MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

8 Lovely Things to Do for Your Mother after Mother’s Day

With the unwavering support of mothers everywhere, we celebrate Mother’s Day to honor their sacrifices for the family. This year, International Mother’s Day fell on May 14, 2023. This day and the following days provide a wonderful opportunity for you to express how much your mother means to you. If you haven’t planned anything yet, don’t worry, there’s still time. Instead of resorting to cheesy cards and a boring box of chocolates, show your gratitude and pamper her this week with unforgettable experiences.

Start with these activities:

#1: ASSIST WITH HOUSEHOLD CHORES

Helping with household chores shouldn’t be limited to a one-day event. Whenever you can, lend a hand to ease your mother’s or partner’s daily tasks. While it’s understandable to be preoccupied with busy work schedules, it’s important to carve out time from your priorities to assist around the house. Simple chores like folding, vacuuming, sweeping, or mopping can be completed in a short amount of time. Gather some household cleaning products and get started!

#2: MOVIE MARATHON WITH MUM

Lying on the couch while watching your favorite shows can be a perfect, no-cost form of relaxation. Put on your mother’s or partner’s favorite K-Drama, Netflix show, or Chinese movie, and indulge in a marathon with them all night long! Don’t forget to bring some chips and cook some popcorn. Creating a cozy ambiance for this joyous occasion can be enhanced with the best scented candles. My mother’s personal choice is Yankee Candle.

#3: INDULGE IN BRUNCH

If you genuinely want to go all out for your special woman, consider treating her to a glorious brunch this weekend or during your lunch break. Remember to make an advance reservation to secure your spot. Lola’s Café offers a delightful selection of croissants, scrambled eggs, smoked chicken ham, mushroom grilled cheese sandwiches, and much more. If you prefer American cuisine-inspired all-day breakfast options starting at just $6, you should definitely check out Joji’s Diner.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: EMBRACE YOUR WILD SIDE

Looking for a unique experience with your mother or wife? Consider visiting the Night Safari. Embark on an adventure through the animal kingdom aboard a private chartered tram, followed by a delectable dinner. This enchanting experience is called “Evening in the Wild” and takes place at Singapore’s largest Tipi Tent. Book here.

#5: GET ACTIVE

When the weather allows, my family and I enjoy going on evening walks. I suggest asking your superwoman for a nature walk. Botanic Gardens, Fort Siloso at Sentosa, or a stroll by the Singapore River are all excellent choices, but our favorite is the MacRitchie Nature Trail. It offers a combination of fresh air, stunning views, and a touch of history during your trek. If the hills seem too challenging, you can opt for a more leisurely pram-friendly walk around Singapore or explore new cycling routes to entertain the whole family!

#6: RADIATE FLOWER POWER

Surprise your mother with a delightful bouquet of fresh flowers or arrange a rustic cluster of boho-chic peonies to brighten her day. Singapore’s flower experts can assist you in adding a personal touch. If your mother enjoys gardening, consider gifting her a fuss-free indoor gardening kit, such as the ones available on Lazada.

#7: ENJOY A PAMPER SESSION

Surprise your mother or wife with a heartfelt gesture by sending her a selection of top facials and letting her choose which one to book. And don’t forget the rejuvenating power of reflexology! In no time, she’ll feel completely recharged. If you want to pamper her, go the extra mile by offering a luxurious package that includes massages, facials, and a glass of champagne or a soothing cup of tea. Treat her to a day filled with relaxation and pure bliss.

#8: BURN SOME CALORIES AT A FITNESS CLASS

If you and your mother or wife are adrenaline junkies, why not spend some quality time at the gym? Grab your yoga mat and enjoy a relaxing yoga class at HOM Yoga or Yoga Movement. Alternatively, get your heart pumping with indoor spin classes at The Ripple Club or Sync Cycle.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You never know, this exhilarating experience might turn into a weekly date activity with your loved one!

Sources: 1,2, & 3

How to deal with your teenager when they’re spending too much money

Is your teenage child asking for extra pocket money recently?

And you’re worried that they might be spending more than they can afford without being financially responsible?

Well, it’s time to set some financial rules and learn how to say no without alienating them.

Monitor spending and look for red flags

Excessive spending in recent months can be a sign of trouble, signaling that your child might have gotten themselves with the wrong crowd or are hiding something.

Maybe they are going for more expensive stuff, spending impulsively, or wanting to fit in with a certain group on social media.

If so, this is a good time to discuss the value of money and ask them what they think responsible spending habits are.

Then, take the chance to explain why money shouldn’t be spent carelessly without giving much thought.

Have an honest conversation about their spending habits

Before pinpointing their spending habits, it’s always good to be vulnerable first.

And by that, I mean opening up about the financial mistakes you’ve made and how that made you pick up healthier spending habits.

Yes, it’s hard to admit our mistakes, but those lessons learned don’t have to be yours only to remember. It can be a learning resource for your kids!

You may also want to walk the talk by modeling good financial behavior, whether that be budgeting or maintaining a savings account.

Also, reinforce the difference between needs and wants in life, so it’s clear what should be in the essential “cart”.

Stop giving additional pocket money until you see change

Image Credits: blog.remitly.com

Yes, you love your child, and giving extra money can be your way of expressing yourself as a busy working parent.

But you don’t want to feed their recklessness in spending decisions.

So a wise way to handle this situation is to stop providing bonus pocket money until you see some improvements in how they are handling their existing allowance within their daily or weekly budget.

And if they have never budgeted before, this is a wonderful opportunity to introduce simple budgeting tips with broad categories such as saving and spending.

Encourage them to get a part-time job during the holidays

If your teen is of legal age to work, why not encourage them to find a part-time job during the school holidays?

Getting out there into the working world is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to teach your child about financial responsibility and independence.

When teens get a taste of what “work” is like, they will likely understand how tough it is to earn money. Unlike spending money given to them, they will probably think twice and thrice before spending that dollar they’ve earned.

When it comes to your teen’s money-spending habits, lay down some boundaries. Telling them “no” in a loving way isn’t easy, and it’s important to explain your reasoning behind not giving in to their requests—so they understand that it’s not just a flat-out refusal. Share that you’re not a fan of irresponsible spending and let them know that they are responsible for setting a budget and sticking to it. With open communication, you will be able to nip money issues in the bud and ensure that your teen has the financial savvy to make it in the real world when they graduate.

Why creating memories is more valuable than owning stuff

Money can’t buy happiness?

No, that’s not today’s debate.

Today’s chatter is about how buying stuff is not always the best way to bring joy.

So what else can we do to feel “happy”? I would boldly say, invest in experiences.

When you have stuff, the “happiness” that comes with owning it probably doesn’t last longer than a few days. Okay, maybe a little longer for some.

But when you gain an experience, it somehow becomes a memory that lasts.

Investing in experiences also brings people closer together! See how families and friends who went on a trip or join activities together still reminisce fondly on those moments they shared?

These memories will stay with them for years. There’s no denying it.

Memories fade slower than the thrill of new material possessions

Everyone has their style of spending, right?

Some like to shop and buy lots of stuff, machiam like all are must-haves.

But we all know that these material things one day will go obsolete as new trends replace old ones. So most will probably end up at the storeroom or the karang guni’s.

But for those who prefer to take on vacations and invest in experiences, I would say these people are making a wise investment.

You will cherish experiences more in the long run

I’m sure we’ve all had our moments where we look at past photos taken while on vacation or on activities and still recall how we felt back then.

Maybe it was a video “interview” taken before bungee jumping, a jump shot taken at a beautiful beach, or a strawberry picking session at a farm.

Image Credits: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com

Whatever it is, looking at those years down the road does bring back fond memories.

That instant satisfaction you get from buying something comes and goes. But experiences? It lasts.

And that’s why I would so much rather spend the money to “do stuff” than spend them on material things.

Experiences define who you are

Let’s not forget that experiences define who you are as a person.

Whether they are good, bad, or neutral, they ultimately shape your thoughts and who you are today.

For instance, I’ve plunged into the ocean while paragliding solo overseas, and that left me with a trauma with water and high-element sports.

Yeah, it’s not a pleasant memory for sure but that incident made me into who I am today. And when people ask me why I’m so afraid of participating in water sports, I live to tell the story.

Ultimately, the takeaway is clear: when it comes to the debate over owning stuff versus creating memories, go with the latter. Investing in experiences is not only far more meaningful but also more likely to bring lasting emotions. Not to mention, memories strengthen relationships and create invaluable connections. So, instead of buying something new you don’t necessarily need, why not plan a special trip/outing with a parent or child, a friend or partner, or even by yourself? That way, you will have a memory you can look back on for years to come. And to me, that’s definitely money well spent.

Latest WFH internships posted from 9 to 12 May 2023

It’s that time of the week again.

If you’re in search of a remote opportunity because you think you would be able to better manage your time, here are the latest WFH internships posted from 9 to 12 May 2023.

#1: Easypnp (SG) Pte. Ltd. – Apps Developer Internship – WhatsApp Business Integration

Website: pnp.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications

Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
Strong understanding of app development concepts, frameworks, and languages (e.g., Java, Kotlin, Swift, React Native).
Familiarity with WhatsApp Business API and integration processes is a plus.
Proficiency in backend development and RESTful APIs.
Experience with Google Cloud Platform services, particularly DialogFlow, for building chatbot applications.
Knowledge of natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning frameworks is desirable.
Solid problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively to develop innovative solutions.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with team members.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Apps Development team to integrate WhatsApp Business apps with GPT for autoresponder functionality.
Utilize Google Cloud and DialogFlow to develop intelligent chatbot capabilities for the WhatsApp Business integration.
Work closely with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, understand business needs, and implement effective solutions.
Develop and maintain a system to provide specific information to customers when they make inquiries via WhatsApp Business.
Design and implement a user-friendly interface for customers to place orders through the app.
Conduct thorough testing and debugging of the application to ensure optimal performance and user experience.
Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices related to app development, messaging platforms, and artificial intelligence.

How to apply?

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

#2: Bob The Baker Boy Pte Ltd – Digital Marketing Intern

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Customised Cakes Singapore (@bobthebakerboy)

Website: bobthebakerboy.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

A responsible self-starter with an aptitude for handling multiple tasks.
A strong sense of design aesthetics and detail-oriented.
A good command of written and verbal English.
Possess/Pursuing: Diploma in Design or Communications OR a strong interest in digital creative – content creation and graphic design (with a portfolio).
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom, InDesign, Premier Pro) and Canva.
Singaporean or PR only, or Student Pass from approved institutions.

Key Responsibilities

Spearhead content creation and management of e-commerce and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Blog, and Emails)
Assist in developing and executing marketing strategy and branding through the use of photography, videography, illustration, and any other graphic design mediums.
Fulfill any other projects and tasks assigned by the Team.

How to apply?

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

#3: Happy Little Munchers – Marketing Intern

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Happy Little Munchers (@happylittlemunchers)

Website: happylittlemunchers.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $750 – 900 monthly

Job Qualifications

Self-motivated, mature individual with initiative who enjoys working within an entrepreneurial environment
A good command of written and verbal English
A strong interest in digital creative – content creation and graphic design (with a portfolio).
Singaporean or PR only, or Student Pass from approved institutions.

Key Responsibilities

Managing social media platforms (Instagram, FB)
Creating content for marketing materials, ads, and email marketing
Website design
Assist in the running and facilitation of events (if any)
Assist in Information management and daily admin tasks
Assist in branding through the use of photography, videography, illustration, and any other graphic design mediums.

How to apply?

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

#4: Brendan Aw Ventures – Marketing Content Writer Intern

Website: brendanaw.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $200 – 400 (project /contract based)

Job Qualifications

Extreme attention to detail
Proven writing experience with marketing topics
Deep expertise in Affiliate marketing, Content marketing, Email Marketing, or SEO niches.
Portfolio of published marketing articles
Knowledge of SEO best practices

Key Responsibilities

Writing round-up posts/listicles, How-tos, and in-depth review articles
Performing thorough research on assigned topics
Following blog editorial guidelines at all times
Proofreading your work to make sure it’s error-free
Passing AI detection

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and apply via this link: airtable.com/shraNrFiTKHRdsS7y

#5: Schoolber Pte Ltd – UIUX Designer

Website: schoolber.com.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $2,000 – 3,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Diploma / Degree holder with or without experience in designing web/mobile applications or graphic design
Sound understanding of the product design principles
Experienced in using product design software (e.g. Adobe XD/ Figma, Illustrator, and Photoshop)
Team spirit; strong communication skills to collaborate with various stakeholders
Multi-tasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct user experience design requirements to discover insights on user pain points and consumer behavior
Collaborate with the IT team to design and build digital products that align with business goals
Producing high-quality UX design solutions through wireframes, visual and graphic designs, flow diagrams, storyboards, site maps, and prototypes.
Developing and conceptualizing a comprehensive UI/UX design strategy for the brand
Identify and resolve UX issues based on analytics and user feedback
Ensure timely delivery of projects deliverables
Designing UI elements and tools such as navigation menus, search boxes, tabs, and widgets for our digital assets.
Testing UI elements such as page layouts, page designs, page flows, etc, and target links for landing pages.
Providing advice and guidance on the implementation of UX research methodologies and testing activities to analyze and predict user behavior

How to apply?

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

Note: We’ve selected these internships based on the “remote” tag, but some positions may still require some face-to-face time. Please contact the employer directly for more deets.

Travel Thursday: 4D3N Itinerary to Ho Chi Minh City at $440+/pax (flights + hotel + bus + tours)

Did you miss the last 3D2N itinerary to Surabaya, Indonesia for Vesak Day?

Prices might have changed but the itinerary still stands.

View it here:

Travel Thursday: 3D2N Itinerary to Surabaya, Indonesia at $204.30/pax (flights + hotel + breakfast)

For this Travel Thursday series, we will still be eyeing the Vesak Day public holiday but this time around, you will probably need to take a day of leave on 5 June.

And we’re heading to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)!

Since Vesak Day falls on 2 June, a Friday, this itinerary’s prices will be based on research done for 2 June to 5 June 2023 (2-to-go):

Vietjet flights, round trip per pax: $198.90

Saigon Prince Hotel (deluxe double/twin): approx. $266 including taxes via Agoda ($133/pax)

This 4-star hotel located in District 1 of HCMC is one of the more atas options.

I’ve chosen this because, at the time of writing, all the other more affordable options in the range of $20 to $50/night are almost sold out.

You should be able to save much more if you book early so this hotel option is just a price reference point, yeah?

Also, this itinerary will be much more “relaxing” than the free & easy ones I’ve written earlier because we will be using a sightseeing bus to plan our trip and taking on a full-day tour for fuss-free sake.

Get ready to fork out $443.55/pax.

Prices reflected are accurate at the time of writing.

2 June 2023, Friday

Flight: Vietjet

3 pm Reach Singapore Changi Airport T4 for check-in

5.55 pm Flight to HCMC

7 pm (local time) Touch down at Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Hotel: Saigon Prince Hotel

8 pm Take your ride to the hotel for check-in (estimated time is about 30 to 50 minutes depending on the evening traffic)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Saigon Prince Hotel (@saigonprincehotel)

Address: 63 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 70000

9 pm Check-in and let’s grab some food at The Gangs Central (just beside the hotel). Or you can take a 5-minute walk to Saigon Centre (shopping mall) for food and shopping.

Image Credits: vietnamdiscovery.com

Oh yes, I would recommend you get some bread/pastries or fruits for breakfast tomorrow.

12 am Wash up and rest. We’ve got a long day tomorrow.

3 June 2023, Saturday

7.30 am Rise and shine. Fill your tummy a little!

8.30 am Take a 6-minute walk to Saigon Opera House/Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. Find the redemption kiosk to exchange your Klook tickets.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kana (@kana_._h)

We will be mainly taking the sightseeing double-decker bus today and it leaves at 9 am. So don’t be late!

The $27.25/pax option includes ticketed entries to the Independence Palace and War Remnants Museum so those two stops are a MUST to visit.

Other hop on & off sites include:

Notre Dame Cathedral
Saigon Central Post Office
Ben Thanh Market
Nguyen Hue Street walking street
Bitexco Financial Tower
Huyen Si Church
Bach Dang Pier

Note: The sightseeing bus will take you back to the opera house where you left in the morning.

4 pm Take a short walk back to your hotel to rest and freshen up a little.

6 pm Time for dinner!

We won’t go too far since you should be all worn out from all the walking today. Take an 8-minute walk (just 850 m away) to Ben Bach Dang Park, right on the banks of the Saigon River. There are eateries and restaurants around so it’s up to you to choose.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ROS – Yacht Club (@rossaigon.vn)

Have a hearty dinner and some drinks if you’d like and head back early to rest. Our day’s gonna start early tomorrow.

4 June 2023, Sunday

5.30 am Rise and shine!

We’ve got a full-day adventure to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta today.

6.30 am Be at your hotel lobby for your guide to pick you up.

And all you need to do is to follow through with the day tour’s itinerary. Easy peasy.

Here are some highlights:

Get a chance to explore the hidden network of tunnels in the Cu Chi District

Receive insights into the complex and innovative lives of the tunnel residents during the Vietnam War
Cruise along My Tho River (Mekong Delta) to see the Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands

Visit a local coconut sweet(s) workshop, and enjoy seasonal delicious fruits and drinks offered

Lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour fee.

7 pm Once the tour ends, you will be dropped off at your hotel by 7.30 pm, just in time for dinner.

Since it’s your last night here in HCMC, why not head to a restaurant with a view? I suggest taking a 10-minute walk to Búp Sky Lounge & Restaurant.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BÚP Sky Lounge & Restaurant (@bupskyrestaurant)

Enjoy your food and drinks, before heading back to pack your bags for your morning flight tomorrow.

5 June 2023, Monday

6 am Hop on your taxi to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (it will take roughly 35 minutes)

6.45 am Reach the airport for check-in

9 am Take your flight back to Singapore

Image Credits: valleycentral.com

12.05 pm Touch down at Singapore Changi Airport T4

Head home, unpack, and let’s get ready to head back to work tomorrow 😉