Inflation Heavily Affected These Items Last 2022

Singapore’s inflation may have eased slightly in November 2022, but the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) warned of prolonged pain likely to linger. Risk factors pile up to the nation’s financial vulnerability in the corporate, banking, and housing sectors.

MAS stated, “Amid weakening external demand, the Singapore economy is projected to slow to a below-trend pace in 2023.” It added that “Inflation is expected to remain elevated, underpinned by a strong labor market and continued pass-through from high imported inflation.”

In 2022, the following items were heavily affected by inflation.

#1: GAS AND CAR REPAIRS

Fuel costs skyrocketed in 2022. It saw huge increases in the months of February, March, May, June, October, and November. Moreover, its increased fuel costs spilled over to January 2023. This high fuel costs were driven by the rising global oil and gas prices that were exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. Apart from fuel prices, repair costs definitely took a toll since early 2022.

#2: DELIVERY FEES

Delivery costs increased many companies and restaurants, hammered by inflation and higher fuel rates, passed those costs to consumers. Do you need to cut the costs of online delivery to your budget this 2023?

#3: CLEANING SUPPLIES

The pandemic led us to stay inside our homes more. With the increased demand and effects of inflation, household items became more expensive. Prices of garbage bags, aluminum foil, batteries, and cleaning supplies rose.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Despite the price hikes, 2022 also saw some unexpected price drops. For instance, television prices sank globally in hopes of lightening their inventory. Major appliances also decreased in price. Used cars also saw a drop in prices. Apart from these observations, clothing retailers have also enticed the consumers with their continuous promotions.

Not to mention, households in Singapore can welcome the new year with lower electricity bills. The tariff for the first quarter of 2023 will decrease by 2.7 per cent. From January 1 to March 31, the electricity tariff before GST will drop from 29.74 cents to 28.95 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), said SP Group. This will take effect even as the new goods and services tax (GST) of 8 per cent kicks in.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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4 Places to Shop for Cheap Funko POP!

Fans of pop culture merchandise definitely heard of Funko Pop vinyl figures. Funko POP! vinyl figures are comparable to figurines and are based on video game characters, comic books, movies, and other icons. The collectibles offered by Funko POP! will make you nostalgic!

These figures have licensed characters from varying franchises with oversized heads and eyes and depict each character in different poses, sizes, outfits, and finishing. Aside from that, Funko POP! products come with attractive window box packaging. The packaging includes details of the characters and other collectibles from movies to icons in Dragon Ball Z, Marvel, Pokemon, and more.

The history of Funko POP! dates back to 1998 when toy collectors Mike Becker and Claudia Becker manufactured bobblehead figures. The business skyrocketed after releasing the Austin Powers bobbleheads. Afterwards, the company released the Funko vinyl line in 2010. The company aims to dominate pop culture with its trending merchandises including Disney, Star Wars, Stranger Things, Marvel, and DC.

Now, the company has over 8,000 different products worldwide and thousands of different franchise licenses. You can find something suitable for you and your loved ones!

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#1: CAROUSELL

Carousell is a Singaporean smartphone and web-based consumer to consumer and business to consumer marketplace for selling and buying new and pre-loved goods. It has Funko POP! collectibles for as low as S$2 to S$4. Some of the products here are used and others are new. Some have boxes and others do not. You can purchase diverse figures from Star Wars’ Poe Dameron to Supernatural’s Crowley. It also has movie icons such as Frozen’s Elsa and Breakfast Club’s Brian.

#2: LAZADA

Lazada Group is one of the largest e-commerce operators in Southeast Asia. It has PocketPop! and Funko POP! vinyl figures from S$9.90. Some of the top-rated figures include Joker Action Figure 337, Star-War Mandalorian with Baby Yoda, Tinker Bell 295, and PocketPop! Keychain IT Pennywise.

#3: SIMPLY TOYS

Simply Toys is founded for toy collectors with varios locations in VivoCity, Plaza Singapura, and SingPost Centre. You can find a lot of figures here including Funko POP!, Q Posket, and other pre-order comics. Funko POP! Keychain: Spider-Man: No Way Home S3 – Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man retails for S$9.90. Banpresto Naruto Shippuden Q Posket – Uchiha Itachi retails for S$32.90. While pre-order DC/Marvel comics have different price tags.

#4: SHOPEE

Singaporean multinational technology company that specializes in e-commerce Shopee provides a variety of Funko POP! vinyl figures and keychains. Keychains retail for as low as S$4.19. The vinyl figures such as Star Wars The Mandalorian retail for S$15.11 and Marvel: Year of The Shield – The Winter Soldier (838) cost S$14.90.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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6 Best Places for Delicious, Under S$30 Steak in Singapore

Steaks do not usually come cheap. I am sure you have walked into a restaurant and glanced at the prices. Mentally, you are calculating the cost with the service charge and GST. Eating steak is something you eat on a bougie day. That should not always be the case!

A juicy, savory, and smoky steak can cure a sad day. Here are 6 Best Places for Delicious, Under S$30 Steak in Singapore:

#1: THE FEATHER BLADE

The Feather Blade has its loyal following with its bestseller The Feather Blade Steak (S$23). This steak is a no-frills, no-fuss steak. It can be ordered in your preferred doneness. Personally, I like medium doneness. How about you?

Apart from the steak, you can pair it with sides such as deep-fried Potatoes (S$9) or fragrant nutmeg and parmesan Spinach (S$8).

Image Credits: facebook.com/thefeatherblade

Location: 61 Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore 088482

#2: UNO BEEF HOUSE

Finding affordable steak to indulge in is quite the task because you have to get your money’s worth. In the slew of hawker centres and coffee shops, you will see the Western food stall called UNO Beef House. It is known for its sizzling hot plates of affordable steaks available in different cuts.

You need to try their Black Pepper Ribeye Steak, which comes with their signature fried potato ball, tomato, and baked beans. This is available in 3 cuts — sirloin (S$14), ribeye (S$16) and tenderloin (S$19).

Location: 51 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310051

#3: HAMBURG STEAK KEISUKE

What is better than an inexpensive steak? A cheap steak with a sprawling buffet spread. This buffet comes with salad bar and unlimited eggs too. We are talking about all kinds of eggs — from creamy scrambled eggs to fluffy tamagoyaki.

Visit Keisuke and try the Prime Beef Hamburg Steak Set (S$20.90) which is served tender and nicely charred on the outside. Alternatively, cheese lovers can order the Triple Cheese Prime Hamburg Steak Set (S$22.90). Cut it open and watch the cheese flow!

Image Credits: keisuke.sg

Location: 72 Peck Seah St, Singapore 079329

#4: BIZEN OKAYAMA • WAGYU STEAKHOUSE

One of 2022’s buzzwords is Wagyu. Not all Wagyu is created equal, especially that of the budget-friendly variety. Run by the people behind Aston’s, Bizen replicates its quality with its Japanese Wagyu. This eatery serves juicy, affordable Wagyu steaks in Singapore.

You can find almost any cut of steak you want on their menu, including the Round steak for S$20.50. It comes with two sides.

Image Credits: facebook.com/BizenSteakhouse

Location: Multiple branches including one in Plaza Singapura

#5: iSTEAKS DINER

iSTEAKS Diner has a myriad of steaks including the New Zealand Ribeye (S$25.50 for 200g) and Australian Ribeye (S$29 for 200g).

If you do not want to spend too much, I would recommend getting their 200g cut of New Zealand Striploin ($22.50). Trust me, you will get your money’s worth with its tender inside and deliciously charred exterior.

Image Credits: facebook.com/iSTEAKS

Location: 1 Maju Ave, #02-03/04/05/06 myVillage, Singapore 556679

#6: PICANHAS’

With the motto: “Steaks For The People”, the halal steakhouse Picanhas’ specializes in pincanha. Try the Queen of Steak (S$25). Each slab of steak is dried brined, slow-cooked, and then finished on the stove with binchotan butter. You will be surprised with its immensely rich flavor.

This steak is best paired with Sides (S$7 each) such as Cream Spinach or double-cooked Potatoes with sriracha mayo. Finish your sweet meal with the Crepe Butter Pudding (S$15.00).

Location: 90 Club St, Singapore 069458

Image Credits: facebook.com/Picanhassg

[Disclaimer: 2023 may signify changes in the menus of the abovementioned eateries. Prices are subject to change.]

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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5 Marriage-Killing Money Habits

Marriage beats having a partner on a long-term basis. I am no expert on love, but my goal is to make sure that you understand the financial obligations that you each bring to the table. Otherwise, arguments can occur. Arguments about money hamper many marriages. Do not let it happen to you!

#1: FIGHTING OVER WHAT’S MINE AND YOURS

Sometimes, couples split the bills or allocate a fair amount of cash and settle everything in an equitable manner. Each spouse can spend what they have left as they see fit when the bills have been covered. This process of splitting what’s mine from what’s yours can often build resentment. It also divides the spending power, which eliminates the financial value of marriage.

#2: COLLECTING DEBTS

From student loans to credit card bills, many people come to the altar with financial baggage. If one partner has a habit of incurring debt, the other can feel the burden. People in such situations may take some solace in knowing that debts brought into a marriage stay with the person who incurred them.

#3: PLAYING WITH POWER

Power plays occur in many ways such as controlling the allowance of the unemployed spouse and comparing oneself from a spouse who came from money. It is important that both partners cooperate as a team. Joint account offers greater access and transparency, which can aid the unbalanced power dynamic in your marriage.

#4: SPENDING HABITS

Personality can play a crucial role in discussions and habits about money. The age-old conflict between spenders and savers can play out in many ways. Many of us may display more than one of these characteristics at a given time but will typically revert to one main category. Know your spouse’s money personality and discuss your differences openly. Recognize bad spending habits and address them.

#5: LOANING YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS

Do you have a habit of loaning money to your friends and family members? Respecting each other’s goals, needs, and expectations can be especially tricky. For instance, your partner’s mom may need money because of a serious illness, or your sister just gave birth. You need to allocate your travel fund to the medical expenses instead.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The joys (and sorrows) of having a bigger family often extend to your wallet.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Top Career Tips I Learned from Emily in Paris

After landing her dream job in Paris, American marketing executive Emily Cooper embraces her unpredictable new life while juggling work and romance. Its third season premiered last December 22, 2022, with Lily Collins as its Netflix Series lead.

Emily goes through many workplace challenges and is confronted with cultural differences as she navigates in the French work environment. Although some of her choices are questionable, here are some of the top career lessons I learned from Emily in
Paris.

#1: SPEAK UP

If you need to share your ideas, speak up! Do not wait for the opportunity to knock. When Emily did not agree with the sexist De L’Heure campaign, she took the initiative to share her thoughts to Mr. Antoine Lambert. People appreciate employees who are proactive and professional. Proactive employees think ahead and get ahead!

#2: THINK DIFFERENTLY

Being a person who thinks outside of the box is important in any line of work. For Emily, she impresses the head of a leading cosmetic brand with her unique Instagram posts. Applying creativity in your projects allows you to grow and to lead with futuristic lenses.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#3: NEVER GIVE UP

Emily’s perseverance and tenacity is an inspiration. She faces many situations and keeps pushing for what she wants. Her positive attitude wins her clients in the end. Although you cannot be positive in every situation, it helps to reframe your perspective to win over your clients. Connect with your potential clients and have them sign on board by not quitting the game.

Image Credits: facebook.com/Emilyinparistv

#4: ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING

Emily once booked for the wrong date and immediately thought of a solution to fix the situation. She said: “the good news and the better news – we are booked in with an up-and-coming chef tonight and we are all coming back here for the Zimmer launch together next year!” She handled the situation well.

Attitude can affect the way you overcome the toughest situations. In a world where things seem impossible, Emily makes it possible!

#5: TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK

Emily constantly reminds her boss Sylvie that they need to work well together to succeed. In one episode, Sylvie even corrects Emily and tells her that the French word for team is équipe, which does not have an “I” in it. However, Emily proves to Sylvie just how important it is to work as a team. Use the strengths of your co-workers as leverage to succeed together.

Image Credits: facebook.com/Emilyinparistv

#6: HAVE A GROWTH MINDSET

Emily embraces every opportunity thrown at her. She jumped on a chance to work in Paris, for starters! She actively seeks out increased responsibility and continues to say yes to challenging opportunities. You can incorporate the growth mindset into your own careers too. Let me end with a quote that champions the growth mindset.

“Individuals who believe their talents can be developed (through hard work, good strategies, and input from others) have a growth mindset. They tend to achieve more than those with a more fixed mindset (those who believe their talents are innate gifts).”

– Mindset Author Carol Dweck

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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