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Save Money On Clothing Alterations By Mastering These Simple Stitches

Tailoring or sewing services in Singapore can range from S$5-40 depending on the type of clothing article. For instance, altering straight-cut jeans range from S$5-12 while altering of jackets can range from S$12-36. Some of the prices are too much if you asked me. You might as well buy a new one.

Aside from the costs, the standard waiting time for its collection can last from 1-14 days. And, if you do not have the time, you might as well buy a new one.

To avoid this dilemma, it is important to master some simple stitches that you can immediately use as the need rises. Do not fret if you have zero knowledge on sewing because mastering the basics can be done at home. All you have to do is to browse through the free tutorial videos available online. Here are the simple stitches you may start with:

1. RUNNING OR STRAIGHT STITCH

The easiest and the simplest of all the stitches in this list is the running stitch, otherwise known as the straight stitch. This stitch involves taking the needle repeatedly under then over. You shall see the thread forming a line throughout the fabric. This is useful for repairing torn out parts of the pockets or sleeves.

2. WHIPSTITCH

Let us “up the ante” a little bit with the diagonal techniques of whipstitch. A whipstitch is typically used to sew to separate pieces of material together. It is perfect for altering or repairing trousers, sleeves, and jackets because it leaves nearly invisible traces of thread. Follow this video to learn about the fascinating whipstitch:

3. SEW A BUTTON

A usual situation that needs immediate repair is clothing that lacks buttons. Learning how to sew a button is quick and uncomplicated. The first thing you must do is to choose a suitable button and a matching thread. You may check if the manufacturer has included an additional button. Then, be guided by this short video:

4. SEW A HEM

From your table cloth to your boxers and gowns, hems are found on most common articles of clothing and fabric. This is why it is important for you to be familiarizing on how to sew a hem in case yours gets loose or in case you want to make your own. You can either use a catch stitch (i.e., exposed) or a slip stitch (i.e., invisible) to sew a hem. Learn how to make these two stitches, here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMqK-fNrCrM

Sources: 1 & 2

5 Ways To Take Charge And Save Money On Technology

Living in the 21st century where technology is a quintessential part of our lives, it is hard to find someone without a mobile phone. There is no doubt in my mind that technology improved our lives, making it easier and faster to communicate, shop, develop, search, and so much more.

Even though it is dependable, technology can cost a lot! Your wallet can empty as quickly as your battery empties. Luckily for you, there are ways to avoid excessive spending on technology…

1. NEEDS BEFORE WANTS

Do you really need an expensive action camera just to take great selfies? Or how about a state-of-the-art computer set-up just to browse the Internet? There is no point on spending on the most expensive gadgets and accessories if you will not maximize its use. So, the first step you must take is to evaluate your needs and understand how the device works. During this process, you have to be honest with yourself.

2. SELL YOUR OLD DEVICES OR EQUIPMENTS

If there is a growing desire to upgrade to the latest technology then, try selling your devices or equipments. This will give you little to enough money to help purchase the new device you have been eyeing on. eBay, Gumtree, and Carousell are just some platforms where you can find some interested buyers.

Image Credits: epSos .de via Flickr with Creative Commons license

3. PURCHASE ONLINE

Aside from getting rid of your old devices or equipments online, you may also get a great deal there (i.e., whether it is through a wholesaler or an online coupon). You can compare the prices of the online shops to what is available on the physical shops, only to find that most of the times, online shops offer the cheaper prices. Furthermore, you just saved on the costs of transportation you would have paid if you went to the stores.

4. GET CREATIVE

Although the variety of the homemade accessories you can make are thin, it does not hurt to give it a chance. You are still saving money anyway. For instance, you may use a white top sheet as a diffuser, a white wall to bounce light from a flash, and a Styrofoam board as a reflector. All it takes is your imagination and creativity.

5. LOOK FOR ALTERNATIVES

Just because a renowned company announced a huge product launch does not mean that you have to buy it. If your technology basket is already sufficient then, there is no need to buy a new one. Also, if the new product does not satisfy your budget then, you do not have to buy it now. Pretty soon, the prices of this thing will drop, just be patient.

But, if you are really in need of a specific gadget immediately, say an action camera like GoPro (US$340/S$455), consider getting a cheaper alternative such as the HTC Re (US$159/S$213), the Polaroid XS100i HD (US$129/S$173), or the Sony HDR-AS20/B (US$149/S$199).

Sources: 1 & 2

Avoid Impulse Buys And Save More Money Shopping This GSS

We had all been victims of impulsive purchase/s. And, this Great Singapore Sale (GSS) period where most shops have over 70% off, your power to resist may be tested! The good news is that, you can strengthen your power by following this simple ways:

1. NOTE DOWN A LIST

The oldest trick in the bag can just be the one that saves you! Making a list of the necessary gifts you to buy along with the names of the people you are wishing to give it to can help you avoid the temptation of overwhelming discounts. If you want, you can also dictate a budget per person (e.g., S$10 for a co-worker). No matter what, stick to this list.

2. SCORE GOOD DEALS BY SHOPPING ONLINE

To prevent the enticing visual stimulations, you can skip the malls all together and just shop online. By shopping online, you can not only compare price but also avoid the long queue. Who likes squeezing their way to the crowds anyway?

To get you started with your GSS shopping, here are the premier Singapore online shops you can browse: Lazada, Qoo10, and Zalora. Use coupon codes if applicable.

3. DO YOUR RESEARCH

As the glistening crimson sign of “GSS SALE” is parading across the country, it is good to do your research first before heading to the malls. This research requires you to browse the promotions of various shops and malls before you leave the house.

To get a comprehensive list of what is on sale, you may check out the Great Singapore Sale website at Greatsingaporesale.com.sg or browse the array of deals at Moneydigest.sg/category/deals.

4. PAY CASH

Having to pay with the money you already have is a wise decision that is accepted by most. Unless your credit card is rewarding you extra for shopping this GSS, you must shy away from it. A wallet full of your intended spending will force you to stay within the budget and prevent unnecessary buys.

5. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF

Before buying anything, ask yourself several questions to help you evaluate if an item is worthy or not. Ask question such as: “Does the item simplify my life?” , “Am I going to feel better months after I buy this?”, or “Do I really need this?”. Be honest as honest with yourself as possible.

6. KNOW YOUR TRIGGERS

You must understand what brings about or triggers your impulse purchases. For instance, if your trigger is fragrant scents scattered in the malls then, shop online instead.

Image Credits: Giuseppe Milo via Flickr

Also, it takes no Jedi mind trick to tell that shopping on an empty stomach will make you tempted for more snacks. So, be sure to shop on a satiated state during the Great Singapore Sale! 🙂

How to make the best out of your last $300?

Experts estimate that more than 90% of the diseases are stress related. And rapid aging is probably another negative by-product of sustained elevated stress levels. While eradicating anxiety and stress altogether in fast-paced Singapore may be unrealistic, indulging in therapeutic treatments and one’s favourite hobbies can certainly help to manage stress.

Continuing from the article “How to maximise your life with a $3,000 paycheck”, this article is the last in a five-part series and it will zoom in to the ways of deriving the ultimate satisfaction and gratification from life with the last 10% or $300 of a $3,000 salary.

Image credit: taxisingapore.com

1. A short getaway to Johor Bahru

While it is a well-known fact that JB is a shopping and food haven, many may still feel that it is not worth a hassle to beat the checkpoints and commit to the distant travel. However, depending on one’s schedule and opportunity cost, the huge cost savings are hardly resistible. Indeed, food, accommodation, wares and massage services are priced at a steep discount to those in Singapore, especially when the favorable exchange rate persists. Therefore, it may be more sensible and economical to shop in the foreign land to maximize your spending power.

Image credit: outlet.com.sg

2. Go online shopping

Being economically vibrant and prosperous is honorable, but it is not without its costs. Prohibitively high rental and labour costs in Singapore have created much hardship for local businesses, and consequently, the consumers who have to bear the inflated price tags. However, it pays to be technologically savvy. The major growth spurt of online retailers has simply thrived on a low-cost but high-quality principle. Furthermore, online businesses are easily accessible, which enables effortless comparisons. And it is precisely this unmitigated flow of information that heightens competition and further drives down our bills. So, time to hitch on to this modern trend if you haven’t!

Image credit: appleandradish.com.au

3. Learn a fun skill

Learning is limitless. By continually expanding your knowledge and skills, you gain others’ respect while becoming an increasingly invaluable asset to their lives (and of course, you are the greatest beneficiary of your own abilities). It does not have to always be intellectual. It could be an indispensable skill that most people overlook. Thankfully, this gap is plugged by LessonsGoWhere, an online marketplace that brings exciting and enriching lessons covering a diverse blend of 9 categories from baking to photography to an aspiring community. Who knows if one day, the new skill may even change your entire course of life and carve out a rewarding career niche?

What do you need a $300 emergency fund for?

Unexpected events happen from time to time. Some could be delightful while others may be distressing. However, leaving things to luck may not always yield an optimal outcome. Indeed, it is prudent to set up an emergency fund to hedge against uncertainties. Since it is a form of protection, the earlier you recognise the need for this fund, the greater control you will have over your destiny.

Continuing from the article “How to maximise your life with a $3,000 paycheck”, this article is the fourth in a five-part series and it will be looking at the uses of the 10% or $300 emergency fund in coping with many of the life’s surprises – be it pleasant or unpleasant.

Image credit: dynomacapital.com

1. Health Insurance

One of the most debilitating episodes in life is to be afflicted with a chronic or acute disease such as kidney failure or cancer. While the majority of people do not experience such traumatic events, it is nevertheless difficult – if not impossible – to predict if you are the ill-fated one. This is when health insurance is one of the best bets (in the legion of insurance products) before the tragedy strikes. For fresh graduates who are in their twenties, the premiums are pretty affordable and the payouts are formulated attractively. For example, PRUshield extra offers an all-round protection where the insured gets to enjoy coverage from the very first dollar.

Image credit: corp.nhg.com.sg

2. Medical Consultation

As a typical health insurance policy often does not insure against minor ailments such as the common flu, cough or fever, it is thus essential to save up an adequate amount for ad hoc medical expenses. Having said that, it is a heartening news that many employers provide subsidized medical care to their employees. Still, it is a virtuous practice to be readily available to render financial assistance to the medical needs of one’s family members.

Image credit: mashable.com

3. Repair Cost

Occasionally, humans may not be in good shape. But so do our ubiquitous electronic devices, ranging from smartphones to laptops. While most consumer electronics are covered with warranty, it usually excludes personal damage that may arise from negligence or other causes. Therefore, it is crucial to take such accidental cost into account.

Image credit: lesterchan.net

4. Celebration

Joyous parties and festivals occur periodically. It could be an invitation to your superior or colleague’s wedding or baby shower. It could also be part of the family or societal culture to soak in the fun for festivals such as the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is a time where close friends and families get together and wallow in the festive exuberance, developing stronger rapport and splurging on their loved ones and themselves.

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