6 Telltale Signs that You Aren’t Financially Ready to Get Married

Two of the most sought-after life goals are love and money. Research supports that married couples build more wealth over their lifetime compared to those who remain single. When two people decide to spend their lives together, it is important to get to know each other’s perspective as a robust financial team.

You can be 38 and still be unprepared to settle down. Or you can be in a six-year relationship with someone you are madly in love with, but you are not ready to get married.

Regardless of the age you plan to marry, discussing your financial goals as a couple is an essential part of the conversation on your shared life goals.

On that note, here are some telltale signs that you are not financially ready to settle down.

#1: YOU’RE IN A ROUGH PATCH

A wedding would not pay for itself, so you and your partner need to save up for it. You also need to financially prepare for your life after the wedding. Household and childcare expenses will increase over time. Expenses include tuition fees, medical expenses, home loans, retirement fund, and so on.

If you are not financially ready to get married, it’s best to put all the wedding plans on hold for the time being.

#2: YOU HAVEN’T TACKLED YOUR LIVING SITUATION

For most couples, investing in a home is one of the biggest purchases they have to make. It requires careful planning and countless discussions. You need to discuss your living situation as a couple, before getting married.

Are you buying a new or resale HDB flat? Are you financing your HDB flat with an HDB loan or bank loan? How much are you going to shell out from your savings in your CPF Ordinary Account?

Keep in mind that the more money you get from your CPF savings to finance your property, the less you may have for retirement in the future. Furthermore, you must be insured under the Home Protection Scheme (HPS) if you are using your CPF savings to pay for your monthly housing loan installments.

#3: YOUR WEDDING BUDGET CONSTANTLY CHANGES

Many couples deal with unforeseen wedding expenses during wedding plans and on the day itself. If you notice that your wedding budget changes constantly, it could be a sign that you haven’t fully thought about what you can pay for.

Sit down with your partner to discuss your wedding budget and provide an ample buffer for unexpected fees. You do not need to actualize all the wedding ideas you have pinned in your Pinterest account. Instead, you need to be realistic when it comes to knowing what you want and what you can afford.

#4: YOU HAVEN’T PLANNED FOR YOUR POST-WEDDING EXPENSES

What happens when you return home from your honeymoon? Will you face rent payments, home loans, or student loans head-on? Think about how you will be able to manage the post-wedding expenses.

Not thinking about these post-wedding expenses or not saving up for your future can bring you stress during your first year/s as a married couple.

#5: YOU HAVE TRUST ISSUES

When it comes to finances, do you have problems in trusting your partner? Take it as a sign that you are not ready for marriage.

There may be a deep-rooted cause for your trust issues, but getting married will not resolve the problem. Help yourself overcome these issues first so you can truly have an open and trusting relationship with each other. You can seek professional help when necessary.

#6: YOUR CREDIT HISTORY IS TAINTED

While you may end up sharing just about everything after getting married, your credit history and credit scores remain separate in the eyes of the financial institutions. However, this can affect your relationship significantly.

It is important to be transparent about your credit score and credit history before settling down. While you may sympathize with your partner’s unpleasant financial situation and offer to help, realize that you may be in for more challenges if outstanding debts begin to suffocate your finances.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If you see beaming red flags that you are not ready for marriage, then do not get married. Getting married is more than just signing a piece of paper. It’s a life-changing event that you must prepare for physically, mentally, and financially.

Before settling down, you need to plan all aspects of your life including your finances. Drastic changes in your finances will happen from the day you get married. You will need to make a lot of financial decisions together, so learn how to compromise and work as a team.

Sources: 1,2,3,4,& 5

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Reaching mutual satisfaction through syncing up your sexual desires

toy figures and the word sex

You want it. They don’t want it. You’re frustrated. They’re frustrated. What do you do?

In any healthy relationship, both partners should be on the same page when it comes to sex. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Maybe you’re the one who always wants sex, while your partner is only interested once in a blue moon. Or maybe your partner has a higher sex drive than you do and you’re not always in the mood.

No matter which side of the equation you find yourself on, here’s how to reach mutual satisfaction in your sexual relationship.

Prioritizing communication and self-care

When it comes to sex, communicate.

And that means talking to your partner about what you want, what you don’t want, and what you’re comfortable with. It’s not always easy to have these conversations, but they’re essential for ensuring mutual satisfaction.

In addition to communication, it’s good to prioritize self-care. That means making time for yourself, whether it’s through exercise, meditation or just taking some time for yourself. When you’re feeling good about yourself, it’s easier to feel good about your sexual relationship, too.

Making compromises for mutual satisfaction

For both partners to be content in a sexual relationship, it’s necessary to find a way to sync up your desires.

This means making compromises to meet in the middle. You might have to go without sex for a while if your partner isn’t feeling it, but you can also negotiate a frequency that works for both of you.

It’s also good to understand the natural ebbs and flows of desire. Just because your partner isn’t in the mood one day doesn’t mean they won’t be the next. Be patient and keep an open dialog so that each person knows what the other wants. This way, there’s never any confusion or disappointment on either side.

Recognizing the sexual desires of each partner
characters with lighted bulbs

Image Credits: unsplash.com

One way to make sure you’re always on the same page is to keep track of your partner’s sexual desires.

This can be done by communicating with each other frequently, whether that’s through talking about what’s going on between you hormonally or sharing any concerns you have.

It can also be helpful to keep a “sexual wish list” for each other, where you both write down things you’d like to try in bed. This way, there’s no pressure to perform on the spot and you can both look forward to trying new things together.

Or, if you’re feeling bold, you can even schedule sex dates into your calendars so that you know there will be time for intimacy even when life gets busy. The crucial thing is that you make an effort to connect on a sexual level, even if it means compromising on frequency.

Being aware and mindful of each other’s boundaries

Part of the reason why people have such a difficult time syncing up their sexual desires is that they’re not aware of each other’s boundaries. And when we say “boundaries,” we’re talking about things like wants, needs, thoughts, and feelings.

You might be thinking, “Well, of course, I’m aware of my partner’s boundaries. I would never do anything to violate them.” But even if you would never intentionally violate someone’s boundaries, it can still happen if you’re not mindful of them.

For example, let’s say you’re in the mood for sex, but your partner isn’t. If you try to pressure them into it or make them feel bad for not wanting it, that’s a violation of their boundary. Even if you don’t mean to, you’re making them feel like their wants and needs aren’t as important as yours.

The key to avoiding boundary violations is communication. If you’re not sure what your partner’s boundaries are, ask them. And if you accidentally violate a boundary, apologize and try to make things right.

So, how can you and your partner make sure that you’re both always sexually satisfied? The answer is to sync up your desires. Of course, this isn’t always easy—everyone’s different, and what turns one person on may not turn another person on. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure that you’re both on the same page, including talking about your desires, being open to trying new things, and being patient with one another. With some effort, you can create a sexual relationship that’s satisfying for both you and your partner.

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7 Practical Hacks to Save Money on Diapers

What’s one of the biggest daily costs of new parents? Diapers. When it comes to infant care, diapers are non-negotiable! Diapers will play a vital part in your baby’s life until the time when your baby experiences potty training. Your newborn will constantly need diaper changes and stocking up on diapers before your baby arrives saves you time and effort.

For parents, getting the best diapers for your baby burns a hole in your pocket. What if we tell you that there are hacks to save money on diapers in Singapore? This article comes with practical and simple tips to support your infant care. Let’s get started!

#1: BUY DIAPERS IN BULK

If you have multiple children in diapers at the same time, it can be costly to maintain a household stocked with diapers. A way to save money is to buy diapers in bulk. Buying in bulk usually saves you money on the “per diaper cost”.

You can order bulk purchases online or purchase them at groceries such as Jin Tai Mart. Jin Tai Mart proudly offers cheap diapers and cheap milk powders islandwide.

#2: STICK TO YOUR GO-TO TRUSTED BRANDS

Varied brands can have different effects on your babies. After trying a few brands, see what fits your baby best. Which brands keep your baby dry, rash-free, and clean throughout the day? Stick to these trusted brands to have a bit more flexibility when it comes to sales, while keeping your baby’s safety a priority.

#3: CONSIDER SWITCHING TO CLOTH DIAPERS

Cloth diapers are long-term investments, which are recyclable and adjustable to the size of your baby. Using cloth diapers is not for everyone, but if you are keen on trying it out, it can maximize your savings.

The catch is that you will have to spend a bit more upfront to stock your cloth diaper supply. After completing your initial purchase, you will only spend on detergent. Cloth diapers retail for as low as S$0.75 in Shopee.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: WATCH OUT FOR COUPONS

Couponing can help you save money when diaper shopping. If you are buying online, search for both the brand the store coupon codes. Online retailers such as Lazada, Shopee, and Qoo10 often come up with special deals for its shoppers. Watch out for this!

#5: WAIT FOR SALES

If you are hesitant to invest in bulk purchasing because of its seemingly high price tag, you may want to wait for sales. Firstly, sign-up for email notifications from your trusted diaper brands to stay alerted when they have a promotion. Secondly, you can check out online retailers or physical stores for seasonal promotions such as the Mother’s Day event.

#6: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE BABY SAMPLES

Many well-known brands such as MamyPoko, Huggies, and Merries offer FREE diaper samples to their customers. Take advantage of these samples!

You can get free MamyPoko diaper samples and be part of the Poko-Chan Point Program to reap the member’s benefits. For Huggies, you can get a free diaper sample by joining their Huggies® Club. Lastly, you can request a free Merries Tape diaper or join their rewards program through their website.

#7: JOIN THE REWARDS PROGRAMS

Joining rewards programs like the ones mentioned above can help you gain purchase points and other exclusive benefits. This works out particularly well if you find your baby does better with a specific diaper brand than others.

Baby diapers eat a huge chunk of your budget during your little one’s early years. Even a few cents of savings per diaper will add up to quite a lot in the long run! We hope that this article helps.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Changi Airport T3 has Rilakkuma-themed carnival with fun rides and insta-worthy photo spots from now till 1 May 2023

Changi Airport has transformed into a tropical paradise with the launch of Rilakkuma’s Vacation Adventure, an interactive experience featuring the beloved bear and his friends. From now until 3 May, visitors can enjoy a beary relaxing holiday with Rilakkuma and friends at Terminal 3 Departure Hall.

Get ready for a beary fun time as you step into the Departure Hall of Terminal 3 at Changi Airport. Rilakkuma and friends are waiting to take you on a whimsical adventure through a bustling carnival filled with pastel hues and exciting rides. Take a break from the ordinary and let your imagination run wild on the Samba Balloon ride or the Ferris Wheel near Central Immigration. Swing by Check-in Row 11 for a spin on the Swing Chair and Tea Cup rides, and experience the joy of being a kid again.

Go for a spin in any of the Rilakkuma-themed carnival rides at T3’s Departure Hall.

But that’s not all – the first 3,000 lucky carnival-goers will receive an exclusive Rilakkuma souvenir card designed specially for Changi Airport. This nifty card doubles as a bookmark, making it the perfect memento to take home and remember your beary fun day at the carnival.


The experience includes interactive installations, photo spots, and adorable Rilakkuma merchandise, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Rilakkuma. The vacation adventure is a perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and soak in the laid-back vibes of a tropical paradise.

Visitors can snap a photo with their favorite characters and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. The interactive experience is suitable for all ages and promises to be a fun-filled adventure for the whole family.

In addition to the interactive installations and photo spots, visitors can also shop for adorable Rilakkuma merchandise at the pop-up store located within the experience. From plush toys to stationery, there is something for everyone to take home as a memento of their beary relaxing holiday at Changi Airport.

So why wait? Pack your bags and head down to Terminal 3 Departure Hall to experience Rilakkuma’s Vacation Adventure for yourself. The experience is only available until 3 May, so don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy a beary relaxing holiday with Rilakkuma and friends at Changi Airport.

For more information of this event, visit www.changiairport.com/rilakkuma

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Financial Challenges of Wedding Preparation and How to Overcome Them

Weddings are notoriously known for being expensive and stressful.

Be prepared to plan for a year for an event that will happen instantly in a day. The possible options are overwhelming! Not to mention, countless wedding vendors are vying for your attention. You might want to brace yourself, because the average cost of a wedding in Singapore ranges between S$22,200 and S$52,800.

During the process of wedding planning, engaged couples often make financial mistakes that affect their future. Here’s how you can avoid these common financial challenges.

#1: NOT SETTING BOUNDARIES FROM THE GET-GO

Failure to discuss your financial boundaries can affect your other wedding decisions. The decision to unite as a family isn’t merely about spending the rest of your lives with your true love. It is also about the practical areas of building a future. You need to either rent a flat or buy a flat. Do you plan to have a baby in the next five years? Do you want to travel to Europe for your honeymoon?

It is important for couples to discuss the specifics and mutually agree on a financial plan. Know which funds are “ours”, “yours”, and “mine”. Decide which expenses should be paid for by the “ours” bucket (e.g., venue rental) and which part should come out from your “mine” bucket (e.g., wedding gift to your partner).

#2: BEING TRAPPED BY THE CONTRACTS

Let’s face it – weddings are a lucrative business! The contracts you have with the suppliers are binding. So, don’t simply sign on the dotted line without asking questions. Studying the contract will enable you to bargain strategically. For instance, you can remove unnecessary inclusions such as upgraded linens for VIP guests.

Some contracts leave you financially responsible for empty rooms and chairs that you reserved for the event. This added expense can create a hole in your pocket. Be sure to read the contracts thoroughly.

#3: INVITING PEOPLE OUT OF OBLIGATION

It’s easy to get into the mindset of having to invite everyone from your secondary school friends to your second cousin whom you have not seen in a decade, but having a huge guest list may turn out to be a big financial mistake. As uncomfortable a conversation may be, you must decide together to only extend an invite to those people who you really want to be at your wedding.

Set clear rules about your guest list such as “no kids” or “no plus ones”. With fewer people, you will be able to maximize your wedding budget and assign your funds to more key areas including catering and venue rental. Best of all? You will only be celebrating this special occasion with the ones closest to you.

#4: FAILURE TO FACTOR IN THE UNEXPECTED EXPENSES

You have booked and paid for the flowers, venue, photographer, and catering. Everything on your list is accomplished and small details have been polished. However, unexpected expenses can come on the day itself. While paying for an extra person might not break the bank, before you know it, you receive a bill that you did not foresee. Thus, it is important to create some wiggle room and be ready for unexpected expenses.

#5: SPENDING MORE THAN WHAT YOU HAVE

Common wedding expenses that you must prepare for include

a. ROM and solemnisation fees,
b. Venue rental and banquet,
c. Photographer and videographer, as well as
d. Wedding party entertainment.

Many engaged couples splurge on their wedding because of this mindset – you only get married once. Coming from someone who has recently had her civil marriage ceremony, I am now planning to have our Church wedding ceremony. Sometimes, you do not get married once. Moreover, going into debt to wed is never the right foot to start your marriage on.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Having a realistic wedding budget can help you stay within your limits. Have a firm idea of how much money is available for your wedding. Then, create a wish list of the things that you would like to have. Prioritize your list while taking your current financial situation into consideration. There are no wrong or right priorities, just preferences to complete your special day!

Sources: 1 & 2

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