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A car loan is perhaps one of the best loans to be ever created by lenders. It allows you to finance a vehicle easily that can help you cut down on commute costs in the long run. If managed properly, you will end up a proud owner of a new or used car. However, if you mishandle the loan and make delays in the monthly payments, you might end up in emotional and financial stress.

You could be struggling to reach a decision. We are sharing a list of pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

You Get a Card Without Paying a Dime Out of Your Pocket

Technically, the car you buy is paid for by the bank. Financing this loan 100% has now become a common practice. Not everyone can buy a car no matter how much money they have in their savings account. Hence, a car loan is such an attractive option.

It Improves Your Credit History

Unlike small loans that don’t add much to your credit score, a car loan allows you to improve your credit history. As long as you keep making the monthly payments on time, you will see your score increase gradually. The improvement in your credit score will help you get approved for a home loan later.

Low Rates

In most cases, a car loan is secured. Banks or lenders, such as Jacaranda Finance, typically offer a 5-year term. On a $25,000 loan at a 3.5% interest rate, you will only have to pay a few thousand dollars. Plus, with the extended period, you can divide the payments either by weeks or months.

Tax Deductions

If the car you purchase is for business, the cost of running the car and its interest payments will be tax-deductible. Your claim for the business portion cost depends on how the car is used for work-related errands.

Cons

The Bank Owns the Car Until Your Make the Full Payment

A car loan is secured where the collateral is the car itself. Meaning: if you fail to make the full payment, the lender or bank will repose the car. This could also affect your credit score and leave a negative marking on your credit history.

Depreciation

As time passes, your car’s value depreciates. The depreciation rate depends on the model of the car. In some cases, the remaining amount of the loan is higher compared to the car’s market value, which means you are paying more than its price tag. If you decide to sell the car and get another one, you will have to cover the difference between what you make from the car’s sale and the remaining loan amount you owe to the lender, and this can pose a problem.

So, you now know all the intricate details of a car loan. The pros outweigh the cons, which, in our opinion, makes the loan a great option. Just imagine getting in your car every morning rather than waiting for the bus and then finding no seat.

What to do when your toddler just won’t nap

Mums with babies, we feel you. Parenting is a consistent rush, and these kids grow up really fast!

In a blink of an eye, they start crawling, and before you know it, they are taking their first steps. As your little ones transit from their baby moments to toddlerhood, you might find that it’s not easy to put them down for a short sleep.

Here’s what to do when your toddler just won’t nap.

Adapt according to their physical needs

When your baby is a few months old, maybe you found it easier for them to sleep for two hours straight after their milk routine. As they grow a year old, their nap time might be reduced to an hour instead. If so, go with the flow and adapt according to their physical needs. Forcing a child to sleep more when they don’t want to can backfire and make them resist even more.

Stick to the same nap time

Image Credits: ovuline.com

Humans are habitual creatures, and so is your toddler. Once you’ve adapted to your child’s physical needs and found a pattern for their sleep, stick to it.

While you don’t want to force a kid to take a nap, waiting till they are overly exhausted and start crying is not ideal. Remember, the more regular their sleep pattern is, the less they will resist since their bodies are used to the same daily schedule.

Create a peaceful environment

As adults, we are often told not to look at our phones, laptops, or watch television programmes right before bedtime. Similarly, your toddler needs to stay away from stimulating activities before they can calm their mind and body.

You can create that peaceful environment for them by allowing them to engage in relaxing activities. It could be playing soothing instrumental music in the background or reading them a bedtime story. Do this at least 10 minutes before their usual daytime nap period.

Make sure they stay in bed

Image Credits: healthline.com

Perhaps you’ve tried all the above, but your toddler just won’t nap. Worse still, they start wailing, and you begin panicking. If that happens, do not be too quick to remove them from their bed. Pat gently and comfort them using a reassuring voice.

What most parents fail to do is to make sure they stay in bed. The rationale behind not giving in is so that they understand that a nap is inevitable. When you start breaking the routine and bring them out of bed when they cry, you will have a hard time putting them down for a nap the next day and in the future.

As we come to a close, be well aware that there is no one correct parenting method since every child is unique in their ways. Try the abovementioned methods to see if they work and if they don’t, make tweaks accordingly! No one knows your child better than you do.

Find your ikigai if you want a mid-career switch

So you want a mid-career switch? Or you’re in the midst of considering jumping into a different field? Kudos to you for even having the courage to want to take a step forward.

But hold your horses because you will have to find your ikigai (ee-key-guy) first. In short, ikigai is a Japanese concept referring to “finding joy in life through purpose”. You can read more about the philosophy of ikigai here.

According to Adrian Tan, a human resource practitioner, folks thinking about a mid-career switch should approach the matter via the ikigai concept. These are the main elements that make up the idea:

Loving what you do
Doing what the world needs
Getting paid for it
Being good at it

Need some inspiration? Let’s look at two mid-career switchers who have successfully done it.

From journalist to a veterinary surgeon

Journalist-turned-veterinarian Amanda Tan

Image Credits: Dr Amanda Tan

Amanda Tan is the name to note. The 34-year-old recalled her experiences of frequently visiting the vet because of her pet cat. She said she was impressed with how knowledgeable the doctor was and how meaningful the profession helped pet owners like her gain reassurance.

Dr Tan took the leap of faith in her mid-20s and is now a veterinary surgeon at the Gentle Oak Veterinary Clinic along Ghim Moh Road.

At this point, some of you must be thinking if Dr Tan had some prior qualifications to becoming a veterinary surgeon. Well, the quick answer is no.

After Dr Tan left journalism, she took on a part-time job that provided her with volunteering opportunities at a veterinary clinic. The valuable hands-on experience thus led her to the decision to move forward with the career switch.

She then furthered her studies through a five-year Doctor in Veterinary Medicine course at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia.

“Whatever effort that you put in is going to directly affect your outcome. You’re not too old to make a change… It just requires a bit of sacrifice and courage,” she noted.

Dr Tan also mentioned that she had met a few colleagues who graduated in their late 30s after a mid-career switch. Hence, don’t let age become a stumbling block for you to take that next step forward.

Still unsure if you should risk your current job stability? Read on for Mr Law Kia Wei’s story.

A switch from engineering to sales

Former-engineer-Law-Kia-Wei-second-from-left

Image Credits: Mr Law Kia Wei

What prompted Mr Law to switch to sales is his realisation of a missing essential soft skill – interpersonal communications. Therefore, when he was presented with an opportunity to become a medical equipment salesperson at IDS Medical Systems, he took it in stride.

Of course, not without a little hesitation because he lacked both sales and medical field skills.

The 36-year-old said he did not have it easy for the first year. He struggled a great deal before getting into the hang of things. Seven years have passed, and he now has his own business unit at the same company.

Ready for a pay cut?

Image Credits: hcamag.com

Yes, we have not forgotten about the drop in salary. “If you jump industry, it’s expected since you have not proven yourself. It was something I had to make peace with,” Mr Law shared.

To that, Ms Carmen Wee, a veteran human resource practitioner, highlights that the salary crawl could take a few years. Thus, the risks and financial trade-offs for a younger professional might be lower than for someone older. One should also factor in their current financial commitments and the readiness for drastic lifestyle changes.

Ms Wee also added that older workers should be realistic about the level of seniority that they can achieve as they make a job jump. Since it will take a while to catch up, she advised mid-career switchers to do their due diligence in the new field. Remember that you are in competition with other people who already have the relevant experience.

But with all that said, Mr Tan encourages older workers not to be discouraged. “If you’ve done logistics but wish to get into marketing, what are the things you learned in logistics that are applicable? Perhaps it is the way you plan things, which can be applied to a marketing department running a webinar?” the HR professional remarked.

Final thoughts

Cameron Brett, Managing Director of Randstad Technologies in Japan, suggests, “Something I recommend for everyone is to do a skills assessment – to better understand where they are today, where they need to be in five years. Take a look at the skills they currently have and what they are lacking.”

You can easily find out your strengths and weaknesses with an online test using the Career Explorer or Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The results could be your answer to your next career move based on your aptitude and interests.

Next, find a reliable mentor or someone you look up to. LinkedIn is one good way to reach out to professionals in a specific field. Connect sincerely and ask for practical advice so you can decide for yourself if a switch makes sense for you.

Before you go, allow me to quote from an article, “It’s never too late to give it a try. Changing careers at 40 is not uncommon. 40s are the new 30s. 30s are the new 20s.”

Here’s wishing you the best of luck in taking that plunge!

Top Airbnb vacation rentals under S$125 in the heart of Berlin, Germany

We bet you’ve read the news on Singapore’s first vaccinated travel lanes with Germany and Brunei starting from 8 September.

Without having to serve a stay-home notice for fully vaccinated travellers departing from Germany, this means that our year-end plans to restart travelling could become a reality soon.

For those planning to celebrate Christmas in the capital of Germany, let us introduce to you the top Airbnb vacation rentals under S$125 in the heart of Berlin.

*Prices reflected are accurate at the time of writing.

1. Simple studio flat next to Denkmal Rosenstraße

Price: S$95/night

This simple studio flat has a double bed and a bathroom with a bathtub. There is also a kitchen equipped with an oven, electric stove, and microwave for your cooking needs. We think it’s great for pairs or solo travellers looking for accommodations near the public transport. You may also request an extra bed if you’re travelling in a group of three. By booking a stay here, you will find yourself right next to Denkmal Rosenstraße and within walking distance to Berlin Dungeon and Illuseum Berlin.

2. Minimalist studio apartment nearby Teutoburger Platz

Price: S$102/night

Travellers who appreciate minimalism will adore this studio apartment with white furnishings. The kitchenette comes with a fridge and induction cooker for light cooking. There is one double bed for two guests and a bathroom with a shower. Exploring is made easy since you will be just a stone’s throw away to the Museum of architectural drawing and a short walk to U Senefelderplatz transit station. The hosts live in the apartment next door, so you can get instant help if needed.

3. Cosy two-bedroom flat next to the train station

Price: S$102/night

If you’re seeking a convenient place to stay, consider this cosy flat located right next to U Spittelmarkt train station and a short walk to Alnatura Super Natur Markt. The iconic Checkpoint Charlie is about a 10-minute bus or train ride away. There are two bedrooms, and the bathroom comes with a shower-tub combination. Up to three guests can sleep comfortably in this vacation rental. Recent guests have given a five-star rating on location and check-in experience, so we know you will be in good hands.

4. Entire unit in a lively neighbourhood

Price: S$110/night

This entire unit is situated in a lively neighbourhood close to U Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz train station. There is only one bedroom with a double bed by the window for two persons. The kitchen comes with a toaster, microwave, and a gas stove. There is a bathtub in the bathroom for you to take a warm bubble bath after a long day out exploring nearby attractions such as DDR Museum, Berlin Dungeon, and Alexanderplatz.

5. Clean and tidy studio loft for two people

Price: S$113/night

You will find yourself in the vicinity of Winsviertel if you book a stay here. Volkspark Friedrichshain is about a 10-minute walk away. This clean and tidy studio loft comes with a double bed and a sofa with a coffee table. The bathroom has a walk-in shower area. There is also a wall-mounted television and a small desk by the wall for you to do some reading before bed or work on your laptop during the day.

6. Studio guest suite with a private entrance

Price: S$115/night

This studio guest suite is a short walk away from Oranienburger Tor train station. You will be about 15 minutes on foot to Bode Museum, Neues Museum, and Berlin Dungeon. There is one sofa bed and a couch that can be converted to a single bed space. Hence, up to three guests can stay in this vacation rental. There is no need to worry about privacy as the accommodation has a separate entrance from the main flat. Do note that there is no air-conditioning, only a fan.

7. Spacious studio apartment along Zehdenicker Street

Price: S$118/night

Light sleepers will be glad to know that this spacious studio apartment along Zehdenicker Street has minimal street noise. To access the vacation rental, you will have to climb to the second floor. There is a futon double bed, a bathroom with a bathtub, and a small kitchen area. There is also a washing machine for your laundry needs, so feel free to pack light for your trip. You will find yourself in between two train stations – U Rosenthaler Platz and U Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz.

8. One-bedroom apartment in the heart of Helmholtzkiez

Price: S$124/night

This one-bedroom apartment is sited right in the heart of Helmholtzkiez, with a good range of cafes and restaurants in the area. Its last renovation was in November 2017, so you can expect relatively new furnishings. It’s located on the ground floor and has a small garden with seatings. When the weather is nice, have your morning tea or coffee outdoors! Alexanderplatz is about a 20-minute train ride away from the property.

Can’t wait to book your stay? Check out this step-by-step guide as you begin planning for your trip:

4 Things that Prove It’s Better to Hire Movers in Singapore Instead of Doing a DIY Move

So you decided to move to a new apartment in Singapore. Congratulations on taking the big step! It is pretty rewarding when all your hard work has paid off and you can finally get a place of your own. But before the moving date, have you considered the possibility of hiring movers in Singapore or do you plan on doing it yourself? If you’re someone who has a jam-packed schedule all the time, the former can be the best choice for you. But of course, you ask – how much will hiring movers cost?

The most common misconception of moving with the help of movers in Singapore is that it burns a hole in the wallet because hiring one is more expensive than doing a DIY move. What they fail to account for is the costs of renting a truck, paying a couple of your friends to help you move the boxes from the old address to the new one, and of course, the day that you have to spare to spearhead the moving process. It’s not as easy as a day of hard work.

If there is one thing that Singapore movers know, it’s that moving is a long, tedious, and complex process. Plus there are also things that you need to understand when doing the move by yourself. Below are some of them that every mover, including you, should take into consideration.

The pieces of equipment you’ll use in the move

First thing on the list is the truck. Of course you will need to rent a moving truck and be sure to get the one that can transport all your belongings. And if you think that’s it, think again. It’s not as simple as throwing your things to the truck and going to the new address.

What you need to understand is when you choose to move all by yourself, you won’t have access to the following materials used by moving companies:

Fuel to be used in the truck you rented for transportation (sometimes, you have to fill the tank multiple times).
Pieces of equipment like furniture pads, ropes, moving dollies, stretch wrap, and straps
Huge packing boxes, tapes, scissors and other packing supplies.

If you move to the new address all by yourself, you might have to rent or purchase most of the things mentioned above.

A bunch of your time will be allotted to the moving process

We know. Most people think that time is not commonly quantified as a “cost” but the time you allot in completing the entire moving process yourself will eventually add up as the moving date is nearing.

Before the actual moving date, you will have to spend a couple of days packing all of your things and trying to find ways on how to organize them all for easier access. And of course, on the big day, you might have to take more than one trip from your old home to the new one during the transportation process (especially when the truck you rented cannot carry all of your stuff in one go).

Stress, damages, and potential accidents and injury

Since you’re not a professional mover, the risk of some of your fragile stuff getting broken or damaged is very likely. When this happens, it can become pricey as you try to get it repaired. Additionally, you may lack the knowledge and techniques that professional movers have which can inflict injury to you and your friends and knock on wood, costing you trips to the hospital.

Going through these hardships can make the entire process stressful, which in turn, makes the moving experience horrible.

Finding people who can help you and paying them

Even if you’re the strongest person in the world, you won’t be able to do the entire moving process alone. Save yourself the hassle. Ask for the help of some people to make the process smoother. But apparently, in order to keep them happy as they lift the boxes and transport the stuff, you will have to feed them and buy them drinks, which means that’s another cost on your end.

Wrapping Up

When you think about the things mentioned above and the actual costs of doing a DIY move, we bet you’d drop the idea right away. While hiring movers in Singapore means adding another cost on your move, if it’s going to save you from the hassle and unexpected expenses that moving brings, we think it’s worth it.

Pros

Cons

Adapt according to their physical needs

Stick to the same nap time

Create a peaceful environment

Make sure they stay in bed

From journalist to a veterinary surgeon

A switch from engineering to sales

Ready for a pay cut?

Final thoughts

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