marriage Archives | Page 10 of 12

5 Ways To Score The Cheapest Wedding Dresses In Singapore

One ensemble that enhances the glistening bride is the dress itself. Shopping for wedding dresses in Singapore can be difficult, especially if you pay close attention to the price tags attached to it.

This is why it is important to keep an open mind when shopping on a strict budget. Consider the “5 Ways Score Cheapest Wedding Dresses In Singapore” as a starting point:

1. RENT YOUR DRESS

If you are feeling guilty on spending thousands of dollars on a piece of clothing that you are bound to use once, why not rent your wedding dress? Renting your dress does not mean that you have to give up your envisioned design nor do you have to wear something that does not fit.

In fact, you can wear gowns from internationally acclaimed designers like Rosa Clara and Pronovias with Blessed Brides‘ renting services. They also have a wedding package that will save you a lot of money. And if you have a fixed budget for your dress, consider Dream Wedding‘s rental services that starts from S$99-399. This budget prices aim to bring you quality wedding dresses at really affordable rates.

2. SIMPLY YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Since materials such as embellishments, laces, and beading cost more, purchasing a plain and classic dress can lower the price tag significantly. With a simpler dress, you are given the freedom to go BIG on the accessories.

3. WAIT FOR SALES

If you have the luxury of time, you can wait until the annual sales or wedding events happen before you buy your dress. For example, Blessed Brides’ previous “End of Season Clearance” sold dresses from S$199-1,399. How is that for a bargain?

During the sale season, you can not only buy a gown for a cheaper price but also negotiate for a lower price. Do not feel embarrassed while negotiating as your future husband will appreciate that you saved more in the end.

4. FIND THE PERFECT FIT

When looking for the right dress, consider finding dresses that fit you perfectly. Since changing the shape of the neckline or adjusting the sleeves can cost you up to S$300, you can save hundreds of dollars in alterations by buying a dress as it is.

5. SHOP ONLINE

In order to score good deals at your home, you can try shopping online. Many gowns sold online come at a cheaper price simply because the overheads for websites are usually lower. While you are it, explore the shops at countries with lower production costs.

Image Credits: facebook.com/Blessed-Brides-Bridal-Evening-Prom-Gowns-117642394921072

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Married With Benefits: 6 Financial Advantages Of Matrimony

Just as much as money crumbles relationships apart, it can also bring two people together.

As you settle down to the married life, here are some of the financial benefits matrimony can bring:

1. CHEAPER HOME EXPENSES

It takes no doctorate degree to realize that it is cheaper for two people to live together than to live apart. When living together, you are consolidating a singular mortgage or rent expenses. Not to mention, married couples enjoy the advantage of sharing the responsibility for the utility bills. Thus this arrangement can save you hundreds of dollars each month.

2. DOWNSIZED FURNITURE AND APPLIANCES

When married couples move in together, they get to keep some of their old furniture and appliances as they only need a set. Having one set of furniture and one set of appliances will reduce your maintenance costs.

Image Credits: facebook.com/damianwidowskihome

To make more money, you can sell your unused or underused furniture and appliances that are still in good condition.

3. INCREASED FINANCIAL STABILITY

It is easier to cope with the financial woes if you are married. For instance, if you get fired from your job but your spouse is still working, your partner’s income can support your family for the meantime.

4. PROTECTION OF THE ESTATE/S

If you are married, you can protect your partner’s properties and other assets once he or she dies. First, you must get the Will and contact the executors to ensure the smooth distribution of the estate/s to you and other family members. Then, you need to formally transfer the assets as well as the investments to your name.

5. IMPROVED RESOURCES TO PAY OFF DEBT

It is often challenging to pay debt with one income. By combining your income and your spouse’s, you get to expand your resources and increase your savings. Budget your combined income to pay off your credit card debts and other loans.

6. BETTER FINANCIAL ADVICE

In respect to your marriage, your spouse is supposed to know about your spending patterns and your cash flow. Aside from the financial expert, who can you turn to for reasonable and empathic financial advice other than your spouse?

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

So when making important money decisions, it is best to reach an agreement with your partner first.

Sources: 1 & 2

5 Major Money Lies That Can Tear Your Relationship Apart

The fundamental basis of marriage is trust. And when one or both parties breached that trust, it harms the relationship. As family law attorney, Steven Mindel once said: “Financial infidelity is the root cause of many crumbling unions.”

Prevent this crumbling from happening by knowing the 5 Major Money Lies That Can Tear Your Relationship Apart:

1. “IT IS JUST S$60!”

One of the most common financial lies that people are guilty about is lying about one’s spending. Instead of admitting that you bought a S$68 dress, you would round off its price to S$60 as it seems easier to accept.

I have to admit, I had done this a couple of times during my teenage years. I just did not want to tell my mother the whole truth due to the irrational fear of her getting mad at me. Applying the same childish notion to your marriage does not build a mature relationship! It is an unfair approach to spending the money that you both worked hard for.

2. “I ONLY HAVE ONE BANK ACCOUNT!”

Another financial infidelity case that experts see most of is hiding a secret stash. Having a separate bank account is acceptable but, you have to tell your spouse about it.

According to Nancy Butler, a certified financial planner and divorce financial analyst, one of the telltale signs that your partner is guilty of this offense is when you received a bank statement for an account that you did not even know existed.

3. “I PAID THE BILLS ON TIME.”

Sometimes, work and home stress can consume you to the point that you forget your responsibilities such as paying the monthly utility bills. To avoid confrontation, you immediately said that you settled everything already. By doing so, you can experience damage to your credit history as well as penalty fees.

4. “ALL OF MY MONEY GOES TO US.”

Growing up in an Asian household where family is one of the top priorities, it is hard not to help a family member in need. It is hard to be in a situation wherein you are thinking of your financial health while feeling responsible for that of the others.

These type of lie may come from the people who hate lying but they do not know how to handle the situation.

5. “WE ARE ABLE TO AFFORD THIS DEBT.”

In most cases, going further into a pile of debt is never a good idea especially if one of two parties is not even aware of it. Keeping your bad credit score or debt history from your spouse may lead him or her to taking on more credit. Instead of purchasing a home within your means, your partner goes beyond it due to the assumption that you both can afford it.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Telling your partner that you already have a budget for your debt is only misleading you both.

Sources: 1 & 2

Cheap Ways To Include DIY Crafts To Your Dream Wedding

Wanting a wedding that is immensely personalized and stylish yet money-saving? Then, consider including a myriad of lovely Do-It-Yourself (DIY) crafts. These DIY crafts can be used in wedding ceremonies, bridal showers, and receptions. Budget for these elements depend on the type and quantity of materials necessary to fill in the needs of the guests.

Since time is of the essence, here are 3 wedding DIY ideas that are easy and quick to make:

1. PAPER FLOWERS

DIY paper flowers with beads or laces could be presented at the centerpiece, at the wedding shower, or given as souvenirs. To flourish an elegant touch to your big day without breaking the bank, you can make the classical wedding pomander:

2. RIBBONS

Ribbons are beautiful to look at, especially if they shine with vivid patterns. You can just hang these at the entrance arches, doors, or bouquets to add a dramatic flair.

What’s more? You can even decorate a chair with 9 shades of ribbon colors or 10 types of ribbon patterns. Here is how:

a. Gather either the 9 strips of ribbon or the 10 types of ribbon patterns.

b. Tie the strips sideways and rotate these toward the middle.

c. The excess shall create a pretty fringe effect cascading down to the center.

For a portrait of the ribbon arrangements, click here.

3. MASON JARS AND CANS

You need not to have a degree in design to brighten up the special reception. Just place several mason jars or cans on the table and put small candles inside.

Image Credits: sugarspiceandnice.wordpress.com

Alternatively, you may place your family’s old wedding photos or your pre-nuptial photos too.

Image Credits: sugarspiceandnice.wordpress.com

Look no further for the perfect candles and mason jars. IKEA sells a pack of 12 small scented candles for S$7.90 while mason jars are sold as low as S$2.90!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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

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