How To Earn Decent Money Using Your Smartphone

Before I plunged into the online freelancing, I never fully understood why companies are willing to pay for individuals who can participate in various activities. Said activities include shopping online, watching videos, reading advertisements, or using smartphone applications.

Soon I realized that the online competition is fierce. So, companies needed to reach their customers using creative ways. They need us! Download from a wide selection of apps to earn money from your product or service.

BY DRIVING PEOPLE AROUND

Uber – Available on Android and iOS

Are you sufficiently familiar with the Singapore roads and regulations? Consider earning extra money by becoming a cab driver. Having a car is not a strict requirement as many Uber drivers rent their cars. In fact, Uber Singapore has a list of preferred rental partners.

Uber, an app founded in San Francisco, connects drivers to riders. Its worldwide demand is growing as the days go by. There are many advantages to becoming an Uber driver. Firstly, it can earn you a decent amount of money. For instance, full-time drivers reportedly make about S$2,500 per month after all the deductions.

Secondly, you get to enjoy the flexibility in your schedule. There is no minimum or maximum hours of work. Lastly, you are in control of where and when you want to work.

BY SELLING YOUR THINGS ONLINE

Carousell – Available on Android and iOS

More and more Singaporeans are making quick bucks by selling their underused, preloved, or unused items online. Scavenge through your home to spot anything valuable. From books to clothes and furniture to paintings, you can take advantage of Carousell.

Carousell is a global marketplace app with a simple premise. Users start by snapping and describing their items. Then, they will chat with potential buyers to close the deals. Seek a form of payment that is convenient for you and the client. Some people prefer to meet-up, while others opt for wire transfers.

BY JOINING THE PACT

Pact – Available on Android and iOS

Looking for an efficient motivation to help you follow through your weightless resolution in 2017? The search is over as GymPact brings you the Pact app! It has been featured on The New York Times, CNN, and ABC News.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Pact allows its users to pledge a specific amount alongside the set of days that they plan to work out. Users who do not stick to the said goal must pay for each day they miss. You earn cash for staying healthy and get paid by “inactive” Pact members. Are you up for the challenge?

BY COMPLETING VARIOUS TASKS

Upwork – Available on Android and iOS

Modern technology reinvented the cubicle-bound workplace with the introduction of freelancing. There are websites and applications that allow people to reap the opportunities for online freelance work. You can easily accomplish these tasks from the comfort of your own home.

Upwork (previously called as Odesk) can help you whether you are an expert in writing, administrative work, marketing, advertising, legal work, illustrating, engineering, or web design. Payment is painless because Credit Cards, PayPal accounts, and Bank Accounts are accepted. Download the free app to see for yourself.

BY SUBMITTING YOUR PHOTOS

EyeEm – Available on Android and iOS

You do not need to carry bulky professional cameras in order to capture stunning moments. Today’s smartphones are equip with high definition cameras with sound quality. For instance, the iPhone 7 showcases an innovative camera that includes the ability to capture in low light and in RAW photos.

Turn your artistic vision into cash by downloading EyeEm right from your phone. EyeEm is one of the largest photo-markets, with over 18 million creators worldwide. You can sell your photos for approximately S$28 (US$20) to S$350 (US$250). It is not that bad!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

What’s more? All of these apps are FREE!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Five Secrets To Handling Your Finances As A Couple

Managing your finances together can be tricky when you are in a committed or serious relationship. However, you can employ several strategies to avoid headaches and arguments surrounding money.

#1: DISCUSS ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS

There are a handful of Singaporeans who tackle life from paycheck to paycheck. These people deal with the expenses as they come without forethought about their retirement fund. Do you want to be in the same situation?

You have to realize that financial stability is important in strengthening the future that you want to build together. So, start by establishing at least three financial goals. These initial goals are short-term and realistic. Whether you want to save up for a getaway in Bali or a broadband bundle, your short-term goals will serve as an encouragement to take on bigger goals that will lead up to financial security.

#2: KNOW EACH OTHER’S FINANCIAL STATE

Tying the knot or living with someone who has a bad credit score may affect your finances. Imagine taking out a mortgage. Your partner’s credit rating may affect the potency of your combined credit score. This is not good!

Mutual disclosure can help you reduce conflicts over financial matters. As early as possible, carefully examine each other’s financial state and exchange useful tips. Are there any spending habits that you want to help your partner with? Do you have some outstanding student debts? Familiarize yourself with his or her deeply rooted attitudes and habits toward money.

#3: CREATE A MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING

As a couple, aim to distribute the control of your finances equally. Educate your partner about the facets of personal finance no matter how uninterested he or she might be. Financial literacy is necessary.

Aside from mutual disclosure, mutual understanding is crucial to your success. This means that you need to be aware of what you two can and cannot afford. Furthermore, you must contemplate on the process of dealing with unfortunate events.

#4: MAINTAIN JOINT AND INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNTS

A couple’s joint account is primarily used for shared expenses such as groceries, utility bills, phone bills, and mortgage repayments. Maintain this along with your individual accounts. You are entitled to a separate account because you must treat yourself or your partner personally without affecting the “household fund”.

You might say that this burns the bridges of sharing, but not really. The foundation of having individual accounts is that both would have access to each other’s account to prevent from keeping secrets. Spending beyond the threshold of your personal account is something that you need to discuss with your beloved first.

#5: DIVIDE YOUR MONETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Compromise could be your best bet when you are sharing the responsibility for your finances. This goes hand in hand with the above statement. Having a joint account and two separate accounts helps to keep your independence and to stick with your budget.

Here are just some things that you must contemplate on when you are dividing your monetary responsibilities:

a. What are the bills that you want to pay using your joint account?

b. How much shall each one contribute to the joint account?

c. Which of your partner’s spending habits do you want to keep and to ditch?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

May these tips help you to foster good financial management habits as a team!

Sources:  1 & 2

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How To Balance Your Busy Work And Blossoming Romance

No one ever said that cultivating a successful career is easy. Throwing the element of romantic relationship into the mix may make things more challenging. But, you can survive it!

SET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT

Many Singaporeans choose to shift all their resources to professional aspirations. There is nothing wrong with that. But, isn’t it more fulfilling to share your promotion with someone special?

For those of you who agreed, consider prioritizing both your work and your relationship. Prioritizing one thing over the other does not entail that you have to sacrifice entirely. It just means that you have to commit to temporal adjustments. Start by building a strong ground for both your professional and romantic life. When your employer and your significant other understand that they are mutually valuable, disruptions when priorities shift may not be a problem.

STAY UPDATED

The capabilities of social media are not limited to sharing adorable cat videos to your friends. Its primary purpose is to reach out to the people whom you care for. Allotting a significant amount of time at the office in unavoidable. It is a part of your responsibility as an adult. However, ruining your relationship because you are occupied by your job is avoidable.

Spare at least five minutes to write a sweet message to your significant other via Facebook. You may even send a quick video on WhatsApp. Or, you may call each other before going to work. Simple gestures can make your partner feel appreciated, wanted, and loved. Furthermore, having someone’s support makes it easier to get through a busy day.

SPEND YOUR TIME WISELY

Managing your time is a crucial factor in creating a work-love balance. Personal issues can be avoided with a little forward planning. Let say that your career exhausts much of your time as it demands you to work long hours. As much as possible, plan a weekend getaway with your beloved. Do you fancy staying at these affordable and Instagram-worthy hostels in Singapore?

After this much-needed staycation, you will come back to the office energized. Spending your time wisely may show that you are both devoted to your career and your personal life.

STRENGTHEN YOUR FUTURE

More often than not, people stay committed to each other because they see a brighter future ahead. I am distinctly referring to couples who are in long-term relationships. Financial stability is important in strengthening the future that you want to build. Although the fantasy of winning the Singapore Pools Toto is attractive, but it can become a barrier to accomplishment.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

It is time to bring a reality check! Take serious steps toward financial stability. Write down your financial goals together and discuss your monthly expenses. Be aware of each other’s financial situation and current income.

Sources:  1 & 2

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Inexpensive Ways To Lower Your Workplace Stress

You have been busy all week-long! Your mind is racing and your heart is pounding as the deadlines approach. These tasks are getting out of hand. It is no wonder that you feel down in the dumps.

Fortunately for you, there are affordable (and free) solutions to help ease the tension.

#1: ACTING VERSUS REACTING

When we come face-to-face with the circumstances which are out of our control, we typically experience stress. It activates mental and physical responses that can tear your productivity and well-being in the long run. This can be problematic at work.

Start focusing on the aspects that are within your control (e.g., your thoughts about your co-workers or your business attire). This will help ease your worries.

#2: STICKING TO THE SCHEDULE

Many Singaporeans propel through the day without taking significant breaks. You may think that you get more work done if you do not rest. However, doing so is counter-productive. Sleep deprivation can lower your concentration and productivity levels.

Consider scheduling a series of breaks throughout the day. For instance, you may allot 5 minutes to stretch in the breakroom or to do breathing exercises while sitting down. You need these breaks to allow yourself to remain energized while working.

#3: WALKING YOUR ADORABLE PET

Walking your dog at the nearby park is a concrete and no-cost hack to relieve your stress. Not only will you be able to exercise your dog, but you will also have his or her lovely company. This is healthier than sitting on a couch while emptying a pint of ice-cream.

If you do not own a pet, you may opt to brisk walk for 30 minutes instead. Ramp up your speed gradually.

#4: TREATING HOME AS A SAFE HAVEN

Let us be honest! The root of all your worries resides at work. If you regularly continue your tasks at home then, you may create a work-life conflict. Treat your home as a safe haven by building a boundary between these two realms.

As much as possible, avoid answering your emails from home or work-related phone calls before you sleep. You are not a convenience center who has to be available 24/7.

#5: PLAYING LIKE A CHILD

Children may not have the responsibilities and the pressures that the adult world brings, but they do have one thing. I am referring to the luxury of play. Blocks, jigsaw puzzles, and coloring books are just some of the things that are meant to be enjoyed by the kids. Why should they have all the fun?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Cognitive stimulation and entertainment does not stop with age. Try it. You may keep adult coloring books on your desk to free your mind during the office lunchtime. Popular Bookstore sells these books for as low as S$8.43.

Sources:  1 & 2

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4 Interesting Cities In Europe That Are Cheaper Than Zurich

Europe is a captivating continent due to its extreme diversity. Contrary to popular belief, there are many budget-friendly cities in Europe for a Singaporean traveler. Let us start with the most expensive place among 56 popular cities.

According to the 7th Europe Backpacker Index, Zurich will exhaust your travel fund the most. Its Daily Backpacker Index (DBI) is US$124.67 or about S$176.86. This reflects the average cost if you were to get a decent budget hostel, two public transportation rides, three meals, entertainment fund, and a famous attraction per day. Each European city manifests a distinct DBI.

This list will show you the beautiful places that possess the lowest DBI.

4. HUNGARY’S BUDAPEST

Currency: Hungary Forint

Budapest is a paradise for various kinds of Singaporean explorers. It is an excellent bargain find as the Daily Backpacker Index is US$26.75 or approximately S$38. Budapest is blessed with castles, cathedrals, and thermal spas. Not to mention, the city’s reputation as a food capital dates back from the late 19th century.

Worry not if you had too much of the Hungarian wine as you can cure your hangover in one of the city’s hot springs. Some people go to the hot springs to manage their ailments and the majority are there for relaxation.

Hostels provide great value for your money, but you can reap inexpensive prices if you get a place outside of the center. One of the best budget hostels is the Treestyle Hostel with an accommodation as low as US$5.33 or S$7.55 per night.

3. ROMANIA’S BUCHAREST

Currency: Romanian Leu

Bucharest may not be the “most attractive” town in Romania, but it is certainly dynamic and energetic. Trendy cafes and lush parks are abundant here. Moreover, the city fuses the unbridled capitalism with the unreconstructed communism. Its noticeable turn to communism is evident in the massive Palace of Parliament. I suggest you Google it now to see how many rooms the Palace has.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Escape from the hustle and bustle of Singapore by visiting Bucharest’s Cişmigiu Garden. It is the oldest public garden, which spreads over 17 hectares. Many travelers consider visiting here as a pit-stop before heading to Transylvania. It does not matter if you extend a day or two as you will be rewarded with affordable prices all year round. The specific Daily Backpacker Index is US$25.70 or S$36.46. Not bad, right?

2. POLAND’S KRAKÓW

Currency: Polish Zlotych

Renowned for its well-preserved medieval core, Kraków is a must-see city near the border of Poland and Czech Republic. You will be amazed at the architecture of the “Wawel Royal Castle” as well as the rich history of the “Old Town”. The Old Town contains magnificent museums, soaring churches, and Europe’s largest market square. Furthermore, you will greeted by an array of options in restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Europeans who desire to have a quick getaway over the weekends typically consider heading to Kraków. Aside from its historic charm, it offers low prices on hostels and eateries. Its overall Daily Backpacker Index is merely US$24.82 or S$35.21.

1. BULGARIA’S SOFIA

Currency: Bulgaria Leva

The capital of the Balkan nation of Bulgaria is Sofia. It is home to Bulgaria’s premier museums, art galleries, restaurants, and clubs. Its ambiance is far from a grand metropolis as it is pleasantly laid-back. This youthful and unique city has Ottoman mosques and onion-domed churches. The only drawback is this place is typically missed by anyone who is not doing an extensive tour of the region.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sofia offers the most fantastic bargains among the European capitals. With a Daily Backpacker Index of US$24 per day (about S$34), you can purchase decent pizza slices or hotdog sandwiches for as low as US$0.60/S$0.85. Who knew that you can survive in a European place with a food budget of less than US$5/S$7 per day? I certainly did not!

Sources:  1 & 2

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