6 Money-Saving Tips for Singaporean Teens

by  in Savings
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Let us face it! Saving money as a teenager is challenging, especially when you have friends who are constantly buying new clothes or are going on yearly overseas trips. However, it is possible. Here are 6 tips on how teens can save money despite the temptations and less income.

#1: OPEN A SAVINGS ACCOUNT

Opening a savings account with the help of your parents or guardians is a good idea as it will train you to manage your money. It is a surefire way to boost your educational savings and to cover your other expenses. There are multiple junior accounts available in Singapore such as the CIMB Junior Saver Account, OCBC Mighty Savers Kids Account, and UOB Junior Savers Account. These banks offer about 0.05% to 1% interest p.a. and minimal initial deposits.

#2: SEPARATE YOUR NEEDS FROM WANTS

Organize your finances by separating the money for spending and the money for savings. Although you have stashed the money away in your savings account, it might be tempting to touch it when your cash runs out. Stop! Refrain from doing this.

Your savings are for emergencies and essentials, not for straightforward purchases like food and clothes. The smart thing to do is to have a direct deposit account which you can access on demand.

#3: CREATE A REALISTIC BUDGET

Keep track of where your money is going by creating a budget. You can either write everything down or have software that stores all the data. Be diligent when it comes to encoding what you spend in a week or in a month. Most of us tend to spend more cash on the weekends, so you can start encoding during this time.

Once you have an idea of where your money is going, you can set limits and targets next.

#4: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE STUDENT DISCOUNTS

Your student ID is more than just a card that enables you to go to school. It is your means of getting discounts such as cheaper public transport or cheaper books. Many businesses and services offer student discounts throughout the year. Do your research to get more information.

#5: ASK YOUR PARENTS FOR HELP

There is no shame in asking your parents for help while you are starting to build your wealth. You can ask your parents to match your monthly savings by contributing to your account. If you put aside S$25 a week for a month, you can ask your parents to contribute S$100 at the month’s end. Do household chores in return for this favor.

Do not be afraid to ask! Once you have shown your parents that you are serious about saving money, they will reach out and offer their support.

#6: CONSIDER GETTING A PART-TIME JOB

For many young Singaporeans, having a part-time job is a rite of passage. Students can be able to find part-time jobs in the administration, hospitality, or retail fields. Investigate to see who is hiring in the area.

If these are outside of your interests, you can use your passion to create your own online shop. Use your extra income to grow your savings even more.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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How to match your brand with the right influencer

by  in Business Solutions, Career and Enterprising
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social media influencer

So you’ve decided to explore the world of influencer marketing? Splendid decision! But with so many influencers out there, how do you know which one is right for your brand?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but here is some advice to help you get started. First, think about what you want your influencer to do for you. Do you need them to create content? Or are you looking for someone to promote your product or service?

Once you know what you want, start by targeting the right type of influencer. Not all influencers are created equal, and not every brand will be a good fit for every influencer. So take the time to find ones who are a good match for your brand and your goals.

In this article, we will give you a few more tips on how to choose the right influencer for your brand.

Why use influencers?

Simply put, an influencer is someone with a substantial social media following who can promote your product or service to their fans. They’re someone with authority in their field, and people trust their opinion.

So why use influencers? There are a few reasons. First, they’re a great way to reach new audiences that you wouldn’t normally have access to. Second, they’re credible, which means people are more likely to believe what they have to say. And third, some can be affordable.

So if you’re thinking about using influencers for your next marketing campaign, read on for suggestions on how to choose the right one for your brand.

What is your brand’s voice?

Before you start reaching out to potential influencers, it’s vital to take a step back and figure out what your brand’s voice is. What do you want your brand to stand for? What are its core values? What’s your messaging?

Once you have a good sense of that, you can start thinking about who would be the best fit as an influencer. Keep in mind that not every influencer is suitable for every brand. You want to make sure that their tone and messaging are aligned with the voice of your brand. If they’re not, it could end up confusing your customers and doing more harm than good.

Define your target audience
audience listening to a speaker

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Who are you trying to reach? Figure that out and then start your search. You need to find someone who will resonate with your target audience and can help you reach your goals.

It’s also necessary to consider the type of influencer you’re looking for. Do you want someone who’s lifestyle-based or more industry-focused? Or maybe you’re after a micro-influencer who has a smaller but more engaged following.

Think about what you want your campaign to achieve and who can help you get there. Then start narrowing down your list of candidates.

What type of content does the influencer produce?

Do they focus on video? Or are they more of a writer? Maybe they’re great at creating graphics or taking beautiful photos.

It’s crucial to find someone who specializes in the type of content you want to create. If you’re not sure what that is, think about the themes and topics you want to cover. Do you want to promote a new product, talk about your company culture, or share tips for running a successful home-based business?

Once you know what you want to talk about, you will be able to better match your brand with the right influencer.

So you’ve just started exploring the idea of influencer marketing for your brand? Maybe you’ve even identified some potential candidates for partnerships. So, how do you know which influencer is an ideal match for your brand? As mentioned earlier, there are a few key factors to keep in mind when pairing your brand with an influencer. Consider the above points and have a meeting with your marketing team before you take your next steps. Good luck!

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The mindset shift you need before your baby arrives

by  in Marriage & Family
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pregnancy

You’re counting down the days until your baby arrives, and along with the excitement, you’re starting to feel the nerves too. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This is normal.

But before your baby arrives, there’s one more thing you need to do: prepare your mind. You need to make a shift in the way you’re thinking so that you can go into this new chapter of your life with a positive outlook.

Allow us to share some tips on how to mentally prepare yourself before the arrival of your baby.

It’s normal to feel anxious

You’ve been dreaming of this moment, and now that it’s getting closer, you’re starting to feel a little bit of pressure. This is a huge change in your life, and it’s natural to feel a little bit apprehensive. But focus on all the good that’s coming your way.

Think about all the amazing things your baby is going to teach you. About love, patience, and the significance of being present in the moment. You’re about to venture on a journey that’s going to be full of surprises, both good and bad.

You’re about to embark on a new adventure

You’re about to embark on the greatest adventure of your life. It’s an adventure that will take you on a wild ride, full of highs and lows, laughter and tears. But it’s also an adventure that will be the most rewarding thing you will ever do.

This is a time of change, a time when everything you thought you knew is about to be turned upside down. You’re about to become a parent, and that means everything regarding your priorities, your lifestyle, and your relationships is going to change.

Parenthood is the hardest job you will ever love
a newborn on the bed

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You’re about to take on one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, roles you will ever have. With that comes sleepless nights, mountains of laundry, and constant worry. But it’s all worth it.

When your baby arrives, you will be amazed at how much you can love someone you’ve only just met. And as they grow, you will experience moments of pure joy that will make all the sleepless nights and stress worth it.

You are capable and you will figure it out as you go

You are capable. You will figure it out. You will overcome them. Every parent does.

It’s hard to prepare for everything that’s going to happen, but one thing you can do is read up on different parenting techniques and strategies. Ask your friends and family for advice, and take all the help you can get.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance when you need it. You are not alone in this, and there is no shame in admitting that you’re not sure what to do. Parenthood is a learning process, and you will get better with each new challenge that comes your way.

Avoid comparing yourself to other parents because everyone is different

Remember, no two babies are the same, so don’t compare yourself to other parents. You’re doing the best you can and that’s all that matters. You might be feeling anxious right now, and that’s okay. Just take a deep breath and relax.

The best thing you can do is mentally prepare yourself for what’s to come. That means accepting that things are going to be different than what you imagined. It’s okay to have some doubts and fears but don’t let them overwhelm you. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of being a parent and trust your instincts.

Preparing for the birth of your baby and the changes to your life is a huge undertaking. Start by learning as much as you can about labor and post-delivery. This will help demystify the process and make you feel more confident going in. Also, take some time for yourself in the weeks leading up to labor to relax and de-stress. And finally, talk to other parents who have gone through the experience – they can offer great advice and support. With a little bit of patience, preparation, and positive thinking, you will be ready for anything when your baby finally arrives!

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How to ace your next cold call

by  in Career and Enterprising
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a lady in a call center setting

You’ve probably heard that cold calling is a waste of time.

And while there’s some truth to that statement, it’s not always the case. Cold calling can be an extremely effective way to reach new customers and land unexplored business deals. But only if you do it right. If you don’t know how to cold call, you’re going to struggle and probably end up wasting a lot of time and energy in the process.

In this article, we will share how to ace your next cold call and give you tips on preparing for your call, making a good impression, and closing the deal.

The cold call mindset

It’s no secret that making cold calls can be a daunting task. You’re putting yourself out there, asking for something that you may not always get. But the key to success is to think of it as an opportunity, not a burden.

When you go into a cold call with the right mindset, you’re already one step ahead of the competition. You need to be confident and prepared, and most notably, you need to be genuinely interested in what the other person has to say. If you can manage to keep all of that in mind, cold calling becomes a lot less scary.

The perfect cold call script
cold calling with a script

Image Credits: pcma.org

You know the feeling. You’ve just worked up the courage to make a cold call, and then you get tongue-tied as soon as you start speaking. It’s the worst. But don’t worry, we’ve all been there. The key is to have a solid script going in. That’s why we’ve put together this section on how to ace your next cold call.

First, let’s start with the basics. What should your opening sentence be? Well, a good way to start is by introducing yourself and then addressing the person you’re speaking to by name. This shows that you’re interested in building a relationship with them.

From there, it’s all about finding common ground and identifying needs. You want to make sure that you’re doing a fair share of listening and talking, and that you’re offering solutions, not just selling your product or service. Cold calling can be intimidating, but if you follow these fundamental tips, you will be able to increase your chances of making a sale.

How to sound like a human

You’ve likely heard that the most promising way to ace your next cold call is to be prepared. But what does that mean, exactly?

It means having a plan. Know what you’re going to say before you even pick up the phone. And more importantly, be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. The person on the other end of the line can hear it in your voice, and they will pick up on it.

Instead, be genuine and honest. Talk to them like you would talk to a friend. Pretend you’re just having a conversation over coffee. It will make the call feel less scripted and more natural. And that’s something the person on the other end will appreciate.

How to overcome rejections
two guys in a call center setting

Image Credits: indeed.com

We are sure you know the rejections that people always throw at you during a cold call: “I’m not interested,” “I’m not the right person,” and “I don’t have time right now.”

Don’t let them get you down. Instead, use them to your advantage. Anticipate the rejections that people are going to throw at you and have a response ready. Not only will this make you sound prepared and confident, but it will also show that you’re serious about making this deal.

Another way to overcome rejections is to ask questions. Get the person to talk about their needs. Ask them what their concerns are and go on to explain how you can address them. Ultimately, remember that not everyone is going to be interested in what you have to offer. Don’t take it personally. Move on to the next prospect and don’t dwell on the ones who said no repeatedly.

How to follow up after a cold call

Now that you’ve made the cold call, it’s time to follow up. You want to make sure that you stay top of mind, so the wisest way to do that is to send a quick text or email. Be sure to personalize it and reference something from your conversation.

For example, “Hi Jen, it was great to speak with you today about the upcoming project you’re looking to roll out next month. I’m looking forward to working with you.” This little touch will make you stand out from the competition and show that you’re invested in developing a lasting relationship with the customer.

So you’ve been tasked with making cold calls? You might be terrified, or you might be excited. But one thing is for sure: you want to make the most of this opportunity. In this post, we have shared with you almost everything you need to know about acing your next cold call. By following the abovementioned tips, you will be able to set yourself up for success and make the most of this chance. So now, go forth and do your thing!

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From fizzy to fluid: How to make the switch from sugary drinks to plain water

by  in Lifestyle
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fizzy drinks

Are you struggling with kicking your soda habit? You’re not alone.

In fact, many people find it difficult to break their addiction to fizzy drinks. But plain water can be just as refreshing, and it offers a range of health benefits that are hard to beat.

So how do you make the switch from sugary drinks to plain water? It’s not as challenging as you might think. Keep reading for tips to get you started!

Why you should drink more plain water

You should drink more plain water because it’s calorie-free and sugar-free, and it’s a great way to hydrate yourself. Plain water has a whole host of health benefits and can also help you lose weight because when you’re full of water, you’re less likely to overeat.

How to make plain water more palatable

It can be tough to make the switch from fizzy drinks to plain water right away but trust us, it’s worth it. Here are a few tips to make the transition a little easier:

  • Add some fruit slices or cucumber slices to your water to give it a bit of flavor.
  • If you’re struggling, try adding a bit of juice to your plain water. This will help you get used to the taste gradually.
  • Make sure you’re drinking enough water each day. Once you get into the habit of drinking plain water, you will notice that you feel better and have more energy.
Plain water vs. zero-calorie sparkling water
sparkling water

Image Credits: Celeste L.

When it comes to making the switch from sugary drinks to plain water, there are a few options to choose from. You can go with regular plain water, or you can spice it up with sparkling water.

Regular water is great and all, but it can be a little bit… Well, bland. And sometimes we need a little something extra to get us through the day. That’s where sparkling water comes in.

Sparkling water is essentially regular water with carbonation. This means that it has zero calories and zero sugar, which is great for those of us who are trying to avoid soda and drink more mineral water. So if you’re looking for an easy way to make the switch from sugary drinks to plain water, sparkling water is the way to go.

How to make the switch from sugary drinks to plain water less painful

Making the switch from sugary drinks to plain water can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be hard. Here are a few suggestions for you:

  • Fill up a large water bottle and take it with you wherever you go.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when you’re feeling thirsty.
  • Start by gradually decreasing the cans of sugary drinks you have each day until you’re down to just one.
  • Reward yourself with a glass of your favorite sugary drink on a specific day only. For instance, Fizzy Fridays.

Making the switch from fizzy drinks to plain water is easier than you think. All you need is a little persistence and before you know it, you will find that it’s easy to live without them. In addition, one of the best things about making the switch is that you will save money. Not only will you save on the cost of drinks, but you will also save on the cost of snacks that you often get in combos. By following the abovementioned tips, you will be well on your way to drinking more plain water and less sugary drinks.

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