cover fixed and unforeseen fees.

It is difficult to get the price right without sufficient resources. Widen your knowledge by browsing through the local property websites. Renowned sites include Asia’s premier iProperty and SPH’s very own Singapore Real Estate Exchange. After your digging online, gather information from a couple of experienced agents. You have to hire one that could easily give the reasonable price for your property.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

DEPERSONALIZE AND DECLUTTER

Imagine tagging your spouse along with you for nest hunting. You came across a decent flat at Yishun. During the open house, you were greeted by colorful walls filled with wedding pictures. It does not stop there. The bedroom is garnished with baby photos. Yes! Everything is adorable. However, it highlighted the “real” owners of the home. It was hard for you to focus on the other features of your potential home.

Do you see why depersonalization plays a crucial part to sales? Take down the family photos, political ornaments, religious items, and other personal materials. The prospective buyers need to picture their lives in the home…not yours!

Remove excess furniture and rubbish while you are it. The fewer things there are, the larger the space will look. Aim for that.

SHOWCASE IT ONLINE

How can people know more about your property if you do not publicize it? Make it easy for potential buyers to view your wonderful home by becoming more flexible with your schedule. Let people visit in different times of the day. Furthermore, you may consider making an online listing.

It is safe to say that when you are selling your home beyond 2017, a significant fraction of the target market will be Millennials. Take advantage of technology as Millennials fall between ages 18 to 35. List your property on social portals like Facebook and Carousell. Or, you may list it directly on property websites such as propertyguru.com.sg and 99.co.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Remember to attach high quality photographs to boost your chances!

Sources:1, 2, & 3

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