family Archives | Page 18 of 21

7 Budget-Friendly Ways To Organize Your Kitchen

Imagine a disorganized kitchen with tools clustered and mess everywhere. You might be motivated to cook more if it was not so disorganized. Okay, perhaps not. But, you wouldn’t it be nicer to have a clean and organized kitchen space? Upon realizing this, keep in mind that although this is time-consuming…it is all worth it!

1. MAKE AN INVENTORY

To get organize, start by determining what you have and arranging these items based on their functionality. Create an inventory wherein the items on top are the ones you use often and the ones you need the most.

2. EVALUATE THE ITEMS

After making an inventory with specific ranking, look at the items on the lower end and evaluate whether you are going to toss or donate them. Toss items that are helplessly broken or cannot be repaired. Then, donate the items that you underused or have too much of (e.g., three pots of the same size and color).

3. BRING OUT THE ESSENTIALS

Increase accessibility by placing the essential items and products such as knives, cutting board, and oil, near the stove and sink. It does not make sense to put these overly used items inside the drawer.

4. MAKE IT REACHABLE

I generally hear homemakers say: “You must put the kitchen items within reach. If you do not see them, you would not use them.” It is totally sensible. Avoid losing money to rotten potatoes or other expired products by making these items reachable. For instance, you my keep the potatoes in a basket near the cutting board.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

5. GROUP ITEMS BY TYPE

Keep the kitchenware of the same kind together. All the pans should be in the same cabinet or drawer as well as all the baking sheets. Arrange items from smallest to biggest and cluster their “group mates” close by. This way, it will be easier to locate items without messing with the kitchen.

6. USE THE WALLS WELL

Create space by making use of the kitchen walls. Hang up shelves or pegs to keep your utensils, dish towels, spices jars, small bowls, and pot holders on plain sight. You may purchase IKEA’s GRUNDTAL shelves that range from $15.90 to $19.90.

7. CHECK YOUR KITCHEN REGULARLY

After you arranged everything to your liking, value your efforts by regularly going through your drawers, shelves, cabinets, and cupboards once every 2-3 months. Make sure everything is on its right place. This shall only take up a few minutes of your time.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

Incredible Ways You Can Save As Parents Of A Newborn Baby

Knowing that pregnancy bills, documents, clothing, accessories, and so much more can cost more than S$10,000 in total, parents in Singapore must find savvy ways to manage their money because a baby will depend on them in everything. Here are some incredible ways to save money along the way:

1. SAY “YES” TO BREASTFEEDING

One of the empowering things that only women can do is to breastfeed their baby. As much as you can, opt for breastfeeding because it will not only be healthy but also be able to save you as low as S$1,500 per year.

To help you draw milk, you may use an electric breast pump but it comes with an expensive price tag of S$90-500. So, it is best to borrow a breast pump from a friend but make sure to change the plastic attachments. You can buy those for far less.

2. SAVE ON CLOTHES

Start saving for baby clothes by asking your friends and family if you can have their child’s outgrown clothes. You will not only help your friends or family members to de-clutter their space but you will also save more. Believe me when I say that babies can have sudden growth spurts so, it is unnecessary to buy loads of baby clothes in advance. It goes the same for shoes, as socks will be sufficient to keep their cute toes warm.

Also, you may invest two big T-shirts rather than bibs. All you have to do is to look for T-shirts that fits a baby (i.e., 1-2 years older than yours) while you are in a flea market. Then, use these big T-shirts while your baby is feeding instead of a bib.

3. SAY “NO” TO FANCY BABY TOYS

Several parents came to the conclusion that babies are not hard to please. In fact, their favorite “toys” such as plastic cups, cardboard boxes, and utensils often come with friendly price tags. They are not even the traditional toys! Buying a toy for less and still make your baby happy is such a win-win situation. You may even try to make your own toys such as a rattle made with a jar and a few coins.

4. SAVE ON FOOD

Preparing homemade baby food is simple, quick, and less costly. Having this power over your child’s food choices, you will be able to know exactly how much nutrition he or she is getting.

Before you begin feeding your baby, make sure that he or she is ready for solid food. It is recommended to wait for at least 6 months to feed solid food while you must wait until 10 months to feed them with gas-inducing foods such as broccoli, wheat, cauliflower, garlic, onions, beans, and dairy products. Be cautious of the common allergens as well.

Nonetheless, here are the recipes you can try for babies aged 6 months and beyond:

a. Carrots Baby Food (Recipe costs as low as S$0.80)

b. Peach Purée Baby Food (Recipe costs as low as S$2)

c. Pea Puree (Recipe costs as low as S$1.80)

Image Credits: Kim Love via Flickr (CC Attribution-ShareAlike)

Sources: 1 ,2 & 3

5 Simple Ways To Renovate Your Tiny Flat Without Spending Too Much

It is no secret that most of the flats available in Singapore are relatively small. It is done so as to expand the area available in our wonderful country. Aside from condominiums, HDB flats, ranging from 45 to 110 square meters, are the popular choice of the masses.

Whether you recently got off your parent’s estate or you relocated in the city center, the limited space of a flat can pose different challenges ahead. To live comfortably in it, here is the “5 Simple Ways To Renovate Your Tiny Flat Without Spending Too Much”:

1. SHOP AT IKEA

This Swedish super brand is a hub for home decorating while on a budget. IKEA’s two Singapore stores sell multiple organizational items and furniture that are perfect for small living spaces. For example, you may purchase the BRIMNES slim mirror with 4 storage squares for S$99 or the BYGEL removable dish drainer for only S$6.90.

What’s more? You can get free #homeinspo from their in-store displays or website catalogs.

2. AFFIX YOUR APPLIANCES TO THE WALL

Instead of getting huge drawers for the flat screen television or microwave oven, mount or affix them on the wall. This inexpensive trick is a surefire space saver for a small-scale kitchen or living room.

3. ADD MIRRORS

Adding mirrors to a modest room can make it appear bigger. Wide and oversized mirrors can fool the eyes by reflecting more light and by brightening the room. Save money by mounting two 70×70 cm IKEA STAVE mirrors costing to S$29.90 each.

4. OPT FOR SOFA BEDS

Buying a mattress, a headboard, and a bed frame can be costly and space consuming. Opt for a sofa bed instead. For about S$100, you can purchase a multi-purpose coach that expands into a bed for yourself or your guests.

5. NO-COST VISUAL DISTRACTIONS

You can easily maximize your space for free! All you have to do is to create visual distractions. Keep the room bright by opening the curtains. Then, make room for more by fixing your furniture diagonally.

Image Credits: Jim Cramer via Flickr with Creative Commons License (Attribution-NoDerivs)

Sources:1 & 2

Marriage With Credit: ‘Till Debt Do We Part?

Whether you like it or not, along with your marital vows comes the union of your finances. Your partner’s financial habits can either boost or ruin your financial future especially if he or she has a pile of debt. One’s credit history can affect several facets of your life such as loan eligibility, loan rates, and job applications. This is why it is important to openly discuss about your credit history and to plan your future finances together.

Here are some steps you may take…

1. HAVE A TRANSPARENT DISCUSSION

To prevent unforeseen monetary issues, understand each other’s view by explicitly discussing your differences on financial issues. For example, if your partner is a saver then, he or she may view money as an important currency that shall not be wasted.

Then, for honesty’s sake, show a copy of each other’s credit report. Know what your debt and income are actually worth so that you can realistically plan on how to pay for the remaining debt. Your partner’s lack of credit history will reflect on your credit score if you combine accounts.

2. PRACTICE THE ART OF MINDFULNESS

Gone are the days when Mindfulness is practiced solely for meditation. You heard that right! Actively paying attention to the present situation can affect your finances. As you are aware of what is happening in the present, you can make better decisions about money no matter how important it is. For instance, you will keep your credit score healthy because you are aware of the billing schedules. Also, having a present mind will allow you to be vigilant in checking whether the statement breakdown (e.g., phone bill’s data usage) is accurate.

3. LIMIT THE USE OF CREDIT CARD/S

It takes no genius to conclude that overusing your credit card will jumpstart your credit. So, if you cannot say farewell to the plastic card, you might as well limit your usage. As much as possible, keep your usage to a minimum, 25% below your credit limit is a good start. Then, pay off the balance monthly. Examine your progress together as you end the month.

Image Credits: Gareth Williams via Flickr with Creative Commons License

May these simple steps pave way for a happy and credit-free marriage!

Sources: 1 & 2

Golden Do’s In Giving Your Child’s School Allowance

As the modern world has become more complex, children nowadays have been inseparable with school allowance or pocket-money. From a variety of books, to a selection of gadgets, accessories, or snacks…there is always something else they needed to buy! Furthermore, they are more knowledgeable about money as they have access not only to the lives of their friends but also to the kids around the world – through the Internet.

Having these in mind, giving money to your children must be used in the most positive manner in order to mold their values while young. Let us first start with the amount to give.

Most mothers in Singapore agree that an allowance of about S$5 is enough for the needs of children in Primary 1-6. This is done so to meet the costs of food and other miscellaneous. But, if the day falls on a co-curricular activity, they give extra cash.

Aside from this, the best way to decide the pocket-money amount is to discuss it with your child. Know his or her needs and plan it together. Start giving this amount on a regular or consistent basis so that your child can manage his money accordingly.

After the suitable amount is settled, let us evaluate the Do’s in allowance giving…

1. TEACH THE VALUE OF SAVING

Teach your kid to make their own monetary choices by giving the allowance in smaller denominations (e.g., three pieces of S$1 coins and four pieces of S$0.50 coins) so he or she can save a part of it (e.g., 10% or S$0.50). Promote saving by providing a piggy bank or a money jar with their name on it.

2. TEACH THE VALUE OF EARNING

Instead of just handing cash over, make them earn it. Instill the importance of sharing the household chores around the house then, reward him or her for chipping in. You do not have to be all competitive about it by assigning a dollar for each chore, just explain what your child can do to help out.

3. TEACH THE VALUE OF MONEY

Money is a currency that puts relative price on almost everything. Letting your child make a few unnecessary purchases, such as spending their entire savings on sticker tattoos, as a part of the learning process is OKAY. But, it is also acceptable to put limits on what your child can spend on. This shall teach both the value of money and responsibility of a smart consumer.

Image Credits: Aka Hige via Flickr

Sources: 1 & 2

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