Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Send Out More Love Than Money With 4 Couple Saving Tips

When it comes to love, some people go all out just to make their partners smile.

However, dating with a limited budget can sometimes be stressful and embarrassing. Not anymore!

Manifest your affection in these budget-friendly ways:

1. AVOID UNNECESSARY CELEBRATIONS

Some couples are fond of “weeksaries and monthsaries”. That weekly or monthly celebrations can accumulate to a huge sum of money by the time the year ends!

Save cash and still do something unforgettable by having an anniversary celebration when he or she least expects it. Explore your options and stick to your budget with gifts such as a romantic home-cooked dinner, a handwritten love letter, or a well-decorated scrapbook of your memories.

2. SPLIT THE BILL

A couple with a healthy relationship is comfortable with the idea of give and take. This can be applied when paying the bills. In a society where more women feel empowered with their finances, splitting the bill is usually accepted. Ignore the gender norms that urge men to pay for all the dates!

Image Credits: TheeErin via Flickr (CC License)

Value each other’s money and treat each other once in a while.

3. BUILD A COUPLE FUND

If splitting the bill is not your cup of tea, consider creating a “couple fund” wherein both of you can contribute a decent amount of money to use for special occasions or milestones.

Your total couple fund will dictate the nature (i.e., place, time, or itinerary) and the budget of your date. You can enjoy a dinner at the Singapore Flyer or a weekend trip to Bali!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

When both of you are really determined to reach your goals, nothing can stop you.

4. BE PRESENT

As cliché as this may sound, your presence is enough to make someone feel appreciated. Spend quality time with your special someone without breaking the bank with these ideas:

a. Learn A Skill

There is nothing sweeter than sharing your interests to your partner. If you are a fan of cooking and baking then, teach him or her the basic recipes and techniques. But, if neither of you have an expertise, lookup free online tutorials and make DIY projects together.

b. Enjoy A Romantic Date Night

Get to know each other while playing the infamous childhood game of Truth or Dare. Or, learn a lot about his or her boiling points while playing poker and wage it with anything other than money (e.g., kisses or cupcakes).

c. Go To Illusionary Museums

Indulge your partner’s addiction for Selfies by taking good photos inside the illusionary museums in Singapore such as Trick Eye Museum and Alive Museum. These unique places boast with eye-catching 3D and 4D artworks, which combine 3D painting techniques, installations, and state-of-the-art technologies to make things appear real.

Get the most out of your money at the Trick Eye Museum by buying tickets online to get 15% discount and by going on 31 October onward as a new batch of artworks will be available then. Tickets to both museums range from S$17-S$25 each.

Image Credits: instagram.com/agoncilloanna

There is absolutely nothing wrong about staying frugal while dating! After all, you are investing on your future as a couple. 🙂

4 “Hidden” Costs Of Flying With Budget Airlines

How can you pay for a trip if your budget is too tight? Certainly, saving for travel money is not an easy task, which is why a mixture of effort and creativity will make your dream getaway a reality.

While scouting for affordable prices, you can consider flying with the popular Budget Airlines namely: Tigerair, Jetstar, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia.

However, the true reason why you are able to purchase low-cost plane tickets with Budget Airlines is that they provide the basic amenities on-board while charging you for the additional services you might require. These “hidden or sneaky” fees for anything extra can take a toll on your pocket. This is why, you shall keep an eye on the following costs:

1. TIME

Usually, the cheapest fares and special promotions are available during off-peak season or in the most inconvenient times. Examine if you are really willing to wait for the off-peak seasons or if you are willing to sacrifice sleep to save money.

2. EXCESS BAGGAGE

For short trips, I suggest to pack light. Although majority of Budget Airlines provide you with a free carry-on baggage allowance (of at least 7kg) aside from your check-in baggage, exceeding this will cost you a lot! For example, Jetstar charges a minimum of S$20 while Tigerair charges a minimum of S$25 per kilo in excess.

3. CREDIT CARD PROMOTIONS

Some credit cards offer deals with Budget Airlines but, they might require a minimum amount of purchase or a minimum amount of people. A credit card that is exclusive to the airlines itself will give you the advantage you need.

For example, Tigerair Platinum Credit Card lets its holders enjoy free luggage upgrades, free seating selections, early access to Tigerair deals, and priority boarding.

4. SERVICE EXTRAS

As you confirm your ticket, remember that you will have to pay for all your extras including food, beverages, blankets, pillows, and entertainment systems. Save money by packing your own food but, check if the carrier allows outside food first. Then, finish your drinks before going through security because there are on-board liquid restrictions.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

To ensure that your bargain airfare does not break your budget, review the fine print with hawk eyes and consider the unexpected costs! 🙂

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

Shameful Reasons Why You Keep Breaking Your Budget

Budgeting, a quantitative plan to manage your money, has many benefits such as tracking your cash flow, controlling your expenses, and reaching your goals! However, some people find it easier to break their budget than to follow it.

Fortunately, you can do something about it. Be aware of the despicable reasons why you keep breaking your budget then, take the necessary steps to turn things around.

1. YOU MAKE EXCUSES THAT BUDGETING IS TOO COMPLEX.

There is no need to fear because budgeting is easier than you think! And, it is rewarding too. For example, if you want to splurge on a weekend vacation, all you have to do is plan ahead. That way, you would not have to create credit.

A simple budgeting method that you can try is the envelope budgeting. It only takes three steps to complete! Begin with tracking your monthly spending patterns then, devise a budget plan including different expense categories. Lastly, you must allocate your cash inside separate envelopes.

Watch this short video tutorial of the envelope budgeting to know more:

2. YOU ALWAYS SPEND A HUGE SUM OF MONEY.

The truth is, you cannot have unlimited supply of money. Even the amount of digital currency such as Bitcoins are controlled. This is why you must spend within your means.

Overspending is one of your budget’s enemies. If you want a comfortable present and a brighter tomorrow, you must stick to your budget and cut down your expenses before saving up. Start by minimizing your household expenses with these simple tips.

3. YOU FORGET IMPORTANT DEADLINES.

Another opponent that challenges your budget are unexpected bills. You will never follow your budget if you keep forgetting your irregular bills such as your yearly magazine subscriptions. Avoid this by making a list of the bills you are expecting to receive every month.

Never forget where you put the bills or what their due dates are by designating one place for them. Some bills arrive by electronic mail while some arrive by postal mail. You have to decide whether you are going to file all your bills in a tangible box or in a computer folder. For physical storage of bills, you may purchase the S$0.90 PAPPIS brown box from IKEA that is created to hold A4 size papers. Label the box accordingly and keep it in a safe place. While for virtual storage of bills, make scanned copies of those that arrive in the mail and put them into a labeled folder in your computer or laptop.

4. YOU ARE ECONOMICALLY UNINFORMED.

Most people want to improve their financial life but know nothing about how economics works. Thus, they make errors in creating and maintaining their budgets.

Economy is defined as the careful management of resources (e.g., household management). While, manage is defined as the act of succeeding in surviving especially against heavy odds. Learn more about the important terms, history of money, and its humanistic systems by watching at least two of the Best Economics Documentaries For Finance Professionals And Enthusiasts.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

6 Essential Life Lessons I Got From My First Job

A couple of weeks after I graduated, I immediately landed my first full-time job. I was overwhelmed with how fast everything went! I know that there were going to be challenges ahead from workplace drama to workplace etiquette yet deep inside me, I felt excited and ready to transition to the working life.

In the beginning, my goal was to make enough money to save up for my graduate studies and to help my parents in the household expenses. I did so.

Aside from following my long-term goals, here were the essential lessons I realized from my first job experience after graduating from university…

1. LEARN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN

As I transitioned to the working scene, everyday was a constant process of development and learning. Learn as much as you can from the experienced people around you who had been working for years. They are the ones whom you can turn to if you have concerns or worries.

I was very lucky to have an open relationship with my colleagues. They taught me how to properly address complaints and how to not take everything personally. This open relationship eventually blossomed to treasured friendships.

2. SHOW INITIATIVE AND ENTHUSIASM

Initiative and enthusiasm are charming qualities good employees possess. Showing your bosses that your are eager to learn, are dedicated to do every task, and are taking control of your responsibilities would make them feel that you are an asset to the company. I made it a point to exude enthusiasm, give my best, and work as quickly as possible.

Even as I left my first job, my superiors considered me as an invaluable part of the team. It made me realize that my efforts were all worth it.

3. MONEY IS VALUABLE

When I was younger, I worked part-time to buy clothes, movie tickets, and more materialistic things. I never saw the true value of money until I had my first full-time job. It is very hard to spend the money you worked hard for! This is because you know the exact amount of time and how much sweat you pour just to earn your month’s salary.

Being independent with my finances made me realize how important it is to practice budgeting and tracking your expenses.

4. REWARD YOURSELF

As much as you work hard, you must also play hard. Reward yourself with a responsible amount of 5-8% of your monthly salary. Find interests outside of work such as dancing, swimming, or cooking to cushion your daily stress.

Also, rewarding yourself with a hobby is a good way to keep you motivated. Personally, I found blogging as a passionate pastime. Shockingly, it become my career in the present.

5. PRACTICE HANDLING CONFLICTS

Facing conflicts such as customer complaints are probably one of the nerve wrecking things I encountered as a newbie in the working scene. At first I prefer to hide in my senior employee’s shadow but then a friend told me that it was better to practice conflicts while young. Not only because people are able to forgive you easier, but also because you are able to build conflict resolution skills that you will benefit from in the long run.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Be firm and polite when dealing with conflicts.

6. BE BRAVE TO SUGGEST CHANGE

My previous boss encouraged us to propose changes and to outwardly speak our opinions in order to improve the business and the workplace relationships. Although some of your colleagues have more experience than you, keep in mind that your opinion is equally valuable.

Be brave enough to propose change if you think it serves others well.

Nothing good will ever happen unless you try! 🙂

Source: Miss Psychobabble

6 Foolproof Ways To Make Your Clients Like You More

With the modern technology, an unhappy customer can easily share his or her opinion to various social media platforms, which will negatively affect your business. Truly, keeping your existing clients satisfied is a crucial part of a successful business. Nurturing relationships can increase client referrals and decrease the loss of valued clients.

On that note, here are 6 Foolproof Ways To Make Your Clients Like You More…

1. COMMUNICATE GENUINELY

Communicate genuinely to your existing and potential clients as a knowledgeable representative of the business. Addressing the client by name seems trivial however, it is a simple way to build rapport. Increase your clients’ happy experiences even more by talking to them in a manner that they prefer, whether it be through phone, email, or in person.

2. LISTEN TO WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY

Aside from talking to them genuinely, you must actively listen to what they have to say. You may assume that you know what they want but, what if you are utterly wrong? In fact, most companies fail because they are creating a product with a non-existent demand.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

So, accept feedback and take necessary actions to improve your business. Use the following methods to gather feedback from your clients: focus groups, social media, surveys, online Forms, and observation.

3. DO NOT MAKE PROMISES YOU CANNOT KEEP

Set realistic and reasonable deadlines to avoid disappointing others. If you promised to deliver the product or send the contract in two weeks then, deliver it within two. Nothing damages your trusting relationship more than a series of broken promises!

4. PROMPTLY RETURN EMAILS AND PHONE CALLS

In conjunction with No.3, you must promptly return emails and phone calls as promised. Interestingly, the top complaint clients have about lawyers are unreturned phone calls. Adopt a habit of replying emails and returning calls at night before you sleep or early in the morning so, you do not miss a thing!

5. OFFER PROMOTIONS AND ONGOING SUPPORT

A surefire way for your clients to like you is to offer occasional promotions and discounts. Keep them in the loop by sending out electronic announcements and decorating your shop with attractive posters. Additionally, you must offer excellent customer service by responding quickly to clients’ needs. The strong ability to deliver excellent customer service will be your edge over your competitors. One consideration is providing support through a help desk software, such as Zendesk. If you are looking for a Zendesk alternative, check out why Kayako is winning with its ease of use, flexibility and affordability.

6. SHOW YOUR GRATITUDE

You do not have to spend thousands of dollars to extend your gratitude to your loyal consumers. Manifest your appreciation to your clients by saying “Thank You” in person or by sending an electronic “Thank You note”. This simple gesture will impact the way that they view your company. It will make them feel valued and special.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

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