MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

5 Affordable Gift Ideas for Christmas 2023

The Christmas season holds a special place in my heart, brimming with generosity, happiness, and the desire to bring joy to children and those young at heart.

Although the spirit of giving is boundless, the constraints of our budgets frequently set limitations. The pressure to discover the ideal gift can be overwhelming, especially when our wallets are a bit leaner than we’d like. Nonetheless, the genuine magic of Christmas isn’t in the price tag. Its magic dwells in the thought and love behind the gift.

On that note, here are 5 Affordable Gift Ideas for Christmas 2023:

FOR THE COFFEE ENTHUSIAST

Starbucks presents perfect, budget-friendly Christmas gift ideas with their delightful Blissful Homecoming Collection. Drawing inspiration from vintage book cover illustrations and the heartwarming tale of Santa and his little companions, this collection is a wonderful way to kickstart the festive season. With a charming design featuring gold accents and classic holiday colors like red, green, and blue, the Blissful Homecoming Collection offers an array of drinkware, including mugs, cold cups, and tumblers.

Standouts in their holiday collection include the affordable Starbucks Holiday Red Cup Ornament (i.e., S$7.90, previously S$15.90), Starbucks Welcome to the Holiday Home Tumbler 16oz (i.e., S$21.60, previously S$30.90), and Starbucks Little Holiday Friends Water Bottle 18oz (i.e., S$14.90, previously S$29.90).

FOR THE FOODIE

Have a delightful foodie in your life? Treat them to a feast with a Chope e-gift card. Load it up with S$30, S$50, S$80, or S$100, and your lucky recipient will be able to purchase their choice of dining vouchers from over 1,000 cafés, restaurants, and bars listed on Chope’s website or app.

Add your personal twist! Pick from four virtual card designs complete with tongue-in-cheek food-related quotes and add your personalized message at no extra cost. Score your e-gift card at giftcards.chope.co today.

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF PAMPERING

Whether you’re creating a revitalizing solo bath time or a romantic couple’s spa, Lush has you covered with their charming bath bombs. Festive delights come in cute designs like reindeer, penguins, and magical Santa shapes. Christmas-themed products start at S$13. Personally, I recommend the candy cane and snow bear bath bombs.

Lush provides a fantastic alternative to bath bombs with their shower gel series, featuring fragrances like Berry Berry Christmas and Snow Fairy.

FOR THE SWEET TOOTH

Who can resist the aroma of freshly baked Famous Amos cookies wafting through the air? It’s a foolproof choice that will delight any recipient. I even take a whiff whenever I pass by the store!

The well-loved cookie brand has once again come up with a series of Christmas gift tins and boxes, all bearing cute designs featuring snowmen, reindeers, and other festive motifs. Some of the tins even come shaped like gingerbread men, stars, and Christmas trees. Select from a variety of flavors, including but not limited to original chocolate chip, butterscotch chip and pecan, and white chocolate chip.

Christmas Gift Tins from an affordable S$13.30. Check out the full collection and make your purchase here or via their 15 outlets island-wide.

FOR THE BEAUTY JUNKIE

Everyone needs bath and body care products – after all, you do need to shower at some point – and you can’t go wrong with the pretty, practical sets from The Body Shop. While toiletries might seem like a common gift, the plethora of scent choices, item combinations, and different types of packaging available here allow you to thoughtfully choose something that’s best suited to your giftee’s personality and preferences.

Image Credits: thebodyshop.com

A simple body care gift set comprising shower cream and body butter starts from a wallet-friendly S$16, while bigger pouch sets with additional items like hand cream and festive fragrances can go up to around S$100. Individual Christmas gifts start at S$10, and I have my eye on the S$15 Cherries & Cheer Shower Gel 250ml.

Sources: 1 & 2

ComfortDelGro’s Taxi Rates Rise with 50-Cent Flagdown & Peak-Hour Surcharge

ComfortDelGro, Singapore’s largest taxi operator, managing over 8,900 taxis under the Comfort and CityCab brands, comprising about 60 percent of the nation’s taxi fleet, has announced an impending increase in cab fares. This adjustment is expected to have a significant impact on commuters due to the company’s extensive reach.

The decision to raise the flagdown fare and other surcharges was disclosed on December 6 by ComfortDelGro. The motive behind this fare revision is to assist taxi drivers in offsetting heightened operational expenses attributed to the surge in fuel prices, escalating inflation rates, and the anticipated Goods and Services Tax (GST) hike.

According to ComfortDelGro, the estimated fare for a 10-kilometer off-peak regular taxi journey is set to witness a 6.8 percent increase, translating to S$0.94, elevating the fare from S$13.80 to S$14.74. While flagdown fares for limousine taxis remain unchanged, distances, and waiting time fares experience a marginal increment from S$0.35 to S$0.36.

This fare adjustment encompasses all metered fare trips, including those made through the CDG Zig app and other ride-hailing platforms. The revised fares took effect from 6 am last December 13.

PEAK HOUR SURCHARGE

In addition to the fare increase, a new peak hour surcharge will be introduced from 10:00 am to 1:59 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. The definition of “evening peak hour” will also be extended by an hour, now spanning from 5:00 pm to 11:59 pm, applicable from Monday through Sunday, including public holidays. This peak hour surcharge amounts to 25 percent of the metered fare.

Trans-cab and other taxi services such as Strides Premier and Prime Taxi have announced their alignment with ComfortDelGro’s fare adjustments. These taxis shall implement the new weekend peak-hour surcharge and extend the evening peak-hour surcharge by one hour, with the changes set to take effect concurrently from December 13.

UPCOMING GST INCREASE CONCERNS

The National Taxi Association (NTA), which ComfortDelGro consulted before proposing the fare adjustments, expressed its support for the move. NTA adviser Yeo Wan Ling acknowledged the challenges faced by taxi drivers in coping with rising costs and emphasized the importance of this fare adjustment in aiding drivers dealing with increased living and operating expenses.

The upcoming GST increase to 9 percent on January 1, 2024, is an additional concern for taxi operators as it impacts various operational aspects, including rental, food, and parking expenses. Yeo Wan Ling highlighted that the fare increase would contribute to higher take-home pay for taxi drivers, offering timely relief from the impending GST hike and supporting them in meeting their financial obligations and providing for their families. The fare adjustment is seen as a welcome measure that addresses the current challenges faced by cabbies, providing both relief and support.

Image Credits: facebook.com/ComfortDelGroTaxi

How will these affect the commuters in the long run?

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Latest WFH internships posted from 11 to 14 December 2023

With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, there’s a high possibility that more companies are returning to WFH arrangements.

And if you’re looking for a remote internship opportunity, you’re in luck!

Here’s what we’ve found this week.

#1: Woopa Travels Pte Ltd – Tour Operations Intern

Website: woopa.com.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $950 – 1,300 monthly

Job Qualifications

Visually presentable and speaks in a pleasant manner
Confident in managing a group of people
Able to communicate effectively
Keen interest in tourism
Anyone can apply

Key Responsibilities

Coordinate pre-tour work, which includes procuring goods and services and liaising with clients, tour guides, transport vendors, venue, and stakeholders
Coordinate post-tour work which includes collecting guests’ feedback and online reviews (e.g. TripAdvisor, Facebook, Google+)
Involve in direct tour operations such as being facilitator, coordinator, game master, tech, and admin in both physical and virtual tours
Be responsible for logistics inventory tracking
Represent the company and interact with the clients in a professional and presentable manner
Work with the sales team with regard to operational matters for each tour
Assist with procurement of supplies and tour development if required
Other ad-hoc duties as assigned.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Liyana Nashita via this link.

#2: Changi Travel Services Pte Ltd – Video Editor Intern

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Changi Recommends (@changirecommends)

Website: changirecommends.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $10 hourly

Job Qualifications

Strong video animation skills using Adobe After Effects, and proficiency in video editing with Adobe Premiere Pro/Final Cut Pro.
Editing techniques for long-form, corporate, interview video, and promotional video editing.
Meticulous & strong attention to detail, including being independent & resourceful.
Ability to think visually, conceptualize stories, and edit videos independently based on tight deadlines.
A self-motivated, team player with a positive attitude.
Proven experience in video editing / dynamic visual content (animation, audio, real-life filming).
Proficiency in photography / videography would be an added advantage.
Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in video animation and editing.

Key Responsibilities

Editing & creating video content (promotional/product videos and social media content) with the raw materials and footage for various company business units.
Develop animations and video elements to enhance video content.
Assist the full video production process including conceptualization, storyboarding, filming, and post-editing.
Collaborate with various business units to develop and create impactful corporate videos according to required project specifications.
Assist in copywriting of video content and descriptions.
Assist in filming and coordinating with the film crew, as well as carrying, moving & setting up video equipment at the filming site(s).

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Andrea via this link.

#3: Try & Review – Digital Marketing Intern

Website: tryandreview.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Degree in Marketing, Technology, Computer Science or Business
High fluency in spoken and written English
A good knowledge and understanding of online/digital business
Possess excellent analytical skills, ability to leverage data analytics to drive actionable insights and recommendations
Good planning skills, organized and process-driven
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; mature and engaging personality
Highly result-oriented with the ability to work under pressure and meet targets
Agile mindset: curious, adventurous, and ready to work in a growing team
Very good command of Google tools (Gmail, Sheets and Slides)
Candidates with e-commerce or digital agency internship experience have an added advantage
Experience with task management tools is a plus (ClickUp, Asana, Monday, Wrike…)
High fluency in spoken and written Tagalog, Cantonese, Bahasa, Thai, or Vietnamese is not a requirement but added value.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and execute cross-channel marketing campaigns (incl. email, SMS, paid search, and social).
Optimize acquisition & engagement strategies daily
In the context of our ongoing product test campaigns, collaborate with Campaign Managers to schedule, execute, and optimize acquisition campaigns to guarantee the achievement of clients’ KPIs
Update reports and dashboards to provide real-time, ongoing insights to key internal and external stakeholders.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and apply via this link.

#4: ComfortDelGro Pte Ltd – Corporate Communications Intern

Website: comfortdelgro.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications

Unspecified.

Key Responsibilities

Support the communications teams on new and ongoing projects that span branding, financial communications, media relations, and social media, as well as admin-related tasks.
Collaborate closely with the team to develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies
Craft engaging content and communication materials for both internal and external audiences
Support the development of the Group’s Annual Report to shareholders
Support the planning and execution of events
Support media relations and monitor media coverage
Manage and monitor the Group’s social media channels
Conduct research and gather information for communication projects

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Chia Li Qing via this link.

#5: Dokidoki (Pte. Ltd.) – Creative Design Intern

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Doki Doki (@dokijuice)

Website: dokijuice.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Proficiency in software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Canva.
Eagerness to learn new skills, adapt to changing trends, and experiment with new content formats and techniques.
Strong creative thinking skills to develop unique and engaging content that stands out in the digital space.

Key Responsibilities

Conceptualize, shoot, and edit engaging video content for digital platforms.
Produce short-form video content tailored for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, highlighting our products and brand story.
Develop visually appealing graphics and layouts for digital marketing campaigns, including social media posts, email newsletters, and product catalogs.
Help manage and curate content for social media channels, ensuring a steady stream of engaging and relevant posts.
Manage timelines and deliverables for video projects, ensuring they are completed within set deadlines.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Jasmine via this link.

Editor’s note: These internships are selected based on the “remote” tag, but some positions are hybrid ones and you may need to report physically to the office. For more deets, do contact the employer directly.

How to Cope with the Death of a Loved One

“Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch.” ― Jack Thorne

The departure of those we hold dear never equates to their complete departure. Certain aspects are beyond death’s reach, eternal connections that persist unbroken. These profound sentiments penned by Jack Thorne encapsulate a truth that resonates deep within us.

Grief, a tempest of emotions, sweeps over us like an unexpected wave, knocking us off balance. It carries with it a temporal dimension, for grieving is the voyage we undertake as we acclimate to the void left by our cherished ones. The absence they leave becomes a part of us, a space forever occupied by memories and emotions.

The human response to loss is as varied as the colors of a spectrum, each person weaving their tapestry of coping mechanisms. Research unveils that most individuals can navigate the labyrinth of loss over time, aided by social support and nurturing habits. The passage of months or even a year might be required to fully fathom the contours of loss. The notion of linear stages in grief, as commonly depicted, is challenged by research, which reveals that progression through grief is not a one-size-fits-all experience.

The profound challenge of confronting the passing of a dear friend or family member stands as one of life’s most daunting trials. The departure of a spouse, sibling, or parent can unleash a torrent of intense grief. While loss is an intrinsic part of existence, the upheaval of emotions that follows can leave us in a state of bewildered shock.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Amid grief’s labyrinth, individuals grappling with loss may find solace in various strategies:

1. Dialogue with Remembrance

Engaging in conversations about the departed with friends or colleagues not only provides understanding but also preserves the memory of the individual. Avoiding discussions out of discomfort can foster isolation, hindering the healing process bolstered by supportive networks.

2. Embrace Your Emotions

The variety of emotions—be it sadness, anger, or exhaustion—is a testament to the depth of one’s connection. Acknowledging these feelings is crucial. Should these emotions become overwhelming or stagnate, seeking guidance from licensed psychologists or mental health professionals offers a lifeline back to emotional equilibrium.

3. Extend a Helping Hand

Supporting others who share the burden of loss can be mutually healing. Whether sharing anecdotes or listening to the deceased’s favorite melodies, these seemingly modest gestures bear immense significance. Extending assistance not only aids others but also nurtures our own well-being.

4. Safeguard Memories

Honoring our loved ones can take myriad forms. Planting trees, participating in charitable events, or crafting memory boxes with tokens of their existence keeps their spirit alive. Composing letters or gratitude notes offers a conduit for preserving connection and finding solace in gratitude.

5. Participate in Rituals

Mourning rituals, such as memorial services and funerals, provide communal solace during the initial stages of loss. They are poignant ways to commemorate the departed. The company of those who shared the bond with the loved one is itself a source of comfort.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Through dialogue, remembrance, emotional acceptance, communal support, and commemorative rituals, we navigate the labyrinth of loss, honoring the eternal connection that transcends the boundaries of mortality.

Sources: 1 & 2

6 Iconic Movie Jewelry Pieces & Their Prices

In the dazzling world of cinema, there’s no denying the allure of glamorous jewelry adorning the silver screen. From Audrey Hepburn’s unforgettable Breakfast at Tiffany’s style to Daisy Buchanan’s captivating “$350,000 (S$470,000) engagement ring” in The Great Gatsby, these iconic pieces of movie jewelry have become etched in our collective memory.

Enter Eugene Joseff, a masterful jeweler who left an indelible mark on Hollywood’s golden era. Spending an astonishing 1,200 hours to craft a single necklace for Greta Garbo in Camille, Joseff’s artistry graced more than 3,000 films, including timeless classics like Gone with the Wind and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. His extraordinary archive holds a staggering collection of nearly two million jewelry pieces.

From the opulence of Old Hollywood to the modern-day stars who channel their inner princesses on the screen, these cinematic moments have become legendary, forever woven into the tapestry of film history.

#1: PRETTY WOMAN

Who could possibly forget the unforgettable moment when Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) presents Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts) with that extraordinary necklace in the iconic 1990 romantic comedy, Pretty Woman? This stunning piece, meticulously crafted by the renowned French goldsmith, Fred Joaillier, showcases 23 pear-cut rubies delicately nestled within diamond-encrusted hearts. Remarkably, the necklace’s current appraisal stands at approximately $1.35 million (S$1.81 million).

Given the film’s relatively modest budget of $14 million (S$18 million), the costume department was unable to procure the necklace for the production. However, the generous jeweler graciously lent the piece, albeit under tight security. To protect its considerable value, the necklace came accompanied by an armed guard.

#2: TITANIC

One of the most popular jewelry pieces in the annals of cinema is none other than the Heart of the Ocean necklace from Titanic. While the film portrays the necklace as being adorned with genuine diamonds, in reality, it was meticulously crafted with zircons and fashioned into white gold. However, if the necklace had indeed been created with authentic diamonds, its estimated value would have soared to over $500 million (S$671 million)!

Image Credits: facebook.com/hannahom2003 (Paramount Pictures)

The esteemed London jewelers, Asprey & Garrard, were entrusted with the creation of this extraordinary piece. Drawing inspiration from three illustrious diamonds steeped in French history—the Marie Antoinette Bleu, the Regent, and the Hope Diamond—Asprey & Garrard captured the essence of opulence and romance in their exquisite design.

#3: GENTLEMAN PREFER BLONDES

In the iconic 1955 film, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Marilyn Monroe mesmerized audiences with her unforgettable performance of the timeless classic, “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”

Interestingly, similar to the necklace in To Catch a Thief, this necklace also takes on a pivotal role in the plot, ultimately revealed as a counterfeit. However, for promotional purposes, the filmmakers made the deliberate choice to showcase the original yellow-diamond necklace. With its pear-shaped diamond, originally unearthed in the mines of Golconda, India, and once owned by Queen Marie Antoinette, this remarkable piece holds a storied history. Notably, in 2018, it fetched a staggering $1.3 million (S$1.75 million) at auction, a testament to its timeless beauty and allure.

#4: GREAT GATSBY

As far as headpieces go, we are absolutely smitten with Daisy’s exquisite headpiece in The Great Gatsby. Interestingly, this stunning piece was not custom-made for the film; instead, it was already a treasured possession from the Tiffany & Co archives, graciously loaned to the production for the iconic party scene at Gatsby’s opulent mansion.

The selection of this particular headpiece was no coincidence. Its high-quality diamonds and lustrous pearls were a flawless embodiment of the 1920s jazz age, capturing the essence of that glamorous era with impeccable precision.

#5: TO CATCH A THIEF

Interestingly, the necklace in To Catch a Thief not only adds visual appeal but also plays a crucial role in influencing the movie’s plot. It is revealed as a fake, strategically employed to entice the protagonist, John Robie (portrayed by Cary Grant), a former jewel thief. Surprisingly, even the real necklace used in the film was rumored to be an imitation, borrowed for a mere $75 (S$100) during the filming process.

In this 1955 Hitchcock classic, Grace Kelly graces the screen wearing a breathtaking tiered diamond necklace. Its radiant elegance enhances her captivating presence and further immerses viewers in the allure of the film’s world.

#6: BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S

In the highly improbable event that you haven’t had the pleasure of witnessing this timeless masterpiece, there’s a moment that’s bound to be etched in your memory: the iconic image of Holly Golightly (portrayed by Audrey Hepburn) gazing through the window of Tiffany & Co., delicately savoring coffee and a croissant, adorned with a remarkable 5-strand choker pearl necklace embellished with an exquisite diamond brooch.

Image Credits: facebook.com/breakfastattiffanys (Paramount Pictures)

This extraordinary jewelry piece from Breakfast at Tiffany’s has undoubtedly become one of the most recognizable and enduring images in the history of cinema. It encapsulates the essence of elegance and sophistication that resonates with audiences to this day.

Sources: 1 & 2