MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

4 Must-Read Books On Pregnancy (Under S$40)

1. THE PREGNANCY COUNTDOWN BOOK: NINE MONTHS OF PRACTICAL TIPS, USEFUL ADVICE, AND UNCENSORED TRUTHS

The eye-catching title of the book bears it all. Expect practical advice as the authors take you on a nine-month journey towards parenthood. Singaporean moms will enjoy reading this book because it avoids sugarcoating. The tone of the book is not too harsh either. Simply, it gets straight to the point!

I am mostly impressed about three parts. Firstly, it elaborates on the pregnancy issues that you are probably afraid to ask (e.g., stretch marks or eating regimen). Secondly, it pays attention on the relationship dynamics between the husband and wife. Lastly, it seeks to educate the expectant fathers on the trials that the pregnant partner is about to face.

Get the uncensored truth for as low as S$24.25 at Popular Bookstore.

2. MAYO CLINIC GUIDE TO A HEALTHY PREGNANCY

If you are a health-conscious individual like me, chances are, you have read several Mayo Clinic articles. Mayo Clinic is a non-profit medical research group based in Minnesota. The institution provides free online resources for everyone. The professionalism manifested in their website translates to the information packed inside the “Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy” book. This elaborate book functions as a reference guide, which you can browse from time to time.

The book includes three main sections: the pregnancy, the childbirth, and the newborn. The first part gives you week-by-week explanation of the changes that your body and mind will go through. Also, it shows the complete illustration of the baby’s development.

What will draw you closer to the book is its ability to give you informed decision by highlighting several pros and cons on important topics such as breastfeeding. Stand your ground after getting this 36-dollar book!

3. THE EXPECTANT FATHER: FACTS, TIPS, AND ADVICE FOR DADS-TO-BE

Let us turn the tables around by focusing on one of the best pregnancy books for dads-to-be. I have to admit! There is a limited amount of pregnancy books tailored for men, but The Expectant Father is highly recommended. The author of the book speaks from his firsthand experience as a dad. This makes the book personal and relevant.

Most expectant dads are full of anxiety about the whole process at hand, but this book aims to ease your worries. The organized chapters of this book includes dealing with labor as well as the potential emergencies that can arise. Hopefully, you can prepare for all types of scenarios.

What you will enjoy most about this book is its witty and humorous tone. Grab your own copy for only S$18.32.

4. BE PREPARED: A PRACTICAL HANDBOOK FOR NEW DADS

It seems like humor is a common writing style for authors who offer pregnancy books that are tailored for dads. This is not a bad thing! Aside from humor, Be Prepared boasts a wide array of topics from basic newborn care to selecting the ideal stroller.

Are you wondering how to successfully read your baby’s temperature? Or, do you need a step-by-step illustration on how to swaddle a newborn? All these are covered by the book. You read that right! This 29-dollar book is suitable for men who have no previous experience on fatherhood.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

[Disclaimer: Due to the public’s clamor for these helpful books, local bookstores occasionally run out of stocks. You can either wait patiently for the re-stock or consider the alternative options of purchasing. Thank you!]

Sources: 1 & 2

Bad Money Habits That You Need To Drop When In A Relationship

Maintaining a healthy relationship with your significant other entails stabilizing the disposition of your finances.

Read thru this article to know how bad monetary habits can potentially harm your relationship. Furthermore, you will get an idea on how to conquer these habits.

#1: AVOIDING FINANCIAL CONVERSATIONS

A healthy long-term relationship is built on trust and transparency. As things get serious with your partner and marriage becomes a viable option, consider discussing about finances. You need to resolve your potential spouse’s money problems before it is too late.

Fully disclosing about your financial circumstance to your partner can be uncomfortable at first but, you have to at least try. Tell your partner about your outstanding debts, financial obligations, income sources, and other assets. This will make you empathize with each other more. From time to time, do not forget to check if your goals are in lined with each other.

#2: STICKING TO YOUR OUTDATED BUDGET

Improve your financial state this 2017 by establishing a robust budget. The budget that you created when you were single may be efficient, but you are now budgeting for two. Being in a committed relationship means that you have to take on more expenses with more resources. Begin by studying each other’s spending habits. Then, trim down unnecessary expenses after compromising. You may also adapt the budgeting techniques of your partner.

I, for one, allocate a small portion of my income to date nights. Let us face it! We belong in a generation where it is acceptable for women to split the tabs with their dates. Give this new perspective a chance as a loving relationship is a two-way street.

#3: LOANING YOUR VACATIONS

I know how much travelling can ease the stress of a hard working Singaporean. However, consistently deducting your romantic vacations on your credit card can take a toll on your wealth. Spending money that you do not have is a dangerous habit to possess. Imagine the arguments that boil down due to the frustration of not being able to meet up with the outstanding debts. This is why you must cultivate a travel fund in advance.

#4: SKIPPING THE BUDGET FOR GIFTS

According to the internationally-acclaimed book by Gary Chapman, there are five ways to express your love to your partner. These five ways include gift giving, quality time, words of affirmation, physical touch, and acts of service. Understanding your partner’s love language will help you to strengthen your bond.

I am only going to focus on one love language – the gift giving. For people who place importance on the tangible symbols of affection, it is important to remember your special dates. You are bound to celebrate various occasions together such as anniversaries and birthdays. Not to mention, Valentine’s Day is coming up soon. Is your wallet ready?

It is a good idea to allocate a budget for gifts before buying one. Otherwise, you have to face budget trimming and other financial woes.

#5: KEEPING A MONETARY SECRET

Secrecy is rarely beneficial to a relationship. Research showed that 1 in 10 people considered breaking up with their partners upon the discovery of a financial secret. Millennial participants were even less forgiving as reaped a figure of 1 in 5. These numbers convey how secrets can strain a “loving” relationship.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The impact of keeping a monetary secret depends on the couple’s income, the item purchased, and the frequency of purchases. Another significant monetary secret is having a stash for escaping the relationship. Having undisclosed assets and secret bank accounts can affect the level of trust given by your partner. The primary source of damage is not money on its own, but it is the unpleasant habit of concealing the truth.

Sources: 1 & 2

What On Earth Is ERP?

As far as the majority is concerned, ERP is something that you must avoid during peak hours. Many Singaporeans plan their routes beforehand in order to drive away from the relatively costly charges. But, have you ever wondered why ERP exists?

ERP or Electronic Road Pricing emerged as a means to control the traffic conditions. Managing the congestion is a must as there is a limit to the number of roads that one can build in Singapore.

I have a simple task for you! As you travel to developing countries, observe how demanding it is for drivers to queue up to the appropriate toll booths. The ERP scheme diminishes this problem by deducting your payments in a wireless manner, without seeking further actions from the drivers.

Image Credits: lta.gov.sg

Its robustness paved way for the significant expansion from 2 to 80 distinct gantries (i.e., bridge-like overhead structure with a platform). You see, ERP was activated on the 1998. Its predecessor was known as the Area Licensing Scheme. Drivers in the late 70’s will remember this.

You may wonder how ERP rates are determined. In complex terms: “rates will be adjusted accordingly based on an optimal speed range of 20-30 km/h on arterial roads and 45-65 km/h on expressways”. In simpler terms, ERP rates are determined by a quarterly review of traffic speeds on certain roads. Factors that affect the rates include:

a. the passenger car unit equivalent,
b. the time you entered the restricted zone, and
c. the systemic pattern during peak hours (i.e., charges alter every half hour during peak hours).

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The future of ERP takes form as a Global Navigation Satellite System. NCS Pte Ltd. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine System Asia Pte Ltd. were appointed to develop this new-age ERP. It will be operational by 2020.

Are you ready for this contemporary shift and its potential effects on the road rates?

Sources: 1 & 2

Single’s Guide To Saving Money On February 14

Cupid’s arrow is up ahead and the pressure to find love is on! There is an abundant supply of deals on expensive getaways, jewelries, and restaurants. Our consumerist culture makes it seem like spending loads of cash is what Valentine’s Day is all about. Personally, I do not buy it!

This view excludes the disposition of numerous single Singaporeans. If you are alone on February 14, you do not have to sulk in sorrow. It is in your control to have a fulfilling day despite your relationship status! Consider these tips:

ME, MYSELF, & I

Everyone deserves a little break every once in a while. Household chores, social expectations, and work deadlines can weigh you down. This is why you must not feel guilty if you want to prioritize yourself on this day. You can create your own rejuvenating retreat at home for less than S$15, get your nails done at Far East Plaza (express manicure costs as low as S$8), or play a new video game from Cash Converter (my friend bought a Call Of Duty disk for only S$8).

Personally, I enjoy vegging out in front of my laptop. Do whatever you want as long as it is within your means!

SHARING BLESSINGS

Random acts of kindness can generate happiness to both the receiver and the giver. As a compassionate individual, you may spread your love to those who need it the most. Simply search for a campaign nearby by visiting giving.sg/volunteer.

Valentine’s Day must not limit you to extending romantic love because making someone else’s day is entirely worth it.

NO PAIN, NO GAIN

“No pain, no gain” used to be the slogan at my father’s fitness center. I learned that fitness centers do not exactly encourage public displays of affection. Put your gym membership to good use if you want to stay in shape and to avoid the affectionate couples.

Exercise not only elevates your mood, but also improves mental clarity.

BLOOMING CREATIVITY

Do you really want to spend hundreds of dollars on a ridiculously priced bouquet that will die in a few days? No matter how grand or vibrant your store-bought flowers are, they will eventually decompose. Be practical and learn how to make origami flowers instead. Give your masterpiece to the people who inspire you the most.

Flowers fade, but your paper roses will stand the test of time.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Whether you are single or not, February 14 is an excellent time to have fun!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

DBS/POSB introduces easier ways to deposit “LI CHUN” funds

Customers can deposit funds during lucky timings via DBS PayLah! or avail themselves to over 350 DBS/POSB cash deposit machines islandwide

SINGAPORE, 1 February 2017 – On 3 February this year, also known as “Li Chun” on the Chinese calendar, Singaporeans will be able to make deposits to their bank accounts while on the go via their DBS PayLah! mobile wallets. Available to users from all Singapore banks, DBS PayLah! users can skip having to bank in cash physically on “Li Chun” and simply make electronic money deposits during their “lucky timings”.

Depositing on “Li Chun” with DBS PayLah!

Over the last few years, Singaporeans have taken to the practice of making cash deposits to their bank accounts on “Li Chun”. According to a guide put up by fengshui firm Chang Consultancy, different timings are advised for people to bank in money on 3 February based on their Chinese zodiac sign. This year DBS PayLah! users stand to win SGD 88 when they send an eAng Bao during this Chinese New Year, and double their chances when they deposit money into their bank account from their PayLah! wallet on “Li Chun” day. The draw is open to 100 lucky winners. New users also get SGD 5 when they download DBS PayLah! with the promo code ‘PAYLAHCNY’. For more details, please visit www.dbs.com.sg/personal/promotion/paylah-cny.

Mr. Jeremy Soo, Managing Director and Head of Consumer Banking Group (Singapore), DBS Bank, said, “We’ve been very encouraged by how quickly customers have come to embrace our alternative and digital channels for the Chinese New Year. Last year, customers were quick to take advantage of the convenience provided by DBS PayLah! during Li Chun, with the number of account deposit transactions spiking a whopping 47 times on that day. We also understand that this is the time when parents and younger customers start to deposit cash from their red packets. With this in mind, we have converted some of our popular new notes pop-up ATMs so they have now cash deposit functions, alongside our network of some 350 cash deposit machines. Our aim is to provide customers with more innovative and convenient options to help meet their banking needs during this festive season.”

POSB new notes pop-up ATMs converted to accept cash

Eight POSB new notes pop-up machines will also be converted to accept and dispense cash, and will be available for use in time for “Li Chun”. These eight machines will be located at eight community clubs – Toa Payoh West, Toa Payoh Central, Bedok, Yew Tee, Chong Pang, Henderson, Clementi and Jurong Spring. The machines in Toa Payoh West and Chong Pang will open from 9am to 10pm daily while the remaining machines in other locations will be fully operational round-the-clock – a key benefit to customers who wish to deposit their Chinese New Year funds. Customers can also avail themselves to over 350 DBS/POSB machines with cash depositing functions islandwide. To find out where these machines are located, please visit www.dbs.com.sg/index/locator.page.

Sending eAng Baos with DBS PayLah!

DBS was the first in Singapore to introduce eAng Baos via DBS PayLah! in 2015 and it was quickly adopted by users for the Chinese New Year season. The eAng Bao provides customers with a digital alternative that allows them to carry on the tradition of red packet-giving with their families and friends even if they’re apart. Last year, during the Chinese New Year season, some 20% of DBS PayLah! money sending transactions were in the form of eAng Baos. More eAng Baos are also used – up to 3.5 times as much – during festive seasons. The number of eAng Bao transactions last year also grew by 30% compared to 2015.

POSB new notes pop-up ATMs return to massive demand in 2017

This year, the POSB new notes pop-up ATMs saw a record number of transactions flow through averaging more than 22,000 transactions a day, some 67% higher than last year, and more than double than in 2015. Since its debut in 2015, the POSB new notes pop-up ATMs continue to see large increases in demand. The ATMs served more than 138,000 customers this year, 61% higher than last year. Total withdrawn amounts increased 80% this year with over 14 million in new notes issued, compared to 8.6 million for last year, and 6 million in 2015.

POSB new notes pop-up ATMs return to massive demand in 2017

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