10 Steps To Reach Financial Wellness

Financial wellness refers to effectively managing your economic life. This concept surrounds many factors such as spending within one’s means, being financially prepared for emergencies, having a concrete plan, and having access to tools necessary to make good money decisions.

Financial security is the underlying concept of financial wellness. To help you reach financial wellness, you may start by following these steps.

STEP 1: COMMIT TO CHANGE

The first step in developing a financial plan is to determine your attitudes and beliefs about money. Be honest with yourself. Are you ready to accept the responsibility of improving your financial situation? Do you believe that you can change the way you behave towards money?

STEP 2: EXAMINE YOUR FINANCES

Examine your finances by looking at your previous statements and tracking your spending. This will give you an overview of how you are doing financially. Identify your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to managing your money. Write down your findings and feelings.

STEP 3: SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS

Choose a trusted person to conduct the day-to-day financial tasks to stay on top of things. The appointed person must be a good communicator and an organized individual. Give him or her uninterrupted time to do financial tasks effectively.

STEP 4: GET COPIES OF YOUR CREDIT REPORTS

A credit report is a compilation of your credit payment history collected across all your banks. It includes valuable information such as basic personal profile, closed credit accounts, aggregated credit limits, and aggregated outstanding balances. Credit reports provide a snapshot of your overall situation.

For licensed moneylenders, the Moneylenders Credit Bureau is the central repository of data on borrowers’ loans and repayment records. For banks and finance companies, only two credit bureaus are allowed to obtain such information in Singapore. These are Credit Bureau Singapore and Experian Credit Bureau Singapore.

Credit reports are issued by a credit bureau to banks and finance companies when they make inquiries about the client. These companies assess your creditworthiness by looking at the credit score. You can also request a copy of your report from the bureaus. Reviewing your credit reports can help you identify errors or fraudulent activities.

STEP 5: KNOW YOUR STARTING POINT

Know your starting point by calculating your net worth. Compare what you owe (liabilities) with what you own (assets). Do seek professional help when necessary.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

STEP 6: IDENTIFY YOUR INCOME

To have an accurate picture of what you can earn in the future, you can observe your previous income. Decide whether you are going to expand your income by using different streams or if you are going to stick with your current income source.

STEP 7: REVIEW YOUR DEBTS

Freedom from debt is an achievable goal. The first step to regaining control is to take a transparent look at your existing obligations. Regardless of which financial method you use, be patient and persistent when paying your debts.

STEP 8: SET YOUR PRIORITIES

Create a list of your needs and wants to help you establish your financial priorities. Financial priorities may include saving three months’ worth of expenses or saving S$3,000 for a year to fund your family vacation.

STEP 9: HAVE SMART FINANCIAL GOALS

By setting your financial goals, you are providing yourself with something to aim for. Simply remember that financial goals need to be SMART.

S – pecific
M – easurable
A – chievable
R – ealistic
T – imely

STEP 10: SECURE YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

Look at your retirement plan and make some necessary changes. Do not despair if you are behind on your retirement goals. You are not alone! Studies show that many households are not prepared for retirement. Fortunately for you, you can improve your situation.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Start now!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Budget-friendly Gifts For Your Beloved Girlfriend, Under S$50

Gift-giving is not always easy! If your partner is interested in gadgets, there are hundreds of options from kitchen gadgets to the latest iPhone 13. Apart from the wide variety of options, your gift will depend on the occasion. Fortunately for you, here is a list of gift ideas that you can present on any occasion. Most of these items are available online too!

#1: STARTER KIT FROM FENTY SKIN

Launched in 2020 by superstar Rihanna, Fenty Skin was created to fill in the gaps that exist across all skin types and tones. Fenty Skin is a cult favorite brand along with its predecessor Fenty Beauty. Give your special someone the gift of beauty by purchasing the Total Cleans’R Remove-It-All Cleanser. This is a 2-in-1 makeup remover and cleanser that gives you the luxurious deep clean you deserve. Its creamy lather removes dirt, oil, pollution, and long wear makeup without harming your skin. It costs S$21 at Sephora.

#2: HOMEMADE CHOCOLATES

The artisan chocolates that you can buy at specialty shops are a complete waste of money when you can make a box of chocolates by yourself. Even beginners can still make homemade chocolates as a gift.

Start by laying classic-shaped or square crunchy mini pretzels on a baking sheet. Then, place one bar of chocolate on top of each pretzel. Pop these in a pre-heated oven for about five minutes or until the chocolates begin to soften. Take these out of the oven and allow them to set. Do not worry about the price tags as the ingredients can cost you less than S$6 at your nearest supermarket.

#3: SURPRISE CAR CELEBRATION

Birthdays, anniversaries, or Valentine’s Day can be celebrated in your own home. Set up the surprise before your partner goes to work. Use the back of your car as your creative space and put banners, streamers, and balloons inside. These decorations cost less than S$10 at Shopee or Lazada.

#4: ENCHANTING DIFFUSER SET

Help your lover find her inner peace with different essential oils or diffuser sets. Gifting a diffuser will allow her to create an at-home spa vibe.

If you are looking for a classic calming aroma that can fill your space with relaxing notes, then you can get the HOOGA Reed Diffuser. It is non-electronic and extremely easy to use. The capacity is 200 ml. Price starts at S$19.90 at Lazada.

#5: BEAUTIFUL TRIO OF SUCCULENTS

Aspiring plant moms will be delighted with a trio of succulents. Marked by experts as the best type of plants for beginners, your girlfriend can enjoy fresh houseplants delivered straight to her doorstep.

The World Farm or Hua Hng Trading is one of the largest garden centers in Singapore. Prices here are usually cheaper than most nurseries and they readily stock the bestsellers such as succulents (from S$3), herbs (from S$5), and flowering plants (from S$9).

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Whether you are celebrating an anniversary or a birthday, the expectations can be high while your funds are low. If your bank account balance limits what you can spend on, consider the items on this list. Have a romantic day without spending too much!

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7 Questions to Ask when Reviewing the Annual Budget

By definition, the annual budget outlines a company’s projected income and expenses for a twelve-month period. The process of making an annual budget involves balancing the company’s sources of income against its expenses.

Preparing a robust annual budget is the first step. Having the Board or other key people review it is important to your progression. You see, your annual budget will help you adjust to unexpected transitions and to determine how your company has performed.

On that note, here are seven questions to consider when reviewing the annual budget.

#1: DOES THE BUDGET REFLECT THE COMPANY’S MISSION ACCURATELY?

Assess the budget with the company’s mission in mind. Determine if the annual budget sends a signal that reflects the company’s overall intention and purpose.

#2: DOES THE SPENDING ALIGN WITH YOUR OPERATIONAL PRIORITIES?

Is your company investing in the right things or are you wasting hard-earned money? Know the returns based on your expenditures. Your annual budget must match your strategic plan.

#3: WHAT EXPENSES AND POTENTIAL INCOME ARE INVOLVED WITH UNEXPECTED EVENTS?

Unforeseen events such as the COVID-19 pandemic posed an economic toll to many businesses all over the world. If there are other unexpected events that may occur in your industry, what expenses and potential income are involved? Analyze the possibility of travel costs, advertisement fees, or medical bills.

#4: WHERE ARE THE REVENUES PROJECTED TO COME FROM?

The reliability and competitiveness of your revenue streams dictate the degree of diversification that your company needs. A diversified base for creating income allows a company to stay stable, flexible, and more protected from economic and environmental fluctuations.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#5: DOES SPENDING ON SALARIES AND COMPENSATION ACHIEVE YOUR STAFFING OBJECTIVES?

Does your compensation strategy match well with your company’s values? Identify whether the hiring manager or the Human Resources department is doing its best to keep and attract the most talented employees. Moreover, you must determine if you can afford to replace the employees who left.

#6: DOES THE BOARD REGULARLY RECEIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THAT CONTAIN BUDGET INFORMATION?

Help the board members arrive at a robust annual budget by sending out financial statements regularly. These statements should be reviewed during board meetings to ensure that all the board members are aware of the profit-and-loss performance.

#7: WHICH POLICIES APPLY TO THE BUDGET REVISIONS?

Mid-course adjustments are common in many companies. Is your senior management allowed to make and approve these adjustments or do significant revisions require board approval? How flexible are the company’s policies on budget revisions? Perhaps, requiring board approval on significant revisions can be efficient to the internal control.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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What You Need to Know about Freezing Eggs in Singapore

Regardless of their marital status, women in Singapore will soon be allowed to freeze their eggs for non-medical purposes. Egg freezing is a method used to save a woman’s ability to get pregnant in the future. Eggs harvested from the ovaries are frozen and stored for later use.

The introduction of the Assisted Reproduction Services Regulations under the Healthcare Services Act will allow women (i.e., aged 21 to 35) to undergo elective egg freezing by 2023.

Only legally married couples can use their frozen eggs to complete the process of in-vitro fertilization (IVF). This is in line with the existing IVF rules. IVF occurs when the egg is fertilized by the sperm in a lab for implantation in the uterus.

The Minister of State for Social and Family Development, Ms. Sun Xueling highlighted:
We recognise that there may be women who are not able to find a suitable partner when they are younger, but they still wish to be able to preserve the likelihood of conceiving when they marry later.”

Sufficient safeguards will be put in place to ensure that women are making well-informed decisions when undergoing egg freezing and IVF. For instance, women will be counselled before they freeze their eggs to educate them about the invasive nature of the procedure and its limitations such as the risk of having babies at an older age.

Apart from this information, the frequent questions regarding egg freezing will be answered. These questions include the following:

1. How long can the eggs be stored?

There is no limit on how long eggs can be frozen for medical reasons in Singapore. As freezing helps preserve the eggs, these will be as young and healthy as they were during the time of freezing.

2. When is the best time to freeze your eggs?

It is recommended to freeze your eggs before the age of 35 because fertility starts to decline as you hit your late 30s. The decline affects both the quantity and quality of the eggs.

3. Where are the eggs stored?

Frozen eggs are kept in tanks filled with liquid nitrogen. These tanks, called dewars, are stored in assisted reproduction centres.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

4. Is the egg freezing process safe?

Existing literature has not shown an increased risk of babies having birth defects because of egg freezing.

5. How much will it cost to freeze your eggs in Singapore for medical purposes?

The estimated cost of one cycle of egg freezing is about S$10,000.

6. What are the chances of having a baby after IVF?

Medical research found that the chance of a frozen egg leading to a baby being born is about 2% to 12%, according to Ms. Sun.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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6 Benefits of Ergonomic Chair in the Workplace

What is the solution to reducing the rising sitting and postural-related issues? Ergonomics!

“The number of employees suffering from back, neck and shoulder complaints caused by sitting and postural-related issues has continued to rise.”

– Mark Barrell and Levent Caglar of Boss Design

Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between workers and their working environments. It involves designing or adjusting workplaces, products, systems to fit the people who use them. It helps organizations through providing productive workspaces and introducing ergonomic tools such as the ergonomic chair.

Like budgeting, one size does not fit all when it comes to chairs.

Ergonomic chairs are ordered to suit an individual’s preferences and allow an elevated level of adjustability to help support the tasks at hand. These chairs often include features that are designed to encourage more movement such as adjustable arms, seat height adjustment, or lumbar support. To know more about the benefits of an ergonomic chair, continue reading.

#1: PROMOTES GOOD POSTURE

One of the postural-related issues that employees experience after long hours at work is back pain. Traditional chairs do not have the back support that ergonomic chairs can provide. You see, ergonomic chairs are built to prevent discomfort and promote better posture. These chairs provide spine support, pain relief, and flexibility to prevent unhealthy positions and unusual strain.

Using an ergonomic chair can help you achieve comfortable postures at your workstation without having to worry about experiencing lower back pain. Moreover, many ergonomic chairs come with adjustable armrests, which allows you to rest your body comfortably.

#2: IMPROVES PRODUCTIVITY

Choosing office furniture that is ergonomically designed can have a significant impact on employee happiness and productivity, according to previous studies.

As the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration reveals, ergonomic furniture showed a direct link to heightened efficiency by reducing the risk of musculoskeletal conditions. As such, utilizing the power of ergonomic chairs can help increase the potential for profit.

#3: INCREASES LONG-TERM SAVINGS

Investing your money in ergonomic chairs can save you money in the long run. This may be hard to believe, but it is true. A one-time investment in ergonomically designed workplace furniture ensures durability and assurance of quality. You will be given a warranty period to test the furniture and to determine whether the chair is suitable for the user.

#4: PROVIDES FLEXIBILITY

Employees come in all shapes and sizes. Thus, investing in furniture that can be adjusted to their specifications can help keep everyone in the workplace comfortable and productive.

For instance, workers who are petite can benefit from an armless ergonomic chair with a small seat and high back. This will help support their natural posture.

#5: INCREASES BLOOD CIRCULATION

In a 2010 study, researchers found that prolonged sitting can increase the risk of heart disease, poor blood circulation, and back pain. It is recommended to track how long you have been seated and to try to vary your position every 30 minutes.

The American Heart Association further reports that any movement that raises our metabolic rate above the normal stationary resting rate (i.e., during sitting) can have profound long-term health benefits and reduce the chance of illnesses.

#6: OFFERS A VARIETY OF FEATURES

When it comes to ergonomic chairs, you will be delighted to know that there are a range of options available commercially. The adjustable features of these chairs help alter its physical characteristics to suit your working preference and body type.

For instance, you need to look for chairs that allow adjustments such as seat height, back recline, adjustable armrests, adjustable tilt tension, and seat depth.

There are a lot of ergonomic chair brands out there. Thus, you need to have a list of features that you are looking for. Watch the short video below to be guided when it comes to setting up an ergonomic workstation.

Sources: 1 & 2 

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