MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

5 Game-Changing Ways to Boost Your Income in 2025

Ready to boost your bank account and live your best life this 2025?

Whether you’re a Gen Z go-getter or a Millennial hustling hard, these tips will help you maximize your earning potential while keeping it fun and sustainable. Let’s get that cash flow moving!

TRY FREELANCING

Freelancing isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a legit money-maker! Many Gen Zs and Millennials report hitting profit after just three months of consistent hustling. Platforms like Fiverr, Singapore Freelance Zone, and Upwork make it super easy to kickstart your freelance journey.

But here’s the tea: freelancing isn’t always as effortless as it seems. Stay persistent, learn from every experience, and watch your income grow. Remember, it’s all about consistency and confidence.

VALUE EXPERIENCES OVER THINGS

Here’s the truth: the thrill of material stuff fades fast. That trendy outfit? Forgotten in a year. The random gadgets on your desk? Collecting dust. Instead, shift your focus to what truly matters: experiences and investments that enrich your life.

Declutter your life by skipping the impulse buys and focusing on what brings long-term value. By cutting out unnecessary purchases, you’ll save more and trust us when we say that you won’t miss the clutter!

SHOP SMARTER

Here’s a life hack! Before buying anything, ask yourself these questions:

a. Do I really need this?
b. How often will I use it?
c. Can I rent or borrow instead?
d. Do I even have space for it?

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Taking the time to evaluate your purchases helps you cut back on wasteful spending and that saved cash can be invested in your dreams. Be intentional, and watch your wallet thank you!

BUILD PASSIVE INCOME

Want to earn while you sleep? Welcome to the world of passive income! From real estate to stocks, or even selling your stunning photography online, the possibilities are endless.

And don’t stop there! Consider renting out items you already own, like cameras, tools, or even extra space. Passive income is the gift that keeps on giving. Start small and let it grow. Your future self will thank you!

TURN CRAFTS INTO CASH

Got a talent for creating? Whether it’s handmade jewelry, colognes, or custom art, your unique skills can bring in serious cash. Platforms like Carousell and Facebook Marketplace make it simple to showcase your creations and connect with buyers who love one-of-a-kind finds.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Set up shop in a spare room or studio space and turn your hobby into a thriving business. Bonus: you’ll love doing what you’re passionate about while getting paid for it.

Sources: 1 & 2

5 slimming teas from $16.80 to help you regain that figure for CNY 2025

“哇！你发福啊?”

That’s one of the many common phrases we hear during CNY, isn’t it?

While we recommend exercising to lose weight healthily, some of us may need a little extra boost to shed those kgs off with CNY about 2 weeks away.

So here are some slimming tea picks from us from $16.80.

喝出好轻盈｜Slimming Herbal Tea

Price: from $16.80

Say 再见 (goodbye) to stubborn fat and bloating with this traditional Chinese herbal tea blend, a ticket to a lighter you.

A symphony of ingredients like cassia seeds, tangerine peels, and licorice root work together to enhance digestion, reduce fat absorption, and relieve constipation.

This tea will help flush the excess while boosting your metabolism.

Just a warning: this brew means business so those with low blood pressure or in delicate conditions should refrain (pregnant, etc).

AVALON™Slimming Health Green Tea 20 Tea Bags

Promo Price: $17.16

Looking to slim down without slowing down?

AVALON’s fat-burning green tea is a multitasker’s weight loss companion.

Packed with 9 natural ingredients like green tea, lotus leaf, and hawthorn fruit, this blend helps rev your metabolism while preventing those carbs and sugars from being stored as fat.

But that’s just the start because it also promotes healthy bowel movements to flush out bloat while increasing your ability to break down existing fat stores.

Its convenient one-(or two)-a-day tea bag fits even the most hectic schedule.

Sip your way to a slimmer you with this fat-blasting brew for CNY this year.

SHAPE-TEA Slimming Tea – Detox & Shape in Style

Promo Price: $17.94

Forget diet pills and detox drinks because this all-natural slimming tea is your ally for looking amazing.

Each tea bag contains a blended bouquet of chrysanthemum, senna, and garcinia cambogia—herbal all-stars that have been celebrated for centuries for their effective weight loss and detox powers.

But don’t mistake its natural roots for bland flavor; this brew is mildly sweet with notes of honey.

Formulated in the USA.

21st Century Herbal Slimming Tea – Honey Lemon 48’s

Price: $28.50

This herbal tea blend is your dieting sidekick, offering a refreshing route to better health.

The rich honey lemon flavor begs to be savored, hot or iced, after every meal.

It contains garcinia cambogia which helps burn fat and keeps cravings at bay, while gymnema sylvestre blocks the absorption of sugar.

Together, these herbal heroes make staying on track feels like a (guilt-free) treat.

Cozy up to a steaming mugful morning or night (it’s caffeine-free, btw).

Mskinny Osmanthus Oolong Slim Tea

Price: from $67

Last but not least, we have this slimming blend that melds the best of Eastern and Western traditions for an effective weight loss solution.

The oolong tea base boosts your metabolism while osmanthus blossoms calm the mind.

African mango seeds naturally suppress appetite and block fat absorption; silk protein amps up the beauty benefits.

It also contains detoxifying lotus and hawthorn, keeping digestion buzzing to prevent bloating.

Each sip summons the powers of botanicals to help melt stubborn pounds and curb cravings.

Editor’s note: Do exercise due diligence and consult your doctor for individual suitability / professional advice.

‘My Melody & Kuromi’ Stop-Motion Animation Premieres on Netflix in July 2025

Ask us questions, discover the latest offers & more on Telegram.

Get ready to step into the whimsical world of Mariland as Netflix unveils its latest Japanese series, My Melody & Kuromi. This stop-motion animation, set to debut in July, brings the beloved Sanrio characters My Melody and Kuromi to life in a way you’ve never seen before.

Directed by Tomoki Misato, the creative genius behind Pui Pui Molcar, this series marks Toruku and WIT Studio’s foray into the intricate art of stop-motion animation. It’s a fitting tribute as My Melody celebrates her 50th anniversary, and Kuromi marks her 20th year as one of Sanrio’s top fan-favorite characters.

The show follows the adventures of My Melody, a cheerful and caring girl who loves baking cookies with her mother and doting on her younger brother. Opposite her is Kuromi, a mischievous rival with a hidden soft side. This dynamic pairing promises heartwarming moments, thrilling escapades, and a whole lot of charm.

With stunning handcrafted visuals and a story steeped in Sanrio nostalgia, My Melody & Kuromi promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Whether you’ve been a fan since My Melody’s debut in 1975 or Kuromi’s entrance in 2005, this series invites you to rediscover their world with fresh eyes.

Mark your calendars for July, and get ready to be enchanted by the adventures of My Melody and Kuromi as they bring their magical world to Netflix. Don’t miss this stop-motion masterpiece that promises to deliver thrills, laughs, and heartwarming moments for fans old and new.

Stay tuned for more updates and sneak peeks as we count down to this much-anticipated debut!

For more details, click here.

Latest WFH internships posted from 6 to 10 January 2025

This week we’ve got opportunities in social media management, creative design, and more so have a look and apply accordingly.

Good luck!

#1: Oat & About Pte. Ltd. – Social Media Intern

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Oat & About Singapore (@oatandabout.sg)

Website: oatandabout.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $500 – 800 monthly

Job Qualifications

Well-versed with the latest trends and a knack for story-telling
Experienced in video & graphic editing
Min. 3 months commitment

Key Responsibilities

Assist in content creation

How to apply?

View the job post here and write to Kelvin via this link.

#2: Aspire Hub Education Centre (Thomson) – Creative Design Intern

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aspire Hub Education (@aspirehubedu)

Website: aspirehub.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $700 – 1,200 monthly

Job Qualifications

Experience with design tools like Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator/Canva
Detail-oriented, driven, and able to work independently and in a team
Undergraduates/Graduates are welcomed
Bonus: Motion graphics/animation experience.

Key Responsibilities

Design reels, infographics, flyers, and social media assets (TikTok, Instagram).
Manage social media platforms and explore innovative content formats.
Compile and create aesthetically pleasing notes for students
Design PowerPoints/posters for internal usage

How to apply?

View the job post here and apply for this position by submitting your CV/Resume to thomson@aspirehub.com.

#3: 108 Growth Partners – Business Intern

Website: 108growthpartners.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Degree preferably in Business with excellent academic and co-curricular achievement record
Other outstanding Graduates with proven track records are also welcome
Highly driven & performance focused individual
Have great research skills
Sound analytical thinking
Enjoy intellectual challenges and complex decision-making processes
Ability to think inside and outside the box
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Digitally proficient in sourcing information from various sources
Proficient with PowerPoint, MS Word, and Excel
Based in Singapore

Key Responsibilities

Business Consultancy

This role provides you with an exciting opportunity to actively participate in real-life business consulting projects with reputed clients. The responsibilities include:

Support Business Consulting Projects for public & private clients
Perform primary & secondary research
Gather and analyze information through various sources
Committed to delivering high-quality work

Business Development

The responsibility is to contribute to the overall success of the business development initiatives by performing the following key activities:

Business development efforts to prospect and generate leads
Outreaching to prospects via emails, LinkedIn & calls, and pitching potential clients regarding consultancy services
Support pre-sales activities for potential project opportunities
Assist in the development of project proposals, presentations, and industry publications

How to apply?

View the job post here and apply for this position by submitting your CV to careers@108growthpartners.sg.

#4: Pet Cremators – Marketing and Social Media Intern

Website: petcremators.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,400 – 2,200 monthly

Job Qualifications

Pet lover, creative, compassionate, and familiar with social media platforms.
Familiar with FB, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Support social media postings
Create short reels or video creation (bonus)

How to apply?

View the job post here and email your application to enquiry@petcremators.com.

#5: Architects Of Life – Community Programs Intern

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Architects Of Life (@aolsg)

Website: architectsoflife.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Unspecified.

Key Responsibilities

Plan & Execute projects involving Youths & Ex-offenders
Coordinate with Stakeholders (partners, beneficiaries, volunteers)
Prepare project reports

How to apply?

View the job post here and write to Yi Juan via this link.

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

Singapore’s Passport Reigns Supreme: World’s Most Powerful

Imagine holding a passport that opens nearly every door in the world. That’s the privilege Singaporeans enjoy, as their passport ranks as the world’s most powerful in the 2025 Henley Passport Index. With visa-free access to 195 out of 227 destinations, Singapore has outpaced global heavyweights, making travel easier and more exciting than ever.

Singaporeans aren’t just about holding the most coveted passport, because they know how to use it. According to the Singapore Department of Statistics, 50% of residents aged 15 and over take at least one overseas trip annually. Even more impressive, they rank third globally in travel spending, averaging US$2,966 per trip, as reported by the Singapore Business Review. Whether it’s exploring hidden corners of the world or indulging in luxury experiences, Singaporeans have perfected the art of globetrotting.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The Global Passport Leaderboard

This year’s Henley Passport Index places Singapore firmly at the top, outpacing former leader Japan, which now holds the No. 2 spot with visa-free access to 193 destinations. European countries, including France, Germany, and Italy, tie for third place, offering access to 192 destinations. Here’s how the Top 10 shakes out:

Singapore (195 destinations)
Japan (193)
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, South Korea (192)
Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway (191)
Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, United Kingdom (190)
Greece, Australia (189)
Canada, Poland, Malta (188)
Hungary, Czechia (187)
Estonia, United States (186)
Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates (185)

The United Arab Emirates has made significant strides, gaining visa-free access to 72 destinations over the past decade. Meanwhile, Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the list, with access to just 26 destinations.

Why a Passport Matters

A powerful passport isn’t just a travel perk; it’s a gateway to opportunities. For students, it opens doors to top universities around the globe, enabling world-class education. Professionals can leverage it for seamless business travel, while adventure seekers can explore the world’s wonders without worrying about visa complications.

Singapore’s top ranking showcases how a well-connected passport enhances freedom, whether it’s for work, study, or leisure. It reflects the country’s reputation for trust, efficiency, and global engagement.

For those dreaming of studying abroad, this is an advantage like no other. Imagine exploring cutting-edge programs in the UK or soaking in the vibrant culture of Spain without the stress of visa approvals. For digital nomads, it’s the ultimate passport to a borderless lifestyle.

Travel Smart, Embrace the World

Even if your passport doesn’t top the list, the joy of travel lies in the experiences you gain. Each destination offers its own magic, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of New Zealand.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Wherever you go, plan wisely. Research visa requirements, embrace local cultures, and savor every moment. Whether you’re a student chasing academic dreams, a professional expanding horizons, or simply an adventurer at heart, the world is full of possibilities waiting to be explored. Safe travels!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3