Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

5 Affordable Beauty Hacks You Must Try Now

When you are caught in a beauty dilemma, you need a quick solution! In order for fast action to happen, health care products that are already available can be used.

Here are 5 Affordable Beauty Hacks that can make your life easier…

1. FOR YOUR SHINY FACE

To deal with your shiny face, you may use hand sanitizer or Sticky Notes (e.g. Post-it). Hand sanitizer has “dimethicone” that smoothens the skin like a primer and provides a protective coat locking in moisture. You may use this along the hairline, forehead, T-zone or cleavage.

Post-it or sticky notes remove the excessive oil on your face without ruining your make up. Just peel off a Post-it sticky part then dab it along your T-zone.

2. MULTI-PURPOSE PRODUCTS

Many of the health care products have multiple uses so stretch its capabilities to save more money. Here is a list of 4 multi-purpose products:

a. Toothpaste can double as pimple remover
b. Baby oil can double as a make-up remover
c. Nail polish cannot only personalize your jeans but it can also stop a run in your stockings.
d. Greek yogurt to reduce pimple inflammation and redness

3. FOR YOUR HAIR IRON BURNS

If you accidentally burn yourself with your hair iron or curling stick, use raw honey to alleviate the pain and provide antibacterial protection. Honey also keeps your skin hydrated and smooth.

Image Credits: Maegan Tintari via Flickr

4. FOR YOUR DRY FEET

Debra Jaliman, a dermatologist and author of “Skin Rules”, suggests adding two tablespoons of brown sugar to 1/2 cup of coconut oil to exfoliate dry feet. She says that it helps to get rid of the unwanted dead skin.

5. FOR YOUR UNRULY HAIR

Your hair may either be dry or dull. When this happens, gather the ingredients you have in your kitchen and try these hair masks.

a. Hydrating Mask
Heat up 4 tablespoons of olive oil for 20 seconds then mix it with 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply it in your hair and put a shower cap on for 20 minutes. Then, rinse it.

b. Mask for Shiny Hair
Mash one piece of avocado until the texture is smooth. Then, add 1/2 cup of coconut milk and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the mixture up for 20 seconds. Apply it in your hair and put a shower cap on for 30 minutes. Then, rinse it.

Image Credits: Michal Hadassah

Sources: Stay a Stay at Home Mom and Beauty High

11 Cheapest Items on the First Months of 2015

Some items are cheaper at certain times. Hence, with planning and knowledge, you will be able to save more money when purchasing throughout the year.

Here are the 11 cheapest things to buy from January to March 2015:

IN JANUARY

1. HOLIDAY ITEMS

Holiday items such as surplus or unused gift cards, Christmas decorations, and wrapping papers are now selling with discount in stores and in the Internet (e.g., eBay or Carousell). Buy now, as their condition and use will remain ’till next year.

2. LINENS AND BEDDINGS

Retailers offer huge discounts on sheets, towels, and blankets in January. But, keep an eye on it all year round, since retailers will put last season’s stuff on sale when new products come out.

3. VIDEO GAMES

Numerous video games go on sale after the holidays are over. Check out Steam and other gaming retailers for discounted prices.

4. COMPUTERS

Image Credits: Stefan Ledwina via Flickr

Like video games, companies offer discounts on older computer models to prepare for the upcoming release of new components and systems.

IN FEBRUARY

1. MOBILE PHONES

Some stores offer hand phone sales or even a buy-one-take-one scheme during Valentine’s Day. It may seem strange but it’s true.

2. WASHER, DRYER AND AIR CONDITIONER

During cold weather months, many appliance stores offer air conditioners at cheap prices. Also, old models of washer and dryers are being sold with good deals.

IN MARCH

1. WEDDINGS

Image Credits: Katsu Nojiri via Flickr

Tying the knot in this month means taking full advantage of the discounted prices on reception venues, catering, and photography. You must always be cautious of the venue’s weather.

2. CHOCOLATES

The surpluses from last month’s chocolates are sold for lower prices.

Image Credits: John Loo via Flickr

3. LUGGAGE

Retailers offer discount on luggage before vacation seasons of spring and summer arrives.

4. GOLF CLUBS

New models are coming out for the summer, so your local golf shops are pushing the old ones out. What’s more? Last year’s gold club models are much cheaper.

4. DIGITAL CAMERAS

Consumer reports and marketing analysis prefers grabbing digital camera in March and April, as sales are the best.

Sources: Reader’s Digest and Lifehacker

Learn About Mutual Funds Before Investing

Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are investments that gather the investors’ money into a pool to make multiple types of investments, known as the portfolio.

Professional money or investment managers, who invest the fund’s capital and attempt to produce capital gains for its investors, operate the mutual funds.

The investment manager’s compensation relies on how well the fund performs. In this way, you can be assured that they will work hard to make sure the fund grows well.

Image Credits: Steve Jurvetson via Flickr

As a mutual fund investor, you become a “shareholder” of the mutual fund company. When there are profits you will earn dividends. When there are losses, your shares will decrease in value.

Mutual funds are diversified or are made up of different investments to lower the risk of loss.

Advantages of Mutual Funds

1. Mutual Funds give small investors the access to professionally manage, diversified portfolios of equities, bonds and so on. This is difficult and nearly impossible to create with a small about of money.

2. Each shareholder participates proportionally in the gain or loss of the funds.

3. The experts handle your money professionally…so even if you have little knowledge on stocks, you may learn as time goes.

Three Categories of Mutual Funds

1. EQUITY FUNDS. Equity funds are made up of common stock investments alone. Although this can be riskier, this can earn more money than other types of funds.

2. FIXED-INCOME FUNDS. Fixed-income funds are made up of government and corporate securities. Since the government and corporate securities provide fixed return, the risk of the investments are low.

3. BALANCED FUNDS. Balanced funds combine both stocks and bonds in the investment. It offers a moderate to low risk. So before investing to mutual funds, you will have decide how much risk you are willing to take.

Why Should You Invest in Mutual Funds?

Sources: Investopedia and HowStuffWorks

5 Expert Money Saving Tips

It is the beginning of a new journey entitled “2015”. There is a long way ahead and the worst is behind us. The future looks so much brighter! As you lay out your plans for the New Year, why don’t you take on the important goal of saving money?

Here are 5 Money Saving Tips from the Experts…

1. GET POSITIVE MOTIVATION FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Bob Weinschenk, the CEO of “SmartyPig.com”, believes that saving money is a group activity in many cultures. By sharing your financial goals to your trusted partner, family or friends, they can be able to support you and even donate a few bucks. Having someone by your side that share the same goal will surely motivate you to continue this positive saving behavior.

Image Credits: Ken Teegardin via Flickr

2. TAKE THE SHOPPING DEALS ONLY IF YOU NEED THE PRODUCT

Donna Freedman, a writer for “Get Rich Slowly” and “Money Talk News”, said, “Coupons plus sales can easily tempt you to buy something you don’t truly need”. Do you really need to buy a bulk of toothpaste just because you have coupons and vouchers for it? Simply, when you see an item on sale think deeply if you will purchase that item on its original price.

3. LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS

Purchase within your means by balancing what you need and what you want.

Miranda Marquit, the founder of “Planting Money Seeds”, highlights that by knowing that you have enough purchasing power may turn into comfortable spending without keeping the best options for your finances. So, just because you can afford something, does not mean that you should buy it.

4. THINK TWICE WHEN BUYING PERISHABLE GOODS IN BULK

Jeff Yeager, the author and host of “The Cheap Life”, said “it’s not a good deal if it goes bad before you use it”.

This is why he stresses the importance of making a shopping list and sticking to it.

5. LASTLY, LEAVE YOUR CREDIT CARDS IN THE HOUSE

Stacy Johnson, the President of “Moneytalksnews.com”, said, “we’re more likely to overspend with pieces of plastic than real money”. Personally, when I shop, I only carry cash that I am willing to spend so I won’t go over budget. This prevents impulse buys.

Sources: Reader’s Digest and GoBankingRates

7 Low-Cost (or Free) Ways to Lose Weight

One of the top 10 new year’s resolutions of a million people is to lose significant weight. This may be an ongoing resolution that has yet to happen, therefore the decision to lose weight is becoming more emotional.

Along with the article called “5 Ways to Shop for Healthy Foods Without Spending Too Much“…here are 7 Cheap Ways to Lose Weight…

1. STREAM FREE EXERCISE VIDEOS

Watch free exercise videos on youtube and across the Internet. Personally, I recommend Cassey Ho’s Blogilates as she incorporates Pilates, Yoga, and Cardio workouts. Aside from free exercise videos, the Internet is abundant with free or cheap Fitness Plans and Health Information. So, your only job is to make sure that the website is credible.

2. GO MEATLESS ONCE A WEEK

Nutritionist Rania Batayneh says that a sure way to burn off pounds and to save money is by going meatless once a week. You may substitute meat with tofu, beans, and mushrooms.

3. GROW AND COOK FOOD BY YOURSELF.

Growing your own food is organic at its finest. If you do not have a backyard or an apartment balcony there are community gardens for you to plant your own seed.

Image Credits: woodleywonderworks via Flickr

By dinner time, you can browse online (e.g. Kraft Recipes or Eating Well Recipes) for healthy recipes and cook your own food.

4. GAGA OVER GREENS

Kale, arugula, and spinach are some of the most nutritious and affordable foods you will find in a grocery store. As the color of the vegetable gets darker, the more nutritious it is because of its antioxidants and beta-carotene.

Image Credits: Wonderlane via Flickr

5. BUY CHEAP GROUP WORKOUT DEALS

Take advantage of a low-cost workout class if you are undecided and you do not want to spend hundreds of dollars for a gym membership. Groupon.sg is rich with Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, and Boxing Classes that range from $28 and below.

For example, here is a “Four 60 mins. Boot Camp” pass at $19 only! It will not only push your limits but it will also aid you in losing weight. Usually, newly opened gyms or studios give 1-week free trial so you better watch out.

6. RUN, JOG OR CYCLE OUTDOORS

The healthiest way to lose weight is neither crash diets nor starving yourself. But, the healthiest way is the gradual increase of exercise. As you increase the exercise intensity and duration, you will change your own body mechanism in time.

Try walking or biking to work if you live within a few miles. If that is not an option, then skip the elevator and take the stairs instead. Not only will you save on gas, but you’ll burn calories as you go.

Image Credits: Fit Approach via Flickr

7. EXERCISE AT HOME

Stay fit in the comforts of your own home. You may choose to buy bargain workout DVDs or use the resources you already have.

For example,

Use paint cans or bottle with rocks to work on your biceps.
Find a stable bar at home for chin ups.
Or, do sit-ups and push-ups without any equipment.

Image Credits: Jordan Misner via Flickr

You are now looking to the future with hope and expectations. What better investment could you make than with your own health?

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