8 Money-Saving Hacks For Families In Singapore

#1: OPT FOR PRE-LOVED GOODS

Save money while contributing to a sustainable environment by exploring the thrift stores and second-hand markets in the country. From baby clothes to infant accessories, dig deeper to each pile to score some great finds.

#2: REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE

Reduce your waste by reusing empty containers or recycling products before throwing each one away. Maximize the use of your sandwich bags, plastic containers, disposable utensils, and water bottles.

#3: MAKE YOUR OWN CARDS

With the number of birthdays and holidays in Singapore, your expense for greeting cards will add up. Instead of purchasing a S$5 greeting card from a nearby bookstore, you can have your children create one for you. Children love to use their artistic skills through crafts and illustrations. Let their creativity shine while giving your wallet an extra boost.

#4: SHARE A RIDE

It goes without saying that owning and maintaining a vehicle in Singapore is a costly task. This is where carpooling and GrabShare come in. Save money on ERP tolls, parking fees, and petrol by encouraging a friend to share a ride.

#5: GET RID OF THE CABLE

If you cannot keep up with the television bills then, you may want to enjoy video streaming services instead. Netflix Singapore and Toggle.sg offers a wide array of series and movies. Choose an economic option that will best suit your needs.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#6: SHOP WISELY

Grocery shopping is tempting for anyone. This is why many people end up buying more than what they intended. Please avoid shopping when you are angry or tired. Furthermore, you must not shop without a list in mind. The list will help you to prioritize your needs over your wants.

#7: WAIT FOR TEN

Shopping for every little item as soon as it runs out is a recipe for disaster! Wait until you need at least 10 items before heading to the store. You may also apply this strategy when shopping online.

#8: CONSIDER FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS

Spending quality time with your family is important. Who does not want to enjoy a pleasant day outside the house? By singing up to family memberships, you can take advantage of various group deals. These memberships are available at National Gallery of Singapore, Jurong Bird Park, Universal Studios, and so much more.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

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12 Reasons Why You Aren’t Financially Ready To Get Married

1. Your present goals are mainly self-motivated (e.g., discovering oneself by traveling to several countries in Europe).

2. You are an undergraduate student who does not have an adequate amount of savings. Not to mention, you have to pay your student debts too.

3. You still depend on your parents to cover your monthly bills.

4. You are mortified with the idea of having a someone influence your ability to borrow money. Having a spouse with poor credit score may diminish your chances of getting the best car loan or joint credit card deals.

5. You have pushed the idea of marriage aside to build a career. Furthermore, you believe that attaining success at work will appeal to many potential partners.

6. “No money, no marriage” seems to encapsulate the fact that matrimony requires money, time, and effort. Thanks to the Singaporean wedding industry, couples spend an average cost of S$30,000 on their nuptials.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

7. You cannot afford to face higher insurance premiums. For instance, marrying a partner whose track record with cars is unappealing may negatively influence your car insurance premiums.

8. Your financial resources cannot cover the expenses that come with raising a family. Expectant mothers need to visit the OB/GYNs or gynecologists regularly. As a result, you will have to pay about S$60-75 per visit.

9. Your savings and insurance cannot match the overwhelming hospitalization fees of pregnancy. Can you imagine paying about S$3,000 for a two-day hospitalization in a private room of a private hospital?

10. You and your significant other have differing attitudes and beliefs towards money. Understanding each other’s spending habits and attaining compromise is one thing. But, continuously arguing about money is another.

11. You do not have a clear financial path at the moment. Consider seeking professional help.

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12. You are protecting your properties. Furthermore, you have not figured out how to divide your assets.

Whatever the reason might be, matrimony is a huge decision that you shall make when you are holistically prepared to face the next step. You may not be ready at the moment but, that is alright. No one knows what lies ahead!

Sources:  1, 2, & 3

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3 Must-Have Items For Your Baby’s First Year

Becoming a parent boils a mixture of emotions – mainly overwhelming and exciting. While you are in a store, do not let these emotions consume you. You do not want to be pressured into buying more than what you needed! You need to plan what you are willing to splurge and save on.

Here are some ideas to get you started with your unconditional journey.

#1: AN ALL-NATURAL BABY WASH

Let us face it! Adults wish that the state of their skin can rewind back when they are infants. This is why Korean skincare products are booming nowadays! You see, babies have innately soft and delicate skin. Their skin’s protective barrier has not yet reached its full development. Thus, it is recommended to purchase products with natural ingredients.

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Many mothers believe in the natural ingredients found in Mustela. Mustela’s products does not include harsh chemicals such as parabens. Do consider Mustela‘s Gentle Cleansing Gel for your baby’s body and hair. It may be more expensive than the drugstore brand but, its benefits outweigh the costs.

#2: A STURDY STROLLER

I, for one, acknowledge the importance of a stroller during the baby’s crucial years. Every stroller has a different personality that will best suit a specific lifestyle. For people who are always on the go, it is best to find a lightweight stroller. A lightweight stroller can be easily folded up when hopping on a train. For people who love the outdoors, you may consider getting a jogging stroller with lots of compartments.

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No matter what you settle for, a quality and hefty stroller will be useful for your future babies. You may pass it on to your relatives too!

#3: A NEW BREAST PUMP

If you are breastfeeding, you must not feel guilty with splurging on a new breast pump. I cannot deny that some breast pumps are pricey! Renting or borrowing one is more economical but, buying a new one is practical if you are planning to use it for a long time. You aim to be as comfortable as possible to exhaust a volume of your “liquid gold”.

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Expressing a sustainable amount of milk entails that you can spend more time out. You can meet your friends and share your supply to other mothers in need.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Quick Answers To Awkward CNY Reunion Questions

Whether you like it or not, you are bound to attend a Chinese New Year reunion or two. Family gatherings or reunion parties bring everyone together in one place. Its rare nature is the main reason why people held it to a high esteem. Conversations usually start with a political argument and are followed by stories from the olden days.

It is inevitable to experience unpleasant, sensitive, and awkward questions. How do you deal with these questions? With snappy responses, of course!

FASTER THAN THE SPEED OF LIGHT

Many experts believe that “Fight or Flight” are primitive responses that automatically kick in whenever necessary. Let the latter do its magic by politely excusing yourself from an unpleasant situation. You have every right to decline to questions that trigger discomfort. You do not have to feel guilty as your personal life is private. Close family and friends must respect that.

Politely tell the person that you either have somewhere to be or something to do. This person will more likely take the hint that they made you feel out of place.

DEFLECT AND REJECT

As I have previously mentioned, there are two primitive responses. You may tackle a subject swiftly by providing a short answer and changing the awkward topic. Providing a simple answer is ideal but, it can leave behind an intense silence. Fill that silence by changing the subject with a common ground. Take the following dialogue as an example.

Relative: “Are you having kids anytime soon? Your clock is ticking!”
You: “No! We are not having kids. Although, we are planning a trip to Bali. You have been there right?”

Lead the question back to the interviewer. Immediately ask him or her about work or domestic life.

INJECT A LITTLE HUMOR IN

Most people raise queries for two primary reasons: they genuinely care for your disposition or they genuinely want to squeeze out the gossip. Either way, you will feel the sincerity of a person off the bat. This means that you can easily crack a joke or say something odd when a nosy person asks uncomfortable questions.

Move the conversation forward by discussing your interests while injecting a little humor in. It is inevitable to be surrounded with friends or family members that what to disrupt you without the intention to help.

SHARING IS CARING

On the flip side, some people ask interesting questions out of pure kindness. It is inevitable to stumble upon some relatives that you rarely see. Take the initiative to disclose your life, if this is the case. You can steer the conversation in a direction you desire by taking control over it.

When they unknowingly step on sensitive subjects (e.g., asking about a boyfriend whom you just parted ways with or about a job you recently got fired for), you may humbly share your current situation.

PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN

Why do you think therapists need to create rapport in the first session of therapy? For starters, they need to break the walls created by the patient. People tend to be defensive when they are bombarded with uncomfortable questions. However, your defenses can make matters worse. An impolite query may turn into a full blown fight! You do not want this to happen.

In your most respectful and firm voice, tell the person how uncomfortable he or she is making you feel. You reserve the option to disengage in any form of conversations.

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Lifehacker alumn Adam Dachis, once suggested this script: “You may not be aware, but that question is making me uncomfortable. You’re entitled to ask, but maybe we can talk about a topic we can both enjoy.”

Sources: 1 &2

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Money Tips That Moms Will Surely Benefit From

Congratulations on becoming a dedicated mother! From now on, all you will do is smart mommy moves…

THE KITCHEN

For most mothers, they let their creativity shine through the dishes they cook. The magical recipes they prepare delight their family each day. Savvy mothers can take control of their food expenses by laying out a weekly meal plan. Make a grocery list consisting of items that you will need in the next seven days. Steer away from the temptation of impulse purchases by sticking with your grocery list. If your tummy is not that sensitive, you may cook your meals in advance and freeze for future consumption.

Another simple way to save money in the kitchen is by maximizing the available tools. For instance, you may cut your sponges in half. Let us be honest! Sponges can get disgusting in a snap. Some people opt to microwave their sponges to remove the crawling germs. On the other hand, others replace their sponges every week. Use half of a new sponge and save the other half for the next week. This allows you to save money despite the high replacement rate.

THE BATHROOM

A personal bathroom is a haven where you can temporarily rest or contemplate (on pressing matters). Bathroom supplies such as soap, tissues, and cotton balls seem to fly in thin air! Thus, the cost of these supplies add up. Stock up on bathroom supplies when these are on sale. Buying in bulk may eat up a significant portion of space but, the savings are worth it.

Another aspect of the bathroom is the medicine cabinet. When it comes to medicine, you must not shy away from the generics. Generic products are similar to the quality of the branded counterparts in many situations. Stretch your dollars’ worth by considering over-the-counter medicines (e.g., Vitamin C). You may even purchase generics for spices such as salt and sugar.

THE ENTERTAINMENT ROOM

The entertainment or living room is the ideal place to cultivate lasting memories. It is no secret that children put high regard on toys. Try making your own toys to save some cash. You are probably doubting that statement as you have limited time on your hands. However, you must not quit right away. Search through your cabinets to lift the available resources. As a preschool teacher, I suggest that you create a sensory bottle. Combine sand, beans, buttons, beads, and other small toys inside an empty bottle. Let your child shake it and spot each item. Go to Pinterest for more experimental ideas.

What do children value aside from toys? As sentimental as this may sound, children put highest value on quality time. Children crave for your undivided attention especially during their formative years. Strengthening your connection with your loved ones reduces the need to compensate through gifts. Show your love through presences and not with presents!

THE OFFICE

When it comes to your job, you can employ many strategies to work your way around. Make ends meet by embracing the “work-from-home” lifestyle. Raising your child is challenging when you have to keep a full-time job. Consider becoming a brand ambassador for companies such as Avon or Herbalife instead. Isn’t it nice to find a workplace within your play-space?

Secondly, you may become an entrepreneur by selling your stuff at Singapore’s mommy communities. I recommend the “New mums Singapore“. It is a Facebook group that lets you sell your baby-related items and join occasional mommy events. Here are just two ideas that you may get started with.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Let me close this post by sharing profound wisdom from the best-selling author Farnoosh Torabi:

“Child care is expensive and it may seem like the only option you have is to quit working to become the full-time caretaker, but try to avoid staying out of the work force for more than a year. Continue to work when your children are young so that you can go on to earn the seniority that’s often necessary to call the shots and create a better work/life integration as your kids grow older and demand more of your time.”

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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