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6 Ways to Save Money as a Triathlete

Combining running, swimming, and biking gear expenses…some people spend more in competing for Triathlons than others. If you will adopt these 6 Simple Ways, you may significantly lower your financial expense of training and joining in triathlons.

1. EXPLORE YOUR CHOICES

Don’t just rely on the sports shops in the malls that sell Triathlon gear, also explore good prices in the Internet such as: Bike Plus Singapore, Ebay, Amazon,Treknology Bikes 3 Singapore, and Carousell. Online stores have sales and clearance of their last year stocks where you can save money. It is important to shop around, and compare prices before purchasing to get the best deal.

2. REGISTER EARLY

Take advantage of the lower early-bird fee for Triathlon events. If you wait for the last minute, then you will have to pay more! Also, choose races that fit your budget and capacity.

Swim/Bike/Run by bradleypjohnson via Flickr

Image Credit: bradleypjohnson via Flickr

3. SHARE YOUR TRIATHLON RESOURCES

Share your Triathlon books and other racing magazines with a group of friends. What’s more? The Internet is full of free training videos and tips that you may repeatedly watch in the convenience of your home. You may also watch it on hand phone anytime and anywhere!

4. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TOWN’S SPORTS FACILITIES

You may train your swimming skills in the Town’s swimming stadium, which costs about $2. Another great and cost-free way to train your cycling and running skills is to park hop across the lush greeneries of the Park Connector Network.

Park Connector Network connects all the parks in North East, East, North, South, West and Central Region. You can download the walking trail or cycling trail here.

5. SAVE ON TRAVEL EXPENSES BY CAR POOLING

With the price of gas and taxi fares, consider car pooling together with others to the Triathlon events. Enjoying a chat before the race will help you calm your nerves.

6. LASTLY, DON’T BUY THE UNNECESSARY

For instance, there’s no reason to purchase a swimming cap because every time you register for a Triathlon, they will most likely give it to you for free.

Aside from renting a bike in the racing venue, you may covert your road bike into a Tri bike. Do this by making a few position adjustments, and by adding aerobars and aerowheels. You didn’t have to buy a new bike plus you save more money!

Image Credits: Jimmy Harris via Flickr

There are more ways to save money as a Triathlete (e.g., making your own hydration drink), you just have to be diligent, clever, and resourceful!

5 Websites Where You Can Learn For Free

When was the last time you wanted to learn something, just because you wanted to? Do you remember the sense of wonder, the burning enthusiasm, that “EUREKA” feeling when you finally understood something or could see how you could apply it to real life? Life-long learning is certainly something that is espoused by experts and governments all across the globe, but have you considered the cost of learning these new skills or bits of knowledge? While the desire to learn may be high, the price of the education required to allow you learn might be even higher. We don’t want you to lose your passion to learn though. Here are 5 great apps and sites where you can learn for free!

Duolingo

Want to learn a new language, and learn for free? Duolingo offers 8 languages and counting. Both a website and an online app, Duolingo allows you to learn for free in the comfort of your own home, and on the go! Duolingo allows you to learn the language in a fun and easy way, as learning a language is turned into a game, with different levels and quizzes to beat! You can also set your own targets and goals, so the app can remind you to pick up the pace if you’ve been a bit slow lately. I’m learning how to speak and read French using Duolingo, so I can attest to its effectiveness and interactivity. Juste essayer (Just try it)!

Code Academy

Want to be the next Mark Zuckerberg, but don’t know how? Learn for free at Code Academy! Code Academy offers classes in 6 different programming languages, so you can definitely be well versed in all kinds of programming, and still be able to learn for free without having to go to a coding or programming school of any sort! Code Academy gives you feedback and awards for completing milestones, and also give you programming glossaries during tutorials you don’t get too lost when doing it! There are also forums for you to learn and share with fellow programmers. Some courses have a sandbox function, allowing you to test out your programmes and codes to see if they really work, so you can experiment in the safety of the sandbox environment!

Planet Photoshop

http://planetphotoshop.com/

Never thought that you could learn from free when it came to design? Think again, because with Planet Photoshop, you’re provided with a whole lot of user created resources and guides on how to use Photoshop! These range from basic tutorials for the really newbie beginners (like me) to specific guides on how to produce different effects.

Khan Academy

“Learn for free” takes a whole new level with Khan Academy. Khan Academy offers variety of subjects and courses to choose from. It even offers exam preparation courses, such as SAT preparation, so if you’re a student preparing for an exam, these online courses would definitely help you ace these tests, as you would have practiced your thought processes and internalised the knowledge.

Coursera

https://www.coursera.org/

Imagine the amount of money you pay for your school education. If you’re a university student, you would be spending at least 7k a semester paying for school fees. Imagine if you could learn all what you learnt in university for free! Coursera links up with universities all around the globe to provide these educational services, so one day you might be taking a class from Harvard or Yale right in the comfort of your own home! You can also learn at your own pace, as there isn’t anyone to chase for your work or to push you, so you have to be independent and take initiative to do complete your Coursera assignments!

5 Places To Get Cheap Christmas Decorations

Tis the season to be jolly, so why not give yourself some peace of mind by spending less on Christmas decorations? Christmas decorations are only used once a year, after which they’ll be stored somewhere at the back of your store room, never to be seen again until the next Christmas, or thrown in the garbage after a brief few days of splendour. Do you really want to spend a bomb on Christmas decorations that are only going to be up for a short while? Why not check out these places around Singapore where you can get cheap and beautiful Christmas decorations!

Spotlight

Image Credits: http://www.streetdirectory.com

While Spotlight may be more well-known among mothers and craft hobbyists for their wide range of craft materials and fabrics, they also stock a wide range of Christmas decorations, from wall hangings to hanging globes. Most of these Christmas decorations are available in bulk, so you can buy a whole lot of Christmas decorations all in one shot, saving you the hassle of having to go to different stores to get enough numbers of different types.

Image Credits: http://www.spotlight.com.sg

Besides the ready-made Christmas decorations available, Spotlight also provides guides that are available on their site, www.spotlight.com.sg, for projects that users can do to create their very own Christmas decorations, using the materials available at spotlight! If you’re really looking to save money on Christmas decorations, DIY is the way to go!

Address: Level 5, 68 Orchard Road, 238839

Daiso

Image Credits: http://www.singaporeactually.com

At Daiso, everything goes for $2, so be prepared to feel a very strong inclination to splurge the moment you step in the store. Their “everything for $2” rule applies to their Christmas decorations as well, with things like stockings and ornaments going for $2. Whether all of these Christmas decorations are worth the $2 is up to your discretion though, as there are some really good deals, and some items that are really small and don’t really look like they live up to the $2 price tag.

Address (Dhoby Ghaut Branch): 68 Orchard Road, #05-01/02/03 Plaza Singapura, 238839

Ikea

Image Credits: http://en.wikipedia.org

Image Credits: http://www.ikea.com/sg

One of the great Swedish imports alongside ABBA, Ikea is famous for being a lifestyle products giant, selling furniture, home décor, and various home necessities at low, low prices! Fortunately for us, they also stock Christmas decorations, which would be perfect for the Christmas season! A trip to Ikea is an adventure in itself, so get your Ikea shopping bag ready to pile all the Christmas décor in. As usual, all the Ikea Christmas décor and products are tastefully designed, so you’re definitely getting the bang for your buck this Christmas.

Address (Tampines Branch): 60 Tampines North Drive 2, Singapore 528764

Yeo GM Trading

Image Credits: http://www.streetdirectory.com

If you don’t mind taking the time travel a bit out of the way, check out Yeo GM Trading if you want to get Christmas decorations for less! They sale Christmas decorations wholesale, so you can pretty sure that what you’re getting is as cheap as you get can get for that kind of quality. If you prefer to shop from the comfort of your own home, they also have a website for you to refer to at your own leisure.

They provide delivery services too for a fee, depending on which part of Singapore you live in. If you decide to make a huge bulk order though, they provide free delivery for orders above $200. Perfect if you have a whole house to decorate, but you don’t have time to go down to a shop to buy Christmas decorations.

Address: Blk 1 Rochor Rd #01-550, Rochor Centre, Singapore 180001

Hsen Global Pte Ltd

While the previous store had a website to complement their physical store, Hsen Global operates primarily through its website, http://www.adamevestyle.com, which lists a large variety of Christmas decorations which customers can choose from.

All their Christmas decorations are sourced from their factory in China directly, which lets them sell their Christmas decorations are dirt cheap prices! All the better for us I must say. Do choose wisely, as the quality of some of the products might be somewhat dubious. But hey, you get what you pay for.

So there you have it, all you need to liven up your home this holiday. Have a good time decorating, and Merry Christmas!

7 Awesome Christmas Gift Ideas Under $50

Christmas is just around the corner. While searching for the perfect gift, keep in mind that you must also be financially-savvy. You may be tempted to go over your budget since this holiday only come once a year. But, your gifts need not to be expensive to make your loved ones smile! Here are 7 Awesome Christmas Gift Ideas under $50.

FOR THE WANNABE FIT FRIEND
US$29.95 or S$39.53. Buy it here.

The Wake up Workout Alarm Clock is the perfect gift for that person who wants to lose weight, but is too lazy to get up the bed. This alarm clock only shuts off after you have done 30 reps of consecutive bicep curls. The dumbbell-shaped alarm clock has a countdown timer on one side, which counts the number of reps you have done. Even the motion sensors inside can detect how many bicep curls you have done only if you swing it right. So, it will be really hard for you to cheat!

Wake up Workout Alarm Clock via GadgetsandGear.com

FOR YOUR FASHIONISTA SISTER
S$12.90. Buy it here.

Since the Coachella Music Festival, the trend has been leaning towards the gypsy or bohemian style. This Jeweled Hair Decor by H&M will surely make your sister stand out from the crowd. Don’t worry about its fitting because its silver chains have an adjustable length up to 63 cm.

Jeweled Hair Decoration via HM.com/sg

FOR THE ON-THE-GO MOM
S$29.90. Buy it here.

Busy moms who are always stressed with tight deadlines need pampering too! With this Wild Argan Oil Beauty Bag by The Body Shop, your mom will feel beautiful from head to toe. It is consist of an Argan Oil shower gel, body butter, body scrub—all imported from Morocco. Best of all? The cost of youthful skin won’t hurt your wallet.

Wild Argan Oil Beauty Bag via TheBodyShop.com.sg

FOR YOUR PHILOSOPHER DAD
S$21.86, Outliers Book. S$21.83, Tipping Point Book. Buy it here.

Indulge your deep thinking dad with the best-selling books by Malcolm Gladwell. Personally, I recommend the “Outliers: Story of Success”, and the “Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference”. Not only will he thank you for this interesting read but it will change his view of the world too.

FOR YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE
S$42. Buy it here.

Nothing beats a custom-made gift such as a Personalized Name or Word Necklace from MyLittleBow shop. You may use his or her nickname, your secret code or your term of endearment. It will make your girlfriend, boyfriend or best friend feel that you have really thought of them. Orders take about 3 weeks to be ready, so be sure to place your order early!

FOR YOUR COFFEE/TEA LOVING BOSS
US$14.95 or S$19.73. Buy it here.

This heat sensitive battery mug glows green once you pour hot beverage on it. Then, the battery turns black once your coffee or tea is cool enough to sip. The battery will also appear empty once you’ve finished all of its contents, and it’s time to refill. Your boss will surely appreciate this thoughtful reminder.

Battery Mug via GadgetsandGear.com

FOR THE PROUD SINGAPOREAN
S$20, Badges. S$22, Canvas Totes. Buy it here.

The Little Dröm Store sells Badges and Canvas Totes for several types of Singaporean. From the Precise (Zhun zhun guni hoon), to the Champion (Kiasu), and the Composed Singaporean (Steady Pom Pipi), this store has it all for you! The badges are available in 16 different designs, which you may check out here.

Kan Cheong Spider Badge via TheLittleDromStore.com

While, their totes (fits A4 folders) are available in 8 designs namely: Stylo Milo, Siao On, Jiak Gan Tang, Steady Pom Pipi, Chop Chop Curry Pok, Kan Cheong Spider, Kiasu, and Huat ah. These adorably designed and hilariously clever badges and totes will make you feel closer to home.

3 Great Dates On A Budget

Romance is expensive. Flowers, gifts, dinner dates. Let’s not even talk about the mega money-guzzling consumer event known as Valentine’s Day. If you’re the kind of person who needs to save money, sometimes being romantic can be a bit hard, or maybe not even an option. However, if you know the right places to go, having a great date and being able to save money don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Here we have 3 great date ideas, so you can save money and have a good time.

For The Nature Lover

Does your boyfriend or girlfriend love nature? Is the forest his or her second home? Then maybe the both of you should check out Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

http://www.sgclub.com

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is one of the best places to go in Singapore if you’re into nature, and want to be able to observe it right from inside. The best part of this is that admission is free, so you’re able to save money!

Sungei Buloh Wetland reserve is one of the few protected mangrove areas in Singapore that are actually easily accessible to the general public, thanks to the wooden walkways that span the reserve. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and don’t mind getting your shoes dirty, there are some sections of the reserve where you can walk on the mud without sinking in all the way, so do take not where they are if you want to talk a walk on the wild side without looking like a swamp creature from the waist down.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve offers many quiet places where you and your significant other and walk along in peace and enjoy nature together as well. There are many rest stops along the broad walks where you can just sit down and enjoy the view, and maybe have a meal if you brought along some food for a picnic! Save money, enjoy nature, have a good time. Sounds like a perfect combination for the budget nature lover, don’t you agree?

For the culture vulture

Enjoying the arts can be a costly affair, and make it hard to save money. Concert tickets at the Esplanade can cost a bomb, and don’t even talk about buying art. Even artwork at the recent Affordable Art Fair could cost in the thousands. Don’t fret, there are many alternatives where you can save money though, like at the Singapore Art Museum

http://www.themuse.com.sg

The Singapore Art museum houses a wide variety of artworks, some which are permanent, and some of which are only featured during exhibitions which are only up for a certain period of time. Admission is free if you’re a Singapore citizen or PR, so both of you you can enjoy the wonder of art and still save money!

Guided tours at the Singapore Art Musuem are available around twice a day, so if you’re new to the place and want insights from a seasoned person in the art scene, joining a guide group is the way to go. If you have concerns about wanting to save money, don’t worry the guided tour is free as well! Alternatively, you could also talk a walk around the museum yourself, and take your time slowly strolling through the exhibitions with your significant other and appreciate art together!

For the film junkie

If you think about it, watching a movie in Singapore can be pretty expensive. On a weekend, tickets for two can cost up to 25 bucks, and this doesn’t include the drinks and popcorn. If your girlfriend or boyfriend is a film junkie, watching movies every single week can take a toll on your wallet. How are you supposed to save money like that? Why not check out MovieMob?

http://stcommunities.straitstimes.com/

Movie Mob is a company that organises free outdoor moving screenings. All you have to do is sign up for their mailing list at www.moviemob.sg, and receive updates regarding the latest free movie screenings in Singapore! Being able to watch free movies on a regular basis sure sounds like a great way to save money if you or your partner is a film junkie.

On their website, you can vote for the movies you want, and the movie with the most votes will be screened. While you may not be able to watch exactly the movie you want, you can be sure that there will be variety of movies as each time the movie screened will be different. Being able to watch so many different movies while still being able to save money means you can also splurge a bit more on food and snacks. After all, this isn’t your usual cinema hall with strict rules on the food you can bring in.

The venues where they hold these free move screenings will vary. Sometimes they are held in carparks or open spaces where you can drive into as well, so you can have a quaint open air movie experience in your car, just like in America in the early 1900s! Romantic and allowing you to save money, this date idea seems hit the spot doesn’t it?

Now you know how to have a great time while still being able to save money, why don’t you? Get out there with your boyfriend or girlfriend and work that charm!

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