Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Budget-Friendly Ways To Build Your Dream Home Office

If you are waving goodbye to the office life and venturing to the exciting world of freelance or self-employment, you will find yourself in need of a home office. Luckily, due to modern technology, building a home office is easier than ever before. Here are some budget-friendly ways you can start with…

1. DO IT YOURSELF

Instead of hiring an interior designer or other professionals, decorate your office by yourself. You have the freedom to choose your working space. Be creative, as your imagination knows no bounds. For example, you may hang inspiring posters or family photos to motivate you everyday.

2. USE WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE

Recycle and repurpose your old furniture or decorative materials. Buried in your attic or closets are useful yet forgotten things such as lamps, chairs, or notebooks. Seek for these things. Then, reinvent these forgotten treasures by fixing and painting on them. Not only did you save more money but you also saved Mother Earth. 🙂

If purchasing for other items is necessary, consider to…

3. PURCHASE FURNITURE ONLINE

Looking for stylish yet inexpensive furniture? Then, GROUPON.sg is the website for you! They currently offer a wide selection of discounted furniture but, here are some of my top picks:

a. The classically beautiful Funika 3-Tier 2-Tone Reversible Bookcase priced at S$25.90 (38% off). Available here.

b. The assorted colors of Bolton Swivel Chair with Armrest priced at S$79 (47% off). Available here.

c. The space-saving Set of 2 Folding Chairs priced at $29.90 (30% off). Available here.

d. The maple colored 2-Tier Desk priced at S$59 (54% off). Available here.

4. BARGAIN AT THE FLEA MARKETS

It is possible to buy unique yet affordable pieces of electronics, rags, stationery, paintings, and furniture at Singapore’s flea markets and thrift shops. Some of the known fleas include MAAD (Market of Artists and Designers), Zouk Flea & Easy, and China Square Central Sunday Flea Market.

5. LASTLY, SHOP DURING SALES

To save more money, list down everything that you need for your home office. Then, buy these items one by one once the sale comes up. It is okay to take your time in building up your ideal haven since you are the master of your own time. One of the large-scale brand that offer quality products at low prices is IKEA Singapore. And, they occasionally have special product offers. For example, you may add a tampered glass VITTSJÖ laptop support to your home office for only S$19.90 (U.P. S$39.90).

Image Credits: Jeremy Levine via Flickr

Building your own home office may take time, money, and effort but, once you found something you truly love (whether it be blogging or web designing), all of these will be well worth it. 🙂

The Hippest Food Places In Singapore, Serving Under S$30

Hipster, a sub-culture in today’s society, exhibits appreciation for freedom, creativity, and wit. Thus, hipster places exude a youthful vibe that opposes the status quo. A modern spin on things results to the cultural experimentation of dishes. Where exactly are these hip food places located? Well, they are all over Singapore. In hawker centers, inside the malls, and more. With these myriad of choices, here are the best ones that serve dishes under S$30…

1. PERCOLATE

Located in the Bedok area, is a humble cafe opened by a few friends. The place is simple, cozy, and beautifully decorated that is why it brings a relaxing ambiance to its customers. Prices are budget-friendly with an average price of S$10. A 5-oz of white will only cost you S$4.50 while a yummy Smoked Salmon with Wasabi Cream Sandwich will cost you S$9. Good prices offering delectable dishes…who am I to complain?

Image Credits: www.facebook.com/PercolateCoffee

Location: 136 Bedok North Avenue 3, #01-152B Singapore 460136

2. IMMANUEL FRENCH KITCHEN

Have you ever eaten fine French cuisine in a “Kopitiam” setting? If not then, you have not taste the media acclaimed: Immanuel French Kitchen. A brainchild of Chef Immanuel Tee, this food stall serves restaurant quality dishes using only the finest dining techniques such as espumas and braising. At a an affordable price, Immanuel French Kitchen dishes are priced at S$18 on the average. People have only good things to say with their Duck Confit. While a hip Miso Foi Gras (S$16.50) was made with fusing Japanese cuisine elements.

Image Credits: www.facebook.com/immanuelfrenchkitchen

Location: Blk 119, Bukit Merah Lane 1, Singapore 151119

3. TWO WINGS

The unique thing about Two Wings is that the owner Jeremy Loh used their original family recipe that have been passed down to each succeeding generations since 1970. Their amazing Crispy Wings that are imported from Brazil will cost you S$8.50 for 4 pieces and S$24 for 12. A true must-try considering the inexpensive prices and the glorious crunch of each wing. If you are a health-conscious individual, fear not. They offer Fresh Cut Salad for only S$3 and you can choose between balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing.

Image Credits: www.facebook.com/twowingsSG

Location: 119 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Singapore 151119

4. FIX

Fix Cafe is a poolside cafe located at the Balestier area. Sounds like a cool place doesn’t it? You are correct! The place is youthful and appealing that even most of the customers are young. A notable modern take on their menu is their naans. Instead of using the traditional wrap, they used naan in making dishes like Chicken Tikka Naanwich (S$11) and Beef & Kimchi Naanwich (S$11). For dessert lovers, you must order the Butterscotch Arabica Choux (S$6) or the Strawberry Pistachio Rose Tart (S$6). Surely, Fix is a place for affordable and delicious pastries, grilled sandwiches, and artisan coffee.

Image Credits: www.facebook.com/FIXsg

Location: HomeTeam NS-JOM Clubhouse, 31 Ah Hood Road Singapore 329979

5. STEW KÜCHE

If you think that European dishes are only served in “Atas” restaurants then, you have got one thing wrong. Located in a busy kopitiam is a stall that fuses Swiss-German and Italian cuisine. With their scrumptious feasts prepared in a very experienced way, it is surprising that their prices are under S$30! It is recommeded that you try their special dishes such as the Paprika Beef Goulash (S$15.50) and the wide array of sausages (priced from S$6.90). They also sell a broad selection of craft beers for all the beer lovers out there.

Image Credits: www.facebook.com/stewkuche

Location: 119 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Singapore 151119

How And Why You Should Start An Online Business Now

Have you been wanting to start your own business but your intended capital would not suffice? Or maybe the thought of leaving your children at home prevents you? Well, that shipped has sailed when people from the Silicon Valley introduced the “Online Business”. Online business (OB) allow you to sell your product or service at the convenience of your own home and your own time.

Here are the other reasons why you should open your own OB now:

1. SPEND LOW COSTS ON THE START-UP

Once you settled the costs of the products or services that you are planning to sell, you can start opening an OB for S$15.48 or free! The S$15.48 only applies if you want your own website domain name. For example instead of having “myshopname.blogspot.com” you can have “myshopname.com” to appear more professional. Go Daddy sells the website’s domain name at S$15.48 for the first year.

2. WORK ON THE PROJECTS YOU LOVE

Not only do you get to explore your interests and hobbies when thinking of a business idea, you also get to work on something you are really passionate about. This will motivate you to improve your business even more.

3. GET BROADER NETWORK OF POTENTIAL CLIENTS

Since you are setting up a business in the Internet where anyone from anywhere can have an access, you gain a wider scope of clients. This will allow you to transact and ship worldwide.

Sold by the idea of an OB? Here is how you can start yours:

1. DO RESEARCH

Know what is available on the market today. See something that interests you? Incorporate that and add something unique. This will be your niche. Also, research on marketing ideas and budget plans by asking your family, colleagues, friends, or even Google.

2. DEVISE YOUR BUSINESS TYPE AND GOALS

Choose the business you would like to start by tapping into your interests, time availability, and accessible funds. Set goals not just for the business but also for your budget plans.

3. FINALIZE YOUR PRODUCTS OR SERVICES

There are a few products that you can sell at a low cost such as essence oils, Ebooks, and stationary. Given that you have sufficient knowledge of Web Designing, you can sell your services online and charge per project.

4. START OPENING YOUR STORE

If you want to set up an online store without spending a dollar, try selling your products and services on either tictail.com or carousell.com. Tictail.com, established in 2012, allows its users to run a nice online store in minutes. Carousell.com, on the otehr hand, allows its users to sell through its mobile App. Both are definitely free and easy to use! Say you are in need of new materials, you may save money by buying bargain items at these websites too.

5. PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS

To promote your business, you will need to have visibility in various social media websites such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. The good news is that it is totally free to open your accounts in these websites. Also, you can set up a newsletter or a mailing list so people can receive regular updates when promotions or new items are coming up.

Image Credits: springwools via Flickr

As you can see, it is surprisingly cheap to set up your own online business! But, keeping it may take hard work. So, it is important to find a business that follows what your heart desires. 🙂

Retire In The World’s Cheapest And Most Beautiful Countries

In 2013, Live and Invest Overseas and International Living examined the best countries worldwide where you can retire for S$1,760/month or less.

Live and Invest Overseas is a trusted online publication dedicated to giving information on retiring, living, and investing overseas. With a similar goal, International Living, established in 1979, had surveyed experts and contributors to get the cost of living information of countries around the world. These are the latest large-scale data available to date:

1. NICARAGUA, CENTRAL AMERICA

Nicaragua, a multiethnic country of approximately 6 million people, is one of the most beautiful countries in America as it boasts its Pacific coastline, Caribbean beaches, and freshwater lakes. You can live for about S$1,350 a month inclusive of utility bills (no air-conditioning), groceries, entertainment, rent, maid (3 times a week), and health insurance. Not a bad way to retire!

2. PHILIPPINES, ASIA

Philippines, a picturesque country consisting of 7,107 islands, ensures that you can enjoy a low-cost island life once you retire. For about S$1,410 a month, you can avail services such as electricity, water, gas, cable TV, Internet, grocery shopping, rent, and entertainment costs. Relax in the beach and reminisce the old times while sipping a fresh coconut juice that will cost you lest than a dollar!

Image Credits: Brian Evans via Flickr

3. MALAYSIA, ASIA

How about retiring close to home? In Malaysia, you can retire for a cost of approximately S$1,450 a month. This is inclusive of utility bills, handphone bills, Internet services, maid (4 hours/week), transportation, health insurance, and entertainment. Keep your healthy physique by buying a bagful of fruits that will cost you only S$5.

Image Credits: Tatiana Vdb via Flickr

4. ECUADOR, SOUTH AMERICA

Aside from English, if you are fluent in Spanish then, you may consider living in Ecuador. With mostly Spanish-speaking citizens, Ecuador known for its rich ecosystem that hosts many species of plants and animals. For approximately S$1,760 a month, you can indulge on utilities, grocery shopping, health insurance, maid (2 times a week), Internet services, cable TV, handphone services, entertainment, and transportation. The top choice of most American retirees is the wonderful city of Cuenca due to its glorious weather and affordable real estate.

Image Credits: andresmbernal via Flickr

Age gracefully by retiring in a comfortable place where you are at peace with your finances! The world is your oyster. 🙂

Sources: 1 , 2, and 3

4 Cheap And Awesome KTV Places in Singapore

One of the entertaining activities to do in Singapore is Karaoke. A Karaoke Television (KTV) is a musical machine that allows the people to sing along with the recorded music using a microphone and the lyrics flashed through the screen. Hence, KTV places are the perfect spots for friends and family who want to have fun while channeling their inner diva. Here are 4 of the best KTV places that offer cheap rates in Singapore…

1. TEN DOLLAR CLUB KTV

Dreaming of singing along popular KPop, Jpop, or MPop songs? Dream no more as Ten Dollar Club offers good Karaoke experience at affordable prices. A group of 3 or more people can enjoy singing for up to 5 hours by paying S$10 per person. This price is inclusive of free flowing drinks! Also, you can save a few more bucks, as you are free to bring and eat your own food inside the Karaoke room. Corporate events and birthday parties are welcome too.

Locations:

Aranda Country Club, 60 Pasir Ris Drive 3, Singapore 519497

35A Smith Street 3rd Floor Singapore 058945

Home Team NS-JOM, 31 Ah Hood Road Singapore 329979

2. PARTY WORLD KTV

Party World KTV, a brainchild of Eric Chan, consists of capacious and decorated rooms filled with quality audio equipments, speakers, and large LED screens. They offer wide array of songs enabling everyone to sing their hearts out. Students are able to enjoy their promotion of S$12 each on the weekdays and S$15 each on the weekend. This includes 3 hours of stay with 2 beverages each. All you have to do is to present your student card upon reception.

Location:

177 River Valley Road, Liang Court, Singapore 179030

3. TANG MUSIC BOX

What separate Tang Music Box from the rest are their contemporary interiors. Their rooms are suited with materials such as exotic tiles, exposed bricks, and untreated woods. You get a choice of whether you want to spend hours on the Mini (1-3 pax), Small (3-6 pax), Medium (6-10 pax), Large (11-18 pax), Premier (19-25 pax), and Club room (26-40 pax). The prices are as low as S$10 per person. Also, you can purchase food (e.g., liquor or snacks) at their store called “The Meeting Place”.

Location:

3B River Valley Road, #02-03/04, The Foundry, Singapore 179021

4. TEO HENG KTV STUDIO

Probably one of the well-known places for belting out your favorite Karaoke song is the Teo Heng KTV studio. Not only do they offer good quality KTV experience but they are also considered as one of the cheapest in the market today. This is because they charge by the room instead of by the number of person in it. Prices range from S$8-18 per hour. So, imagine having the maximum of 10 people in a room, that will equate to about S$2-5 per person for a 3-hour session. Now, you can sing freely for hours at a surprisingly good price!

Locations:

7 outlets islandwide, visit here for more details.

Image Credits: Savio Sebastian via Flickr

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