6 Tips to Attract Luck during Ghost Month

What is Ghost Month?

Ghost Month is the seventh month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Because the Lunar New Year falls on a different day each year, the start of Ghost Month also varies. For 2022, Ghost Month started last July 29 and will end on August 26.

The Ghost Month, according to Chinese tradition, is the period when souls are given a “one-month pass” to roam among the living. This festival also pays respect to the homeless spirits, or those without families. China, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and Cambodia are just some of the countries that observe Ghost Month.

Many people take precautions during Ghost Month to avoid running out of luck. After all, there is no harm in being extra careful. On that note, here are 6 Tips to Attract Luck during Ghost Month.

#1: POSTPONE YOUR MAJOR PURCHASES

Ghost Month typically brings uncertainty. Use this time to plan your purchases, especially on major items that you do not urgently need. If you are thinking of purchasing a new camera or gadget, postpone your purchase to the following month when you are more certain about your funds. Plan your budget and allocation ahead of time.

#2: STAY AWAY FROM UNNECESSARY DEBT

Apart from impulsively spending significant amounts of money, borrowing money during Ghost Month may not be the best idea. If you are planning to use the money on unnecessary purposes, you have to slow down. Prioritize your needs and pause any huge spending until things start picking up.

#3: EVALUATE YOUR BUSINESS PLAN

Starting a business during Ghost Month is often ill-advised as many investors take a break during this time, which can influence the economy. Use this period as an opportunity to recalibrate your business plan. Ensure that you have everything ready before you finally launch your business.

#4: DO BURN PAPER MONEY, INCENSE, AND CANDLES

The candles and incense will help light the spirits’ way. While paper money will give them wealth in the afterlife. If you have budget to spare, you can treat them to other creature comforts like paper car.

#5: LIGHT UP YOUR HOME

It is said that spirits tend to lie in wait in dark and rarely used corners of a home. Bring positive energy to the space by adding lights. Put lights in hallways and corners. If the space does not have a lighting fixture installed, here is your chance to put a decorative floor or desk lamp. You can opt for energy-efficient LED bulbs. Apart from being earth-friendly, this option is also economical.

#6: WEAR BRIGHT COLORS

Hungry Ghosts are attracted to muted or dark colors such as black, gray, and dark blue. Bright colors may keep them at bay. Pick cheerful colors for your sheets, curtains, pillowcases, and more. Shades of yellow, orange, pink, green, red, and pastel encourage positive energy and uplift the mood.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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6 Money-Saving Tips for Singaporean Teens

 

Let us face it! Saving money as a teenager is challenging, especially when you have friends who are constantly buying new clothes or are going on yearly overseas trips. However, it is possible. Here are 6 tips on how teens can save money despite the temptations and less income.

#1: OPEN A SAVINGS ACCOUNT

Opening a savings account with the help of your parents or guardians is a good idea as it will train you to manage your money. It is a surefire way to boost your educational savings and to cover your other expenses. There are multiple junior accounts available in Singapore such as the CIMB Junior Saver Account, OCBC Mighty Savers Kids Account, and UOB Junior Savers Account. These banks offer about 0.05% to 1% interest p.a. and minimal initial deposits.

#2: SEPARATE YOUR NEEDS FROM WANTS

Organize your finances by separating the money for spending and the money for savings. Although you have stashed the money away in your savings account, it might be tempting to touch it when your cash runs out. Stop! Refrain from doing this.

Your savings are for emergencies and essentials, not for straightforward purchases like food and clothes. The smart thing to do is to have a direct deposit account which you can access on demand.

#3: CREATE A REALISTIC BUDGET

Keep track of where your money is going by creating a budget. You can either write everything down or have software that stores all the data. Be diligent when it comes to encoding what you spend in a week or in a month. Most of us tend to spend more cash on the weekends, so you can start encoding during this time.

Once you have an idea of where your money is going, you can set limits and targets next.

#4: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE STUDENT DISCOUNTS

Your student ID is more than just a card that enables you to go to school. It is your means of getting discounts such as cheaper public transport or cheaper books. Many businesses and services offer student discounts throughout the year. Do your research to get more information.

#5: ASK YOUR PARENTS FOR HELP

There is no shame in asking your parents for help while you are starting to build your wealth. You can ask your parents to match your monthly savings by contributing to your account. If you put aside S$25 a week for a month, you can ask your parents to contribute S$100 at the month’s end. Do household chores in return for this favor.

Do not be afraid to ask! Once you have shown your parents that you are serious about saving money, they will reach out and offer their support.

#6: CONSIDER GETTING A PART-TIME JOB

For many young Singaporeans, having a part-time job is a rite of passage. Students can be able to find part-time jobs in the administration, hospitality, or retail fields. Investigate to see who is hiring in the area.

If these are outside of your interests, you can use your passion to create your own online shop. Use your extra income to grow your savings even more.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Hidden Costs of Using Credit Cards in Singapore

You may not be able to pay for items in full cash, but you can certainly swipe your card! Credit cards offer convenience to afford larger purchases anytime. It can also help you establish a good credit history.

However, it is important to understand the actual cost of credit cards when fees and interest are factored in. The actual cost of using a credit card can add up!

#1: THE COST OF PAYING MINIMUM DUE ONLY

There are consequences to only paying the minimum fee. Firstly, it will take longer to eliminate your balance. Secondly, your interest continues to accrue steadily in what you owe. Your minimum payment may not be enough to cover the interest charges for the month.

#2: THE LATE PAYMENT FEES

If the payment is passing your due date, the late payment charges vary by bank. This charge is usually between S$60 to S$80. A late payment may cause you to forfeit some of your credit card rewards or cause your interest rate to spike significantly higher than your regular purchase.

#3: THE COST OF CASH ADVANCE

Did you know that you can use your credit card to withdraw cash through a cash advance? Cash advance on credit cards can be awfully expensive, with interest rates going as high as 30%. You can be charged about 6% of the amount withdrawn per transaction or a minimum of S$15.

Apart from that, you will also receive an interest rate charge of around 28% per annum, subject to compounding if the charges are not repaid in full on the amount withdrawn.

#4: THE COST OF OVERSEAS TRANSACTIONS

These days, more and more people are shopping online using their credit cards. When shopping from an overseas website, it is important to know that there are fees. Two types of fees that can be charged are foreign transaction fee and dynamic currency conversion fee.

#5: THE ANNUAL COSTS

While some annual fees can be waived, others cannot. The next time you receive your credit card statement with the annual fees charged, try calling your bank to ask for a waiver. Doing this may save you more than a hundred dollars!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

 

 

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Jackson Wang & TEAM WANG Arrive in Singapore

K-Pop sensation Jackson Wang has arrived in Singapore to an enthusiastic crowd of screaming fans. The star arrived in Changi Airport last August 2. He waved, gave out high-fives, and accepted a letter from a fan as he walked out of the Changi Airport Terminal 3 arrival gate.

Wang is a Hong Kong-born singer/songwriter, rapper, and record producer who gained global recognition after debuting with the South Korean boy band Got7 by JYP Entertainment. He is here in the Lion City until August 10 to help promote the SingapoReimagine campaign by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

To top off the celebration, he will host a party in Marquee nightclub at Marina Bay Sands with his record label Team Wang on August 6. This sold-out event is entitled Team Wang Records (Human Remix), which will feature pop and hip hop music.

Other acts that will delight its guests include Marquee’s DJ Fvder, beatboxer Dharni as well as other artists such as Laurie, Xenzu, and Boytoy. This will be the first event hosted by an international artist at Marquee since its opening in 2019.

Image Credits: instagram.com/marqueesingapore/

If you miss out on this event, do not fret! You can catch him in a series of lifestyle vlogs featuring wellness, food, music, as well as arts and culture spots in Singapore. Furthermore, he will open a concept space for his streetwear label – Team Wang Design.

The concept store is open in voco Orchard hotel. The voco Orchard Singapore is under the IHG Hotel umbrella and is located at 581 Orchard Road.

TEAM WANG DESIGN

Whether you admire Jackson Wang or not, you can still get a piece of his art through his TEAM WANG Design “MUDANCE” Concept Space. Located at the new upscale hotel voco Orchard Singapore, this free-entry concept space is a treat to the eyes. The theme here is tropical paradise where decorations are decked in floral prints, pink decor, and luscious plants.

This concept space is filled with Team Wang’s newest summer collection. Expect a selection of beachwear in floral prints and clothing pieces in the hues of pink and white.

Running until August 31, this concept space has items for both men and women. You will see some floral shirts, pink tops, jackets, and more. Couples who love to wear matching outfits can surely achieve a flawless #OOTD!

If you are curious to know which pieces are Wang’s favorites, you better take this down. Jackson has revealed that the floral print bikini and pink gradient tank top are his favorites.

Sources: 1 & 2

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How to Maintain a Great Relationship with Money

Establishing a healthy relationship with money takes effort, but it pays off. You must manage the highs and lows, and everything in between.

#1: PUT IN EFFORT FOR IT TO FLOURISH

Much like any other relationship, you have to put in effort to your finances for it to grow. A positive mindset and the right attitude towards money can help strengthen your relationship. Plant the seeds of appreciation and contentment for what you already have. Perhaps, you are grateful for your recent promotion, or you are thankful for having additional online vouchers. Working towards a positive mindset can go a long way!

#2: SCHEDULE REGULAR CHECK-INS

According to clinical psychologist Joe Lowrance, “financial wellness is a component of overall wellness”. Regular financial check-ins are necessary for you to know which areas you need to improve on. Then, you must create an action plan to reduce your unnecessary expenses.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: PAY ATTENTION TO SMALL THINGS

If you indulge in artisan coffee on a Saturday afternoon, take the time to relish the moment. You could also purchase a small gift for attaining your saving goals or celebrate a small win at work. Acknowledging the little thigs can keep you motivated and improve your relationship with money.

#4: RESPECT EACH OTHER

Respecting your money means taking care of it properly by practicing accountability. Your money is influenced by how you treat it. Give it the respect it deserves, and it will reciprocate in the same way.

#5: PLAN SOMETHING SPECIAL

Money is a tool used to meet your needs and to achieve your financial goals. If your money does not give you pleasure and is only tied down to sacrifices, then you are likely to feel overwhelmed. To relish the rewards of your income, you must plan for it. Use your extra savings to plan something special for yourself. You can also bring along a friend or your loved one.

#6: ADMIT WHEN YOU ARE WRONG

Some people cannot admit when they have made a financial mistake or deny their poor relationship with money. Be honest with yourself. What is your current financial circumstance? Being honest about your financial situation is necessary for you to learn from your mistakes and to attain financial stability. Try to ditch the excuses and look at your relationship with money through clear lenses.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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