FUNtastic Ideas To Spice Up Your Dates

I am not familiar about your dating habits, but predictability is not a part of my book! My significant other and I are actively browsing through online articles and asking for recommendations. We make it a point to “shake things up” every once in a while.

On that note, here are just some of the romantic and fantastic ideas that we have gathered throughout the years:

1. Let us start with a nostalgic date. Share your most intimate memories with your beloved by exchanging family albums. Then, reminisce the milestones you had as a couple by going back to where you first met.

2. Take the slang “Netflix and Chill” in its literal sense by streaming your favorite shows while indulging on ice cream. Eat as many ice cream flavors as you want! Personally, Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough is my guilty pleasure.

3. Stay in touch with your artsy side by attending craft workshops. From Calligraphy to Bento Box classes, there are many interesting workshops in Singapore! For starters, you can create a spectacular keepsake by Pottery Painting for as low as S$15 at Goodman Ceramic Studio.

4. Be the star of your own editorial by pretending to be famous photographers for a day. You can either take turns in modelling or find a stranger to do the work for you. Snap pictures of your model at the picturesque spots in Singapore (e.g., Haji Lane and National Gallery of Singapore are totally Instagram-worthy).

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

5. Immerse yourself into the art of storytelling by attending poetry slams. Artists gather together to eloquently spread their messages out to the public. Considering reserving a free spot at the “Slam: A One Man Show by Neil Basu” on September 30 or October 1!

6. We might be known as a concrete city, but that does not mean that we lack furry companions! Spend a day with adorable felines as you drop by The Cat Cafe. Unlike other establishments, The Cat Cafe only charges for the entry fee of S$15 (i.e.,including a complimentary drink).

7. Aside from furry cuteness, you can get up close with over 100,000 marine animals at the S.E.A Aquarium. Be dazzled with one of the world’s largest acrylic panel that houses over 800 marine species. Their interactive displays will entertain you too! Prices for adults start at S$30 (T&Cs apply).

8. Celebrate your love for sultry Jazz music by visiting the Blu Jaz Cafe. The establishment hosts free-flowing jazz bands that are open to improvisations. Check out their menu to know how to keep your tummies full while you heart sings with glee!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

9. Reconnect with nature by visiting the highest pedestrian bridge in the country – the Henderson Waves. Jog in the Mount Faber Park before watching the sun set in this creative spiral bridge. The wonderful reflection of the the sun shall set the romantic mood for your outdoors date.

10. Inspire each other to reach the optimum physical health by joining fun runs or marathons. Engaging in these activities will not only give you a fitness boost, but it will also allow you to consistently motivate each other along the way.

11. Tired of seeing your partner glued to his or her gaming console? Well, you can ditch the virtual games and immerse yourselves in an intense reality game with Exit Plan. Exit Plan is a local escape room that offers thrilling rooms for friendly prices. Admission starts at S$15 for off-peak hours.

12. Strengthen your bond by revealing your inner self to your partner. Start by writing ten personal questions. Test how well your partner knows you by throwing said questions to him or her. The person who gets the highest score wins, while the loser will have to do a consequence.

Sources: 1 & 2

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3 Ways To Make The Most Out Of Your SRS

Prudent individuals go through great lengths in order to build retirement fund. Many Singaporeans completely rely on the government-mandated Central Provident Fund (CPF). It is a savings plan to fund important expense categories such as retirement, housing, and healthcare. Unbeknownst to some, there is a scheme that is meant to complement the strength of CPF. I am talking about the Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS). SRS flourishes your retirement savings by providing tax relief and investment options. Unlike CPF, SRS is a voluntary scheme. SRS members are free to contribute varying amounts which are subjected to a specific limit.

Make the most out of your SRS account by employing these tips:

MAXIMIZING YOUR TAX REDUCTIONS

While helping you cultivate your future, SRS simultaneously reduces your tax expenses at the present moment.

There are different types of tax relief that you can claim, such as the Earned Income Relief, Qualifying Child Relief, NSman Self Relief, and Parent Relief. The first one refers to the deduction of taxable income for every dollar deposited into the SRS account. Furthermore, you can reap tax-free investment gains made through your SRS account (i.e., not applicable to Singapore dividends).

SCHEDULING YOUR WITHDRAWALS

Let us be honest! You can withdraw funds from your SRS account even before you retire. Unfortunate instances such as medical emergencies and bankruptcy are among the significant reasons why this happens. Withdrawals can be completed in the form of cash or investments.

You must strategize your withdrawals to receive the most profitable scenario. You see, there is a chance that you will end up paying more tax if you withdraw the entirety of the SRS account upon retirement. By “more”, I am referring to the comparison between the “withdrawal tax” and the income tax savings. Consider scheduling your withdrawals spanning the period of 10 years.

GROWING YOUR INVESTMENTS

SRS is more than just a scheme to reduce your tax as it is an efficient tool for growing your retirement funds. It is meant to supplement your retirement money by embracing investment options. An increasing number of Singaporeans had been making contributions to their SRS accounts. For instance, the contributions made until December 2015 reached more than S$4 billion.

Why are people drawn to investing their SRS funds? For starters, gains are non-taxable. Furthermore, the long-term returns are higher when invested as compared to leaving your SRS fund in idle. From the retirement age and beyond, only 50% of your withdrawals will be taxable. It goes without saying that your bigger risk appetite is subject to the volatility of the stock market.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

A local institution that allows using SRS funds for unit trusts, index funds, unit trusts, or blue chip shares is OCBC.

Sources: 1 & 2

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How To Redecorate Your Flat To Look More Expensive

A significant chapter of my life recently closed as we bid farewell to our childhood home. You read that right! My family bought a new pad in the same town. The first few phases of our move are the most exciting ones. Starting from scratch, we have the ability to make our home feel like a serene haven. We are purposefully displaying pieces that evoke strong memories for us.

Whether you are crossing through the same transition or are planning to redecorate your flat, one thing that can restrict us is our budget. Do not give up on your Pinterest dreams just yet! You can still create a luxurious looking flat by playing with textures and by adding essential elements. Here are some useful tips:

#1: SHOWCASE INEXPENSIVE PIECES OF ART

If there is one thing that I learned from my obsession with home makeover shows, it is that you can transform a blank frame into an effortless artwork. You may purchase inexpensive frames at IKEA Singapore (e.g., 3-piece RIBBA for S$11.90). Craft your masterpiece by framing artificial flowers, by making wire art, or by taking black and white photographs. Add accents to a plain frame by painting the sides gold.

#2: ADD CRYSTALLIZED TOUCHES

Nothing shouts luxury more than sparkling crystals. A chandelier is inessential and expensive so, opt for a collection of crystal pieces. This type of decor is helpful for smaller spaces as the transparency adds dimension. Furthermore, the reflective quality of fine crystals interplay with the flow of natural light. Grab an affordable crystal fruit bowl at Lazada Singapore. Or, you may bargain hunt at the nearby Cash Converter.

#3: DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE

There is truth to the statement: “less is more”. While some may think that adding more decorations or ornaments to a room can boost its perceived value, that is not usually the case. An overaccessorized room can appear messy and overwhelming. Consider decluttering your space by only retaining the pieces that have sentimental value to you.

#4: EVOKE CLASS AND LUXURY

If your preference may lean towards elegant European furniture and your wallet screams classic IKEA, opt for luxurious-looking finishes and upholstery. I am referring to metallic furniture and accessories. Experiment with gold (or rose gold) and copper pieces. For instance, IKEA sells a gold-colored lamp for S$9.90 and a gold-colored bowl for S$25.90.

#5: PLAY WITH LAYERS

Popular feeds in Instagram are filled with pleasing layouts that feature well-edited layers of objects. You can apply the same idea to your home by creating vignettes on your vanity or your coffee table. Vignettes are groups of various objects that tell a story. A matchbox may seem like rubbish, but it shines when you pair it with seashells and other souvenir items from your travels. Your guests will surely notice the textiles and fascinating pieces on your furniture. Be ready to share your stories!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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6 Annoying Things That People Put In Their CV

Crafting a Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume urges you to select the type of information that you need to put in or throw behind. You are in luck! You live in an era where vast career articles can readily be pull out for you to use at any time. You may even ask your parents, co-workers, and other people surrounding you to help you with your CV.

Mistakes can be made in the actual writing of your CV,. While it is impossible to pick the brain of every hiring manager in Singapore, you can still avoid causing irritation!

KILL THE BUZZWORDS

As a budding candidate, your top priority is to impress your potential employer. I completely understand that you want to display your grammar proficiency and vocabulary prowess. However, you do not need to throw a bunch of buzzwords to shine. Do you really know the meaning of synergy and “best of bread”?

This type of words or terms will make hiring managers roll their eyes! Opt for words that highlight what you actually did such as created, managed, achieved, negotiated, and launched. Action words will show off your skills and provide weight to your profile.

STEER AWAY FROM CLICHES

Catch the recruiter’s attention without sounding too annoying by avoiding unimpressive cliches. These are either too vague or repetitive. Using flowery phrases such as “people person” and “hard worker” are difficult to prove. It is better to provide concrete examples to present your accomplishments.

Remember, much like in courtship, it is better to get creative and straight to the point!

BE CAREFUL WITH THE LABELS

I know how efficient it is to send a generic CV to all the possible employers. As an unemployed fresh graduate, this is one of the strategies that I used to partake on. If you are as guilty as I was, you must ensure that you edit the company or institution to which you are addressing the document to.

Attention to the slightest details goes beyond proofreading. It sends out a message that you are customizing your CV to the right companies. Start by labelling the file with your surname and the company’s name (e.g., Wee_Google.pdf).

REVAMP YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

You can learn a lot from a person by merely checking out his or her email handle. Well, when was the last time you’ve changed yours? Answering “while in secondary school” may not be good. Chances are, your email may be something along the lines of [email protected] or [email protected]. You do not want to get flagged by tech-savvy companies just because of your humorous email address!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Upgrade your profile by setting up a separate email for work. Choose a handle that is as similar to your name as possible. Gmail is highly recommended as it includes document sharing and group chat applications, which are helpful in the workplace.

TONE DOWN THE FONTS

Outward appearance or “face value” shapes the first impression. Recruiters and potential employers are bound to notice the document’s font and formatting before they read the contents of your CV. Thus, it is essential to keep things neat and professional.

The most acceptable fonts include Times New Roman and Arial, in font size 12 and color black. You may also apply Tahoma, Goudy Old Style, Lucida Sans, Garamond, and Century Gothic. It goes without saying that Comic Sans MS and Chiller are not welcomed in this club!

DO NOT INCLUDE EVERYTHING

The rise of modern technology urged us to evolve our technical skills. It is a common thing for recruiters to browse through a list of software that the candidate is familiar with. At this point, all of us are expected to be familiar with the Microsoft Office products (i.e., particularly Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel). Including other programs can boost your job profile. However, you do not have to add every piece of technology that you came in contact with!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

You need to be confident with your experience and skills in that area before adding it in. For instance, it is best to write “Final Cut Pro” to your CV after editing videos extensively. The same idea applies for the languages that you speak. Being part Mexican does not guarantee your proficiency in Español!

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Reasons to Invest in P2P Lending Now

P2P lending, popularly known as crowdfunding, provides individuals and institutions an opportunity to earn passive income through investing in business loans to growing and deserving SMEs. Returns on investment are in the form of repayment of periodic interest along with the principal, based on the amount that investors have put in. In a single loan, there could be hundreds of investors who co-invest and share the risks and returns of investment.

This concept first appeared in 2005 with Zopa  (founded in the UK), and has become a proven investment product globally. In 2016, more than US$330 Billion has been invested in P2P lending with China, US and UK as market leaders.

Can you guess where’s the next region of growth for P2P lending? That’s right – Southeast Asia. Funding Societies (based in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia) is one of the leading platforms in this region with licenses/approval by regulators in all 3 markets.

Here, we give you 5 compelling reasons to put your money into P2P lending :

1. Returns are higher than most traditional investment products

One of the key factors in any investment is what you get in return.

In Singapore, investing in P2P lending can potentially earn you up to 14% per annum returns on your investment. This is much higher than 1%-2% per annum on Fixed Deposits or 2.5% per annum on your CPF account.

2. And you don’t need to wait for years to see your returns

The typical tenure for these business loans range between 1-12 months, so unlike fixed deposits or insurances, you don’t need to lock your money in for years to see the returns. In addition, you get the interest as well as principal back on a monthly basis, allowing you to unlock the cash and provide opportunities to reinvest the money and creating a compounding effect.

3. You can invest even if you’re a fresh grad or NS man

Funding Societies is the only platform that allows investments starting from as low as $100 (minimal investment on other platforms is usually $1,000 per loan), which means literally anyone can invest. It allows one to test the platform before increasing the amounts and also provides opportunities to diversify into multiple loans even with a small starting capital.

4. It’s a simple product that doesn’t require any technical knowledge

Some investment products require a high level of technical knowledge plus a close watch on the market movements.

P2P lending is simple and straightforward. It’s easy to understand the factsheet (prepared by the platform) which covers the SME’s business model, track record, financials and purpose of loan. Investors can make decisions based on the factsheet. If you are too busy to review every factsheet, Funding Societies has an auto investment feature which lets you select your investment criteria and make the investments automatically.

5. Southeast Asia’s leading P2P platform is in Singapore

Most Singaporeans prefer to invest with companies with (i) a solid track record, (ii) operations in Singapore.

Since starting its operations in Singapore, Funding Societies has already expanded to two more Southeast Asian countries over the last two years – Indonesia and Malaysia. It is the only P2P lending platform to have won Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Fintech Award in 2016 and was recognised as one of the Top 250 Fintech companies globally. It is backed by world class venture capitalist Sequoia Capital who have invested into companies like Google, Apple, Airbnb and Carousell amongst many others.

More than 19,000 investors are already on Funding Societies’ platform regionally, and the reasons:

  • LICENSED AND REGULATED: Funding Societies is licensed in Singapore by MAS and is a regulated entity. It uses escrow account for investor funds managed by a licensed trustee ensuring safety of investor monies.
  • HIGH QUALITY INVESTMENTS: Because of the rigorous risk assessment that Funding Societies does on the companies before offering the business loans for crowdfunding, the investments are good quality and at the lowest default rates in town.
  • EASY TO INVEST: Investors can make their investments and review their portfolio on the go with Funding Societies investor mobile app. With Auto-Invest, investors just need to define their preferred parameters and let the system do the work.
  • SKIN IN THE GAME: The top management at Funding Societies believes in ALL the business loans that they give, they invest in every single loan. As CEO Kelvin Teo says, “We co-share the risks and rewards of investments with you.”

Sign up for your investor account with Funding Societies now.

Disclaimers

This article is contributed by Funding Societies.

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.

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