MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

4 Food Trends Making Waves in S’pore

1. NO NEED TO WIPE TABLES, BUT RESPECT IS KEY

In a recent announcement, the National Environment Agency (NEA) clarified that diners at public eating areas in Singapore are not obligated to wipe their tables after use. However, it’s crucial to show respect to the workers by not leaving any litter behind on or around the tables. “These include tissues, wet wipes, shells, drink cans, and bones,” the agency added. This reminder followed an incident captured on social media where NEA enforcement officers had a discussion with a diner outside Tekka Market and Food Centre in Little India last week.

I, personally, have friends and relatives employed in the F&B (Food and Beverage) industry. In this field, known for its dynamic and challenging nature with shifts spanning 12 hours at times. So, let’s help the F&B workers out! They would greatly appreciate it if you would clean up after eating.

2. SINGAPOREANS’ HIGH SALT INTAKE & RISING BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS

A concerning trend has emerged in Singapore, where nine out of ten residents are consuming more salt than recommended. Surveys conducted by the Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board revealed that the prevalence of high blood pressure has nearly doubled since 2010.

Additionally, fat intake among Singaporeans increased from 94g in 2019 to 100g in 2022, underlining the impact of lifestyle choices on public health. Thus, it highlights the significance of maintaining fitness and embracing a balanced diet as integral components of a lifestyle, rather than merely indulging in hobbies.

3. ICONIC DESSERT BRAND SARA LEE FACES UNCERTAIN FUTURE

Sara Lee, the beloved Australian dessert brand known for its delectable pound cakes, is facing a precarious situation. The iconic frozen desserts company has entered voluntary administration due to rising costs.

Despite being profitable from May 2021 to July 2022, increased expenses led to price hikes across all products in May. This news has left many netizens shocked and nostalgic, as Sara Lee has been a household name in Singapore for years.

4. MCDONALD’S 1980s MENU RESURFACES ON SOCIAL MEDIA

A blast from the past took over social media when a user, by the name of “Boon Wee”, shared McDonald’s menu from the 1980s. The menu was posted on the “Heritage SG Memories” Facebook group. It featured a variety of burgers, fries, shakes, sundaes, and the iconic apple pie.

Image Credits: Boon Wee via facebook.com

Interestingly, soft drinks were priced as low as S$0.50, and the famous Big Mac was a mere S$2.35. Now, soft drinks start at S$3.15, while the Big Mac starts at a whopping S$7.25. The post garnered significant attention, with netizens expressing surprise at the inflation rates and the use of traditional Chinese characters in the 1980s menu.

Sources:1,2, 3, & 4

Latest WFH internships posted from 16 to 19 October 2023

Good Friday!

Hope the recent rain didn’t dampen your job-searching spirits.

We’re here to make it better with the latest WFH internships this week.

Keep scrolling.

#1: Glints – People Strategy Intern

Website: glints.com/sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $700 – 850 monthly

Job Qualifications

Having a strong growth mindset, adaptable, learns, and moves quickly
A person who is proactive and has a strong work ethic
Ability to work well in a multi-cultural team and with senior stakeholders
Demonstrate a high level of organizational skills and ownership with attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

Act as a key contributor and thought partner to supporting Glints’ People Team leadership in various strategic initiatives
Facilitate the strategic planning and coordination of people-related special projects across teams and regions, not limited to re-organizations, engagement & change management efforts, internal communications, L&D
Support ad-hoc people projects and tasks.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your application to [email protected].

#2: Social Jet – Marketing Intern

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A post shared by Social Jet Singapore (@socialjet.sg)

Website: socialjet.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $700 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Be fluent in English, both written and spoken
Simplify technical terms into simple-to-understand English
Have strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Communicate clearly and efficiently both with the team and clients
Have a basic understanding of digital marketing platforms, especially Instagram & TikTok, and online marketing strategies
Able to work with software like Canva, Google Workspace (Google Docs, Google Sheets), Zoom, Whatsapp Business
Work effectively with the team to ensure smooth and timely project execution
Check and approve the quality of work submitted by influencers
Resolve client requests & feedback professionally
Committed to continuous learning and adapting to industry best practices
Multitask and work toward several milestones on various projects simultaneously

Key Responsibilities

Client Project Management:

Manage multiple client projects simultaneously, ensuring tasks and deliverables are met on time.
Act as a point of contact for clients, addressing their inquiries and providing updates on campaign progress.

Team Collaboration:

Collaborate closely with the internal team, including creative, content, and analytics teams, to ensure all aspects of influencer campaigns are coordinated and deadlines are met.
Work closely with the Founder and Director, and provide timely updates and feedback.

Influencer Coordination:

Shortlist influencers for client campaigns using the company’s process.
Work closely with a network of influencers and content creators to ensure they receive clear briefs and guidelines for content creation.
Assist in their content creation.
Monitor influencer deliverables, deadlines, and campaign performance.

How to apply?

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

#3: The Green Mortician – Startup / Creative Marketing Intern

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A post shared by Pawkit | App made by pet owners for pet owners (@pawkitapp)

Website: thegreenmortician.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications

Undergraduates/Fresh graduates currently pursuing marketing, communications, journalism, graphic design, or a related field
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience with social media platforms (TikTok, Facebook, Instagram)
Basic videography and photography skills
Graphic design skills using Canva or Photoshop
Creative and flexible
Detail-oriented with a flair for copywriting
Knowledge of SEO best practices and experience with keyword research is an advantage
A basic understanding of website management using WordPress is an advantage
A basic understanding of PR outreach and media relations is an advantage
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Share the company’s passion for giving back to the community and promoting environmental sustainability
And of course, being an animal/pet lover is essential

Key Responsibilities

Creating short, engaging content for social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok)
Assisting with social media management, including scheduling and publishing posts, monitoring engagement, and analyzing/utilizing data
Conducting keyword research and optimizing content for search engines
Assisting with website management using WordPress
Conducting research and outreach for PR opportunities, including identifying journalists and media outlets, drafting pitches, and building media lists
Writing and editing copy for various marketing materials, including website content, email newsletters, and press releases
Develop collaborative initiatives with non-profits, start-ups, artists, etc.
Assisting with various other marketing and administrative tasks as needed

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your application to [email protected].

#4: Handdi.Io – Social Media Intern – TikTok / Meta

Website: handdi.io

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Diploma or equivalent in a creative field
Video editing skills
Past portfolio of aesthetic social media accounts
Basic knowledge of social media analytics and data interpretation.

Key Responsibilities

TikTok Content Creation: Produce and curate compelling and shareable content for TikTok channel that aligns with brand and marketing goals.
Content Strategy: Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute a TikTok content strategy that boosts brand awareness and engages the target audience.
Community Engagement: Engage with followers, respond to comments, and actively participate in conversations to foster a vibrant and interactive TikTok community.
Analytics and Reporting: Monitor performance metrics, track growth, and provide regular reports on TikTok channel performance, making data-driven recommendations for improvement.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with TikTok trends, features, and algorithm changes to ensure content remains fresh and relevant.
Cross-Promotion: Collaborate with other social media platforms and marketing channels to ensure a consistent brand message and cross-promotion opportunities.
Travel and On-Site Engagement: As part of this role, you will need to travel to various locations to capture on-site content and engage with customers. This may involve visiting homes, capturing content, and creating unique experiences for followers.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your application to [email protected].

#5: Versuni – HR Intern

Website: versuni.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Currently studying towards a university degree focused on Human Resource Management.
You are a proactive, detailed oriented, independent, and ambitious person
You thrive in a dynamic environment working with projects, data, and documentation
You are a true team player, stepping in where support is needed and acting with integrity
You have excellent English skills
Able to commit fully for 6 months

Key Responsibilities

Support country HR initiatives & projects related to HR Management as well as Change Management
Support with projects related to setting up the documentation for Versuni (Templates, Policies, etc.)
Support annual HR timeline activities (PPM, Insurance Renewal, etc)
Be integrated into an extensively internationally operating team, which is active in different markets and business areas

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and apply on LinkedIn.

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.

What should you do if your child keeps complaining about how little their pocket money is?

So your little one has been coming to disturb you, complaining about their allowance not being enough?

As a parent, it’s your responsibility to teach them money sense and the value of hard work. If not, as they mature into young adults, they might still expect everything to drop from the sky for them.

Nothing comes free in this world, you tell them. Talk to them and set clear rules on what they should spend on. Guide them on saving up for bigger items they want. This way they appreciate the value of money and don’t end up always complaining to mummy and daddy whenever they want something.

Why your child is dissatisfied

Before you point fingers and start yelling, take the time to understand your child’s needs.

Is it because their friends are getting more? Kids often compare with their peers, and if their friends get more pocket money, they will feel like they’re being shortchanged.

Or maybe their needs (and wants) are increasing? As children grow, their expenses increase too. The amount that used to be enough may no longer cut it.

Perhaps they don’t understand the value of money? Some kids don’t appreciate how much things cost in the real world. They just want more money to spend because that’s what their friends are doing, without realizing the effort required to earn it.

Setting appropriate expectations

Before saying a big fat “no” or caving into their demands for an increase, consider these factors:

How much is really enough?

Evaluate if the current amount is indeed too little to cover basic expenses. Think about your child’s age and what the money is meant for—food, entertainment, or saving up for bigger buys. As they get older, more pocket money is reasonable since their needs and wants will increase. But don’t feel obliged to match what their friends get, especially if you’re barely making ends meet.

Image Credits: tnp.straitstimes.com

Teach them financial responsibility

Pocket money is a chance for your child to learn money skills like budgeting and saving. If they blow through it all within the first few days of a school week, that’s a sign the amount may be too much for them to handle responsibly at this point. Help them create a budget and encourage saving for bigger purchases. These are lessons that will benefit them for life.

Set clear rules and expectations

Lay down some ground rules on what the money can be used for. Be very clear in communicating your expectations to avoid future complaints about it being too little. Let your child know that the amount will be reviewed periodically based on their needs (not wants) and responsible behavior. Establish that whinging will not get them an increase. With the right guidance, your child will appreciate the pocket money for what it is.

Encouraging earning extra money

Why not allow your kids to do some housework to earn extra money, like sweeping the floor, washing the car, or helping with groceries? Pay them a reasonable rate for their time and effort. This teaches them that money needs to be earned through work, not given freely.

If they’ve got the talent, they can also sell some homemade stuff to friends and neighbors, like baked goods or crafts. Supervise them to make sure the quality is okay and the price is fair. This shows them how a business works while building confidence. Let them keep part of the earnings and deposit the rest into their bank.

For the older ones, suggest to them part-time jobs. Things like retail work, tutoring, freelancing, etc. are good for teens. Make sure the job is suitable for their age and doesn’t affect their studies. Let them handle their pay to learn money management.

The more kids work for and earn their own money, the more they will appreciate its value. Be patient as it may take time for them to understand, just as it did for you while you were growing up.

When your kid keeps whining for more money, don’t just wave it off or give in to their demands. Show them some tough love instead. Explain your reasons why their allowance amount is what it is. Teach them financial responsibility and how to budget what they receive. Get them to earn some of it through chores or a part-time job. Also, set a good example through your own behavior. Kids often mimic what their parents do, so make sure you practice what you preach! Tough it out and your kids will thank you for these life lessons someday.

How to Efficiently Deal with Office Disputes

During my time as an HR staff at a conglomerate, I came across some office disputes that were truly varied and even a bit crazy. Picture this: two ladies screaming at each other while I tried my best to mediate and listen to both sides. On top of that, there were complaints of stealing and accusations of betrayal against the boss. It became clear to me that I couldn’t simply trust anyone. Office disputes are rampant, and it falls upon the HR department and management to mediate and enforce company policies.

Now, many of us have been taught to avoid conflict at all costs, but sometimes, facing conflict can be surprisingly productive. So, we’re here to teach you how to handle conflicts in the office productively and efficiently.

1. Deal with conflict promptly, don’t put it off. Confronting conflict head-on can be tough, but delaying addressing it can harm employee productivity and engagement. Encourage a culture of accountability that encourages you and your employees to take responsibility for difficult conversations.

2. Determine the type of conflict at hand. Start by identifying the cause of the conflict and figure out if it’s related to tasks, relationships, or values. Knowing the specific type of conflict enables you to use appropriate tactics to resolve it. Skipping this step might lead to wasting time on irrelevant issues. By pinpointing the root cause, you gain a deeper understanding of how the conflict arose in the first place and can get both parties to agree on what the disagreement is really about.

3. Encourage respectful and mature communication from both parties. Before the discussion begins, ensure everyone commits to being respectful. Set ground rules that forbid aggressive language, yelling, and other immature behaviors. By doing so, you can calmly and effectively handle any workplace conflict.

4. Brainstorm possible solutions as a team, not individually. When managing conflict processes, having a common objective, which is resolving the issue and preventing it from resurfacing, is crucial. It can be tempting to tackle workplace conflicts alone, but involving your team is essential for achieving lasting resolutions. Encourage your employees to get involved, and they’ll feel a sense of ownership that can prevent future conflicts.

5. Create an action plan and follow through. Once you’ve brought workplace conflicts into the open, it’s time to truly resolve them. Like any other work goal, this requires a concrete plan and commitment to seeing it through. The specifics of the plan don’t matter as much as the dedication to resolving the conflict effectively.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

In conclusion, conflict is a natural part of our day-to-day lives. Whether it’s disagreements with family, friends, or coworkers, managing and resolving conflict at work is crucial for meeting organizational goals. Embrace conflicts as opportunities for growth and learning, and remember that handling them with a human-centric approach can lead to stronger and more harmonious workplaces.

Sources: 1 & 2

How much to save for emergency funds and ways to save it

Are you the sort that never plans for rainy days?

Life is full of surprises, and they’re not all the good kind. If a sudden big expense pops up, you might go into panic mode. Best to start building your emergency fund now and make it a minimum of 3 to 6 months of your usual spend.

With an emergency fund, you can sleep more peacefully at night knowing you’ve got a financial cushion if life throws curveballs your way. Take control of your money situation now for less stress and more stability overall.

Strategies for building your emergency fund

Cut out non-essential spending

Go through your monthly expenses and trim whatever you can, like eating out daily, entertainment, or subscriptions. Then redirect that money into your emergency fund. Even reducing discretionary spending by $50 a month can make a big difference over the course of a year.

Save a fixed amount regularly

Set up an automatic transfer of a fixed amount, say $100 per month, from your paycheck or bank account to your emergency fund. The amount depends on your income and expenses, so start with whatever you can afford. The key is to save regularly, even if just a little bit. Over time, you will build up a good amount.

Deposit any windfalls

When you receive unexpected money like a work bonus, cash gift, or even a government payout, put all or a portion of it into your emergency fund. Windfalls are a great way to give your fund balance a quick boost.

Where to keep your emergency fund

High-yield savings account

High-yield savings accounts are very liquid, meaning you can withdraw your money anytime without penalty. The interest rates are usually higher than normal savings accounts. Some recommended options are CIMB FastSaver (easy to start) and DBS Multiplier (easy to maintain).

Fixed deposits

Fixed deposits lock in your money for a fixed period, usually a few months to a year. In return, you will get higher interest rates than savings accounts, up to 3 to 4% per year. If you need to withdraw early, most banks will charge a penalty fee. So only put in money you won’t need for a while.

Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs)

SSBs are issued by the Singapore government and you can earn up to 3%+ interest per year and your money is pretty safe. The catch is your money will be locked in for 10 years. Withdrawal is possible but you will need to pay a small fee.

Cash management accounts

Cash management accounts are a good option if you want to earn higher interest (fluctuates) but still maintain liquidity. However, they aren’t guaranteed by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC) so do your thorough research before jumping in.

Saving for your emergency fund is important and you better start saving now before the next financial crisis comes knocking on your door. Even saving $50/month can go a long way. Remember, you want enough to cover at least 3 to 6 months of essential expenses in case anything happens. Once you hit your target, don’t stop—keep adding money whenever you can. The more you save, the more prepared you will be for unexpected events. Saving money may not be the most fun thing to do every month, but having that emergency fund will guarantee plus chop give you that peace of mind if life takes a wrong turn.