MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

How to Cut Back on Your Online Shopping Habits

With the current pandemic making stay-at-home orders commonplace, everyone has turned to online shopping for purchases. This has also led to more people shopping on sites like Lazada, Shopee, and Amazon to give themselves a sense of comfort in these difficult times.

However, what happens when a coping mechanism goes too far and you go way out of budget when shopping online? You end up in more discomfort than comfort, of course!

I’m no stranger to exorbitant spending habits online. I only learned my lesson after an actual emergency popped up where I found myself penniless due to online purchases. Like my ceiling fan finally kicking the bucket.

But that really scared me. What if something else happened, like a health emergency? So that started my journey on how to resist temptation or at the very least, curb my spending habits online.

That’s why I put this list together on how to curb online shopping habits little by little. I’ll share it with you so that you can do the same if you’re also shopping a little more than you should be online!

Learn your triggers

Shopping is often a coping mechanism, as noted earlier. So, you need to identify the specific trigger that makes you open the app in the first place.

Emotional control is often the first step to curbing issues like these. Little by little, you can overcome your bad habits.

There are small steps to identifying it, and one of the steps, according to the National Jewish Health is to observe patterns then track them down. This can help you find the triggers of your shopping binges.

Leave it in your cart for a week

This is a good way of knowing whether you’re suffering from impulse buying or you genuinely need or want the product you’re buying. Essentially, this is a litmus test on whether you really want the product.

If you see a product that you want to purchase, add it to your cart, and let it sit there for a week. After it sits there for a week, look at it again, and see if you still want it.

If you feel less excited about it after a week, then it means it was just a passing mood. Some people are more lenient, giving items a 24-hour holding time.

However, I say, give it 3 days to a week to be safe!

Put your purchase in perspective

Try putting in perspective whatever you’re going to buy. Calculate the cost based on how many times you’re going to use the product. This way, you alter your purchasing mindset by reframing it in a way that’s rational.

What’s more effective is to calculate how much you earn per hour, and compare it to the price of a product. Think how much time you spent working, and if that product is worth the time you spent earning the money it takes to buy it.

Unsubscribe from emails and updates

Advertising can have a big pull on people, so it’s best to remove temptation. Unsuscribe to their email updates and turn off notifications, just to mention a few ways to do it.

If a big sale comes, go offline immediately or temporarily uninstall the app. Sales can tempt you into spending a lot, especially with the temptation of massive markdowns.

Sleuth around for stuff that you haven’t used

This may sound quite odd, but I advise digging through stuff you haven’t used before. It usually helps, seeing how many of your purchases collect dust around your home.

Being aware of unused things helps you realize that you shouldn’t be wasteful.

Anyway, those are the steps to cutting back your online habits. Have they worked for me? Of course, but I did these step by step, so I didn’t overwhelm myself.

I’ve also begun to be mindful of finances. In turn, it drove me to learning some skills such as appliance tinkering so I can save cash further in the long run. It came in handy with ceiling fan maintenance (and yes, my busted fan was eventually fixed, courtesy of Ceiling Fan Repair).

Anyhow, if I were you, I’d get started on curbing bad spending habits now. The sooner you get started, the better!

Jobs: Nike, Shopee, and the State Courts are hiring

Yesterday (Sep 21), we wrote about how AIA Singapore will be providing up to 500 job vacancies for fresh graduates and mid-career job seekers amid the pandemic. If you’re interested, click here to read. Alternatively, you may head straight to AIA’s website to find out more on the AIA Financial Career Scheme 2020.

Meanwhile, we will share with you some openings at Nike, Shopee, and the State Courts.

#1: Nike – Business Continuity Manager – Asia Pacific

Image Credits: Pinterest

The Global Business Continuity Team protects Nike’s competitive advantage by proactively planning for natural hazards and man-made threats, and subsequent impacts on day-to-day business.

Spanning the world, Business Continuity is focused on developing and implementing strategies and procedures to increase Nike’s readiness, response, and recovery capabilities for Nike’s corporate, supply chain, and manufacturing operations.

The brand is looking for a Business Continuity Manager who will manage and support all elements of the Business Continuity program within Nike’s Asia-Pacific region. This role reports to the Asia-Pacific Business Continuity Director.

Job Qualifications

B.S. or B.A. degree or equivalent required.
5+ years’ experience managing, developing, and executing Business Continuity strategies (or similar risk-based speciality), including conducting Business Impact Analyses and documenting effective recovery strategies.
5+ years managing cross-functional programs and/or complex, enterprise projects.
Experience with Business technology applications; Fusion Framework (Salesforce), Tableau, preferred.
Proficient in core technology applications; Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint/Keynote. SharePoint and Airtable would be an advantage.
Effective with both written and oral presentation skills with the ability to influence at all levels of leadership.

In addition to the above, you should be able to bring to Nike these:

Proficiency or mastery of Business Continuity program management, to include readiness, response, and recovery in a matrixed environment or similar experience/environment such as Risk Management, Crisis Management
Deep understanding of commercial business acumen/strategy, business functions, and priorities.
Develop cross-functional engagement to drive results within the Business Continuity Program, internally and externally.
High tolerance for ambiguity and a capability for self-directed work.
Perform at high levels in stressful situations.
Gain commitment from business functions to ensure resources are available for all required Business Continuity activities.
Ability to simplify Business Continuity concepts and requirements.
Ability to effectively communicate and advocate program goals, values, obstacles, and priorities across the business to gain the right level of participation and input from key areas.

Key Responsibilities

Drive commitment, support, ownership, accountability, and results for Business Continuity in the Asia-Pacific region.
Foster a culture of resilience through education and training of regional management.
Proactively engage in identification, prioritization, and documentation of critical business functions through the ongoing Business Impact Analysis.
Identify and partner with the business to design and implement Business Recovery strategies that mitigate or reduce disruption impact on Nike’s Asia-Pacific region.
Validate and test Business Recovery Plans and communicate results to leadership.
Facilitate Incident Management training and testing with regional Incident Management Teams.
Lead the response to, and management of, disruptive incidents in-line with existing Incident Management program.
Capacity to provide off-hour, on-call Incident Management support.

How to apply?

Apply and view the job post in full here.

#2: Shopee – Cross Border Ecommerce – Indonesia (Inventory Management)

Image Credits: Shopee Careers

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. Launched in 2015, it is a platform tailored for the region, providing customers with an easy, secure, and fast online shopping experience through strong payment and fulfilment support.

The company believes that online shopping should be accessible, easy, and enjoyable. This is the vision Shopee aspires to deliver on the platform every single day.

The team comprises over 8,000 employees from across the region and they are constantly on the lookout for potential young talents who have the passion and drive to become part of a fast-moving and dynamic group.

Job Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field
At least 5 years’ experience in supply chain, inventory management, or related field
Strong analytical skills, hypothesis-driven, structured, and methodical problem solver
Keen interest in e-commerce, attention to detail, and interests in numbers
Strong stakeholder management skills and communication skills with a keen eye for detail
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Strong oral and written communication skills in both English and Mandarin to liaise with Chinese counterparts

Key Responsibilities

Drive business growth of Cross Border eCommerce warehouse shops
Collaborate with local teams to align strategic business objectives & initiatives to drive inventory strategies
Develop inventory flow strategies to understand merchandise strategies & priorities
Balance inventory strategies with key metrics to determine financial trade-offs between in-stock rates & inventory turns
Monitor inventory health, manage aging stock and oversee the execution of item-level replenishment
Come up with markdown strategies and prioritize category items by attributes
Apply suggestions for improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness
Prepare weekly and monthly reports through collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends for business review with local teams

How to apply?

Apply and view the job post in full here.

#3: State Courts – Assistant Executive (Community Justice and Tribunals Division) (1-Year Temporary Contract)

Image Credits: CNA

The State Courts comprises the Criminal Justice Division, Civil Justice Division, Community Justice and Tribunals Division, and the State Courts Centre for Dispute Resolution.

It also includes the Presiding Judge’s Office which is made up of the Corporate Services Division, Strategic Planning and Technology Division, Legal Directorate and Centre for Learning. Each is helmed by senior judicial officers and supported by court administrators.

Job Qualifications

Some experience in administration and operations is preferred
Working experience in the Courts, law firm, or legal department would be an advantage
Good knowledge on the use of MS Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Good communication, writing, and interpersonal skills
Meticulous and well-organized
Ability to work independently, take initiative, multi-task, and demonstrate good teamwork
Able to adapt to changes, respond to challenges, and opportunities and solutions-oriented

Key Responsibilities

Support the registry operations of the Division to ensure efficiency and timeliness.
Work closely with the Judicial Officers and Senior Court Administrators in the delivery of high-quality court services.
Render support to the Judicial Officers and be responsible for the daily administration of cases in the Division to ensure that they are processed and managed efficiently.
Develop and institutionalize best practices to achieve the targets set for the Division.
Uphold professional Interaction with members of the public, litigants, lawyers, District Judges, Magistrates, Deputy Registrars, and other officers of the Courts.
Handle challenging assignments and job rotations in a dynamic and fast-paced operating environment.

You may look forward to learning the different court processes and alternative dispute resolution modalities, and work closely with State Courts’ stakeholders.

How to apply?

Apply and view the job post in full here.

Here’s what you need to know about stomach cancer

Do you know that stomach cancer is one of the top five most common causes of cancer deaths in Singapore? This is according to a 2019 report from the Singapore Cancer Registry. Over a span of a few years between 2013 and 2017, stomach cancer has claimed over 1,500 lives.

Here’s what you need to know about the disease.

#1: Stomach cancer is not limited to just the stomach

“Stomach cancer most commonly spreads into the abdominal cavity,” said Clinical Assistant Professor Matthew Ng, a senior consultant with National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS)’s Division of Medical Oncology.

Even for patients who have had their stomachs removed, the disease commonly bounces back in the peritoneum. For your information, the peritoneum is a membrane lining the abdominal cavity.

#2: Commonly mistaken for indigestion

Stomach cancer is not limited to just the stomach

Image Credits: Freepik

The symptoms that come as a result of stomach cancer tumours are often mistaken as regular digestive issues. It may come in the form of persistent pain in the upper abdomen, acid reflux, or even heartburn. It can also present itself as general symptoms like fatigue due to anaemia or weight loss.

Serious cases may see signs of vomiting blood, passing black stools of digested blood, or persistent vomiting after eating.

Professor Ng shared that a lump can be felt in the upper abdomen if the tumour is large. If cancer has spread to the abdominal cavity, swelling of the abdomen due to fluid accumulation may occur.

#3: Not necessarily hereditary

Assistant Professor Joanne Ngeow, the head of Cancer Genetics Service and a senior consultant with NCCS’s Division of Medical Oncology, points out that only up to 10 per cent of stomach cancer cases are hereditary.

Familial cases of stomach cancer could be due to environmental factors, or a combination of genetic and environmental factors. She also adds that not all people with a genetic tendency to develop stomach cancer or a known hereditary cancer syndrome will develop stomach cancer.

#4: A complete removal of the stomach may not be necessary

Image Credits: glsurgical.com.sg

Patients who are suffering from stomach cancer may not require complete removal of their stomachs.

“The size and location of the tumour (are) important and it will dictate how much of the stomach needs to be removed to get complete clearance of the tumour,” said Professor Ng.

In fact, the removal of one’s stomach is not a death sentence. According to Professor Ng, patients who have undergone stomach removal can still consume foods like curry in moderation. But it’s advisable to avoid raw, high-sugar/fibre foods, and anything that has the potential to cause indigestion.

Dietitian Lee Miaw Sim from Singapore General Hospital’s Department of Dietetics also recommends patients to have up to six small meals throughout the day. Eating slowly and chewing properly will aid in better digestion.

#5: Eating food preserved by salt increases the risk of stomach cancer

Many believe that preservatives in food are causing people to develop stomach cancer. But instead, it’s the salt in preserved food that seems to be the culprit.

“There is strong evidence that consuming food preserved by salting increases the risk for stomach cancer,” said Lee.

To put it simply, salt affects our stomach’s mucosal lining which causes inflammation and cellular damage. As such, the ulcer-inducing bacteria gets its chance to attack our stomachs.

It’s about time we relook into our daily meals and reduce salt intake to less than the recommended daily amount of intake, which is about one teaspoon.

AIA Singapore will provide up to 500 job vacancies for fresh graduates and mid-career job seekers

According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) last week, the total number of retrenchments in the first half of 2020 was 11,350, higher than compared to the figure recorded during the SARS period.

With the ongoing pandemic, more people are also seeing shorter work weeks or temporary layoffs. In the first quarter this year, 4,190 people went through such arrangements. While in the second quarter, the number saw a spike to 81,720. Foreign employment also fell by 5.7 per cent.

If you’re looking for a job, we’ve just written an article today (Sep 21) sharing some work vacancies with OCBC Bank, FairPrice, and Singapore General Hospital. Click through the link if you’re keen to take on customer service, secretarial, and administrative roles.

AIA Financial Career Scheme 2020

Hot off the press, AIA Singapore has committed to providing up to 500 job vacancies for fresh graduates and mid-career job seekers amid the pandemic.

“At a time when so many are impacted by retrenchment or are struggling to find jobs, it is vital that we support Singaporeans and permanent residents by creating sustainable and long-term career opportunities,” said Ms Wong Sze Keed, CEO of AIA Singapore in a media release on Monday (Sep 21).

“The AIA Financial Career Scheme 2020 equips individuals with the skills and necessary financial knowledge to pursue a new career path in the financial services industry,” she added.

Training programme for successful hires

Image Credits: ibf.org.sg

Successful candidates can look forward to a 10-month training programme to kickstart their career with AIA Singapore. Upon completion of the training programme, candidates will receive these three certifications in finance and investment:

Associate Financial Planner (AFP) / Associate Financial Consultant (AFC) certification, as part of the AIA Premier1 Programme.
Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF) Priority Banking Level 1 certification.
Foundation Investment Certification accreditation by AIAIM.

Financial support up to S$5,000 monthly

New hires will also be supported financially with amounts ranging between S$2,000 and S$5,000 per month during the training period. Furthermore, a bonus will be awarded upon completion of selected training modules.

Training never stops

After the 10-month training programme, more training courses will be offered over a two-year period based on one’s preferences and development needs. The candidate will also be guided by a mentor in their journey with AIA Singapore.

Enrollment period

Applications are open from now till 31 March 2021.

Those who meet the requirements will be part of the enrollment progressively. If you’re interested in the AIA Financial Career Scheme 2020, please click through the link to find out more.

A New Parents’ Guide to Baby Safety

Babies are tiny, delicate, and defenceless. So, as their parents, it is up to you to make sure that they remain safe and happy at all times. Now, there is no denying that this can feel like a rather overwhelming responsibility.

The good news, though, is that there is plenty of support available to you. Since baby safety is a global priority, there has been a fair amount of research conducted on the matter. So, on this note, here are the top things that you should know:

Double Check Safety Standards

You would imagine that all baby items will have been put through strenuous testing to ensure that they are functional and safe. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. There are many dangerous and unsatisfactory products on the market. This is why you have to often do the research yourself.

Fortunately, this isn’t too difficult thanks to government regulatory agencies. They often test various products to let you know if they are safe to buy. Still, you should bear in mind that these agencies tend to stick with big-ticket items such as strollers and carriers. Thus, it is up to you to check on the rest of the items. You can do this by double checking safety standards and remaining up to date on any recall notices.

Practice Sleep Safety

Your baby tends to be particularly vulnerable while they are sleeping. So, you should make a special effort with their sleeping arrangements. It starts off by finding the right crib. As consumer advisory Little One Mag explains, there are several safety features to watch out for.

To begin with, the frame must be sturdy and have limited flex. Also, the foundation for the mattress must be completely flat. Furthermore, the slats should have limited space between them and be firm.

This aren’t the only guidelines to consider, though. It is just as important to select a firm mattress that has very little give. Also, keep the crib clear of toys, pillows, and blankets. It is far better to dress your baby in warm layers and then to add or remove the layers as necessary.

Always make sure that your baby sleeps on their back. If they roll over onto their side, make sure to correct their sleeping position each and every time.

Pay Attention to Toy Features

As a new parent, you are going to want to buy lots and lots of toys for your little one. Before you do, though, you will need to examine each and every feature to ensure that it is safe for your infant. First and foremost, toys should always be big. This reduces the risk of them being swallowed.

At the same time, the toys shouldn’t have any components that can be removed and swallowed. This includes plastic parts on toys as well as eyes and buttons on stuffed animals. So, always check them out before giving them to your baby. It is best to follow the age recommendations of each and every toy.

Avoid giving your baby old toys or ones that have come from unknown sources. These probably haven’t passed the necessary safety standards. As such, you can’t guarantee that they are suitable for your little one.

These are the top baby safety tips that parents should know. Once you begin to practice them, you will have greater peace of mind concerning your baby’s wellbeing.