Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Best Credit Cards For Online Shopping

Modern technology optimized our shopping experiences by letting us purchase items online. Now it is our job to maximize our hard earned money by choosing the right credit cards to shop with. Here is a list of the best credit cards available in the Singapore market…

3. DBS WOMAN’S MASTERCARD® CARD

Minimum Annual Income (Singaporean/PR): S$30,000

Take it from Beyonce as girls truly run the world – virtual shopping world to be exact!

With DBS Woman’s MasterCard®, you can earn rewards points 5x if you shop anywhere online. Also, you can get S$40 worth of Qoo10 discount coupons every month or complimentary access to selected True Yoga and True Fitness Centres! Go crazy with these privileges by using the DBS Woman Mobile App. The annual fee of S$161 is waived for a year.

2. OCBC FRANK CARD

Minimum Annual Income (Singaporean/PR): S$30,000

With over 120 free card designs to choose from, OCBC Frank Card proves to be a stylish companion to your online shopping. It gives you 6% rebates on every online purchase you make up to a cap of S$60 a month. If you exceed that, you will enjoy unlimited rebates of 0.5% on all other purchases. You can easily track your spending and rebates by going to OCBC Online.

The good news is that you can get 10% off hotel bookings by booking online through Expedia.com.sg, 10% off regular-priced items on The Travel Store, 10 off purchases on GoBuyLah.sg, and 15% off purchases on Ruedusucre.com. Also, the annual fee of only S$32 is waived for 2 years!

1. CITIBANK REWARDS CARD

Minimum Annual Income (Singaporean/PR): S$40,000

How does Citibank welcome its new rewards cardholders? Well, with complimentary shopping vouchers worth up to S$100 of course. Enjoy shopping vouchers from Havaianas & CommonThread, Dockers®, Headline Seoul, New Look, Max&Co., Victor York, and more. The Citibank Rewards Card allows you to earn 10x reward points when you shop online. Aside from this, gives you discounts to several online shops.

Want to know more? Here is the concise list of their current online shopping offers…

Blue Nile: 10% off on all purchases of standard jewelry products storewide.

HipVan: 15% off on the site’s items

IN GOOD COMPANY: 10% off storewide

Klareti: 7% off on regular priced items storewide

Luxola: 25-40% off depending on spending

Menlook: 10% off with minimum spend of S$150

Modajar: 10% off storewide

Rakuten: 10% off on the site’s items

Reebonz: 7% off on all purchases

ShopBack: 20% rebate on the site’s items

Victor York: 20% off storewide

ZALORA: 25% off on the site’s items

Fret not about the annual fee of S$193 because it is waived for a year.

Why You Must Stop Comparing Your Earnings To Someone Else’s

As Buddha once said: “Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.”

Even though we are not aware of it, we as human beings have the tendency to compare ourselves to others in order to know what state in life we really are. The sad truth is, most people feel happier when they perceive that they are wealthier than others than the fact of being able to earn for a living. Simply, several studies showed that one’s earnings in comparison with others play an important role in one’s happiness.

But people’s economic positions are not as perfect as your mind makes it out to be! Here are the other reasons why you must avoid comparing yourself to others in terms of money…

1. YOU OFTEN COMPARE INACCURATELY

Often, when you compare yourself to others, you may not get the 360 view of the person’s life. You only get the glimpse of what they want to show in public especially in social media. In Facebook, most publicize their lavish possessions and greatest achievements while masking their struggles such as domestic disputes or living from paycheck to paycheck. On the other hand, you may be envious of how your friend is always getting the big commissions but you are not aware that he has to lose those loads of money right away just to pay off his student loan. So, it is important to not make any assumptions and move the spotlight towards your life.

2. YOU ARE ENTERING A CYCLE OF NO END

This endless cycle of comparison will only take you to a downward spiral as your goals get higher and higher where there are many categories for you to choose from. You may compare your HDB flat to your colleague’s high-rise condominium, or her designer shoes compared to your shoes that were on sale. There will always be others who may appear that they have better material possessions that you. This is why measuring your worth by comparing your earnings and material possessions to others are an unhealthy habit that may lead to depression.

3. YOU MUST ACCEPT THAT WE ARE ALL SPECIAL

Whenever you desire to purchase something, whether it be a new purse or a new car, pause and ask yourself if you really want to buy it because it is what you want or because you want to fit in with everyone else. By knowing how detrimental this habit can be, learning to accept our differences is essential. While they are willing to spend more time in the office to earn better wages, you are spending more quality time at home with your family.

Image Credits: Windell Oskay via Flickr

We may be created uniquely but, we are all special.

4 Community Centres’ Workshops That Can Really Make You Money

Do you want to learn a life skill without breaking the bank? Then, consider going down to your community centre (CC) and find out the courses they offer. Far more than saving money, you can transform these awesome skills you learned into viable freelance businesses or occupations.

1. MASSAGE

Having a spa addiction or aspiring to become a massage therapist can become costly loads to your budget. Solve your problems with the Massage Therapy courses offered by several CCs. Learn the art of traditional Thai massage that relieves one’s stress levels by for only S$20-30 at Tampines North CC. This workshop will teach you how to engage sensorial experience and fuse it with health care. While, acupressure point massage is available at Bishan and Serangoon. Beyond getting paid for massage services, it can also serve as a sweet bonding activity for you and your partner.

2. HAIRCUTTING OR HAIRDRESSING

If you are tired of constantly paying for minor hair trims or are dreaming of becoming the next big thing in the hair scene then try the hair courses offered by CCs. CCs offer various techniques for hairdressing such as basic hair cutting, hair braiding, and hair perming. From April 14 to May 5, Punggol Park CC is offering hair-cutting basics for about S$65. This course is ideally for beginners or those who wish to update their knowledge on hair dressing. It not only offers the fundamental theories but also the practical lessons.

3. KNITTING

Every since the rise of “bohemian or gypsy chic” fashion, knitting is no longer an old woman’s hobby. Knitting can be found in hair accessories, jewelry, clothing, and more.

Image Credits: Guangzhou Hanyige Clothing Co., Ltd.

Toa Payoh CC offers knitting courses for about S$100. In this course, you’ll be taught the basics of knitting and use it to make your own clothing and jewelry. Using your creativity can help you create whatever your heart desires.

4. BALLOON SCULPTING

Have you ever noticed those people who are hired to make twisted balloons in order to entertain the children? They are everywhere from children’s party to company events. Making almost everything from cartoon characters to colorful flowers, this talent of balloon sculpting can now be learned. Woodgrove, Ulu Pandan, Tampines North, and Yew Tee conduct single-session workshops amounting to S$10-25. Learn the basics then, teach yourself more techniques by watching free videos on the Internet. This will not only save you money once you decided to have kids but it can also be a fun part-time job.

Image Credits: Erwin Soo via Flickr

Source: www.pa.gov.sg

Best Credit Cards For Grocery Shopping

Grocery shopping can be costly at times especially because businesses are becoming more competitive in their prices. And if you were to use a credit card, be sure to indulge on all of its rewards by paying the bill in full each cycle. That said, here are the 5 Best Credit Cards For Your Grocery Shopping in Singapore…

5. OCBC 365 CREDIT CARD
Minimum Annual Income (Singaporean/PR/Foreigner): S$30,000

Do you want a card that allows rebates on your daily spending – all year round? Well then, say hello to the OCBC 365. It has rebates from grocery shopping, telecom bills, petrol, and dining. Waived for 2 years, the annual fee is S$161. Get 3% off on supermarkets islandwide, on recurring telecom bills (e.g., SingTel, StarHub, and M1), dining on weekdays, and on all your online spending (e.g., travel, movie tickets, and fashion).

4. ANZ OPTIMUM WORLD MASTERCARD CREDIT CARD

Minimum Annual Income (Singaporean/PR/Foreigner): S$80,000

ANZ Optimum World is an all around card with a touch of personalization. It gives you the decision to select your preferred category for a calendar quarter wherein you can earn 5% cash back and 1% cash back on all other spending. You can choose to have grocery, dining & leisure, travel, and shopping as your category. The best things is that there is no minimum spend and no limit on your total accumulated rebate! The annual fee is S$180, waived for a year.

3. CITIBANK SMRT PLATINUM VISA CARD

Minimum Annual Income (Singaporean/PR): S$30,000

As the name implies, Citibank SMRT Platinum Visa will give you good savings for your public transportation. Surprisingly, it is also good for grocery shopping. Get up to 7% savings on Fairprice, Sheng Siong, and Giant. Just pay an annual fee of S$161, waived for 2 years.

2. NTUC PLUS! VISA CREDIT CARD

Minimum Annual Income (Singaporean/PR): S$30,000

NTUC Plus! Visa will give you a whopping 10% off from all the items at FairPrice and FairPrice Online. What’s more? You can save up to 5% off at Unity, 3% off at Popular bookstore or Bata shoes, and 18% off at Esso fuel stations. All you have to do is pay an annual fee of only S$39 – waived for 2 years!

1. UOB DELIGHT CARD

Minimum Annual Income (Singaporean/PR): S$30,000

Does 10% rebate at groceries and pharmacies sound tempting? Then, UOB Delight Card is perfect for you. Enjoy up to 10% off at Cold Storage, Jason’s, Giant, Market Place, and Guardian. To qualify for this, you must have a minimum spend of S$100 a month and pay an annual fee of S$87. Buying in bulk? Get a free home delivery at selected Giant Hyper with minimum S$150 in a single receipt.

Delicious And Affordable Places for Italian Food in Singapore

Italian cuisine is known throughout the world for its pasta, pizza, herbs, and tomato sauce. While Singapore, as a nation, had developed a deeper fondness for food – of all kinds. But the dilemma of the restaurant prices are always at sight.

Cheap does not always come with bad taste if you know the right places to look. That being said, here are 4 delicious yet affordable places to satisfy your hunger for Italian food…

1. SUPER DARIO LASAGNE

A true-blooded Italian, Dario of Super Dario Lasagne, brought forth the first Cafe that showcases lasagna as their star. The menu is coupled with drinks, salads, and desserts of course. Their bountiful plates of homemade lasagna cost about S$7.8-11 while the set meal (i.e., including any lasagna, drink, and dessert) costs S$10.9 only (T&C apply).

And, if you are a student, grab the 20% off discount on any lasagna on Weekdays from 10:30 am (T&C apply). You can also order a tray to take home. Trust me, the food is worth coming back to!

Image Credits: instagram.com/annaloves29

Location: #04-17, City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208539

Online Rating: 88% Upvotes on HungryGoWhere

2. CONCETTO BY SAVEUR

From the makers of the exquisite French restaurant named Saveur, they bring you the Concetto by Saveur. Paraded by good reviews from Savuer, Concetto by Saveur did not disappoint. This is a restaurant that continues to bring artisan-cooking techniques to prepare high-end quality Italian cuisine for all.

Its reasonable prices will not only bring your bellies to bliss but also your wallets. Most of delectable meals range from S$5 to S$18, except for the Wagyu Tender that costs S$26.90. Concetto Pasta ($6.90) is one of their best-rated dishes.

Image Credits: facebook.com/concettosingapore

Image Credits: Concetto Singapore via Facebook

Location: 2 Handy Road, The Cathay #01-11/12, Singapore 229233

Online Rating: 75% upvotes on HungryGoWhere

3. SAIZERIYA

From soup, pizza, pasta, baked rice, and bread – Saizeriya has it all for you. Because of its inexpensive prices ranging from S$4 to S$10, it has been the student’s favorite place to dine. They also incorporate a little of Asian and French cuisine into the mix. In fact they have French Escargot that the online reviews preferred most. It may possibly be the cheapest escargot you will find in Singapore restaurants.

Image Credits: Official Singapore Saizeriya via Facebook

Locations: 8 outlets islandwide, visit here

Online Rating: 73% upvotes on HungryGoWhere

4. SUPPLY & DEMAND

Supply & Demand prides itself as a contemporary Italian and Southeast Asia bistro and bar. With its breezy rooftop bar at Esplanade Mall, it serves as a great place to enjoy a great Italian meal. You may also try their modern-take on Southeast Asian dishes from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Burma. Majority of the pastas, pizzas, and entrées are priced below S$20.

Image Credits: Supply & Demand via Facebook

Locations:

#02-13/14, Orchard Gateway, 277 Orchard Road

8 Raffles Avenue #01-13 Esplanade Mall Singapore 039802

Online Rating: 62% up votes on HungryGoWhere

Enjoy your meal or as they say it in Italy..Buon Appetito!

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