4 Must-Have Items For A University Freshman

Going to university is a monumental step in a young adult’s life. The transition from your earlier years to university is not something to take likely as a student of life. Building a freshman’s arsenal goes beyond stocking up on pens, markers, and notebooks. You need to be prepared for the challenges ahead!

I understand the financial constraints of a student but, that does not mean that you cannot have nice and sturdy things. Buying less items of quality is better than purchasing more school supplies for less. May this list help you with your journey as a freshman.

#1: A HEAVY-DUTY LAPTOP

As I was contemplating on the essential products necessary to make a freshman’s life easier, the “laptops” instantly popped into my head. A laptop acts as a weapon to combat sleepless nights spent on take-home tasks, group projects, and research papers. Laptop has been a vital part in our generation’s education that many scholarships or grants include allowance for gadgets.

As modern technology advances each year, you may want to consider investing on a hybrid. A hybrid device combines the portability of a tablet and the functionality of a laptop. Popular hybrid models include the Microsoft Surface Pro and the Lenovo Yoga.

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The specifications of the laptop that you must buy depends on your undergraduate major. If you are majoring in computer science or graphics design, strong RAM and GPU are parts of your criteria. As a Psychology student and a freelance writer, my MacBook Pro stood the test of time. Many of my previous classmates relied heavily on this product too. I would not trade it for any hybrids just yet!

#2: A PRESENTATION OUTFIT

In the span of your undergraduate studies, you will be subjected to several presentations such as the thesis proposal. Aim to look your best to provide a positive mark! I can still recall the day when I presented my final thesis to a panel of lecturers. My classmate told me that my “beautiful dress” saved me. He may be joking but, I dressed well for the part. I chose a black cocktail dress, which I felt comfortable and confident in.

Investing on some wardrobe staples such as quality heels or leather shoes and black blazers can give you an advantage. You may also opt for flats to avoid horrible blisters after your career fair. Invest in clothing articles that you are willing to wear or stand in for a long period of time.

#3: A SET OF COMFORTABLE SHOES

Walking, without a doubt, is the best way to go around any campus. With countless hours spent roaming in the halls of your university, it is vital to equip yourself with comfortable shoes. Accomplish a considerable amount of steps in your cheap sandals (without any sole support) is not going to help you! You need to switch to sneakers or flats with thicker soles.

Keep the elements of versatility and comfort in mind when purchasing your school shoes. A family relative of mine swears by the Skechers’ slip on. While, I personally prefer the classic Birkenstock as my school and work shoes. For a trendy student, a white Superga 2750 may pass your taste.

#4: A DURABLE BACKPACK

What is the one item that students often overlook yet overuse? The backpack, of course! The backpack serves a significant role in a student’s life. It is arguably the most versatile part of the university student’s arsenal as it houses important items such as laptops and books. It can transform from an everyday wear to a getaway wear. For its functionality, you must not settle for a flimsy and cheap one.

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I cannot stress how some university students live completely out of their backpacks. Thus, you must stay on the safe side by purchasing trusted brands such as the JanSport or by purchasing bags built for hiking. Bags like these are spacious and have various pockets to carry all of your essentials at once.

 

Article Resources: 1  & 2

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3 Must-Have Items For Your Baby’s First Year

Becoming a parent boils a mixture of emotions – mainly overwhelming and exciting. While you are in a store, do not let these emotions consume you. You do not want to be pressured into buying more than what you needed! You need to plan what you are willing to splurge and save on.

Here are some ideas to get you started with your unconditional journey.

#1: AN ALL-NATURAL BABY WASH

Let us face it! Adults wish that the state of their skin can rewind back when they are infants. This is why Korean skincare products are booming nowadays! You see, babies have innately soft and delicate skin. Their skin’s protective barrier has not yet reached its full development. Thus, it is recommended to purchase products with natural ingredients.

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Many mothers believe in the natural ingredients found in Mustela. Mustela’s products does not include harsh chemicals such as parabens. Do consider Mustela‘s Gentle Cleansing Gel for your baby’s body and hair. It may be more expensive than the drugstore brand but, its benefits outweigh the costs.

#2: A STURDY STROLLER

I, for one, acknowledge the importance of a stroller during the baby’s crucial years. Every stroller has a different personality that will best suit a specific lifestyle. For people who are always on the go, it is best to find a lightweight stroller. A lightweight stroller can be easily folded up when hopping on a train. For people who love the outdoors, you may consider getting a jogging stroller with lots of compartments.

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No matter what you settle for, a quality and hefty stroller will be useful for your future babies. You may pass it on to your relatives too!

#3: A NEW BREAST PUMP

If you are breastfeeding, you must not feel guilty with splurging on a new breast pump. I cannot deny that some breast pumps are pricey! Renting or borrowing one is more economical but, buying a new one is practical if you are planning to use it for a long time. You aim to be as comfortable as possible to exhaust a volume of your “liquid gold”.

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Expressing a sustainable amount of milk entails that you can spend more time out. You can meet your friends and share your supply to other mothers in need.

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Commandments Of Borrowing Money

Whether you are borrowing your friend’s stilettos for a wedding or your mother’s mixing bowl for a party, we live in a culture that embraces the culture of borrowing.

There are certain rules involving this act such as dry-cleaning the suit that you borrowed. But, do you know the rules involving money? Here are just some commandments to get you started!

#1: THOU SHALL NOT BORROW BEYOND YOUR MEANS

Your hard-earned income must not revolve around debt repayments. Exhaust your resources to borrow an amount that is within your means. If you cannot afford an item then, skip it first! Save enough money and direct it to completing a purchase.

Many financial experts recommend that you maintain a Debt-to-Income ratio of 20%. How do you calculate this? Simply add up your monthly debt categories (i.e., excluding mortgage) and divide the total amount by your net monthly income. Ask for your partner’s help, if necessary.

#2: THOU SHALL NOT PAY LATE

There are several reasons why Japanese citizens uphold the value of time. For starters, paying on time is one of the vital rules of borrowing money.

It goes without saying that late fees or increased interest rates add insult to injury. Not to mention, being late can dramatically lower your credit score. In the long run, your bad track record will be reported to the credit bureaus.

#3: THOU SHALL NOT BORROW FRIVOLOUSLY

Borrowing money is an act built on a strong purpose and an intention of repayment. For debt categories that yield a sense of profit such as for education or for business, loaning money makes sense. The same ideal applies to loaning items that you will use for a long period of time (e.g., a car).

However, you must contemplate on loaning money for fleeting pleasures. Do you really need the latest gadgets in the market? Is attending an international music festival a crucial part of your life? Are you willing to spend thousands of dollars on a wedding anniversary weekend? Lastly, is a designer bag better than a functional one? Aim to borrow money for the right reasons.

#4: THOU SHALL NOT BE FINANCIALLY PRESSURED

Close your eyes and envision the last time you experienced social pressure. Was it your first day at a new workplace? Or, does it go way back in your secondary school days? At a certain degree, all of us felt pressured to do something we do not want to. It exists in all forms including financial situations.

In said challenging times, a deperate move that people make is to borrow money. You get trapped into a situation that unable you to make smart financial situations. Combat this by creating an emergency fund. Cushion your financial problems and continue to cultivate this fund even when you are experiencing debt. Please do not borrow or lend money to friends or relatives, if you are solely pressured into doing so!

#5: THOU SHALL NOT COMPARE LOANS CARELESSLY

Upon entering a new field, my basic instinct is to do my research about the company. Before travelling to a new country, my basic instinct is to do my research about their culture. What basic instinct do I apply before taking on a loan? Well, research of course! I recommend that you do the same thing too.

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Comparing loans is more than the mere act of scoring the lowest interest rates. You must carefully read thru the essential elements such as penalties and add-ons. For instance, some insurance companies include costly add-ons such as specific life insurance. The extra elements will increase the interest rate of the money that you borrowed. Thus, you must approach everything with extreme caution.

Sources: 1 &2

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Which Credit Cards are the best for Holiday Shopping in Singapore?

With the onset of the Christmas season, Singapore nationals will soon start spending big on gifts, decorations and more both online and offline. As a result of this enhanced spending, people will be dependent on their credit cards. During this season, many banks also come up with rewards and promotional offers. One practical step to reduce the effect of your holiday expenditure is to judiciously use credit cards to earn miles and points.

There are some who like to shop online while there are some who prefer going to a store. In Singapore, it is certainly worthwhile to use the right card for holiday shopping. With substantial rewards, credit cards will help you make the most of your money assuming you pay off all your debts on time.

Cards with additional categories on shopping

Cards that offer bonus points on shopping provide faster earnings for particular types of purchases. For example, 5% cashback or 25 miles for every dollar spent on purchases made at online retailers and stores. During the last couple of months of the year, these credit cards take advantage of holiday spending by offering incentives on purchases made at retail stores with rebates, reward points and additional perks.

So if you are looking to apply to any of these cards, you must first consider how frequently you shop. Many cashback cards that banks introduce during the holiday season have a minimum spend requirement. So, such cards will not be useful for infrequent shoppers. They should rather opt for more generic cards with good overall rewards rate.

Cards with welcome offers

Many banks also offer cards with sign-up bonuses. And, it is also a useful method to make the most of getting returns on your additional holiday spending. There are cards that offer welcome bonuses worth up to S$400, but to get that, you may have to spend big in the beginning. For example, several cards call for a minimum spending of worth thousands of dollars during the first couple of months to be in the running for the bonus miles and points.

While it may seem to be a huge amount, a regular customer is expected to purchase gifts and clothes worth thousands of dollars during the holiday season. For those who cannot afford to spend a hefty amount, there are several budget-friendly offers such as S$100 cashback when you spend $500 in the first month.

Cards with 0% APR

If you have done too much shopping and you have overshot your credit limit and the balance at the end of the month is overwhelming, a credit card with 0% APR will come to your rescue. A card with a 0% APR on recent spending for a fixed time can help you fund your holiday expenditure.

Such cards will have no interest rate on recent purchases made in the last 3 to 12 months. This will give you enough time to pay your holiday expenditure without any interest.

Let us now take a detailed look at some of the most popular shopping credit cards both online and offline:

DBS Black Card

With DBS Black Card, you will get the following shopping benefits:

  • Opportunity to earn cashback on shopping done overseas.
  • 5% cashback on shopping at stores for personal care, furnishings, electronics and more.
  • 5% cashback on shopping for groceries, bags jewellery, shoes, clothes and more.
  • Offers 0% APR.

However, you will have to spend a minimum of S$700 every month to get the cashback on relevant categories and there is a cap of S$70 per month with cashback on this card.

Citi Rewards Card

With Citi Rewards Card, you will get 10 rewards points for every dollar spent on bags, shoes and clothes. You will get to earn rewards points even for shopping done overseas. However, the points that you will earn are capped at 120,000 points every year and will remain valid for five years.

OCBC Robinsons Group Credit Card

With OCBC Robinsons Group Credit Card, you will get the following shopping benefits:

  • 5% rebate at 18 retail brands.
  • 10% rebate on shopping worth S$5,000 at Robinsons and Marks & Spencer.
  • No cap on rebates.
  • Rebates are applicable over and above the prevailing discounts and promotions.

 

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You Must Adapt These Habits Of Wealthy People

#1: IMBIBE A MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA

In the hustle and bustle of the city, it is easy to absorb the load of the tasks at hand. Getting distracted with other elements lets you lose the connection between what you are doing and what you are feeling. Many people combat this by practicing Mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of purposeful directing your attention to the present and accepting everything without any judgment.

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Motivate yourself during the practice by following a mantra. Firstly, you must search within to uncover what inspires you. Secondly, you must create a positive statement that you will repeat (to yourself) every morning. Lastly, you must breathe deeply and relax.

#2: THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE EARLY WORM

Admit it! You may be experiencing an endless cycle of clicking the coveted snooze button. Trying to escape the alarm clock may lead to waking up late. Imagine rushing to work because you only have 20 minutes left! This habitual procrastination is costing you. Not only are you at risk of coming late, but you are diminishing your sense of control. Furthermore, you tend to forget things when you are rushing.

According to Tom Corley, the author of “Change Your Habits, Change Your Life”, nearly 50% of his wealthy participants get up at least 3 hours before their work starts. Having extra time to prepare allows them to set a right frame of mind.

#3: MAXIMIZE YOUR BRAIN’S BANDWIDTH

The luxury of having multiple options can lead to exhausting your brain’s bandwidth. If you used up your energy on a series of small decisions then, it would be harder for you to process big decisions.

As an avid follower of the Silicon Valley, you probably noticed that Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg is mostly into grey shirts. His primary reason for his limited closet is to minimize his decisions each morning. Similarly, Apple’s Steve Jobs wore his renowned black turtleneck top and jeans. Influential people focus most of their energy toward productive elements.

Another upside of keeping your wardrobe simple is its ability to help you save money. You do not have to wear the same shirt or same outfit everyday! Just avoid hefty designer clothing by purchasing basic clothes from thrift shops or year-round sales.

#4: BENEFITS OF A BOOKWORM

It has been long accepted that reading books can bring excellent benefits. Said benefits include widening your vocabulary and exercising your imagination. Incorporating literature into your bedtime routine is healthier than scrolling thru the sea of social media.

Before you pick the latest romantic or crime novel, I have a tip for you! Mr. Corley suggested that 85% of his wealthy participants prefer books that focus on self-improvement. They read at least 30 minutes per day. Achieve more by reading about helpful skills, rather than reading solely for entertainment.

#5: TURN YOUR FANTASY INTO REALITY

Research showed that spending at least two minutes for goal-oriented visualization and positive thinking can improve your mood and focus throughout the day.

I am a firm believer of meditation and its ability to shift your thoughts. Spare some time for this and your “quiet reflection”. During this reflection, you must map out your week and contemplate on your future goals. Do not limit yourself to financial goals! Take notes, if necessary. Follow these notes to ensure that you will be more efficient.

#6: SET SMART FINANCIAL GOALS

Wealthy people develop a habit of financial goal setting on their own or through professional help. Apply the same ideal by writing down your financial goals with a witness (e.g., spouse or a close friend) and contemplate the monetary milestone you would like to accomplish in the next 2 to 5 years.

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Do not forget to track down your monthly progress!

Sources: 1 &2

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