Is Romance a Casualty of BTO-Driven Marriage Proposals?

In Singapore, the equivalent of “Will you marry me?” often translates to “Want to apply for BTO together?”

The surging demand for housing has led many Singaporeans to embrace this approach. Additionally, with the average waiting time for the completion of a Build-To-Order (BTO) flat being three to five years, it has become customary for couples to ballot for one before formally proposing.

However, recent initiatives such as shorter waiting times for certain BTO flats and more booking options for Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) may have influenced how some Singaporeans perceive marriage proposals. Interestingly, a 2021 Valentine’s Day survey by Property Guru on Instagram Stories revealed that 55% of respondents considered a BTO proposal unromantic, while 45% disagreed.

ADVANTAGES

#1: BTO or Resale Flats

HDB BTO flats offer an affordable option for property ownership in Singapore, as they are subsidized by the government with CPF housing grants available. After fulfilling the five-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), owners can sell the flat on the open resale market, often at a higher price.

Purchasing a resale home appeals to many as they have the freedom to choose a preferred location and are not bound by waiting times. Resale flats near MRT stations are particularly sought after, given that many Singaporeans rely on public transportation.

One of the significant advantages of buying a BTO is the potential to receive HDB grants, which can result in substantial savings. Grant eligibility varies, so it’s essential to carefully review the available grants to maximize benefits.

#2: Upgrade to Private Property

Profits from selling a property can be reinvested in another property, potentially allowing for renovation and investment. Some couples view their BTO as a stepping stone to upgrading to a private property.

#3: Discussion of Property Prices

Pricing plays a crucial role in the decision-making process of buying a home. Discussion of pricing elements is made easier with a partner. Properties in mature estates tend to be more expensive than those in non-mature areas. For instance, a 3-room flat in Kallang/Whampoa can cost more than double the price of a similar-sized flat in Jurong West.

DISADVANTAGES

#1: Lengthy Completion Time

One drawback is the lengthy process involved in BTO flats, with an average completion time of three to five years. This duration, coupled with the need to fulfill the MOP, means it could take up to a decade before profiting from the property.

#2: Ballot Basis of Flats

Allocation of BTO flats is determined by ballot, leaving success to chance. Applying for less popular projects may increase the chances of securing a unit. As popular launches often see high demand, it results in fierce competition.

#3: Potential Breakup

There’s the possibility of a couple breaking up and needing to cancel their BTO flat application. While forfeiting the application fee and deposit is a minor concern, it’s crucial to prioritize ending an unsuitable relationship over forcing a union.

Should You Apply for an HDB BTO Flat After Proposing?

Image Credits: unsplash.com

It’s essential not to rush into committing to a partner solely for property purchase reasons. BTO isn’t the only option as alternatives like renting or living with family can be considered.

Whatever decision is made, it should be mutually beneficial. Marriage is a long-term partnership, and buying a home is a significant step, so careful consideration of wants and needs is paramount.

Sources: 1 & 2

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How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring in Singapore?

Deciding on the ideal amount to spend on an engagement ring has been a timeless debate, often surrounded by varying opinions.

As I vividly recall our search for the perfect engagement ring, my partner presented me with various options and price ranges, all of which he planned to order from the United States. Ultimately, we chose a dreamy topaz set on rose gold for just under S$500. While this may be considered a modest price tag by some, I preferred to invest in our future lives together after the wedding. The joy I felt when he finally proposed with the ring was immeasurable.

While the classic rule suggests investing three months’ salary, emphasizing the significance of a lifelong commitment, a more thoughtful approach to ring budgeting becomes essential in the face of challenges like rising prices, inflation, and economic volatility induced by the pandemic.

UNDERSTANDING THE AVERAGE COST

Selecting the perfect engagement ring requires insight into the average costs. While the two-month salary guideline, originating from the Great Depression era, was once prevalent, it’s crucial to recognize its outdated nature.

In Singapore, engagement ring prices generally range from S$700 to S$100,000, with the most common choice being a 0.5-1.0 carat diamond priced between S$1,230.90 to S$2,066.30. A key takeaway is that the price escalates with the carat weight.

GRASPING THE FOUR Cs

Delving into the intricacies of engagement ring prices, factors like carat, cut, clarity, and color significantly influence the overall cost. A higher clarity grade commands a higher price, as flawless gems, detectable only under powerful microscopes, come with a premium.

The cut of the diamond, with the round brilliant being the most expensive, and the type of chosen band are vital considerations contributing to the overall expense. For example, there is a S$15 difference between an oval cut and a round cut 0.3-carat ring of SI2 clarity. Additionally, emerald-cut diamonds can be anywhere from 12% to 42% cheaper than round diamonds of the same carat.

CREATING A RING BUDGET

Similar to planning a wedding budget, setting a reasonable engagement ring budget is paramount. Evaluate your financial standing, considering salary and savings, and establish a budget that aligns with your preferences and capabilities.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Utilize spreadsheets to create a tangible plan, factoring in additional costs like jewelry insurance. Strive for a special ring without harming your financial stability. And, explore payment plans or financing options responsibly. Ask yourself: Do you really need to take out a personal loan for this?

SHOPPING AROUND

In the pursuit of the perfect ring, don’t hesitate to explore various options. Resist the impulse to settle for the first option, and instead, compare prices across different designs and jewelers.

Educate yourself on high-quality jewelry and confidently navigate through price points, acknowledging that the national average may not necessarily apply to your unique financial situation.

OPTING FOR VINTAGE

Vintage or antique engagement rings present an alluring alternative. Apart from their historical charm, these rings often come at a more affordable price compared to contemporary options.

Delve into the nuances of eras, ensuring awareness of any alterations the ring may have undergone over time. Your dream ring might be a yellow-gold band from the Art Nouveau era, carrying a distinct character. You can buy vintage pieces from Revival Vintage Jewels at Wheelock Place.

EXPLORING NON-DIAMOND OPTIONS

With the surge in popularity of non-diamond engagement rings, considering alternatives like precious stones becomes viable. These options not only offer a potentially more affordable choice but also provide a chance to symbolically personalize the ring.

Embrace the uniqueness of birthstones such as sapphire, emerald, or ruby rings. Sapphire rings is the most expensive among non-traditional options, averaging S$1,075.29 for a 0.5-carat ring.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

In the pursuit of the perfect engagement ring, combining emotions with practical considerations leads to a more meaningful choice. Best of luck!

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Affordable and Kid-Friendly Meal Ideas

Even the pickiest young eaters are sure to love these budget-friendly meal options. Not only do these recipes make it easy to add a serving of vegetables, but they also guarantee a delightful dining experience.

Indulge in dishes like Shredded Chicken Tacos and Iron-Rich Meatballs, which are not just tasty and flavorful but also cherished by the entire family.

SHREDDED CHICKEN TACOS

Cannot wait for Taco Tuesday? Ideal for midweek meals, this taco recipe is a fantastic choice any day of the week. Swap out beef for moist, boneless chicken thighs and, for added convenience, cook the taco filling in a slow cooker.

This allows you to prepare it in the morning and return home to a delicious meal. Adjust the spice level to suit your children’s preferences for a hint of flavor.

Recipe: Click Here

GRILLED CHEESE & CHICKEN SANDWICH

Transform the classic grilled cheese into a nutritious delight by adding chicken salad. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a dinner that everyone will enjoy. The secret ingredient? Mayonnaise.

Recipe: Click Here

IRON-RICH MEATBALLS

Loaded with the extra iron crucial for kids’ healthy brain development, these meatballs are a nutritious treat. Serve them over pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce.

Image Credits: kidspot.com.au

Recipe: Click Here

BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS

Crafted from boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders, these crispy chicken “wings” maintain their crunchiness with just a light coating of oil—no deep-frying necessary. Enjoy them as an appetizer or make them the star of your dinner alongside vegetables.

Recipe: Click Here

CREAMY PUMPKIN SOUP

This simple recipe discreetly incorporates extra veggies, contributing to enhancing the kids’ immune systems. With a cooking time of 35 minutes and a prep time of just 10 minutes, this quick recipe ensures a wholesome meal in under an hour.

Image Credits: kidspot.com.au

Recipe: Click Here

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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4 baby food makers $299 & under for parents who want to make parenting a little easier

making fruit puree with a food maker

Parenting can be a joyful journey, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges.

And one area where many parents find themselves seeking convenience is in preparing nutritious meals for their little ones (not store-bought ones).

Luckily, there’s a wide range of baby food makers available that not only simplify the process but also help you ensure that your baby gets the best start in their culinary adventures.

So stay on this page as we show you a list of baby food makers priced at $299 and below, designed to make parenting a little easier and mealtime a whole lot tastier.

Boboduck Baby Food Maker

Boboduck Baby Food Maker

Promo Price: $150.97

First up, we have this clever baby food maker which is equivalent to having your own personal chef—minus the mess. Simply load the ingredients, press one button and the device gets to work steaming and blending your baby’s meal to the perfect consistency.

The micro-grinding technology breaks down chunks for easy digestion while retaining nutrients, and the removable parts clean up in no time. You can even preset the machine to automatically cook ingredients at different times so dinner is ready when you are.

Best of all, the built-in safety lock and overheat protection give parents peace of mind. Simply put, this space-saving appliance whips up wholesome, homemade meals in a snap, so your little one gets all the nutrients and none of the unknown nasties found in store-bought baby food.

Lunavie Smart Baby Food Maker

Lunavie Smart Baby Food Maker

Price: $160

This little appliance makes mealtime a breeze for busy parents. The Lunavie Smart Baby Food Maker is a 2-in-1 device that can both steam and blend foods in one simple step, preserving nutrients to make the most wholesome, homemade meals for your little one.

Just add ingredients to the bowl, press the one-dial control to steam or blend, and the heating element and powerful motor go to work. Make fruit and veggie purées, meat and grain meals, or more in minutes.

The automatic shut-off prevents overcooking and the low noise level won’t disturb napping babies. Say goodbye to premade baby food with this handy machine that helps you make the most nutritious start for your fast-growing child.

Beaba Babycook Plus – Grey

Beaba Babycook Plus - Grey

Promo Price: $259

If you have a little more budget to spare, consider this all-in-one baby food maker.

In under 20 minutes, the Beaba Babycook Plus steams and blends fresh fruits, veggies, and meats into nutritious meals of any consistency—from fine purees to chunky toddler food. The four-in-one functions—steam cooking, blending, defrosting, and reheating—make meal prep a breeze.

In addition, the two cooking bowls let you make double batches simultaneously. The one-handed design means you can hold your baby with one arm while operating the machine with the other. And the appliance also features dishwasher-safe parts and an auto shut-off timer to take the hassle out of cleanup and safety.

With this handy kitchen helper, creating tasty, healthy homemade baby food has never been simpler—giving you more time to focus on nurturing little ones as they grow.

Tommee Tippee Quick Cook Baby Food Maker

Tommee Tippee Quick Cook Baby Food Maker

Price: $299

Last but not least, we have the Tommee Tippee Quick Cook Baby Food Maker to help you make fresh, healthy meals for your little one in minutes, not weary hours.

Simply add your choice of fruits and veggies to the steam basket, select the ‘steam and blend’ setting, and let this machine work its magic to preserve nutrients and flavor while transforming meals into the right texture.

The automatic shut-off timer takes the guesswork out of cooking times so you can focus on tasks like attending to your baby’s needs. And the smart memory function remembers your last settings for up to 30 minutes, so you can quickly whip up another batch without reprogramming. 

With three operating modes to choose from including steam-only and blend-only, this baby food maker makes it easy to experiment and find what works best for your young one.

Parents always strive to provide the best for their little ones, and that includes providing them with wholesome meals. With the help of these baby food makers priced at $299 and under, you can take the stress out of meal preparation and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your baby’s food. From steaming and blending to reheating and defrosting, these versatile machines are designed to simplify your parenting journey and make mealtime a breeze. Happy cooking!

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3 highly-rated live bands in Singapore for your wedding because live music is life

duo live band

So everything’s more or less set for the wedding?

Wait, what about the music? Live music is an essential part of any wedding celebration if you believe that music is life.

Here are three of Singapore’s finest live bands that will help ensure your big day is full of joy and the right notes.

Merry Bees

 

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Website: merry-bees.business.site 

Facebook reviews: 5 stars (180+ reviews)

Merry Bees have been perfecting their art for over 8 years, earning hundreds of 5-star reviews and thousands of happy customers along the way.

Their multilingual singers are expert entertainers who bring joy and merriment to every event with their lively performances. One customer even remarked that Merry Bees is “the best in the market for a very very reasonable price”.

Merry Bees can craft a setlist to suit your tastes and get your guests singing and dancing along in no time. Their energetic performances are guaranteed to make any wedding occasion truly one to remember.

A Little Dream Live Music

Website: alittledream.com.sg

Facebook reviews: 5 stars (80+ reviews)

For over 20 years, A Little Dream has been a pioneer in bringing live music to life at weddings and corporate events in Singapore.

With a repertoire spanning classical, contemporary pop, rock, jazz, and more, their talented musicians and singers led by founder Bevlyn Khoo never fail to delight audiences. Bevlyn, a trilingual singer-songwriter with four albums under her belt, continues to charm crowds with her soulful voice and passion for music.

The band’s dedication to their craft and flair for transforming any event into an unforgettable celebration have earned them a loyal following as well as clients that include international brands.

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large-scale soiree, A Little Dream Live Music will make it a day/night to remember with their one-of-a-kind performances that are sure to have guests on their feet. Book them today and experience the magic of live music brought to you by the professionals at A Little Dream.

Musical Touch

Website: musicaltouch.sg 

Facebook reviews: 4.9 stars (420+ reviews)

Liven up your special day with a performance by Musical Touch.

For over a decade, their experienced wedding singers and emcees have been serenading brides, grooms, and guests on their big day. Whether you’re dreaming of a duet, full band, or orchestra to set the mood during your first dance, Musical Touch has a variety of options to suit your style.

Their professionally trained sound crews and musicians will ensure the music is flawless from start to finish while their emcees guide you through the program with grace and humor. Guests can even request their favorite songs and dedicate them to you, the happy couple.

As a guarantee of their quality, Musical Touch offers a full refund if their live band performance fails to meet your expectations on your wedding day. Book Musical Touch to make your wedding reception truly memorable with music that has your love story written all over it.

Booking a live band for your wedding in Singapore isn’t just about great tunes, it’s about creating buzzing energy with those musical notes. After all, there’s no better way to celebrate love than with live music that touches the soul. So, as you embark on this exciting journey of planning your nuptials, remember that the right live band can make your celebration truly come alive. Because live music, after all, is life! 🎶

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