MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

How To Not Go Over Budget While Traveling

After working tremendously for a year, a vacation is a well-deserved reward. However, it is easy to become complacent and carefree over your budget. Going over board your budget when on a relaxing getaway is simple, but there are many ways to save money too! Here are just some of them:

1. DO PRIOR RESEARCH

The places you can go to heavily depend on your travel budget. For instance, if you have a considerable amount of money then, go to Europe than limiting yourself to Southeast Asian countries. Choosing an affordable destination that is suited to your travel budget is the first step. Do your research by comparing the accommodations, activities, transportation, and food costs of two preferred countries. Then, narrow it down to one.

2. IDENTIFY YOUR BUDGET

Once you know where to go and how long you are going to be there, you need to figure out how much your travel budget is. Start by identifying how much your spending will be per day. Include unforeseen expenses as well as food and travel costs.

3. BE SMART IN GETTING CASH

If you are still torn between two countries, compare their exchange rates. Sometimes, they make the largest difference. Since some of the foreign exchange centers have poorer rates, it is better to get the currency at the airport or at the ATMs (e.g., in Taiwan and France).

4. SET ASIDE MONEY FOR EMERGENCY

Speaking of unforeseen expenses, it is necessary to prepare for unforeseen circumstances too! If you have travel insurance then, this is only secondary. Money for emergency is important but try not to use it unless the situation absolutely requires it. You have to stick to your travel budget as much as possible!

5. SAVE ON FOOD

There is a greater chance that the breakfast from the hotel is expensive. So, it is better to walk out the door and find a nice local cafe in the mornings. You can immerse yourself to the place, the people, and the culture better by trying their local cuisine. Keep in mind that locally made food and beverage are often cheaper.

Alternatively, you may cook for yourself. Cooking in a new environment, even on a vacation, can be fun!

Image Credits: Nicole Abalde via Flickr Attribution-NoDerivs

Sources: 1 & 2

The Cost-Effective Dos and Don’ts for a Healthy Weight

Singapore was crowned the healthiest country in the world in 2012 by Bloomberg and has been ranked among the top 10 healthiest countries in the world in 2015 by 24/7 Wall St. Singapore’s obesity rate standing at 6.2% is among the lower rates globally, and exceptionally low compared to its healthiest counterparts. So is there a magic formula? Probably not. Must you necessarily break the bank to attain an ideal weight? Absolutely not! In fact, beverages laden with more calories tend to be pricier than the low-calorie counterparts!

According to the Institute of Medicine, an adequate intake (AI) of fluid for men is roughly about 13 cups (3 liters) a day while that of the women is about 9 cups (2.2 liters). Consequently, the effective management of one’s fluid intake would significantly affect one’s body weight. Therefore, here is a list of dos and don’ts that may help you to shed some extra flab and achieve your desired weight using natural yet economical ways. However, do consume the liquids on the side of the dos in moderation as there may be unwanted side effects.

Credits:

https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/appearance/calories-in-alcohol

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/14/sugary-beverages-calories_n_1595014.html

http://authoritynutrition.com/coffee-increase-metabolism/

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/calories/faq-20058100

http://authoritynutrition.com/green-tea-and-weight-loss/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/344373-lemon-juice-hot-water-for-weight-loss/

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/weight-loss/weight-loss-myths-will-drinking-lemon-water-help-you-lose-weight.html#b

http://www.menshealth.com.sg/weight-loss-nutrition/bursting-bubble-tea-fad

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/14/sugary-beverages-calories_n_1595014.html

http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=561652

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256

http://chealth.canoe.com/channel_section_details.asp?text_id=4996&channel_id=44&relation_id=48476

https://www.fatsecret.com/calories-nutrition/generic/tea-green

4 Highest Paying Jobs That Introverts Can Excel On

A common misconception of introverts is that the dislike socializing. Contrary to the popular belief, introverts are drained by social interaction. Many introverts can socialize easily…they just prefer not to. So, as long as the job does not require tons of socializing face-to-face then, it is suitable for an introvert.

In fact, certain jobs that require extensive research and great listening skills are better off with introverts. That said, here are a few of the highest paying jobs that introverts can excel on:

4. COMPUTER PROGRAMMER

Average of S$47,399 per year

It is common sense that one of the most in demand jobs today is computer programming. Diving into computer programming requires knowledge on Computer Science or Information and Technology. It involves lifelong learning of the constant evolving technology and coding. As a computer programmer you will spend countless of hours in front of the computer while having minimum real-life interaction.

3. SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Average of S$47,642 per year

With the overflowing dependence on digital technology, businesses all over the world had been hiring social media managers to enhance their marketing strategies. All you have to do is to spend most of your time online with minimum real-life interaction. Visual interaction is done through answering the feedbacks of Twitter followers or Facebook fans. Having your own nest at home while earning money makes this job perfect for introverts!

2. STATISTICIANS

Average of S$53,238 per year

Statisticians are focused on the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of quantitative information. Rather on contemplating about the conversation topics, they rely on numbers for small talk. This job is rewarding for introverts, not just because they are paid well but also because they are mostly immersed in spreadsheets and equations alone.

1. GEOSCIENTIST

Average of S$120,000 per year

Interestingly, the highest paying job on the list allows more interaction with the environment than with people. Geoscientists can specialize as geophysicist, geochemist, hydrogeologist, geologist, and sedimentologist. Learn more about this introvert-friendly occupation, here:

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

4 Free Photo Editing Apps You Should Download Now

Do you want to share your beautiful memories captured on portraits but think that it needs extra filters or finishing touches? Fret not because many Photo Editing Apps that have near-professional quality are available for free on iTunes and Google Play Store. Check these 4 Free Photo Editing Apps to add the personal glamour to your photos…

1. VSCO CAM

Available on Android and iOS

Being an avid fan of Instagram, I can attest to seeing an abundance of VSCOCam and VSCO hash tags. What makes this photo-editing app so popular? For starters, it gives you a wide range of filters and a complete set of editing tools. The filters are coded in the format of letter and number such as X1, G3, B1, and my favorite C1. Its editing tools include contrast, brightness, fade, tint, crop, rotate, highlights, shadows, sharpness, and so much more. Certainly, these tools may be as efficient as paid studio editing! Not bad for something that is free. Lastly, what separates VSCO Cam from the most is that they have a community where you can share your portraits.

2. PHOTO EDITOR BY AVIARY

Available on Android, iOS, and Windows

If you own a Smartphone that operates on Windows then, this is one of the best editors you will meet! Photo Editor by Aviary includes a comprehensive set of basic editing tools such as crop and rotate as well as a set of lovely filters such as Arizona and Lucky. Unique features of this app include adding drawings, stickers, and text.

Image Credits: www.facebook.com/AviaryEditor

3. REPIX

Available on Android and iOS

Bring out your creative side with the Repix app. One of the editor’s choices, Repix allows you to artistically edit your photos by using filters, frames, and adjustment tools. Special effects can be added to your portrait by using the brushes. Furthermore, it supports the motion of Samsung’s S-Pen.

Image Credits: itunes.apple.com/sg/app/repix-inspiring-photo-editor/id597830453?mt=8

4. SNAPSEED

Available on Android and iOS

Google, one of the smartest companies in our generation, is the proud owner of the Snapseed app. Snapseed allows its users to beautify their photos by applying filters and tools. After adding images, select manual tuning to enable swiping upwards for increase in value or downwards for decrease in value. Value is in terms of several variables such as saturation and contrast. It is very user-friendly, especially for beginners!

Sources: 1 & 2

Hard questions you need to answer before becoming an entrepreneur

While many people aspire to be their own bosses, few actually make the move to incorporate their own businesses and commit to the life of an entrepreneur. It may seem easy in the eyes of most people, but the truth is far from reality. After meeting and consulting various CEOs from diverse industries throughout my writing career, I begin to distill certain essential traits common to all of them. They are by no means prescriptive, but I believe that they serve as useful indicators for prospective entrepreneurs.

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