5 Efficient Ways To Save Money Using The Internet

The Internet can be your best financial ally!

1. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SHARING ECONOMY

Sharing Economy is a type of economic model which allows individuals to borrow or rent assets owned by someone else. For individuals and society at large, it presents a variety of opportunities to invent new ways to earn and to solve social issues. All of these opportunities are made possible with the help of modern technology.

If you tired of the mediocre and costly hotel services that do not meet your expectations, consider finding a well-reviewed space from home sharing websites. Cut accommodation costs as well as energy and water consumption by availing the services of Airbnb, HomeExchange, and Couchsurfing.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Friendly Tip: For your safety, please conduct a careful examination of the place and its owners before renting it.

2. SAVE SOME CASH BY COUPONING

Previously viewed as a hobby exclusive to “aunties and uncles”, couponing is seen in fresh light due to the popularity of online couponing services such as groupon.sg and cuponation.com.sg. My love affair with these websites began when I was a frugal university student. Groupon Singapore helped me to get the cheapest deals on educational workshops in lined my course while, Cuponation helped me to expand my school wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

3. DOWNLOAD FREE SONGS

People who are deeply passionate about the music industry frequently download songs to support the artists, labels, and distributors. Fortunately for these people, the Internet hosts several premium websites that allow people to legally stream and download songs. The sites that I am referring to are mp3.com, Amazon.com, PureVolume.com, and Jamendo.com.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The wide array of genres and music collections available online will help you find a song that chimes in with your taste. Go check them out!

4. USE FREE AND OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE

Stop paying hundreds or thousands of dollars on programs that can be obtained for free with the same level of performance, quality, and reliability.  Use free and open-source software such as the packages enumerated on these posts:

a. List of free and open-source software packages,
b. 30 Essential Pieces Of Free (and Open) Software for Windows, and
c. 5 Awesome Free and Open Source Reporting Software Packages.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

5. DOWNLOAD MONEY MANAGEMENT APPS

Eliminate unnecessary expenses and improve your spending habits with the aid of free money management apps such as Mint, MoneyWise, and Pocket Expense Personal Finance. Mint allows its users to track their spending, develop a monthly budget, receive bill reminders, and take control of their financial life. It is available for download on iOS and Android devices.

MoneyWise combines minimalist design with powerful functionality. It may seem minimal but it can do a lot! It allows you to generate charts or graphs, track budgets or spending, and create regular account backups. It is available for download on Android devices.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Lastly, Pocket Expense Personal Finance fuses all your financial accounts together so it can track all your bills and set your budgets. It is exclusively for iOS users.

Read More...

Genius Ways To Save Money On Your Next Laptop

A laptop is a computer device designed for users who prefer to keep their workstations portable and lightweight. Even with the popularity of modern products such as tablets and smartphones, laptops remain to be a timeless staple. With an array of choices available, it is best to find the best laptop to suit your preferences, needs, and budget. Here are some tips to help you with that:

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Before purchasing anything, it is good to read the reviews and to compare the prices so that your money would not go to waste. For example, if you are planning to purchase a new lipstick, consider searching for Sephora’s products as they are affordable and well-reviewed. And as for your laptop shopping, browse at PricePanda.

PricePanda.com.sg, the leading price comparison website for emerging markets worldwide, provides its users with prices, technical details and other information about the latest gadgets. Aside from Singapore, PricePanda is available in Argentina, Colombia, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Mexico and Philippines. Laptops can go for as low as S$269 according to the latest data.

DO SKIP ON THE EXTENDED WARRANTY

Most consumer advocates agree that extended warranties are a complete waste of your money. If your laptop has a problem, it will most probably present itself within the first few months. And if something happens to your device’s hard drive after the warranty, ask your company’s IT personnel to help you change it.

DO NOT SHY AWAY FROM REFURBISHED LAPTOPS

Many consumers associate the word “refurbished” to “junk or used” products but, that is not always the case. A refurbished product is once returned to the manufacturer due to several reasons such as faulty battery or minor dents. These laptops are then fixed, overhauled, and repackaged for resale. They basically behave and look like brand new laptops but sold at lower prices.

Buy refurbished laptops from established and trusted retailers to ensure safety. You do not want to be fooled by a Sim Lim Square scam artist just because you want to save some cash!

DO NOT PAY FOR UNNECESSARY FEATURES

Nowadays laptops are fraught with a multitude of features such as back-lit keyboards, greater storage space, and extra SD card slots. But do you really need to spend thousands of dollars for all these features?

If you are just going to use your laptop for the basics, all you really need is the HP Stream 13. This laptop does not come with the flashy features but it is suitable for simply surfing the net, taking notes or making documents. Unless you are using specialized software for your audiovisual work and high-powered computations, this gets the job done for an extremely affordable price.

Image Credits: https://www.facebook.com/Hp-Stream-13-Laptop-Includes-Office-365-1526839064222287/?fref=ts

Image Credits: facebook.com/Hp-Stream-13-Laptop-Includes-Office-365-1526839064222287/?fref=ts

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Read More...

UOB: WOW Week – Up to 50% Off over 50 Online Shops (1 – 7 Apr 16)

UOB Wow Week

If online shopping is your thing and you are a UOB Credit or Debit card member, you’d love this.

UOB Cards presents WOW Week!

For only 1 week, UOB Cardmembers enjoy up to 50% off from more than 50 online shops in Singapore, from 1 – 7 Apr.

This includes some of the popular sites such as Qoo10, Ensogo, Groupon, Taobao, Zalora, Lazada, ASOS and more.

Check them out below or visit uob.com.sg/shopuob

Merchant Promotion Promo code Period
Zalora Additional 20% off with min. $100 spend WOW20 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Qoo10 $10 cash rebate with min. $70 spend - 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Taobao $10 cash rebate with min. $100 spend - 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Groupon $10 cash rebate with min. $100 spend - 1 – 7 Apr 2016
YOOX.COM 25% off storewide UOBYOOX25 1 – 22 Apr 2016
Ensogo 25% off UOB25 1 Apr – 30 Jun 16
CCSHOP.com 30% off regular-priced item & more ILOVEUOB30 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Cotton On via Shopback 5% cashback + Additional $8 cashback bonus with min. $200 spend - 1 – 7 Apr 2016
ASOS via Shopback 5% cashback + Additional $8 cashback bonus with min. $200 spend - 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Agape Babies $15 off min. spend of $200 UOB15 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Aliexpress via Shopback 5% cashback + Additional $8 cashback bonus with min. $200 spend - 1 – 7 Apr 2016
BagBistro 8% off sitewide BBUOB08 1 – 7 Apr 2016
BeautyFresh 20% off storewide UOB20 1 – 7 Apr 2016
ButtonNStitch 25% off storewide UOB25 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Catalogue.com.sg 20% off Designer lighting & more UOB20 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Charles & Keith via Shopback 6.5% cashback + Additional $8 cashback bonus with min. $200 spend - 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Cluster-Cluster 20% off any purchase & more UOB20 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Stylerunner 15% off full priced items UOB15 1 Apr – 30 Jun 16
Eleonora Bonucci 15% off full priced items UOB15 1 Apr 2016 – 1 Apr 2017
NINE WEST via CCSHOP.com 30% off regular-priced items & more ILOVEUOB30 1 – 7 Apr 2016
FarEastFlora.com Up to 40% off - 1 – 7 Apr 2016
foodpanda 25% off for new customers UOB25<1st 6 digits of UOB Card> till 31 Dec 2016
Goodsania Japan Homewares 15% off on all products GDSUOB15 1 Apr 2016 – 31 Mar 2017
Harvey Norman Additional 8% off IT and electrical appliances UOB08 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Helpling $20 off first 2 bookings uobweek 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Her Velvet Vase 20% off UOB<1st 6 digits of UOB Card> 1 Apr 2016 – 31 Mar 2016
HipVan 10% off UOB10 11 Mar – 10 Sep 16
iMyBags.com.sg 12% off AprIMB 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Muji via Shopback 5% cashback + Additional $8 cashback bonus with min $200 spend 1 – 7 Apr 2016
naisse 10% off UOB10 11 Feb – 31 Aug 2016
NoelGifts.com $10 off with min. $100 spend UOB10OFF 1 – 8 Apr 2016
Not Just a Label 10% off full priced items NJALXUOB16 1 Apr 2016 – 1 Apr 2017
Perk by Kate 15% any lingerie purchase UOBPERK 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Rebecca Minkoff via Shopback 4% cashback + Additional $8 cashback bonus with min. $200 spend -  1 – 7 Apr 2016
Reebonz via Shopback 1.5% cashback + Additional $8 cashback bonus with min. $200 spend - 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Rose Only Singapore Free bear with purchase of 6 roses and above from $69 UOBFREEBEAR 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Sephora via Shopback 5% cashback + Additional $8 cashback bonus with min. $200 spend - 1 – 7 Apr 2016
ShopandBox 30% off ShopandBox Service Fee & more UOB<1st 6 digits of UOB Card> 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Shopee $5 off with min. $10 spend for new customers & more UOB5 1 – 8 Apr 2016
Showpo Fashion 20% off storewide with min. spend after AUD$120 + free shipping SHOWPOUOB 1 – 30 Apr 2016
Upstage $20 off with min $100 spend uob20off 1 – 7 Apr 2016
USKOOP SG 25% off shipping and handling fees - 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Lara J 20% off storewide UOB<1st 6 digits of UOB Card> 1 – 7 Apr 2016
MDS 15% off regular priced items & more ILOVEUOB<1st 6 digit of UOB Card> 1 – 8 Apr 2016
World of Watches 2 40% off Junghan Bogner series & more - 1 – 7 Apr 2016
ZenMarket Free ZenMarket service fee for the first item & more CDCAB78B 1 Apr – 30 Jun 2016
Steve Madden via CCSHOP.com 30% off regular-priced items & more ILOVEUOB30 1 – 7 Apr 2016
PacMe Free sign-up account & more (U.P S$40) UOB 1 – 30 Apr 2016
Lazada.sg $12 off with min. $60 spend UOB1APR 1 – 7 Apr 2016
Vaniday 10% off ILOVEUOB 1 Apr 2016 – 31 Mar 2017

Share these promo codes with your friends now!

 

Read More...

5 Simple Ways To Curb Your Online Shopping Tendencies

Almost every Singaporean loves to shop! When the convenience of online shopping was introduced, sales soared higher. Online shopping can be a delightful experience however, it can cause a major financial problem.

If your closet is bursting at the seams and your debt is piling up due to online shopping, then it is time to control your shopping tendencies. Start with these simple ways:

1. DO NOT SHOP WHILE TIRED OR TIPSY

According to Psychologist Graham Jones, author of Click.ology, making buying decisions when you are tired or tipsy can lead to regretful purchases. Instead, he suggests for you to reserve the item to the cart and revisit it the next morning. Once you are mindful about your online shopping, you will be able to make better decisions.

2. AVOID CLICKBAITS

Seeing a huge banner ad of the latest IPhone is not a sign from the universe that they are meant for you, they are simply clickbaits. Clickbaits have the sole purpose to attract visitors and draw attention to a particular website. To keep you from getting tempted, clear your browser’s history and cookies or download an App that blocks advertisements.

3. UNSUBSCRIBE FROM EVERYTHING

A surefire way to cut down your online shopping tendencies is to unsubscribe from all the promotional emails. Marking them as “spam” or “trash” will not stop them, instead you must go straight to the “unsubscribe link” and follow the steps. Unsubscribe to flash sales and auction sites as these are some of the most addictive shopping sites.

4. DO NOT BE FOOLED BY FREE SHIPPING

If you saw an online shop that offers free shipping, consider the extra costs of that deal. For instance, retailers may set minimum-order rules for free shipping or they may charge you for return policies. Add up the product price plus the extra fees first before making a purchase.

5. DELETE THE SHOPPING APPS

Shopping apps are tempting for all consumers and not just the addicts! The convenience of shopping at one’s fingertips as well as swift online payments have helped increase the online shopping tendencies of many. As everything is convenient, there is only a small room for contemplation and clearer decision-making. Hence, you must delete the shopping apps from all your devices.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...

The Current State Of E-Commerce In Singapore

Whether you want to admit it or not, Singapore is a country that is barely seen in the World Map. But despite its size, it is flourishing with a relatively stable economy, an excellent Internet connectivity, a high Smartphone prevalence, and a strategic geographic location. That said, Singapore is a suitable place for E-commerce to boom.

As of the moment, the E-commerce scene has been thriving in Singapore and other countries in Southeast Asia. In fact, Giosis (the firm behind Qoo10) saw its transaction volumes double last 2014. The power of E-Commerce towards our demanding society does not seem to go away any time soon.

To illustrate its scope, here are 4 of the most famous E-Commerce websites in Singapore:

1. qoo10.sg

Qoo10 is a simplistic marketplace that carries everything from coffee filters to pet supplies. It offers regular discounts and promotions to keep you coming back for more.

Aside from this, the website offers a Curator Affiliate Program that gives 2% of the total sales amount if the item is sold due to your curation efforts. And if the item is sold due to your advertising efforts, you will receive additional rewards that are set by the sellers. Join this program with no minimum traffic numbers and no initial fee by clicking this link.

2. carousell.com

Carousell is the brainchild of an impressive Singaporean startup. Carousell, with a concept synonymous to eBay, serves as a marketplace for people worldwide. It is pretty much a Smartphone version of eBay. However, its edge relies on its straightforward listing, selling, and buying experience. In the recent years, the mobile app has expanded in Malaysia, Indonesia, China, and Taiwan.

What are you waiting for? Explore through your pile of books, clothes, and other items. Look for anything of value and good condition that you do not want or need anymore. Then, sell it on Carousell.

3. zalora.sg

This list will not be complete without the powerhouse that called Zalora. Known for its wide range of international and local brands available at several countries, ZALORA is one of the top online retailers that sell bags, accessories, shoes, apparel, and beauty products for both men and women.

ZALORA Singapore comes to my mind whenever I think of workplace suitable shoes or bags that create a balance between shape, function, and affordability.

4. reebonz.com.sg

Reebonz offers the widest collection for both new and pre-loved designer bags, jewelry, wallets, shoes and watches. From Chanel, YSL, to Louis Vuitton bags – they have it all!

As an E-Commerce space, Reebonz boasts with their own brand identity and a long-running presence in Singapore. Its growth touched several markets across Asia-Pacific and has raised about US$50 million (S$68 million) in disclosed funding.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Read More...