12 Cheap Thrills to Enjoy this Weekend

by  in Lifestyle & Hobbies
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Living a frugal life does not have to be dull and boring! Keep yourself entertained while maintaining your budget by checking out these free or cheap things to do this weekend.

#1: READ A BOOK OR TWO

Dive into the mysteries and magical adventures of your favorite book. If nothing on your bookshelf strikes your fancy, you can take a trip to the local library to borrow one. You can also download free eBooks online.

#2: WATCH A MOVIE

Movies like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Black Adam are now streaming in cinemas. You can either watch a movie there or go to the public library to check out a film that you can rent. Netflix has a selection of newly released films too! Take advantage of your subscription with this streaming service.

#3: PLAY INDOOR GAMES

Invite your loved ones for a friendly game of cards or puzzles. If video games are more your speed, check out the free or cheap games available at the app store or other free gaming websites.

#4: PLAY OUTDOOR GAMES

Searching for an athletic endeavor? Grab your basketball or volleyball and head to the park. Join the recreational sports groups in your community. Some are free and others can cost you a registration fee.

#5: GO TO THE THRIFT SHOP

Hunt for bargains at the local thrift or flea shops. Remember, you do not have to buy anything. Browse around and watch out for great deals. It is more fun to try things on!

#6: TAKE A HEALING WALK

Smartphones, podcasts, and earbuds have transformed a walk around the neighborhood from mundane to entertaining. Even if you do not have access to good audio, stepping out for a stroll can help boost your mood. Check out this list of the best nature trails in Singapore.

#7: TAKE A LONG HIKE

Immerse yourselves with the sights and sounds of the natural world. Check out Singapore’s list of trails and parks and choose a beautiful long trail. Then, pack lunch and a water bottle to complete your hike.

#8: CYCLE AROUND

If you have a bike, ride around the neighborhood, and explore your surroundings. Do not have a ride? You can rent a bike at the East Coast Park Bike Shop.

#9: LISTEN TO PODCASTS

Your smartphone is the perfect podcast player! Use it to browse the various categories of free podcasts. Whether you are listening through Spotify or Apple Podcasts, you can keep it playing during a solo walk.

#10: TEACH YOURSELF TO KNIT

A lot of homes have yarns and a couple of knitting needles stored somewhere. If you do not have these, you can find a friend who will lend you a knitting set. Or you can head to the nearest Daiso to grab some supplies. The basics of knitting are easy. Here’s a great “getting started” tutorial that you can watch.

#11: TEACH YOURSELF ORIGAMI

Make origami decorations to beautify the Yuletide season. For example, you can create paper snowflakes or butterflies. You can aim to learn this skill and make decorations for future events.

#12: TEACH YOURSELF TO DANCE

Use your radio, speaker, or TV to dance to your favorite tune. You can invite your partner for a romantic dance. Who knows? It might become one of your top fun things to do on a Saturday.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Disagreeing with your new manager? Here’s what to do

by  in Career and Enterprising
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man raising eyebrows in a conversation with his coworker

You’ve been through a few interviews and finally landed the job of your dreams.

The only problem? You don’t see eye to eye with your new manager. Maybe you think he’s too demanding, or she’s not giving you the guidance you need. So what do you do?

In any new job, there will be times when you don’t see eye to eye with your boss. Disagreeing with a new manager is a lot more common than you might think, and there are ways to deal with it that won’t damage your relationship or career prospects.

In this post, we will discuss some tips on how to deal with a disagreement with your new manager, and how to maintain a positive relationship despite any differences of opinion.

Define the problem

You’ve just accepted a position you’re excited about, only to find out that your new boss is a nightmare. So what do you do?

Well, the first step is to define the problem. What’s specifically making you upset? Once you know that, you can start looking for a solution.

Maybe your boss expects you to work overtime, but you have a family and need to be home promptly in the evenings. Maybe they’re always changing their mind and it’s hard to keep up with them.

Seeing things from their perspective

Whatever the problem is, try and put yourself in your boss’s shoes.

What might be making them act the way they are? Once you have a better understanding of their perspective, it will be easier to get talking.

Remember, they may have a different way of doing things, and that’s okay. You don’t have to agree with them on everything, but try to listen to their point of view and understand where they’re coming from.

Talk to your manager or seek help from HR
talking to the boss

Image Credits: dailyamazingthings.com

Talking to your manager might sound scary, but it’s important to express how you’re feeling and to try and work things out. You might be surprised at how open some might be to a discussion.

If talking to your manager doesn’t seem to be getting anywhere, or if you’re just not comfortable doing that, then you can seek help from your HR manager. They’re there to help resolve any people issues and most will be more than happy to set up a meeting to assist.

Get a second opinion and decide whether or not to stay

Talk to your coworkers—see if they’re experiencing the same thing. Perhaps you’re not the only one who’s feeling this way.

Once you’ve gathered some information, it’s time to make a decision. Do you want to stay and try to make things work, or is it time to move on? Only you can answer that question. But whatever you do, don’t make any rash decisions without giving it some serious thought.

It can be tough when you don’t see eye to eye with your new manager. But, stay collected. Talk to your manager about your concerns. They may not be aware that there’s a problem, and they may be able to work together to find a middle ground. If things get too tough, take a break from work until you feel in control. This is not a long-term solution, but it can help you get through a rough patch. Finally, if you feel like you’re not getting anywhere with your manager, or if the situation is just too difficult, seek assistance from HR and consider your next steps.

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What Is the Importance of Money Management?

by  in Personal Finance
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Creating your budget is crucial, but managing your budget is arguably even more important. You cannot just write down a budget at the beginning of the year and never look at it again. You must continuously manage your money with an updated budget to monitor your finances for every month.

Moreover, this budget will guide your plans to achieve your long-term goals. On that note, let us discuss the definition of Money Management.

What Is Money Management?

The process of keeping track of your finances is called Money Management. This includes your spending, savings, budgeting, and investing behaviors. It is the key to helping you save money to accomplish your personal goals. You need to find a management technique that works for you as everyone manages their money differently.

What Is the Importance of Money Management?

There are multiple reasons why managing your money is important to your life. Firstly, it helps you to stay on top of your finances. You will be able to tell whether you are overspending before you get hit with overdraft fees. Money management also helps you to avoid incurring too many fees on your credit card bill.

Secondly, money management helps you plan for your future. My partner and I recently got married. To help save for our wedding, we made some down payments to the suppliers through careful monitoring of our cash flow. Managing your money increases your knowledge of savings and aids in accomplishing your financial goals.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Thirdly, money management keeps track of your expenses. How much do you spend on rent and groceries? Perhaps, you can cut back on some unnecessary expenses such as your monthly subscriptions.

Lastly, money management increases the sense of security. There is nothing worse than feeling overwhelmed when it comes to your finances. Reduce the unwanted feelings and be able to pay off the next bill by closely monitoring and managing your cash.

Source: 1

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From passion projects to full-time hustles: Why it’s worth it

by  in Career and Enterprising, Lifestyle & Hobbies
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a painting process

You’ve probably heard the saying, “do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.”

While that might be a little bit of an exaggeration for some, following your passion can indeed lead to a lot of happiness and fulfillment. And if you’re lucky, it might even lead to a full-time hustle.

But starting and running a passion project is no easy task. It takes time and energy, not to mention dedication and commitment. That’s why you should only consider embarking on a passion project if you’re truly ready to commit.

Why you should have a passion project

You should have a passion project for various reasons.

Maybe you’re looking for a way to express yourself creatively, or maybe you want to learn a new skill.

But the best reason of all is that having a passion project can help you turn your dreams into a reality. It gives you something to aim for, and it can be the starting point for something much bigger.

Think about it—most successful people don’t become successful overnight. They started small, with a passion project that eventually turned into a full-time hustle. And you can do the same thing. All it takes is dedication and hard work.

How to find the time to commit to a passion project

It can be tough to find the time to commit to a passion project when you’re already balancing a full-time job. But it’s worth it.

Here are a few tips for finding the time to make your passion project a reality:

  • Make a schedule and stick to it.
  • Dedicate specific days or hours of the week to working on your project.
  • Tell your friends and family about your project so they can help keep you accountable.
  • Set some rules for yourself—like no checking social media when you’re supposed to be working on your project.
The benefits of turning your passion project into a hustle
smiling woman working on her laptop

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You know that feeling when you’re so obsessed with something that you can’t stop thinking about it? That’s the feeling you want to aim for when it comes to your passion projects.

When you’re truly passionate about something, the work doesn’t feel like work. You will be so excited to start working on it each day and you will be determined to see it through to the end.

When you commit to your passion project and turn it into a hustle, here’s what you can expect:

  • You will be more productive because you’re working on something you love
  • You will be motivated to keep going, even when things get tough
  • You will learn new skills and hone your talent
  • You will be more fulfilled in your work
Things to consider before turning your passion project into a full-time hustle

Here are a few things to consider before making the leap to turning your passion project into a full-time hustle:

  • What are the risks and rewards associated with this project? Weighing the pros and cons is a crucial part of any decision-making process.
  • What are your goals for this project? Are you looking to make a little extra money on the side, or do you eventually want to turn it into your full-time job?
  • Do you have the time and energy to commit to this project? Running a business takes a lot of work, and it’s wise to be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to it.
  • How much money do you need to make this project sustainable? This is an essential question to ask yourself because it will help you determine the investment you need in the long run.

So you’ve got a passion project—something you’re excited about, but you’re not sure if it’s worth it to turn it into a full-blown hustle. Maybe you’re worried about the time commitment, or whether people will take you seriously if you’re doing this “for a living.” Here’s the thing: go with what feels sound for you. If you’re excited and passionate about your project, then it’s worth your time and effort to pursue it. Think about what steps you need to take to make your passion project a reality. There may be some things you need to learn more about or some people you need to connect with. Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to take the plunge and start turning your dream into a reality.

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Walking meetings: The new way to get down to business

by  in Business Solutions, Career and Enterprising
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colleagues talking while walking

You might be thinking, “walking meetings? Are you kidding me?”

But before you write them off, let us explain why you should at least give them a try.

We’re not saying that walking meetings are the right solution for every business, but there are various good reasons to consider incorporating them into your routine.

If you’re not fully sold, check out this post for more information on the benefits of walking meetings, as well as some tips on how to make them work for your business.

What are walking meetings?

You may be wondering what walking meetings are.

Well, they’re just what they sound like—meetings that are conducted while walking.

Now, we know what you’re thinking: Isn’t that a bit too informal? Won’t we get sidetracked if we’re walking and talking? Well, we can tell you from personal experience that walking meetings are a wonderful way to stay on track and focused.

The benefits of walking meetings

There are countless benefits to walking meetings.

For one, they’re amazing for your health. When you walk, you get your blood flowing, which is awesome for your brainpower. And when you combine walking with talking, you’re getting the best of both worlds.

Not only that, but walking meetings are great for brainstorming. When you’re walking, your mind is free to wander and come up with new ideas. You’re also more likely to be active and vocal in a walking meeting, which can lead to better collaboration and more creative solutions.

How to hold a successful walking meeting
female coworkers walking and talking

Image Credits: jotform.com

So you’re thinking about giving walking meetings a try? Fantastic decision! Here are a few tips to help make sure your meeting is a success:

  • Make sure everyone knows the agenda ahead of time. This way, everyone can come prepared.
  • Choose an appropriate location. You don’t want to be walking through a busy street or in an area that’s difficult to navigate.
  • End on time. Just like with any other meeting, it’s necessary to end at the predetermined time so that everyone can move on with their day.
Tips for making the most of walking meetings

Now that we’ve talked about the benefits of walking meetings, let’s talk about how you can make the most of them. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Make sure you have a clear goal for the meeting.
  • Dress comfortably and be mindful of your body language.
  • Keep your meetings short and sweet, preferably not longer than 45 minutes.

You may be skeptical, but walking meetings have a lot of benefits—both for you and your small team. If you’re looking for a way to jumpstart creativity, increase productivity, and promote better health, walking meetings may be the answer. Try them out and see for yourself how they can help you and your team stay focused and fruitful.

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