Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

5 Noticeable Differences Between Public And Private Housing In Singapore

As most of you may know, public housings (excluding the executive condominiums) are usually built without the amenities of the private condominiums such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and playgrounds.

Aside from these varied amenities, there are other noticeable differences you must take into consideration when purchasing a home in Singapore. Here are some of them:

1. FINANCIAL GAINS

Whether the purpose of your purchase is solely for your occupation or for your investment, you are surely hoping that your property will increase in value as years go by. According to recent evidence, private condominiums surpassed HDBs (Housing and Development Board) in terms of capital gains. This is observed in almost every locations.

Why is this so?

Well, since HDBs are subsidized by the government, foreigners are not allowed to purchase them. So the higher gains of private condominiums in a period of time may be due to the broader range of buyers it cater to. In contrast with HDBs, you can rent out your private flat with no limitations and no minimum years of stay! These things make private condominiums a better choice for property investment alone.

2. RESTRICTIONS FOR FOREIGNERS

Landed properties are stricter to foreigners too as they need the government’s permission from the Land Dealings Approval Unit. Quoting the Singapore Land Authority:

“The ownership of such properties (landed residential properties) by foreigners is restricted to those who make adequate economic contribution to Singapore. The ownership restrictions are provided in the Residential Property Act.”

While private condominiums are more flexible to foreigners as they just need to pay the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty.

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

3. OCCUPANCY REGULATIONS

If you are going to sell your home, there are notable differences between private and public flats. For public housing, in order to rent out your entire flat or sell it, you must first occupy the property for at least 5 years. While for private housing, there is no minimum amount of occupancy. Your only main concern is the Seller Stamp Duty that you are selling your private flat within the first four years of purchase.

4. CPF SCHEMES

The Central Provident Fund (CPF) has two distinct schemes for private and public housing. For buying new or resale HDBs, you can avail the Public Housing Scheme (PHS) wherein you can use your CPF Ordinary Account. Use the PHS to finance the flat’s purchase price, housing loan instalments, stamp duty, legal fees, and other upgrading costs. But this comes with two catches: valuation and withdrawal limits.

On the other hand, Private Properties Scheme (PPS) to buy or build private properties for either personal or investment purposes. Use the PPS to pay the flat’s purchase price, housing loan instalments, construction loan, stamp duty, legal fees, and other upgrading costs. As the PHS, PPS comes with valuation and withdrawal limits.

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

May this guide help you to decide the housing type that suits you best! 🙂

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

Don’t Be A Wallet Grinch! Here Are 4 Ways To Save During The Holidays

If you are fond of late Christmas shopping and New Year parties, curb your Holiday season costs by following these 4 savvy saving tips:

1. CREATE A LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE

With a desired budget in mind, write down a list of all the people you want to buy gifts for. Go through the names on the list and allocate a specific amount that you are willing to spend on each one. If money is still tight, go over the list one more time and reduce either the names or the designated amount.

For larger families, consider giving one present per married couple. Remember that you are not Santa Claus and it is not your duty to give everyone a present!

2. PULL OUT NAMES FROM A BOWL

Instead of spending a hefty amount on all your family and extended family members, consider the “Secret Santa or Exchange Gift” method wherein everyone will pick a name out of a bowl. After which, you will only have to fuel all your resources for that one gift and that one person. Aside from saving money, you just saved yourself countless hours of shopping.

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

3. USE THE MODERN TECHNOLOGY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Shopping for a gift is not always about getting the cheapest item but rather about getting the value for every cent you spend. So if you are undecided on which model or brand has prime quality at an affordable rate, get your money’s worth by searching online for credible reviews first.

For example, you can visit Stuff Singapore for reliable reviews on computers, tablets, games, and other gadgets.

4. REMEMBER WHY YOU CELEBRATE

With all the festivities going on, it is easy to lose sight of what is important. Whether you are planning to have a simple dinner as a family or go on an extravagant overseas holiday trip, you must remember that you are celebrating the joyous holiday season because you are blessed enough to be with the people you love most. And you cannot put a price-tag on that!

Best of all? You can use these tips for the next Holiday season! 🙂

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

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Tried and Tested Home Saving Tips Taught By Moms

The legendary Stevie Wonder once said:

“Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love.”

The great things we learn from our mothers are more than just tips – they are well-kept traditions, family secrets, and wonderful memories that we must treasure.

That said, here are 6 Tried and Tested Home Saving Tips As Told By Moms…

In cleaning:

1. RE-USE YOUR OLD SOCKS

I still remember the days when my cousins and I would slide through the slippery floor that we splashed with baby powder. Hit LIKE if you have done this fun activity too.

It brought us countless minutes of happiness but the mess scattered through the floor and furniture was the enemy our mothers had to face. Fortunately, you can save several bucks on furniture dusters by using your clean old socks. Simply slip a piece in your hand, spray the cleaning solution, and start cleaning!

2. KEEP THINGS NATURAL

Using DIY natural cleaning products will not only reduce the risks of toxins and environmental damage but also save you piles of cash. Make your own glass solution by mixing 1 teaspoon of dish soap, half cup of white vinegar, and 3 cups of distilled water in a bottle. Then, spray it directly to the windows and mirrors.

You can also use the mom-approved “microfiber cloth” to clean practically anything from rugs to glass, granite to stainless steel. Just damp it with water and you are ready to go! This magical cloth costs about S$15 you can get it for only S$5 at Qoo10.

In cooking:

3. SPRINKLE SOME SALT

One of the best cooking tips you can get from the mothers online is to sprinkle some salt to boiling water. “Why?” you may ask. Salt is a great and inexpensive way to add flavour to the broccoli, pasta, or anything you are boiling.

4. SAVE YOUR BACON FATS

Another way to add a wonderfully strong flavor is to cook with bacon fats. After frying the strips of bacon, you can save its fats for later. After which, use it to saute your roasted potatoes or vegetables.

In grocery shopping:

5. BUY THE IN-HOUSE LABEL

As much as possible, buy the store’s brand products for home items such as rice, sponge, bleach, and sugar. And if a better deal comes along, check the price tag and compare it with the in-house label. Doing the maths can go a long way!

6. MAKE A LIST AND STICK WITH IT

Instead of going with the flow, make a list of the items you need for the week and stick with it. This is an age-old trick used by my late grandmother. She plans the weekly menu first and sets a budget accordingly. If there is excess cash, we can buy the stuff we want such as ice cream. Who doesn’t love ice cream?

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

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

7 Famous People Who Still Earn Millions Beyond The Grave

They may no longer be breathing in this world but they probably earn more in one year than most of us will in our entire lives!

These numbers, accumulated by Forbes, show the top earning dead celebrities in 2015…

7. JOHN LENNON

Yoko Ono’s soulmate that is better known as the singer-songwriter of the Beatles – John Lennon takes the 7th spot.

With a whopping total of US$12 million (S$16.9 million) in 2015, this iconic musician continues to share the revenue of his recorded and published music. Other ventures such as the Beatles-themed Cirque du Soleil show are also earning him money even after death.

6. MARILYN MONROE

One of the famous entertainers of the 50s is the dashing Marilyn Monroe. Although she died more than 50 years ago, her legend continues as the Authentic Brand Group bought the rights to her brand. Her branding consists of a lingerie line, clothing label, perfume, and spa treatments. In 2015, these earned her US$17 million (S$23.9 million).

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

This proves that her beauty still captivates the hearts of many!

5. ELIZABETH TAYLOR

Aside from her movies, this legendary leading lady has been reigning supreme in the celebrity fragrance business. One of her top fragrance called “White Diamonds” is still continuing to sell even after 24 years.

All in all, Elizabeth Taylor earned about US$20 million (S$28.1 million) this year!

4. BOB MARLEY

Bob Marley, a reggae superstar, may not be an outright entrepreneur when he was alive but he became one in his death. This is due to three reasons namely: his Marley Beverage Company, his House Of Marley, and his music royalties.

He really does not need to worry about money as he is still earning US$21 million (S$29.6 million) after his death!

3. CHARLES SCHULZ

It is rare to see people who cannot recognize who Snoopy and Charlie Brown is! With the release of the “Peanuts Movie”, their creator named Charles Schulz who died in 2000 earned about US$40 million (S$56.42 million) this year. He is said to be earning a cut from the licensing revenue of the popular comics too.

2. ELVIS PRESLEY

The King of Rock and Roll’s magic lives on until the present day as his brand and name is still earning an impressive amount of US$55 million (S$77.5 million). This is largely due to the sales of his albums, memorabilia, and Graceland ticket sales.

Elvis, we can’t help falling in love with you!

1. MICHAEL JACKSON

Smooth as his pipes were, Michael Jackson has been bringing home the bucks gracefully since young. Consistently, he has been earning triple-digit millions every year after his death in 2009. Thought that was thrilling? How about if I told you that he earned US$115 million (S$162.1 million) this year alone?

Well, his undying talent still drives the force of his Cirque du Soleil show, his Mijac Music catalogue, and his music royalties including the half of the Sony/ATV publishing empire.

See his everlasting career here:

Sources: 1 & 2

Purrfect Christmas Gift Ideas For Cat Lovers Costing Under S$30

Lovable, clever, quiet, sweet, and playful are just some of the words to describe your feline friend. Their comforting nature has been proven to reduce one’s stress levels that even renowned Psychologist Sigmund Freud believed that the “time spent with cats is never wasted”.

This Christmas season, while searching for the purrfect gift for your cat-adoring loved one, keep in mind that you must also be financially savvy.

Here are 5 Christmas Gift Ideas For Cat Lovers Costing Under S$30…

1. HAND-KNITTED FELINE TOYS

Doggy Friend maybe one of the cheapest online pet stores out there but their services are optimum. Looking at their user-friendly website that is easy to navigate, I saw a wide range of cat food brands. You will definitely find a product and price that suits you best.

Also, there are adorable hand-knitted toys made with toxic-free wool, 75 cm strings, and bell to tease the kittens with. Hurry as these JU-BE Feline toys are on sale for S$5 only!

Screen-grabbed from: doggyfriend.com.sg

And if you want to give a present for your friend but you do not know what cat product to get him or her, you may buy a Doggy Friend gift certificate instead. Their gift certificates range from S$10-S$50.

2. PRETTY CAT LIP GLOSS

Pucker up as the cat-shaped lip gloss by Rubi Shoes can be used wherever you go. You can choose from three delightful scents such as mint, watermelon, and coconut as well as three vivid colors such as silver, mint, and hot pink.

Screen-grabbed from: cottonon.com

Retailing for S$7.95-9.95, this novelty lip gloss will surely be loved by your friend’s lips and your own wallet!

3. NOT YOUR AVERAGE GRAPHIC TEE

You can never go wrong with the classic crew neck printed tees as it goes well with anything from skinny denims to loose skirts.

Made with 100% cotton, Cotton On Singapore takes a humorous route as their white shirt for men is basically a cat version of the singer Pharrell Williams. It is on sale now for only S$10!

Screen-grabbed from: cottonon.com

If you prefer printed words, you can go for the unisex “ARE YOU KITTEN ME RIGHT MEOW?” tee by TrendingTops. It is handmade and shipped internationally from United States. This is why the variety of sizes range from XS-4XL. 4XL- a size unheard of in most Asian countries! They cost about S$20.31.

Screen-grabbed from: etsy.com/sg-en/listing/209522050/cute-kitten-t-shirt-are-you-kitten-me?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=cat&ref=sr_gallery_23

Image Credits: TrendingTops via etsy.com

4. DAINTY CAT NECKLACE

Nothing says simplicity and sophistication better than a dainty cat necklace. Its lovely shape made with 925 sterling silver exudes femininity to the everyday wear. The necklace is shipped from China and costs about S$14.33 on Etsy.

Image Credits: SilverLiningsByNoel via etsy.com

5. KITTY HAND WARMERS

As the breeze of cold December air graces the nation, keep your loved ones warm and happy with these finger less gloves. Customize these pair of gloves by choosing the yarn or color of the fun kitty design.

Friendly reminder: Purchase these gloves for over S$18.84 under Priority Mail International in order to receive your order prior to Christmas day!

Image Credits: SunOverVegas via Etsy

May these gift ideas bring nothing but delight! 🙂

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