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Here’s How You Can Save Money When Visiting Japan

Amazingly dense cities, mountainous national parks, and historically-rich shrines are some of the things that encapsulates Japan. It is one of the sought-after spots that globetrotter Singaporeans target when they have time to spare. Tourists are drawn by the array of food and the unique culture, but it has so much more to offer!

With the relaxed visa policies (i.e., Singapore citizens don’t require a visa to enter the country for temporary visits) and increased flights between Singapore and East Asian countries, here are some tips to keep in mind when discovering to Japan.

1. CONSIDER THE ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

One of the most impressive things about Japan is its value for cleanliness. Even the relatively cheap hostels are well-maintained and are equipped with high-tech toilets. So, do not be afraid to be adventurous when it comes to trying alternative options such as the famous capsule hotels with a starting rate of about S$35 per night. Some dormitory beds at guesthouses are advertised as low as S$19 per night.

As a friendly reminder, please read the online reviews before booking.

2. TRAVEL DURING OFF-PEAK SEASON

No matter what season you are booked for, you will always find something interesting in the “Land of the Rising Sun”. It is best to book during off-peak season to save more money.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

People typically flock between March to May because they want to see the witness the beauty of the Sakura (or Cherry Blossoms). During this peak season, one can expect higher rates for accommodations and air fares. Avoid the Christmastime and the Obon season (around mid-August) too!

3. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EFFICIENT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

As I was peacefully scrolling through my Instagram stories, I saw a picture that my longtime friend posted. She just boarded the Shinkansen or Japan’s high-speed bullet train. Fueled by my curiosity, I made her share about her transportation experiences. She told me about the expensive cab ride that she took from Shimbashi to Funabashi (i.e., a distance of 24km). It costed 10,000 JPY or 121 SGD. That is ridiculous!

Cabs in Japan are generally expensive. This is partly due to their efficient and punctual public transportation system. Opt for taking the train or bus. Or better yet, you may explore the wonderful place by foot.

4. MAXIMIZE YOUR DINING BUDGET

There are two ways to save on Japanese food: you can either splurge during lunchtime or shop at the supermarket before closing time. Let us start with the latter. If you have access to the kitchen, you can cook on your own. Head to the supermarket at least 30 minutes before closing time to find amazing deals. The same idea applies for food courts and convenience stores.

Superb quality of food can be savored in almost every area in Japan. It is best to splurge during lunchtime as many restaurants give lunch discounts, especially on the weekdays.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

May these tips help you stretch your dollar while having an unforgettable trip! 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, 3 & 4

How To Land A Job In The Modern Times

What is the best way to gain the attention of the esteemed recruiters? Consistently dropping your CV in the company’s e-mail? Or perhaps, you can dive into the fresh trend of using social media. The latter is your best bet yet!

Through smart networking and creative strategies, you can get your dream job. Here are just some strategies to keep you busy:

1. ACE YOUR PROFILE

Treat your social media profiles as your striking headlines because potential employers will see these first. Highlight your key skills and prior experiences by adding sufficient information in the “Biography (Bio)” or “About Me” section. For instance, Facebook allows you to include your previous titles by editing the “Work and Education” tab.

Complete your profile by attaching a high-quality and professional photo.

2. USE THE PROFILE’S DIRECTORY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

If you follow the coveted company’s page on Twitter or Facebook, chances are, they are linked to the current employees and employers. Follow or send a friend request to these people and treat them as your inside source. They may post job vacancies to their feeds or walls before these vacancies are widely advertised.

During the job interview, you will have a rough insight about the company and will be able to find a common ground with the interviewer.

3. BE PROACTIVE IN THE CONVERSATIONS

Take part in the healthy discussions related to the industry or the company that you have been eyeing on. You may share an article that interests you, comment on interesting threads, or open a discussion on your profile. Engage your followers by asking stimulating questions.

Respond to these comments to get a holistic perspective about a company or an issue.

4. STAY PROFESSIONAL AT ALL TIMES

Facebook is usually the first platform that hiring managers visit to get an idea of the “real” you. So unless you want them to know about your addiction to Laksa and Adidas sneakers, you must keep your profile professional at all times.

No matter how much you calibrate your privacy settings, your so-called friends can still screen grab your posts. Be careful what you put online! Remember that many of your future employers will be using social media to spy on you.

5. CREATE AN INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT

Hiring managers know that Instagram is one of the main tools that younger generations use today. To look for young talents, they post ads on Instagram. Just search through the keyword “#singaporejobs” to find lots of entries!

You may create an Instagram account that focuses on your brand. Say that you want to work in Singapore’s fashion industry. Stay ahead of the crowd by showing off your unique style through regular snaps of your #OOTD. Do not forget to tag the company’s products in the picture. This is one way for them to notice your talent and to appreciate your free publicity.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Friendly reminder: Use the power of technology with caution. You do not want to get scammed or mistreated because you let your guards down. 🙂

Useful Tips On Handling Financial Jealousy

Snapchat’s latest update called the “Snap Map” shows that we have the luxury to peep into the lives of others. Social media has given us the ability to know what are “friends” are doing in real time. This constant exposure to the public lives of other people makes us vulnerable to social comparison. Well, how would you feel if you saw your friends partying without you? You may feel left out or envious. I cannot blame you!

Let us apply this act of “peeping” into the meaningful aspect of finance. Say that you have a co-worker who always wears the latest designer bags and carry the latest gadgets. Not to mention, her boyfriend owns a fancy sports car. You may perceive her as a successful person and the envy monster may kick in. However, you are only seeing one side of the story. A side that focuses on the seemingly perfect image. You do not know the half of it! Your co-worker may be caught in a downward spiral of shopping addiction and her boyfriend could be in massive debt.

Financial jealousy typically occurs when you judge a person based on the situation’s exterior appearance. Thus, my first tip is to get your facts straight. The grass is not always greener on the other end. It may seem like a person has his or her life sorted out, but money is not the answer to everything. Some people find meaning in charity and others find it in family.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Speaking of meaningful relationships, your money habits are influenced by the people whom you interact most with. Social situations highlight what you can and cannot afford. This is why you need to choose your friends and social activities wisely. Surround yourself with people who inspire your financial future. Be with individuals who have similar money beliefs and money management strategies. Also, you may seek advice from financial professionals.

Finally, you can deal with financial jealousy by altering your perception. It has been stated that 1 in 36 Singaporeans is a millionaire. It is easy to make financial comparisons when you are exposed to some of the most richest people in the world. But, do not forget about what you already have. Many people from underdeveloped nations have limited access to clean water and healthy meals. While you have Medisave, public healthcare does not exist for some countries. While you have access to public housing, other people are homeless. Consider yourself wealthy in the basic necessities of life.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Rather than eating your heart out due to jealousy, use other people as a motivation to set new goals. Do your best to achieve these improved financial goals!

Sources: 1 & 2

How To Avoid Spending All Your Paycheck Right Away

When you are working around the clock, the end of June signifies one important thing. And that is? Payday is fast approaching! You can either stretch every cent you receive or waste it all in one day. The choice is yours.

A particular story comes into my mind when I dwell upon this topic. You see, I decided to reward myself after receiving my paycheck for the month of May. Do not worry about finances just yet! I allocated 10-15% of my salary for leisure and relaxation purposes.

I waited until the next day to stroll in the nearby shopping centre to avoid the massive crowd. I chanced upon a relatively vacant fitting room with merely 5 people (including the staff). With no intention of eavesdropping, I listened to the playful exchange between the two saleswomen. I was trying several looks on and it took me a while to change into them. To my surprise, the playful exchange got really deep! One lady elaborated how she blew her salary right away. She loaned the money to her family member. Not to mention, she partied the other night with some friends. She was upset to be trapped in a financial dilemma. Who wouldn’t be?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Yes! It is not nice to eavesdrop on someone even by accident (sorry about that), but her situation can enlighten you. It made me realize that some people are struggling to control their money after receiving it. If you are caught in this situation, here are some things that you can do to turn things around.

TRY STICKING TO A BUDGET

This may sound utterly obvious and totally uncool, but you need to craft a realistic budget and stick to it. Planning how you will spend your paycheck allows you to prioritize your bills and schedule other expenses. It lets you account for your hard-earned money. If you cannot establish a budget with a paper, you can always use a free budgeting app.

Weigh between your needs and wants. While it is cool to have the latest gadget in the market, it may not be necessary. Stick to your budget! Remember that it is better to own items than to owe them.

GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT

How many times have you heard the advice to “keep your priorities in place”? Do you follow it yourself? Keeping your priorities intact allows you to secure your financial future. One of my top priorities is growing my savings. I am gradually fulfilling this by accounting for every dollar I make.

Accounting for every dollar you earn takes budgeting to the next level! It assigns a label for every chunk you make. I found that “Envelope Budgeting” was helpful for this task. With envelope budgeting, I can easily allocate a specific percentage for my expense categories. It is alright to place a responsible amount for splurging. You deserve it!

AUTOMATE YOUR SAVINGS

Did you know that it is possible to sock away your income as soon as you get it? You can achieve this by automatically depositing your salary into your savings account. Award-winning finance journalist Jean Chatzky is an advocate of this. “Automating savings is the first thing everyone should do with their paychecks,” she said. She went on by saying that you cannot spend the money you do not see. I certainly agree! It is easier to save money without the tangible temptations.

In Singapore, there are institutions which allow you to automate your money such as the POSB eMySavings Account. This automatic monthly savings account allows you to keep S$50 to S$3,000 during each “savings date”. You are free to choose a schedule that works best for you.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

From building an emergency fund to gaining self-control, there are other ways to avoid spending all your paycheck immediately. You just have to be creative!

Sources: 1 & 2

3 Things That Uni Students Should Not Spend Their Allowance On

Many university students have the discipline to save their allowance, but this does not mean that they are spending their money on the “right” things.

#1: FANCY DESIGNER GOODS

While I was completing my tertiary education, I noticed how some people flaunted their LOUIS VUITTON or MCM Worldwide bags. I wondered how there were able to afford such a splurge as mere students. With limited financial capacity, it is not practical to collect luxury items. Invest on a quality backpack instead.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Not to mention, it is seldom that somebody cares about what you are wearing.

A friend of mine rarely showers before going to school. She rationalized her actions as a typical behavior from the norm. Everybody was doing it so, why cannot she? The point was that majority of students would not care about how you present yourself. You are not there to treat the school as your catwalk! Your top priority is to learn after all.

#2: FLASHY ROOM DECOR

As a young adult, you have the privilege to decorate your own room. You definitely want to feel relaxed in your own space – be it a dorm or a hostel. However, you do not have to shell out too much to do so. Mount some family pictures and make your own ornaments. There is no need to buy a lot of new things as you will not keep your furniture for long.

#3: FREQUENT EAT OUTS

It is impressive how Singapore embraces racial harmony. That said, it is common to be friends with international students. Many of these students reside in the school’s approved hostels. Due to their living situation, some opt to dine out. Who can blame them? Dining out is utterly convenient. You do not need to prepare your food or wash the dishes. However, frequent trips to the nearest restaurant or pub can quickly exhaust your allowance.

You would not even realize how much you are spending until it is too late! Put a realistic budget in action, if you do not want your finances to wore out.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

BONUS: Let us talk about textbooks. This expense category can be uncertain at times. Universities tend to provide a long list of reading materials. The mandatory and recommended books may not be clearly written out. Before you spend your entire allowance on the comprehensive list, be sure to buy what you will actually use for the course. Find second-hand books from the last year’s students or from the Bras Basah Complex. There are free online resources too!

Sources: 1 & 2

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