Useful Money-Saving Tips For Pet Owners

Most owners treat their pets not as animals but as members of their family. With this special bond, they only want what is best for their pets.

Fortunately, you not have to go overboard in order to shower your pet with care and affection.

1. CREATE YOUR OWN TOYS

Instead of purchasing a S$10 chew toy, you can recycle old materials and turn them into instruments of entertainment. Remember your old pair of “ripped” jeans? You can transform it into a good tug toy for your dog. There are more ways to DIY your pet’s toys, you simply have to research online and use your creative juices.

2. BUILD YOUR OWN NEST

Aside from crafting your own toys, you can make a cozy haven for your beloved ones. Shaina from sugarstilettosstyle.com showed her audience how to make a space-efficient and cost-efficient bed for her dogs. Watch this video to see for yourself:


The IKEA SKUBB storage case retails for S$11.90 in Singapore.

3. EMPLOY PREVENTIVE CARE

As the age-old quote goes: “prevention is better than cure.”

One of the best ways to avoid paying costly veterinarian bills is to keep your beloved protected against illness. Do so by religiously employing preventive measures such as vaccinations.

4. SHY AWAY FROM FANCY PET FASHION

There are lots of options for pet apparels these days! Instagram is filled with pets that are decked out with glitter accessories, fancy collars, and customized sweaters. But does your pet need all those?

Shy away from the high-end pet trends and stick with purchasing products that will make your pet’s life easier like a sturdy ID tag (in case she or he gets lost) or a comfortable leash.

5. ALLOCATE MONEY FOR YOUR PET

Keep track of your pet expenses before it is too late. This month, analyze how much you are spending for your pet (e.g., costs for grooming and food). Then, designate a budget for your pet that realistically covers your spending. Lastly, eliminate unnecessary expenses from time to time.

6. APPLY EUCALYPTUS

My cousin recently purchased a 2-month-old puppy. The pup is currently in its oral stage where he is obsessed with licking and biting things. He has bitten countless items such as shoes, papers, and even the cabinet. Since the situation is getting out of hand, he stays in his cage most of the times.

A simple solution that my cousin can employ is to apply eucalyptus-enriched products such as Mentholatum (Decongestant-Analgesic Ointment) or Vicks Vaporub. This works because pets cannot take the potent smell of eucalyptus. So apply it in the areas that you wish your pet can stay away from.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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How Money Can Ultimately Buy Happiness

In the previous posts I wrote entitled “Important Things You Must Know About Money And Happiness” and “10 Wonderful Treasures That Money Cannot Buy“, I highlighted that happiness along with other important values does not come with price-tags. This is supported by the 2012 report by Gallup.

According to the report, Singapore is still the unhappiest nation despite the fact that Singapore enjoys one of the highest per capita GDP values in the world. Surprisingly, it ranked as less happier than the populations of Iraq, Haiti, and Afghanistan.

Money cannot purchase happiness in all circumstances. Unless…you spend your wealth in the “proper” way!

Recent studies showed that there are some efficient ways that money can result to happiness. Here are some of them:

1. WHEN MONEY IS SPENT ON EXPERIENCES

A study by Cornell University researchers found that spending money on experiences instead of material possessions, improved the well-being of the person. Your feelings toward your materialistic purchases are subjected to buyer’s remorse as well as comparisons to others. Almost anyone can buy a new bag but, not everyone can experience the thrill of scuba diving!

To stimulate happiness, focus more on experiences that are unique to you. Only if these expenses are within your allotted budget – of course!

2. WHEN MONEY IS SPENT BASED ON THE SELF

Upon analyzing over 76,000 transactions of 625 participants, a recent study showed that matching personality to spending habits was more crucial than one’s total income and total spending. The personality categories in the study were divided into 5, namely: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. This is based on the Big Five Personality Traits.

For example, Singaporeans who are high on “Openness” enjoy trying new things. These people can experience increased levels of happiness if they spent their money on a beauty or hair makeover.

Know your personality and spend money in accordance with your Psychological needs by completing a simple test here.

3. WHEN MONEY IS SPENT ON THE LITTLE THINGS

In the 2010 issue of Journal of Consumer Psychology, Jing Yang Zhong and Vincent-Wayne Mitchell surveyed the spending habits of 5,000 households. They found that the best way to increase one’s happiness was to make a series of smaller purchases. For instance, the people who spent their money on a series of concerts by lesser known artists were happier than those people who spent the same amount of money in one concert by an immensely famous band. Do you agree?

Well, it goes to show that the things that we think will make us happy often do not.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Dr. Elizabeth Dunn even believes that “we may be better off devoting our finite financial resources to purchasing frequent doses of lovely things, rather than infrequent doses of lovelier things.” Simply, satisfying our simple pleasures frequently can elicit happiness in the long run.

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5 Surefire Ways To Waste Money

Many posts on financial websites concentrate on the positive topics such as the effective ways to spend money and the healthy financial habits of successful people. However, these articles may not highlight the negative habits and practices that cost you money. And some people really need a wake -up call!

To help prevent unhealthy behavior as well as to add in the scarce literature on this topic, here are 5 Possible Ways To Waste Your Money:

1. GIVING IN TO DESIGNER GOODS

As you walk past the Orchard Road, you saw the huge crimson sign that said: “SALE”! Your highly elated self rushed through the counter and bought the first branded bag you saw. The rush was amazing but it did not last for long. The next day, you saw an email from Zalora that they are having discounts on Michael Kors’ watches. The Silver Steel Bradshaw watch used to cost S$439 but it is retails for S$307.30 now. Again, you got excited and bought it right away.

Do really need a new designer watch and a new branded bag when you have dozens at home?

These deals may seem like a bargain at the moment; however, it is just excess spending in hindsight. This is why you must list down all your necessities and stick with it.

2. AVOIDING NEGOTIATION

Although most people know that they are worth more, they are afraid to negotiate for a higher salary. By doing so, they are letting an opportunity and hundreds of cash slide.

Negotiating your salary is a game with all of its players attempting to dominate each other. Dominate the game by researching all the needed information. Go in-depth about the complete aspects of the job and the company. Also, collect data about the average pay and accurate salary opportunities in your position.

3. SHOPPING AT ONE STORE

It may be convenient to complete your shopping list at one place but it can also cost you more. Instead of getting your produce, office supplies, and toiletries at the nearby grocery store (e.g., FairPrice or Cold Storage), consider exploring other options such as the bookstores (e.g., Popular or Kinokuniya) and dollar stores (e.g., Value Dollar or Daiso). Visit the dollar stores for trivial things such as cleaning supplies, greeting cards, clothes pegs, and pet accessories.

4. BUYING BABY CLOTHES REGULARLY

Believe me when I say that babies can have sudden growth spurts so, it is unnecessary to buy loads of baby clothes in advance. It goes the same for shoes, as socks will be sufficient to keep their cute toes warm.

Start saving for baby clothes by asking your friends and family if you can have their child’s outgrown clothes. You will not only help your friends or family members to de-clutter their space but you will also save more.

5. INDULGING ON LUXURY BEAUTY PRODUCTS

With the society’s obsession towards physical appearance, it is no surprise that people spend so much on beauty products. There is an abundance of luxury beauty products in countries such as Singapore, Dubai, United States, and Hong Kong. This is one example:

As you can see Tati, YouTube’s famous beauty guru, disliked her experience with the ridiculous US$330 (S$441) Givenchy Le Soin Noir Lace Face Mask. She could have just purchased a S$2 Korean Snail mask and achieved seemingly similar results.

Sources: 1 & 2

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How Much Shall You Spend On A Gift Without Looking Cheap?

While scouring the land for the one-of-a-kind gift, keep in mind that you must remain financially savvy. You may be tempted to go over your budget since you want to make the recipient feel special or you do not want to come across as being cheap. However, your gifts need not to be expensive to put a smile on someone’s face.

It is hard to put an exact price tag on the perfect gift as it all depends on a set of factors, namely: the amount you can afford, the budget you set, the current occasion, and the giver’s relationship with the recipient.

THE AMOUNT YOU CAN AFFORD

I read a good financial nugget from Manisha Thakor of The BAM Alliance. She said that if you cannot afford to buy the item in cash at the very moment then, you cannot afford to buy it. Simply, she wants us to be realistic when it comes to what we can and cannot afford. So if you are shopping in the mall, it is best to use mainly cash to regulate your spending. And if you are shopping virtually, convert that money as a gift card. When the gift card is maxed out, you will be done shopping.

THE BUDGET YOU SET

Just because the person gave you a lavish gift does not mean that you must do the same. If you budget does not allow you to go beyond S$50 for a gift then stick with your limits. Being stuck on debt just to keep up with a superficial appearance is never worth it.

If you are following a strict budget, you can allow your creative juices to pump. For example, your make-up obsessed best-friend wants to purchase the ridiculously costly and highly sought-after Kylie Lip Kit. You know that the product and shipping costs will exceed S$50. Then, you searched online for quality yet affordable dupes (equivalents) such as the NYX’s Soft Matte Cream lipsticks. These only cost S$12 so you went to Sephora and purchase four beautiful colors!

THE CURRENT OCCASION

The current occasion also dictates how much you shall spend. To illustrate this, let us take the Singapore’s “red envelope” gifting tradition into the table. For Chinese New Year, an amount of S$2-20 is common to give for children while it ranges to about S$8-S$88 for adults. On the other hand, the minimum Ang Bao amount for wedding banquets is S$50. This is why it is important to take the nature of the occasion into account. For corporate events, you can consider shopping from specialized online stores that offer corporate gifts or door gifts.

THE RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR RECIPIENT

To whom is the gift for? How close are you to him or her?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

When it comes to giving the “perfect” present, it really is the thought that counts. If you are able to purchase a gift that translates how well you know and care about the person, you have done your job right. Start by determining what the person’s hobbies and interests are. From there, you can think of some gift ideas that will fit your budget.

Sources: 1 & 2

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3 Amazing Museums In Singapore That Offer Free Admissions

When I was an adolescent, I perceived museums as fancy institutions which superior intellects frequented. The only time I get to visit one is when the school requires us to go on educational trips. However, times have changed. Technological advances paved way for museum to share their unique pictures on social media. The public interest for art has risen. Let us be honest, you probably saw those hippie youths taking their #OOTD snaps at the famous local museums.

Aside from the picturesque interiors, museums are places in which cultural, scientific, and artistic treasures are displayed. Each one has its own characteristics and values. Personally I find these local museums to be worth my time:

1. ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM

Website: acm.org.sg

Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is my favorite local museum. Nestled at the mouth of the Singapore River, ACM will take you on a journey of historical discovery as they preserve the heritage of Asia. ACM’s 14,000 square meters space are filled with 11 thematic galleries that boasts with about 1,300 artifacts from China, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia. During my visit there, I was amazed the abundance and diversity of the Buddha statues as well as the 12 zodiac animal heads donated by Jackie Chan.

To shake things up, they accompany the permanent exhibits with special exhibits that are changing throughout the year. In fact, the current exhibit now is called “Once Upon a Time in Asia: The Missing Mouse”. It is a free exhibit that is recommended for children and the young at heart.

Rates:

Citizens & Permanent Residents: FREE
Visitors aged 6 and below: FREE
Foreign students, seniors, and PWDs: S$4
Others: S$8

2. SINGAPORE ART MUSEUM

Website: singaporeartmuseum.sg

Probably the most popular museum among the youths is the Singapore Art Museum (SAM). SAM houses a great collection of contemporary Southeast Asian art ranging from sculptures and paintings to installation art and moving media. They regularly collaborate with the leading international museums to cover both the local and international art practices.

Exhibitions change every few months. At the time of my first visit, I got to enjoy an interesting exhibition called Medium At Large. Now, they are showing the 5 Stars (Art Reflects on Peace, Justice, Equality, Democracy and Progress) exhibit. In this exhibit, I was particularly amazed with their larger than life art installation called the “Bloodline of Peace”.

Rates:

Citizens & Permanent Residents: FREE
Visitors under 6 years old: FREE
Foreign students, seniors, and PWDs: S$5
Others: S$10

*Everyone gets to enter for free every Friday from 6pm – 9pm.

3. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE

Website: nationalmuseum.sg/

What do you expect from Singapore’s oldest museum? Nothing but prime history and culture of course. If you are interested in Singapore’s rich history, this museum shall be on the top of your list. Established in 1887, the National Museum of Singapore fuses the elegant neo-classical building with the new additions of glass and metal.

While visiting National Museum of Singapore I greatly enjoyed the “Singapura: 700 years” Exhibition. It consisted of six nostalgic sections from the Archaeology in Singapore to the Independent Singapore. Currently, they are displaying the “Celebrating Radio: Sounds” until July 17, 2016.

After indulging on art and history, satisfy your tummy with their selection of cafes and restaurants. Or, visit their retail space to pick up a cultural souvenir.

Rates:

Citizens & Permanent Residents: FREE
Visitors aged 6 and below: FREE
Foreign students,seniors, and PWDs: S$5
Others: S$10

Sources: 1 & 2

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