CNY SURVIVAL KIT: $8,888 Prize Pot, $8 Collectible Hongbaos and $5 Grab Vouchers

Happy Chinese New Year! Enjoy this holiday even more with these 3 hacks that will maximise the HUAT as you welcome the Lunar New Year with your family and friends! Time to roll in prosperity and abundance, are you ready?  

Grab $5 Voucher Codes

Arrive comfortably in style to all your steamboats and reunion gatherings this Chinese New Year. If you are new to ShopBack, there are $5 Grab Voucher on top of Cashback on any spend

How this works:

  1. Go to ShopBack App and tap on any store
  2. Purchase as usual
  3. Get CashBack + $5 Grab Voucher Code

SHARE THE HUAT – Prize Pot of $8,888

Winning the TOTO is every Singaporean’s dream. But we all know how likely that will happen. ShopBack has a MUCH easier plan for you to win some extra angbao money. 

Make a lucky guess of 6 numbers (in any order) and you might just win up to $8,888. Those with 3 correct numbers will share the $2,020 prize pot. 

Increase your chance of winning by making an order from 20th – 25th January 2020 and get a guaranteed number. 

Need some ideas on what to shop for? Check out these amazing upsizes: 

  • Nike 15% Upsized Cashback (was 2%) from 21 – 24 Jan
  • Agoda 12% Upsized Cashback (was 6%) from 21 – 22 Jan 
  • Amazon Up to 20% Upsized Cashback (was <6%) from 9 Jan – 1 Feb
  • Irvins 8% Upsized Cashback (was 4.5%) on 21 Jan
  • iHerb 14% Upsized Cashback (was 3%) from 21 – 22 Jan

Click here for more CNY deals.

FIND THE HUAT

Surviving Chinese New Year would be a lot easier if you actually enjoy it. Go on a virtual scavenger hunt and win $8 collectible hongbaos if you’re the first lucky 88 to find the “Huat” on the ShopBack App! 

How It Works

  1. Download the ShopBack App
  2. Follow the ShopBack IG Story 
  3. Individual clues will be released on our IG Story at these 8 auspicious hours to hint where the voucher is hidden.
  4. Go to the ShopBack App and find the “Huat” icon below to retrieve code
  5. Go to the rewards page on the App and enter the code to redeem your prize!

Find The Huat is on ShopBack app only*

DBS EXCLUSIVE

Own a DBS/POSB card? Enjoy up to an additional 20% Cashback* for your Travel, Fashion and Grocery spend from now till 31st Jan. Participating brands include ASOS, Nike, Guardian, Cold Storage & more! *T&Cs apply.

How ShopBack Works

ShopBack is a platform that allows users to earn up to 30% cashback every time they make an online purchase from 500+ stores like Lazada, Qoo10, Shopee, Foodpanda, Agoda & more. ShopBack is free to join and is available on desktop, app store, play store and on browser extension. Learn more here.

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5 Obvious Ways Buffets Earn Money

The primary job of an all-you-can-eat buffet manager is to fill the customer’s belly as inexpensive and as quickly as possible. Apart from this, they must employ other strategies to keep the customers back! For starters, Singaporeans must be sold with the idea of the buffet’s capability of providing an ample variety while maintaining high quality. At the same time, food wastage must be minimized.

On that note, here are 5 Obvious Ways Buffets Earn Money.

#1: BEVERAGES ARE HUGE

As you enter an all-you-can-eat buffet, notice how huge the beverage glasses are. There is a method to the madness! Firstly, providing tall drinking glasses fill customer bellies fast. They would be able to eat less for the same buffet price. Secondly, they can up-sell the soft drinks to earn huge mark-ups without spending a lot for it.

#2: MENU ITEMS ARE CHOSEN CAREFULLY

To strike a balance between cost and quality, the menu items have been chosen carefully. You may notice how a restaurant will constantly change their array of meats. A buffet may have a long line of satisfied customers if you offer unlimited lobsters or steaks every night. However, you cannot expect a huge profit by doing this. Managers need to find cheaper cuts of poultry, fish, and other meat products. They get more savings by buying in bulk.

#3: CUTTING IN SMALLER PORTIONS

Have you noticed how buffets cut pricier meats into smaller pieces compared to cheaper breads? Rationally, a person would take two pieces of a buffet item instead of one. Can you imagine if all the guests take two huge pieces of lobster? That would be costly! Instead, they have to follow society’s unspoken rule and offer smaller pieces to keep the line moving.

#4: CHOICES ARE PRESENTED STRATEGICALLY

Buffets apply another strategy that is hidden in plain sight. Pay attention to the layout of the buffet line. Cheaper and more filling carbs and sides are laid out in the beginning of the line. By the time you get your entree, your plate will be so full.

Another trick is placing an expensive item along with a variety of cheaper items. For instance, an expensive protein among several cheaper side dishes. Pricier desserts are surrounded by a platter of fruits.

#5: MENUS ARE FLEXIBLE

Successful restaurants usually keep its food and beverage costs below 30% of its revenues. All-you-can-eat buffets achieve this by offering a flexible menu design. Its menu can change every day based on what ingredients are cheap and what food items are seasonally available.

You can apply the same ideal on your next trip to the grocery.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Get your CNY new notes from POSB Pop-up ATMs located at these 20 Community Clubs from 9 Jan 20

Chinese New Year is around the corner

Get your crisp new dollar notes for Chinese New Year at these POSB Pop-up ATMs from 9 January, 9am to 24 January 2020.

Denominations available are $2, $10 and $50:

  • $100 ($2 x 50 notes)
  • $300 ($10 x 30 notes)
  • $500 ($50 x 10 notes) and
  • $600 ($10 x 20 notes + $50 x 8 notes)

The Pop-up ATMs are located at the 20 Community Clubs listed below:

Alternatively, you can also reserve the notes online with your ATM / Debit Cards / Credit Cards and PIN. Simply login with your ATM / Debit Cards / Credit Cards and PIN to place your reservations.

Reservation starts from 09 January 2020, 7.00am and ends on 21 January 2020.

Collection starts on 13 January 2020 and ends on 23 January 2020.

For more information, click here.

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7 Buffet Tricks To Maximize Every Cent

From a wide selection of hotel buffets to hawker centers, Singaporeans just love to eat! If you are a devout food enthusiast such as I am, you will be able to relate to the sheer excitement that I get from seeing a well-stocked buffet table. Just think about all the vibrant and glorious food that you can eat in one seating!

What’s more? You can enjoy eating as much as you want without judgment from others. Such freedom comes with a price. Only a fool would walk out the door without ensuring that he or she actually got a good deal. On that note, here are some tricks you can apply to your next all-you-can eat buffet trip.

#1: DO YOUR RESEARCH

Singapore offers a decent amount of buffet options with varying food quality, price, and value. Do your research to find where you can get the best deal. Stay true to your preferences when it comes to the food selection. Go to a buffet whereby you can eat most of their offerings.

Researching will also help you learn about the fine print. Know what is included and what is not. You do not want any nasty surprises at the end of day!

#2: GET AN OVERVIEW

Plan your eating strategy by getting an overview of all the food options upon arriving. Yes! Salads or fresh vegetables may be ideal starters. However, do not get a mountain of lettuce and toppings if you are planning to survive the entire haul. Look around and focus on the premium stuff, which you can indulge on.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: TAKE SMALL PORTIONS

Buffets typically have unlimited refills. You can always go back for more! Do not get stuck with a large serving of pasta that does not taste as pleasant as it looks. Instead, get small portions of everything you want to taste.

#4: TAKE DISHES YOU CANNOT COOK AT HOME

You are celebrating something special as you are blessed with rows and rows of savory food. Choose dishes that you do not or cannot cook at home.

It is rare for me to eat seafood at home. Recently, I devoured several salmon breads topped with caviar as well as all the seafood I can eat in the buffet to maximize my experience.

#5: DO NOT FAST

Most people starve themselves as way to eat as much as they can in a buffet. These people forget that their stomach needs to prepare prior to the battle. The stomach needs stretching before it prepares for any rigorous activities such as eating in bulk.

Drink water throughout the day to stretch it. Furthermore, it is recommended to eat a light meal before you enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet.

#6: STICK TO YOUR PREFERENCES

The Indian buffet place nearby may offer an amazing promotion on their signature dishes. However, it is not amazing if you do not like curry or spiced food.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

You are only trapping yourself if you focus on the price-to-food volume ratio! If you are not keen in eating a bulk of food from a specific cuisine, skip it.

#7: DO DAMAGE CONTROL

Once you are finished eating your glorious feast, the only thing left is damage control. Drinking probiotics is beneficial for your digestion. Another alternative is peppermint tea. Peppermint tea soothes the stomach, reduces bloating, and cures any nausea you may be experiencing.

You can purchase peppermint tea bags for as low as S$3.25 at FairPrice.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Save Big By Cooking Your Own Meals

On average, it is about five times more expensive to order food from a restaurant than cooking your own meal at home. It is no secret that eating out can snip your budget in a short span of time. However, many opt to place their orders online through food delivery apps due to their busy schedules or lack of talent in the kitchen. I cannot deny the convenience that Food Panda or GrabFood sells!

Eat better food and save money in the process by following these kitchen suggestions.

#1: PREP MEALS IN BULK

My significant other’s mother leads an efficient life by prepping meals on Sundays. She cooks three to four dishes, which can be reheated whenever one pleases. Try cooking boiled eggs and steamed vegetables that will last for two to three meals. This way, you and your family will be able to enjoy your cooking even when in a hurry.

Simply label the food accordingly and pop it in a freezer bag or a microwaveable container. Serve this pre-cooked meal with fresh sides and you are ready to go!

#2: USE A SLOW COOKER

On the other hand, my partner’s father seems to be fascinated with the slow cooker. He cooks ribs and fish using a slow cooker and vacuum seals these meals to last for a little over a month. Imagine that!

Using a slow cooker is a money saver. You can cook larger meals with enough leftovers to freshen up your second meal. Moreover, it enables you to purchase less expensive and tougher meat because it acts as a tenderizer.

#3: CREATE WITH WHAT YOU HAVE

Challenge your creative juices by cooking food with the ingredients available in your kitchen. It is easy to build your meals through daily grocery shopping. However, regularly cooking what is already at hand enables you to maximize your resources and minimize food wastage.

Curb your spending by scavenging the vegetables and meat available in the fridge. Consume food that will go bad soon before if it is too late!

#4: BUY WHAT IS ON SALE

Last but not the least, you may travel through the grocery aisles to purchase items that are on sale. Use this opportunity to purchase chicken breast or salad dressings, which are on sale. Purchase extra pack or pieces whenever possible to secure your future cravings.

I cannot deny that our modern generation consumes things in an instant! When we want things, we want them now. This increases the chances of ordering out and slimming your funds. Hence, you must learn the power of delayed gratification.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

You cannot always eat what you want, but you can make most of what you have.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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