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4 Ways To Speak Up And Save More S$

As awkward as this may seem in the context of our Asian culture, if you asked for a good deal…there is a higher possibility of receiving it.

Confidently, politely, and effectively asserting yourself towards the seller, the owner, or the company itself can help you increase both your knowledge and your savings. Apply this notion in these situations:

1. NEW FEES OR CHARGES

New fees or charges can exist if your cable, telecommunications, or other services provider changed their terms. Perhaps you received a lengthy letter, which you ignored, but it is your right to know what these new charges are for. Some companies are open to suggestions and negotiations. So, do not hesitate to ask them for an informative explanation.

2. FLEA MARKETS, SALE FAIR, OR THRIFT SHOPS BARGAIN

Say you are at a flea market, sale fair, or thrift shop and you found a book trilogy but the prices seem high. Instead of challenging the seller in a negative tone (e.g., Why is the price tag so high? or The books are not even in good condition!), you must show your adoration in a positive tone.

For instance, you may tell the seller that you admire the author very much and that you are willing to take home all of it for a discounted price of S$10 (i.e., getting the third book for 50% off). The seller would most likely agree since your approach was respectful.

3. DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS

I worked previously at a yoga studio that offered cheaper prices if you went for their group classes. It goes the same for other fitness centers or beauty salons especially if they had recently opened. Group discounts can be availed by family members or friends. All you have to do is to ask the counter if they offer it because some of the special rates maybe unadvertised.

4. DISCOUNT FOR MINOR PRODUCT ISSUES

Smart shoppers use minor product issues such as slightly bruised home decorations or missing buttons as bargaining tokens to get at least 5% discount. For example, you noticed that the milk at your local mart is expiring soon, you may ask for a reasonable discount at the counter.

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

They are most likely to agree to this because they are able to keep you as a loyal customer at no significant price loss. 🙂

Sources: 1 & 2

36 Things You Can Do In Singapore, Aside From Spending Too Much Money

Your wallet must be exhausted after the weeklong festivities in celebration of Singapore’s golden jubilee. Give your wallet a break and ease its pressure by doing budget-friendly or free things in the weeks to come. Start with these:

1. Read a book or a series at the nearest public library.

2. Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi at MRT platforms.

3. Catch up with your friend through video chat.

4. Daydream about the future.

5. Purchase and play Frisbee outdoors

6. Create your homemade pizza with affordable ingredients.

7. Make and eat different homemade desserts such as s’mores.

8. Play dress-up with your children.

9. Have a volleyball game at the Siloso Beach.

10. Enjoy a sleepover with your friends.

11. Update your social media profiles (e.g, change profile photos).

12. Upgrade your C.V. or Resume.

13. Creatively arrange your decorative flowers.

14. Make your own recycled vase.

15. Host a movie marathon with your friends or family.

16. Craft lovely DIY gifts.

17. Write an essay, a journal, a poem, or a short story.

18. Listen to your favorite music.

19. Watch the sunset with your special someone.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

20. Gaze alone night sky.

21. Play old-school video games.

22. Go for a neighborhood run.

23. Take pictures of sights.

24. Build a free music playlist at Spotify.

25. Organize your drawers and closets.

26. Book a free tour at NUS Baba House (A Preserved Heritage House).

27. Enjoy the fantastic view of the Supertrees at Gardens By The Bay.

28. Indulge in Changi Airport’s freebies.

29. Walk high at the MacRitchie Reservoir’s Treetop Walk.

30. See higher at magnificent ION Orchard’s 55th level.

31. Bike and chill out at the East Coast Park.

32. Hunt all the eight Merlions in Singapore.

33. Visit the largest and oldest cathedral in Singapore – St. Andrew’s Cathedral.

34. Jalan-Jalan at the Changi Point Boardwalk.

35. Have a beautiful time with homemade DIY spa treatments.

36. Appreciate amazing art at the Gillman Barracks.

Sources:1, 2, & 3

4 Brilliant Ways To Worry Less About Money

They say nothing lasts forever but, our relationship with money is so pervasive that it feels like forever. The mechanisms that keep our lives in tact are almost always surrounding money.

In his book entitled: “How To Worry Less About Money”, British writer and philosopher John Armstrong shared many ideas on how to look at money in a different light in order to lead a better life. He understands how deep our relationship with money is which is why he wants to examine how we relate to it and how we attach meaning to it.

First we have to understand that money problems and money worries are two different things. According to oxforddictionaries.com, a problem is a situation or a matter regarded as harmful or unwelcome and needed to be dealt with and overcome. While, worry is a the state of being troubled and anxious and real or potential problems.

Therefore, problems ask for urgent and direct actions while worries as created by oneself due to disturbing thoughts. Fortunately, disturbing thoughts or unhealthy patterns of thinking can always be changed! Here is how:

1. MONEY CANNOT BUY HAPPINESS

It is no surprise that Armstrong believes that happiness cannot be quantified by money. Money can only buy the symbols that produce happiness and serenity but it does not purchase the positive emotions itself. In fact, studies show that you will get more satisfaction if you spend your cash towards memorable experiences such as family vacations than towards material things such as a new designer bag.

2. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE OF PRICE AND VALUE

What differentiates value from price is its nature. Value is a personal matter while, price is a public one. Value is personal because the meaning of money and the object is assigned by the individuals themselves based on their perception, culture, wisdom, and character.

On the other hand, price depend on the majority because it negotiates between supply and demand. For instance, the price of the refrigerator depends on how ready is the manufacturer, how much people want it, and how much they are willing to pay. People who are frugal give importance to the value while people who are cheap primarily follows the price. Know which side you want to be on.

3. IT IS GOOD TO GIVE BACK

There is a deep and innate fear that one’s life will be lived in vain without making a contribution or a difference in the lives of others. This is why you may generate happiness and kill those worries by doing good things for other people through the money you have. Lending out possessions can help you enjoy the material things that your money bought while, volunteering or donating can always trigger positive emotions.

4. CULTIVATE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH MONEY

For your relationship with money to flourish, you must understand that it involves the two of you. When things go badly, it is partly because of what you brought to the situation and partly because of what the money (i.e., power of spending) brought. Do not let the power of spending govern you.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Temperance, moderation, and frugality are essential to alleviate your worries about your money. You achieve this by distinguishing your needs from wants. So, if your bike works perfectly fine then there is no need to buy a new one. Be wise in purchasing and resisting impulse by getting what you really need.

Awesome Sephora Hacks You Wouldn’t Want To Miss

If you are looking for beauty products in Singapore, one store usually comes in mind – Sephora. The name Sephora originated from the Greek term for beauty: “Sephos” and the gorgeous wife of Exodus’ Moses: “Zipporah”.

Founded in France in the 70s, Sephora had become one of the world’s leading stores for quality bath, cosmetics, and other lifestyle products. It has become a home to many luxurious brands that shape the hottest trends today. In addition to that, they also have their own private label containing assorted products. But, beauty comes with a price tag, which is often at high cost.

So, as much as I love Sephora, I still value my frugality by following these few tips:

1. SIGN-UP FOR THEIR LOYALTY PROGRAM

One of the sure-fire ways to save while you shop at Sephora is to sign-up for their loyalty program – for free! The Loyalty program is called the Sephora Card program whereby you are able to earn points and receive as much as 10% discount and other exclusive benefits such as birthday gift surprises and news updates.

There are two types of Sephora Cards namely: White and Black. But, everyone starts of at with the White Card. Upon accumulating 250 points, you will be upgraded to the Black Card. To start, sign-up by filling a quick form at the cashier or by politely asking their staff.

2. DO YOUR RESEARCH

Before purchasing anything, it is good to read the reviews first so that your money would not go to waste. Do not shy away from Sephora’s products because they are well reviewed as well.

Image Credits: Pixabay (CC0 Public Domain)

Browse for yourself. 🙂

3. CONSIDER THE LOCATION

The location of products at any Sephora outlet says something about its price. Those that are far more expensive are clustered in the middle while the less-expensive brands including the in-house label are at the sides. Thus, as much as possible, avoid the center of the store.

4. FOLLOW THE DEALS

Stalk them on Facebook or Instagram to get an inside scoop of their great deals on cosmetics, skincare, fragrances, and so much more.

Currently, Sephora’s Facebook page shares that you can get discounted items from now until September 2 at the ION branch. For example, the once S$82 STILA Glam Gift Set retails for only S$50. The same goes for the once S$70 LAURA MERCIER Artist Palette for eyes & cheeks that are now sold for only S$50.

Image Credits: facebook.com/sephorasingapore

5 Shopping Hacks Everyone Should Know

In the celebration of Singapore’s 50 years of progress, several online and physical shops have been offering discounts of 50% or above. To name a few, New Look is having 50% on dresses, bags and Footwear in their Somerset, City Square and Westgate stores while Zalora offers 50% on local designers and international labels.

So, whether you are shopping online for the perfect holiday outfit or considering a huge appliance purchase, spend your money wisely and save along the way with the 5 Shopping Hacks Everyone Should Know:

1. COMPARE PRICES

Before purchasing anything, compare the different prices offered by various shops for a particular product you have been eyeing on. Do this by intelligently finding information in the comparison website called PricePanda Singapore. When shopping online, it is best to get the biggest discount by using a coupon code. You may use the coupon codes available at Singapore’s CupoNation.

2. READ THE MEASUREMENT GUIDES

You are just wasting money if you bought something online that is not true to its fit. This is why it is essential to read the footnotes or the measurement notes. It will tell you the size and measurements across an array of countries. Also, it will tell you if the garment is tight or loose. Then, get more information about the clothing article by reading the height and the size of the model.

3. SAVVY QUESTIONS TO ASK AT A STORE BEFORE YOU PURCHASE

a. Do you give rebates?

b. Is there a mailing list that announces the promotions or sales earlier?

c. Do you offer a loyalty or membership program to earn back points or cash on purchases?

d. What is the return policy?

4. ADD UP THE COSTS

Do not be fooled by the flashy “sale” sign on the window or on the website’s sidebar because some shops will make you spend extra for shipping, minimum purchases, restocking fees, return policies, or even discount exclusions. Therefore, you must add up the product price plus the extra fees first before making a purchase. Also, make sure that your online retailer is reliable.

5. EMPLOY THE “URGENCY TEST”

If you are on a physical store and you are thinking twice on purchasing an item, ask yourself if you are willing to try it on the dressing room at that very moment. If you are not really excited to wear it then, do not bother to buy it.

Image Credits: Pixabay (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

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