Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Do You Need to Tip in Singapore?

Tipping is the “act of giving an amount of money to someone who has provided a service, especially in a hotel or restaurant”. It is customary to leave gratuity throughout America. In Asia, the tipping etiquette varies across countries and establishments.

Tipping, in general, is not expected in Singapore. However, there may be times when you want to reward the waiter or staff for providing an excellent service. On that note, here are some scenarios where tipping can be considered.

RESTAURANTS AND FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS

Gratuity is usually not expected at cafes, bars, and small-scale eateries. No one is going to run after you if you do not leave a tip! However, most restaurants and hotels in Singapore add 10% service charge to the total bill. If you insist on tipping your waiter for their pleasant service, it is best to hand the cash directly to the person or to leave the cash on the table.

TAXI DRIVERS

Taxis in Singapore are well-regulated. Thus, it is not necessary to leave your cab driver a tip. Nonetheless, it can be done to round up the fare.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

AIRPORT PERSONNEL

At Changi International Airport, services range from baby care rooms to convenience stores. Despite receiving excellent service, you cannot hand over tips to shop clerks or baggage handlers. Airport personnel are not allowed to receive gratuity in Singapore.

TOUR GUIDES

Being a tour guide is a thankless job. Tour guides are tasked to entertain a group of people from day to night. Depending on your experience and the length of the tour, handing a tip to your tour guide at the end of the tour can be done. Tip around five to fifteen percent of what you paid for.

HOTEL STAFF

Tipping the bellhops is not compulsory, but highly appreciated. Leaving a tip for cleaners and other hotel staff is entirely up to you. You may leave a note and an envelope in your room to extend your gratitude to them.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

AS A TOURIST, WHAT IS A REASONABLE TIP?

Tipping in Singapore is not customary, but it is highly appreciated. You can give tips after receiving good service. Opinions can vary about the most reasonable amount to tip. A good measure is leaving about five to fifteen percent of the total bill behind.

You will have to judge whether you want to give a tip that is lower than 5%. Consider your travel budget, the country’s tipping customs, and your personal preferences.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Should You Get a Wedding Planner in Singapore?

Wedding planners or coordinators are consultants that work very closely with you to create your dream wedding.

Hiring a wedding planner in Singapore is not as expensive as you think. You see, you can opt for their on-the-day expertise and use them as support for a few hours. Although you are paying for a few hours, the wedding planners offer a variety of services. These services include creating your seating plan for your guests, hosting your ceremony, contacting your vendors, and more.

For couples who reside in Singapore or couples who plan to have a destination wedding here, getting a wedding planner on board the journey may help you overcome the wedding blues!

3 Things to Consider Before Getting a Wedding Planner

Discuss these things with your partner. You will be able to move forward with your wedding planning once you figure out your budget, priorities, and time allowance.

1. BUDGET

Apart from deciding the overall budget for the wedding, you must decide how much you are willing to set aside for professional help. The price range for a planner depends on the scope of service you require. Your budget will determine the scope of help you can get.

2. PRIORITIES

What are your prenuptial and wedding priorities? Do you want to experience a stress-free wedding planning, or do you want to ensure that your wedding is Instagram-worthy? Logistics may be important for you and your partner too. So, identify what is most important to you.

3. TIME

How much time do you have left before getting married? Are you willing to set aside your commitments to focus on wedding planning? This would include sourcing for vendors, creating the guest lists, establishing a ceremony theme, shopping for essentials, and communicating with the guests.

3 Benefits of Having a Wedding Planner

Wedding planning can make you experience a roller-coaster of emotions. A wedding planner can help you create your dream wedding celebration and bring you other benefits.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

1. RELIEVING STRESS

Leaving the most stressful tasks to the hands of a trustworthy wedding planner will allow the bride and groom to fully immerse themselves in the bliss of the moment. You do not have to think of the trivial details alone. A competent wedding planner will ensure that every detail is executed according to the plan. Moreover, the planner can play an important part in creating your dream wedding celebration.

2. INCREASING YOUR NETWORK

When looking for professionals to provide hair, makeup, floral, or catering services, there are many individuals with competent skills and elaborate marketing strategies. How should you begin your search? A good wedding planner would have the best network of suppliers that would suit your requirements. For couples who have a tight budget, wedding planners can help you avoid getting ripped off by vendors.

3. EXPANDING YOUR LOCAL GRASP

Having a Singaporean wedding planner will allow you to reap the benefits of their local expertise. There are many beautiful indoor and outdoor locations for holding a wedding ceremony, and Singaporean wedding planners would know the good places to do so.

3 Singapore Wedding Planners

Here is a list of skilled wedding planners in Singapore.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

1. CHÈRE WEDDINGS & EVENTS

Chère has left a mark on over 100 happy clients that have trusted their planning to a team of experts. Whether you are planning a gala dinner with thousands of guests or an intimate wedding reception, you can seek their help.

Website: www.chere.com.sg/

2. SPELLBOUND

Spellbound has over 18 years of experience. With its years of experience in event management and planning, you can expect that Spellbound has the right set of networks to help you plan for your wedding. You can even ask their team to help you plan for a destination wedding.

Website: www.spellbound.com.sg/

3. TE PLANNER

Te Planner provides an abundance of different packages, allowing the clients to select the best option for them. Couples can choose from an all-inclusive wedding package or a venue décor package. Te Planner will help you to design your wedding, exactly how you envisioned it.

Website: teplanner.com.sg/

Sources: 1 & 2

How to Save Money on Healthcare in Singapore

When it comes to healthcare costs, we are wired to believe that things cost the way they do. If you have an insurance provider, chances are, you are paying a premium on a regular basis. If you are uninsured, you might be avoiding visits to the nearby clinic or hospital.

You can still save money on healthcare! To get the most value for your dollar, follow these money-saving tips.

#1: PRACTICE PREVENTIVE CARE

Do not get sick! One of the best things you can do to limit your healthcare costs is to establish a healthy routine that incorporates good nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management. Choose a wellness routine that works for you. When you nourish your body and spirit, you can have a meaningful impact on your future health and prevent healthcare costs.

#2: SELECT A SUITABLE HEALTH INSURANCE

Health insurance aids you in paying for your medical expenses when you get sick, get injured, or become disabled. Although all Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are covered by Medishield Life, you may face some restrictions to your uses and claims. Payouts correspond to the prices for the Class B2 and C wards in public hospitals. So, you must be prepared to pay a large amount of money if you want to stay in a Class B1 or A ward. You can combat this by enhancing your health insurance coverage with an Integrated Shield plan.

#3: OPT FOR GENERIC MEDICATIONS

Brand-name medications are more expensive than generic brands. From a medical standpoint, previous literature has shown that generic medications seem to perform in the same manner as brand-name medications. Instead of poking a hole in your pocket, you can opt for generics to reap its benefits.

For instance, you can pay S$11.50 for 100 tablets of Paracetamol (500 mg) instead of paying S$10.50 for 20 tablets of Panadol.

#4: DROP BY YOUR LOCAL PHARMACY

For mild conditions, you can visit your local pharmacy to ask for advice. According to Unity’s website, their pharmacists can assist you with advice on minor ailments, medication concerns, travel medication, and so on.

For instance, you can consult their pharmacists if you have questions on your medications for your constipation. If you are experiencing mild ailments such as constipation, you can skip the clinic queues and go straight to the pharmacy. However, you must see a doctor if you are certainly unwell.

#5: SCREEN FOR LESS

Screen for Life is a national screening program that encourages Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents to go for regular health screening. Singaporean citizens only need to pay S$0 to S$5 per screening visit*. While Permanent Residents can check with their CHAS GP clinic on the screening test rates offered under the said program. The doctor consultation will be charged accordingly by the respective CHAS GP clinics.

Note: *Rates apply only at Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) General Practitioner (GP) clinics

#6: GO TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD POLYCLINIC FOR AFFORDABLE DENTAL CARE

If you are looking for a dental option for regular check-up and oral maintenance, search no further than the neighborhood polyclinic. Neighborhood polyclinics offer subsidized dental treatment and care. Both SingHealth and National Healthcare Group polyclinics have dental services, and it is easy to make an appointment online.

Alternatively, you may utilize the company dental and health screening benefits. Check with your employee handbook or ask your Human Resources department to know which medical benefits you are eligible for.

#7: FREE VACCINATIONS AT POLYCLINICS FOR INFANTS

The National Childhood Immunization Program offers immunization against certain diseases, which are fully-subsidized. Full subsidies* for vaccinations under this program are available for Singaporean children at CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Note: *This is applicable for certain vaccine brands. Refer to go.gov.sg/vaccine-list for the list of the latest subsidized vaccine brands.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Advantages and Disadvantages of Having a Joint Bank Account

Financial matters are one of the top-cited reasons why conflicts in marriage occur. Although some couples do not like talking about money, it is still a key area to discuss with transparency and respect. Every relationship is different and there is no single right solution to tackle the finances of a couple. Having a joint bank account may be God sent for one couple, and a disastrous ordeal for another couple. Choose a solution that works best for you and your partner.

ADVANTAGES

#1: EFFICIENCY OF HOUSEHOLD MONEY MANAGEMENT

It is easier to write one cheque under a shared account when you are sharing your rent, utilities, and other household expenses. Other household expenses include your insurance costs or auto loan payments. With a joint bank account, you can streamline a lot of financial processes to manage your household. You and your partner can make equal contributions or contribute proportionally to your income.

#2: APPLICATION OF RIGHT OF SURVIVORSHIP

If an unforeseen event occurs and your partner passes away, you do not have to go through the tedious legal process of accessing your partner’s money. The right of survivorship can be applicable in this situation.

For instance, DBS can release all remaining account balance to the surviving joint account holder. The entire process can take anywhere from a few months to a year depending on the size of the estate and on whether your partner has a will.

#3: INCREASED TRANSPARENCY

Having a joint bank account diminishes secrecy. You will be able to see where your dollars are going, especially with online banking. You and your partner will see which categories you spend most of your money on. Thus, you will be able to pay taxes, balance check books, and plan your finances together.

#4: MAXIMIZE YOUR SAVINGS

Apart from getting closer to each other as you agree on your shared expenses and income, sharing a joint bank account can be financially beneficial for you. You can maximize your savings for better returns by sharing a joint bank account. Most high-interest savings accounts require salary crediting as one of the requirements. Contact your preferred financial institution to learn more.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

DISADVANTAGES

#1: DIFFERENCES IN FINANCIAL HABITS

Sometimes, you will not be able to control how your partner spends your money. If your partner has different spending patterns and decides to spend your money frivolously, you will both feel its consequences. It can be hard to explain why you spent S$200 on a shopping spree and skipped on a gift for your sister-in-law.

#2: CARRYING FINANCIAL DEBT

People come from diverse backgrounds. You bring different things into a relationship such as credit history, debts, liabilities, and other obligations. Marriage does not affect your individual credit score or credit history. However, opening a shared account could impact the credit scores of all its account holders.

#3: RISK OF RELATIONSHIP TERMINATION

What happens to your shared account once you break up? We cannot deny the possibility of relationship termination and failure. In fact, the rates of divorce in Singapore increased over the years. For instance, 16 percent split up before their 10th wedding anniversary among those who wed in 2006. This is nearly double the percentage of those who split up in 1987 (i.e., 8.7%).

#4: LACK OF PRIVACY

Now that your accounts are merged into one, you need to be open to your partner about your individual debts and spending habits. It takes time to be comfortable with a portion of your income going toward your partner’s debt and prior commitments. You need to strike a balance between privacy and transparency. Otherwise, one’s independence may be compromised.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Optimize Manpower by Improving Your Organizational Learning & Development

Dave Ulrich once said: “The most important thing Human Resources can give an employer is a company that wins in the marketplace.” Learning and Development strategies can help with that!

Learning and Development is a systematic process used to enhance an employee’s skills, knowledge, and competency. This process can result in better performance in the workplace. Here are some of the terms that you need to be familiar with.

a. LEARNING: acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes
b. DEVELOPMENT: deepening of knowledge in line with one’s goals
c. EDUCATION: formal manner of broadening one’s knowledge
d. TRAINING: teaching immediately applicable knowledge, skills, and attitudes for a specific position

4 PHASES OF LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES

These four phrases are according to the pedagogical analysis by van Gelder and colleagues (1970).

1. Training Needs Analysis
2. Specifying the Learning Objectives
3. Designing of Training Content and Method
4. Monitoring and Evaluation

PHASE 1

Analysis of the current situation and prior knowledge to identify training needs is the first step. You don’t want the employees to learn for the sake of learning! That is a waste of money and resources. Instead, you want them to acquire new knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are relevant for their future functions.

PHASE 2

Learning objectives serve as the starting point for the design of the training’s content and method. It will serve as your guide as you assess your training goals.

Start by identifying specific objectives. Then, outline the conditions required for efficient behavior. Lastly, set specific and measurable training goals.

PHASE 3

The third phase includes the identification of learning methods, teaching materials, and learning activities. It is often done by an external trainer or a training provider. Aside from these, techniques and settings are determined.

It is important to know that training can either be trainer-centered or trainee-centered. Trainer-centered methods include seminars, presentations, lectures, keynotes, and lessons. In contrast, trainee-centered methods are more interactive. This includes case studies, role-playing, self-directed lessons, on-the-job training, simulation, games, and so on. Effective training includes a healthy a mix of methods.

PHASE 4

The last phase pertains to the evaluation of the learning objectives and learning effectiveness. A particularly useful model for evaluating learning effectiveness is Bloom’s taxonomy, which we will tap later.

BLOOM’S TAXONOMY

This model is used to evaluate learning effectiveness. It captures several levels of information processing. The assumption here is that to analyze information, an individual needs to be able to remember it, understand it, and apply it.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Remember that an effective training should result to a change in behavior! It is important for supervisors and HR personnel to religiously evaluate not just the training execution, but also the employee’s performance. The profits and other pleasant effects on your business will follow.

Source: 1

Search the site