5 Free Classes To Take During Circuit Breaker Period

Learning new skills often take a toll on your time, effort, and money. Fortunately for you, the current circumstance has put time in your favor. Put it to good use by taking up one or two free online classes that will enrich your skills. Moreover, you can add this newly acquired information to your resume and get more chances of moving ahead.

#1: ACQUIRE A GOOGLE CERTIFICATE

Website: https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage

Did you know that you can get a be a Google-certified digital marketer without paying a cent? Well, Google’s Digital Garage allows you to take 26 structured topics from how to build your online shop to the meaning of web analytics. It is an online academy that lets you dive into the ABCs of digital marketing. Each topic has several videos that give you a run-down of the topic and short quizzes to test your understanding of each one.

You must complete every topic to attain the 26 badges. Then, you must pass the final MCQ quiz to become a Google-certified digital marketer! Having “Google” on your resume sure sounds beautiful in the eyes of any Singaporean office. Give it a try!

#2: BROWSE THROUGH COURSERA

Website: https://www.coursera.org/collections/popular-free-courses

Coursera has a plethora of free and paid classes taught by top instructors from some of the world’s best universities and educational institutions including Stanford, Penn, Johns Hopkins, Duke, Columbia, and Yale. You can earn degrees and certifications through this website.

Topics range from personal development to data science. Each course consists of videos, quizzes, projects, and more. You can earn certificates to qualify for your work or an upcoming promotion. Nonetheless, it is an efficient way to pass time.

#3: TRAIN IN MICROSOFT

Website: https://support.office.com

How many of you have put “proficient in Microsoft Office” in your resume? I am guilty myself. Howeover, there is a legitimate training grounds for Microsoft Office. Training includes unlocking functions of Word, Powerpoint, and Excel.

Simply watch the video lessons that will give you a step-by-step guide through all the possible functions of the Microsoft Office. This way, you can be a wiz at Microsoft Office.

#4: EARN A FACEBOOK BLUEPRINT

Website: https://www.facebook.com/business

Interestingly, Facebook has its own online course. Facebook Blueprint allows you to get a crash course on Facebook and Instagram advertising.

These courses span a variety of topics, so you can get your pick from knowing more about Facebook ads to knowing more about Facebook Live. Worry not about the length of the course as all topics are divided into bite-sized information explained through paragraphs and photographs. You will be rewarded with a downloadable certificate upon completion of each course.

#5: LEARN HOW TO ANIMATE

Website: https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/pixar

Last but not the least is Pixar In A Box. We are all familiar with the heartwarming animation films produced by Pixar. However, are you familiar with what goes on behind the scenes? In this free course, you will be able to learn the art of storytelling, animation, and hair stimulation directly from Pixar staff.

In a series of online video lessons, you will get to digest topics in simple language. You will be able to animate bouncing balls, build a swarm of robots, and make virtual fireworks explode. This collaboration between Pixar Animation Studios and Khan Academy is sponsored by Disney.

BONUS: NTUC LearningHub has partnered with GO1 to offer Singaporeans free online courses until May 31, 2020. This initiative was launched last April 11. Courses vary from Change Management to Data Analytics. These are designed for bite-sized learning, so you will not be overwhelmed. Learn at your own pace and your own schedule by visiting ntuc.mygo1.com.

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8 Cheap Ways To Feng Shui Your Home

The Ancient practice of Feng Shui highlights the harmony between he individuals and their surroundings. It can help you create a happy home, a productive working space, and a beautiful garden. The usage of energy forces is within your hands!

Start improving your life while you are in quarantine by practicing these Feng Shui tips.

#1: TIDY UP

De-cluttering must be on top of your list as Feng Shui relies on free-flowing energy (chi). Let the chi flow smoothly without disruptions by clearing out the entryway of your home. Clean the dirt behind your front door so that you can open it all the way. Tidy up your space by getting rid of your dead plants, old newspapers, expired cosmetics, broken toys, and so on.

#2: FIX IT

Feng Shui focuses on well-functioning things around your house. Ensure that you fix the broken things inside your house to encourage good energy. Start checking your doors, windows, lights, floors, and furniture. Repair and revamp anything that needs to be tweaked.

Let us focus on your door. Tighten your doorknobs and fix your squeaks. Does your entry door squeak whenever you open or close it? It is helpful to put some oil into the door hinges to prevent this sound and to create more positive energy. Moreover, it reduces your frustrations upon coming in.

#3: COVER IT

Cover the television inside your bedroom to create a tranquil environment for sleeping. If you have trouble sleeping, it is a good idea to cover your television with a beautiful scarf or a patterned fabric. The active energy of your television may be disruptive to your sleep. Create a calming energy by reducing the electronic stimulation.

#4: SPICE UP

To spice up your love life, you may consider adding plants to your love nest. Create hope and cheer to your bedroom by addin three indoor plants. Moreover, you must position your beed in such a way that you can see whoever approaches your bedroom door. A bed in a “commanding position” attracts strength, love, safety, and calmness.

#5: ADD PLANTS

Indoor plants are known to bring positive health effects to people, while colorful flowers brighten up rooms. These home elements are believed to improve a home’s chi. One of the lucky charms that you may incorporate to your home is a bamboo. Beyond its Feng Shui effect, it adds character to your interiors. Bamboo is a stylish plant that works well at promoting peace and tranquility.

#6: ARRANGE IT

Arranging your pieces of furniture in a circular formation encourages the smooth flow of energy. You can attract positive energy in your bedroom by strategically placing your bed so that it stands diagonally from your bedroom door. Avoid letting your bed face away from the toilet.

#7: COUNTER IT

Flowing water is believed to drain the luck from your home according to Feng Shui. To counter this, you must introduce earth elements. Add accessories in warm tones such as yellow and gold accents. You may also put a fresh coat of paint in your walls or add yellow towels or gold rugs to lessen the elemental imbalance.

#8: BURN IT

Dollar stores have a wealth of incense in their counters. Cleanse your home by burning incense. Ideal types of incense for this purpose are sandalwood and rosemary. Not only will the smoke clear your space of the negativity, but your home will also smell heavenly. You will love how the incense will create a cozy ambiance, while inviting positive energy in!

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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4 COVID-19 News Headlines Worth Reading

From receiving up to S$600 worth of Solidarity Budget to closing down of Changi Airport Terminal 2, here are some of the COVID-19 news headlines that will greatly affect your lifestyle and your budget.

1. “Solidarity Budget: All adult S’poreans to receive extra one-off cash payment of S$300, taking total to at least S$600”

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced yesterday (April 6) that all Singaporeans above the age of 21 will receive a one-off cash payment of S$600 to cushion the weight that social-distancing measures have caused. This financial step shall cost the Government an extra S$1.1 billion as it increases the Solidarity Budget by S$300.

Singaporeans who provided the Government with their bank account details will receive the payout by April 14. While, the rest will receive the lump sum by cheque from April 30 onward.

2. “Changi Airport Terminal 2 to suspend operations for 18 months amid COVID-19 pandemic”

As the pandemic continues to affect the aviation sector, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan announced the upcoming closure of Changi Airport’s Terminal 2 (T2). It will suspend operations for 18 months, starting from May 1. Airlines operating at this terminal will be relocated to Changi’s other tree terminals.

The suspension of T2 operations will allow Changi Airport Group (CAG), its retailers, its airlines and its ground handling firms to save on running costs during this time. Moreover, it will speed up the current upgrading works at T2.

3. “Singapore Expo being prepared to house recovering Covid-19 patients”

Isolation areas have been prepared for COVID-19 patients and those who have been advised to have a 14-day quarantine. Health Minister Gan Kim Yong has confirmed last Sunday (April 5) that the Singapore Expo Convention Hall and Exhibition Centre is currently in the process of being turned into a facility to care patients who are on the road to recovery. This will help ensure that there will be continued hospital capacity to treat patients with severe symptoms.

According to him: “For patients with mild symptoms, generally they don’t need any medical support. In fact, they can actually recover and be cared for in these facilities until they are well and can be discharged, without having to go to the hospitals.”

Let us do our part to heal as one by being responsible for our actions.

4. “Durable, self-disinfecting coating applied on all HDB lift buttons”

One of the things that we frequently touch on a daily basis is the lift button. Teams from Singapore’s 16 town councils applied a self-disinfecting coating to the lift buttons over the past two weeks. This was made possible by the donation of 650 litres of sdst by the Changi Airport Group’s (CAG) philanthropic arm Changi Foundation. The self-disinfecting coating is called sdsr. It kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi upon contact.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

It remains in place, even with repeated cleaning and scrubbing, as chemical bonding agents help it to adhere tightly to surfaces at a molecular level. It is said to last for up to three months. That is one way to keep the HDB lifts and lift lobbies in Singapore safe!

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How To Create Abundance In Your Life

In observation of quarantine or social distancing, I joined a Meditation group. This group highlighted the importance of visualizing abundance in your life. Abundance, according to the Cambridge dictionary, can be defined as a situation in which there is more than enough of something. Your perception of abundance depends on your currency. Is owning several cars your definition of abundance? Or, perhaps abundance comes from being able to provide for your family?

Bringing abundance into your life is more than a game of chance. Instead, it is about creating the life you desire. Here are some guidelines for actively creating abundance.

#1: START WITH GRATITUDE

Begin the day with thanksgiving. Be thankful for all the blessing you already have and the simple acts of kindness that you receive on a daily basis. The next challenge is for you to produce.

Produce more ideas and more ways to increase your income. Being able to produce more allows you to share what you have to others. This fruitfulness will bless your family and your community. Abundance will start to come as soon as you become more productive.

#2: LEARN TO VISUALIZE

A grateful heart is able to envision an abundant life. Every great achievement begins with a dream in mind. Dare to dream and make it possible. Free yourself from the negative thinking and feedback that will weigh you down.

If you dream to travel with your family before the year ends, make it so. Take this time in quarantine as a way to save more money and fulfill your goals.

#3: ALTER YOUR MINDSET

There is a book that differentiates the way rich people and poor people think. Rich people live in a world of abundance. While, poor people live in a world of limitation. Whether it happens by chance or by hard work, rich people understand that creativity and willingness to be open can lead to a life of abundance. Having the right mindset will lead you to see opportunities that you were once ignoring.

In contrast, poor people think there is not enough to go around in the world. Fear-based mindset may be deeply rooted in their past experiences. Do you share the same ideals?

#4: COMMIT TO ACTION

Once you have planned for your abundant future and you have chosen a positive mindset, you must commit to living your dreams. What must you do to achieve the life you desire? Shall you expand your network or shall you try new hobbies?

Notice the opportunities that come along. Your only limitations are your consciousness, which is quickly expanding. Whatever you want quickly becomes yours because you see what most people do not.

#5: RESPECT YOUR MONEY

Do you disrespect your money by overspending or by not appreciating what you have? Do you often think that your current business strategies do not work out for you? Your financial block stems from your energy block.

Remember that you attract what your energy releases. Create abundance by cleaning up your wallet, arranging your business files, and perceiving an energetic connection between your you and your finances.

#6: GIVE MORE MONEY

Lastly, wanting more for others cradles the energy of abundance. It feels good to want more for others than to bring them down. This is especially true during times of crisis. When you genuinely want to help others, they will respond in kindness.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

This means that you have to eliminate your tendency of comparing yourself to others. Instead, you must come from a place of love and support. Things are healthier that way!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Get $20 cashback for this short term investment backed by Singapore properties

Debt crowdfunding, commonly known as peer-to-peer (P2P) lending is an investment concept where individuals & institutions together invest in loans to SMEs and earn returns in the form of interests. Considerably disruptive, the industry adopts a business model targeting the underserved SMEs by employing technology to directly link investors with them. Funding Societies is the largest such platform in Southeast Asia, having financed over S$1.3B worth of funds via their platform.

About Funding Societies

The platform is licensed and has operations in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. Backed by Sequoia India and Softbank Ventures Asia amongst many others, the platform has grown at a rapid pace since they launched in 2015 in Singapore. The main risk in this investment is default risk of the loans. A few things to note when investing with Funding Societies:

  • Low barrier to entry: Investors can invest as low as $20 per loan
  • Short tenor: Investment tenors are quite short ranging from 1 to 12 months
  • Returns on Investment: Interest rates usually range between 3% to 5% per annum for a Guaranteed Investment product, 6% to 8% per annum for a Property-backed investment and 8% to 18% per annum for Invoice financing and Working capital related investments
  • Default Rate: The Singapore platform default rate is 1.89% while for Property Backed Secured Investment its 0% (no defaults till date)

To subscribe and start investing, just fill a 5 minute form here

Investing in these uncertain times

In light of the current economic uncertainties, Funding Societies has taken the approach to offer more investment notes for products that are more secure and have collateral backing it. For the purposes of this article, we will be looking at the Property-backed Secured Investment (PBSI) product.

About Property-backed Secured Investment (PBSI)

  • Investments backed by Singapore properties
  • Interest rates usually between 6% to 8% per annum
  • No defaults till date

PBSI is a crowdfunding investment made by investors in the form of a loan to a SME that is backed by a local property as collateral on a first lien basis. These pledged properties can be residential, commercial or industrial. Such properties may be owned by the companies and/or directors of the companies. What it means is that if the company defaults, the platform can liquidate the property to recover the principal and interest and pay back to the investors. To ensure that property price fluctuations do not impact the liquidation process, Funding Societies usually does not give loans of more than 70% of the property value and also takes into account forced sale value. Click here for more information on PBSI product.

Given that the loans are backed by collateral, PBSI is perceived to have a lower risk than other products on the platform. The rate of interest usually ranges between 6% – 8% per annum on a simple interest basis. This product portfolio has done very well so far with no defaults in more than 1.5 years since launch. While having a property as collateral does not mitigate default risk, it does provide an alternative helpline when seeking fund recovery should there be a default. At this point, it is important to note that past performance of the rates of return does not indicate future rates of return.

To reiterate, the reason behind the lower interest rate is due to PBSIs being generally less risky, given that these notes are backed by Singapore based properties. As the properties can be disposed off or auctioned by Funding Societies in the event of a default, the likelihood of recovering the principal and interest is considerably higher. More information on the interest rates for PBSIs can be found here.

While the returns are typically comparatively lower than unsecured products like Business Term Loans or Invoice Financing on Funding Societies, it can possibly be higher than some of the other investment vehicles in Singapore such as fixed deposits, certain bonds, and other fixed repayment investments. Investors will need to do their due diligence and access their risk appetite when studying various products.

To subscribe and start investing just fill a 5 minute form here

Importance of investment diversification

Just as how it is important to diversify your traditional investment portfolio across geographical areas, business types and investment types, the same is true for Debt Crowdfunding.

PBSIs can be an option to consider when opting for product diversification. By investing into both secured and unsecured products, the overall portfolio can be more balanced out to better weather storms.

Conclusion

Technological advancements have made multiple means of investment available to retail investors. While unimaginable a decade ago, retail investors today now have a large pool of investment opportunities to pick and choose from. When taking calculated risks, investors will need to fully understand the product that they are interested in. Beyond that, reading up and keeping up with trends is also crucial.

If you have done your own due diligence and decided to invest with Funding Societies, they currently have a promotion for new investors. Sign up with promo code MD20 and make a total investment of S$200 by 30th April to get a S$20 cashback.

Terms and Conditions apply

Investors must sign up with the aforementioned promo code and make a total investment of at least S$200 by 30th April 2020 to be eligible for the $20 cashback. Cashback will be credited into the eligible investors’ accounts by the end of May 2020. Funding Societies’ investor T&Cs apply.

Disclaimers:

This article is contributed by Funding Societies.

It should not be construed that Moneydigest is endorsing this article or any of the products and services provided by Funding Societies.

The content and materials made available are for informational purposes only and should not be relied on without obtaining the necessary independent financial or other advice in connection therewith before making an investment or other decision as may be appropriate.

All information in this article is accurate as of 2nd April 2020

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