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4 Places For Best Money Exchange Rates In Singapore

Currency, as we know it, is a result of a period of evolution. Long time ago, there were no coins, there was only barter – simple exchange of goods for goods. Now, money (i.e., in the form of coins, paper, etc.) around the world has its equivalent value.

When you travel, it is quintessential to find a good place to change the currency of your money. Luckily for travelers, Singapore provides a wide array of reliable and licensed money changers that offer best rates for most foreign currencies. If you are unaware of the best money changers out there, here is a swift list for you…

1. PEER TO PEER – MARCO POLEE (Update: 15 Sep 16)

Since our article has gone out, we’ve discovered Marco Polee – a currency exchange platform that networks people to exchange currency between each other. Customers can create a new listing, which consists of where they’d like to exchange, and the amount. The best bit is that the exchange rate is locked to the market exchange rate (midmarket rate)! With absolutely no fees, no commissions, and the ability to exchange at market rates – this service is definitely worth taking a look at. Marco Polee’s goal is to provide travellers with a better option as they believe the people deserve better than to lose money just to exchange currency.

Website: Marco Polee

2. PARKWAY PARADE

Do you live around the Katong area? Parkway Parade Shopping Centre, a building with about 300 shops, is the most convenient place for you to change your money. In here, the suggested money changers are located at the Level 1 as it provides the best rates for THB, USD, JPY, MYR, and HKD.

Suggested Money Changers: Sino Money Changer, Yakadir Enterprises, Everpeace Money Changer, and Parkway Money Changer

Address: Parkway Parade 80 Marine Parade Road, Singapore 449269

3. THE ARCADE AT RAFFLES PLACE

A busy business center in Singapore, Raffles Place has proven to be a good place for changing your currencies. Offering good rates for USD, GBP, EUR, JPY, THB, MYR, and TWD all year round.

Suggested Money Changers: Arcade Plaza Traders Pte Ltd, Sheen International Exchange, People’s Corner Money Changer, and Arcade Money Changers

Address: The Arcade, 11 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049317

4. PEOPLE’S PARK COMPLEX CHINATOWN

An old building located at the heart of Chinatown, People’s Park Complex, is one the most famous places to exchange your money. The money changers here are numerous that you can compare rates by hopping from shop to shop. Nonetheless they offer good rates for CNY, PHP, THB, HKD, and MYR.

Suggested Money Changers: Today’s Money Exchange, Crante Money Changer, AK Money Changer & Department Store, and Emerald Money Changer

Address: People’s Park Complex 1 Park Road, Singapore 059108

5. LUCKY PLAZA

For tourists that are around the Orchard area, money changers at Lucky Plaza is your most convenient choice. With shopping centers around the area, it is a good place to exchange rates for PHP, MYR, and THB.

Suggested Money Changers: Rahiman Trading, Rabi Trading, Fajar Money Changer, and True Blue Money Changer

Address: Lucky Plaza 304 Orchard Road, Singapore 238863

Image Credits: epSos .de via Flickr

Remember to compare the rates in different money changers in the building to get the best rates! Some money changers offer updates via their website so, be aware of that.

(* Now that you’ve get the best of your exchange rate, use our hotels search engine to search for the best price guaranteed hotels: http://hotels.moneydigest.sg)

Efficient Ways To Deal With Your Money Insecurities

We all experience money insecurities at some point in our lives. The question is, how do you handle them?

TAP ON YOUR TRIGGERS

Contemplate on the things that you are lacking. Where do these negative thoughts come from? Do these come from your painful financial situations in the past? Think about it!

Once you locate the source of your insecurity, it will be easier do think of ways to efficiently deal with it. Facing your fear entails the end of avoidance. For instance, Danny is worried that he is making less than his wife. This thought comes from his highly dominating mother. It is up Danny to think about proactive way to handle this situation.

Thoughts lead to feelings, which directs behavior. Recognizing where the insecurity started will make it seem more manageable.

CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE

Some money insecurities originate from the wrongful beliefs and myths that the person strongly holds. See the other side of the situation to re-frame your negative perspectives. If you are unemployed and you feel extremely useless, view the circumstance as a new chapter in your life. In this chapter…you are FREE! You have countless days to figure out what you really want to do in life. Invest on things that will lead you to your financial goals.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

DO NOT COMPARE

They say that money is the root of all evil. However, I believe that envy is too.

It is not difficult to become insecure when you constantly compare your wealth, job, and lifestyle to others who are seemingly perfect. Aspiring someone’s success may serve as a great motivation. However, unrealistically desiring what others have can contribute to your insecurity and depression. It is very unhealthy to measure your own worth to the things that you do not possess.

Rather than mimicking the lifestyle of your “flawless” neighbor, focus on your own capabilities and strengths instead.

KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS

You read it once and you will read it again! You must focus on your capabilities and strengths. Most people put more weight on failures (e.g., investment loses) than on successful experiences (e.g., salary increase). A lot of insecurities can come from narrowing your mindset on the things that you have trouble with.

As much as everybody carries their weak points, they do have some strong points as well! Learn to balance these two elements together and build a successful life. Say your budgeting skills are above average, consider flourishing this area further by seeking the help of professionals.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

PARTING THOUGHTS

In conclusion, we all experience money insecurities at some points in our lives. The key to conquering these insecurities is to determine, invalidate, and move past them. Concentrate on your strengths and accomplishments to realize that your insecurities are merely irrational fears.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

How Much Shall You Spend On A Gift Without Looking Cheap?

While scouring the land for the one-of-a-kind gift, keep in mind that you must remain financially savvy. You may be tempted to go over your budget since you want to make the recipient feel special or you do not want to come across as being cheap. However, your gifts need not to be expensive to put a smile on someone’s face.

It is hard to put an exact price tag on the perfect gift as it all depends on a set of factors, namely: the amount you can afford, the budget you set, the current occasion, and the giver’s relationship with the recipient.

THE AMOUNT YOU CAN AFFORD

I read a good financial nugget from Manisha Thakor of The BAM Alliance. She said that if you cannot afford to buy the item in cash at the very moment then, you cannot afford to buy it. Simply, she wants us to be realistic when it comes to what we can and cannot afford. So if you are shopping in the mall, it is best to use mainly cash to regulate your spending. And if you are shopping virtually, convert that money as a gift card. When the gift card is maxed out, you will be done shopping.

THE BUDGET YOU SET

Just because the person gave you a lavish gift does not mean that you must do the same. If you budget does not allow you to go beyond S$50 for a gift then stick with your limits. Being stuck on debt just to keep up with a superficial appearance is never worth it.

If you are following a strict budget, you can allow your creative juices to pump. For example, your make-up obsessed best-friend wants to purchase the ridiculously costly and highly sought-after Kylie Lip Kit. You know that the product and shipping costs will exceed S$50. Then, you searched online for quality yet affordable dupes (equivalents) such as the NYX’s Soft Matte Cream lipsticks. These only cost S$12 so you went to Sephora and purchase four beautiful colors!

THE CURRENT OCCASION

The current occasion also dictates how much you shall spend. To illustrate this, let us take the Singapore’s “red envelope” gifting tradition into the table. For Chinese New Year, an amount of S$2-20 is common to give for children while it ranges to about S$8-S$88 for adults. On the other hand, the minimum Ang Bao amount for wedding banquets is S$50. This is why it is important to take the nature of the occasion into account. For corporate events, you can consider shopping from specialized online stores that offer corporate gifts or door gifts.

THE RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR RECIPIENT

To whom is the gift for? How close are you to him or her?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

When it comes to giving the “perfect” present, it really is the thought that counts. If you are able to purchase a gift that translates how well you know and care about the person, you have done your job right. Start by determining what the person’s hobbies and interests are. From there, you can think of some gift ideas that will fit your budget.

Sources: 1 & 2

Welcome To The Wide World Of Freelancing

Aaahh FREELANCING! What started as a theoretical idea became a reality with the launch of “e-lancer” websites such as Guru.com (1998) and Elance.com (1999). Back then, clients from around the world posted jobs that are bound to be completed after a day, a month or a year. The virtually connected e-lancers join together into temporary networks to sell goods and services. Once the network dissolves its e-lance members become independent contractors again.

Apart from its name, freelancing has evolved throughout the years. Freelancers today have the option to work on a full-time or a part-time basis as they are essentially self-employed. With the big players such as UpWork and Freelancer, the world of freelancing is more competitive than ever. A testament to that are the other websites that offer relatively “cheap” labor to a wide variety of global clients. Here are just some of them:

1. CODEABLE

Codeable is unique in every sense as it focuses on the outsourcing services for WordPress. This niche site started back in 2012 and has since grown due to its dedication to hire excellent WordPress developers. These developers are then connected to the clients that are in need of on-demand website support.

2. PROJECT4HIRE

Project4Hire aims to meet the outsourcing needs of small business owners, individual webmasters, and large companies due to its variety of professionals. With hundreds of project categories, it makes it easy to determine jobs that suit your skill sets.

3. TOPTAL

Toptal’s approach to outsourcing is different as only the top 3% of applicants are allowed to be on the site. Toptal is sure to reward your prowess with meaningful projects and fair compensations from renowned clients such as Airbnb and J.P. Morgan.

4. 99 DESIGNS

Originally from Australia, 99 Designs became one of the world’s largest online graphic design marketplaces. They have been connecting designers to customers who are in need of quality yet affordable designs. If you have always been good and passionate at Photoshop or any graphic design tools then 99 Designs is perfect for your skills. Simply enter t-shirt, logo, website, and print design contests to win and earn money.

Image Credits: www.pixabay.com

As you explore freelancing as a viable career option, do not forget the important factors such as time, effort, and cost!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

How To Get Lucky With Money And Life

Have you ever wondered why some people are lucky in love, money, and life while some are not?

Well…Mr. Bob Miglani and Dr. Richard Wiseman argues that there are several reasons and factors why people achieve success. In an article for the HUFFINGTONPOST, Bob Miglani – the author of “Embrace the Chaos”, shares some reasons why some people get so lucky in money and in life. Here are some of them:

1. PERVASIVE POSITIVITY

Start the day right by planting positive seeds as soon as you wake up. Make the conscious effort to choose good words (e.g., “Have a wonderful day!”) and positive actions (e.g., beginning with a prayer of gratitude) to overcome the limitations set by your mind. Let this positivism translate towards other parts of life by surrounding yourself with people who boost you up. Worry not about the negative people that slow you down.

2. CLEAR PURPOSE

People who are lucky set clear objectives and do their best to achieve them. Whether you want to provide well for your kids or you want to open a successful business, attract those goals to you by writing them down. Jump out of the bed each morning with a purpose as you truly have something valuable to give to the world!

3. FAILURES AND SUCCESS

Lucky people have a different perspective of setbacks and success. Although failures can be experienced by anyone, they keep on going because they know that they have the power to overcome it. This belief helps them to persevere through the failures.

Success, on the other hand, is not achieved through a straight path. Lucky people flow thru the uncharted waters and handle all the curves along the way to success.

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Aside from these reasons, Dr. Richard Wiseman – a Psychiatrist and an author of “The Luck Factor: The Four Essential Principles”, reveals that people are not born with good luck or bad luck. In fact, good luck results from a person’s good attitude. Here are ways to achieve that:

1. WINNING EXPECTATION

Expecting to win not only helps you to handle money but it also helps you to handle life. For instance: If you are going to a job interview, visualize that you have gotten the job already. As the interview commences, you will find yourself more relaxed and confident. This may lead you to performing better in the conversation and eventually landing the job.

2. NEW THINGS

Every new activity or products you try gives you the opportunity to become luckier. If you are trying to win the lottery, try entering the various types of sweepstakes to widen your range and luck. If you are trying to get a new job, try going to different places and even consider relocating overseas. Embrace new experiences and see how much you like them.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

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