How to Protect Your Assets in a Divorce

Divorce – it happens to the best of us. Statistics show that in the UK there were 106,959 divorces of opposite-sex couples and 112 divorces of same-sex couples in 2016 alone. Although it is, of course, very sad to go your separate ways, it’s important to remember that your assets must be protected in divorce proceedings.

Here are a few words of advice about how a divorce doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll automatically lose half of your assets. Here’s how you can best protect your finances in divorce proceedings:

Don’t Let Emotions Cloud Your Judgement

There’s often a lot of hurt feelings that come hand-in-hand with divorce. However, when it comes to protecting your finances, there’s no room for emotion and ultimately, playing a game of ‘tit for tat’ could be bad news for your assets.

Divorce isn’t cheap and sending short letters to each other through your divorce lawyers about trivial matters could end up costing you hundreds of pounds. Be savvy with your money and pick your battles carefully.

Get Your Property Valued

Almost all property can be divisible in divorce proceedings so the only way to get ahead is to know what your property is actually worth. How else will you get your fair share when you come to part ways?

Dividing your property is always going to be a complex arrangement, especially if you have contributed different amounts to your household. Take time to understand how your home can be divided, whether it’s putting it up for sale or arranging a buy-out.

Get to Know Both of Your Finances

In many households, there’s often one person who manages the majority of the finances and this creates a power imbalance when you’re negotiating settlements. Make sure you know both of your finances thoroughly – any hidden debt that’s incurred during the marriage could be owned by the couple, even if only one spouse signed the paperwork.

This is incredibly complicated so you should protect yourself by seeking advice from your divorce lawyers. They can advise you on how to make informed financial decisions when filing for divorce.

Also, consider your biggest assets – many people think it’s property but it could be a pension account. Bear in mind the court may take into account its future value when dividing assets, which would certainly affect you financially.

Consider Mediation

Mediation is the most cost-effective way of negotiating a divorce. It could help you reach an agreement by yourselves through direct discussions and allow you to negotiate a deal that works for you.

This could help you save money, although you may still need some independent legal advice tailored to your unique circumstances. This could include advice on financial proposals, the information you need, whether the practical arrangements will work and all of the necessary parts of your divorce settlement.

Mediation is an empowering way to keep some level of control over the proceedings and make sensible decisions after all the options have been discussed with your ex-spouse.

If you’re going through a divorce and you’re concerned about how it could affect your financial affairs, follow our tips on how to be smart with your assets even when emotions are running high. These can help you protect yourself and your future, to help you look forward to a positive new start.

Read More...

How To Save Money For Your Child’s Education In Singapore

GO LOCAL

As parents, you are well aware that deciding your child’s school involves various choices and costs. It is quite a task to run through every option available in Singapore. Budgetary constraints start from pre-school onwards. To play things safe, choose a government-associated institution. The public school system provides globally competitive education without putting a strain on your pocket.

LOCATION IS VITAL

Location plays an important role when choosing a tuition center. If you value tuition then, opt for the centers close to your home. Alternatively, you may organize a carpool program to cut down your transportationc costs.

Say that you intend to enroll your children in a private tuition. Consider asking for their package or discounted deals.

HONE THE HOBBIES

Academics is not everything! Raising a well-rounded child involves shaping his or her hobbies. You do not need to spend cash on workshops as there are many free amenities found in your town park. Go to the nearby park and let your child play on the swings.

Is your child interested in reading? Spend quality time at home by reading your child a storybook during bedtime. Furthermore, the National Library Board hosts free educational events such as the sold out program entitled: “Let’s Science Together! – Science Experiments for Parents and Kids”. For more information about their upcoming events, visit: nlb.gov.sg.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Lastly, you may stroll in Esplanade to experience their free artistic events such as the “A Monsta Party”!

TREASURE IN THE BOX

Dig through your child’s closet and toy box to find some hidden treasures! Instead of throwing away your children’s outgrown clothes and used toys, you may sell them online or through a consigment store. Selling your stuff away will not only help you clear out, but also provide you extra cash.

INVEST ON BONDS

Investing your money on the stock market help you grow an education fund. One of the most popular investment options for education funding is bonds. Singapore Government Bonds is believed to be close to risk-free. Choose long-term bonds with periods ranging from 2 to 30 years in order to get higher returns.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Birthdays are important to your children as gifts come along with it. In lined with this, you may try asking your relatives to provide experiential gifts. Experiential gifts refer to soccer classes, swimming lessons, or other enrichment programs that your child can benefit from.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Not only are these gifts more memorable than toys, but it can also help you save for your child’s future education.

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...

Surefire Ways To Save Money On Diapers In Singapore

For many Singaporeans, purchasing baby products is a costly affair. Do not get me started with diapers! These product end up on the rubbish bin on a regular basis. So, is it worth all the money?

Since diapers play a vital role in your baby’s grooming, you must get creative in shopping. Try the following tips!

#1: GO BACK TO BASICS

As a child, my mother devotes her time on changing my cloth diapers. The ones I used were passed on to my siblings. Cloth diapers are washable, adjustable, and suitable for sensitive skin. Taking a step back to the old school routine can help you save years worth of cash.

Anything that you can reuse or recycle is a bonus for your wallet. Disposable diapers contribute to your monthly expenses. While, washable diapers can last you for years. Consider purchasing the six-dollar cotton diapers from Lazada.

#2: BE SLOW IN CHANGING SIZES

Diapers come with suggested weight per size. It comes as no suprise that bigger diapers are more expensive. Furthermore, it contains fewer pieces per package. This is why you must take things slow when switching sizes.

The numbers on the cover are merely suggestions. Some children could wear sizes beyond the time suggested on the package. Instead of going with what the company recommends, change sizes once you see a significant amount of leaks.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: LOOK AT THE PRICE PER DIAPER

Diapers come in different brands, sizes, and quantities. More often than not, you judge a brand by its price tag. Instead of looking at the price per package, look at the price per piece! This way, you will be able to access whether you are paying for the cheapest diaper price.

For instance, your child requires a taped diaper in small. Pampers offers 82 pieces for S$24 (i.e., 0.29 each). While, Merries offers 54 pieces for S$20.95 (i.e., 0.38 each). Which one is a smarter choice?

#4: PURCHASE IN BULK

When it comes to disposable diapers, it is best to buy in bulk. Bulk purchases are cheaper compared to buying per package. Some stores even offer additional discounts for bulk purchases.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Do not fret about wastage. You will go through countless amounts of diapers once the baby is out!

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...

5 Budget-Friendly Korean Beauty Tips

Korean beauty secrets focus on the rigorous steps that you need to follow on a daily basis. They invest their time and money on flawless skin to wear less makeup. Dewy skin with tinted lips is the way their go-to look!

#1: DRINK LOTS OF WATER

Much like the tip shared by a Parisian model, renowned Korean artist Song Ji-eun is zealous when it comes to drinking water. She drinks about three liters of water daily. She believes that the act of hydration will keep her skin looking radiant. She is right!

Drinking water is essential for your body. In some cases, it may even lighten your skin! Generally speaking, it keeps your skin from cracking or drying out.

#2: FOLLOW THE 10 STEPS

Most Korean skincare regimen involves 10 steps. It includes applying sheet masks, essences, serums, moisturizers, fermented products, and sunscreen. Cleansing and exfoliating are parts of the ritual too. I am going to focus on exfoliation.

Exfoliation not only cleans out clogged pores, but also removes dead skin cells. Doing so will brighten your skin. People with sensitive skin must exfoliate once a week. While, people with less sensitive skin shall exfoliate three times a week. Consider purchasing the Palmer’s Exfoliating Facial Scrub for S$15.90.

#3: MASSAGE YOUR OWN FACE

Many Koreans prefer showering with a warm to hot temperature setting. As an avid fan of facials, I learned that the steam opens up pores. It makes it easier to remove your blackheads and other imperfections. Fortunately for South Koreans, skin clinics are rampant in their area. So, how can we mimic this convenience?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Massage your face whenever you want to. Create circular motions with your fingers tapping your forehead, cheeks, and jaw. Massaging it can increase ciculation. It is believed that this can lead to a dewy complexion.

#4: USE A CHARCOAL FACE MASK

Buying sheet masks in South Korea is synonymous to purchasing rice in Singapore. It is a necessity! What face mask ingredient is all the rage? Well, charcoal is popular these days. Charcoal dries out your face to detoxify it from excess oils. Furthermore, it exfoliates the face to wash out other impurities. Let it sit on your face for 10 to 15 minutes.

A popular Korean brand for face sheet masks is MEDIHEAL. Its black charcoal mask retails for S$8.90 at Watsons.

#5: WEAR A TINTED LIP COLOR

Korean women prefer wearing lip tints for its many advantages. Firstly, it stays put throughout the day. You can eat two slices of pizza and still have stained lips! Secondly, brands incorporate different natural products such as plant extracts and essential oils. Lastly, it is perfect for the low-maintenance or no-makeup look.

Image Credits: Hanbyul❤ via Flickr Creative Commons

Korea’s innisfree carries a variety of lip tints including the Eco Flower tint for S$10. It has balsam, calendula, rose, azaleas and camellia extracts make your lips look fresh and beautiful.

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...

4 Indoor Plants Believed To Attract Money

There are a host of beautiful indoor plants that have powerful effects on one’s prosperity. Whether it be money or luck, the following plants have earned a reputation for bestowing those who take care of them.

#1: MONEY TREE

As the name suggests, the Money Tree is recognized as one of the luckiest plants out there! Fung Shui principles highlight its abilities to purify air and to absorb radiation. It energizes the flat by increasing oxygen inflow and filtering air. To absorb radiation, it is recommended to keep the plant close to the Wi-Fi router, computer, or television.

The position of the plant is important too. You must keep it indoors in the southeast direction of the living room.

#2: JADE PLANT

The Jade Plant or Crassula ovata is a succulent with small pink or white flowers. This common houseplant is native to South Africa and Mozambique. Much of its popularity is rooted from its low maintenance nature. It requires little water to survive in indoor conditions.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

With regards to its appearance, its shiny and smooth leaves appear to have a yellow-green color. The branches are impressively thick too.

#3: LUCKY BAMBOO

Generally speaking, a bamboo is an amazing plant that brings peace and wise energy to your home. It teaches an individual how to be flexible for its spirit to freely flow or heal within. It is more than just an addition to your aesthetic!

In Feng Shui, the amount of stalks signify different aspects. Two stalks bring positive energy to your love life. Three stalks evoke happiness, five stalks give good health, and eight stalks bring wealth. Furthermore, a lucky bamboo with 21 stalks may bring good fortune and good health to your life.

#4: PEACE LILY

Last but not the least is the Peace Lily. This deep green plant laced with white blooms helps you to prosper physically, mentally, and financially. It can detoxify your air and get rid of the following toxins: formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide. Bid farewell to the medical expenses caused by these!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Moreover, this type of plant is super easy to care for. It survives best in shaded or dark environments such as small offices and corner closets. Interesting, right?

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Read More...