Stating that “2020 has been a tough year” is an understatement. Words cannot describe how much we have been affected by the past year. I, for one, was tasked to let go of employees due to financial constraints. It was not easy! It was one of the hardest decisions that I had to tackle because I have seen these people grow. Moreover, I felt responsible for their well-beings too. However, downsizing was essential for the company to survive.
Our stories may vary, but one thing remains the same. We have all endured the physical, mental, and financial toll that came with the pandemic. As we adapt to the “new normal”, we come to realize how challenging it is to keep a budget. You not only have to fight the urge of spending money, but you also must follow the budget despite unforeseen hurdles.
On that note, here are some of the common challenges that you may experience as you establish your budget.
#1: HIGH COST OF LIVING IN SINGAPORE
The cost of living in Singapore is one of the external factors that you have consider when making your budget. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living (WCOL) survey conducted in 2020, Singapore ranked fourth in the global list of the most expensive cities. The WCOL is a bi-annual survey that compares more than 400 individual prices across 138 products and services in over 130 cities worldwide. Zurich, Paris, and Hong Kong preceded Singapore.
Whether you are a young working adult or a foreign migrant worker, you must set a realistic amount for your spending each month. Take each financial category into consideration. For instance, you should have at least S$700 to S$1,500 a month if you are renting a space. If you are eligible to purchase an HDB property, you should set aside at least S$1,500 to S$3,000 a month. Your daily expenses and your overall lifestyle may change to fit your budget.
#2: LABOR-INTENSIVE TRACKING SYSTEM
Many people are afraid of establishing a budget due to the labor-intensive tracking system. Tracking your spending and income may seem like a chore at first, but you will be more comfortable as time passes. Start by tracking your receipts and other spending through a notebook or a spreadsheet. The rise of apps paved way for computer programs that are dedicated to tracking your spending. Find an app that works for you!
Being diligent with noting down your expenses takes practice. If you forget to write down important receipts, inaccuracies in your budget may occur. You may notice that your savings account depleted without knowing where your money went.
#3: DIFFERENCES IN CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT
The means of getting your income can affect your budget. What is the frequency of your paycheck? The first company I worked for paid us every end of the month. In contrast, the last company I worked for paid its employees every two weeks. Getting your paycheck once a month can entail different issues.
For some people, they experience stress as they wait for the next paycheck to come. It is hard for them to make ends meet because they see their money disappear in the first two weeks alone. These scenarios highlight an issue of cash flow management.
Waiting for your next paycheck can cause stress and anxiety. If you are paid once a month, consider dividing your income per week. Allocate enough money for the remaining weeks by keeping them in your savings account. Doing this will enable you to create a system that resembles being paid on a weekly basis.
#4: EXPENSES EXCEED INCOME
Many families have been painfully affected with job loss, reduced income, and prolonged unemployment in the past year. Recovery takes time. However, our bills remain the same. The effects of pandemic and the limitations in our income will greatly affect how we budget our money in the year 2021.
Image Credits: pixabay.com
As I leave my full-time job this month, I will need to take serious lifestyle changes at heart. The first step is to eliminate all unnecessary spending. It is important to focus on the necessary expenses such as rent, food, healthcare, and transportation. The next step is to carefully track my expenses with budgeting tools. Lastly, it is important to become flexible when it comes to budgeting and to adjust my spending depending on my needs and income streams.
Cutting down one’s expenses is a sensible solution for the time being. Finding a permanent solution to this…is the challenge.
It’s the height of the Sakura season in Japan now – the blooms might be far away, but you may still get a taste of Japan right here in Singapore.
Get tipsy on the Spring flavours of Ohanami Umeshu (IPPUDO Singapore), The Spring Equinox (Taki Izakaya Bar) cocktail, Ichigo Sawa (VUE) or a Pink Grapefruit Highball (&JOY Dining Hall)! Not a fan of alcohol? Do try the Sakura Latte (tcc – The Connoisseur Concerto).
Also fill your tummies with a series of carefully curated Sakura dishes such as the Satsuma Wagyu Steak Foie Gras (Sushi Tei), Chirashi Zushi (Tomo Izakaya) or opt for a seasonal Spring Omakase menu (Takayama). Or simply munch on the Sakura Ebi Tempura (Sushi-GO) and Sakura Hako Sushi (Kuriya Japanese Market) for a lighter bite!
Be it whether you have a sweet tooth, looking for a fun spring-inspired alcohol or simply craving for the best flavours of Spring, there’s definitely something in store for you. These Spring-exclusive offerings will be available for a limited time only – don’t miss out!
1. Kuriya Japanese Market
Waltz into the Spring Season with Kuriya Japanese Market and Sushi-GO’s Limited Edition Sakura-Inspired Sushi, Snacks and Desserts starting from $2!
Launching the new exclusive sushi creations this spring season, dig into the Sakura Ebi Inari, a sushi rice flavoured with seasoned sakura shrimp, along with chunks of cucumber, housed within sweet beancurd skin. Another to enjoy is the Sakura Hako Sushi, a trio of Japanese sea bream, salmon and tuna in one block of sushi topped with seasoned sakura shrimp. Get a roll of Sakura Duo Maki which features flavours of seasoned sakura shrimp, Japanese sea bream, avocado, egg, cucumber, Japanese rice seasoning.
Also not to be missed is the Kuriya Japanese Market Great World outlet exclusive Sakura Tai Chirashi Don, featuring Japanese sea bream, and a rose-shaped salmon sashimi cradling pearls of glistening salmon roe sitting on a bowl of sakura shrimp-flavoured sushi rice.
These spring-exclusives are available from 1 April – 31 May 2021.
Kuriya Japanese Market Spring Promotion
Sakura Sweets Promo: Any 2 Sakura Monaka / Sakura Daifuku Mochi for S$10 (UP: S$11.60)
Marshmallow Promo: Any 2 Jelly Filled Marshmallow (Strawberry / Blueberry) for S$5 (UP: S$5.60)
Address: Chinatown Point (#B1-23), Great World #B1-133 (within &JOY Dining Hall), Jurong Point (#B1-77), Nex (#B1-03) (within Shokutsu Ten Japanese Food Street), Causeway Point (#B1-17), JEM (#B1-01), Waterway Point (#B1-20), Tampines 1 (#B1-07), Tiong Bahru Plaza (#B1-137), Northpoint City (#B1-152), AMK Hub (#B2-52) WebsiteInstagramFacebook
2. Sushi-GO
To celebrate the sakura season, Sushi-GO will be launching four new Ohanami Specials from 1 April to 30 April 2021. Get these seasonal offerings delivered to your table on Sushi-GO’s conveyor belt in the shape of the Shinkansen train. The exquisite Sakura Roll (S$2.50) is made with sakura ebi, sakura fish powder, egg, cucumber, shrimp roe and crab stick whist the Sakura Ebi Tempura (S$6.20) sees the all-time favourite food flecked with sakura ebi. Boasting a pleasant citrusy note, the Tai Yuzu Sushi (S$3.20) is also simply addictive! Cap off the indulgence with the Sakura Jelly (S$3.80), which pleases with its floral note.
From 1 April to 30 Jun, delight your tastebuds with the flavours of springs at &JOY Bar as they offer 2 new Highball Flavours – Lychee & Pink Grapefruit. Enjoy the All day Highball promotion at &JOY Dining Hall (Great World)!
Address: Great World (#B1-133, within &JOY Dining Hall) Tel: +65 6235 1529 WebsiteInstagramFacebook
4. Takayama
Experience the ultimate indulgence in Japanese cuisine with Takayama’s brand new spring Omakase menu – Chef Taro Takayama has specially curated the spring Omakase menu to introduce the best flavours of Spring with the freshest seasonal ingredients! Be transported to Japan in its full spring glory as you savour the skilfully crafted spring Omakase menu handcrafted with ingredients at the peak of their season.
Relish the flavours of Spring with dishes featuring peak seasonal ingredients such as Sakura Ebi, which is named after cherry blossoms, and packed with deliciously sweet flavours, and the freshest Hotaruika (Firefly squid) from Toyama Prefecture, well known for its rich flavour and high nutritional value. Another notable ingredient is the bamboo shoot, a crunchy and juicy delicacy and a staple of springtime in Japan. The seasonal Spring Omakase menu is available during March and priced at $150++ for lunch and $280++ for dinner.
Address: Downtown Gallery (#01-09/10) Operating hours:
Mondays: 6.30pm to 10pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays 12pm to 2.30pm, 6.30pm to 10pm, Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays Tel: 6224 0864 WebsiteInstagramFacebook
Celebrate the arrival of Spring with a medley of delectable Roku Gin cocktails at VUE, amidst stunning views of Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline. Toast to Spring and take your pick from a choice of 6 refreshing and flavourful gin cocktails available for the month of April, all created with the beautifully aromatic and harmonious Roku Gin.
Six Japanese botanicals have been carefully selected and harvested at the peak of its season to create Roku Gin, extracting the best flavour and distilled to fully embody the blessings of nature. Look forward to delicious cocktails such as the Roku Gin & Tonic, Japanese Harmony, Ichigo Sawa and more!
Address: OUE Bayfront (Rooftop Level 19) Operating hours: Lunch: Monday – Friday, 12pm to 2.30pm (last order), Weekend “Surf & Turf” Lunch: Saturday & Sunday, 12pm to 3pm, Dinner: Daily, 5.30pm to 10pm (last order). The Charcuterie & Spritz Bar is open daily, from 3pm to 10.30pm. Tel: 8879 0923 WebsiteInstagramFacebook
6. tcc- The Connoisseur Concerto
Be transported to Japan with the pretty-in-pink Sakura Latte (S$7.80)! Espresso and fresh milk are infused with delicate notes of sakura, leaving a slight perfumed floral fragrance with every sip.
Exclusively for ladies, indulge in a Hot/Iced Sakura Latte at $3.80 when you dine-in or takeaway, valid with any main course order until 31 March 2021 at all tcc art boutique cafes except Great World and German Centre.
Address: Bugis Junction (#01-92-96, #01-97), Blk 3E River Valley Road (#01-01), 51 Circular Road, Great World (#01-119), International Building (#01-01), ION (#B2-49), Isetan Scotts, Suntec City (#01-604/605), The Pier @ Robertson (#01-01/02)
Sushi Tei Unveils Blossoms of Joy Spring Menu, with Camellia Buri and Satsuma Wagyu Beef as Highlights!
Springtime in Japan always promises such picturesque sights, with the roads and streets being blanketed by cherry blossoms. Inspired by this lovely season, Sushi Tei is launching a spring menu, bringing a taste of Japan right to you! Made with fresh produce, the artfully plated seasonal dishes invite the whole family to dig in and indulge.
Available for 3 months from 17th March 2021.
Address: China Square (#01-28/30), Holland Village (#03-04), JEM (#03-18), NEX (#03-15/16), Northpoint (#02-15), Paragon (#05-04/05), Raffles City (#03-13/14), Serangoon Gardens (64/64A Serangoon Garden Way), Tampines 1 (#04-13), Thomson Plaza (#03-46), Tiong Bahru Plaza (#03-110), Vivocity (#02-152), West Coast Plaza (#01-87), Changi Jewel Airport (#03-209) WebsiteFacebookInstagram
8. IPPUDO Singapore
For Sakura lovers who are bummed that they can’t visit Japan for hanami this year, IPPUDO Singapore is bringing the beautiful cherry blossoms to you – literally – as IPPUDO Mandarin Gallery transforms into an Instagrammable mini Japan, decorated tastefully with sakura flowers.
To celebrate, cherry blossoms here also come in the form of dessert, tea and even in a tipple! These items are available for a limited time only from April 1 exclusively at IPPUDO Mandarin Gallery.
Enjoy the Ohanami Sakura Cocktail ($7 per glass), a pretty-in-pink sweet plum wine with a cherry blossom colour and aroma that looks as good as it tastes. Crowned with a floating Sakura blossom and dusted with festive pink sprinkles when served, make sure you get your cameras ready for a magical Disney-like moment.
Delight in the Ohanami Sakura Umegaemochi next. The popular specialty rice cake with sweet Azuki bean filling is a traditional Japanese dessert which originated from IPPUDO’s hometown, Fukuoka Prefecture. It is a must-try whenever one visits the famous spiritual shrine Fukuoka Dazaifu Tenmangu in Japan. IPPUDO’s rendition gets a dreamy uplift with real Sakura flowers. At $6 per set, it comes paired with a pot of hot Sakura Green Tea infused with a whole Sakura flower – perfectly preserved in full bloom.
Even though we cannot travel to Japan this year, let nothing stop you from relishing the pink fever and indulge in all things Sakura at IPPUDO Mandarin Gallery.
This spring, embrace a new season with Roku Gin from the House of Suntory, and taste nature via this distinctively Japanese Craft Gin. The Roku Gin takes one full year to be harvested, infused, and distilled with 6 unique Japanese botanicals for that perfectly balanced, multi-layered gin. This is based on the Japanese culinary concept of “shun” – food and drinks are enjoyed in its proper seasons where ingredients are at the peak of their flavours.
Kick start this spring season with an exquisite glass of Roku Gin cocktail while savouring a scrumptious pairing menu intricately crafted by Taki Izakaya Bar with special seasonal ingredients flown in straight from Japan. Enjoy the 3 unique cocktail and food pairings:
Have a taste of spring at Taki Izakaya Bar with the exclusive Roku Gin pairing menu, available from 5 April to 15 May 2021 only.
Address: 16 Collyer Quay, #01-05A B, Singapore 049318 Operating hours: Monday – Friday: 12pm to 2pm , 5 to 10.30pm, Saturday: 5 to 10.30pm, Sunday: Closed Tel: 6223 0797 InstagramFacebook
10. Tomo Izakaya
Newly launched for Spring, Tomo Izakaya’s Chirashi Zushi ($48++, 3 – 4pax) features sushi rice topped with a plethora of ingredients including salmon sashimi, mekajiki (swordfish), grilled unagi, tamago, ebi and ikura. Exclusively available for a limited time at Clarke Quay outlet from 7 April – 31 May 2021.
Address: 3A River Valley Rd, Clarke Quay, #01-14 Operating Hours: Tue – Sun, 5 – 11pm Tel: 6336 0100 FacebookInstagram
Are you looking for a laptop that is low-priced and high in quality? You’ve landed at the right article.
In recent years, the quick pace of technology development has led to a rise in laptops that perform advanced functions at prices well within budget. Along with the perks of being lightweight and long in battery life, these laptops are perfect for maximising your productivity.
Let’s look at some of the most affordable laptops from S$389 you can buy online.
ASUS Chromebook C204 could possibly be the most durable laptop you’ve used thus far. It weighs about 1.2kg and built to withstand the harshest environments with its military-grade standards.
That means if you’ve got this laptop in the hands of students, you can relax worry-free. It’s equipped with many robust features, like its rubber bumper, tactile spill-resistant keyboard, and I/O ports.
In addition to the day-long battery life, the ASUS’s Chrome OS guarantees you a fast and smooth experience that’s worth every dollar spent.
If you want a reliable travel buddy that’s both light and compact, look no further. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 1i (11) is your ideal companion for computing wherever you go.
Equipped with Intel Pentium processors and a long-lasting battery that will last you for up to eight hours without the need to recharge, you can work on the go without ever needing to worry.
Combined with 8GB of RAM and built-in dual speakers despite its small size, you’re going to love the performance that this laptop can grant you.
The Acer Swift 1 is a laptop packed with features at a low price.
Even though it has the latest fantastic processor and provides you with a 14-inch screen of vibrant colours, it doesn’t sacrifice ultra-thinness and battery life.
With its lightweight properties, strikingly long 15-hour battery life, embedded fingerprint reader, and high functional speed, it’s a laptop that packs a powerful punch for a long time to come.
Peeps who want a laptop that’s dependable and highly functional, this could be the one for you.
With an optimum screen-to-body ratio and micro-edge display, you will have maximum viewability as you work on the device. The AMD processor and extra sensitive precision touchpad let you harness its high speeds and bandwidth to carry out your tasks that require high performance, such as multitasking.
The additional long battery feature and lightweight properties ensure that this HP laptop delivers beyond your expectations.
Don’t let its small 14-inch size fool you. Together with its NanoEdge display and powerful i7 processor, it doesn’t fail to deliver the right combination of engaging visuals and a fast experience.
Its large storage capacity and graphics card enable you to store your content and creative works while ensuring speed and smoothness. The innovative features and capabilities packed within one ergonomic design allow you to accomplish more quickly and efficiently.
The Dell Inspiron 5547 has an impressive visual feature with its powerful Radeon Graphics card to bring all your content into a sharp and vivid focus.
It allows you not only to watch content but create your own through its graphic design and brilliant capabilities. The processor will guarantee that all your multitasking needs are possible without annoying lags and bumps for a well-rounded user experience.
All prices reflected are accurate at the time of writing.
Speak from the heart and try to answer this question: “What do you do?”
Many of us may respond to this query by elaborating on our professions. I would do the same thing too. You see, our jobs are deeply integrated into our identities. Work helps us to satisfy our needs to earn money, to achieve goals, and to connect with others. It gives a sense of purpose and greatly affects our means of living. Therefore, job loss can be overwhelming.
It is common to feel like a part of you was lost. This loss can take a toll on your mental and physical health. As you through the process of adjustment, the next phase needs to be intentional. Let this article help you with that. Here are some of the steps that you may take after losing your job.
GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO GRIEVE AND ADJUST
The latest figures released by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) showed an increase in the country’s annual unemployment rate. The overall Annual Average Unemployment Rate in 2020 was 3%, compared to 2.3% in 2019. Many people have experienced unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adjusting to unemployment and grieving over job loss takes time. If you recently lost your job, it is important to accept that the process cannot be rushed. Rushing your feelings may lead to projecting unpleasant emotions during a job interview. Let everything simmer down first.
Losing your job may feel the same way as losing an integral part of yourself. You will undergo the grieving process and may feel the following stages: denial, anger, depression, bargaining, and acceptance. Do not be too hard on yourself. Accepting that these changes take time can help ease the healing process.
CHANGE YOUR MINDSET
There are two ways to perceive your current situation. In most cases, losing your job or your source of income is difficult. Whether it has something to do with your performance or with the current economic situation, it is normal to feel worried about the future after job loss.
You can either look at it as a career barrier or a temporary setback. If you look at things in a bird’s eye view, you will realize that success in life is measured by how we respond to its challenges and setbacks. It is up to you to alter your mindset.
PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE
At first, taking care of yourself is easier said than done. It is tempting to grab a bag of chips and wallow in self-pity as you sit in front of the television. The feelings you may experience in the first couple of weeks or months may be overwhelming. However, you must not neglect your own well-being.
The healing of your mental health requires physical resilience. It takes a lot of effort to take care of yourself and to build healthy habits that will keep your immune system strong. Start by being intentional with what you eat. You may even grow your own greens at home. Furthermore, you can plan out an exercise routine that will work best for you. Use your energy to fulfill productive tasks such as gardening and job hunting.
SEEK SOCIAL SUPPORT
As you are dealing with a range of emotions, refrain from isolating yourself. Having social support is crucial in times of struggle. It will help you overcome the loneliness you feel during the grieving process. Moreover, talking to someone about your current situation will help you acknowledge your feelings.
Talk to the people whom you trust. Your confidant does not have to offer upfront solutions, he or she just needs to be a good listener. Good listeners listen actively without passing judgment or being distracted. Alternatively, you may join support groups online.
ESTABLISH A DAILY ROUTINE
Maintaining a daily routine goes together with taking care of yourself. While it is possible for you to stay in bed the whole day, setting a regular schedule can help regulate your mood. Studies have shown that following a routine can help ward off depression. A routine will give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment as you complete your daily household tasks. Furthermore, not setting boundaries for yourself may lead to eating poorly or other unhealthy habits.
Write down the tasks that you aim to fulfill within the day. Maintain a body clock by setting up a timer. The timer will give you an external cue to wake up and to sleep on scheduled hours. This will help you create a sense of normalcy and prevent you from staying up all night. Additionally, you may incorporate your meal preparations, family visits, skin care regimens, and exercise plans within your daily routine. Remember that practicing self-care and maintaining good hygiene can help boost your mood.
SET LIMITS ON YOUR JOB SEARCH
Try not to add unnecessary pressure on yourself! You are already going through a lot. Despite how anxious you are to get a new job, spending all your time on job search can be stressful and frustrating. Know that you are doing your best.
Try setting aside a certain number of hours within a day for your job applications. The remaining parts of your day may be dedicated to self-care, taking care of your family, and to other productive tasks. The unexpected time off can be challenging, but you may use it as an opportunity to do something that you have always been busy for.
Image Credits: pixabay.com
What are some of the things that you have put aside because you were too busy with your job? Whether you want to learn a new language or to clean out your closet, find hobbies and projects that will occupy your time. Now is your chance to focus on the things you are passionate about!
Nestled in the string of islands on the Southern coast of Singapore is St. John’s Island. What was once a quarantine facility in the late 1800s has since become a destination for locals who want a quick getaway from the cityscape.
St. John’s Island is bigger than its neighbors namely, Sisters’ Islands and Kusu Island. Despite its size, less than half of the island is accessible by the public. Huge portions of the land are dedicated to research and to lodging. Nonetheless, there is plenty of activities to explore within the island.
If you are all set, start by riding a ferry to get to the island. There are two ferry companies that travel between the Southern Islands. You can either go with the Marina South Ferry or Singapore Island Cruise. Prices start from S$15 (adult tickets).
Sit back and relax as the short ride will last for 30 minutes. You can even choose to sit on the top deck, if it is available. Upon arriving in the island, here are some of the activities that you may explore.
1. GO ON A WALK TRAIL
Refresh your mind by being one with nature as you walk through St. John’s Island. The first curated trail on this island was developed to encourage appreciation for its rich biodiversity and history. In fact, you can spot eleven Heritage Trees within the island. Only a selected number of trees have earned the title of Heritage Trees. These trees are handpicked for their exceptional size and their outstanding botanical and cultural value.
The St. John’s Island Trail includes fifteen stations marked with signboards that serve as educational resources and station markers. Thus, it will let you see the beauty of its fauna and flora as well as its vibrant history.
2. JOIN THE GUIDED TOUR
Free guided tours are held on the first Sunday of every month. Join the National Park volunteers as they highlight the key features of the St. John’s Island Trail. The land-based trail covers 1.6 kilometers and would span for about 90 minutes. What’s more? It is free! Do note that registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you opt to travel the island through wheels, you may rent bicycles or two-wheel step pedals. Enjoy the cool breeze as you pedal along the island and feast your eyes with its biodiversity.
A pop-up bicycle rental store called Gogreen Bicycle Rental offers access to bicycles, two-wheel step pedals, and tents. Convenience comes with a price as renting a bicycle or a two-wheel step pedal starts with S$30.
4. GO FISHING
Upon exiting the ferry, you will notice how clear the waters are. Try looking down and observing the schools of fish. If you are lucky enough, you will catch a huge range of fish from snappers to groupers.
5. EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON MARINE LIFE
As you take a dip on the calm waters of the island’s Swimming Lagoon, you will be able to see different sea creatures such as sea sponges and seagrasses. Many of these can be encountered at low tide on an intertidal walk around the island’s coasts.
6. INDULGE IN BIRD WATCHING
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings during your visit to the St. John’s Island. Add an element of fun to your sightings by writing down the birds and the animals that you spotted. Take pictures and add that to your “nature journal”, which you can make with your child.
What are you waiting for?
Explore the St. John’s Island with your loved ones by checking out the ferry schedules and its COVID-19 safety measures. Make sure to pack water, sunblock, insect repellant, and snacks.
There are no stores within the island. It is best to come prepared! You can either pack your essentials or grab snacks like bread at the Marina South Pier’s convenience stores. Moreover, please help conserve the beauty of the island by throwing your trash properly.