Why Are Cars So Expensive In Singapore?

A city with growing population and limited space cannot afford a massive traffic jam. This is why the Singapore government invest billions of dollars each year on public transportation. The government aims to make it reliable, inexpensive, efficient, and accessible for all. With this objective comes the restriction of private transportation. Since 1990, the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) complemented with tax and duties have been introduced to regulate car ownership and road usage.

There is no such thing as a cheap car! Even an upper middle class Singaporean will tell you that owning and maintaining a car is no easy feat!

So, why are cars so expensive in Singapore? For starters, it involves several factors.

#1: Open Market Value

You may have noticed that the price-tags of a certain car varies from country to country. These varying degrees of prices start a baseline. In our case, the baseline is the Open Market Value or OMV. The OMV will soon be boosted by the Additional Registration Fee and the Certificate of Entitlement. Imagine if we paid cars in terms of its OMV!

#2: Additional Registration Fee

As I said, your car purchase will be subjected to the ADF. ADF or Additional Registration Fee comes after the Registration Fee and the OMV. You see, it is a form of tax imposed to all cars during registration. The calculation of ARF depends heavily on the OMV of the vehicle.

Currently, the ARF is calculated as follows:

For the first $20,000, 100% of the OMV
For the next $30,000, 140% of (OMV-20000)
Above $50,000, 180% of the (OMV-50000)

Please refer to the full list at lta.gov.sg.

#3: Excise Duty And GST

People pay for additional taxes on specific goods sold within Singapore such as petrol, alcohol, and cigarettes. This tax is called Excise Duty.

The Excise Duty on cars is 20% of the OMV. Once this is calculated, a 7% GST will be added on both the OMV and the Excise Duty. It sounds confusing, right? Let me illustrate it for you!

For instance, a car has an OMV of S$49,113. It will incur and Excise Duty of S$9,822 (20% of S$49,113) and a GST of S$4,125 (7% of S$49,113 + S$9,822).

#4: Certificate Of Entitlement

Certificate of Entitlement or CEO is infamous for bumping one’s car expenses. Even Singaporeans who cannot drive would know what it means. It is a certificate that allows a car to be driven for 10 years. Essentially, COE is driven by the market’s supply and demand. COE prices can elevate during periods of high car demand and vice versa.

In 2013, the COE was a whopping S$97,889 (Category E). In today’s market, COE prices go between S$40,000 to S$50,000.

#5: Car Dealers’ Margin

It comes as no surprise that the car dealers have a portion for their own overheads. The profit they own for selling cars is called the dealers’ margin.

It could range from as little as 15% for affordable brands to as high as 50% for luxury brands.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Your job is to calculate all these factors together. Then, ask yourself whether owning a car in Singapore is worth it or not!

Sources: 1 &2

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Delicious And Affordable Bars In Singapore

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or any other occasion than with a drink or two? There is need to be terrified of the hefty prices attached with alcoholic beverages! In fact, there are bars and restaurants in Singapore that offer cheap booze.

CHUPITOS SHOTS BAR

The first on this list, Chupitos, will spoil you with choices of about 130 drinks. Maximize your money by going there during Happy Hour. From 6:30PM to 9PM daily, selected house pours, shots, and beers are only S$6! This discounted rate includes Heineken, Hoegaarden, Baby Irish Coffee, Blue Canary, and so on. What’s more? Ladies get a complimentary shot with every pair of shooters (e.g., Key Lime Pie or Mango Margarita) purchased on Wednesdays.

Image Credits: facebook.com/thechupitosbar

Location: 3B River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, #01-05, Singapore 179021
Contact: The Chupitos Bar

BAR BAR BLACK SHEEP

Looking for a cool place to hangout that offers cheap prices overall? Search no further than the Bar Bar Black Sheep! Its mere branding will draw your attention. It captured mine!

Bar Bar Black Sheep

This is the original coffee shop bar in Singapore.

Posted by Ladyironchef on Sunday, February 26, 2017

Let us go back to the booze. Bar Bar Black Sheep sells a pint of Kronenbourg Blanc and Tetley’s English Ale at about S$13. Half-pints of beers (e.g., Carlsberg and Blanc) start at S$7 only. When it comes to food, it stays true to the North Indian, Thai, and Western fusion. Fortunately for us, there are four outlets islandwide. Simply head down to the one closest to you!

Location: Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Road, #01-05C, Singapore 259760
Contact: 6763 4757

THE PIT RESTAURANT & BAR

Nestled in Holland Village is a humble gem called The Pit Restaurant & Bar. It might not be the fanciest place on the list, but it offers an incredibly friendly price for a glass wine. You cannot go wrong with the house pour wine at about S$10 a glass. Do not get me started with the Happy Hour prices!

For an upgraded experience of your favorite Chardonnay or Merlot, you can pay the premium house pour price of about S$12.

Location: 21 Lor Liput, Singapore, 277733
Contact: 6468 3468

Image Credits: facebook.com/thepitrestaurantandbar

My father was wrong! There are places offering cheap booze. You just have to know where to look.

Source: Yahoo News

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Mind-Blowing Facts About Valentine’s Day

It may only come once a year, but Valentine’s Day is one of the most celebrated holidays around the world! How did it become so popular? From its dark origins to its romantic twists, here are seven interesting facts about Valentine’s Day.

#1: FROM YOUR VALENTINE

Amidst the wide array of historical theories as to why Valentine’s Day came about, many people have accepted one theory. There was a time when men were not allowed to marry. Emperor Claudius II forbade couples to marry during wartime. However, Bishop Valentine’s passionate heart was against his wishes. He performed numerous secret weddings. As you may have guessed, he was jailed and executed.

The last letter he wrote was for the jailer’s daughter and he signed it with the words: “from your Valentine”. The rest is history!

#2: BOX OF CHOCOLATES

One of my favorite movie characters was quoted saying: “life is like a box of chocolates, you will never know what you are going to get.” In the uncertainty of life, you can count of chocolates being greatly sold during Valentine’s Day. When did this tradition started?

The giving of boxes of chocolates started in the 19th century by Richard Cadbury. The name sounds familiar, right? Coming from a British family who manufactured chocolates, Richard used a new technique to create a variety of products. He sold chocolates as a part of this beloved holiday.

In Singapore, different types of chocoholics can delight on this list of the best chocolates in town!

#3: MAKING BIG BUCKS

Valentine’s Day is considered as a marketing event in almost all parts of the world. In America alone, people spend an estimate of US$18.2 billion a year on this holiday.

What’s more? Men seem to spend more money than women. Should we step up our game, ladies? Kidding aside, you may use this opportunity to offer deals that cater to couples.

#4: ICONIC SWEETHEART CANDIES

Sweetheart candies or heart-shaped candies with adorable texts have been a staple in the aisles of many grocery stores every February 14th. The iconic chalky dessert started out as lozenges.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Pharmacist and inventor Oliver Chase created a machine that would quickly create lozenges. He later switched his product to candies known as the Necco Wafers. In 1866, his brother came up with the idea of printing messages on the candies. Afterwards, he made it heart-shaped to appeal to the couples during Valentine’s Day. Once again, the rest is history!

#5: CUPID’S BOW AND ARROW

For centuries, the diaper-clad baby with adorable wings and a set of bow and arrow has been associated with Valentine’s Day. Before Cupid got its name, he was known as Eros. Eros is derived from the ancient Greeks’ mythology – the God of Love.

His arrows are interesting! Said arrows have meanings – one was made for love and one was made for hate. These were designed to manipulate the emotions of his targets. The Romans soon adopted the story and Eros or Cupid gained the childlike appearance he is known for today.

#6: RISE OF CONTRACEPTIVES

Love can be expressed in many ways. It comes as no surprise that many choose to express it through intimacy. In February, condom sales seem to rise up. Around Valentine’s Day, sales are almost 20% to 30% higher in America alone. What comes next is the apparent rise of self-administered pregnancy tests. These tests are sold more in March than any other month.

#7: ANTI-VALENTINE’S DAY EVENTS

Who says that February 14th should only be celebrated by couples? Singletons do not have to stay at home to have during this time. You can surf the net to hang out at the best places in Singapore. Make sure you bring your favorite guy or gal pals along as you attend the following Anti-Valentine’s Day events.

A. VALENTINE VENDETTA 2019

Do not feel sad about being alone on Valentine’s Day as you can surround yourself with a group of energetic people at Valentine Vendetta. Running for 8 years now, Valentine Vendetta aims to provide an array of exciting activities and fun games to encourage social interaction. What’s more? Lucky guests can win up to S$2,500 or a trip to The Farm at San Benito in Manila. Tickets are sold at S$25 and are inclusive of a drink.

WHEN: FEBRUARY 14th at 6:30 PM onward

B. ANTI-VALENTINE’S VALENTINE’S DAY @ HUSTLE CO

Skip the sight of mushy couples exchanging gifts by heading to Hustle Co. A bar nestled at Tanjong Pagar can give you the haven you need in a time like this. Single ladies and men can enjoy S$6.90 craft beers and affordable dinner items. Anti-Valentine’s Valentine’s Day sounds like great event for all the singles out there!

WHEN: FEBRUARY 14th at 9:00 AM onward

Image Credits: pixabay.com

As you can see, Valentine’s Day was not always celebrated with a box of chocolates and heart-shaped candies! Things go deeper than that.

Sources: 1 & 2

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KonMari’s Guide To Sparking Joy In Your Desk

From a best-selling author to a Netflix superstar, cleaning queen Marie Kondo has an efficient way of de-cluttering your own house and your workplace desk.

Her KonMari method is so powerful that most of her clients never turn back! When practiced regularly, the results become everlasting.

STEP 1: TOSS OR KEEP

With an honest outlook, select an item from your desk. Hold this item and ask yourself this question: “Does it spark joy in your life?” If your answer is affirmative, keep the item. Items that hold a special place in your heart, items that brighten your day through the toughest days, and items that make you smile are worth keeping.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If your answer is “no” then, please get rid of the item. State your gratitude towards the item before tossing it away. Remember, it served its purpose to help you in your career. Do the same process for every item on your desk.

STEP 2: PHYSICAL CLEANSING

Marie Kondo believes that you must set a clean slate for all the items that spark joy in your life. After all, your desk is dirtier than you may think!

According to Microbiologist Charles Gerba, the average desk has more bacteria than an average toilet. It is important to disinfect your desk or working space with paper towels, wet wipes, rubbing alcohol, or disinfectant spray.

STEP 3: DIGITAL CLEANSING

Aside from the physical arrangement of your items, Marie Kondo has a way of cleansing your work inbox. She recommends limiting the creation of folders.

Afterwards, go through your email or Facebook inbox swiftly and completely in a single sitting. Rather than checking your inbox throughout the day, she prefers to get things done as quickly as possible.

STEP 4: HERE OR THERE

The last step is to assign a designated place for all the items that spark joy. She loves putting items in boxes or baskets! For instance, you may store your clips, tapes, and other stationary materials in a small box. Put this box inside your drawer. The idea is to put things out of your sight.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The most important thing to remember is to keep your desk permanently organized! In time, repeated behavior will become a habit. Thus, cleaning your desk will be second nature for you.

Sources:1 &2

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The Varying Types Of Work Leaves In Singapore

I recently came across with an article featuring a story of a Malaysian employee. He applied for a leave as his mother will be undergoing surgery. To his shock and dismay, his leave was rejected as it was deemed “not too serious”.

Early this year, my mother underwent a surgery and I never tried applying for a leave. The thought of having my sister as her companion was enough for me. If my sister was not present, I would immediately apply for a work leave. However, will it be granted?

Let us take a look at some of the work leaves available in Singapore!

Government-Paid Paternity Leave (GPPL)

Gone are the days when fathers are looked down upon! The GPPL grants working and self-employed fathers the right to enjoy the paternity leave benefits. This is to support the shared paternal responsibility when raising a child.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

By default, your paternity leave must be taken in one continuous period within 16 weeks from your child’s date of birth. It can only be taken flexibly, if the mutual agreement between you and the employer states so. The paternity leave, capped at S$2,500 per week, is fully paid by the Singapore government.

Government-Paid Maternity Leave (GPML)

It is understandable that there are differences between the paternity and maternity leave. When it comes to the later, you can start your leave 4 weeks before the delivery date. By default, your maternity leave must be taken within 12 months from your child’s date of birth.

The Singapore government will pay for the 9th to 16th week of your maternity leave for your 1st and 2nd child. The payment is capped at S$10,000 per 4 weeks or a total of S$20,000 per child order.

Emergency Half-day Leave

Say that your too sick to function, but you still went to work. Even if you leave in the middle of your shift, any leave you take will be considered as a full-day leave.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

However, your employer may consider it as an emergency half-day leave following your contract. Check with the Human Resources department or your employer whether the company grants half-day leaves or not.

Annual Leave

In accordance to the Employment Act, you are entitled to paid annual leave for up to 14 days. If you have worked for an employer for at least three months and less than a year, you will be eligible for a prorated annual leave. The year of service will dictate the days of your leave. For instance, you will get to enjoy 7 days of annual leave in your first year of service. If you have served the company for 8 years and beyond, you will be entitled to 14 days of annual leave.

Marriage or Grievance Leave

There is no statutory entitlement for marriage or grievance leave. These types of leave depend on the contract or mutual agreement between you and your employer. Otherwise, you may treat it as an unpaid leave.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Approach your employer for the leave application procedures! 🙂

Sources: 1 &2

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