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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4 Types of Wearable Technology & Where to Buy Them

From the widespread trend of smartwatches to the innovative smart rings, we are amid a wearable technology revolution. Watches, rings, fitness bands, and head-mounted displays can track your distance, send messages, control your camera, answer calls, and immerse you in the virtual world.

In this article, you will get a bird’s-eye view of the top wearable technology trends in 2022.

#1: SMARTWATCHES

It is hard to miss an advertisement tailored to highlight the capabilities of smartwatches. These are one of the most used wearable devices today. Connecting your smartphone to a mobile app enables you to read messages from the watch, to monitor your sleeping patterns, to control your camera switch, and so on. Smartwatch designers are finding new ways to innovate such as adding an electrocardiogram heart reading in Apple’s Apple Watch and a blood oxygen monitor in Realme’s Realme Watch 2.

Online prices start at S$599 for Apple Watch Series 7 and S$85 for Realme Watch 2.

#2: FITNESS TRACKERS

Fitness trackers are the modern successors to pedometers. These trackers enable you to monitor steps taken, heart rate, calories burned, and other fitness metrics. The difference between fitness trackers and smartwatches has become small as fitness-oriented devices have included features such as phone notification alerts and weather forecasts. Nonetheless, fitness trackers tend to be cheaper than smartwatches.

Online prices for FitBit devices start at S$138.

#3: HEAD-MOUNTED DISPLAYS

As the name suggests, head-mounted displays (HMDs) go on the head and provide a display in the user’s field of view. It is bulkier than all the devices listed here. HMDs provide a one-of-a-kind experience for its users as they provide information superimposed over reality via augmented reality (AR), or completely immerse its user in a virtual reality (VR) setting. VR examples include Oculus Quest 2.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Online prices for Oculus Quest 2 start at S$551.

#4: SMART JEWELRY

Smart jewelry includes an array of unique accessories such as smart bracelets and smart rings. Smart rings are worn on the finger like a normal ring. However, smart rings obtain health-tracking data that you can review on your smartphone.

For instance, the NFC OPN rings control apps, unlocks doors, and transfers data to your smartphone. It seems like a prop from a science fiction movie! It is available for S$24 or £12.99 with shipping options from United Kingdom.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Benefits of Being Your Own Boss

Hearing complaints of having to be someone else’s servant or helping someone else become richer are just some of the common laments of Singaporean employees.

Many have aspired to transition from an employee to an employer. In a 2016 report, 3 in 4 Singaporean millennials wanted to become their own boss. Becoming your own boss comes with risks and hard work, but the potential for rewards is huge.

Running your own business offers many benefits such as these:

#1: YOU GAIN ABILITY TO FOLLOW YOUR PASSIONS

Following their passions acts as a catalyst for many budding entrepreneurs. For example, my friend left his advertising job to pursue his love for serving gourmet burgers.

Reaching for your dreams may fulfil you in a manner that working for someone else may not. As an entrepreneur, you oversee creating the business from scratch. Furthermore, this business can be passed down to your children.

#2: YOU CONTROL YOUR OWN SCHEDULE

Across the globe, employees have spent the last few years in isolation. Employees and employers observed the advantages and disadvantages of working from home. It is an eye-opening experience to feel how flexible working from home can be.

As an entrepreneur, you schedule your own hours. Your schedule is not dictated by your supervisor or other people. You still must get work done, but nobody is looking over your shoulder to ensure that you complete the daily tasks.

#3: YOU GET FREEDOM TO START FROM SCRATCH

This is your own business, and you make the rules. Use your creative juices to set the standards and procedures for your organization. Perhaps, you want to offer a product or a service that fits your vision.

Whether you want to leverage modern technology or provide your employees with wellness breaks, you have the freedom to decide.

#4: YOU WILL BECOME AN EXPERT IN DIFFERENT THINGS

Entrepreneurs often wear different hats. At first, you will need to pick up a lot of new skills such as human resource management and social media marketing. Soon, you will become an expert in your own field.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

As your business grows, you will continue to learn new knowledge and skills. Who knows? You may even start another business!

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Ways to Stretch Your Financial Literacy

Financial literacy is a life skill. Similar to other life skills, financial literacy takes time to learn. Starting your journey can be intimidating and daunting for some Singaporeans.

As personal finance is not typically taught in schools, you need to take conscious decisions to improve your own skills. Whether you are an expert or a novice at financial literacy, keeping your knowledge base growing matters!

#1: READ MORE FINANCIAL BOOKS

Retail CEO Sandra Campos believes that financial literacy is a skill that you should never stop acquiring. She encourages people to read trusted publications to stay informed about understanding how to manage your finances better. If you opt to listen to financial podcasts, you may do so.

Financial podcasts can be a wonderful way to absorb financial news while you are fulfilling your other tasks. You can listen to these podcasts as you run errands, travel to work, complete your housework, walk your dog, or exercise in the park.

#2: TEACH YOUR CHILDREN THROUGH PLAY

Learning about money does not have to be a two-hour long lecture. One of the most effective ways to connect with your children is to introduce play-based learning. It provides them with a friendly environment to test new skills and gain confidence with challenging topics. Make learning fun by playing financial literacy games with your kids!

Ignite a family competition by playing money board games or trying out activities that are suitable for your child’s age. You will not only help your child start a healthy relationship with financial education, but also improve your quality time.

#3: EMBODY THE FRUGAL MINDSET

Embrace the frugal mindset to improve your budget. Take your monthly expenses under a microscope and inspect if there are unnecessary costs that you can eliminate. For instance, you may purchase second-hand children’s clothes instead of new ones. Eliminating unnecessary costs can move you closer to your financial goals.

Despite being frugal, there are some expenses that you cannot skip! Prioritize groceries, household supplies, and other non-negotiables. For these expenses, make sure that you are getting the best price.

#4: FOLLOW YOUR WELL-DEVELOPED BUDGET

A well-developed budget can operate itself if you stick to it.

It can help you identify where your money is going. So, start tracking your spending using a simple spreadsheet or mobile budgeting apps. Saving an accumulation of lesser amounts can go a long way.

#5: SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

If you need additional assistance from a financial professional, you can research credible local organizations. A financial professional can answer your money questions ranging from day-to-day money issues to more complex long-term situations.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

This professional will begin by assessing your current situation to help you plan for all your financial needs to move forward. Remember that your financial is a lot like your physical health. You need regular exercise and check-ups to sharpen your financial muscles!

BONUS TIP: EDUCATE YOURSELF THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Expand your financial literacy by educating yourself through virtual methods. You can soak up financial news through podcasts and newsletters or follow your favorite social media channels. There is a wealth of financial podcasts available on Apple and Spotify including The Ramsey Show, Yield Hunters, BT Money Hacks, and Money for the Rest of Us.

What’s more? You can follow Money Digest on Facebook to consume free financial news and latest deals in Singapore.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Attention Movie Lovers, Films At The Fort is Back After a 3-Year Hiatus

Queues for the latest blockbusters are often seen at Cathay Cineplexes, Shaw Theatres, and Golden Village. Change the scenery and enjoy the cool breeze as you take your date on a romantic outdoor cinema experience at Fort Canning.

Its three-year hiatus may be due to the pandemic, but the long wait is over. The eighth edition of Films At The Fort will be airing eleven films daily from 10 to 21 August 2022. It will take place at Fort Canning’s restored amphitheatre and will be presented by Casillero del Diablo. All movies will begin at 7:45pm and the gates will be opening at 5pm. As a friendly reminder, you can enter the gates early to secure good seats. You can look forward to live performances by DJs and instrumentalists as you wait for the films to start.

TICKETS AND OTHER DETAILS

Tickets are currently sold for S$36.80 per person (exclusive of GST). Apart from tickets, you can enjoy quick bites from The Providore to enjoy deli platters, burgers, popcorns, mains, beverages, and ice cream. What’s more? There is also a fully stocked bar that sells wine, sparkling wine, beer, and cider.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Event-exclusive menu includes Grass-Fed Beef Burger (S$24.50), piping-hot Hand-Stretched Pizza (S$22.50), Charcuterie Platters (S$23.50), and Cheese Croquetas (S$14.50). You can share these delicious snacks with your friends and loved ones as you enjoy the show.

SCHEDULE OF MOVIES

To give you a preview of what is to come, here are all the movies that will be showing at the Films At The Fort event:

Aug. 10 – Official Competition
Aug. 11 – The Survivor
Aug. 12 – Licorice Pizza
Aug. 13 – The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Aug. 14 – Everything Everywhere All at Once
Aug. 16 – Petite Maman
Aug. 17 – Operation Mincemeat
Aug. 18 – A Hero
Aug. 19 – Another Round
Aug. 20 – Forrest Gump
Aug. 21 – Ali & Ava

As an added bonus, you can purchase reusable inflatable cushions during checkout at S$14 or S$16 when you purchase it on the event day. Alternatively, you can bring along your favorite picnic mat and save some bucks.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Address: Fort Canning Green, River Valley Road, Singapore 179037
Website: filmsatthefort.com.sg

Sources: 1 & 2

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