Tuition is a long-term investment.

For decades, parents have found themselves weighing up the pros and cons of higher education. They have hesitated before encouraging their children to pursue a degree, questioning whether the value they might get out of a university education will ever actually outweigh the fees of attending that college – and whether it will justify life-long debt. But the reality is that tuition is unequivocally a long-term investment and when evaluating the return on investment into a higher education, there should be no doubt it will always generate far more value in a person’s life than it costs them. If you are still in the pre-liminary stages of whether higher ed is for you, here are a few reasons why you should go ahead and enroll:

It’s not what you know, but who you know (actually, it’s both)

Attending a college or University can provide students with valuable connections who may help them get a job later in life and that’s why you should strongly consider attending after high school because it will help you get your foot up in your career. Even if a student fails educationally while at college, one friendship or introduction could lead them to a career opportunity they wouldn’t otherwise have.

Better job prospects

On the same note, universities typically do all they can to make graduates employable by responding to changing workforce demands and customising university courses so that they help produce students perfectly suited to the markets’ needs. For example, accelerating digital change is one major global phenomenon that universities know will dictate the future of the workplace. In fact, the McKinsey Global Institute estimates half of current work activities could be automated using existing technology, and so universities are increasingly changing the way in which they teach to ensure students keep up with changing technologies. Universities also often embed work experience into the curriculum to prepare graduates for life after college. Given how competitive the workplace is today, especially in light of Covid-19, the more an applicant can demonstrate that they are perfectly suited to a job, the better.

Improved self confidence

There is much evidence to support the idea that attending a respectable university will lead to increased confidence in the students attending it, simply because it helps them to recognise they are a worthy and valuable member of society, with the world their oyster. As opposed to retreating into their own world and potentially becoming an antisocial recluse, students at university tend to relate better with their peers, and later on with the outside world. This in turn tends to translate into better jobs, since interpersonal skills are considered a key asset in recruitment today. Part of building this self-esteem, though, is about succeeding in one’s scholarly pursuits – and here is the catch. Sometimes, it is necessary to invest a little more in private tuition during one’s university years, to ensure that the educational experience is maximised.

However, long before you are able to attend college, you need to have the appropriate qualifications. For instance, if you are planning to study finance, marketing or other economy related courses, you might require economics tuition. It is very important to make sure you get the help you need so that you are able to realize your dreams of going to university. Furthermore, experts in their field are a choice investment in your children’s education. The value of their tuition is not merely that they help students secure high grades but also truly coaching them in thinking skills, and helping them to see the applicability of the economic concepts to making important life decisions as well as training them with a business or entrepreneurial mindset.

 

 

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Telltale Signs That You’re Financially Unstable

Your sense of stability will be at its peak at the age of 40. During this phase, you will get more control on your finances and your family plans. You may prioritize your child’s education and sustain the needs of 3 people in your household. On the flip-side, being financially stable in your 20s is a rare sight!

It is terrifying to navigate through the adult world while being confused with will happen next. Sometimes, you think you have plenty of money to spare. The next minute, you feel that you need to call your mom or dad for help. This stage of instability can last up to your 30s.

Relax. You are not alone. For a friendly warning and healthy awareness, here are the telltale signs that you are not doing financially well.

999. WHAT’S YOUR EMERGENCY?

It comes as no surprise that you will borrow a small amount of money while you are applying for a job. Sometimes, you may ask for a little help too. However, if you have your parents on speed dial as your financial helpline, you are in a sticky situation.

Your parents may not be able to support your financial needs all they time as they are going through another phase of their lives – retirement. It is seemingly embarrassing to rely on your parents when you have no cash left as an adult. Hence, you need to do your best not to be an added weight to your parents.

YOU BETTER HAVE MY MONEY!

With red markings on your calendar, you saw that #PAYDAY is two days down the line. You keep on waiting for this day to come. You have not gotten your salary yet, but you have numerous plans on how to spend your money. Do you want to hangout with your friends at the pub? Do you want to purchase the designer bag online? You have no worries! You got plenty of money. At least, that was what you thought.

Seven days after your payday, you are already regretting most of the things that you have done. Why didn’t you spend your money wisely? You should have kept some of your money in your investment portfolio. Now, you are wondering how you will get through the week with only S$50 on your pocket.

PAY ME WHAT YOU OWE ME!

It is your creditor’s phone operator again. The operator is calling to remind you about your unpaid credit card bills. You think you are responsible just by carrying a credit card? You think you will only use it for emergencies? Think again!

As you get comfortable with swiping your expenses on your plastic card, you will be able to widen the scope of your shopping categories. After two to three months, you will notice that you will feel safe to swipe your card when purchasing new clothes and when eating out. Online shopping? It is easy with a credit card!

Your bill arrives and you feel horrific! You are wondering where you can borrow money to pay for all your bills.

WHAT SAVINGS?

You are in a financially unstable place if you do not have a savings account. A payroll account does not count! It is essential for working adults to have a separate savings account to create an emergency fund.

People typically see the value of a savings account after being caught in a financial mess with no emergency funds or no one else to run to. Taking loans or cash advances can incur more debt in the future.

THE FUTURE IS NOT NEAR

You are not thinking about your retirement. Retirement? Yes. You are too young for this. You have your lives ahead of you. But, time is in your hands. Use its power to create a wealthy retirement fund.

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You do not want to beg people for money 30 to 40 years down the road. Being financially stable is a lot of hard work, but you can achieve that by planning and spending wisely. Reach your financial goals in a slow and steady pace.

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Important Benefits Of Life Insurance

Say you are a breadwinner to a family of three. You are happy to sustain the needs of your family. Suddenly, you caught the coronavirus bug. What will you do? You can no longer go to work! You cannot fulfill your work from home duties either.

Fortunately for you, you decided to purchase a life insurance policy prior to this event. Your critical illness is covered. Apart from that, how can life insurance help you in the future?

Firstly, there are two types of insurance such as whole life and term insurance. The latter is cheaper than the former. I will get to that later. Nonetheless, life insurance serves as your protection for unforeseen events, your shield for medical emergencies, and your extend relief after retirement.

The difference between whole life and term insurance is the amount of money you will have to put inside and the amount of money you will get back. Both policies provide protection in the event of total permanent disability and death.

Term insurance, true to its name, provides you with protection only for a fixed period of time (such as 20 to 30 years). The plan expires after the given term. If nothing happens to you and you do not make the claim, you get nothing. On the other and, whole life insurance covers you until you die. This is as long as you pay your premiums.

PROTECTION FOR UNFORESEEN EVENTS

Ensure that you will be able to support the needs of your surviving family with life insurance. When the income earner dies, there is a significant impact for the surviving family. There are possibilities when a survivor can provide for the rest of the family’s needs as well, but it is better to be prepared.

Keep the impact of death to minimum and provide your surviving family members with a source of income by arranging your life insurance plan.

SHIELD FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Whether you are single or married, having an emergency fund is vital to your life. You will never know when bad events such as this pandemic will occur.

Getting life insurance and having emergency funds are the best way to be ready for any emergencies. It will not only assure you but it will also prevent you from having an empty pocket when you drown in an unfortunate situation.

Some people might say that getting life insurance is like getting ready for your funeral. However, you may look at it as a means to prepare yourself for survival.

RELIEF FOR RETIREMENT

Using the cash value of your life insurance policy allows you to have an additional financial support once you retire.

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You may also use this money to indulge yourself, after you retire. Just ensure that you work within your means.

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5 Must-Watch Shows And Films On Netflix

Who says the Circuit Breaker period has to be boring? Indulge yourself with entertainment, a glass of wine, and a pint of ice cream. From funny food shows to heartbreaking stories of marriage, here are some of the shows and films that you can binge on while in quarantine.

MARRIAGE STORY (2019)

Let us start this list with a lasting mark through the “Marriage Story“. This movie did not collect a 95% Rotten Tomatoes for nothing! Love is not always rainbows and butterflies. In fact, this story is about divorce. It starts with a couple describing the reasons why they fell in love with each other, but it quickly shatters the viewers’ illusions as they highlight why they are incompatible. The messy process revolved playwright Charlie Barber (Adam Driver) and his actress wife Nicole (Scarlett Johansson).

Nicole wanted to pursue her dreams in Los Angeles, where a new job awaits. However, Charlie was not on board. The tension finally breaks them and they lawyer up. Watch they re-build whatever is left.

IT’S COMPLICATED (2009)

Meryl Streep’s character in this movie was torn between two lovers. It centers the story of a successful bakery owner whose life is vibrant due to her ex-husband and her home architect. This romantic-comedy is filled with beautiful home layouts, lush backyard vegetables, and delicious pastries.

This art is the perfect encapsulation of the Danish word “Hygge“, the mood of comfort and wellness, in film.

BILLIONS (2016)

Ever wondered what it is like to fly your best-friend in an all expenses paid concert whenever you can? Well, that is what the main character of this show has done. Modern Billionare Axe was constantly pursued by U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhoades due to illegal trading. This drama TV series is all about gaining power!

Episodes are drenched in boss moves that can inspire you to work harder. For instance, Axe once ate a pizza with caviar toppings and Chuck drank the fanciest single-malt scotch at his home. Imagine the life of the rich and famous.

CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE (2011)

Crazy, Stupid, Love tops the list of my personal feel-good movies. Makeover scenes are prevalent in Hollywood, but only few are dedicated to men. If you have not seen this movie before, you have to prepare your eyes with the great fashion sense these main male characters have.

It follows the life of a middle-aged dad who was recently divorced. Cal attempts to dive back to the dating scene with the help of an elegant playboy named Jacob. Besides, it is a blessing to see the dashing Ryan Gosling on screen!

THE CHEF SHOW (2019)

This cooking show is a spin-off of Jon Favreau’s movie Chef in 2014. You may know him as “Happy Hogan” from Iron man and the Marvel universe. Jon along with renowned Chef Roy Choi go from state to state to experiment with different people. These people share their passion for food and cooking.

What’s more? This cooking show does not go by the book. There are no measurements whenever they cook. In fact, they both make fun of themselves whenever they make mistakes. They typically cook comfort food such as grilled cheese, lava cake, aglio e olio pasta, and fried rice. Delicious!

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Digital Resources That Can Help Your Sanity

The safest thing that you can do for yourself is to stay at home. However, staying at home can take a toll on your Mental Health. It is difficult to live in a world where you cannot meet your loved ones whenever you want or where you cannot accomplish your usual outdoor activities. At some point, the news can either bore or stress you out too.

Fortunately for you, there is a wealth of digital resources that can help you stay sane. Download one or all of these apps!

#1: ZOOM

It is important to stay connected despite practicing safe distancing. One mobile and computer app that can help you connect to your loved ones and to your co-workers is Zoom. Zoom meetings are all the rage these days! This is possibly due to the useful functions of Zoom such as screen sharing and virtual backgrounds. Apart from that, many people are conducting free webinars that focus on their skills or on Mental Health awareness.

Consider opening a delicious bottle of wine while you host a virtual party with your friends. It is happy hour somewhere, right? Moreover, you may connect with your significant other as you cook and eat a meal together.

#2: DUOLINGO

Duolingo is a popular app that gamifies language learning. It offers bite-sized listening and speaking lessons among over 30 languages. If you have been itching to learn Spanish to watch Money Heist more efficiently, then you may give this app a go. Interestingly, it includes more obscure languages such as Latin and High Valyrian too. GOT fans will know what I am talking about!

#3: HEADSPACE

If you are looking for a vibrant and positive app that can help you kick-start your meditation journey, search no further than “Headspace”. Headspace includes hundreds of short meditation recordings and lengthy guided sessions. Choose your own preference as these range from physical health to personal growth as well as from stress management to stress relief.

Be honest with yourself when it comes to what you really need at the moment. If you are downloading this app for free, you will be able to access limited free sessions. Otherwise, you may upgrade your subscription to get a full access to their meditation library.

#4: APPLE PODCAST

Apple Podcast and Spotify house a variety of Mental Health and self-care podcasts that can help alleviate the emotional stress that you are feeling at the present moment. A podcast available on Apple Podcast called “Mental Illness Happy Hour” tackles difficult mental illnesses such as PTSD and addiction through interviewing notable figures and celebrities.

Another podcast that you may listen to is the “Miss Psychobabble” podcast. This peeks inside the current issues and popular culture through the lens of Psychology. From finding productivity while working at home to gaining control in times of uncertainty, this podcast educates you about human behavior and solves it through practical tips.

#5: STOIC.MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING

The ancient philosophy of Stoicism dates back in circa 300 B.C.E. Stoics endure pain and suffering without complaints and rants. If meditation is your thing, you can probably enjoy the company of the “stoic.mental health training” app. This app provides personalized insights on what influences your sense of fulfillment and levels of mood. It also gives calming exercises in the morning and evening. What’s more? It has a philosophy-driven journal that will enable you to understand why you are feeling a certain way. It is okay to not be okay, all the time.

#6: ADIDAS TRAINING

Exercise and physical activity helps you to release some “happy hormones” or endorphins. Keep the consistency in your routine by downloading the free ADIDAS TRAINING app. This app lets you complete a workout for at least 7 minutes. It comes in a series of easy to difficult pre-made workouts.

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If you have a particular goal in mind such as weight loss, you may create your own training plan too. Comparing your progress with friends who use the app is also possible. This will enable you to monitor your group workout plans and goals.

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