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How To Save Money As A Newbie Driver

Not owning a car in Singapore may be the wisest thing for your wallet. However, there are efficient ways to minimize your financial destruction. Consider the following:

GAIN THE THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE FOR FREE

Theoretical knowledge includes the fundamental aspects of driving such as the road signs and the car parts. Recently, I enrolled myself in a driving school that offered free lectures as a part of the year-end promotion. I was fortunate as some driving schools charge extra for these.

You may avoid the additional costs too! Simply uncover the gems found online. For example, you may download this informative file to widen your understanding on Singapore’s road traffic signs.

You may also purchase a single instructional book and learn by yourself. Doing so will save you money, time, and effort.

CHECK THE CONDITION OF YOUR TIRES

Be honest with yourself. As a newbie driver, you may overlook the state of your tires unless they are completely flat. A tire will enable you to travel as long as it has air. This is why some people fail to realize that their tires are under-inflated. Under-inflated tires can not only cost you more petrol, but also your lives.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Prevent accidents from happening by checking your tire pressure on a monthly basis.

REMEMBER THE FIRST GEAR

As I examined the available options from the driving school, I committed myself to manual vehicles first. I wanted to absorb the basics in order to have an easier time with the automatic vehicles.

What I like most about manual controls is its ability to control the acceleration. If you place more importance on fuel-efficiency then, this is a route that you shall take. Manual vehicles generally use less fuel depending on the driver’s awareness and proficiency. A driver who constantly skip the first gear tend to burn more fuel with the second gear’s power. So, do not forget to initially shift the control to the first gear.

PLAN YOUR PATH AHEAD OF TIME

In this day and age, it is easy to rely on the convenience of technology. The community-based navigation app called Waze boasts its ability to provide an accurate map that steers away from traffic jams. Almost all of my family members depend on this free app. However, its distinct routes may not necessarily be cost-efficient.

Save money on petrol by searching the shortest route possible. Look at Google Maps and other resources to get a decent estimate of how long each path may take. Plan wisely!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Chinese New Year Deals That You Do Not Want To Skip

Chinese New Year 2017 (CNY) is merely 8 days away. Abundant food, bright decorations, family reunions, and little red packets will grace Singapore once more.

Here are some of the exciting deals that you do not want to miss:

REWARDING DINING EXPERIENCE

Singaporean families generally usher the Chinese New Year with the warm presence of each other. Gatherings and reunions occur from the first until the second day of the CNY. This is why your dining expenses may be overwhelming. Fortunately, Standard Chartered Bank has your back!

Standard Chartered lets you savor a hearty feast with the “2017 Chinese New Year Dining Cashback Promotion”. Enjoy 15% cashback when you charge your registered credit card from now until February 28, 2017 (T&Cs apply).

HARMONIOUS FAMILY GATHERINGS

Speaking of the eating dynamics, CNY festivities will not be complete without the perfect Yu Sheng. Yu Sheng or Prosperity Toss consists of raw fish strips fused with shredded veggies and varied sauces. Its traditionally consumed during CNY in Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Celebrate the promising “Year of The Rooster” in a true Blue Lotus style by taking advantage of its communal-style set menus. Families and companies are welcome to try the Harmony (about S$68/person), Prosperity (about S$88/person), and Longevity (S$108/person). Each set begins with the Tea-Smoked Norwegian Salmon Yu Sheng. It will be followed by other dishes that were crafted by the highly acclaimed Owner and Chef Ricky Ng. Reserve a spot by calling +65 6339 0880.

ONE-STOP SHOP FOR THE ESSENTIALS

Dreaming about getting your supply of delectable goodies and festive decorations in one spot? Turn your last-minute fantasy into reality by hopping to the “TANGS Chinese New Year Fair” at the VivoCity Central Court.

Feast your eyes and taste buds as you travel through the busy ailes. Maximize your wallet’s capacity by participating in the “Festive Lucky Draw” for a chance to win attractive prizes. Almost all of the shops inside the mall are currently having their CNY promotions as well.

LUCKY YEAR OF THE ROOSTER

Sentosa boasts a goldmine of exciting activities and picturesque landscapes. It holds a special place in my heart as I visited the island during special occasions. Why shall CNY be any different? For starters, they are rewarding selected individuals.

Image Credits: facebook.com/sentosaofficial

Locals and Permanent Residents born in the Rooster Year shall rejoice! Simply present your IC at the Sentosa Station redemption booth from this Saturday to Sunday to reap free Island Admission Ticket and Singapore Cable Car Sky Pass. You can enjoy these rewards between January 28 to 30, 2017 (T&Cs apply).

Surefire Ways To Nurture Your Child’s Marketing Abilities

The core of your business’ success relies on its marketing. Teach your beloved ones the marketing skills that they needs to thrive throughout their lives!

Do so while you have the luxury of time.

WATCH COMMERCIALS AND OTHER ADS

Children do not have the capacity to carry a stable job nor do they have the ability to budget money. However, they can influence how you spend it. Savvy marketers know this! For instance, expensive products for kids are usually placed in lower rack to meet their eye level. Television marketers focus on producing more content for toys, candies, computers, and so on.

Commit at least once a week to introduce the potent effect of advertising to your suggestible children. Select some commercials or ads to ask the following questions:

a. WHO was the intended audience?
b. WHAT was the description of the product or service?
c. WHY was the ad placed during or between this show?
d. HOW did you feel about the commercial or ad?

KNOW DIFFERENCE FROM REALITY AND FANTASY

Aside from discussing the detailed content of the commercials and other ads, you must create a distinction between reality and make-belief. It is easy to be trapped into the advertiser’s magic, if you do not know what to watch out for. Tell your children that there is more to advertisements than what meets the eye.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Discuss the various types of commercials on radio, television, print, and online. Help your children label these said ads so that they become less susceptible to the marketers’ influence.

CREATE CATCHY SLOGANS AND TUNES

Your dedication has led your children to understand the effect of advertisements. To absorb the essential marketing abilities, allow them to make their own catchy slogans and jingles. These activities will help the potential entrepreneurs to use their resources to create significant marketing tools that will make a particular product rise above the pack.

Without valuable customers, even the best businesses will fail. Introducing this topic to your children can prepare them to attract loyal customers for their future businesses.

TRANSFORM THE OLD INTO THE NEW

As you may notice, existing brands are constantly thinking of ways to improve their products and to satisfy their loyal customers. The longstanding OREO boasts with a variety of unique flavors such as Banana Split and Birthday Cake.

Ask your child to apply this idea by putting his or her own spin into a popular product. This activity is a good way to maximize his or her own creativity as marketing heavily depends on innovation.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Telltale Signs That Your Colleague Secretly Dislikes You

While some people have no problem letting you know that they hate you, others may try to maintain their professionalism by hiding their unpleasant feelings.

Know some of the obvious and less-obvious indications of dislike by reading thru this list!

#1: HE OR SHE DOES NOT SMILE WHEN YOU ARE AROUND

As you pass by, the shinning smile on your colleague’s face dissolves instantaneously. The change in his or her disposition is not due to a hormonal mood swing or an occasional unpleasant day. It is deeper than that! Something is wrong as your colleague makes a conscious effort to not smile whenever you are in the room.

#2: HE OR SHE CANNOT LOOK YOU IN THE EYE

One of the most obvious signs that you co-worker dislikes you is when he or she cannot maintain eye contact. The eyes are the gateway to what is beneath your soul. People may be afraid to look you in the eye if they perceive that you have an ability to detect hostility.

#3: HE OR SHE DOES NOT INCLUDE YOU IN THE WORKPLACE HUMOR

Exchanging jokes and teasing are common in cemented workplace relationships. If the person who hates your guts is the leader of the workplace clique then, you may be constantly left out in the inner circle. They may not feel comfortable when you are around.

#4: HE OR SHE DOES NOT INVITE YOU TO SOCIAL EVENTS

Being excluded from the social guest list is one of the signs that your colleague does not want you around. “Sorry! We forgot to invite you.”, may be one of the lines that you constantly hear from that certain person.

#5: HE OR SHE DISPLAYS NEGATIVE BODY LANGUAGE

Communication is mostly made up of non-verbal cues. Uncover your co-worker’s genuine feelings toward you by observing his or her body language. Constant subtle eye rolls, lack of eye contact, and folded arms are just some of the red flags.

#6: HE OR SHE TAKES CREDIT FOR YOUR WORK

When a co-worker is determined to exclude you from all the important company discussions, it is clear that he or she does not want you to get involved. A more potent display of disdain is when a co-worker sabotages your role in the project by taking credit for your ideas.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Watch out for these!

Sources: 1 & 2

4 Things That Millennials Don’t Mind Paying For

Oh how exciting is the progressive generation of the Millennials! Scholars defined the beginning of Generation Y as 1977 – 1981 while its end as 2002 – 2008. As you welcome 2017 with open arms, you will be amazed to know that they have more buying power than any other surviving generations.

The Millennials’ spending patterns are certainly unique to them.

#1: SMARTPHONES

Due to the heavy emphasis on economy in the Lion City, it is normal for students to possess part-time jobs to boost their allowances. These part-time jobs serve as an additional revenue to finance entertainment, travel, and school needs.

When I was a student, I worked every weekend in a Pilates studio along the stretch of the crowded Orchard Road. The money that I earned was wasted on cosmetics, movie tickets, and clothing. Boosting my perceived social status was on the top priority. Saving money merely followed.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

I remembered exchanging conversations with a friend of mine who only took the job at Häagen-Dazs to purchase the Samsung handphone that he has been eyeing on. Like my friend, having a cool smartphone is a must for the younger generations. They just cannot function without their trusty gadgets! Furthermore, smartphones usually serve as a means of communicating with others. We all know how much Millennials love to dwell and share their lives on social media.

#2: COSMETICS

I can attest to the undeniable trend of young women embracing the wonders of cosmetics. In United States alone, the expected revenue for the beauty industry was expected to exceed US$62 billion (about S$89 billion). Personally, I adore treating my face as a canvas as with many Singaporean women.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Whenever I am out with my sisters or with my friends, a trip to the nearby Sephora is always a part of the “to-do list”. My sister (a certified member of the Generation Y) did not mind if she spent S$68 on Benefit’s limited collection called Dolly Darling. She knew how happy I would be if I saw my favorite Hoola Matte Bronzer and POREfessional Face Primer. My face sparkled with glee as I opened this precious holiday collection. . Do you enjoy makeup as much as I do?

#3: HEALTHY FOOD

I came from a family whose mindset valued essence of health and wellness. Some of my relatives are Licensed Doctors, Fitness Instructors, and other healthcare professionals. I try my hardest to make healthier choices due to my exposure to this kind of environment. Apart from myself, are other Millennials keen on changing their food regimen for the better? The answer is YES.

According to a Forbes article: “Millennials still prefer cheaper food, and want it to be convenient. But they are also more willing to pay for fresh and healthy food, and are willing to go to great lengths to find it.”

More than the previous generations, Millennials were more likely to seek organic food. Investing on organic produce that is GMO-free and freshly grown with fewer pesticides sounds like a good idea yet pricey idea. Do not get me wrong! If you know where to look, you can get affordable organic vegetables and fruits in local grocery stores or online shops.

#4: EXPRESS DELIVERY

Patience is not exactly a part of every Millennial’s vocabulary. It is the rise of the digital age. We all want things instantaneously and in our own terms. Sometimes, we act like raging children whose main mantra shouts: “I want it. I want it right now!” This behavior was supported by the Shop.org survey. It found that Millennials, compared to other generations, were more likely to pay extra for same-day delivery on their online purchases.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Are you an avid fan of express delivery? Search through your previous receipts to find out more about your spending habits.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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