7 Top Tips for Managing Your Personal Finances

How you manage, spend and invest your money has a profound effect on the quality of your life. Proper money management equals financial independence. Plus, it will provide peace of mind, allowing you to use your organized state to save and plan for a bright and exciting future. Although learning how to become financially savvy can take a while, the basics are quite simple and never change. Here are 7 tips for managing your finances.

  1. Set goals

Money affects different areas of your life. For instance, your intent to retire early is entirely dependent on how you handle your finances today. The same applies to begin a family, home ownership and even changing careers When looking to manage your funds, start by writing down goals about what you want to do with your life and money.

Write down your long-term goals, whether it is buying a home or retiring early. Move on to writing your short-term goals like not using your credit card for luxuries or sticking to your budget. After that, prioritize them so that the most important ones come at the top of your list.

  1. Create a budget

This is the most important step of successfully managing your finances. A budget is a plan of the money you expect to receive and how you intend planning to spend it. A budget will show you;

  • How much money you earn
  • How much you spend
  • How much you can afford to pay the debt
  • How you can best plan your spending in the future

The basics of creating a budget

  • Choose a period you want to cover. This can be monthly, quarterly or even yearly, which is highly recommended.
  • Add up all your income for that period and the exact dates it will be coming in.
  • Calculate all your expenditure over that period.

Once you have all this data in place, you may want to make some changes to your finances which may include;

  • Spending less
  • Earning more
  • Spending smart
  • Saving and investing
  • Borrowing

Budgeting makes it easier for you to identify and resolve any financial problems you have.

  1. Make savings non-negotiable

Sometimes, the hardest part of saving is getting started. However, there is a simple and realistic way you can save for your goals, big or small. You can save money by opening up a savings account deposit at least 10% of your monthly payments into it. Also, strive to push all monetary gifts and extra earnings into that savings account as well.

  1. Pay bills on time

It makes sense to monitor all your monthly bills and even set reminders on when they are due. Timely bill payments will help you avoid losing money through late penalties and improve your credit score. One way to ensure you stay on top of your bills is through direct debit. Choose a payment date that suits you and makes sure to include it in your budget to make sure you never miss a payment or incur penalties again.

  1. Prioritize debt payments

Although not all debt is bad, some like credit card debt can make managing money difficult. One way to prioritize your debt is by creating a plan on how to pay it off. After that, prioritize this debt by interest rate and strive to pay the ones with the highest rates first. Also, make sure to include these payments to your budget.

  1. Borrowing

There are times in life when you run short of funds and need some financial assistance. If you plan on taking out a loan, make sure you can comfortably afford to repay it first. Also, take the time to match the repayment period for the purpose of the loan. You do not want to end up repaying Christmas over some years. First, make sure you understand the need for borrowing first.

Are you borrowing for an emergency, something essential, entertainment or traveling? Good money management can prevent you from taking redundant loans. If you choose to borrow, only do what you can afford. Most importantly, always rethink before asking for a loan. There’s a relatively new service available from Badcreditsite.co.uk which allows users to find the cheapest loan provider that will accept them without damaging their credit scoring.

  1. Embrace technology

Managing your finances is already complicated as it is. Fortunately, you can make the whole process a little less complicated by embracing technology. Their hundreds of free tools that can show you how to manage money and do all the complex budgeting and computational work for you. These tools make it easier for you to visualize your financial reality.

Being in a position to manage your money successfully will make life more comfortable and stress-free. It will save you more money, time, and prevent potential worries in the future. So take that first step to map out your financial strategy, and you will be good to go.

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Is Blockchain a Viable Investment Option?

In truth, cryptocurrencies have dominated the news during the last 18 months, thanks primarily to Bitcoin’s historic price run last year. Altcoins such as Litecoin have also generated significant interest among investors, however, while driving high levels of engagement across social media.

Although the interest in cryptocurrency investment remains largely speculative in the mainstream, there’s no doubt that the blockchain technology behind this marketplace is evolving at a rapid pace and continuing to disrupt a huge array of alternative industries.

In fact, blockchain is now emerging as the fastest-growing digital technology since the evolution of the Internet, with its distributed and immutable qualities promising to revolutionise the social and economic landscape.

In this post, we’ll explore blockchain further while asking whether or not it’s a viable investment option.

What is Blockchain Technology?

A blockchain represents a growing list of records and data, with each individual block linked by cryptography.

The brainchild of Bitcoin innovator Satoshi Nakamoto, blockchain is a decentralised technology that has become synonymous with cryptocurrency and the financial market as a whole. In fact, blockchain is based on the principle of distributing rather than copying digital information, creating far greater security and removing the need for a central authority to manage data sets.

This highlights one of the main benefits of blockchain, namely its ability to provide immutable data records that cannot be manipulated. This, along with the anonymity provided by the blockchain, has created a technology that is tailor made the financial market and entities such as forex.

Is Blockchain a Viable Investment Option in the Digital Age?

Despite being synonymous with cryptocurrency, developers have also created an array of alternative applications for blockchain.

It’s certainly having an impact on the wider stock market, with NASDAQ having launched a ground-breaking LINQ platform based on this technology. This is a digital ledger that leverages blockchain to manage the entire process of issuing and managing private equity shares, creating a comprehensive and transparent set of records while optimising efficiencies.

NASDAQ continues to blaze a trail in this respect, however, with blockchain technology now used to underpin its own transactions and to support external marketplaces that are looking to integrate distributed ledgers into their business models.

This has involved a number of innovative and crucial collaborations, including a number of particularly interesting partnerships involving organisations such as Citigroup. Wealth management brands are also evolving to incorporate blockchain technology, in order to enhance the range of assets and the efficiency of service provided

Beyond this, blockchain is also having a huge impact on the modern supply chain, with distributed ledgers being used to introduce greater transparency into the logistics sector. Not only are these ledgers highly scalable, but they also improve the accuracy of recorded data and make it easier to monitor shipments in real-time.

The Last Word

As we can see, blockchain is an exceptionally diverse technology and one that has a growing number of potential applications available.

Not only this, but the blockchain market is also growing at a considerable pace and set to achieve a market value of $16 billion by the end of 2024.

With this in mind, it’s little wonder that RSM recently suggested that blockchain technology is “too powerful to ignore”, and this is certainly a worthwhile consideration for investors across the globe.

Ultimately, there’s no doubt that this technology offers value from both a short and a long-term perspective, while investing early may well increase your returns over time.

 

 

 

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To All The Money You’ve Wasted Before

On a positive note, you have started the month with the best intentions at heart. You intend to save money by buying what you actually need and by steering away from from temptation. You have created a seemingly robust plan to watch your spending habits. However, things do not seem to work despite your unwavering efforts. Do not beat yourself up! This happens to many of us.

Taking control of your finances starts with understanding your triggers. Why are your drawn to buying the non-essential items? Analyze the physical, environmental, and psychological triggers that cause you to spend. Managing said triggers will help you to avoid overspending.

Let us start with the physical factors that can affect your spending habits. Dropping by the nearest grocery while you are hungry may not be a practical idea! Your rumbling tummy makes you more susceptible to purchasing more. You are less likely to spend time exploring the isles when you already have a list in mind.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Environmental factors include exposure to shopping malls, flea markets, and television or online shops. Are you more likely tempted to spend due to the convenience of having an item delivered through your doorstep? There are certain situations that can make you feel obligated to spend. For instance, some people are more likely to spend when they are travelling. These people go on a spree because of a mindset that they will not be able to come back there anytime soon.

Focusing on the the psychological factors will highlight the Money Disorders. Money disorders is a broad umbrella consisting of money avoidance, money-worshiping, and relational money disorders. Compulsive buying is under money-worshiping. Inner conflicts drive compulsive shoppers to overspend. Earlier in life, they often learned that shopping provides a temporary escape from worries and anxieties. The chemical reaction that shopping brings to them can be compared to an addiction that leaves them to crave for more. Is your problem as serious as this?

The second step to financial control is tracking your spending. Keep track of all your purchases for a month. Figure out whether an expense is essential or non-essential. Afterwards, get the total of each category. How much are you spending on the non-essentials? Perhaps, you can cut back at least S$50 per category?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The final step is to allocate your money strategically. You need to give every dollar a place to stay. I do not intend for you to max out your account! Instead, you must allocate your money to several categories such as: savings, investments, retirement or emergency funds. Having money lying around can lead you to spend it. Do your wallet a favor! Avoid being trapped in this situation.

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Inexpensive Acne-Busting Products

After a long social hibernation, you are going out on a blind date. You have the perfect outfit that strikes a balance between attractive and elegant. Your threaded eyebrows are on fleek! Not to mention, you bought an irresistibly red lipstick. It seems that you are all set for your date. However, a huge zit suddenly appeared the night before. What shall you do?

Acne and pimple are nightmares to flawless skin. I, for one, have to combat these nasty visitors every hormonal cycle. Throughout the years, I have experimented with products that claim to zap zits. Fortunately for you, this list rounded up some of the best Inexpensive Acne-Busting Products in Singapore.

MY TRUSTED ALLY

One of the acne products that I cannot live without is Oxy Cover. The Oxy Cover Pimple Medication contains Benzoyl Peroxide (BP), which is stronger than other acne-busting chemicals. Its main function is to kill the bacteria and unclog pores. Since it comes in varying dosages, you need to choose a product that suits your case. For instance, Oxy 5 contains 5% Benzoyl Peroxide and treats mild to moderate pimples or acne. While Oxy 10 fights stubborn pimples or acne.

Image Credits: mentholatum.com.sg

Oxy Cover claims to kill bacteria causing pimples, unclog pores, dry up excessive oil, and cover your imperfections. Oxy 5 retails for as low as S$3.50.

THE HEALING ONE

Aside from BP, your skin can highly benefit from aloe vera. This amazing plant is versatile as it can be used on the hair, face, and body. Personally, I use aloe vera gels to tame my heat rashes and to soothe my burns. Its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties make it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Use it to help fade your acne or pimple scars.

Image Credits: Nature Republic USA

The Nature Republic Aloe Vera Gel is a popular Korean product known worldwide. Formulated with California CCOF-certified organic aloe vera, this gel can be used by all skin types including sensitive skin. It retails for about S$3.10.

NATURE’S BEST OFFER

Some of my friends prefer natural products over modified chemicals. For a more natural option, turn to tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has innate anti-microbial properties that can disinfect your pimples or acne and minimize its inflammation.

Image Credits: thebodyshop.com

Simply pour a few drops of the oil onto a cotton pad, a clean tissue, or your fingertips. Afterwards, gently dab it directly on the affected spots. The oil shall penetrate the skin to unblock the sebaceous glands, disinfect the pores, and dry out the pimples or acne. Try The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Oil, which retails for as low as S$19.90.

THE BLEMISH BUSTER

Whether you like or not, acne or pimple leaves a mark. Maintain your healthy-looking skin by treating these spots. Spot treatments are over-the-counter acne products that can help heal your existing blemishes. Spot treatments containing Salicylic Acid (SA) can resolve and prevent lesions. Unlike BP, it does not have any effect on sebum production and does not have the ability to kill bacteria. Instead, it can be used for milder pimple or acne.

Image Credits: innisfree.com/sg

Innisfree’s Bija Anti Trouble Spot Essence contains both Salicylic Acid and Torreya Seed oil. The former helps treat blemishes, while the latter aids in healing the skin. This product retails for about S$25.

HYPED UP EXFOLIATOR

The art of maintaining an impossibly perfect and luminous skin is something that many Koreans have mastered. This is why, the rest of the world have been curious about their skin can routine. What is fascinating about their comprehensive routine is that it covers different areas including acne treatment.

Image Credits: lazada.sg

Exfoliating acids are a tried-and-tested acne-busting staple that completes the K-beauty regimen. A famous exfoliator that lives up to its hype is Cosrx’s BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. It is formulated with SA and Beta Hydroxyl Acid to deeply cleanse your pores. It costs about S$23.90 in Lazada Singapore and S$28.71 in Watsons Singapore. Shop around to get the best deal!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Travel tips for first-time visitors to Mexico

How I Travel For Free By Planning My Own Finances

Mexico has beautiful Spanish colonial towns, white-sand beaches and mysterious Mayan ruins. Millions travel to Mexico each year to experience their history, culture and food. Some book a week in one of the luxurious riviera maya homes for rent while others spend their time backpacking around the country. But visiting Mexico can be a daunting experience, especially if it’s your first time. Keep reading and discover these essential travel tips to make sure your trip goes smoothly.

Staying safe in Mexico

One of the biggest concerns facing travellers to Mexico is the poor safety record in the country. Switch on any news channel and you’re bombarded with stories of gun crime and drug-related incidents. Others focus on how street crime and robberies target tourists. But this is usually blown out of proportion. Yes, Mexico does have a poor safety record. But not every town and city is the same. The vast majority of resorts such as Los Cabos and Cancun are completely safe. As are the smaller colonial towns in more rural areas. If you travel to Mexico City or areas that are notorious for drug trafficking routes, you should exercise a lot of caution. But for most tourists, vacationing in Mexico is no more dangerous than staying at home. Most of the hype you hear is just that – hype.

Brush up on your Spanish

If you’re planning to explore Mexico outside of the resorts, having a basic knowledge of Spanish is a must. While most people in and around the tourist areas can speak some English, it’s unlikely they will be able to in the local areas. Learning a few phrases can go a long way. And many Mexicans will appreciate that you’re making an effort to learn their language. Apart from putting a smile on the shopkeepers face, a bit of Spanish can unlock doors and allow you to experience the real Mexico. Knowing how to bargain in their lingo also reduces the chance that you’ll pay the tourist price. You don’t need to be fluent. Instead, grab a guidebook or watch a few videos on YouTube to learn a handful of basic phrases.

Make the most out of Mexico’s ruins

Egypt has the pyramids and Mexico has Mayan ruins. The ancient civilisation reigned in Central America for centuries leaving vast temples and cities behind. The most famous is Chichen Itza on the Yucatan Peninsula. But most towns and cities have ruins of varying sizes within a short drive of the centre. Tour companies offer an excursion to the nearby ruins. Or you can rent a car and visit them independently. If this is your first time, it’s a good idea to learn more about this ancient culture. Having the chance to visit the ruins and experiencing the best of Mayan traditions is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s strongly recommended to research which ones you want to visit. Don’t fall into the trap that other tourists do and see it as ‘just another ruin’. Instead, embrace the vast and diverse shapes and styles of the ancient Mayans in Mexico.

Always research tour companies

Signing up for a tour is one of the best ways to see Mexico. Most towns and cities, especially those near touristy areas, take visitors out to the sea, inland or to Mayan ruins. But because of the surge of visitors and an endless supply of customers, the quality of some have dropped dramatically over the last few years. The best policy is to shop around and don’t sign up for a tour just because it’s the cheapest. Research the company and read reviews on TripAdvisor. Some of the less professional agencies don’t meet the safety requirements, overcrowd buses and lack the knowledge to explain the attractions in depth. It might be better to splash out a bit more on a more reputable company. But the only way to make sure is to do a bit of research before arranging an excursion.

Want a bargain? Don’t forget to haggle

Because a large part of Mexico’s coastal regions rely on tourism, some of the more unscrupulous locals see international visitors as cash machines. When you ask for the price, they will often quote up to two or three times higher. This includes buying souvenirs, street food and pretty much anything outside of a shopping mall. The key is to haggle. Speak to somebody who you trust beforehand to get an idea of what the going rates should be. Prepare to pay slightly more, but be persistent to stop them from completely ripping you off!

Embrace the Mexican hospitality

Whenever you meet a Mexican, they will almost always greet you with a smile. Family life is the centrepiece of Mexican life and this transfers onto how they treat their guests. Striking up a conversation with a local is easy – especially if you know a little bit of Spanish. Most people that you meet will always be happy to practice their English on a tourist. And occasionally, this leads to an invite back to their house for a beer or shot of tequila. Travel around the country and you’ll be welcomed and receive excellent hospitality. Embrace it and show your warmth back to them in return.

Preparing for your trip to Mexico

Learn a few phrases of Spanish and be ready to barter for bargains. Always research tour companies and find recent travellers’ experiences before booking anything up. Take the chance to learn about their Mayan heritage and embrace the Mexican hospitality. And finally, Mexico is a lot safer to visit than most people think!

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