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Bad Money Habits That You Need To Drop When In A Relationship

Maintaining a healthy relationship with your significant other entails stabilizing the disposition of your finances.

Read thru this article to know how bad monetary habits can potentially harm your relationship. Furthermore, you will get an idea on how to conquer these habits.

#1: AVOIDING FINANCIAL CONVERSATIONS

A healthy long-term relationship is built on trust and transparency. As things get serious with your partner and marriage becomes a viable option, consider discussing about finances. You need to resolve your potential spouse’s money problems before it is too late.

Fully disclosing about your financial circumstance to your partner can be uncomfortable at first but, you have to at least try. Tell your partner about your outstanding debts, financial obligations, income sources, and other assets. This will make you empathize with each other more. From time to time, do not forget to check if your goals are in lined with each other.

#2: STICKING TO YOUR OUTDATED BUDGET

Improve your financial state this 2017 by establishing a robust budget. The budget that you created when you were single may be efficient, but you are now budgeting for two. Being in a committed relationship means that you have to take on more expenses with more resources. Begin by studying each other’s spending habits. Then, trim down unnecessary expenses after compromising. You may also adapt the budgeting techniques of your partner.

I, for one, allocate a small portion of my income to date nights. Let us face it! We belong in a generation where it is acceptable for women to split the tabs with their dates. Give this new perspective a chance as a loving relationship is a two-way street.

#3: LOANING YOUR VACATIONS

I know how much travelling can ease the stress of a hard working Singaporean. However, consistently deducting your romantic vacations on your credit card can take a toll on your wealth. Spending money that you do not have is a dangerous habit to possess. Imagine the arguments that boil down due to the frustration of not being able to meet up with the outstanding debts. This is why you must cultivate a travel fund in advance.

#4: SKIPPING THE BUDGET FOR GIFTS

According to the internationally-acclaimed book by Gary Chapman, there are five ways to express your love to your partner. These five ways include gift giving, quality time, words of affirmation, physical touch, and acts of service. Understanding your partner’s love language will help you to strengthen your bond.

I am only going to focus on one love language – the gift giving. For people who place importance on the tangible symbols of affection, it is important to remember your special dates. You are bound to celebrate various occasions together such as anniversaries and birthdays. Not to mention, Valentine’s Day is coming up soon. Is your wallet ready?

It is a good idea to allocate a budget for gifts before buying one. Otherwise, you have to face budget trimming and other financial woes.

#5: KEEPING A MONETARY SECRET

Secrecy is rarely beneficial to a relationship. Research showed that 1 in 10 people considered breaking up with their partners upon the discovery of a financial secret. Millennial participants were even less forgiving as reaped a figure of 1 in 5. These numbers convey how secrets can strain a “loving” relationship.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The impact of keeping a monetary secret depends on the couple’s income, the item purchased, and the frequency of purchases. Another significant monetary secret is having a stash for escaping the relationship. Having undisclosed assets and secret bank accounts can affect the level of trust given by your partner. The primary source of damage is not money on its own, but it is the unpleasant habit of concealing the truth.

Sources: 1 & 2

What On Earth Is ERP?

As far as the majority is concerned, ERP is something that you must avoid during peak hours. Many Singaporeans plan their routes beforehand in order to drive away from the relatively costly charges. But, have you ever wondered why ERP exists?

ERP or Electronic Road Pricing emerged as a means to control the traffic conditions. Managing the congestion is a must as there is a limit to the number of roads that one can build in Singapore.

I have a simple task for you! As you travel to developing countries, observe how demanding it is for drivers to queue up to the appropriate toll booths. The ERP scheme diminishes this problem by deducting your payments in a wireless manner, without seeking further actions from the drivers.

Image Credits: lta.gov.sg

Its robustness paved way for the significant expansion from 2 to 80 distinct gantries (i.e., bridge-like overhead structure with a platform). You see, ERP was activated on the 1998. Its predecessor was known as the Area Licensing Scheme. Drivers in the late 70’s will remember this.

You may wonder how ERP rates are determined. In complex terms: “rates will be adjusted accordingly based on an optimal speed range of 20-30 km/h on arterial roads and 45-65 km/h on expressways”. In simpler terms, ERP rates are determined by a quarterly review of traffic speeds on certain roads. Factors that affect the rates include:

a. the passenger car unit equivalent,
b. the time you entered the restricted zone, and
c. the systemic pattern during peak hours (i.e., charges alter every half hour during peak hours).

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The future of ERP takes form as a Global Navigation Satellite System. NCS Pte Ltd. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine System Asia Pte Ltd. were appointed to develop this new-age ERP. It will be operational by 2020.

Are you ready for this contemporary shift and its potential effects on the road rates?

Sources: 1 & 2

Single’s Guide To Saving Money On February 14

Cupid’s arrow is up ahead and the pressure to find love is on! There is an abundant supply of deals on expensive getaways, jewelries, and restaurants. Our consumerist culture makes it seem like spending loads of cash is what Valentine’s Day is all about. Personally, I do not buy it!

This view excludes the disposition of numerous single Singaporeans. If you are alone on February 14, you do not have to sulk in sorrow. It is in your control to have a fulfilling day despite your relationship status! Consider these tips:

ME, MYSELF, & I

Everyone deserves a little break every once in a while. Household chores, social expectations, and work deadlines can weigh you down. This is why you must not feel guilty if you want to prioritize yourself on this day. You can create your own rejuvenating retreat at home for less than S$15, get your nails done at Far East Plaza (express manicure costs as low as S$8), or play a new video game from Cash Converter (my friend bought a Call Of Duty disk for only S$8).

Personally, I enjoy vegging out in front of my laptop. Do whatever you want as long as it is within your means!

SHARING BLESSINGS

Random acts of kindness can generate happiness to both the receiver and the giver. As a compassionate individual, you may spread your love to those who need it the most. Simply search for a campaign nearby by visiting giving.sg/volunteer.

Valentine’s Day must not limit you to extending romantic love because making someone else’s day is entirely worth it.

NO PAIN, NO GAIN

“No pain, no gain” used to be the slogan at my father’s fitness center. I learned that fitness centers do not exactly encourage public displays of affection. Put your gym membership to good use if you want to stay in shape and to avoid the affectionate couples.

Exercise not only elevates your mood, but also improves mental clarity.

BLOOMING CREATIVITY

Do you really want to spend hundreds of dollars on a ridiculously priced bouquet that will die in a few days? No matter how grand or vibrant your store-bought flowers are, they will eventually decompose. Be practical and learn how to make origami flowers instead. Give your masterpiece to the people who inspire you the most.

Flowers fade, but your paper roses will stand the test of time.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Whether you are single or not, February 14 is an excellent time to have fun!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Eight Possible Reasons Why Your CV Got Dumped

If you have not received any confirmation or callbacks, it is likely that your CV (Curriculum Vitae) was rejected. Why is this so?

#1: You are clearly unqualified for the job that you are applying for.

It is as simple as that! If the HR department perceives that you are submitting an irrelevant resume then, they will ignore your application. Making a significant career switch is acceptable as long as you put it in your cover letter.

#2: Your materials were unpolished.

How can you validate your sharp attention to detail if your CV and supporting documents were embellished with grammatical and typographical errors? Having someone proofread your submission will help prevent shameful mistakes and help check your cohesive thoughts.

#3: Your application got lost in the pile.

Some companies receive a massive pool of applicants on a daily basis. They need to seek help from young interns to cover the load. Novice interns may lose your premier CV in the pile. This is why you must send a follow-up after 3 days.

#4: You used an unappealing font.

I completely understand that you want to stand out from the crowd, but a funky font is not the answer. The appearance of your CV is one of the first few things that the HR Department considers. Stick to the trusty “Arial” font!

#5: You have significant employment gaps.

Job hopping has become prolific in the Singaporean workplace. Employers dread the stories of employees who suddenly went MIA. So, they watch out for applicants with significant employment gaps.

#6: You do not seem to be eager to move.

If an expanding company needs to fill a position immediately, your well-crafted resume may be ignored. It does not matter if you are the ideal candidate for the job! What matters most for some employers is your willingness to move.

#7: You used an incompatible format.

Once again, the appearance of your CV is crucial to gain the attention of the recruiters. Ensure that you are using the right type of document when sending your CV. Some companies may prefer a .pdf file, while others may opt for the .docs file.

#8: Your CV was sent thru a staffing firm.

People who have a hard time looking for a job in Singapore can hire the services of staffing or recruitment firms. The only downside is that certain companies intentionally ignore the applicants under said firms.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

You see, staffing firms require charge a substantial amount of money for every role filled. The company may think that it is better on its own.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

This could be one of the best miles credit card with a rate of 6 miles per dollar spent

I always wanted to see the world — or at least the United States — but i didn’t have a budget to justify it. I started looking for the best ways to accomplish my goal and how to save money on flights. A few years ago, i found something surprising.

By using a strategy, there is a certain group of people that are flying for free every year. Here’s how it works:

How to Fly for Free

A great and affordable way to fly for cheap is by using frequent flyer miles. Cash in your miles, get a free flight and travel for less.

At first, I assumed that you had to fly all the time to earn frequent flyer miles. They are called “frequent flyer” miles after all. As it turns out, that’s the complete opposite of what is true. The best way to earn frequent flyer miles isn’t by flying at all. It’s by finding the best credit card deals for earning frequent flyer miles, free hotel stays, and rewards points.

Best Miles Credit Card

Introducing the new OCBC Titanium Rewards Credit Card that earns you 10x OCBC$ for ever S$1 spent – when you shop online and offline, locally and overseas!

OCBC Titanium Rewards Cardholders are entitled to earn 10X OCBC$ with every S$1 spend, if they perform Local & Overseas Shopping Transactions and Local & Overseas Online Transactions at establishments that fall within any of the following approved Merchant Category Codes (MCC):

MCC 5311: Department Stores
MCC 5611: Men’s and Boys’ Clothing and Accessories Stores
MCC 5621: Women’s Ready to Wear Stores
MCC 5631: Women’s Accessory and Speciality Stores
MCC 5641: Children’s and Infants’ Wear Stores
MCC 5651: Family Clothing Stores
MCC 5661: Shoe Stores
MCC 5691: Men’s and Women’s Clothing Stores
MCC 5045: Computers, Peripherals, and Software
MCC 5732: Electronics Stores
MCC 5699: Miscellaneous Apparel and Accessory Shops
MCC 5912: Drug Stores and Pharmacies (from 17 October 2016 to 31 March 2017)

Making transactions with their OCBC Titanium Rewards Cards from 17 October 2016 to 31 March 2017, through Mobile Payments (Android Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay) will also entitle the Cardholders to earn 10X OCBC$ with every S$1 spend.

You can exchange 10,000 KrisFlyer miles with 25,000 OCBC$. (10x OCBC$ for S$2,500 spend) For the frequent travelers, this is equivalent to 4 miles for every S$1 spent, making it one of the best air miles credit card in the market.

What’s more, from now till 15 Feb 2017, you get to enjoy a higher rate of 15x OCBC$ for a limited time. That is equivalent to a miles conversion rate of 6 miles per S$1 spend. Read the T&C here.

Bonus sign-up promotion

Apply for this credit card before 31 January 2017 and receive $50 Grab, Zalora or Chope voucher of your choice upon card approval. For more information on this promotion, click here.

Play Your Cards Right

Chasing miles would not be a good idea if you do not pay your balance in full every month. As a reminder, live a life with no debt and do whatever you can to lower or erase your debt.

If you do it right, however, you will be on your way to rack up enough frequent flyer miles to fly for free.

How to Fly for Free

Best Miles Credit Card

Bonus sign-up promotion

Play Your Cards Right

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