MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

Invest Your SRS with MoneyOwl And Get Up To $200 Shopping Vouchers

The Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) is a voluntary scheme to encourage individuals to save for retirement. Unlike the Central Provident Fund (CPF), it is not compulsory to participate in the SRS scheme. A key benefit of SRS is that members can enjoy dollar for dollar tax relief, capped at $15,300 per annum for Singaporeans while saving towards their retirement goals. As a tax deferral scheme, when you subsequently withdraw from your SRS after the statutory retirement age, only 50% of the amounts withdrawn will be subject to tax. Individuals who would like to open an SRS account can do so with either DBS, UOB or OCBC bank.

Don’t leave your funds in SRS un-utilised

After transferring funds into your SRS account, don’t leave it un-utilised! According to Ministry of Finance (2019), over 28% of SRS contributions sit idle as cash balances, earning a low interest rate return of only 0.05% p.a.

There are many ways that you can utilitse your SRS contributions to grow your retirement funds, such as investing in unit trusts, ETFs, stocks, bonds (including Singapore Saving Bonds and Singapore Government Securities) and single premium insurance. A particular affordable and convenient way is to invest your SRS funds with MoneyOwl to boost your future retirement fund. Here’s why you should do so.

Invest your SRS with MoneyOwl

Investing your SRS funds with MoneyOwl starts from as little as S$50/month or $100 as a lump sum. This means that it is possible to start early without waiting for your SRS funds to accumulate to a substantial level. Besides, there is no platform fee so that more wealth is generated for the you in the long run. With MoneyOwl, you gain access to a globally diversified portfolio of companies with good growth potential at value prices.

Receive up to $200 eCapita shopping vouchers

MoneyOwl is offering a limited time SRS promotion valid till 31 Dec 2020*

Tiers	Qualifying Conditions*	eCapita voucher
1	S$1,000 to S$10,000 fresh funds invested OR;	$50
2	S$10,001 to S$50,000 fresh funds invested OR;	$100
3	S$50,001 and above fresh funds invested	$200

More details can be found on MoneyOwl’s website

*T&C:

This promotion is only valid from 9 November to 31 December 2020.
This promotion is only open to the first 500 people who successfully invest their SRS funds with MoneyOwl.
Promotion is valid for one-time top ups using SRS funds only. Regular savings plans/ monthly SRS investments are not eligible.
Promotion is not valid for cash investments and investments in WiseSaver portfolio.
You need to stay invested and not withdraw your funds for at least 2 months after the promotion period is over (i.e. till end-February 2021). Vouchers will be sent to you in March 2021.
Only new MoneyOwl clients are eligible for S$50 voucher redemptions.
Both existing and new MoneyOwl clients are eligible for the $100 or $200 voucher redemption.
MoneyOwl reserves the right to change these terms and conditions from time to time.

About MoneyOwl

MoneyOwl empowers and fulfils lives by helping people make wise decisions to achieve their financial goals. With one of the lowest fees in the market, invest your SRS funds with MoneyOwl today to boost your future retirement income.

7 Tiong Bahru cafes for a short work-from-cafe experience

Most of us are still working from home or at times, at the hotel. In need of a different work environment to shake things up a little? How about a brief work-from-cafe experience at one of the cafes located in Tiong Bahru? Get a morning cuppa, brunch bowl, or snack break while you answer a few work emails or get started on that weekly report.

Here are seven cafes in Tiong Bahru for a short work-from-cafe experience.

#1: Forty Hands

Image Credits: sg.openrice.com

Address: 78 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 163078

Forty Hands is open from 7am on weekdays, and 7.30am on weekends, so it’s perfect if you want to head out early to grab an ideal work spot. The cafe serves an all-day breakfast menu with prices starting from S$16. Pair your breakfast plate with a cup of hot coffee or iced beverage!

#2: PS.Cafe Petit

Image Credits: pscafe.com

Address: No. 41, Blk, 78 Guan Chuan Street, Singapore 160078

You can find PS.Cafe Petit along Guan Chuan Street. It’s just a few steps away from Forty Hands so you can cafe-hop conveniently. PS.Cafe Petit opens slightly later at 9am but closes late till 10.30pm. They have limited seats, so it’s probably okay if you’re looking to spend just a short hour or two away from home.

#3: Flock Cafe

Image Credits: lemon-film.com

Address: 78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-25, Tiong Bahru Estate, Singapore 162078

In close vicinity is Flock Cafe. It’s open from 8am daily, giving you ample time to settle in before clocking in at 9am for work. Similar to Forty Hands, they have an all-day breakfast selection, but we’re eyeing their delicious waffles with scrambled eggs & crispy bacon. Or should we go for the Pork Cheek Rigatoni?

#4: TIANN’S

Image Credits: TIANN’S

Address: 71 Seng Poh Road, #01-35, Singapore 160071

TIANN’S is situated opposite Tiong Bahru Market, along Seng Poh Road. They are open every day except on Mondays. No Monday blues for the team at TIANN’S, we guess? Ha! Anyway, if you’re a fan of Korean cuisine, their Grandma’s Bibimbap might win you over. It also comes with add-on options like kimchi pork stew and beef bulgogi.

#5: Tiong Bahru Bakery

Tiong Bahru Bakery along Eng Hoon Street

Image Credits: angieisagirl.wordpress.com

Address: 56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-70, Singapore 160056

Tiong Bahru Bakery along Eng Hoon Street opens daily from 8am. They have a range of viennoiserie, savoury treats, fresh pastries, and bread. Other than the usual coffee, tea, and juices menu, the cafe also offers exclusive beverages like beetroot roselle latte and turmeric ginger latte to awaken your taste buds.

#6: Caffe Pralet

Image Credits: hungrygowhere.com

Address: 17 Eng Hoon Street, #01-04, Eng Hoon Mansions, Singapore 169767

If Tiong Bahru Bakery gets too crowded, consider heading to Caffe Pralet, also located along Eng Hoon Street. Their opening hours are from 11am to 8pm from Monday to Saturday. They are closed on Sundays. We think you will be in love with their signature rice bowls, gourmet sandwiches, and monthly specials.

#7: Drips Bakery Café

Image Credits: Drips Bakery Café

Address: 82 Tiong Poh Road, #01-05, Singapore 160082

Drop by Drips Bakery Café if you want to get your hands on some sweet treats for a mid-day perk-me-up. Whether it’s a baked lemon tart or a choc truffle tart, the 10-year-old cafe is ready to welcome you daily at 9am. Before you leave, consider getting their signature mini tarts special (six in a box) to share with your loved ones!

A nutritionist’s guide to the top 10 mood-boosting foods you should include in your diet

In this article, we will be hearing from the wise advice of Clara Mah, a nutritionist at Bella Marie France. Are you aware that when your body is stressed, it produces cortisol, also known as the stress hormone? Thus, it explains why you sometimes crave for comfort food that is high in fat or sugar.

According to Clara, white bread, white rice, pasta, and pastries alongside high consumption of meat and fats are linked to higher oxidative stress. If you want to decrease the oxidative effects of stress, then fill your plates with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, and legumes instead.

To aid you in making a wiser choice while grocery shopping this week, take it from the nutritionist on the top 10 mood-boosting foods you should include in your diet!

#1: Dark Leafy Greens

Image Credits: thehealthsite.com

We all know the benefits of eating vegetables. But to be specific, you want to go for dark leafy ones such as spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and beet greens. Here’s your chance to stock up on vitamins A, C, E, K, nutrients, minerals, and phytochemicals to boost your mental wellness.

#2: Avocados

Image Credits: delish.com

Avocados aren’t that cheap, to be honest. But the superfruit does wonders in supporting the production of the memory and learning brain chemical acetylcholine. All thanks to the presence of healthy monounsaturated fats, which is also present in extra virgin olive oil.

#3: Chia Seeds

Image Credits: eatthis.com

You’ve probably heard of people including chia seeds in their meals to aid them in weight loss. Also known as a superfood, it’s not just rich in fibre but also omega-3 fatty acids, which is essential to maintain your mental and emotional health.

#4: Eggs

Image Credits: kirbiecravings.com

Do you want to have better mental acuity and focus? Then make sure to include eggs in your balanced diet. The substances present in the egg aids in maintaining memory and communication signals. It also contains essential nutrients for your brain to function properly.

#5: Bananas

Image Credits: Medical News Today

Want a ‘feel-good’ hormone? Turn to bananas. They contain high levels of tryptophan that convert to serotonin to help with a mood boost. Bananas also uplift your energy and even have the power to assist in overcoming depression.

#6: Berries

Image Credits: Dr. Oz

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, and blackberries are just some of the berries you can quickly bag home from the supermarket. By safeguarding brain cells from damage, it’s an excellent choice for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or mental decline.

#7: Turmeric

Image Credits: Healthline

Turmeric carries curcumin which has been scientifically proven to treat psychiatric disorders and improve symptoms of depression. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties. Need to spice up your dishes? You know what to add.

#8: Yoghurt

Image Credits: weightlossresources.co.uk

Want to fight symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve your mental wellness? The probiotics and lactobacillus in yoghurt can do just that. Have it with your daily serving of fruits to start your morning right!

#9: Dark Chocolate

Image Credits: everydayhealth.com

Here’s your excuse to pick up that bar of chocolate this week at the store. But remember to go for dark ones, not just any flavour you like. It stimulates the production of endorphins to trigger positive feelings. Together with flavonols and serotonin, it may just be your quick solution to conquer the blues.

#10: Walnuts

Image Credits: myrecipes.com

Nuts generally contain the right nutrients and fats. But if you want to significantly improve brain functions, mental flexibility, and have better memory, then walnuts are your to-go option. It contains polyunsaturated fat, polyphenols, and vitamin E to reduce oxidative damage and inflammation in the brain.

What Makes iPhone 12 Standout From The Rest?

Amidst the global shifts brought by the pandemic, Apple released its new iPhone 12 models last October (global release). The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max will be available in Singapore on November 13. Are you excited?

Before upgrading to these iPhone 12 models, it is important to know the differences between the previous iPhone 11 models and the newly released ones. Knowing these information will help you decide whether an iPhone 12 is a worthy investment.

THE PRICE GAP

It comes as no surprise that the newest batch of iPhones are more expensive than its predecessors. According to the price comparison website iprice.sg, the cheapest iPhone 11 that you can buy in Singapore is S$649.99. While, the cheapest iPhone 12 is S$1198. There is a huge price gap between the two models. Expect to invest more money, if you are upgrading this year.

THE LIGHTER PHONE

The iPhone 12 models consist of iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max. In comparison, iPhone 11 models only has three variations. iPhone 11 models consist of iPhone 11, the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 11 Pro Max. Both iPhone 12 and iPhone 11 are the same size. However, the former weighs an ounce less than the iPhone 11.

Let us go to the sizes. The iPhone 12 Mini is 5.4 inches, the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro are 6.1 inches, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max is 6.7 inches. The iPhone 11’s largest model is smaller in comparison. The iPhone 11 Pro Max boasts at 6.5 inches.

THE FASTER PROCESSING SPEED

The iPhone 12 offers a faster processing speed and an improved photography experience due to its A14 Bionic processor. The iPhone 11 only includes the Apple’s A13 Bionic processor. The upgrade in its processor is meant to future-proof your phone whereby it can handle later versions of iOS updates.

THE SUPERIOR CAMERA

Many Singaporeans are concerned about the phone’s camera abilities. As for the iPhone 12, its selfie camera now supports Smart HDR 3, Deep Fusion, Night Mode, and Night Mode Portrait shots. The improved HDR mode can be used for challenging scenes with dark and bright elements. This will boost your selfie game!

The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini resembles the iPhone 11’s camera design with its regular, ultrawide, and selfie cameras. Do not fret! The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max got massive photography improvements, which include a larger image sensor and a fourth telephoto camera for more distant subjects. The iPhone Pro Max even extends to 2.5x zoom or a 65mm equivalent lens.

THE INTRODUCTION OF 5G

All iPhone 12 models have the next-generation 5G cellular connectivity. Having 5G entails that your phone can tap into the high-speed wireless networks on the go. This will be helpful when we are all free to travel. The iPhone 11 models were not equipped with the 5G connectivity.

THE ADDITION OF DEEP BLUE

The iPhone 12 models come in five colors: red, deep blue, green, white, and black. While the iPhone 11 comes in six colors: red, black, white, purple, green, and yellow. Both are IP68 rated for water-resistance and have no headphone jacks. Nonetheless, they have wireless charging capabilities and better screen displays.

iPhone 12 models have an OLED display, which is an upgrade to iPhone 11’s LCD display. The new screen is strengthened by ceramic. Moreover, the 12 has a completely flat design along the edges with no raised buttons. Lastly, the 12 has a magnetic backing to support the new MagSafe chargers and accessories.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The iPhone 12 models are superior in many ways! As you contemplate on which model suits you best, please watch this interesting video. It showcased how repairable an iPhone 12 is.

Sources: 1 , 2, & 3

How To Alter Your Budget To Suit Your Work From Home Lifestyle

According to the multi-ministry task force handling COVID-19, Singapore may enter Phase Three by the end of 2020 should the community cases remain low in the country. The restrictions reflected by this upcoming phase may last for a year or more. That being said, more and more people are working from home.

This huge shift in the global workplace has brought many changes in our lives. Whenever big transitions occur, it is a good opportunity to re-assess all the aspects of our lives including our finances. What has changed in your budget ever since you started working from home?

Reduced costs on transportation, work clothing, daily coffee stops, and dining out were usually observed in the previous months. In contrast, many experience a spike in utilities, groceries, and online shopping fees. How can you better prepare for your future with this new set-up?

#1: RE-EVALUATE WHERE YOUR MONEY IS GOING

Get a realistic view of your finances by pulling out your bank statements, credit card bills, and other month expenses from the past three months. If you are using a budgeting app such as Mint, you may track your spending using the information inside the app. Look for unnecessary categories or recurring expenses that you can do without. This will help you spend less than what you have originally planned.

Aside from your spending, concentrate on other parts of your personal finance such as investments and emergency funds. You have the luxury of time to re-evaluate how much you are saving in your emergency funds. Ensure that the money you put inside will be sufficient to cover unforeseen events such as unemployment. We must overcome complacency during these tough times.

#2: CONSIDER DIFFERENT BUDGETING STRATEGIES

As you establish your new budget to suit your work from home lifestyle, you may employ different strategies such as goal-specific budget and the 50/30/20 method. The former focuses on the goal and not the percentages. You may start with a specific short-term goal such as saving S$50 for your emergency fund this week or a long-term goal such as putting away S$5,000 for a vacation next year. Break down your goals and allot how much you need to save per week or per month. Ensure that you meet your other financial responsibilities as you prepare for your goals too.

The 50/30/20 method entails putting 50% of your take-home pay to your fixed expenses including groceries and rent. 30% needs to go to your variable expenses such as entertainment and clothing. While, 20% is dedicated to your savings. Choose a strategy that will best work for you.

#3: STORE EXTRA CASH IN YOUR HOME

Many of us are working from home because there has been a shift in the economy due to the unpleasant effects of the pandemic. It helps to be prepared as we live within the realms of uncertainty. Store extra cash in your home for emergency situations. You may label this as your emergency fund, which can cover your expenses for at least six to nine months.

Knowing that you will be alright for a considerable amount of time before needing to use other financial resources can help you sleep better at night. This will prevent you from incurring debts.

#4: MAXIMIZE YOUR TELECOM AND INTERNET PLANS

Because most of our time are spent at home, it comes as no surprise that our utilities are higher now. Do your best to ensure that you are getting the most out of your telecom and internet plans. If your plan has an inclusion of data, try to substitute a costly mobile call for calling over at WhatsApp or Telegram. Various online platforms offer free calling and video-conferencing services worldwide. Take advantage of that!

#5: CONSERVE ENERGY

This new living and working arrangements have considerable effects on our electric bills. As much as possible, conserve energy on the devices and appliances that you work with. Unfavorable habits such as leaving your laptop constantly plugged in or forgetting to unplug your smartphone charger can cost you.

Image Sources: unsplash.com

One of the easiest ways to save energy is by ensuring that your cables or chargers are unplugged. Most devices work best with the 40-80 battery rule. You must plug the charger when your battery drops below 40% and disconnect the plug when the battery reaches 80%. Leaving a laptop or handphone constantly plugged in can cause extra wear and tear to the battery. Take care of the devices, which you use on a regular basis.

Sources: 1, 2 & 3