The “Dark Side” Of These Good Financial Acts

Many people believe that “no good deed goes unpunished”. This may sound ironic to you, but not all good intentions draw positive results.

There are many financial good deeds that can haunt even the most generous of souls. It is best to approach the following situations with caution.

#1: BEING CONSISTENT WITH YOUR CHILD’S ALLOWANCE

The subject of child’s allowance steers a debate in many parent forums. As a parent, is it your responsibility to provide a monthly allowance for your child? Or, should you make them earn it?

A study showed that teenagers who received allowance did worse on a financial literacy test than their counterparts. Giving a steady allowance without rules takes away the sense of accountability. Ultimately, parents are advised to have their children “work” for the money. Chores may be attached to the amount of allowance they will get. Alternatively, you may provide a given amount of funds to your child. Your adolescent must use his or her budgeting skills to purchase back-to-school items and other essentials.

#2: DONATING TO UNAUTHORIZED CHARITY

With pure intentions in your heart, you decided to donate half of your monthly salary to your local charity. However, you failed to do prior background check on the owners of the nonprofit organization. To your horror, the organization was a complete scam from the start! This scenario can happen to anyone.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

As unfortunate as this may sound, not all charities live up to its mission. Before you donate to a charity, take some time to research the organization and the founders. You may also read their annual report and other public financial documents.

Ensure that your donation will go to an honest cause! Go to www.charities.gov.sg for more information.

#3: LENDING MONEY TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Let us face it! Money has a potential to put a strain on any relationship. When you lend money to a relative or a friend in need, you may not be certain on whether you can get the money back or not.

On the other hand, you may be in debt to family member. In worst cases, said relative may feel that he or she has the right to exert control over your life or to criticize your spending habits. Imagine the amount of guilt that you will feel!

To avoid conflicts and other misunderstandings, craft a legal agreement that outlines the terms of loan including the interest rate and the repayment schedule.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Have your good financial deeds backfired before? Leave your stories down below!

Sources: 1 & 2

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4 Affordable Places To Haul Korean Fashion

You cannot deny that Koreans paved the way when it comes to fashion-forward streetwear. Aside from looking Instagrammable anytime and anywhere, Koreans wear polished and surprisingly effortless outfits.

As such, Singaporeans have been inspired to embrace the growing trend. The easiest way to acquire K-fashion apparel is to purchase directly from Korean online shops. However, are there other ways to make a Korean fashion haul in Singapore?

With a variety of options, where can you find affordable and minimalist chic K-fashion apparel in Singapore? Read through the list to find out!

#1: ZALORA SINGAPORE

You read that right, one of Singapore’s leading online shops offer K-fashion. As a company, Zalora saw how its regional sales for its Korean fashion and beauty categories doubled every season since 2014. The demand attracted them to carry more Korean labels.

Their goods are either made in Korea or inspired by Korean trends. For instance, you may purchase an adorable blouse for as low as S$8.90.

#2: H:CONNECT

One cannot miss the global presence of H:Connect! It has hundreds of stores in South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and China. It is essentially Korea’s answer to H&M. That being said, it houses a variety of apparel from summer dresses to comfortable jeans.

Drop by the Bugis Junction branch to search for a cute brunch dress!

#3: StyleupK

Looking for the same outfits worn by K-pop idols? Look no further than StyleupK. This online korean fashion shop partners with many korean fashion brands and ships directly from Korea to your home. Also, check out their local Singapore SG instock collection for faster local delivery too! Brands include ADLV, Ambler, Romantic Crown, AQO Studiospace.

#4: TWEE

With its first flagship opening at the heart of Singapore’s shopping hub, Orchard Road has gotten a TWEE-upgrade. TWEE carries both Korean fashion and beauty products. You can only expect vibrant changing room visits as there are over 400 designs suited for both men and women. These collections or designs update every month. Imagine the possibilities that said variety can bring!

Image Credits: facebook.com/OfficialTweeSG

What’s more? You can stock up on SUPERFACE’s beauty must-haves or Korean runway-inspired clothing and accessories.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Cleaning Queen Marie Kondo’s Guide To A Joyful Home

As “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo” debuted early this year, cleaning queen Marie Kondo went from a best-selling author to a Netflix star. Viewers were inspired by the KonMari method and started cleaning up their own messes at home. However, what stood out was her specific way of folding clothes.

Aside from the special way of folding clothes, here are some tips that you can employ to spark joy in your home.

INSTILL RESPONSIBILITY ON EVERYONE

As parents, is your duty to encourage the maintenance of cleanliness and orderliness inside the home. Your children should be responsible for cleaning up their own space.

You should lead by example and start giving your toddlers minimal tasks such as sweeping or wiping. For instance, my two-year old students can sweep pieces of paper when prompted. Make cleaning a bonding activity for the whole family.

PUT AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE

Minimalism is one word that encapsulates the KonMari method. Let us apply minimalism in the kitchen. She organizes her kitchen by putting as little items as possible on the counters and around the sink.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

For her, de-cluttering the kitchen should be based on the ease of cleaning. Which items will save you more time and space?

STORE YOUR POSSESSIONS BY CATEGORY

As mentioned above, ensure that your children are responsible for their own belongings. Your job is to help them find a designated place to store their items. While, their job is to put back their belongings to the designated place/s.

Start by gathering your clothes, books, documents, miscellaneous, and sentimental items. Organize your belongings following this order. When going through your clothes, ensure that you toss the unwanted items in one massive pile.

According to the KonMari method, you must only keep items that spark joy to your life. If it does not bring joy then, toss it out.

FOLD YOUR CLOTHES SIDE-BY-SIDE

Marie Kondo’s popularity can be attributed to the way she organizes her drawers by stacking clothes side-by-side. She teaches a strategic way of folding clothes whereby a properly folded article of clothing can stand on its own. Not only does it make for some very Instagram-worthy portraits, it also allows you to see what is inside your drawer at a glance.

Image Credits:pixabay.com

Through this, you can survey which articles of clothing to you spend most on. Which articles of clothing should you stop buying? Which colors do you invest more on? What do you lack in your wardrobe? Asking these questions will help you make more informed shopping decisions in the future.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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4 Ways To Dine With Theme In Singapore

Whether you believe it or not, themed restaurants and other eateries go way back. Its roots can be traced from the burlesque cabarets of 19th-century Paris. While many concepts are challenging to pull off, many talented people have turned it into reality!

Take the following unique eateries as concrete examples.

FOR THE FANS OF F.R.I.E.N.D.S

The creators of the wildly popular American sitcom FRIENDS were supposed to name the show: “Insomnia Café”. They later kept it simple and picked the title FRIENDS. You see, the fictional characters frequent the nearby café called Central Perk. It is an iconic backdrop for most of their silly and touching moments.

Fortunately for you, you can reenact some of your favorite scenes by dropping by Singapore’s own Central Perk. The prices of their items might discourage most from becoming regulars, but it is something that a fan shall experience once. If the café’s novelty means nothing to you then, you might want to skip this.

Address: Central Perk, 1 Magazine Road, 01-01 Central Mall, Singapore 059567

FOR THE HIPPIE AT HEART

Picture a slate of vintage automobiles decorating a restaurant that is filled with home-style dishes. Words cannot fully capture the hippie vibe, which Kombi Rocks exudes. You have to see it with your own eyes!

Image Credits: fb.com/KombiRocks

Its versatility comes from being a diner, a vintage shop, a rental company, and a museum. The collection of restored cars are available for bookings at weddings and other events.

Address: 66 Yio Chu Kang Road, Singapore 545568

FOR THE SUPERHERO GEEK

With the release of Aquaman, I cannot deny the fact that the DC Comics universe has been stepping their game. Fortunately for us, we can immerse ourselves with all its glory by going to the DC Super Heroes Cafe. Choose the dishes that focus on your favorite superhero or villain!

Image Credits: danielfooddiary.com

There are two branches in Singapore including the Marina Bay Sanda and Ngee Ann City outlet. Try the vividly sweet Joker’s Rainbow Freakshow (S$16.90) or the King of Atlantis Crab Leg Aglio Olio (S$26.90).

Address: 391A Orchard Road, #02-13, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238873

FOR THE CAT LOVER

Unless you are living under the rock, you might have encountered the adorable gray cat called Pusheen at least once. Pusheen is an online character created by Claire Belton and Andrew Duff. Since its creation, it has been turned into merchandise and Facebook stickers. Its growing following paved for the first Pusheen-themed eatery in Singapore.

The Pusheen Café is located at Kumoya. It is a Japanese-French café, which offers food without alcohol, pork, and lard. Its menu will feature food designed by the talented @LittleMissBento (Shirley Wong) together with the Kumoya kitchen team.

Image Credits: spot.ph

The Pusheen Café is here for a limited time only. Enjoy their dishes until March 2019! 🙂

Address: Kumoya @ 8 Jalan Klapa Singapore 199320

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Try These New Food Twists In Singapore

From Milo-coated chicken to salted egg yolk fries, here are some of the new flavors available in Singapore.

Salted Egg Yolk Fries by McDonald’s

Last Christmas, I discovered that my nephew has been allergic to potatoes. Imagine not being able to eat fries and all its glorious flavors! What’s more? McDonald’s just introduced the Salted Egg Yolk Fries. It takes the trend to another level! Simply upgrade your regular fries by adding S$1.20.

Pandan Ice Cream by McDonald’s

Launched at the same time as the Salted Egg Yolk fries and the Peach Pie (i.e., retails for S$1.40) is none other than the Pandan ice cream. Local-inspired Pandan desserts are now available on the McDonald’s menu. Begin by trying the Pandan Soft Serve Cone, Pandan Twist Cone, or the Pandan ChocoCone. These three retail for about S$1 to S$1.20.

Image Credits: mukahpages.blogspot.com

McDonald’s Sundae or the McFlurry fans will be happy to hear that the Pandan flavor extends to these treats as well. Pandan Soft Serve Sundae costs about S$2. While, the McFlurry is S$3.

Sweet Potato Milkshake by Don Don Donki

Expect nothing but long queues at Don Don Donki, especially with their newly offered Sweet Potato Milkshake (S$4.90). Members can get this unique milkshake at a dollar off. However, you can also collect points and redeem these in-store points for additional discounts.

This drink is available on a limited time only. Head down to their outlets at Orchard Central or 100 AM to enjoy this drink while stocks last!

Milo-Coated Chicken Pops by Flavour Flings

You do not have to cross the Malaysian border to get the hugely popular calorie bomb called the Milo-Coated Fried Chicken. In Malaysia, the spicy fried chicken is coated with the cocoa powder and Milo dip. In Hougang, an eatery called Flavour Flings recently added the Milo-Coated Chicken Pops to its menu. It costs about S$9.90 per plate. This comes with the Sambal Belachan Mayo and Nacho Cheese Sauce.

Does it sound weird to you? Well, it seems that the people of Have Halal Will Travel gave it a resounding thumbs up. Judge it for yourself!

Image Credits: Flavour Flings via facebook.com

The new year 2019 calls for more foodventures! Be bold enough to try at least one of these dishes. 🙂

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