Avoid Making These Costly Mistakes When Buying A Laptop

For many Singaporeans, laptops have become an integral part of their lives. Saying that I cannot live without powerful device is an understatement. Without my laptop, I would be out of job. This article would not exist either! Laptops bring so much ease to our lives.

Whether you use yours for business or entertainment, laptops are easy to get. Unfortunately, this type of device can be costly! I would categorize it as a major investment. With that said, it is best to plan your purchase to avoid buyer’s remorse.

#1: GETTING THE CHEAPEST MODEL

One might think that the surefire way to save money is to buy the cheapest model available in the market. This may be easy for your wallet, but said model may not have all the necessary features. Given that the materials used in the cheapest models are found in the lower end of the spectrum, many of them lack the longevity that you crave for.

It is best to opt for a laptop that will serve all your needs. Make a list of your ideal specifications, must-have features, and other preferences. Compare this list to your viable options.

#2: SPENDING TOO MUCH

Do you really need the top-of-the-line MacBook Pro costing about S$3,488? Can the least expensive Pro (i.e., the 13-inch costs about S$1,898) satisfy your needs? Realistically speaking, some powerful desktop computers have lower prices.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If you believe that quality depends on the price tag then, your belief may not be applicable to laptop shopping. Higher prices do not always equate to better product performances. Spending too much on a laptop can lead to buyer’s remorse. Not to mention, parts and repairs are usually more expensive for laptops than other counterparts.

#3: THINKING SIZE DOES NOT MATTER

Let us face it! Size matters when it comes to acquiring a laptop. A laptop’s size determines the design of the trackpad and the keyboard. You will most likely be cramped when opting for a device measuring less than 13 inches. Furthermore, a laptop with a bigger display allows more space to work in your desktop. Also, a “larger laptop” often gives a better viewing space and or a more expansive experience in general.

For frequent travellers, you may benefit more with small laptops such as the ultrabooks. Ultrabooks are not for everyone! Just because a product is in the front page of a tech review, does not mean that it is the best for you. A Chromebook may be cheap and portable, but it has a low storage space that will not suit the needs of a graphic designer.

#4: DISREGARDING THE ART OF “SHOPPING AROUND”

When buying a laptop or accomplishing a major purchase, it is important to do prior research. Investing your hard-earned money on the manufacturer price many not be always be a good idea. Most companies want to sell their products at top prices. Thus, you must consider shopping around.

Look for bargain deals provided by online retailers such as Amazon. Alternatively, you may hit up the nearest IT/Tech shops such as Courts and Challenger. For instance, Challenger’s www.hachi.tech offers 15% discount on the Surface laptop (T&C’s apply).

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Not to mention, the Great Singapore Sale is still on going. Imagine the beaming online and offline promotions ahead!

#5: IGNORING THE IMPACT OF THE FUTURE

At a heartbeat, you were swayed by a salesperson who highlighted the wonders of a touchscreen monitor. This new laptop may be good for now, but how about a couple of years down the road? Is a “normal” laptop more durable than its touchscreen counterpart? Think about it!

As assets, laptops move like cars. Its value plummets as time goes by! Remember that.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Effective ways to reduce your financial burden

Quite often the most important thing that you pursue in life is that sound financial situation that you’ve been dreaming for years. You can do so by pulling yourself off from the credit card debt burden. Pulling out of this financial burden isn’t that easy unless you keep following a disciplined and structured approach.

Check out some important steps that can actually help you out of debt:

  1. Evaluate your financial standing

You must know your current financial standing before even attempting to lower your credit card debt. Several experts are of the same opinion when it comes to addressing the core issues pertaining to money management . Once you’re aware of where you’re standing, you’ll certainly be able to hit the target. In doing so, you’ll need to be absolutely honest to yourself. For every card that you possess, you must keep a note of your debt and the interest that you’re required to pay.

  1. Pick a unique payoff strategy.

You may opt for a strategy that suits paying off your credit cards more effectively. You may consider paying off the card bearing the highest APR while meeting the minimum balance with your other cards. For this, you must draw a separate budget from that of your monthly budget. This is certainly a good way of lowering your debt. You’ll find more cash on hand after paying off your first card. Thereafter, you must consider the card with the next highest interest rate for paying off. Similarly, you have to choose cards and pay them off as you go lower down the order of their APR value. On the contrary, you may choose to go the other way round by picking the card with the lowest interest rate first and thus going up the order as you develop the snowball effect. However, you can’t resort to any of the quick cash loans while repaying your cards.

  1. Keep a note of all costs.

Create a list of all of your unavoidable and regular expenses like that of the minimum payments on credit cards, car maintenance, phone bills, insurance policies, cable connection, mortgage besides tracking your expenses pertaining to family trips, entertainment, and dining out. You may develop your budget on this foundation. You may derive a true and fair view of your overall monthly expenses by checking out your bank statements and credit card statements.

  1. Draw your budget.

You might need to cut down on some of your expenses. You’ll need to be realistic in your approach as you ought to bear with a few sacrifices. Cutting out is often not effective as that of cutting back. You may achieve a few big savings when you make a few amends in your domestic budget. However, you must remember that it’s often not easy to opt for an overhaul of your lifestyle. Your budget demands some breathing space so that you may cope with the unforeseen expenses more comfortably.

You may opt out of some services, which in turn helps you in cutting back much sooner than you expect. Segregate your monthly income for meeting a portion of your budget every week.

  1. Monitor your progress.

You must keep a track of your spending just to check if the expenses are dropping or mounting beyond your reach. Keep checking your progress towards an improved financial situation after every alternate month. You can’t see yourself in stress for a much longer duration.

You must have been through a lot while trudging your way through debt. Now, it’s your time to hold on to your patience and work your way out of it. You may check out your financial progress by setting reminders on a sheet a paper. Comparing your progress turns easier as you get it updated with your initial balances.

 

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3 Car Accessories Worth Spending On

1. DASHBOARD CAMERAS

UNIQUE SELLING POINT: A dashboard camera has the ability to record any unforeseen events.

PRODUCT PRICE RANGE: Quality dashboard cameras can cost you hundreds of dollars. However, the cheapest one I saw was S$10 in Lazada.

The dashboard camera, better known as dash cam, is an on-board camera that continuously records the view of the vehicle’s exterior or interior. It can be attached in many spots including on the dashboard or on the windshield. Due to its suction cup or adhesive mount, dash cams are movable. Find a spot that will not obstruct your view while you drive.

Image Credits: Paul Townsend via flicker.com/creativecommons

Dash cams are useful for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it allows you to keep track of the exact location of your vehicle and the route it has taken. Secondly, it is your first line of defense when claiming insurance. It can record suspicious activities while you are parking or driving. Imagine capturing a video of a perpetrator vandalizing your car in the mall’s parking lot! A newbie driver will surely benefit from this feature.

2. PARKING SENSORS

UNIQUE SELLING POINT: Parking sensors covers your blind spots by detecting the obstacles while you park.

PRODUCT PRICE RANGE: The company Singtech produces parking sensors that go for as low as S$15 and as high as S$90. Each product has its own special features.

I have to admit! As a novice driver, parking is the area that I lack strength on. It is challenging for me to measure the approximate distances of each stationary car without having the help of a guide or a sensor. I am referring to the trusty parking sensors. These are proximity sensors for road vehicles, which are designed to alert its drivers of the obstacles ahead.

Whether you are choosing an electromagnetic or an ultrasonic device, a parking sensor is one of the optional car accessories that you must consider. You see, even veteran drivers have a lapse in judgement in difficult parking spaces. Having an SUV fit through a narrow space through parallel parking is another challenge! I cannot stress how large cars can benefit from installing said sensors. Preventing an accident or two can make your life easier.

3. BLUETOOTH CAR KIT

UNIQUE SELLING POINT: Bluetooth car kits provide a wireless mode of communication and entertainment throughout your journey.

PRODUCT PRICE RANGE: Bluetooth car kits are sold as low as S$8 at Lazada. While, premium quality devices are sold for S$80 and above.

The recent amendments in the Road Traffic Act entail a wider scope of restrictions on the usage of mobile devices while driving. Any driver caught holding hand-held equipment can be found guilty of committing an offense. The market has thought of a solution to combat this. Said solution is by using a hands-free connection such as Bluetooth.

With modern technology, Bluetooth provides a standard for wireless communication. It allows its users to talk while on the move without having to hold a physical equipment. This feature is worth investing on especially if you are fond of navigating through the city while listening to music or while answering important phone calls.

As I search the web for credible and affordable Bluetooth car kits, I found the brands Kinivo and Jabra. Kinivo (available in Amazon for US$35.99 or about S$50) gets power from the car’s cigarette lighter and connects to your radio through an auxiliary jack. It allows you to manage your playlist and acts as a speakerphone during calls. Thanks to its built-in microphone!

Let us move on to the user-friendly Jabra Drive. Jabra Drive’s voice-guided instructions tell you how to connect to your mobile phone. This Bluetooth car kit allows you to use the dedicated control buttons to answer calls. Furthermore, it lets you play your tunes too. It retails for a whopping S$98!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sometimes, a car’s extra features depend on the individual’s preferences. Are there any car accessory that we missed? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Father’s Day Gifts To Make This Instant

You do not have to burn your allowance to show how special your father is!

On that note, here are some DIY gift ideas that you can make at the last minute:

#1: A MONEY TREE

I have to admit! Men can be tough to shop for at times. For instance, my father has a set of criteria clothing articles. Everything he purchases must tick all the boxes! To prevent disappointing him, it is easier to hand over some cash. Do you agree?

If you are looking for an original way to give cash, you may design a “money tree”. A money tree is a tabletop arrangement decorated with Singapore dollar bills. Said dollar bills can be folded into flowers or leaves. Try the easy peasy money tree by SunburstGifts.

Image Credits: www.sunburstgifts.org

#2: A BASKET OF SWEETS

Satisfy your husband or father’s sweet tooth by creating the “perfect basket” filled with his favorite treats. Gather his guilty and paste the free printables by The 36th Avenue. Other materials that you will need include: a basket or container, a picture frame, and a paper straw. All these can be purchased affordably at Daiso.

Image Credits: www.the36thavenue.com

#3: A DAD AWARD

It goes without saying that adults crave for recognition as much as children do. Show how much you appreciate your father’s or spouse’s efforts and sacrifices by making a golden medal. Small Fry blog started with whipping small paper plates, glue, gold paint, and a template together. Begin by printing the free template. Then, put the small paper plates together and attach the decorations.

Image Credits: www.smallfryblog.com

Putting the paper plates side-by-side adds a cool dimension to it. While, the golden accents add prestige.

#4: A DADDY TIE

The “daddy tie” is my favorite homemade gift on this list. For fathers who have been working on their 9-5 jobs, you may delight them with cards that can be worn. Add a sentimental value to your gift by allowing your little ones to complete the project with you.

The daddy tie can be completed in 5 minutes or less. Simply download and print the free template on craftingchicks.com. Cut and fold the edges according to the instructions. Then, fill out the questionnaire with your children. I can only imagine their cute handwritings!

Daddy Ties free Father’s Day printable

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Efficient Ways To Socialize On A Budget

You do not have to miss every opportunity to socialize because of your tight budget! Here are some tricks that you may follow to keep both your finances and friends happy:

#1: EMPLOY THE HONESTY SYSTEM

In Philosophy, the “honesty system” refers to endeavours ran based on trust and honor. Rules are typically applied to stay honest. Establish a similar system by sorting out your financial circumstance with the people who matter to you. Opt for the economically sound choices when hanging out with your friends or relatives. For instance, you may suggest splitting the bill with your workmates when celebrating the department’s increased sales.

Money may be a tough subject to hit, but genuine friends will understand. Said friends will avoid putting a strain on your finances!

#2: PLAN AHEAD OF TIME

Birthdays, weddings, and New Year festivities are some of the fixed events that happen in a year. With their nature, you have an ample amount of time to prepare for each one. Filling out a planner is a good strategy to accomplish. Having a planner helps you to remember special dates and to see the bigger picture.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Plan a category of your budget according to the events that you foresee. Set aside at least a month to save up for future events. It may be easier said than done. However, you may start small. Prioritize events that are important to you. You do not have to give everyone a birthday present!

#3: SPOT HAPPY HOUR DEALS

As a young professional, sharing a few drinks at the nearby pub is one of the most popular ways to meet new people. Socializing in the bar, club, or pub helps some people to vent out their heated stress from work. However, I cannot deny the hefty prices that come with alcoholic drinks.

Have a good time while cutting your bill significantly by researching the “happy hour deals” nearby. Most bars in Singapore have deals between 4 PM to midnight. Not to mention, there are other promotional events such as “ladies’ night” where women pay less than the male patrons. For the cheapest happy hour drinks, you may check out this list!

#4: SCORE WITH FREE EVENTS

Last but not the least, you may take advantage of the country’s free events. Whether you are eyeing for live music or art workshops, these events may help you uncover a new talent or skill. Furthermore, it will not poke a hole on your wallet!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Do not be scared to get out of your comfort zone by trying something new with your friends. To find free events, you may check out your community’s website or eventbrite.sg.

Sources: 1 & 2

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