MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

Have A Good Night’s Sleep Without Breaking The Bank

When you are sleep deprived, you feel less patient, less concentrated, and easily irritated. This can increase your stress levels. Give your body the restorative rest it deserves.

A good night’s sleep is not only about the amount of hours you sleep but also about the quality of sleep. Better sleeping patterns can positively impact your health and your ability to manage the daily challenges ahead. To have this, you will need to spend only S$4 or less…just follow these tips:

1. SLEEP JOURNAL

The first step to have better sleep is to be aware of your previous sleeping patterns. Keep a sleep journal (i.e., costing S$2 or less in Popular Bookstore or Daiso) where you will write significant events in your day, your lifestyle habits, and your sleeping patterns. Answer these questions in your journal or notebook for at least 3 days:

a. How many hours did you sleep in total?

b. How many times did you wake up in the evening?

c. What time did you go to sleep?

d. What did you do to help you fall asleep?

e. What did you eat before sleeping?

f. Did something stressful or depressing happened today causing you to be worried?

Now that you are aware of your sleeping patterns, you will know which ones you shall change.

2. CREATE A SNOOZE WORTHY ENVIRONMENT

In order to have a restorative sleep, your bedroom must be inviting. Keep the room’s temperature cool (i.e., 18C-24C) and use curtains to block the light. To keep the noise to a minimum, you may wear earplugs (i.e., costing S$2 in Daiso). Or, you may play relaxing music while you sleep.

Image Credits: Enkhtuvshin via Flickr

Eliminate distractions such as the television, tablets, laptops, or your phone. The LED light emitted by these electronics can cause your mind to think that it is still daytime.

3. ESTABLISH A SLEEPING ROUTINE

Having a sleeping routine within thee recommended hours programs the brain to automatically have its “body clock” that will help you to fall asleep consistently. Take these steps for 7 days:

a. Set a time for sleeping and waking up.

At least 6 to 8 hours of sleep is ideal for teens and adults. Perhaps you may sleep at 11 PM and wake up at 6 AM. Stick to this by canceling your late night plans for the week and by setting an alarm.

b. Create a pre-sleep routine.

What relaxes you the most? Whether it is taking a warm bath, practicing yoga exercises, and reading a book, do these pre-sleep routine at least 30 minutes before you sleep.

c. Use your bed primarily for sleeping.

If you use your bed for working or eating, you will lose the automatic cue to sleep. So, use your bed primarily for sleeping.

d. Reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption.

This last step will save you money and help you to sleep better. Alcohol may help you to sleep faster but it also causes to have interrupted sleep. While caffeine will keep you stimulated throughout the night. Avoid these two.

Image Credits: Pedro Ribeiro Simões via Flickr

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Leading Fixed Deposit Rates In Singapore

First, you must know the nature of fixed deposits (FD), its advantages, and disadvantages. A fixed deposit is a financial tool offered by the bank, which, provides clients (like YOU) with a higher rate of interest than a savings account.

In Singapore, a minimum deposit of S$1, 000 is required to open an account. The fixed deposit rate will only be given within a maturity term. The term ranging from 1 to 36 months depends upon your bank here. Once the money matures, you will get back your initial deposit with the interest.

FD’S ADVANTAGES

a. SAFETY

Fixed deposit is a more stable and safe route than other investments. Since not everyone is willing to risk it all with bonds and property investments, fixed deposits offer guaranteed money back.

b. WORKABILITY

Because the rates vary based on the time on hold, the amount you put in, and the bank you chose…there is a good chance to get the highest interest rate possible. All you have to do is to research and compare the workability or flexibility of the FDs available.

c. LIQUIDITY

Your money that resides in a fixed deposit account is a surefire liquid asset (i.e., can be converted to cash). So, after the money matures, you can withdraw cash for any purpose such as weddings or medical emergencies.

FD’S DISADVANTAGES

a. NO DIVERSIFICATION

If you invest all of your wealth to FDs then, you will not indulge on the benefits of diversification. Diversification is having investments in real estate, gold, and stock markets.

b. VULNERABILITY TO INFLATION

The returns of the FDs are lower if the inflation is very high. To put it in perspective, the interest rate may not change but you will still lose money if the Singapore dollar significantly drops.

To the most exciting part, we shall go…

LEADING FIXED DEPOSIT RATES IN SINGAPORE

Here are the banks that provides the best interest rates if your savings is S$10, 000 within an annum:

1. RHB Singapore Dollar Time Deposit

Interest Rate: 0.63%

Returns: S$63

2. CIMB Why Wait Fixed Deposit-i Account

Interest Rate: 0.50%

Returns: S$50

3. UOB Grand Senior Citizens Fixed Deposit

Interest Rate: 0.38%

Returns: S$38

4. Standard Chartered Singapore Dollar Time Deposits

Interest Rate: 0.35%

Returns: S$35

Here are the banks that provides the best interest rates if your savings is S$100, 000 within an annum:

1. CIMB SGD Fixed Deposit

Interest Rate: 1.30%

Returns: S$1,300

2. Maybank iSaVvy Time Deposit

Interest Rate: 0.85%

Returns: S$850

3. Maybank Singapore Dollar Time Deposit

Interest Rate: 0.70%

Returns: S$700

4. Bank of China SGD Time Deposit Account

Interest Rate: 0.60%

Returns: S$600

Image Credits: Will Clayton via Flickr

The data above goes to show that the strength of the fixed deposit rate truly varies upon the amount you saved and the bank you chose. Hence, it is important to educate yourself first before diving in. ☺

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Budget-Friendly Ways To Amuse Your Children

Spending quality time with your children need not be costly! What is important is to shower them with your unconditional love and undivided attention. Here is a list of “Budget-Friendly Ways To Amuse Your Children” especially this upcoming school break…

1. FAMILY GAME DAY

Entertain your kids with a solid hour of board games, cards, and puzzles. If you need to purchase a board game, you may check out Toys “R” Us. Toys “R” Us provides huge selection of toys and infant products that, are priced to give you value for you money.

Round up your kids and play the Disney Assorted Inlay Wood Puzzles (S$9.95), UNO® Disney Frozen Cards (S$11.90), or the Pavilion Wooden Snakes and Ladders (S$19.95).

2. EXPLORE THE PARKS OR PLAYGROUNDS

Going to the nearby playground and watching your child get active would not cost you a cent! Alternatively, you may take your child to the nearby parks (e.g., East Coast Park, Bishan Park, and Lower Seletar Reservoir Park) to have a simple picnic or to play outdoor games and sports such as Frisbee, Hula Hooping, and Cycling.

For a complete list of parks in Singapore, visit: nparks.gov.sg.

3. GO TO BEACH

Nothing screams fun with kids more than a sunny day at the Palawan Beach at Sentosa. Enjoy building sand castles, splashing water, and running around on the shore with your children. It is not only fun for them but it will definitely send them to a peaceful sleep afterwards. And if your child is still fueled with energy, experience the beauty of nature and the variety of its species as you go to Imbiah Lookout, Sentosa’s Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom. An admission rate for children aged 3-12 is S$10 while it is S$16 for adults.

4. BRING YOUR CRAFTS ON

Gather the available Arts and Crafts you have at your house to make a crafts box. If you fall short with items such as scissors, glue, crayons, stickers, and assorted colored papers, you can always go to Daiso as everything is priced at S$2 only. Each kid has a unique artistic expression so it is best to introduce your child to the different outlets such as drawing, singing, music, or dancing. The cost of these outlets is less than S$10!

5. EDUCATE AND AMAZE THEM

Activate your child’s imagination by going to the libraries or museums. At the libraries, you can save more money by borrowing books and graphic novels rather than buying them. At the museum, you can ask your children to imagine that they are traveling in a different place as an archeologist, a historical writer, or an adventurer.

Image Credits: chriskay via Flickr

Extend The Products’ Longevity And Save More Money

Stretching the use of a product as much as possible will not only reduce waste but also save you a couple of dollars. These hacks ahead will help you extend the lifespan of your soaps, printer inks, laptop batteries, and more.

1. SAVE MORE BY SPENDING LESS

The basic mindset that you should adopt is to regulate the consumption of household products. For example, to ensure that you would not waste your dishwashing liquid, use an olive oil bottle as its container. Just make sure to label it correctly to prevent confusion.

2. BE WISE WITH SOAPS

Use only the necessary amount of soap. No more and no less. If you are using a hand soap dispenser and there are still left over soap at the bottom that you cannot squeeze then, add few drops of water inside by unscrewing the top. Use this leftover soap before refilling it.

3. USE FONTS THAT HELP SAVE PRINTER INK AND TONER

If you want to save money on printer ink or toner, one thing you should do is to change the font size and the fonts that you use for printing. Ecofont, Century Gothic, Times New Roman, Garamond, and Courier are some of the fonts that naturally use less ink. Also, you can print fewer pages by converting the file’s format to PDF.

4. MAXIMIZE YOUR LAPTOP’S BATTERY LIFE

A few steps can maximize your laptop’s battery life (i.e., the amount of time your device spans before it must recharge). You may bring down your screen’s brightness, turn off the Bluetooth connection, and calibrate your battery every 2 to 3 months. To calibrate your battery, follow these simple steps. For MacBook or Apple laptop users, Apple suggests to upgrade to the latest software as the updates often include advanced energy-saving technologies.

5. STRETCH THE USE OF YOUR DISPOSABLE RAZOR

Disposable razor maybe cheap but if you have to constantly replace it, is it really worth it? The good news is that your may extend its use by keeping it sharp. To maintain its sharpness you can try to rub the razor backwards across an old pair of blue jeans. Also, always dry your razor after use.

Image Credits: wikihow.com/Make-a-Disposable-Razor-Last-Longer

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

4 Amazing Ways To Use Social Media To Save Cash

Bring your social media craze to your advantage by exposing yourself to its opportunities. “Liking” the Facebook page of your favorite airlines is just one way to save cash when you shop. Other than that, here are 4 Amazing Ways To Use Social Media To Save Cash…

1. GET FREE PRINTOUTS AND TUTORIALS

You do not need to spend S$5 for a decent looking greeting card, all you have to do is to browse through the free printouts available on Pinterest – a global photo sharing website. Users such as Mique Provost 30daysblog and Amber Price: Crazy Little Projects Amber Price: Crazy Little Projects can give you simple Do-It-Yourself ideas such as a Photo Paper Flower Bouquet Printable and a Free Printable: Inspirational Quotes.

For your make-up needs, Youtube sensation Michelle Phan freely offers low-cost product recommendations and Do-It-Yourself cosmetics in her Pinterest account.

Image Credits: michellephan.com/diy-lip-balm

2. SELL YOUR STUFF

Social media, defined as websites or applications that enable the users to share content and to network, allows daily access of many consumers…all over the world. With this knowledge, you can supplement your Ad with a social media post.

For example, you may clean up the clutter in your closet and find the things that you deem to be unused or underused and sell them to your friends and family through Facebook or Instagram. Alternatively, you can turn your hobbies (e.g., baking cupcakes or making jewelries) into your home-based business.

3. SAVE ON PHONE BILLS

Save money and time by taking your customer complaints or issues on Twitter or Facebook. This will prevent the countless hours on the helpline only to be transferred to different departments. If the matter is more personal, you may message them directly without posting on their timeline.

4. FOLLOW THE SHOPS OR COMPANIES YOU PATRONIZE

You signed up to your favorite shop’s website mailing list but, do you check your inbox regularly? If not then, you might have missed out on some special deals. To prevent this, you can follow the shops or companies you like such as Forever 21 Singapore or Kinokoniya Bookstore Singapore. Retailers often put coupon or discount codes online so, stay social!

If you want to follow a single timeline that will deliver great deals, tips, and guides relating to money then, follow Money Digest on Facebook today. 🙂

Search the site