Inexpensive hobbies that will keep you entertained

making kimchi

Don’t you agree that we all need a little downtime sometimes? But “downtime” doesn’t have to mean vegging out in front of the TV or mindlessly scrolling through social media.

There are plenty of inexpensive hobbies you can consider picking up to keep you entertained. From going DIY to cooking and baking, we’ve got you covered. So, go ahead and add one (or more!) of these activities to your list of things to do in your free time.

Go DIY

There is plenty of fun, inexpensive hobbies you can pick up during your free time. For example, you could try doing DIY projects around the house. This could involve anything from painting a room to re-upholstering a chair. You get to be creative and will also be saving money by doing the work yourself!

Collecting things

There’s something about collecting things that’s appealing. Maybe it’s the sense of order and organization or the fact that you can flaunt your collection to others. Whatever the reason, collecting is a great way to spend your free time. And, best of all, you don’t have to empty your wallet to do it. There are lots of collections that can be started for just a few dollars. Here are a few to get the ball rolling:

  • Stamps
  • Coffee mugs
  • Beer cans/bottles
  • Vintage postcards
  • Tiny plastic figurines
Cooking and baking
asian_family_cooking_together_at_home

Image Credits: healthline.com

Cooking and baking are wonderful hobbies to consider if you’re looking for something affordable and satisfying. Not only will you save money on dining out, but you will also get to enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor.

There is an abundance of simple recipes out there that are excellent for beginners. Start by browsing through some online recipe collections or checking out the public library for cookbooks. You can also find tons of cooking and baking tutorials on YouTube if you need some visual help.

Fermenting food and drinks

When it comes to picking up a new hobby on a budget, fermenting your collection of food and drinks is a superb option. It is relatively inexpensive to get started, but it’s also a fun and rewarding process. Plus, you will end up with delicious and healthy probiotic-rich foods and drinks that you can enjoy all year round!

If you enjoy Korean cuisines, why not try Korean ferments such as kkakdugi, or radish cube kimchi? It requires fewer processes and is a little more forgiving than kimchi made with napa cabbage. Additionally, it doesn’t need to ferment for very long, so the end product will be ready and palatable in a few days.

Now that you know a few inexpensive hobbies to pick up, it’s time to get started! These activities can help you blow off some steam after a long day, or they can simply be a fun way to spend your free time. No matter what you choose, make sure to have fun and enjoy yourself. Who knows? You might even find new talent in one of these hobbies where you can capitalize it into a side income!

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How to handle work rejection like a pro

a woman thinking in front of her laptop

You’ve just been rejected from your dream job. Now what?

It can be tough to rebound after a rejection, but it’s important to remember that it’s not the end of the world. In fact, it can be a learning experience that makes you even stronger in the long run. In this article, we will share some tips on how to handle work rejection like a pro.

Rejection is only the beginning

You’re not alone if you’ve ever applied for a job and been rejected. In actuality, it’s estimated that around 75% of all job applications result in rejection.

But just because you didn’t get the job doesn’t mean your career is over. Most successful people have faced rejection at some point in their lives. The key is to learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.

Remember that rejection is only the beginning. Don’t take it personally because recruiters receive hundreds (if not thousands) of applications for every open position, so it’s inevitable that some resumes will be overlooked. Keep your chin up and focus on your next opportunity.

What to do after a work rejection
a laptop, coffee mug, and notepad on a desk

Image Credits: unsplash.com

First, take a deep breath and relax. You’re going to get through this so don’t dwell on the rejection. It’s natural to feel disappointed, but don’t let that get in the way of your plans.

It’s essential to keep your spirits up, so play on your strengths and remind yourself that there are plenty of other jobs out there. If there’s a practical tip you need, that is to network, network, network. Get in touch with your contacts, make new ones, and see if they know of any other openings.

Also, keep busy. An empty mind will only lead to unnecessary wandering thoughts that can steer you in a negative direction. Get back to your job search, update your resume, or sign up for some classes to beef up your skillsets. Don’t give up. The job market is tough, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on your ideal position. Chin up, career hunter!

When you get rejected from a job, it can feel like the world is ending. But it’s not. You’re going to be okay. Don’t let a little setback derail your entire job hunt. Stay focused on your goals and what you want to achieve. If you’re feeling stressfully overwhelmed, take a break! Step away from your computer and go for a walk or take a short nap to re-energize yourself. Just make sure you don’t take too long of a break or you will lose momentum. Rejection is only the end if you let it be. Keep your head up and stay motivated, and you will eventually find the job of your dreams.

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No Cost Ways to Relax After a Long Day at Work

Lately, I have been swamped with work. I switched from having an 8-hour shift to a 12-hour shift. As my body adjusts to the longer hours and the added demands of the workload, I realized how stress can affect my body and mind.

We cannot deny how important work is. With Singapore’s modern go-go-go society, people can be constantly put in the “fight or flight” mode. Relaxation is essential to slow things down and to take care of your overall health and wellbeing.

From gently rolling a ball under your feet to drinking green tea while soaking your toes in a relaxing foot bath, these are some of the no cost ways to relax after a tiring day at work.

#1: STROLL DOWN THE BOARDWALK

A quick stroll around the block combines physical activity with a change of scenery, which can act as your weapon against worries. You can end your day by walking to your favorite park. If Changi Boardwalk or Changi Point Coastal Walk is nearby, you can even enjoy the sunset. The stunning sunset over the coastline is a bonus. Best of all? Admission is free.

#2: TAKE A NAP ON A FORT

Forts are childhood staple for a reason! They are fun to build and are cozy to sleep on. Make an adult version of a fort by arranging your soft blankets, favorite book, and delicious snacks.

#3: SOAK YOUR TIRED TOES

With all the heavy lifting that your feet do all day, it is about time to give it the extra love it deserves. Use your available bath salts, bubbly foot bath, or simply sit on the edge of the bathtub filled with a few inches of relaxing hot water. Finish it off by massaging your feet with lotion.

#4: BE SURE TO DRINK YOUR GREENS

Help reduce your body’s stress responses by drinking green tea to reap the benefits of L-Theanine. Enjoy the earthy colors of your drink as you relax in your couch with your favorite TV show.

#5: MEDITATE IN SILENCE

Forget about spending hundreds of dollars on a week-long silent retreat overseas! You can meditate in five minutes or less with visualization techniques. Give it a go before a nerve-racking meeting or after you end your shift.

#6: STRETCH OUT

Put your head between your knees or stand and hang your head and arms toward your toes. Doing these stretches can lessen your reactivity to the fight-or-flight response and provide restorative effects to your autonomic nervous system (ANS).

#7: TAKE YOUR FRUSTRATION OUT ON A STRESS BALL

It is okay to be angry at times. Stress can bring rage, and what is important is how you manage your fiery emotions. It might be tempting to throw your laptop away but squeezing a stress ball is a less costly and safer option. You can also gently roll the ball under your feet to calm you down.

#8: WRITE IT DOWN

Putting your feelings down serves as an outlet to release what is on your mind. Try journaling about your work problems, pet peeves, relationship conflicts, debt, and so on. You might just get a new perspective upon seeing what you have written down.

#9: LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE SONGS

Soothe your soul by creating a playlist of songs that will best calm you down. Listening to music has relaxation benefits. So, try listening to music during your commute back home. If you are not going to bother anyone else, go ahead and sing along. You know you want to!

#10: DANCE AROUND

If dancing is your passion, try dancing to your favorite tunes once you are at home. Losing yourself to the beat can help you take the edge off. Dancing gets the blood flowing for a re-energizing rush of oxygen.

#11: TELL YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD STORY

Relive your happy moments and create new ones by sharing your memorable childhood story with your loved ones. Not only will this bring a smile to your face, but it is a wonderful way to bond with your child before bedtime.

#12: ENJOY SOME MILK AND COOKIES

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Eating milk and cookies is not only reserved for the Yuletide season. It turns out, consuming milk and cookies can help you relax because the carbohydrates in the cookies combine with tryptophan. According to a study published in Nutritional Health, tryptophan is an amino acid found in dairy foods, which can induce a feeling of relaxation.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Singapore Parents Spend More Money on Children’s Needs than Retirement

Starting a family requires careful planning. With a clear idea of what it entails and the schemes available to help ease new parents’ financial load, you will be able to embrace one of life’s greatest blessings.

As you allocate your budget, you must consider both your childcare expenses and your retirement fund. Prioritizing these two is easier said than done. A 2021 study by AIA Singapore revealed that young families in Singapore have deprioritized planning for their retirement to give way for the monthly expenses on their children.

The participants of the study (i.e., parents) were found to be spending 2.5 times more money on their children’s monthly expenses, rather than taking charge of their own retirement planning. These Singapore parents spend almost 20% of their income on their children’s needs and allocate less than 7% on their retirement fund. Furthermore, 70% shared that they intend to either increase or maintain the amount of income allocated to their children’s expenses. The increase of allocation to the children’s expenses is affected by the higher childcare costs amidst the pandemic.

Apart from this, the pandemic also affected their savings. One in three Singaporeans’ savings was negatively impacted in 2020, with a median amount of between S$251 to S$500 set aside monthly for retirement. It is challenging to find a balance between all the primary categories of your budget, but you must not overlook the importance of retirement planning.

“Retirement planning is an essential part of securing our longer-term financial security, not just for parents, but for the entire family, so everyone can look forward to a brighter future with peace of mind,” said Melita Teo. Melita Teo is AIA Singapore’s Chief Customer and Digital Officer.

As parents, you want to support your children by giving them the best opportunities to secure their future. Hence, you must consider creating a retirement plan to help navigate your seamless transition to the golden years. With this retirement plan, you will not need to fully rely on your children.

Start by reviewing your financial situation and financial plans. Establish a fresh budget for your household that will accommodate both your childcare costs and your retirement fund.

Talk to professionals, your trusted friends, and family members to have an idea of what it costs to pay for your child’s needs and your personal retirement needs.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Research on various government schemes such as Enhanced Baby Bonus, Enhanced MediSave Grant for Newborns, and other subsidies for center-based infant and childcare. Newborns who are registered as Singapore Citizens at birth are automatically insured under MediShield Life. These schemes and benefits can help free up some of your expenses to boost not only your childcare budget, but also your retirement fund.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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What is a prenuptial agreement and what should you include in it?

prenuptial agreement

A prenuptial agreement, or prenup for short, is a legal document that couples in a relationship sign before getting married.

While prenuptial agreements are not required in most states, they can be extremely helpful in protecting both parties involved in a divorce.

In this post, we will delve deeper into what a prenup is, what you should include in it, and why it’s important.

What is a prenup?

A prenup is a contract between two people who are about to get married. In essence, it’s a way to protect each person’s assets in the event of a divorce.

Prenups can be incredibly helpful for couples who have a lot of money or property, as they can help to ensure that these things are fairly divided in the event of a split. However, they can also be useful for couples who are not as well-off. This is because a prenup can outline each person’s responsibilities during the marriage, such as who will be accountable for paying debts or issues related to property ownership.

If you’re preparing to get married, it’s important to think through whether or not a prenuptial agreement might be right for you. If you have any burning questions pertaining to your unique case, please don’t hesitate to contact an attorney.

What are the benefits of a prenup?

There are a few key benefits of a prenuptial agreement:

  • Avoid costly and time-consuming disputes during a divorce.
  • Help to protect your assets in the event of a split. This is especially significant if one or both of you have substantial assets that you would like to safeguard.
  • Ensure that both parties are aware of each other’s financial situation going into the marriage. This can help to avoid any nasty surprises months into tying the knot.
What should you include in a prenup?
Asian couple using a laptop

Image Credits: nohat.cc

You and your partner should sit down and decide what you want to include in your prenuptial agreement. This document can be very detailed, or it can be more general. Some things you may want to consider before walking into a family lawyer’s office include:

  • How assets will be divided upon death
  • How property will be divided after a divorce
  • How custody of any children will be handled
  • Who will be liable for debts incurred during the marriage
  • What will happen to alimony payments in the event of a divorce
Are there any consequences of not having a prenup?

If you’re questioning whether or not you should have a prenuptial agreement, the answer is probably yes. Prenuptial agreements can seem daunting, but they’re an influential way to protect yourself and your future spouse in the event of a divorce.

There are a few things to keep in mind when creating a prenuptial agreement. First, both parties need to agree on what will be included in the agreement. It’s also important to make sure that both parties have a clear understanding of the consequences of not having a prenuptial agreement.

If you decide not to sign a prenuptial agreement, you could be opening yourself up to several risks. For example, you may be required to divide assets evenly in the event of a divorce, even if you don’t think that’s fair. You may also be responsible for your spouse’s debts in the event of a breakup.

As we come to a close, a prenup or prenuptial agreement is a contract entered into by couples before they get married. This document outlines what will happen to the couple’s assets in the event of a divorce. There are a few things you should include in your prenuptial agreement. For instance, you should list which assets will be considered separate property and which will be considered marital property. You should also decide how alimony and child support payments will be handled. If you’re considering getting married, it’s critical to discuss prenuptial agreements with your partner. This can help avoid any misunderstandings or disagreements in the future.

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