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4 Tips You Need To Know Before Buying A Home As A Single Singaporean

According to the latest Population Trends report, single-hood rates are highest among lower-educated Singaporean men in their 30s and 40s and among higher educated women. It is clearly observable that the number of unmarried Singaporeans have been growing over the years but that does not stop one to contemplate about purchasing his or her own flat.

With the hefty housing prices in the market today, can an individual with an average income really afford a huge investment single-handedly?

To tell you honestly, the answer is YES!

It is possible, but you have to consider these few things:

1. KNOW ABOUT THE AVAILABLE SCHEME AND GRANT

In 2013, the government introduced a scheme that allows first-timer singles aged 35 and above earning up to S$5,000 a month to purchase a 2-room flats in “non-mature” estates. At that year, HDB launched 3,861 flats for sale in Sengkang, Bukit Merah, and Yishun under the Build-To-Order (BTO) exercise.

This relatively new scheme is called Single Singaporean Citizen (SSC). As you are aware of, before SSC, singles could only buy either private properties or resale HDB flats which can be costly! Thus, this will give a great opportunity for all the singles out there that are planning to become home owners despite of their average incomes.

Say you are an unwed Singaporean who just turned 35 a few months ago and you draw an average of S$3,000 a month, you can be entitled to receive the Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG) worth S$10,000. However, the eligibility of SHG is only given to first-timer citizen who is applying for a 2-room flat in non-mature estates. Furthermore, his or her average gross monthly income must not exceed S$3,250.

By knowing the available scheme and grant, one can safely conclude that owning a 2-room flat in Singapore is possible without the need to fork out loads of cash upfront.

2. ANALYZE YOUR BUDGET

Since purchasing a house is probably the biggest financial commitment you have at this point, it must be planned carefully. Before you start looking for a flat in the non-mature estates, know what you can afford as well as what you need to pay for first. Even if you are purchasing a new private property, you will need to reserve extra money to cover repair, taxes, and maintenance. Affordability is certainly a huge issue!

3. PROTECT WHAT YOU OWN

There is a huge sense of comfort and independence in owning your own home wherein you make your own decisions as days go by. Along with that comes the responsibility to take care of yourself. It is important that you have sufficient insurance to cover your health and your life.

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

4. CONSULT THE PROFESSIONALS

As I said before, buying a home is a huge commitment to make. This is why you must take your time and do your research with the available resources you have. Aside from this, it is always a good idea to talk to real estate agents or to consult a financial adviser beforehand.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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

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

Enjoy A Rejuvenating Retreat For Less Than S$15

After months of wrestling with tight deadlines, multiple assignments, and crucial projects…you deserve a peaceful rest. A weekend retreat will help! There are different kinds of retreat. While some are spiritually rooted (e.g., in Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Sufi communities), others are for recreational purposes.

A recreational and wellness retreat is a short getaway with a goal to improve your overall health. Activities such as Yoga, meditation, workshops, and organic dining are usually included in the mix. Its average price ranges from S$700-3,000.

Luckily for you, you can take your mind and body to a rejuvenating retreat without flying off the shores of Bali or spending more than S$15. All you have to do is to create your own retreat within the walls of your own home.

1. SET THE POSITIVE MOOD

Kick off your weekend of relaxation by setting up a positive mood. Aromatherapy has been proven to enhance one’s physical and psychological well being. Scented candles ranging from S$2.90-4.90 are available at IKEA.

Image Credits: ikea.com/sg/en/catalog/products/90283207

2. PRACTICE YOGA TWICE A DAY

Eliminate your daily stress by practicing Yoga in the morning and before you end the day. Practicing at home along with a video or audio guide is definitely more cost-effective than attending classes. Websites such as doyogawithme.com and kinoyoga.com have abundant collection of Free Yoga videos and health information that you may use.

If you are in need of yoga props, here are some tips as shared by Abby Lentz (Founder of HeavyWeight Yoga classes):

a. Yoga Blocks

Make a handcrafted Yoga Block with 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

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 merely made with cotton straps and buckles.

3. TAKE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Include at least 30 minutes of cardio exercises such as jogging, brisk walking, and cycling outdoors. These no-cost exercises done in the nearest park will help lower your blood pressure and improve your outlook in life.

4. LOCK DOWN ALL DEVICES

In the spirit of a true retreat, turn off all your devices for the whole weekend but, inform your boss prior to it. Avoid the laptops, tablets, and hand phones to decrease your worries and improve your sleep.

5. MEDITATE FOR 10 MINUTES

Through meditation and mindfulness, you will be focusing yourself to your present state. This improves your quality of life. In fact, a study showed that there was a reduction of grey matter’s amount in the brain after 8 weeks of meditation. This later resulted to less stress and anxiety.

Image Credits: misspsychobabble.blogspot.com

6. EAT HEALTHY FOOD

To detox your body even more, it is a must to eat healthy food for the entire weekend. Shy away from alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and too much sugar. Make an affordable yet healthy smoothie by following these steps by Jasmith1:

a. Pour 300 ml of Apple juice into the measuring jug.

b. Peel a Banana and break it into pieces. Add this to the jug.

c. Grab a handful of frozen Berries and add this to the jug.

d. Liquidate everything using a hand blender until it is fully blended.

e. Presto! You can now enjoy your smoothie. 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Budget-Friendly Ways To Build Your Dream Home Office

If you are waving goodbye to the office life and venturing to the exciting world of freelance or self-employment, you will find yourself in need of a home office. Luckily, due to modern technology, building a home office is easier than ever before. Here are some budget-friendly ways you can start with…

1. DO IT YOURSELF

Instead of hiring an interior designer or other professionals, decorate your office by yourself. You have the freedom to choose your working space. Be creative, as your imagination knows no bounds. For example, you may hang inspiring posters or family photos to motivate you everyday.

2. USE WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE

Recycle and repurpose your old furniture or decorative materials. Buried in your attic or closets are useful yet forgotten things such as lamps, chairs, or notebooks. Seek for these things. Then, reinvent these forgotten treasures by fixing and painting on them. Not only did you save more money but you also saved Mother Earth. 🙂

If purchasing for other items is necessary, consider to…

3. PURCHASE FURNITURE ONLINE

Looking for stylish yet inexpensive furniture? Then, GROUPON.sg is the website for you! They currently offer a wide selection of discounted furniture but, here are some of my top picks:

a. The classically beautiful Funika 3-Tier 2-Tone Reversible Bookcase priced at S$25.90 (38% off). Available here.

b. The assorted colors of Bolton Swivel Chair with Armrest priced at S$79 (47% off). Available here.

c. The space-saving Set of 2 Folding Chairs priced at $29.90 (30% off). Available here.

d. The maple colored 2-Tier Desk priced at S$59 (54% off). Available here.

4. BARGAIN AT THE FLEA MARKETS

It is possible to buy unique yet affordable pieces of electronics, rags, stationery, paintings, and furniture at Singapore’s flea markets and thrift shops. Some of the known fleas include MAAD (Market of Artists and Designers), Zouk Flea & Easy, and China Square Central Sunday Flea Market.

5. LASTLY, SHOP DURING SALES

To save more money, list down everything that you need for your home office. Then, buy these items one by one once the sale comes up. It is okay to take your time in building up your ideal haven since you are the master of your own time. One of the large-scale brand that offer quality products at low prices is IKEA Singapore. And, they occasionally have special product offers. For example, you may add a tampered glass VITTSJÖ laptop support to your home office for only S$19.90 (U.P. S$39.90).

Image Credits: Jeremy Levine via Flickr

Building your own home office may take time, money, and effort but, once you found something you truly love (whether it be blogging or web designing), all of these will be well worth it. 🙂

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