Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Score Great Deals At Hotels In Just 6 Ways

1. BE FLEXIBLE

The quickest way to save money on your next hotel booking is to shake up your travel dates. If you are flexible enough to travel a few days earlier or later especially in the midweek, you will be able to avoid the hefty prices of the weekend rooms. Also, traveling during the off-peak season is usually advantageous. Aside from the lower prices of the hotel rooms, you will be able to indulge more on sightseeing as there is less crowds.

For example, you can host your stag party in Las Vegas on August instead of December to save about 50% off on hotels.

2. INCLUDE THE HOTEL’S PERKS

When choosing a hotel, include the its free perks to your travel budget as they can impact it significantly. For instance, the complimentary breakfast meals help you save a couple of dollars for your whole trip. And if your hotel has a game room, a gym, and a swimming pool, you can spend countless hours on free entertainment. Some hotels even go beyond by offering free drinks at the their bar, discounts at their spa, and free shuttle services.

3. TALK THE “TALK”

Much like any other professions, hotel staff has their own jargons or “lingo” that you must be aware of in order to increase your chances of getting the best price. Instead of asking for the “best deal on a room”, you must ask for the “cheapest non-refundable rate”. Reduce the ambiguity of your statements.

4. USE CREDIT CARDS WITH HOTEL REWARDS PROGRAMS

When paying for hotel reservations, use a credit card with hotel rewards program. Your credit card can either reward you with points to avail a free hotel room or discounts at the affiliated hotels.

In Singapore, redeem OCBC$ to get free hotel stay packages with your OCBC Titanium MasterCard Credit Card or enjoy 12% savings at several hotels with the American Express Personal Card.

5. DOWNLOAD AN APP

Worry not about your emergency accommodation! HotelQuickly, as the name suggests, allows you to book last-minute discounted hotels within seconds. They bring you exclusive deals on Asia-Pacific’s top-rated hotels located in New Zealand, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Laos, and Australia. Keep an eye with their featured accommodation to enjoy discounts up to 70%.

It’s available on Android and iOS.

6. COMPARE PRICES

Most people avail the services of travel agencies thinking that they offer the cheapest prices in town. However, they add service fees to the prices and make it more expensive. On the flip side, some people compare the hotel prices of 2 specific websites thinking it is enough. But it is not! A better option is to use our hotel comparison tool- hotels.moneydigest.sg. It is an extensive tool that helps you narrow down the best deal on various websites such as Expedia, Hotels.com, HotelTravel.com, and so much more.

Never underestimate the money you will save by comparing hotel prices! It may just boost your travel fund by a lot.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Surefire Ways To Get Things Done…Fast!

1. WAKE UP EARLY

Waking up early gives you an opportunity to get more things done and to earn more in the process. As mornings are typically the time of the day when your brain is most focus and alert, you will be more productive. Not to mention, there are fewer distractions in the early hours of the day anyway. You can really achieve more things smoothly.

2. ANSWER EMAILS SWIFTLY

One of the most useful tools invented in the last 4 decades was the electronic mail or email, for short. It can also give way to procrastination despite its efficacy. You see, the Psychological pay-off of checking emails is seemingly the same as gambling. It is addictive because the behavior is reinforced. This is why you must answer your emails at defined and discrete times throughout the day.

Stretch your productivity even more by learning the keyboard shortcuts to Gmail, such as Ctrl + Enter or ⌘ + Enter to send a message.

Screen-grabbed from support.google.com/mail/answer/8260

And if you want to insert a link to your text, type Ctrl + k or ⌘ + k.

3. TAKE BREAKS

Much like a computer, your brain needs resetting, refreshing, and de-fragmenting of data in order for the information and memory to work smoothly. And if you are able to organize your memory and thoughts properly, you will receive and digest new information easily. Furthermore, you can even solve the problems you had pending.

So break up your day into timed chunks with at least 5-20 minutes break to refresh the processes of your brain.

4. LEARN TO SAY “NO”

Every time you agree to help out a fellow employee at work, you are increasing your personal workload and inhibiting your ability to quickly tackle 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 jumpstart your productivity, it is important to learn to say “NO”.

According to a study by Vanessa Patrick and Henrik Hagtvedt, putting the words “I do not” into your workplace vocabulary can do the trick. Rather than telling your colleagues that you cannot help them out, they will respond better if you tell them that you do not have the time to do so.

5. STICK TO A SCHEDULE

It is a no brainer! If you want to get things done quickly, you must stick to a fixed schedule with the conscious thought of having limited time. Allow your schedule to guide you until it becomes a routine. Once the routinely operations become automatic, you will be able to do the tasks faster and better!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

4 Affordable Home Remedies For Common Sickness

Worries and troubles pertaining to the economy are driving more people to consider alternative remedies in order to avoid expensive physician consultations and prescription medicines. One option that is safe, affordable, and efficient is going au naturel!

That said, here are expert-recommended natural home remedies for the common sickness:

COLDS

It is forecasted to rain multiple times throughout the course of the month. As this cold weather is coming in, colds become increasingly common. The main virus that causes cold is still unknown. This is why the body relies on its own defenses. However, you can effectively ease its symptoms by staying hydrated.

Drink plenty of water, juices, or warm lemon water with honey to help prevent dehydration and loosen up the congestion. Stay away from alcohol, coffee, or caffeinated sodas as they can worsen your condition.

COUGH

Coughing helps your throat clear out phlegm and other irritants. A short-term cough lasting for about 3 weeks can usually signify a flu or a sinus infection. While long-term cough lasting for more than 3 weeks can signify an allergy or other disorders. Treat cough in its early stages by using honey. According to a 2007 study, honey relieves cough more efficiently than over-the-counter drugs that contain Dextromethorphan. So create your own remedy by mixing honey with warm water or lemon.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

HEADACHE

Headaches are characterized by sharp pain, dull ache, or a throbbing sensation. It may appear abruptly or gradually and last from an hour to several days. To relieve the pain, grab a cup of brewed coffee. Studies show that 200 mg of caffeine (16 oz of brewed coffee) helps ease the headache and migraines. However, Dr. Robert Shapiro of University of Vermont Medical School suggests limiting caffeine intake and only using it to relieve headaches.

SORE THROAT

Sore throat is the irritation or pain of the throat that usually worsens when you swallow. It is the primary symptom of the inflammation of the throat (Pharyngitis). Treat sore throat by gargling a mixture of warm water (1 glass) and six pressed garlic cloves – twice a day. Stick to this routine for 3 days. This works because garlic has antimicrobial properties that fight pain-causing bacteria while the warm water soothes the inflamed tissue.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

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

8 Money-Saving Tips That Every Singaporean Should Know

1. CREDIT YOUR SALARY

Get your salary credited into your bank account to dismiss the lure of spending your it right away. Update your bank account details with your employer and follow the terms and conditions of your bank so that your income gets credited correctly. In Singapore, these two savings account will give you the best interest rates per month: OCBC 360 Account and DBS Multiplier Account.

2. CONVERT YOUR CASH

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, the US dollar has been stronger while the Euro weakens. If the above hack does not work, try converting some of your money to US dollars. This way, it is more inconvenient to spend. The thought of having to go for and pay for the currency exchange will likely to dissuade you from spending!

3. LEARN TO COOK

If you want to save money on food, it is best to learn how to cook. Start cooking simple meals with ingredients that are easy to obtain such as Omelet, Scrambled Eggs, Fried Rice, and Chicken Rice. Consider going to the wet market as items are sold for a cheaper price there. Remember that aside from rent, your food expenses make the largest impact on your budget.

4. READ BOOKS FOR FREE

To satisfy your bookworm urges, visit the nearest public library and rent a series of books – for free! While you are there, you can catch the free financial talk entitled “MoneySense@The LLiBrary: Understanding Loans & Credit” on April 14, 2016. Go to nlb.gov.sg or more details.

5. GET THE CHEAPEST GYM MEMBERSHIPS

It is no secret that Singapore’s fitness centers are expensive. And let us face it, most of you will not even use your membership perks to its fullest! Thus, it is best to go for the most affordable gym memberships such as the ones on this list. Alternatively, you can make use of your school’s facilities as most universities are fully equipped with gyms and other facilities.

6. EXERCISE FOR FREE

Aside from sweating at the gym, get fit by exercising outdoors. Satisfy your weekly dose of exercise by running in the nearby pavements, park or park connectors. You can also cycle around if that is your cup of tea.

7. GO FOR THE LAST YEAR’S MODEL

To save money on your next smartphone, consider purchasing the last year’s high-end phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S6 (the Samsung Galaxy S7 has been released last month). To save even more, you can review the well-designed phones offered by “less popular” brands such as Xiaomi.

8. DON’T FALL FOR THESE TRAPS

Aside from the diversity of eateries, Singapore is known for the diversity of shopping centers. Naturally, tourists fall prey for the huge “SALE” sign on the window of most shops. However, if you lived here long enough, you will realize that sales happen all year round. As long as there is a public holiday coming up, sale signs will be up too! So only buy an item if you really need it!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Genius Ways To Save Money On Your Next Laptop

A laptop is a computer device designed for users who prefer to keep their workstations portable and lightweight. Even with the popularity of modern products such as tablets and smartphones, laptops remain to be a timeless staple. With an array of choices available, it is best to find the best laptop to suit your preferences, needs, and budget. Here are some tips to help you with that:

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Before purchasing anything, it is good to read the reviews and to compare the prices so that your money would not go to waste. For example, if you are planning to purchase a new lipstick, consider searching for Sephora’s products as they are affordable and well-reviewed. And as for your laptop shopping, browse at PricePanda.

PricePanda.com.sg, the leading price comparison website for emerging markets worldwide, provides its users with prices, technical details and other information about the latest gadgets. Aside from Singapore, PricePanda is available in Argentina, Colombia, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Mexico and Philippines. Laptops can go for as low as S$269 according to the latest data.

DO SKIP ON THE EXTENDED WARRANTY

Most consumer advocates agree that extended warranties are a complete waste of your money. If your laptop has a problem, it will most probably present itself within the first few months. And if something happens to your device’s hard drive after the warranty, ask your company’s IT personnel to help you change it.

DO NOT SHY AWAY FROM REFURBISHED LAPTOPS

Many consumers associate the word “refurbished” to “junk or used” products but, that is not always the case. A refurbished product is once returned to the manufacturer due to several reasons such as faulty battery or minor dents. These laptops are then fixed, overhauled, and repackaged for resale. They basically behave and look like brand new laptops but sold at lower prices.

Buy refurbished laptops from established and trusted retailers to ensure safety. You do not want to be fooled by a Sim Lim Square scam artist just because you want to save some cash!

DO NOT PAY FOR UNNECESSARY FEATURES

Nowadays laptops are fraught with a multitude of features such as back-lit keyboards, greater storage space, and extra SD card slots. But do you really need to spend thousands of dollars for all these features?

If you are just going to use your laptop for the basics, all you really need is the HP Stream 13. This laptop does not come with the flashy features but it is suitable for simply surfing the net, taking notes or making documents. Unless you are using specialized software for your audiovisual work and high-powered computations, this gets the job done for an extremely affordable price.

Image Credits: https://www.facebook.com/Hp-Stream-13-Laptop-Includes-Office-365-1526839064222287/?fref=ts

Image Credits: facebook.com/Hp-Stream-13-Laptop-Includes-Office-365-1526839064222287/?fref=ts

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

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