Health Benefits of Chocolates

Here at Money Digest, we shared a variety of deals on chocolate. Its goodness does not stop there!

Did you know that the history of chocolate dates back to 2000BC? At the time, Mayans were the first to discover cacao fruit. They made chocolate out of it and drank it as a bitter fermented beverage mixed with spices of wine. It was readily available to all Mayan households.

To this day, chocolate is enjoyed as a dessert and a beverage all over the world.

#1: PROTECTS YOU FROM SUN DAMAGE

Dark chocolate has many health benefits. The bioactive compounds found in dark chocolate may be great for your skin. You see, flavonols can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow, and increase skin density and hydration.

#2: GOOD SOURCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS

Dark chocolate has a high ORAC (Oxygen radical absorbance capacity) score. It reflects the measurement of the antioxidant activity in food. Dark chocolate is loaded with compounds such as polyphenols, flavanols, and catechins. All these are great antioxidants, which are crucial in assisting proper brain functioning.

#3: MINIMIZES HEART DISEASE RISK

According to research, compounds in dark chocolate appear to be highly protective against the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In the long run, it can help reduce cholesterol clogging arteries in the body.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Cocoa was found to minimize the risk of death from heart disease by 50% over 15 years, according to a study of 470 elderly men. Another study showed that eating chocolate two or more times per week lowered the risk of having calcified plaque in the arteries by 32%.

#4: BOOSTS MOOD

If you are looking for a mood booster, search no further than chocolates. Thanks to their flavanol, chocolates are known to help improve mood. Cocoa has been linked to feelings of calmness and contentment. Moreover, dark chocolate contains compounds that stimulate the feel-good chemical endorphins.

#5: ELEVATES YOUR ENERGY

Apart from being mood boosters, chocolates can elevate your energy to help you fulfill your daily tasks. As an energy-rich food, it contains about 550 calories per 100 grams. Be sure to carry a bar of chocolates when you do physical activity!

Sources:1 & 2

Read More...

How to Create Investment Goals

When it comes to investing, goal-setting is a vital step toward achieving financial success. Achievable goals can help you narrow your focus, stay motivated, and create a plan. In this article, you will learn the importance of goals and the steps to take.

#1: DETERMINE YOUR GOALS

Start by determining exactly what you want to achieve. Common investing goals include saving up for child’s education, retirement, and a house. Good investment goals need to be SMART. SMART stands for the following:

Specific: Setting a specific financial goal requires laying out the purpose for why you want to save.

Measurable: Financial goals need to be easily measured to help you assess your progress.

Achievable: Setting goals that are not achievable can diminish your motivation and steer you away from your path.

Relevant: A good investment goal should align with your values and beliefs.

Time-Bound: Calculate how much you need to save monthly or weekly to achieve your investment goal by providing a sense of urgency.

#2: SELECT YOUR INVESTMENT STRATEGY

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), there are different types of goals such as short-term, mid-term, and long-term. Short-term goals can be achieved in less than three years and may be suited to liquid investments such as cash and money market accounts. Mid-term goals that can take up to ten years can be allocated to balancing your portfolio, fixed-income investments, and stocks.

Lastly, long-term goals that can last more than ten years can take a more aggressive approach such as investing in stocks, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds.

#3: TAKE SMALL STEPS

New investors and those who are more risk-averse can start small to get a better understanding of the process. Adjustment to the investor’s approach can make goals more realistic and achievable.

#4: SEEK PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

Countless social media pages and credible blogs provide financial advice about investing and other topics. Many investing platforms have educational resources on their website. It is up to you to do your research and seek professional support when needed.

BOTTOM LINE

Assess your investment goals as early as possible to avoid difficulties and complications. Planning and execution of your investment processes require a level of discipline and commitment. Start small if the process feels overwhelming and watch your nest grow.

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...

Take Your Family to the Best Public Pools in Singapore

In Singapore, it is summer all year round! There is always a reason to visit a swimming pool for to stay cool. Public pools are available to almost every neighbourhood. Apart from its family-friendly facilities, most of these pools boast its affordable entry rates that cost less than a hawker meal.

Who says you can only stay at a five-star hotel to splash your way to a better day? Cool off in style with these public pools!

#1: JURONG EAST SWIMMING COMPLEX

The Jurong East Swimming Complex* is the largest in the country. With three towering and intertwining spiral water slides, it does not disappoint. Its huge wave pool even has sprays of water coming out of its rock caverns. It also comes with a bubble jet station and a lazy river**. Individual rates range from $0.50- $2.60. A friendly reminder: bring your sunscreen as there is not much shade there.

Location: 21 Jurong East Street 31, Singapore 609517

#2: SWIMMING POOL AT SAFRA YISHUN

Surrounded by lush greenery and furnished with umbrellas and chairs, the Swimming Pool at SAFRA Yishun exudes an enticing vacation. Have a great time at the massive rock structure by the rock-climbing wall, which features built-in slides and a waterfall in the middle. Your beloved ones can make a splash at the pirate-themed area with a treasure chest and a ship!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

SAFRA Members can access these amenities and more. The venue is currently operating at a limited capacity with safety measures. Please check if non-members are permitted to enter.

Location: SAFRA Yishun, 60 Yishun Avenue 4, Singapore 769027

#3: SENGKANG SWIMMING COMPLEX

Take your active littles ones to a memorable sliding experience at Sengkang Swimming Complex*. The most attracting feature in this complex is the eight vibrant, big slides. These slides are both open-top and tube slides, which sends you straight into the pool. There is also a relaxing jacuzzi and a kid-friendly pool. For older kids, you can check out their group swimming lessons.

Location: Sengkang Swimming Complex, 57 Anchorvale Road, Singapore 544964

#4: SPLASH @ KIDZ AMAZE

In 2016, Singapore’s first indoor water playground opened its doors at SAFRA Punggol. Splash @ Kidz Amaze is at the pricier end of the public pools market and rates vary depending if you are a member or not. Because it is indoor, you can play for hours despite the weather outside!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Water enthusiasts will enjoy their time here with its themed splash pad, multiple play decks, and five water slides. Children’s parties are welcome to be hosted here too. This place is currently operating at a limited capacity with safety measures. Booking is required via phone. Call 6585 8710. Prices start at $8.

Location: Splash @ Kidz Amaze, SAFRA Punggol, 9 Sentul Crescent Level 3, Singapore 828654

Sources: 1 & 2

Notes: *These venues are currently operating at a limited capacity with safety measures. Booking is required via myactivesg.com or the ActiveSG app.
**The lazy river, water slides, and wave pool are currently closed until further notice.

Read More...

How Gratitude Can Improve Your Financial Life

Showing appreciation to others and to ourselves is characterized by gratitude. Gratitude makes us more aware of the sources of hope, joy, and wonder in our lives. Being grateful can improve your health, strengthen relationships, and help manage your finances.

Here are just some of the financial benefits of practicing gratitude:

IMPROVING PATIENCE

Practicing gratitude can affect your patience. Researchers found that feelings of gratitude reduced financial impatience, according to a study published in Psychological Science journal. Those who showed gratitude had increased willingness to wait longer to receive their money. While those who wrote about neutrality tended to opt for immediate payouts.

REDUCING DESIRE FOR MATERIAL THINGS

Psychologists Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough showed that people who counted their blessings had a more positive outlook in life, exercised more, and were more likely to help others. These findings were supported by Psychologist Nathaniel Lambert who found that feelings of gratitude were associated with lower materialism.

Feeling thankful for what you have can enhance your satisfaction in life and reduce your desire to buy more things. Think about that!

INCREASING GENEROSITY

As said above, generosity can increase the likelihood of helping others. The goal of financial planning is to allocate money towards things that you value most, which can be the welfare of others. Gratitude was shown to motivate people to pay it forward or to give back in many ways including financially.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

An article published by the American Psychological Association reported that gratitude facilitates generosity. People who were feeling gratitude were able to share more money with others, despite the recipient being a stranger.

BOOSTING YOUR EMOTIONS

When it comes to gratitude, the first step is to acknowledge the gifts and benefits we have received. Secondly, you must recognize that you have been blessed by others, luck, or divine intervention.

Gratitude requires us to see how we have been supported and affirmed by other people. In return, it can make us feel satisfied and secure.

HELPING COUPLES WITH MONEY FIGHTS

A 2015 study by researchers at the University of Georgia found that gratitude can help couples to manage financial conflicts. Expressing appreciation and feeling appreciated are hallmarks of strong partnership, according to couples’ therapist Ed Coambs.

Ed said:

“In a flourishing, healthy relationship, gratitude flows naturally and pretty easily. In a functioning relationship, it’s more intermittent, a little less consistent. In a dysfunctional relationship, it’s absent.”

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Many financial conflicts stem from partners not feeling appreciated for their efforts to save money and to look after the couples’ future. This is where gratitude can come in.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Read More...

How to Plan Your Dream Wedding on a Budget

One of the best things that could happen to anyone is getting married to the person he or she loves. Couples aim to have a memorable wedding experience. However, preparing for the wedding day can take a toll on one’s physical, mental, and financial health. The pandemic adds to the stress of preparation.

In 2019, the average cost of weddings in Singapore is S$30,000 to S$100,000. Prices differ in 2022 due to the current economic situation. Nevertheless, you must set a realistic budget when you get married. Having a budget prevents the risk of overspending. You see, even the smallest purchases can quickly add up to the total cost of the wedding. On that note, here are some tips to create your dream wedding while maintaining a budget.

#1: SELECT THE RIGHT WEDDING VENUE

When it comes to wedding venues, some locations are more expensive than others. It is important to plan a budget for the venue and work from there. Do not go beyond this amount by selecting a venue that fits your allotted budget.

You can choose from various wedding venues such as chapels, hotels, churches, and outdoor venues. Your wedding venue must suit your wedding theme.

#2: DETERMINE HOW MUCH YOU ARE WILLING TO SPEND

Be honest with yourselves. The key to a hassle-free wedding is knowing exactly how much you can afford to spend and sticking to it. Examine your savings, your partner’s savings, and your family’s contributions.

It is not ideal to spend every dollar in your savings account just to enjoy an extravagant wedding. Be practical! You are in this marriage for the long run. Save some for future use.

#3: MAKE A DRAFT OF THE GUEST LIST

Nothing has a greater role on the wedding budget than the guest count. The number of guests can influence the size of the venue, the souvenirs, and the food. The more people attending your wedding, the bigger the budget.

Intimate weddings are welcomed during this time. Do not take it against yourself or your partner if you want to cut down the guest list. Both of you need to create a draft for the guest list and discuss who to invite.

#4: CONSIDER THE MARRIAGE SOLEMNIZATION AND RECEPTION REQUIREMENTS

Aside from your ceremony details, couples need to be aware of the Safe Management Measures (SMMs) as they plan for their wedding. For solemnizations taking place at a residential venue, you may invite up to 10 visitors. All attendees need to be fully vaccinated. The number excludes the vendors and solemnizer.

For indoor venues, it can take up to 1,000 attendees or 75% of the venue capacity in groups of 10 with 1-meter safe distance between groups. Lastly, outdoor venues have no limits on the number of attendees. The attendees will be grouped to 10 and maintain a 1-meter safe distance between groups. All attendees are required to be fully vaccinated.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Are you getting married soon? Do you have more ideas on how to make your dream wedding come true? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Read More...