10 Greatest Songs Ever Written Surrounding Money

Many musicians did not start out with huge paychecks, lavish cars, and bling on their necks. They have gone through the tribulations of life and paid their dues. Believe it or not, some of the greatest songs ever written surround interesting perspectives about money. Moreover, you can apply these songs to your own finances. This is when art imitates life.

So, sit back and relax. Turn your speakers on and immerse yourself in the “10 Greatest Songs Ever Written About Money”!

ABBA: “MONEY, MONEY, MONEY”

“I work all night, I work all day to pay the bills I have to pay. Ain’t it sad. And still there never seems to be a single penny left for me.”

It is troubling to listen to someone go through this situation. If you are living off from paycheck to paycheck, it is time to take a closer look at your finances. Are you saving a portion of your money for yourself? Consider asking for a pay raise or reducing your expenses to avoid letting your bills take up all of your wages.

BARRETT STRONG: MONEY (THAT’S WHAT I WANT)

“Money don’t get everything it’s true. What it don’t get. I can’t use.”

It goes without saying that this is one of the famous money songs out there. It is a classic and rightly so! The first lyric is “the best things in life are free”. I agree! Money cannot buy everything such as lasting relationships and happiness. It is all about striking a balance between your financial goals and your personal life.

THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G.: MO’ MONEY, MO’ PROBLEMS

“It’s like the more money we come across, the more problems we see.”

As I said, money cannot buy everything. Getting richer will not necessarily enrich your life. Money can become an instrument to reaching your financial goals. However, it is up to you to use it responsibly in order to help yourself and others around you. Remember that it is easy to be blinded by power and greed.

DESTINY’S CHILD: INDEPENDENT WOMEN

“All the women who independent, throw your hands up at me! All the honeys who makin’ money, throw your hands up at me.”

The late 90s and early 2000s brought-forth the age of women empowerment through girl bands such as Destiny’s Child and Spice Girls. This song is all about financial independence and not relying on someone else to succeed. You can relate this message to Singaporeans of all genders and all ages.

THE BEATLES: CAN’T BUY ME LOVE

“I may not have a lot to give, but what I got I’ll give to you. I don’t care too much for money, money can’t buy me love.”

The Beatles are iconic for fusing important experiences and fantastic tunes. This song is a good reminder that you are not defined by how much you make. No matter how much you earn or how much you strive to earn, always remember the important things in life. Prioritize your “own currencies” and work towards these.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

PITBULL FEAT. NE-YO: TIME OF OUR LIVES

“I know my rent was gon’ be late about a week ago. I worked my ass off, but I still can’t pay it though. But I got just enough to get off in this club.”

Yes! It is tempting to give in to the YOLO movement. However, you must be realistic. If your finances are suffering due to your entertainment costs such as going to the clubs or casinos regularly then, you should stop. Take care of your responsibilities first!

CEE-LO GREEN: FORGET YOU

“Yeah I’m sorry I can’t afford a Ferrari. But that don’t mean I can’t get you there.”

Many people fall into a trap by keeping up with their neighbors. You do not have to waste your money to impress someone. Otherwise, you will end up poking a hole in your wallet and having a relationship with someone that is superficial. Invest on things that will benefit you in the long run!

THE BEATLES: FIXING A HOLE

“I’m fixing a hole where the rain gets in, to stop my mind from wandering.”

This band is making another exposure in this list as this song highlights the simple solutions in life. Whenever I am faced with a problem, I always focus on the solution. Solutions do not have to be expensive. It pays to learn to do small improvements on your own than hiring a professional to do it for you.

ROLLING STONES: CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT

“You can’t always get what you want,
But if you try sometimes,
You just might find.
You get what you need.”

One of the biggest issues in trying to save funds is determining the difference between needs and wants. The essentials must come first while saving up for your wants. Over time with hard-work, you will be able to get both your needs and wants.

<MACKLEMORE AND RYAN LEWIS: THRIFT SHOP

“I am stunting and flossing and saving my money”

Take it from Macklemore and Ryan! You do not have to break the bank to look good or feel good. Singapore has tons of flea markets, thrift shops, and charity shops that can help you grow your wardrobe without spending too much.

Moreover, saving money on clothes can help you focus on more important financial goals!

Sources: 1 & 2

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How To Start Investing With S$100 A Month

Oh, adulting! It comes in a slate of responsibilities thrown at a person all at the same time. To survive the challenges of life, one must establish a healthy savings plan. Long-term savings include having an insurance policy, a good credit score, and an emergency fund. Many people grow their savings thru investing.

Investing is an overwhelming idea for many Singaporeans as they perceive it to be expensive. Few people outside the financial industry have thought of investing their money for themselves. However, you do not need to have S$10,000 or more to start investing. You can grow your wealth with just S$100 per month.

Here are some strategies that you may apply.

#1: MAKE SMALL INVESTMENTS REGULARLY

It comes as no surprise that one advantage of making small invest regularly is that you are not trying to time the market. Instead, you are relying on your money’s “time in the market”. This is important because stocks have their ups and downs, but their prices tend to increase as time passes. This is a strategy known as dollar-cost averaging, which will average out the cost of share purchases in a period of time.

For as little as S$100 a month, you may start investing in DBS Invest-Saver as it allows you to buy an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) that mirrors the performance of the Singapore stock market or a bond ETF.

#2: CONSIDER REGULAR SHARES SAVINGS

One of the most affordable ways to get inside the Singapore Exchange (SGX) is through Regular Shares Savings (RSS) plans. RSS can be opened with the help of a local brokerage firm or bank.

The broker of the financial institution will invest a fixed amount of money every month based on your instructions or financial capabilities. For instance, you may choose to invest S$100 each month into the Straits Times Index (STI) Exchange Traded Fund (ETF).

Control is one of the best parts of RSS plans. If you wish to invest money in different companies each month, you may do so. If you wish to stop investing in a company each month, you may do so. Simply instruct your broker and adjust your monthly investments. Some financial institutions allow you to take control of your RSS plan through online platforms.

#3: APPLY FOR UNIT TRUSTS

If you prefer to have someone else control your investments then, you may choose to invest in unit trusts. Unit trusts work by collecting money from many investors. A professional fund manager will take this pool of money and grow it following a specific investment strategy. It is a collective investment, which is why you do not have personal control over the individual components of the investment portfolio.

A common misconception about investing thru unit trusts is that you do not need to do anything. This is not true! As an investor, you must do your research before deciding which unit trusts you wish to invest in. By doing your research, you will know that both DBS and OCBC unit trusts allow you to either invest a lump sum of S$1,000 or S$100 per month.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Good luck with your investment journey!

Sources:1 & 2

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Simple Acronyms That Can Help You Save Money

Stuck in a rot? Consider imbibing some or all of these four acronyms to maximize your daily savings!

1: BYOB – Bring Your Own Beverage

Bid farewell to your endless Starbucks trips and say hello to BYOB. Bringing your own beverage and food to school or work has many benefits. For starters, you can choose what you eat for the rest of the day. This is especially helpful to the people who vowed to lose weight or to eat healthier meals this year. Lastly, bringing your own beverage and food lessens your chances of dining out. BYOB prevents you from mindlessly breaking the bank on food expenses.

2: PIYS- Put In Your Savings

Aside from having a physically fit body, you must strive to have a financially fit account. Luckily for you, you can just PIYS. Whether you have accumulated loose change or have work incentives, you can PIYS. Do not spend your extra money! Put it in your savings account instead. You may also enroll your account to an institution’s automatic savings program to ensure that you do not touch your money.

3: YODA – You Overspent Days Ago

If you need a reminder on why you need to save, just think of Baby YODA. This adorable Star Wars character cannot only charm your heart, but also give you a potent reminder. “You Overspent Days Ago or You Overspent Decades Ago” is something that resonates many Singaporeans. If you are bound to repeat the same financial mistakes you have done in the past then, what does that make you? It is time to learn from the past and focus on your needs.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Start building a future that you will be proud of. When faced with another temptation to spend, simply evoke the name of YODA. May the force be with you!

4: ABC – Allocate, Budget, and Cut

Did you know that budgeting is as easy as ABCs? Simply start with Allocation, proceed to Budgeting, and apply the Cut. Allocation is the processes of listing down your expenses and identifying which ones are important. Allocate the right amount of money per expense category.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Then, maintain a budget that you will keep track of. Monitor your progress and the money you are currently saving. Lastly, apply cost-cutting when your savings remain too low. Cut down unnecessary expenses and focus on expenses that will help you survive.

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Budget-Friendly Ways To Strengthen Your Immune System Against nCoV

As the shelves of the local groceries leave zero traces of stocks, you will notice how much panic the nCoV (novel CoronaVirus) has brewed in the shoppers all over Singapore. You cannot blame these shoppers as the total confirmed nCoV cases rose to 33 last Friday. It is alarming to see how prevalent the nCoV cases are in Singapore and across the globe. With hundreds of deaths worldwide, The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the novel CoronaVirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Nonetheless, it is best to stay calm in this situation.

There are no current vaccines or cures for the nCoV as of the moment. Your best defenses against its infection are boosting your immune system and practicing proper hygiene. On that note, here are some budget-friendly tips that you can follow.

#1: QUIT SMOKING

The novel CoronaVirus is a respiratory disease first identified in Wuhan, China. Its nature makes people with weak respiratory systems more susceptible to having it. Smokers are more likely to be infected with pneumonia and influenza and have longer-lasting display of illnesses. These observations may be due to the lower levels of protective antioxidants in a smoker’s blood.

#2: WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN

Never touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands as germs spread this way. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds or the entire “Happy Birthday” song. You may also use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Make it a practice to cleanse your gadgets as well, especially before using them.

#3: STAY AT HOME

If you display flu-like symptoms, it is best to stay at home or to consult a physician. You may rest for 5 to 7 days. Cover your mouth when your sneezing or coughing. Be courteous to other people when you are sick. Spread love and not the virus!

#4: EAT RIGHT

Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals can help strengthen your immune system. I am referring to citrus fruits, broccoli, and yogurt. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells, which is key to fighting infections. Incorporate grapefruits, oranges, lemons, and tangerines to your diet now!

Broccoli is supercharged with vitamins A,C, and E as well as other antioxidants and fiber. It is one of the healthiest vegetables that you can put on your plate. Keep its nutrients in tack by cooking it as little as possible. Lastly, Greek yogurt or plain yogurt is a great source of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system and is believed to increase our body’s natural defenses against diseases.

#5: GET ADEQUATE SLEEP

Studies have shown that people who do not get enough sleep or who do not get quality sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus such as the common cold. It can also affect the speed of your recovery. Combat the effects of sleep deprivation by getting adequate sleep.

#6: EXERCISE REGULARLY

Dedicate a portion of your day to exercising, whether it be indoor or outdoor. Exercise has been shown to result in positive changes in the white blood cells and antibodies. Moreover, it releases happy hormones and helps lower an individual’s stress levels.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Lowered stress levels can contribute to premium health.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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4 Small Appliances without Which Your Kitchen Is Incomplete

When you are renovating an old kitchen or are gettina new one build, you pay a lot of attention to the woodwork, the floor, the ease of access and the large appliances. But it’s not just the large appliances or the shelf work that makes your kitchen great. The small appliances in your kitchen are equally important as well. In this article, I have mentioned a few small appliances without which any kitchen is incomplete. Let’s have a look:

Coffee Maker

There is nothing better than a sip of fresh coffee in the morning. And if you do not have a coffee maker, then you are missing out on this luxury. Coffee makers are one of those small appliances that you can fit even outside the kitchen as well. Making coffee with powder is one thing, but picking your beans and making it with the fresh aroma is special. So, if you have not got a coffee maker for your kitchen yet, you should check out the best home coffee machine and get one right away.

Wi-Fi Pressure Cookers

In today’s modern age, it is not only your TV lounges and living room that are running on Wi-Fi, but you can also operate your kitchen with Wi-Fi as well. With a Wi-Fi pressure cooker, you can not only control the functions of your cooker from outside the kitchen, but you can also set the temperature and pressure of the cooker as well to make sure you are not overheating or overcooking. There is a screen on the pressure as well so you do not really need to connect it with your phone all the time. These cookers are advanced and they can cook your meat to perfection.

Infrared Toaster Ovens

With an infrared toaster oven, you can cook your meal faster than any other microwave oven. It also comes in models that let you set the maximum time as well so you do not get a burnt toast to eat. But while you are purchasing an infrared toaster, make sure that you are getting the one with fixed rack height so your toast always gets the right amount of heat. With the moveable rack, you are never sure where to adjust it and you always end up with a not so perfect toast.

Air Fryers

Another great small appliance that every kitchen should have is Air fryers. This appliance is for the people who love to eat fried food but they also want to control their cholesterol level as well. And with their own crunchiness and tenderness home fries will taste even more delicious for you. This appliance has a non-stick drawer for frying eatable, and guess what! It is dishwasher friendly and can be washed easily. When you buy an air fryer, you will get a book of simple recipes as well, which you can try any time. This appliance will give a whole new meaning to your snack time. Also, even though the inside is extremely hot, it will always feel cooler from the outside.

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