Aside from cultivating an expensive taste or keeping up with your neighbors, here are 7 reasons why you are currently broke.
#1: YOU LOVE MONEY TOO MUCH
You are excessively preoccupied with the thought of gaining and spending money. Instead of focusing on the fulfillment of building a career or business, you gain satisfaction by flaunting your wealth.
#2: SAVING IS NOT YOUR PRIORITY
For many people, saving does not come naturally. It is a conscious decision to stick to your assigned budget or financial plan. If you are not making savings your priority then, you are at risk of financial stagnation.
#3: YOU ARE ADDICTED TO SALES
Who does not love scoring an item for a cheaper price? I know I do! For avid bargain hunters, there is a fine line between needs and wants.
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For instance, you just spent S$30 on an As Seen On TV product. How much did you actually save on this unnecessary sale item? Well, you saved nothing! You just spent S$30.
#4: SAYING “NO” IS DIFFICULT FOR YOU
You accept every invitation or each responsibility that comes your way. Sometimes, declining or disagreeing with other people is tantamount in protecting your finances. Consider saying something along the lines of: “No! I will not be able to lend you money right now.” or “No! I am not interested in that business venture.”
#5: YOU SPEND MORE THAN YOUR MEANS
It goes without saying that you are creating a mountain of debt by consistently spending beyond what you make. Others spend money based on what they perceive to earn that month. However, some people never actualize that financial vision.
#6: “LEGENDARY” INVESTORS DICTATE YOUR CHOICES
Self-claimed legendary investors are prevelant due to social media. These type of investors have potent skills in marketing and poor skills in managing their investment portfolio. Be careful with whom you worship!
#7: YOU NEVER LEARN
Taking a wrong financial turn is forgivable but, continuously repeating the same mistake can take a toll on your finances. Many people who suffer from financial difficulties never learn from their experiences. Instead of admitting that they were wrong, they have a tendency to ignore the issue or blame others for it.
It is possible to score the perfect beach belly without spending too much! Case in point, most of the items on this list are free of charge.
THE VITAL ELEMENT
Believe it or not, there is one thing that many novice and some trainers overlook when toning their abs – their diet. Diet plays a vital role in getting your desired look. For instance, you may increase your intake of food rich in omega-3 to trim the body’s excess belly fat. Omega-3 fatty acid in fish oils can cause your body to reduce the amount of fat it stores.
With a dollar, you can purchase a can of sardines at the nearby grocery.
THE UPHILL BATTLE
If you are up for a challenge then, running uphill in a relatively fast pace is an efficient way to burn fat. Hill sprints helps you conquer stubborn belly fat while you indulge in a natural setting. Combining the physical benefits of running and the mental benefits of being outdoors sounds like a win-win situation to me!
Singapore offers a wide array of diversity when it comes to its hills. You can go as low as 30 meters (above sea level) in Bukit Kalang or as high as 106 meters (above sea level) in Telok Blangah Hill.
THE QUICK FIX
Did you know that it only takes two seconds too make your belly look seemingly flatter? You read that right! Andrea Metcalf, author of the bestselling book Naked Fitness, suggests that you change your posture to suit your desired figure. Highlight your flat belly by dropping your tailbone and pulling your hip bones up. Instill this posture to your daily routine by practicing “the quick fix” while you are standing up or while you are stuck in a queue.
When you are walking, Andrea suggests to keep your tailbone slightly tucked under to remove the pressure from your lower back.
THE PROPER ENGAGEMENT
I am not referring to the perfect proposal, which includes a diamond ring and unsigned property documents! Instead, I am encouraging you to engage your abdominal muscles while you walk. To do this, imagine a magnet pulling your belly button backward toward your spine as you stride. Practice this tucking movement until you become comfortable with it.
Walking can help firm one’s abs. Share this benefit by inviting a chum as you enjoy a healthy stroll.
THE SUFFICIENT SHUT-EYE
Research has shown that insufficient sleep was associated with greater fat accumulation around the stomach region. Why is this so? For starters, your body produces more cortisol (i.e., a hormone that mediates various metabolic processes) when you do not get enough shut-eye. The increased production of cortisol can boost your appetite. Thus, you have a tendency to gain more fat as you overeat.
Image Credits: pixabay.com
It is recommended to have at least seven hours of rest. Having sufficient sleep can aid in maintaining your toned belly.
With most companies’ financial year ending in December, some of you may have received your bonus in March and are wondering what to do with it. There is no written rule on how you should be utilizing your bonus. Some choose to repay their outstanding debts, while others prefer to splurge on luxury items as a way of rewarding themselves for a job well done in the past year. Building wealth can be a part of your strategy (see what experts say at CNBC and Forbes), and what better time to do it than when you have fresh funds in your bank account?
Wealth building comes in many forms, from saving to investing, be it actively or passively, amongst other strategies. Today, we introduce you to an alternative investment – Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending.
Although new to many, P2P lending has changed the financial landscape in Singapore over the past three years. P2P platforms like Funding Societies offer SMEs additional avenues for business financing and give investors more opportunities to diversify their portfolios. In other words, as you see your wealth grow progressively, you’re also helping local SMEs grow their businesses.
Here are 4 reasons to consider putting part of your bonus into P2P lending:
1. It caters to all salary and bonus ranges
P2P lending is accommodating in terms of one’s starting investment capital. You don’t need a huge fortune to begin investing, and you can invest more depending on your risk appetite. For instance, Funding Societies allows you to make an investment from as low as $50. Not to mention, you only need to put in a $1,000 deposit (can be withdrawn at no cost) before you are able to access investment opportunities. Accredited and institutional investors with higher capital and risk tolerance may also put in tens of thousands per investment.
2. Shorter tenures means that you get to see your returns quickly
If you are looking for short-to-mid term investments, P2P lending is a feasible option for you. Many traditional investment products require lengthy lock-in period. Generally, that is not the case with P2P lending as the loan tenures are usually shorter. The tenure for Business Term Loans typically ranges from 1 – 12 months and from 30 – 90 days for Invoice Financing. What’s more, you receive monthly repayments from your investments in Business Term Loans (one-time repayment for Invoice Financing), which you may choose to re-invest in new loans, creating a compounding effect.
3. Potentially high returns: Up to 14% per annum
Yes, you read it right. P2P lending has become a part of many investors’ wealth building strategy possibly due to its attractive potential returns. Interest rates offered by Funding Societies typically range from 8% to 14% p.a.
While the key risk with investing in P2P lending is the non-performing loans, Funding Societies manages its default rate at less than 1.5% (as of April 2018), comparable to those of major banks. This is done through extensive credit assessment of the SMEs’ loan applications to give you quality opportunities to make your investments.
4. It is super easy to participate
Investing can often be time-consuming due to the multiple tools and monitoring required. However, P2P lending is relatively simple to participate in:
Just look out for upcoming deals
Read the respective fact sheets
Decide on an amount to invest in.
Funding Societies further simplifies this process with its Auto-Invest function, which helps investors pre-select investments based on their pre-set criteria. Investors will be notified of the pre-selection and can decide to opt-out or go ahead with the investment. This not only makes investment hassle-free for investors, it also helps them to diversify their P2P investment portfolio by participating in multiple loans.
Start your P2P investment journey today with Funding Societies
Now that you have a clearer picture of P2P lending, consider allocating a portion of your bonus into this form of alternative investment and start earning up to 14% returns. Funding Societies is here to help you begin your P2P investment journey.
Founded in 2015, Funding Societies is the leading P2P financing platform with a Capital Markets Services license issued by the Monetary Association of Singapore. With operations in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, Funding Societies has onboarded more than 45,000 investors in a span of three short years. Now, it’s your turn to get hands on investing in P2P lending.
It should not be construed that Moneydigest is endorsing this article or any of the products and services provided by Funding Societies.
Nothing in this article should be construed as constitute or form a recommendation, financial advice, or an offer, invitation or solicitation from Funding Societies to buy or subscribe for any securities and/or investment products. 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.
The Award-winning Horizon Hills is an artistic composition of architectural design, natural greenscapes and community living, making it the first of its kind lifestyle development in Johor.
A home designed to embrace your lifestyle set against a backdrop of undulating terrain in a resort like ambience, enveloped by the rejuvenating freshness of nature. Truly a dream to behold for those who choose to make their homes in Horizon Hills. The 1228- acre residential paradise jointly developed by Gamuda Land and UEM Sunrise comprises of 11 secured precincts, each featuring designer-homes for contemporary living and sharing its picturesque setting with an award-winning international championship 18-hole par 72 golf courses.
In one with nature
Living in Horizon Hills is about harnessing the fullness of nature. The estate is home to 150 acres of themed park and gardens and homes that leverage on the topography of the land to create a green and tranquil ambience. From stately bungalows to semi-Ds, to cluster and links as wells condominiums and villas, there is a home to suit every lifestyle in Horizon Hills. The latest offerings in this green township are 2-storey link houses in the Green Precinct as well 2 and 3 storey semi-Ds in the Cove precinct, targeted for completion in 24 months. Both home designs feature a contemporary design and natural lighting. The link homes are of a cube design while the semi-Ds enjoy additional air ventilation features.
The mesmerising beauty of Horizon Hills lies in the exacting manner in which contours of the estate has been curated to allow the hills’ lush foliage, weaving waterways and soft slopes to remain undisturbed in their natural state. It offers an idyllic setting where listening to the land is a natural part of living in harmony with the environment. The Horizon Hills masterplan boasts of at least 45% of its selected areas of secondary forest being retained as a green lung with water from natural streams and lake channelled to it for a cooler atmosphere. Their natural filtration system of lakes and ponds and preservation of flora and fauna through open spaces and thematic gardens are all directed at minimising the township’s carbon footprint. The natural ambience enjoyed by residents has encouraged a communal effort in practising eco awareness and sustainable living.
Promoting community closeness
The Horizon Hills town square pulsates with the energy of people brought together to create laughter and lasting memories. Placemaking events that help bond the community such as festive celebrations and fun activities take centre stage in this township with residents of over 40 nationalities. It is a town where community living is a way of live and everyone is made to feel as important as the next. Other friendly facilities that positions Horizon Hills as a township with a difference are its pockets of green spaces and a cycling path that encourage outdoor activities for elderly, children and even the physically challenged. Homes, public buildings and recreational zones such as the Clubhouse are designed to be friendly to all. Facilities and amenities in Horizon Hills that contribute to greater community interaction are best described as world class. An international standard 18-hole par 72 golf course that is visually spectacular, crafted by Australia’s most acclaimed golf course designer, Ross Watson presents itself as the perfect playground for golf enthusiasts. Overlooking the course is the equally enchanting 145,000 sq ft clubhouse designed by the renowned Ernesto Bedmar, a hub for recreational and dining activities for residents and their guests.
Second to none in security and connectivity
Residents safety is a top consideration in this gated and guarded township which is facilitated by the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Concept. A 3-Tier security system consisting amongst other features perimeter fencing, central monitoring, guard tour patrolling, gate access and panic button are part of this sophisticated security network. Complementing the dream lifestyle Horizon Hills offers, a perfectly connected location. Regarded as one of the best golf course residential properties in Johor Bahru. Horizon Hills takes full advantage of its incomparable location being set in the booming Iskandar Malaysia and just a mere 30 minutes’ drive to Singapore. Horizon Hills is the perfect south side retreat for locals and expats alike who seek homes in an exquisite hideaway. Situated at the heart of Iskandar Puteri places Horizon Hills in direct access to Johor’s major education, health, shopping, transportation and recreational amenities. The township provides 5 easy accesses and enjoys hassle-free connectivity via the state’s 5 major highways.
A collaborative effort by two property giants
Gamuda Land and UEM Sunrise are stalwarts of the Malaysian property industry. Renowned developers of award winning townships, both property giants have made a name for themselves with their excellent craftsmanship of architectural masterpieces – townships that feature the foremost in town planning, residential design and environmental conservation. Horizon Hills is a testament of the joint effort of these two unrivalled giants of the industry.
For more information, please visit our website at gamudaland.com.my/horizonhills or contact our Property Galleria at +607-232 3433
Aside from your credit score and your net income, there are various elements that can affect your finances. Believe it or not, your home design can affect your bank account. Based on the ancient school of thought that focuses on balancing energy, you may try these money-centered Feng Shui tips.
#1: HOME SWEET HOME
What is the first thing that your guests will notice upon entering your humble home? The front door, of course! Paying attention to the details of your front door is important in letting the auspicious energy flow. Is your door made from cheap plastic or strong wood?
Image Credits: pixabay.com
According to Feng Shui, the quality of your door determines the energy that will run throughout your home. The same goes for the front entrance. Dubbed as the “Mouth of Chi”, the front entrance is a place where nourishing energy shall enter your space. Thus, you must invest on a sturdy door and keep the entryway clean.
#2: WHAT ATTRACTS NEGATIVE ENERGY
It goes without saying that a cluttered space contributes to a cluttered mind. This ideal echoes the sentiment of your finances and the energy it receives. Untidiness has a negative influence on many areas of your life including your wealth. This is why you must remove any unnecessary items that create visual clutter. For instance, you may dispose your dead plants and clean your rubbish bins.
On the other hand, you must protect the items that represent money in a negative manner. Manage your unpaid bills and telecom payment reminders. Interestingly, you shall organize the receipts of the things that you regret purchasing too.
As I have said above, clutter can influence other areas of your life including the places you see and the people you meet. Keeping things that remind you of the people or places that you do not want to be associated with can attract negative energy. Think about that!
#3: PAINT THE TOWN RED, PURPLE, OR GREEN
As a Psychology student, one of my favorite topics was Color Psychology. I was fascinated by how some people act based on the display of colors. So, it comes as no surprise that I will include the relationship of color and Feng Shui. Color is believed to have a powerful impact on a person’s life. Focusing on money, red is considered powerful and propitious. Imagine walking on a red carpet or driving a red sports car!
Aside from the mighty red, green and purple are key colors in attracting prosperity. Experiment between these colors to see which one suits your vibe. If you deem purple as a favorable color, you may start by decorating your home with hints of purple. Throw purple pillows in your bedroom or paint your walls lilac for a subtle glow. It is important to decorate with mindfulness to enhance the energy surrounding your home.
#4: THE SYMBOL OF ABUNDANCE
The symbol of abundance is none other than Water. Any objects exuding a wavy, curvy, or sinuous shape can be considered as a Water element in your home. Mirrors and crystals are just some of the examples.
Now, let us dive into the Feng Shui “rules” of decorating with Water elements. The premise is simple! The state of Water in your home mirrors your finances (no pun intended). Do install a fountain in your money corner. For small spaces, a good alternative is a tabletop fountain. Placing it beside a dragon figurine is believed to attract wealth. If it is totally impossible to place a fountain in your home then, you may display images of flowing water. Search for images containing a waterfall or a fast-moving river. Remember to avoid displaying disturbing water scenes.
Image Credits: pixabay.com
DONT’S: Do not let your fountain’s water to be stagnant. Leaking or dripping taps are not conducive to prosperity either. Interestingly, a water element in your bedroom may negatively impact your finances. A mirror should not face your bed!
