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Boost Your Savings With An Entry-Level Salary

Surviving expenses as a fresh graduate in your first “real-world” job without anyone to depend on can be tough at times. Living from paycheck to paycheck, you will need to find strategies to help you save more. Aside from budgeting, here are 6 ways to boost your savings on an entry-level salary…

1. PACK YOUR LUNCH

After going to grocery, prepare your meals for the week. Packing your own lunch will not only help you save but it is also healthier. This strategy has worked for me very well before and has reduced my meals to S$5-10 a day.

2. TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Being in a country with an efficient transportation system, I do not see the reason why there is a need to take a cab in short distances. Buy a Public Transportation card (EZ-Link card) that you can use for trains and buses to save more. If you still want to drive via car, then carpool with your coworkers who live nearby.

3. MAKE YOUR OWN COFFEE

Your daily sip on Starbucks could be costing you a lot. Brew your own coffee for free instead. You can either make your coffee in your house before you leave or in your office during lunch breaks.

4. ATTEND INEXPENSIVE FUN EVENTS

Save without compromising fun by going to free or inexpensive events. You can search for free museum days, charity concerts, and outdoor films. There are some community events and workshops that charge as little as S$2 so keep your eye on those.

5. NETWORK WHILE YOU PARTY

Socializing with other people can widen your resources and potential business partners. But, it does not mean that you should splurge on drinks. Indulge on drink deals as much as you can during happy hours to save more.

6. BUNK WITH ROOMMATES

Living alone with an entry-level salary is not ideal. So, find friends or co-workers who can split the rent finances with you.

Image Credits: Robert Judge via Flickr

You will not only have a load off but you will also enjoy an awesome company of people who can go with you while you attend free events, happy hours, and great sales.

Don’t think it is possible? Then read how a Singaporean saved $20,000 in a year: http://goo.gl/7cUIC1

6 Ways to Save Money as a Yoga Teacher

Various people have an impression that Yoga is expensive or that Yoga is only for the elites.

Compared to a monthly gym membership, perhaps Yoga can be considered expensive. Clothes, mats, and other props can be costly. But, if you prioritize the practice of awareness rather than flaunting for fashion then you may find yourself saving a lot more.

As Yoga teachers, you get to immerse yourself deeper in the practice and its doctrines. You become less interested in wastefulness and more interested in conservation. With that in mind, here are 6 Simple Ways to Save Money as a Yoga Teacher…

Image Credits: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas via Flickr

1. SAVE ON YOGA TOPS

Jessica Matthews, writer on “American Council on Exercise”, suggests that you can wear a simple tank top a fitted and stretchy t-shirt, or a sportswear top, whether or not they were designed specifically for Yoga. An inexpensive top or shirt can be just as comfortable as the designer ones.

2. MANAGE YOUR INCOME AND EXPENSES

In order for you to decide on how much you shall save, first you must be aware of how much you are spending. The typical things you will track as an expense are costs on training, travel, clothing, and books. The challenge now is for you to choose on which expenses you can reduce.

3. MAKE YOUR OWN YOGA PROPS

Abby Lentz, founder of the “HeavyWeight Yoga classes”, shared some Do-It-Yourself Yoga Props.

a. Yoga Blocks

It is possible to make a handcrafted Yoga Block if you have bulky, unused or old books, yellow pages, phone books, and dictionaries. Just slip a pace of hard cardboard halfway between the pages of the book to make it sturdy and tightly tape the entire areas close.

b. Yoga Straps

You can make your own Yoga strap by knotting two neckties together. You may also use a second-hand bathrobe sash from the thrift shop as branded Yoga straps are just made with cotton straps with buckles.

Image Credits: Roy Blumenthal via Flickr

4. PRACTICE AT HOME

Doing Yoga at home along with a video or audio companion is definitely more cost-effective than attending classes. The Internet has an abundant index of Free Yoga videos, health information, and Yoga poses catalog that you may use.

If your studio benefits include free classes, then take advantage of it. Aside from exercising, you will get a chance to study how different teachers conduct their classes.

5. INVEST IN THE BASICS

Two dollars for a mat and a dollar for bottled water may not seem like a lot, but it will quickly add up over time. Instead of buying or renting cheap Yoga mats, invest on a sturdy one that you can use for a couple of years.

Instead of buying mineral water on the studios you practice, buy a cheap water bottle and refill your own water at home. Through these steps, you will not only be able to save money but you will also be able to reduce waste.

6. Aside from saving money on Yoga, you can also save money through Yoga!

Sources: Yogaanonymous and About.com

5 Affordable Beauty Hacks You Must Try Now

When you are caught in a beauty dilemma, you need a quick solution! In order for fast action to happen, health care products that are already available can be used.

Here are 5 Affordable Beauty Hacks that can make your life easier…

1. FOR YOUR SHINY FACE

To deal with your shiny face, you may use hand sanitizer or Sticky Notes (e.g. Post-it). Hand sanitizer has “dimethicone” that smoothens the skin like a primer and provides a protective coat locking in moisture. You may use this along the hairline, forehead, T-zone or cleavage.

Post-it or sticky notes remove the excessive oil on your face without ruining your make up. Just peel off a Post-it sticky part then dab it along your T-zone.

2. MULTI-PURPOSE PRODUCTS

Many of the health care products have multiple uses so stretch its capabilities to save more money. Here is a list of 4 multi-purpose products:

a. Toothpaste can double as pimple remover
b. Baby oil can double as a make-up remover
c. Nail polish cannot only personalize your jeans but it can also stop a run in your stockings.
d. Greek yogurt to reduce pimple inflammation and redness

3. FOR YOUR HAIR IRON BURNS

If you accidentally burn yourself with your hair iron or curling stick, use raw honey to alleviate the pain and provide antibacterial protection. Honey also keeps your skin hydrated and smooth.

Image Credits: Maegan Tintari via Flickr

4. FOR YOUR DRY FEET

Debra Jaliman, a dermatologist and author of “Skin Rules”, suggests adding two tablespoons of brown sugar to 1/2 cup of coconut oil to exfoliate dry feet. She says that it helps to get rid of the unwanted dead skin.

5. FOR YOUR UNRULY HAIR

Your hair may either be dry or dull. When this happens, gather the ingredients you have in your kitchen and try these hair masks.

a. Hydrating Mask
Heat up 4 tablespoons of olive oil for 20 seconds then mix it with 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply it in your hair and put a shower cap on for 20 minutes. Then, rinse it.

b. Mask for Shiny Hair
Mash one piece of avocado until the texture is smooth. Then, add 1/2 cup of coconut milk and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the mixture up for 20 seconds. Apply it in your hair and put a shower cap on for 30 minutes. Then, rinse it.

Image Credits: Michal Hadassah

Sources: Stay a Stay at Home Mom and Beauty High

11 Cheapest Items on the First Months of 2015

Some items are cheaper at certain times. Hence, with planning and knowledge, you will be able to save more money when purchasing throughout the year.

Here are the 11 cheapest things to buy from January to March 2015:

IN JANUARY

1. HOLIDAY ITEMS

Holiday items such as surplus or unused gift cards, Christmas decorations, and wrapping papers are now selling with discount in stores and in the Internet (e.g., eBay or Carousell). Buy now, as their condition and use will remain ’till next year.

2. LINENS AND BEDDINGS

Retailers offer huge discounts on sheets, towels, and blankets in January. But, keep an eye on it all year round, since retailers will put last season’s stuff on sale when new products come out.

3. VIDEO GAMES

Numerous video games go on sale after the holidays are over. Check out Steam and other gaming retailers for discounted prices.

4. COMPUTERS

Image Credits: Stefan Ledwina via Flickr

Like video games, companies offer discounts on older computer models to prepare for the upcoming release of new components and systems.

IN FEBRUARY

1. MOBILE PHONES

Some stores offer hand phone sales or even a buy-one-take-one scheme during Valentine’s Day. It may seem strange but it’s true.

2. WASHER, DRYER AND AIR CONDITIONER

During cold weather months, many appliance stores offer air conditioners at cheap prices. Also, old models of washer and dryers are being sold with good deals.

IN MARCH

1. WEDDINGS

Image Credits: Katsu Nojiri via Flickr

Tying the knot in this month means taking full advantage of the discounted prices on reception venues, catering, and photography. You must always be cautious of the venue’s weather.

2. CHOCOLATES

The surpluses from last month’s chocolates are sold for lower prices.

Image Credits: John Loo via Flickr

3. LUGGAGE

Retailers offer discount on luggage before vacation seasons of spring and summer arrives.

4. GOLF CLUBS

New models are coming out for the summer, so your local golf shops are pushing the old ones out. What’s more? Last year’s gold club models are much cheaper.

4. DIGITAL CAMERAS

Consumer reports and marketing analysis prefers grabbing digital camera in March and April, as sales are the best.

Sources: Reader’s Digest and Lifehacker

7 Low-Cost (or Free) Ways to Lose Weight

One of the top 10 new year’s resolutions of a million people is to lose significant weight. This may be an ongoing resolution that has yet to happen, therefore the decision to lose weight is becoming more emotional.

Along with the article called “5 Ways to Shop for Healthy Foods Without Spending Too Much“…here are 7 Cheap Ways to Lose Weight…

1. STREAM FREE EXERCISE VIDEOS

Watch free exercise videos on youtube and across the Internet. Personally, I recommend Cassey Ho’s Blogilates as she incorporates Pilates, Yoga, and Cardio workouts. Aside from free exercise videos, the Internet is abundant with free or cheap Fitness Plans and Health Information. So, your only job is to make sure that the website is credible.

2. GO MEATLESS ONCE A WEEK

Nutritionist Rania Batayneh says that a sure way to burn off pounds and to save money is by going meatless once a week. You may substitute meat with tofu, beans, and mushrooms.

3. GROW AND COOK FOOD BY YOURSELF.

Growing your own food is organic at its finest. If you do not have a backyard or an apartment balcony there are community gardens for you to plant your own seed.

Image Credits: woodleywonderworks via Flickr

By dinner time, you can browse online (e.g. Kraft Recipes or Eating Well Recipes) for healthy recipes and cook your own food.

4. GAGA OVER 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.

Image Credits: Wonderlane via Flickr

5. BUY CHEAP GROUP WORKOUT DEALS

Take advantage of a low-cost workout class if you are undecided and you do not want to spend hundreds of dollars for a gym membership. Groupon.sg is rich with Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, and Boxing Classes that range from $28 and below.

For example, here is a “Four 60 mins. Boot Camp” pass at $19 only! It will not only push your limits but it will also aid you in losing weight. Usually, newly opened gyms or studios give 1-week free trial so you better watch out.

6. RUN, JOG OR CYCLE OUTDOORS

The healthiest way to lose weight is neither crash diets nor starving yourself. But, the healthiest way is the gradual increase of exercise. As you increase the exercise intensity and duration, you will change your own body mechanism in time.

Try walking or biking to work if you live within a few miles. If that is not an option, then skip the elevator and take the stairs instead. Not only will you save on gas, but you’ll burn calories as you go.

Image Credits: Fit Approach via Flickr

7. EXERCISE AT HOME

Stay fit in the comforts of your own home. You may choose to buy bargain workout DVDs or use the resources you already have.

For example,

Use paint cans or bottle with rocks to work on your biceps.
Find a stable bar at home for chin ups.
Or, do sit-ups and push-ups without any equipment.

Image Credits: Jordan Misner via Flickr

You are now looking to the future with hope and expectations. What better investment could you make than with your own health?

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