Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

5 Ways To Take Charge And Save Money On Technology

Living in the 21st century where technology is a quintessential part of our lives, it is hard to find someone without a mobile phone. There is no doubt in my mind that technology improved our lives, making it easier and faster to communicate, shop, develop, search, and so much more.

Even though it is dependable, technology can cost a lot! Your wallet can empty as quickly as your battery empties. Luckily for you, there are ways to avoid excessive spending on technology…

1. NEEDS BEFORE WANTS

Do you really need an expensive action camera just to take great selfies? Or how about a state-of-the-art computer set-up just to browse the Internet? There is no point on spending on the most expensive gadgets and accessories if you will not maximize its use. So, the first step you must take is to evaluate your needs and understand how the device works. During this process, you have to be honest with yourself.

2. SELL YOUR OLD DEVICES OR EQUIPMENTS

If there is a growing desire to upgrade to the latest technology then, try selling your devices or equipments. This will give you little to enough money to help purchase the new device you have been eyeing on. eBay, Gumtree, and Carousell are just some platforms where you can find some interested buyers.

Image Credits: epSos .de via Flickr with Creative Commons license

3. PURCHASE ONLINE

Aside from getting rid of your old devices or equipments online, you may also get a great deal there (i.e., whether it is through a wholesaler or an online coupon). You can compare the prices of the online shops to what is available on the physical shops, only to find that most of the times, online shops offer the cheaper prices. Furthermore, you just saved on the costs of transportation you would have paid if you went to the stores.

4. GET CREATIVE

Although the variety of the homemade accessories you can make are thin, it does not hurt to give it a chance. You are still saving money anyway. For instance, you may use a white top sheet as a diffuser, a white wall to bounce light from a flash, and a Styrofoam board as a reflector. All it takes is your imagination and creativity.

5. LOOK FOR ALTERNATIVES

Just because a renowned company announced a huge product launch does not mean that you have to buy it. If your technology basket is already sufficient then, there is no need to buy a new one. Also, if the new product does not satisfy your budget then, you do not have to buy it now. Pretty soon, the prices of this thing will drop, just be patient.

But, if you are really in need of a specific gadget immediately, say an action camera like GoPro (US$340/S$455), consider getting a cheaper alternative such as the HTC Re (US$159/S$213), the Polaroid XS100i HD (US$129/S$173), or the Sony HDR-AS20/B (US$149/S$199).

Sources: 1 & 2

Want To Land The Job? Take It From The World’s Most Innovative CVs

Building a creative Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume pays off especially if it is artistically suited to the position you are applying for.

1. SUPER INTERACTIVE RESUME BY ROBBY LEONARDI

Inspired by the legendary “Super Mario Bros.” game, multidisciplinary designer named Robby Leonardi had created an interactive resume featuring his knowledge on illustration, animation, graphic design, and front-end development. Take a look at it here.

With its undeniable awesomeness, this CV had been viral in the social media platforms last 2013. Aside from the striking appearance of the interactive resume, I must point out that he added offbeat details such as being an NBA fan. This is a detail that you do not see often.

Furthermore, he worked in huge companies such as AOL, Incognito Digital, and Fox News. It truly pays to highlight an impressive background. The sum of his overall uniqueness made his CV stand out from the pile!

2. LIKABLE RESUME OF SABRINA SACCOCIO

The Psychological phenomenon called “mere-exposure” effect shows that we develop a tangible preference over things that we are familiar with. Truly, there is something attractive about familiarity. It is comforting and warm.

That is the route that Sabrina Saccocio has taken. Her resume had the format of a Facebook profile page (see it here). She even included the recommendations and references of her previous and present colleagues in her “wall comments”.

With the Facebook suit, she is showing that she knows how to communicate to the general audience. This strategy works because of her knowledge on the influence of relationships and social dynamics. Make it your weapon too.

3. NINA MUFLEH’S IN-DEPTH RESUME

Nina Mufleh’s story proves how handwork and technology can go hand-in-hand to achieve your dream job! She designed a resume (browse it here) that proactively tackles the growth of the company and her rightful place in it through an online resume following the Airbnb’s website template.

She provided data and examples as to how Airbnb as a company can branch out in the global tourism scene, particularly in the Middle East. She chose Middle East, as the company’s penetration there is far too low. She highlighted why her idea matters, how the company can start it, and which partnership opportunities they can explore. Now you see what I meant by handwork! She absolutely did an extensive research of the company’s operations while adding sufficient data.

Then, she tweeted this to the heads of Airbnb. To her surprise, Brian Chesky (CEO of Airbnb) tweeted back with a positive response to meet her. This go to show that if you are really passionate about something, you must work hard for it and show why you deserve it!

Bonus! If you are looking for free tools to help you make your own innovative CV, you may try checking out Prezi, Adobe Photoshop Express, and GIMP.

Image Credits: Flazingo Photos via Flickr

Sources: 1, 2,& 3

Golden Do’s In Giving Your Child’s School Allowance

As the modern world has become more complex, children nowadays have been inseparable with school allowance or pocket-money. From a variety of books, to a selection of gadgets, accessories, or snacks…there is always something else they needed to buy! Furthermore, they are more knowledgeable about money as they have access not only to the lives of their friends but also to the kids around the world – through the Internet.

Having these in mind, giving money to your children must be used in the most positive manner in order to mold their values while young. Let us first start with the amount to give.

Most mothers in Singapore agree that an allowance of about S$5 is enough for the needs of children in Primary 1-6. This is done so to meet the costs of food and other miscellaneous. But, if the day falls on a co-curricular activity, they give extra cash.

Aside from this, the best way to decide the pocket-money amount is to discuss it with your child. Know his or her needs and plan it together. Start giving this amount on a regular or consistent basis so that your child can manage his money accordingly.

After the suitable amount is settled, let us evaluate the Do’s in allowance giving…

1. TEACH THE VALUE OF SAVING

Teach your kid to make their own monetary choices by giving the allowance in smaller denominations (e.g., three pieces of S$1 coins and four pieces of S$0.50 coins) so he or she can save a part of it (e.g., 10% or S$0.50). Promote saving by providing a piggy bank or a money jar with their name on it.

2. TEACH THE VALUE OF EARNING

Instead of just handing cash over, make them earn it. Instill the importance of sharing the household chores around the house then, reward him or her for chipping in. You do not have to be all competitive about it by assigning a dollar for each chore, just explain what your child can do to help out.

3. TEACH THE VALUE OF MONEY

Money is a currency that puts relative price on almost everything. Letting your child make a few unnecessary purchases, such as spending their entire savings on sticker tattoos, as a part of the learning process is OKAY. But, it is also acceptable to put limits on what your child can spend on. This shall teach both the value of money and responsibility of a smart consumer.

Image Credits: Aka Hige via Flickr

Sources: 1 & 2

Avoid Impulse Buys And Save More Money Shopping This GSS

We had all been victims of impulsive purchase/s. And, this Great Singapore Sale (GSS) period where most shops have over 70% off, your power to resist may be tested! The good news is that, you can strengthen your power by following this simple ways:

1. NOTE DOWN A LIST

The oldest trick in the bag can just be the one that saves you! Making a list of the necessary gifts you to buy along with the names of the people you are wishing to give it to can help you avoid the temptation of overwhelming discounts. If you want, you can also dictate a budget per person (e.g., S$10 for a co-worker). No matter what, stick to this list.

2. SCORE GOOD DEALS BY SHOPPING ONLINE

To prevent the enticing visual stimulations, you can skip the malls all together and just shop online. By shopping online, you can not only compare price but also avoid the long queue. Who likes squeezing their way to the crowds anyway?

To get you started with your GSS shopping, here are the premier Singapore online shops you can browse: Lazada, Qoo10, and Zalora. Use coupon codes if applicable.

3. DO YOUR RESEARCH

As the glistening crimson sign of “GSS SALE” is parading across the country, it is good to do your research first before heading to the malls. This research requires you to browse the promotions of various shops and malls before you leave the house.

To get a comprehensive list of what is on sale, you may check out the Great Singapore Sale website at Greatsingaporesale.com.sg or browse the array of deals at Moneydigest.sg/category/deals.

4. PAY CASH

Having to pay with the money you already have is a wise decision that is accepted by most. Unless your credit card is rewarding you extra for shopping this GSS, you must shy away from it. A wallet full of your intended spending will force you to stay within the budget and prevent unnecessary buys.

5. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF

Before buying anything, ask yourself several questions to help you evaluate if an item is worthy or not. Ask question such as: “Does the item simplify my life?” , “Am I going to feel better months after I buy this?”, or “Do I really need this?”. Be honest as honest with yourself as possible.

6. KNOW YOUR TRIGGERS

You must understand what brings about or triggers your impulse purchases. For instance, if your trigger is fragrant scents scattered in the malls then, shop online instead.

Image Credits: Giuseppe Milo via Flickr

Also, it takes no Jedi mind trick to tell that shopping on an empty stomach will make you tempted for more snacks. So, be sure to shop on a satiated state during the Great Singapore Sale! 🙂

Be Financially Smart With These Incredibly Free And Useful Websites

Educating yourself on your finances is just a keystroke away with these incredibly Free and Useful Websites…

1. SPENDING WISELY

Spend wisely by budgeting your money and saving more through the awesome money management website called Mint.com. Mint.com, accompanied its free mobile Apps, allows its users to track their spending, develop a monthly budget, receive bill reminders, and take control of their financial life. What’s more? It sends online alerts if you had gone over your budget.

2. MAKING MONEY

Whether you have a special knack in writing, engineering, administrative work, advertising, legal work, marketing, illustrating, and web design…there are secure websites that provide opportunities for online freelance work.

Searching through various freelance websites, the two most globally popular are Fiverr and Upwork. Fiverr.com enables its users to earn money through Paypal payment services. However, the company keeps a small portion of your earnings before handing it out to you.

On the other hand, a similar platform called Upwork.com (previously called Odesk.com), captures the work-in-progress and snapshots your screen. Payment is painless because Credit Cards, PayPal accounts, and Bank Accounts are accepted.

Image Credits: SEOPlanter via Flickr

3. USING FINANCIAL PLANNING TOOLS

Financial planning is an active choice to take charge of your finances and to ensure your financial well-being is in top shape. Among others, Bankrate.com and CCS.org.sg are two websites you can use to support your financial plans.

Bankrate.com aids with the consumer’s debts, loans, and taxes. It was crafted in 1976 for a print publisher in a banking industry. These long years of experience had them frequently referenced on major news outlets such as CNN, ABC News, and FOX Business News. As Bankrate.com allows publishing of personal financial stories, you can make more informed monetary decisions.

And, if you are looking for an in-depth plan to repay your debts, you can avail the resources and services of Credit Counselling Singapore at CCS.org.sg. Credit Counselling Singapore is a non-government and charity organization driven to help people to overcome their debt dilemma. Unlike some debt advisors, they are not driven by profit.

4. BOOSTING FINANCIAL LITERACY

Increase your financial literacy by regularly browsing through Money Digest‘s totally free and user-friendly website. As you may know, MoneyDigest.sg is dedicated daily news, tips, and guides relating to money and financial issues. But, beyond that, it focuses on the localized view so as to support the financial literacy of any individual living in sunny Singapore.

Image Credits: facebook.com/MoneyDigest

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