5 Free Money Management Apps to Increase your Savings

In order to decide on how much you shall save, first you must be aware of how much you are spending.

Expenses can be categorized as either fixed or variable. Fixed expenses remain the same every month or year due to Singapore’s laws and Company service-provider terms (e.g. Hand Phone Plan, or HDB Rent). Variable expenses include food, entertainment, clothing, and other expenses that may change every month or year. The challenge now is for you to choose on which expenses you can reduce.

Recording all your expenses, no matter how big or small they may be, can help you plan your budget wisely. This is why; here are the 5 Money Management Apps for all your devices. Best of all? These are handy and FREE!

EXPENSIFY
(Available on IPhone, IPad, Android, and Blackberry)

Expensify app helps you record your daily transactions, hourly rate, mileage, and generate expense reports. Its SmartScan feature allows you to upload photos or capture your receipts for easy bookkeeping. It also helps you minimize information errors that you may encounter when writing everything down.

Photo Credit: Expensify App via TechTudo
EXPENSE MANAGER
(Available on Android)

Another top rated money tracker in Google Play store is the Expense Manager app. It is raved to be simplistic and very easy to use. You may record the type of purchase, the type of payment, the purchasing price, the company the item was purchased from, and the date. The app also allows you to manage multiple accounts in various currencies, to email account activities, and to save it on your SD card.
MONEYWISE
(Available on Android)

MoneyWise app combines minimalist design with powerful functionality. It may seem minimal but it can do a lot! It allows you to generate charts or graphs, track budgets or spending, and create regular account backups. Conveniently, you may export data in CSV or HTML formats that you may send to others via email.
POCKET EXPENSE PERSONAL FINANCE
(Available on IPhone and IPad)

Pocket Expense Personal Finance app combines all your financial accounts together so it can track all your bills and set your budgets. This app lets you categorize your transactions through its calendar view. It is the perfect way to organize your income and expense because of its user-friendly and simplistic interface. But most importantly, it is password protected.
MINT
(Available on IPhone, IPad, and Android)

Mint app manages your personal finance accounts (credit cards, loan and investment) on one place through your fingertips. With Mint, you can track your spending, develop a monthly budget, receive bill reminders, and save more money. It is also accessible online through its website. What’s more? It sends online alerts if you’ve gone over your budget.

With all these awesome money management Apps, the power to budget and save money is in your fingertips! Make wise money tracking a habit! You won’t regret it.

Where to shop till you drop without hurting your wallet

It’s not always easy to save money when you shop. After all, the basic idea behind shopping isn’t to save money, but to spend it. Some of the nicest things out there (like branded goods) cost a hefty dime. It’s no wonder so many young Singaporeans are not shopping themselves into debt, buying things they want, but don’t need, at astronomical prices. However, there is an option for those who are less picky and want to save money: thrift shopping! Thrift shopping refers to the buying of 2nd hand items at much lower prices. While it takes some effort to find good buys while thrift shopping, you’ll occasionally find treasures here and there. I once got a pair of branded shoes for less than 10 dollars! Here are some places you can go to indulge in your shopping habit without breaking the bank.

New2U Thrift Store

https://www.facebook.com/New2UShop

Hidden in the middle of Bras Basah, Bugis and Dhoby Ghaut, this little gem is the go-to place for students and workers in the area who want to save money. Comparatively more accessible that most other thrift stores, New2U is located in the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO). Being right in the heart of the arts and culture district of Singapore, New2U doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the selection of items available, with many of the clothes they sell being vintage pieces at bargain prices. All proceeds go to SCWO initiatives.

Address: 96 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187967

Salvation Army Praiseheaven Family Megastore

http://www.stitchesandmaps.blogspot.com

If you want to check out the ultimate heaven of thrift store goodness, come down to the Salvation Army Praiseheaven Family Megastore! Notice that everything here is all neat and organised, it’s just like a department store, except everything here is second-hand, or was donated in bulk because they were damaged or not appropriate for selling. For those who want to save money on everything under the sun, this has to be the place to be. Spanning across 2 floors, the Family Megastores sells everything from clothes to furniture, so be prepared to spend a long, long time going through every single there is.

Address: 500 Upper Bukit Timah Road Singapore 678106

Shop@RedCross

http://www.redcross.sg

Not as widely publicised or as well-known as the other thrift stores in Singapore, Shop@Redcross nonetheless stocks a wide range of items as well, similar to the Family Megastore, so it’s great for people who want to save money on a wide range of items. While slightly out of the way (it’s located in the middle of a private housing estate), the journey there is well worth the effort. They also have regular Bazaar days, where they bring in a lot more items and even more discounted prices! I just went down to Bazaar last month, and scored myself a pair of shoes for less than 10 bucks!

Address: 62 Jalan Khairuddin (Opera Estate)

Granny’s Day Out

http://www.grannysdayout.com

If you’re looking for more vintage, eclectic finds, and don’t mind paying a higher premium for them, make a visit to Granny’s Day Out. It isn’t the conventional thrift store in the sense that all its items are dirt chip, but they are definitely cheaper than what you find in stores for the same quality, so you’re still able to save money! After all, this mix of goods are specially chosen by the store owners from all across the world, and lovingly restored. So while you may be paying a higher price than usual for a thrift store, you will definitely be getting your money’s worth, because what you get will definitely be unique!

Address: 3 Coleman Street, #03-25 Peninsula Shopping Centre, S179804, Singapore

Carousell

Sometimes the best things are right under your nose, or in the case in your pocket. If you can’t find the time to make your down to any thrift store or vintage store whatsoever but still want to save money shopping, check out the Carousell app! Carousell

is an online marketplace where users can sell and buy 2^nd have items from each other. All you need to do is make an account and you’re ready to go! There are different product sections, and also a search function, so it’s easy for you to find what you need and want, quickly!

Address: Itunes App Store

6 Cheap Food Places in Orchard Road

Ah, Orchard Road. Singapore’s glitzy and glamourous retail heaven, Orchard Road’s practically second home to shopaholics around Singapore. Even if you’re not a fan of retail therapy yourself, there were probably some days when you went all out busted your wallet while you were at it. After all that though, you might want to learn how to save money on eating when your wallets already taken a beating. Here’s a tip on how to save money: check out these 6 makan places where you can get a budget bite right at Orchard Road

Ayam Penyet Ria

Image Credits: http://www.hungrygowhere.com

While Lucky Plaza may have garnered a reputation for being Singapore’s Little Philippines, right in its centre you would be able to find a slice of Indonesia. The fragrant smell drawing you in, Ayam Penyet Ria serves some of the most authentic ayam penyet and Indonesian food you can get in Singapore, all for less than $10! We recommend trying out their signature dish, which is of course ayam penyet. The fried chicken and rice is simple, but exquisite, and the topping of strong sambal adds just the kick you need. Who said learning how to save money had to drab and boring? Those people definitely haven’t checked out the spice at Ayam Penyet Ria

Address: Lucky Plaza, #04-25/26, Singapore 238863

Kim Dae Mun

Image Credits: http:// www.burpple.com

Korean food in Singapore is relatively easy to find, but really good Korean food is hard. Really good Korean food that doesn’t break the bank is even harder. Trust us, we’ve tried. Kim Dae Mun, just ticks all those boxes, and has earned itself a place in the hearts of Korean food lovers all across Singapore. The best part is, none of the dishes they sell are over $10! Take about getting a taste of Korean that’s really value for money! That’s definitely one way you can put our “how to save you money” tips to the best use possible.

Address: 100 Orchard Road, Concorde Hotel and Shopping Centre, #02-17/18 Singapore 238840

Hainanese Delicacy

Image Credits: http://www.gastronommy.com

Chicken rice is the perfect comfort food you need after a long day of walking and spending, but it can be hard to find good, cheap chicken rice in Orchard Road. Fret not, come down to Far East Plaza and check out Hainanese Delicacy! Frequented by everyone from students to office workers, Hainanese Delicacy proves that chicken rice is universally loved by everyone, with the never ending streams of people who go in and out of the store. You can smell the scent of chicken rice wafting down even at the floors below, so follow your instincts and make your stomach ( and wallet ) happy! With cheap chicken rice, you’ll never have to worry about how to save money.

Address: Far East Plaza, #05-116, 14 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228213

Orchard Yong Tau Fu

Image Credits: http://foodiefc.blogspot.sg/

“What’s a cheap yong tau foo place doing in town?” Well it might seem a bit out-of-place in the modern and glossy environment of Orchard Road, but hey, no one’s complaining. If anything, you could share with friends a tip on how to save money, but telling them about Orchard Yong Tau Fu! They offer a good variety of your favourite Yong Tau Foo ingredients, with a minimum of 7 items going for $4.20. If that isn’t a deal when you’re in town, I don’t know what is. Plus, Yong Tau Foo is healthy, so all the better for you to keep on shopping!

Address: #01-09, Cuppage Plaza, 5 Koek Road

The Flyin’ Bread

Image Credits: http://www.fuchsia.com.sg

Want to know how to save money and want get a taste of some healthy and fresh Indian food? Come down to the 313 Somerset basement and check out The Flying Bread! The Flying Bread is a kiosk selling wraps and various dishes with an Indian flavour, using ingredients like tandoori chicken and yoghurt based sauces! This is a must visit if you’re on the go but you still want a filling meal, because these wraps certainly pack a punch in taste and size.

Address: #B3-43, 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Road

JTown Cafe

Image Credits: http://my-daily-thingz.blogspot.sg

Craving for Indonesian Food while you are shopping in Orchard Road? Located at the basement in Midpoint Orchard (Opposite 313 Somerset), you will see JTown Cafe at the end in a dimly light setting. A glance at the menu will spot a range of different kind of Bakmi. (Meat Noodle) A personal favourite of mine is the Bakmi Ayam (Chicken Bakmi) where you mix sweet soy and chilli sauce with their handmade wheat noodle.

Address: 220 Orchard road, B1 Midpoint Orchard (Across 313 Somerset)

So there you have it, some tips on how to save money while still filling your stomach with delicious food at Orchard road. Next time you need to take a break and grab some food, head on over to these fantastic finds!

Want to pay less to watch a movie? Here’s how to get cheap movie tickets.

Watching a movie has been a favourite pastime of Singaporeans. In fact, it tops the list in a survey conducted by MasterCard where 75% of respondents has watched a movie at least twice in a month.

I would be surprised if you have not watched Ah Boy To Men or Ah Boy To Men 2. Their combined box office well grossed over S$16M and with ticket price creeping to an average of $10, that also means at least one in four Singaporeans would have watched the production by Jack Neo. Gone were the days where you can watch a movie at $4 a ticket.

If you are a movie fanatic like I am, you would have known that it would be the cheapest to get your movie fix on a weekday. Armed with your PAssion card, MasterCard or UOB Card, you would walk into a cinema to buy a ticket with confidence that you got a good deal.

But the question is: Can you get any better?

For the benefits of the like-minded people as well as those who only step into a cinema once or twice a year, I have compiled a comprehensive list of the four main cinemas in Singapore, comparing from movie ticket price on weekdays to weekend, prices across cinema and the best promotional priced ticket you can get with different membership card. Stop paying a premium to catch your favourite movie. Get your cheap movie tickets with your privilege card.

The ones highlighted in red are the best promotional priced ticket for that cinema while the one shaded in yellow are the best priced across all cinemas. For the majority of cinemagoers, we exclude student, children and senior citizens.

If you plan to watch a movie on:

Weekday (Mon-Thurs, excluding PH, eve of PH):

Cathay: If you own a DBS Black Card, pay using payWave and get another ticket for free. Valid till 31 Dec 14.

GV: If you own a HSBC Card, you can purchase the HSBC Movie Card and load it with $70 which entitles you to 10 movie credits. That equates to $7 a ticket.

Shaw: BOC World MasterCard matches DBS Black Card should you want to watch in Shaw rather than Cathay. Please note that it is only available to the first 400 redemptions in a month.

Filmgarde: No special promotion for standard ticket unless you are a student or senior citizen.

Friday & Eve of PH

Cathay: DBS Black Visa Card is the way to go. Make use of the promotion before it ends on 31 Dec 14.

GV: If you pay using a VISA card, you get 4 movie tickets at the price of 3. This works out to be the cheapest if you watch a movie before 6pm. Otherwise a HSBC Movie Card loaded with $85 will do the trick. As you get 10 movie credits, each movie only costs $8.50 per person.

Shaw: Similar to weekdays, a BOC World MasterCard entitles you to a 1 for 1 movie ticket promotion.

Filmgarde: Standard pricing unless you are a student or senior citizen.

Sat, Sun and PH

Weekends and PH are the peak period and expect the price to increase.

Cathay: If you don’t own a DBS Black Card, but your service provider is M1, you also get a 1 for 1 movie treat! Valid for the first 400 customers.

GV: HSBC Movie Card is the best on weekends and public holidays if you watch in a group of 4.

Shaw: Likewise, a BOC World MasterCard entitles you to a 1 for 1 movie ticket promotion.

Filmgarde: Standard pricing.

*Please note that the prices for movie tickets are subjected to change without notice.

6 Places in Singapore Tourists Should Avoid

Singapore is an attractive travel destination with a record of 15.6million tourists in 2013.

Known worldwide for its safe, clean and green environment coupled with world class transport and its multi ethnic cuisines, it is no surprise to see Singapore taking the top spot of the Lonely Planet Best Place to Travel in 2015.

Singaporeans are also unbelievably helpful – just approach one when you are lost and you will see them pointing to the map or even bring you to the destination.

Need a dining recommendation? Just ask. They will go the extra mile to help you rather than rip you off.

However, in a city of 5.4million inhabitants, you’ll always find a few black sheeps with a different intention. Not to scare you off, but in comparison to other countries, there are not as many tourist traps out there. We are going to name you 6 places in Singapore tourist should keep at bay and keep your dream trip in place.

1. Sim Lim Square

Sim Lim Square is a large retail complex that sells electronic goods. There is six level of 500 retailers selling goods such as computers, electronic peripherals, mobile phones, games and cameras.

If you are not aware of the recent spate of tourist scams, you better think twice before stepping your foot here. Of course, not all the shops there are dishonest but as a tourists – you know nothing better and are at the mercy of these vendors that employed dirty and errant sales tactics.

You are promised a cheap price for the phone and only when you sign on that piece of paper and paid the money, you are asked to cough out more money to unlock the phone or to pay for the warranty which costs as much as the phone.

2. People Park Complex

While Sim Lim Square is getting all the limelight and attention, another retail complex known as People Park Complex has been reported to have more complaints.

Likewise, these errant vendors uses the same tactics to make a one-off sale as tourists are the best target because they never return.

3. Lucky Plaza

Lucky Plaza is situated along Orchard where you can shop till you drop but it makes it to the third of the places to avoid list. It seems that electronics products are the easiest products to exploit due to its larger price tag and the need for warranty.

4. Newton Circus Food Centre

If you think that tourists are only ripped off by electronics products, you would be surprised that a food centre made it to the list as a ‘no-go’ due to the rampant touting and overcharging by the vendors.

Newton Circus is a food centre where you get to sample a plethora of cuisines from BBQ seafood to satays (skewer meats) and it was all good until there were too many stalls selling the same kind of food and drinks. This led to stiff competition and incessant touting by stall owners where they are often criticised for overpricing their food and compromising food quality.

In 2009, six American tourists were charged S$491 for their meal, out of which almost half of the cost is due to the 8 tiger prawns they ordered costing $239.

Avoid that place unless you have deep pocket for mediocre quality food.

5. Boat Quay

Along Singapore River, you will find Boat Quay situated right in the CBD where you can catch picturesque view of the river surrounding two and three-storey shophouses. It’s romantic to walk down the quay and at the end you will find the iconic Merlion statue, a national personification of Singapore.

Of course, don’t miss out these attractions when you are in Singapore but when you are famished, take your meals elsewhere. Don’t get tempted by the humongous Alaskan Snow Crab and other crustaceans on display outside the restaurants. They are overpriced and high chance that you will be ripped off from its ‘priceless’ [sic] menu.

6. Geylang

Geylang is the red light district of Singapore and while prostitution is legal in Singapore you don’t want to walk here with your kids at night.

If you bringing your family for a holiday, consider bringing them to Little India or Chinatown where you can still immerse yourself and experience the cultural heritage of Singapore.

So where should we go?

Consider going to well established stores in Funan IT Mall or Challenger to shop for your electronic goods. Remember to claim your tax refund during your departure at Changi Airport.

If you want to indulge in seafood and order your favourite chilli crab, go to the few places where the local would go – Jumbo Seafood, No Signboard, Longbeach and Mellben.

For tourists who want to sample the different ethnic cuisines, head over to Makansutra Gluttons Bay or Chinatown Food Centre.

Don’t fall prey to the above tourists trap, do your research and make sure you find out the real cost to it before committing.

1. Sim Lim Square

2. People Park Complex

3. Lucky Plaza

4. Newton Circus Food Centre

5. Boat Quay

6. Geylang

So where should we go?

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