MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

5 Budget-Friendly Ways To Improve Your Digital Life

#1: HAVE A HEALTHY DOSE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

During the pandemic, more and more people are turning to social media to occupy their time. Many people use their social media accounts to air out their frustrations and rants on different topics. This may be overwhelming for your self-esteem and overall mental health.

Only follow the accounts that post insightful and useful content such as recommendations for delicious recipes, financial books, home decorations, and more. Tune out or mute accounts that are negative and toxic.

#2: USE SPREADSHEETS TO BOOST YOUR PRODUCTIVITY

It is easy to lose track of your schedule or important tasks when the usual 9 to 5 routine is gone. The line between work and play can be blurred, especially when you are working from home. This is why you must manage your tasks and expenses through spreadsheets.

Record your daily activities and the amount of time you spend on each task. Make adjustments and plan for the next week. For your expenses, you may use a spreadsheet to guide you towards necessary and unnecessary expenses. Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel are some of the popular tools.

#3: USE RSS FEED READERS FOR YOUR NEWS CONSUMPTION

Apart from this website, you can get a digest of the stock market or the marketing industry without a wave of fake news by following reputable websites through their RSS feed readers (e.g., Feedly or Digg Reader). This will help you curate your reading consumption without the daily noises from others. You can do this if you do not want any unnecessary triggers to dictate the flow of your day.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: REDUCE THE NUMBER OF APPS ON YOUR PHONE

A surefire way to cleanse your phone is by reducing the amount of apps on it. Apps can be very helpful, but they can also be very distracting. Choose apps that help enhance your relationships with your friends and family, your productivity in the workplace, your clarity in your mental and spiritual well-being.

Some essential apps include your transportation, food delivery, private messaging platforms, banking and finance, and emails. Remember that you can always adjust your notification settings to work efficiently.

#5: USE EDITING AND VISUAL PLATFORMS THAT INSPIRE YOU

Vision boards or photographic lists can help you develop ideas and reach your goals. Some visual platforms that ignite inspiration are Pinterest and Evernote. Some of the free graphic design platforms that I swear by are Canva and PosterMyWall. These two are helpful in creating posters, flyers, covers, and so on.

You may use these tools to visualize your business plan or to create your financial vision board. Pleasure is felt when a person achieves what is inside his or her vision board or lists, amidst all the uncertainties.

Source: 1

Splurges That Turn Out To Be Wise Savings

Having money allows you to live the life you desire to live, if you spend it wisely. You have to weigh whether an item is an essential (need) or a non-essential (want) expense. In some cases, you have to spend more at the moment to save more in the long run.

Certain items are worth splurging on to help you earn more money or experiences in the future. Here are just some splurges that are actually wise savings:

#1: PURCHASING AN INVESTMENT FOR YOUR CAREER

Purchases that help you advance in your field are good investments. Know which tool you cannot work without and list them down. For instance, you must invest on a high quality camera and a reliable laptop as a photographer. There are also online classes and software programs that a photographer can benefit from on a daily basis. If an item supplements your future growth, it could be a smart move to spend extra cash on it.

#2: PURCHASING ITEMS THAT YOU USE A LOT

Before spending your hard-earned money on a product or a service, think of how long you are likely to use it. Then, breakdown the price using these factors (e.g., cost per wear). You may realize that the iPad you have been eyeing for so long may only cost you S$1 per day due to your current academic needs.

Home appliances and cookware are just some of the items that we use frequently. You can save so much money by cooking at home. Splurging on quality kitchen items such as knives and refrigerator can make a difference. It is recommended to invest more money on home appliances and cookware that you will use heavily because you will only end up spending more on repairs with low-quality appliances.

#3: PURCHASING ITEMS THAT YOU WILL CONSUME

Now more than ever, it is important to consume items that can strengthen our immune system. You really are what you eat! So, do not feel guilty about spending more money on fresh produce and healthier food items. What you spend on these items may help reduce your hospital bills.

Along with grocery shopping comes the ability to save more time. You may get your groceries delivered to your doorstep instead of going to the store. This will minimize your contact with the crowded places and will enable you to have more time to enjoy your day.

#4: PURCHASING SOMETHING YOU HAVE SAVED UP FOR

It is alright to splurge on an item that you have strategically saved up for in advance. For instance, you may have kept a portion of your monthly salary to splurge on a good laptop or a luxury bag at the end of the year. Some non-essential items are worth spending money on as long as you have saved enough funds to cover your significant expenses. Furthermore, it is a rewarding and a joyful experience to see the fruits of your labor.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

It is more than fine to get spend your hard-earned money on the finer things in life as long as you are smart about your purchases. Consider the points that were previously discussed above.

Sources: 1 & 2

On-Trend Wedding Themes For Your Intimate Wedding

If you are one of those couples who have been planning for their 2020 wedding, I cannot fathom how much stress you are feeling right now. What should have been the most exciting day of your lives has now been overwhelmed by the uncertainties of the global pandemic. While others have postponed their Big Day, some are willing to make the most out of the situation.

For instance, 240 couples tied the knot on the auspicious Aug 8 despite coronavirus restrictions. A spokesman for the Registry Of Marriages told The Straits Times:

“With the recently announced revised safe management measures, couples who want to solemnize their marriage need not delay their plans. They can still have intimate and meaningful wedding celebrations.”

Couples are allowed to have up to 48 guests in venues such as places of worship or hotels. Safe management measures such as wearing face masks and checking in via SafeEntry are to be followed for ceremonies held at external venues.

On the other hand, couples are allowed to have 8 guests for solemnization ceremonies held at home, at the Registries of Civil, at Muslim Marriages building, or at the National Museum of Singapore. These 8 guests may include non-immediate family members such as your videographer or photographer.

Make your intimate wedding celebration meaningful by considering one of these themes:

#1: CLASSICALLY ROMANTIC WEDDING

Influenced by the unwavering appeal of royal and celebrity weddings, sweet garden weddings that are utterly simple yet outright romantic. For this look, guests are typically greeted with gorgeous lush garlands and floral centerpieces. Worry not about the venue as you can either celebrate a classically romantic wedding indoors and outdoors.

For the indoors, decorate your home with floral centerpieces and indoor plants. You can have a subtle color scheme of blush, champagne, and cream. You may also have a church garden-themed wedding with the colors of lavender, silver, and white.

#2: GLAMOROUS WEDDING

For wedding ceremonies at hotels, you may sparkle the night away! This glistening wedding theme starts with a dapper groom in tuxedo and an elegantly glam bride in a long dress. You may exude glamour by adding decor to a ballroom such as glittery linens or huge centerpieces.

Nonetheless, you may experience this theme in your own home by adding gold foil or glitters to your customized gift boxes and invitations. Having glamorous virtual background for your guests can add a thematic surprise. You may also decorate the flat with touches of gold and silver.

#3: CREATIVE WEDDING

With the freedom to decorate your own home with a theme that hits your hearts, use your artistic abilities to channel unforgettable creative weddings. From Star Wars to the Greatest Showman, the creative theme of your intimate wedding has no limits. Simply sprinkle parts of your personalities to the wedding elements to achieve this unique look.

You can even start with your handmade invitations. Comic-book enthusiasts may release virtual “cartoonized” wedding invitations to their guests.

#4: BOHEMIAN CHIC WEDDING

If you are the type of person who is laid back, simple, and free-spirited then a bohemian styled wedding is perfect for you! Inspired by the popular music festivals all over the world, a bohemian chic wedding fuses the layered textures, quirky prints, and rustic elements all together in a uniquely beautiful way. Eye-catching bohemian elements such as ribbons, gold accents, embellishments, and printed blankets will captivate your wild hearts.

Take the comfort up a notch by opting for sandals instead of the traditional heels. Aside from this, the bride can wear blooming flower crowns instead of the veil. Search through Pinterest for inspirations on how to make your own bohemian wedding elements.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

At the end of the day, what matters is that you have each other. Be honest when it comes to what you can afford and what is feasible given the current situation. Communication is essential when it comes to planning a wedding – this year or the next.

Sources: 1 & 2

Rethinking gender bias scenarios at the workplace with a life and career coach

It’s 2020, but we’re still hearing stories of gender biases and barriers especially towards women at the workplace.

“Often, we allow the negative stories to take hold, for instance, “you’re not good enough”, “what are others thinking of you”, “you’re too bossy of a lady”, and the list goes on,” states Janice Chua, life and career coach at Janice Chua Coaching.

Instead of entertaining the negative voices, Janice advises us to turn it into awesome stories about ourselves. Here’s how to do it.

#1: Rethinking the label of ‘dragon lady’

Image Credits: trainingindustry.com

“If you’re called a ‘dragon lady’, start thinking about the qualities that are attached to that persona. The ones that usually come to our mind by default are tough, domineering, scary, and fierce.

Take away the word “lady” and what comes to mind when you hear the word ‘dragon’? Possibly, strong, powerful, majestic.”

#2: Rethinking the label of women being ‘more emotional’ than men

Image Credits: Freepik

“Being ‘more emotional’ can work in two directions – being perceptive of others’ emotions (inward) and displaying one’s emotions (outward). Being more perceptive of the emotions from others can definitely help women be better bosses, as they would be viewed as empathetic and understanding. That is, they have a ‘heart’. Displaying one’s emotions more readily allows others to better see what’s going on with you.

Obviously it doesn’t help if one is prone to frequent outbursts of anger, or tears. A controlled amount of emotions helps others see a woman as a human being, especially if she has the reputation of being a “dragon lady”.

#3: Rethinking being the minority gender in the boardroom

Image Credits: CU Management

“If I know I’m going to be the only woman walking into the boardroom, I tell myself that all eyes are going to be on me. Walking into the room, I have to maintain a strong posture and exude confidence and not allow myself to just blend into the background.

Instead, I will make myself stand out, so the room will listen when I speak. Dress professionally, speak with a strong voice, and be confident and clear all around. And stop wondering what the rest of the room thinks of me.

Be clear on one’s intentions when you walk into the room. Once you’re clear on your own agenda and intentions, you can then contribute clearly. And when you’re clear with your message, the room listens – regardless of your gender.”

#4: Rethinking the idea of ‘taking care’ rather than ‘taking charge’ as men do

Image Credits: VideoHive

“It’s true that women tend to take more care of the people around them. That’s just how we’re wired. We’re more attuned to how others are feeling, and oftentimes, our maternal instincts kick in, regardless of whether we have children. When women show they care for the others in the workplace, they invite trust and understanding from the others.

When implementing changes in a workplace, a woman can “take care” by seeking the opinions of the other employees, letting them know that she is taking their feedback into consideration. When employees feel that they have been heard it’s easier for them to take on the changes that get put in place.”

Get ready for Mid-Autumn Festival 2020 with champagne truffle, lychee martini, smoked duck baked skin mooncakes, and more!

Mid-Autumn Festival this year falls on the first day of October, which is a Thursday. For the foodies, this is the time to binge-eat mooncakes. Ha, just kidding.

But honestly, if we were to really get our hands on mooncakes, let’s make it worth the calories with unique flavoured ones. We’re talking about champagne truffle, lychee martini, smoked duck baked skin mooncakes, and more!

#1: Rose Tea Snowskin Mooncake with Champagne Truffle (8 pcs)

Price: 74 SGD

The pastel pink delight features a divine blend of creamy white lotus paste infused with rose tea. It’s accompanied with an aromatic centre of the bittersweet champagne truffle. Complemented with sweet, floral undertones, take just one bite and you might just fly over the moon.

From now till 26 August, check out with promo code “PUBLIC30” to enjoy a 30% early bird special.

#2: Lychee martini and chocolate truffle snow skin mooncakes (8 pcs)

Price: 78 SGD

Bag home this box of eight homemade lychee martini and chocolate truffle snowskin mooncakes for the family. Cherry Garden, Mandarin Oriental Singapore also offers other low-sugar mooncakes for the health-conscious peeps.

For bulk enquiries, please contact [email protected].

#3: Assorted Nuts with Smoked Duck Baked Skin Mooncakes

Price: 78 SGD

Hold up. Did someone say smoked duck? You read that right. We couldn’t believe our eyes when we saw smoked duck baked skin mooncakes. Got us all curious now, hmm. It’s available for pre-order and ready for collection or delivery from 1 September to 1 October 2020.

For bulk orders, please call 6831 7253 or email [email protected].

#4: Low Sugar White Lotus Paste with Macadamia Nuts Baked Mooncakes (4 pcs)

Sale Price: 39.60 SGD (Usual Price: 72 SGD)

These exquisitely crafted mooncakes are filled with less sugar white lotus paste and baked to golden brown perfection. Filled with macadamia nuts, the mooncake offers a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Available for pre-order now. Collection from 14 August 2020.

#5: Assorted Nuts with Ham (‘Kum Toy’)

Price: from 47 SGD

Before we could barely recover from the surprising smoked duck flavour, here’s another ‘wow!’. Goodwood Park Hotel’s Assorted Nuts with Ham (‘Kum Toy’) mooncake follows the traditional recipe from old with ingredients such as ‘Yunnan’ Ham, BBQ Pork, Walnut, Sesame Seed, Almond Flakes, Melon Seed, Cashew Nuts, and Candied Dried Fruit Peel.

15% off for Citi, DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB Credit & Debit Cardmembers.

#6: Mao Shan Wang Durian Snowskin Mooncakes (4 pcs)

Price: 98 SGD

Features a rich, luscious Mao Shan Wang durian pulp encased within yellow snowskin, these mooncakes from Yàn echo the breathtaking full moon that rises high in the sky on the 15th day of the lunar month.

Bulk purchase discounts available. Delivery or self-collection from 31 August to 1 October 2020.

#1: Rethinking the label of ‘dragon lady’

#2: Rethinking the label of women being ‘more emotional’ than men

#3: Rethinking being the minority gender in the boardroom

#4: Rethinking the idea of ‘taking care’ rather than ‘taking charge’ as men do

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