Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Student’s Guide To Part-Time Job Hunting In Singapore

In Singapore, it is ordinary for students to gravitate toward part-time jobs. These part-time jobs either add a boost to their travel fund or to their school allowance. Whatever the reason may be, job hunting in the modern age has definitely changed!

That said, here are some places you have to browse when job hunting:

1. NEWSPAPER CLASSIFIEDS

Go back to the tried and tested strategy of grabbing the latest newspaper publication right from your doorstep. In particular, the leading English newspaper in Singapore called The Straits Times has its weekend supplement containing a section for “Classified Jobs”.

2. ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS

If you cannot find the job you want on the newspaper ads, try looking for some opportunities at the online classifieds namely: Gumtree and Craigslist Singapore. Renowned as Singapore’s Number 1 Free Classifieds Site, Gumtree Singapore is well-known for providing good classified services with one of the largest visibility. Check out the “Jobs” category or type the keywords of your desired job. With its user-friendly functionalities that is both available online and on the mobile app, you can search for a job at your own convenience.

An even more simplistic website is one of the oldest classifieds portals in the world called Craigslist. Established in 1996, Craigslist provides services for more than 70 countries including sunny Singapore. Posting job ads and browsing through them is totally free!

Friendly Reminder: Please be careful as some of the ads posted are merely scams or spams.

3. NETWORK REFERRAL

Everybody is bound to know somebody. Within your existing network, there are probably a handful of part-time jobs that are perfectly in lined to your capacity. Do not hesitate to ask your classmates and friends if they can recommend a job for you.

And here are the common part-time jobs suitable for students:

1. F&B STAFF

Becoming an F&B Staff requires a whole lot of energy and patience. Despite the average salary, it can be a rewarding experience that will help you learn the skills you need further down the road. No to mention, there is a possibility of taking home free food.

Average Rates: S$6-10/hour

2. RECEPTIONIST

Clinics, spas, and fitness centers are often on a lookout for part-time receptionists whose main job is to book appointments, answer phone calls, and sell products. Being computer and social media literate is a must if you are planning to apply for this job. Luckily, almost every millennial fits the bill!

Average Rates: S$6.5-10/hour

3. FLYERS DISTRIBUTOR

One of the most tiring yet technically simple part-time jobs available is the “flyers distributor”. Just imagine yourself distributing some papers while standing in a spot for hours and braving Singapore’s heat.

Average Rates: S$5-6/hour

Image Credits: MuseScore (CC License Attribution 2.0 Generic)

Sources: 1 & 2

The Do’s And Don’ts Of Spending Money In Your 20s

For most people, 20s was the decade that defined who they became for the rest of their lives. It is the era of endless exploration and distinctive decision-making. Not to mention, it is the time that you establish your spending habits.

If you are in your 20s right now…take the time to invest in yourself, to learn about personal finance, and to get on the right track. Start by observing the healthy financial habits and diminishing the unhealthy financial habits.

THE DO’S

1. DO THIS FIRST OF ALL

The first step you must take is to establish a realistic and beneficial budget. Instead of perceiving it as something that limits your spending, perceive it as a tool that encourages you to live within your means.

Begin by listing down your expenses (i.e., fixed and variable), your income, and debts. Your cash flow for the previous weeks will help you setup your budget. Do not panic if you still have to pay your student loan because your budget will help you plan your income allocation.

2. DO EDUCATE YOURSELF

Read and understand materials about self-empowerment, investment, and money management. Here are four books to get you started with:

“The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield
“Why Stocks Go Up and Down” by William Pike
“The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham
“Turning Pro” by Steven Pressfield

3. DO PRACTICE COOKING

With the pervasive technology, it is possible to learn just about anything! If you want to save money on eating out (especially if you are living on your own), it is best to learn how to cook. Convince your 20-something self that it is about time to practice cooking simple meals such as Omelet, Carbonara, and Chicken Rice. Remember that aside from rent, your food expenses make the largest impact on your budget.

Image Credits: crateandbarrel.com

THE DON’TS

1. DO NOT SPEND TOO MUCH ON CIGARETTES

As you know, Singapore is one of the cities that sell expensive cigarettes. And if you are caught smoking one in a restricted place, you are bound to pay a hefty price of S$200-1,000. Aside from its high cost, you are at risk of paying costly health care fees (e.g.,due to lung cancer). So think twice before you light one!

2. DO NOT BOOST YOUR CREDIT CARD DEBT

Aside from splurging your money, another unhealthy habit that you have to stop is not paying off your credit card. The bad credit decisions you made in your 20s can haunt you in the future. For example, it can affect whether or not you are able to get a loan to buy a car.

3. DO NOT SPLURGE FOR “EXPERIENCES” ALONE

Millennials have shifted their spending patterns to experiences rather than material goods. However, if you solely spend your hard-earned cash to pay for your travel without the consideration of your savings, everything can go down hill. Saving money is important not only because emergencies happen but also because retirement is inevitable.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

5 Ways To Score The Cheapest Wedding Dresses In Singapore

One ensemble that enhances the glistening bride is the dress itself. Shopping for wedding dresses in Singapore can be difficult, especially if you pay close attention to the price tags attached to it.

This is why it is important to keep an open mind when shopping on a strict budget. Consider the “5 Ways Score Cheapest Wedding Dresses In Singapore” as a starting point:

1. RENT YOUR DRESS

If you are feeling guilty on spending thousands of dollars on a piece of clothing that you are bound to use once, why not rent your wedding dress? Renting your dress does not mean that you have to give up your envisioned design nor do you have to wear something that does not fit.

In fact, you can wear gowns from internationally acclaimed designers like Rosa Clara and Pronovias with Blessed Brides‘ renting services. They also have a wedding package that will save you a lot of money. And if you have a fixed budget for your dress, consider Dream Wedding‘s rental services that starts from S$99-399. This budget prices aim to bring you quality wedding dresses at really affordable rates.

2. SIMPLY YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Since materials such as embellishments, laces, and beading cost more, purchasing a plain and classic dress can lower the price tag significantly. With a simpler dress, you are given the freedom to go BIG on the accessories.

3. WAIT FOR SALES

If you have the luxury of time, you can wait until the annual sales or wedding events happen before you buy your dress. For example, Blessed Brides’ previous “End of Season Clearance” sold dresses from S$199-1,399. How is that for a bargain?

During the sale season, you can not only buy a gown for a cheaper price but also negotiate for a lower price. Do not feel embarrassed while negotiating as your future husband will appreciate that you saved more in the end.

4. FIND THE PERFECT FIT

When looking for the right dress, consider finding dresses that fit you perfectly. Since changing the shape of the neckline or adjusting the sleeves can cost you up to S$300, you can save hundreds of dollars in alterations by buying a dress as it is.

5. SHOP ONLINE

In order to score good deals at your home, you can try shopping online. Many gowns sold online come at a cheaper price simply because the overheads for websites are usually lower. While you are it, explore the shops at countries with lower production costs.

Image Credits: facebook.com/Blessed-Brides-Bridal-Evening-Prom-Gowns-117642394921072

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Best Adult Playgrounds In Singapore With Tickets Under S$22

Everybody experiences stress at one point! From job loss to break-up, you have your own share of stressors. And these accumulated stress can be detrimental to one’s health when not managed.

While a trip to the nail salon with your best friend is always a good idea, why not consider blowing off some steam while burning calories at the same time?

Channel your inner stress-free kid by trying out these exciting “adult playgrounds”…

1. THE FLYING TRAPEZE

Being the first of its kind in Singapore, Sentosa’s The Flying Trapeze offers exhilaration and fun for its participants and spectators. Learning trapeze helps develop your strength, concentration, and coordination. Let the beach become your playground as you soar high above it!

Prices: S$10 per swing and S$20 for 3 swings

2. AMPED TRAMPOLINE PARK

Ready to experience the exciting thrill of defying gravity? If so, grab your grip socks and visit the nearest AMPED Trampoline Park. AMPED Trampoline Park has interconnected trampolines, foam pits, basketball court, and dodge ball court. Feel free to shoot hoops, jump into the valley of foams, and bounce around the trampolines. With outlets in Jurong and River Valley, adults of all ages can safely and efficiently enjoy this cardiovascular workout.

Prices: From S$10-18. Book here.

3. BUBBLE BUMP SINGAPORE

Take playing soccer up a notch with Bubble Bump. Bubble Bump Singapore offers bubble games where players wear inflatable balls in an attempt to win in a Soccer match. Each suit are harnessed and equipped to make sure your fall will be relatively painless. One session will surely bring all the players loads of laughter as you start the full-on bouncing action just to score a goal.

Prices: From S$15/pax of 20 people. Visit bubblebump.sg for more information.

4. MEGA ADVENTURE

Mega Adventure/ MegaZip Adventure Park is another place where you can play as adults in Sentosa. For people on a budget, you can enjoy one of its three attractions namely: MegaBounce, NorthFace, and ParaJump. If you want to jump as high as you possibly can, you can try the MegaBounce as its simple trampoline with elastic powercords allows you to jump up to 10 meters! If that is not enough, you can brave the 16-meter climbing wall at NorthFace.

Lastly, you can replicate a free-falling parachute jump with the 15-meter drop at ParaJump. Sounds like a good way to keep your adrenaline pumping, doesn’t it?

Prices: S$15 for MegaBounce and S$19 for NorthFace or ParaJump

2016’s Most Profitable Savings Accounts In Singapore

In Singapore, savings accounts predominantly require a minimum amount of deposit. The amount ranges from S$0-1000. To get most of the benefits of your savings account some encourage you to transact more while others encourage you to withdraw less.

That said, here are 2016’s Most Profitable Savings Accounts In Singapore as they offer the highest interest rates to date…

4. BANK OF CHINA SGD SAVINGS ACCOUNT

The Bank of China SGD Savings Account is a passbook savings account that offers its clients with up to 0.48% interest. To open an account, you must initially deposit a minimum of S$1,000 and maintain a balance of S$2,000.

Whether you are planning to open it as a single or as a joint account, you can access your account anytime and anywhere. This is because Bank of China enables its clients to withdraw from their account thru BOC Internet banking, telephone banking services, and ATMs. Nothing beats flexibility and convenience!

Eligibility: For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents, and Foreigners holding NRIC.

Apply here: bankofchina.com/sg

3. MAYBANK PRIVILEGE PLUS SAVINGS ACCOUNT

Being the first savings account that gives its clients with attractive rates and insurance coverage, Maybank Privilege Plus Savings Account is truly one of a kind. For privileged individuals aged 50 and above, you can avail this passbook savings account and receive an interest of up to 0.50%. The minimum initial deposit is only S$500 for locals and S$1,000 for foreigners.

What’s more? It includes Free Accidental Medical Reimbursement Benefit and Accidental Permanent Disablement Benefit insurance coverage (T&Cs apply).

Eligibility: For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents, and Foreigners holding NRIC.

Apply here: info.maybank2u.com.sg

2. CIMB STARSAVER SAVINGS ACCOUNT

CIMB StarSaver Savings Account requires a minimum deposit of S$1,000 with S$0 maintaining balance. With this savings account you can get up to 0.8% of interest per year as long as you deposit at least S$100 more to your account every month. On the other hand, you will get an interest of 0.5% per year for balance under S$100.

Wait…there is more! Funds transfer to CIMB Malaysia is free. And there are no withdrawal fees from CIMB Group ATMs across ASEAN countries.

Eligibility: For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents, and Foreigners holding NRIC (Employment Pass and Work Permit).

Apply here: cimbbank.com.sg

1. DBS MULTIPLIER PROGRAMME

DBS Multiplier Programme follows a different scheme. The more you use your account for transactions, the higher interest you shall receive. If your banking transactions adds up to more than S$7,500 a month then, you are eligible for an interest of up to 2.08%. But if your monthly transaction is less than S$7,500 monthly, they will still reward you with 0.05% interest.

With it, you can enjoy the flexibility to withdraw and deposit any time with no lock-in period. Feel free to save and transact in Singapore dollars and up to 12 other foreign currencies too!

facebook.com/dbs/timeline?ref=page_internal

Apply here: dbs.com.sg

Sources:1 & 2

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