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How To Start A Business While Keeping Your Full-Time Job And Sanity

Manage the stress of your full-time job while running a side business without going crazy with these 6 tips!

1. DETERMINE THE REAL REASONS WHY YOU ARE BUILDING A BUSINESS

Getting a clearer understanding of why you want to start a business is a crucial first step that every budding entrepreneur must take. Whether you want to accomplish a childhood dream or you are motivated to become your own boss, knowing your drives will help you focus and commit to your dreams. When you are committing to your dreams, you make sure to see it through to success.

2. READ THE FINE PRINTS

Before getting your full-time job, I am sure that you signed a contract or some paperwork for the HR department. Find those files and make sure that you did not sign any agreements that prevent you from building your own business. Get professional legal advice if necessary.

3. USE YOUR TIME WISELY

You are given the same number of hours as Bill Gates or Oprah Winfrey each day, maximize it! In a week, say you are given 40 hours of work and 56 hours of sleep, you will have about 72 hours left to spend wisely. Successful entrepreneurs strategically make the most of what they have instead of wishing for more time.

4. DEVELOP NEW SKILLS

As a start-up, you are testing every aspect of your business including the amount of labor necessary. Do really a marketing team or can you handle the marketing aspect by yourself?

Instead of hiring professionals to do the job for you, you can commit several hours in developing skills. Online educational websites such as General Assembly and Skillshare offer free and paid courses on a wide range of topics such as marketing, photography, and design.

5. SHOP FROM B2B WEBSITE

If you are planning to start your own shop or online business selling goods, you need to know where to source for your items. Sites like Taobao is the way to go, but if you want to enjoy greater discount or better price for each quantity of item, you need to purchase in bulk. That’s where VolumeBest, a B2B online trade site dedicated exclusively to wholesale and volume business buyers, can help you save money.

Volume Best carries a good range of consumer products such as mobile accessories, lighting peripherals, watches and other electronic goods at a very good price. They also offer free and secure UPS shipping to ensure that you receive your goods on time.

6. OUTSOURCE IF NEEDED

To finish the tasks faster and make money while you are at your day job, consider outsourcing.

When you decide to hire help, good sources of quality yet low-cost labor are university or polytechnic interns. If you are willing to spare some time to training, both of you can benefit from the experience. Think about it! You are giving a worthwhile experience and good recommendation for the intern while the business is receiving low-cost (and sometimes free) services.

7. ACCOMPLISH WHAT IS IMPORTANT

The Pareto Principle states that for many events, about 80% of the outcomes stem from the 20% of the causes. Simply, only a portion of your efforts lead to the effects. This is why the smartest decision is to focus your energy on the things that yield higher returns. When you are juggling two jobs, do not beat yourself up with the unnecessary investments and drama. Rather than doing everything, accomplish only what is important.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Best Places To Buy Affordable Bags In Singapore

(Image Credits: planthide.com)

English model Poppy Delevingne once said:

“I’m more of a handbag girl; my guilty pleasure is bags. I don’t even have a clue how many I own.”

Like Poppy, many Singaporeans have an undeniable fondness for bags. A bag is a statement piece not only because it blends your outfit together but also because it often sheds a light to your personality. With its importance and functionality, you may wonder about the best places to find reasonably priced bags.

Wonder no more as this list has you covered!

FOR EVERYDAY BAGS

Any person with a tight budget would know that one of the best places to shop at Orchard Road for standout ensemble is the Far East Plaza. With about 6 floors, this building is filled with bargain deals for just about anything you can wear! So for everyday bags priced as low as S$15, focus on the shops at levels 1-3.

FOR PERSONALIZED BAGS

If you like adding a personal touch to your bags then, you will love what GSEWS has to offer. GSEWS’ bags are handmade by a local self-taught crafter whose pricing strategy is set according to the materials and time spent while making each item. This is such a fair trade because you can customize a unique design based on your preference in colors, fabrics, and add-ons. Limited customization slots are up for reservation every 4th Sunday of the month.

Image Credits: https://carousell.com/gsews/

Image Credits: carousell.com/gsews

However, if you want to purchase the ready-made items, prices start at S$8.

FOR WORKPLACE BAGS

ZALORA Singapore comes to my mind whenever I think of workplace suitable bags that create a balance between shape, function, and affordability. Known for its wide range of international and local brands available at several countries, ZALORA is one of the top online retailers that sell bags, accessories, shoes, apparel, and beauty products for both men and women.

Here, I found a well-structured tote bag for S$34.90 as well as an adorable set of Cosmetic Bags for only S$10. Who does not need these organizational convenience at work?

Image Credits: www.zalora.sg

As for, I recommend the Medium Size Messenger Bag for S$16.10 and the Canvas Laptop Carrier for S$14.90 only.

BONUS: FOR LUXURY BAGS

Luxury bags are not exactly affordable however, you can still find some reasonably priced items if you know where to look. With prices that are over 80% lower than the retail price, how can you resist an online bargain deal? Consider these shops:

a. www.reebonz.com.sg: Reebonz offers the widest range for both new and pre-loved designer bags, wallets, and watches. From Chanel, YSL, to Louis Vuitton bags – they have it all!

b. www.brandsfever.com: Getting a great bag deal at the Brands Fever’s flash sale is like hitting the jackpot. But you have to be a site member to indulge all its benefits.

c. www.madammilan.com.sg: Madam Milan not only has an online shop but also physical boutiques in Far East Plaza, Raffles Place MRT, Tanjong Pagar MRT, and Star Vista. They offer prime selections of designer labels islandwide.

Image Credits: facebook.com/madammilansg

Image Credits: www.fb.com/madammilansg

Women in Singapore Struggle with Personal Finance, According to S&P’s Financial Literacy Survey

In Standard & Poor’s recent Global Financial Literacy Survey, it was found that a lot less women in Singapore know their way around personal finance than men.

67 per cent of men surveyed hit the threshold for being financially literate while only 52 per cent of women did so. This difference is one of the largest in the world.

While women make up the majority of university graduates, they still fall behind in financial literacy in 128 out of 143 countries. The participants were given a 5-question test over financial concepts: numeracy, risk diversification, inflation and compound interest.

The survey, done over 140 countries with 150,000 respondents, is one of the most extensive surveys done on financial literacy in history.

It also showed that Singapore has the most number of financially literate adults in Asia, at 59 per cent. Only 1 in 3 people in Asia could correctly answer the majority of questions–a number that is lower than the global average.

“We might have the highest number of financially literate people in Asia, but that’s still not enough. Basic concepts like compounding interest and percentages should be understood by all,” said Rohith Murthy, Managing Director of personal finance comparison website SingSaver.com.sg.

“Everyone should take an interest in controlling their own finances. The first step is to be aware of your expenses and where your money goes, then creating financial goals for yourself. Don’t sign up for financial products without fully understanding how it works,” he added. “Through education, Singaporeans can become more confident about making financial decisions.”

(This article is brought to you by SingSaver.com.sg)

Budget-Friendly Pregnancy Diet Tips That Experts Recommend

Whether you want to admit it or not, pregnancy is a costly ordeal. Aside from your hospital, maternity clothes, baby gears, and prenatal vitamins expenses you must consider your pregnancy diet.

As you plan a healthy and safe pregnancy diet, try to embrace the changes necessary and consider these expert recommended tips:

1. PLAN CAREFULLY

Planning your grocery list for the entire week can make or break your budget. This is why you must meticulously plan your meals for the week while browsing through several cookbooks such as Eat Yourself Pregnant and What to Eat When You’re Pregnant. Equip yourself with this list while shopping and do your best to stick with it.

2. AVOID THESE

Melinda Johnson, a registered dietitian and a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, warns pregnant women against soft cheeses and cold cuts. Soft cheeses such as blue cheese, feta, and Brie as well as non-heated deli meats (e.g., sausages and hams) can increase the risk of developing the food-borne illness called listeriosis—a. So avoid hospitalization expenses by staying away from these food beforehand.

3. PREFER GREENS

Kale, arugula, and spinach are some of the most nutritious and affordable foods you will find in a grocery store. As the color of the vegetable gets darker, the more nutritious it is because of its antioxidants and beta-carotene. If possible, buy the leafy greens that are not prepackaged because they are cheaper.

4. BUY YOGURTS

Yogurt is a great and inexpensive source of calcium. According to experts, any type of yogurt (as long as it is pasteurized) is safe and healthy for a pregnant woman.

Your growing baby needs substantial calcium in order for his or her bones and teeth to develop properly. In fact, the author of “Go Green, Stay Lean” – Kate Geagan says that the calcium in the mother’s bones can deplete if she does not take in enough calcium because the limited amount will only go to the baby.

5. GO ORGANIC

Growing your own food is the best way to avoid the harmful effects of pesticides. If you do not have a backyard or an apartment balcony there are community gardens for you to plant your own seed. Aside from being domestic, you can also save more money if you buy produce of the local supermarket’s brand (e.g. S$2.20 Mixed Vegetables by FairPrice)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

Affordable Valentine’s Day Ideas For Adrenaline Junkies In Singapore

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion wherein you get to show your affection and to reconnect with the people you care most for. Whether you are celebrating with your spouse, your girlfriend/boyfriend, your group of friends, your family, or yourself – go on an adventure this Valentine’s Day with this fun activities that cost under S$55…

1. FOR THE EXTREME COUPLES

Aside from riding roller coasters, taking your date on exciting and seemingly dangerous situations can boost the levels of hormones that are mainly responsible for making people fall in love or feel euphoria.

This is why, couples may consider the extreme surge of G-MAX REVERSE BUNGY or GX-5 EXTREME SWING at Clarke Quay. These two rides designed in New Zealand, the home of Bungee, to ensure it is 100% safe. The G-MAX Reverse Bungy catapults you up to 200 km/h in a steel capsule while the GX-5 Xtreme Swing acts like a giant swing that speeds up to 120km/h. What a thrilling experience indeed!

One ride costs about S$45 (different student rate applies)

2. FOR ALL THE “SINGLE” SQUADS

For all the single people who decide to celebrate together as a powerful group, take on an enjoyable challenge by playing Bubble Soccer. Bubble Bump Singapore offers bubble games where players wear inflatable balls in an attempt to win in a Soccer match. Each suit are harnessed and equipped to make sure your fall will be relatively painless.

One date with your friends can surely bring loads of laughter as you start the full-on bouncing action just to score a goal. A casual fun game including 10 bubble suits, 2 facilitator, equipments, and photography starts with S$15/pax (i.e., 20 people). For more information, visit: www.bubblebump.sg.

3. FOR A FAMILY DATE

If you cannot leave your kiddos this February 14, try to bring them along on a fun date at a water amusement park. One of Singapore’s largest water theme parks called “Wild Wild Wet“ offers exhilarating rides at inexpensive prices. As Valentine’s Day fall on a Sunday, it follows the peak price of S$24 for adults and S$17 for children and senior citizens. While, toddlers are free to swim all year round! Cheaper prices are in store for NTUC members and Plus! cardholders.

Once you are there, brave the rapids with Ular-Lah, make your way to wacky the crazy turns of The Waterworks, and so much more. Also, you may take part in their online contest (until February 8) to win exclusive Wild Wild Wet prizes!

Image Credits: www.wildwildwet.com/events-promotions-link.php?page_detail=deal&event_id=590

4. FOR SELF LOVE

Being #ForeverAlone on the day of hearts does not give you the free pass to sob on the corner. Instead, try something new and exciting by taking the leap of faith. If you happen to be in Sentosa, do the “ParaJump” attraction including the Jungle Ride for S$19. ParaJump replicates a free-fall parachute jump through its safety harness and experienced staff.

I have to admit…I am fearful of heights but after trying this, I felt a surge of fulfillment and happiness. Beyond the fear, the experience was unforgettable.

Image Credits: instagram.com/agoncilloanna

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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