In Standard & Poor’s recent Global Financial Literacy Survey, it was found that a lot less women in Singapore know their way around personal finance than men.
67 per cent of men surveyed hit the threshold for being financially literate while only 52 per cent of women did so. This difference is one of the largest in the world.
While women make up the majority of university graduates, they still fall behind in financial literacy in 128 out of 143 countries. The participants were given a 5-question test over financial concepts: numeracy, risk diversification, inflation and compound interest.
The survey, done over 140 countries with 150,000 respondents, is one of the most extensive surveys done on financial literacy in history.
It also showed that Singapore has the most number of financially literate adults in Asia, at 59 per cent. Only 1 in 3 people in Asia could correctly answer the majority of questions–a number that is lower than the global average.
“We might have the highest number of financially literate people in Asia, but that’s still not enough. Basic concepts like compounding interest and percentages should be understood by all,” said Rohith Murthy, Managing Director of personal finance comparison website SingSaver.com.sg.
“Everyone should take an interest in controlling their own finances. The first step is to be aware of your expenses and where your money goes, then creating financial goals for yourself. Don’t sign up for financial products without fully understanding how it works,” he added. “Through education, Singaporeans can become more confident about making financial decisions.”
Whether you want to admit it or not, pregnancy is a costly ordeal. Aside from your hospital, maternity clothes, baby gears, and prenatal vitamins expenses you must consider your pregnancy diet.
As you plan a healthy and safe pregnancy diet, try to embrace the changes necessary and consider these expert recommended tips:
1. PLAN CAREFULLY
Planning your grocery list for the entire week can make or break your budget. This is why you must meticulously plan your meals for the week while browsing through several cookbooks such as Eat Yourself Pregnant and What to Eat When You’re Pregnant. Equip yourself with this list while shopping and do your best to stick with it.
2. AVOID THESE
Melinda Johnson, a registered dietitian and a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, warns pregnant women against soft cheeses and cold cuts. Soft cheeses such as blue cheese, feta, and Brie as well as non-heated deli meats (e.g., sausages and hams) can increase the risk of developing the food-borne illness called listeriosis—a. So avoid hospitalization expenses by staying away from these food beforehand.
3. PREFER GREENS
Kale, arugula, and spinach are some of the most nutritious and affordable foods you will find in a grocery store. As the color of the vegetable gets darker, the more nutritious it is because of its antioxidants and beta-carotene. If possible, buy the leafy greens that are not prepackaged because they are cheaper.
4. BUY YOGURTS
Yogurt is a great and inexpensive source of calcium. According to experts, any type of yogurt (as long as it is pasteurized) is safe and healthy for a pregnant woman.
Your growing baby needs substantial calcium in order for his or her bones and teeth to develop properly. In fact, the author of “Go Green, Stay Lean” – Kate Geagan says that the calcium in the mother’s bones can deplete if she does not take in enough calcium because the limited amount will only go to the baby.
5. GO ORGANIC
Growing your own food is the best way to avoid the harmful effects of pesticides. If you do not have a backyard or an apartment balcony there are community gardens for you to plant your own seed. Aside from being domestic, you can also save more money if you buy produce of the local supermarket’s brand (e.g. S$2.20 Mixed Vegetables by FairPrice)
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Valentine’s Day is a special occasion wherein you get to show your affection and to reconnect with the people you care most for. Whether you are celebrating with your spouse, your girlfriend/boyfriend, your group of friends, your family, or yourself – go on an adventure this Valentine’s Day with this fun activities that cost under S$55…
1. FOR THE EXTREME COUPLES
Aside from riding roller coasters, taking your date on exciting and seemingly dangerous situations can boost the levels of hormones that are mainly responsible for making people fall in love or feel euphoria.
This is why, couples may consider the extreme surge of G-MAX REVERSE BUNGY or GX-5 EXTREME SWING at Clarke Quay. These two rides designed in New Zealand, the home of Bungee, to ensure it is 100% safe. The G-MAX Reverse Bungy catapults you up to 200 km/h in a steel capsule while the GX-5 Xtreme Swing acts like a giant swing that speeds up to 120km/h. What a thrilling experience indeed!
One ride costs about S$45 (different student rate applies)
2. FOR ALL THE “SINGLE” SQUADS
For all the single people who decide to celebrate together as a powerful group, take on an enjoyable challenge by playing Bubble Soccer. Bubble Bump Singapore offers bubble games where players wear inflatable balls in an attempt to win in a Soccer match. Each suit are harnessed and equipped to make sure your fall will be relatively painless.
One date with your friends can surely bring loads of laughter as you start the full-on bouncing action just to score a goal. A casual fun game including 10 bubble suits, 2 facilitator, equipments, and photography starts with S$15/pax (i.e., 20 people). For more information, visit: www.bubblebump.sg.
3. FOR A FAMILY DATE
If you cannot leave your kiddos this February 14, try to bring them along on a fun date at a water amusement park. One of Singapore’s largest water theme parks called “Wild Wild Wet“ offers exhilarating rides at inexpensive prices. As Valentine’s Day fall on a Sunday, it follows the peak price of S$24 for adults and S$17 for children and senior citizens. While, toddlers are free to swim all year round! Cheaper prices are in store for NTUC members and Plus! cardholders.
Once you are there, brave the rapids with Ular-Lah, make your way to wacky the crazy turns of The Waterworks, and so much more. Also, you may take part in their online contest (until February 8) to win exclusive Wild Wild Wet prizes!
Being #ForeverAlone on the day of hearts does not give you the free pass to sob on the corner. Instead, try something new and exciting by taking the leap of faith. If you happen to be in Sentosa, do the “ParaJump” attraction including the Jungle Ride for S$19. ParaJump replicates a free-fall parachute jump through its safety harness and experienced staff.
I have to admit…I am fearful of heights but after trying this, I felt a surge of fulfillment and happiness. Beyond the fear, the experience was unforgettable.
Let us face it! We all have those bum moments when you just want to binge watch on your favorite sitcom or drama series while eating a whole lot of food. Aside from the ever so popular 24-hour McDelivery, there are other delivery services that bring you food without having to go out of your home.
Here are some of them:
GLORIOUS PIZZA
a. SAPRINO’S PIZZA
Saprino’s Pizza offers inexpensive pizzas that you can mix and match. You can even create your own pizza by choosing from their meat, vegetable, and cheese toppings. You may also indulge on their gourmet pizzas with flavors such as New York Deli, Sicilian, and Classico Italiano or their specialty pizzas with flavors such as Vegetarian Special, Tuscany, and Pesto Veggie.
We usually order the Pepperoni and Aloha pizza for S$28, inclusive of the delivery charge. Not bad for two 10″ big pizza. Prices of the pizzas range from S$13.80 – S$35.
Spizza first opened with its vision of serving affordable yet authentic thin-crust wood-fired pizza and other delectable Italian dishes. Their beautifully named pizzas including Anna, Claudia, Katerina, and Nadia can be customized by adding toppings for S$4.
If you cannot decide which type of pizza to choose then try their best sellers such as Margherita (Vegetarian), Pamela, and Olivia. The prices of the pizza range from S$21 – S$25.
Operating Hours: 12pm-10:30pm (Break from 3pm-6pm on weekdays only) Contact Number: 6377 7773 Delivery Charge: S$8 (For orders under S$30) Minimum Order: None Online Orders:www.spizza.sg
c. PIZZA HUT
With more than twenty-seven years offering home delivery services in Singapore and continuous improvements, Pizza Hut has become one of the best pizza deliveries here. To many Singaporeans, Pizza Hut is a part of their childhood and its delectable pizzas are always their favourites. Efficient service, delicious pizzas, affordable prices and frequent promotions are what make people love Pizza Hut delivery.
Using special designed Hot Pouches to keep heat and prevent condensation from accumulating, Pizza Hut’s pizzas are always delivered to customer houses hot and fresh. Operating twenty-eight delivery outlets around Singapore, their delivery service is available islandwide and relatively fast.
Who does not know Kentucky Fried Chicken? Their world-famous fried chicken is both crunchy and juicy at the same time. Current promotions include Shoyuzu Wings Buddy Meal (S$15.90) and Zinger Hearty Variety Box ($24.90).
For a healthier and quicker fix, consider Subway’s sandwiches. Subway is an American fast food restaurant that has outlets around the world. In Singapore, they primarily sell sandwiches and salads. My personal favorites are Classic Tuna, Cold Cut Trio , and Spicy Italian (costing about S$5.70 each)
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is a fast food chain that originated from New Orleans, Louisiana in 1972. Carefully blending their spices and seasonings, hand battering their fried chicken, and tenderly cooking every dish to give you nothing but a satisfying experience. I suggest you try Popeyes’ raved fried chicken, rock sugar honey lime chicken, or chicken burger.
Love-hate relationship is a perfect description of my affair with deadlines. Deadlines are important because they give you a structured workflow but, it can be very stressful at times. Not to mention, you may encounter several due dates scheduled all at once.
Picture yourself heading towards the end of the day while accomplishing about 30% of your task or project that is due tomorrow. The clock is ticking fast. The real pressure is on. If you feel like panicking – pause! Calm yourself down. You do not want your clients to end your collaborations nor do you want your reputation to be destroyed by your lack of time management skills. Instead, eliminate the distractions and focus on the task itself.
Also, avoid this stressful situation from happening again by following these tips:
1. SET REALISTIC GOALS
No matter how excellent your time management and organization skills are, you will still find yourself in a difficult position if your deadlines are not realistic. If you are a freelancer, clients will typically ask you to assign a deadline by yourself. When this happens to me, I make it a point to have at least 1-2 days in excess in case emergencies arise such as requested revisions. But if you work in the office, ask your boss for at least 1-2 hours in excess to create a high-quality project.
2. ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS
In a world where the cat videos rule, you must eliminate all the distractions. Close the unnecessary tabs, keep your handphone on silent, and refrain from logging onto your social media accounts. By doing so, you will find yourself to be more productive than ever.
3. TAKE THINGS SERIOUSLY
Beating the deadlines is a serious act. Commit yourself entirely to the tasks by writing them in a piece of paper or in an Excel spreadsheet. Refer back to the list to reduce your procrastinating tendencies.
4. RANK EACH TASK
Before you begin, you must look at your list and contemplate on which project is the most important. Mark it as “high priority”, which you will aim to finish first. After getting passed the time-consuming and complex tasks, you will find yourself accomplishing more as you finish the smaller tasks quickly.
5. REWARD YOURSELF
After a hard day’s work and seeing your clients or boss satisfied, you must reward yourself for a job well done. No other questions asked.
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