7 Tips to Stretch Your Dollar While Raising Kids & Fur-Kids Under One Roof

by  in Marriage & Family
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My late-night scroll led me to a video of a mom getting her two-year-old to train alongside her dogs. One of the pups has a history of biting, so she was teaching her daughter to be gentle while helping the dogs adjust to her presence. Parenting and pet parenting don’t come cheap, especially in Singapore.

Consider these no-fluff ways to stay financially sane while keeping your baby and pets happy.

#1: DITCH THE FANCY PET FOOD

You don’t need to splurge to give your pets healthy meals. Many premium pet food brands like Wellness Core and Taste of the Wild come in affordable “family pack” formats or generic equivalents with similar ingredients. Remember, look for real meat as the first ingredient and avoid meat by-products or corn.

#2: AVOID SPENDING ON PET FASHION

Yes, they look adorable in tiny tutus. But instead of splashing out on pet couture, invest in essentials like a durable collar, ID tag and comfortable leash. Your pet doesn’t care about trends, but your wallet will definitely feel it.

#3: GET INSURANCE FOR YOUR BABIES

Vet visits in Singapore can cost hundreds or even thousands. For instance, a single emergency surgery could set you back S$3,000 or more. So, consider pet insurance providers such as Happy Tails by AIA and Liberty Insurance. These insurance providers offer plans from S$24 per month with coverage up to S$10,000 per year.

The same goes for your baby. MediShield Life automatically covers Singaporean newborns. You can opt for a life insurance plan to protect your family if anything unexpected happens to you.

#4: DIY GROOMING AT HOME

Professional grooming can cost between S$50 and S$100 per session. With the right tools like a good brush, nail clippers and pet shampoo, grooming your pet at home becomes simple and affordable.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Tip: Flea-fighting shampoos with ingredients like tea tree oil, oatmeal or coconut extract provide a natural and effective boost.

#5: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GOVERNMENT BABY GRANTS

Take full advantage of Singapore’s Baby Bonus Scheme including cash gift, Child Development Account (CDA), and dollar-for-dollar matching up to S$15,000 (depending on the child’s birth order). Moreover, CDA funds can be used for preschool fees, medical expenses, and purchases from approved merchants like Watsons or Guardian.

#6: REVAMP YOUR HOUSEHOLD BUDGET

Children and pets bring along a range of new and ongoing expenses such as formula, nappies, vaccinations, checkups, grooming, and gear. It’s important to revisit your household budget regularly to reassess priorities, distinguish between essentials and non-essentials, and set clear financial goals. From baby enrichment classes and pet training to long-term tertiary education planning, there’s plenty to factor into your overall financial strategy.

#7: BUILD A MONEY BUFFER

Unexpected costs are bound to pop up. Whether it’s an emergency trip to the vet, a sudden medical bill, or replacing the stroller your toddler just destroyed mid-outing, having a safety net of three to six months’ worth of living expenses saved up can make a world of difference in keeping your finances stable and stress levels low.

IN A NUTSHELL

Image Credits: unsplash.com

 

Raising toddlers and pets in Singapore doesn’t have to come with financial stress. With smart planning and a few practical changes, you can give your kids and fur-kids the best things in life.

Sources: 1,2,3, & 4

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3 top-rated dog boarding services in Singapore to temporarily send your furry friend to while you’re away

by  in Lifestyle
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a curious black and white dog

Finding a place to temporarily send your furry friend to because you’re traveling for work, going on vacation, or dealing with unforeseen circumstances?

Allow us to share with you this quick list of top-rated dog boarding services that offer care, comfort, and attention to detail, to make sure your pet feels right at home while you’re away.

Pooch’s Nannies

Website: poochnannie.com

Google Rating: 5 (15+ reviews)

First up, you may want to pamper your pooch with a cozy “staycation” at Pooch’s Nannies.

Founded by seasoned pet professionals, their home-like facility offers a quiet, low-stress retreat with themed rooms and decor.

If your pup prefers plush carpets and a snug bed, their comfortable accommodations provide THE home away from home.

From playtime to snuggles, their team delivers loving care tailored to your four-legged baby’s needs.

Give your furkid the getaway they deserve while you’re away with Pooch’s Nannies’ annual credit packages, starting at $600.

Mutts & Mittens Active

Website: muttsnmittensactive.com

Google Rating: 4.9 (420+ reviews)

Or treat your pup to a top-notch dog boarding experience at Mutts & Mittens Active.

Their facility offers pawsome activity courses and a clubhouse designed to banish boredom, with plenty of areas for your doggo to play, run, and socialize while you’re away.

Pups stay in individual luxurious rooms featuring antibacterial floors, with CCTV monitoring for your peace of mind and you can even add on swim sessions for extra fun ($30 per swim)!

They also provide premium kibble topped with deluxe wet food, so your furry friend gets its gourmet treatment even while you’re not there.

With boarding fees starting at just $60 per night, it’s pretty affordable, isn’t it?

Wagging Tails N Playful Paws

Website: waggingtailsnplayfulpaws.com

Google Rating: 4.9 (105+ reviews)

Last but not least, we believe your pup’s tail will be wagging with excitement at Wagging Tails N Playful Paws.

This isn’t just doggy daycare/boarding—it’s an all-inclusive playground where your fur baby can romp and play all day with new four-legged friends.

After getting their daily dose of fresh air on outdoor walks, pups get unlimited fun through engaging activities designed to keep them active and entertained.

When they’re all tuckered out, cozy overnight accommodations with 24/7 care await, so you can travel worry-free knowing your buddy is safe, loved, and cuddled up for a peaceful slumber.

Owners score big too with budget-friendly rates starting at $70 for small dogs, plus sweet deals like 5% off a second dog, a free bath after a week’s stay, and a free swim + bath & dry after two weeks.

Add on meals ($3 each) and transportation to and fro if you need it.

The three top-rated dog boarding services we’ve highlighted above offer THE facilities, staff, and care to meet your pet’s needs. By selecting any of the abovementioned options, you can enjoy your time away knowing that your dog is in safe hands. So plan your next trip with peace of mind because your furry companion will be well taken care of until your return.

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Pet care on a budget: Ways to save money

by  in Lifestyle
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showering a puppy

Keeping a pet can be a costly endeavor.

There are numerous necessary expenses, from food to veterinary care.

With the rising cost of living, many pet owners worry about how they will afford to care for their furry buddies. If that is you, stay on this page as we attempt to do pet care on a budget.

Save on pet-related costs

It’s no secret that taking care of a pet can be expensive.

But there are ways to save money on pet care without compromising your furry friend’s well-being.

One way to save is to train your pet yourself. There are plenty of resources out there, like books, online courses, or even YouTube videos.

Another way to save is by shopping around for pet insurance. Rates vary depending on the company you go with, so compare policies and find the one that’s best for you and your pet.

Reduce the cost of food

You love your furry friend, but sometimes you find yourself spending too much money on them. Well, we’re here to help! Here are two ways to reduce the cost of pet food:

  • Make your pet food

Fret not, it’s not as hard as you might think. There are plenty of recipes online that will show you how to make food for your pet that is both healthy and affordable.

  • Buy pet food in bulk

This can be a smart way to save money, especially if you have a pet with a huge appetite. Talk to your go-to pet store to see if they offer discounts for buying in bulk or look out for special promotions.

Do it yourself grooming
grooming a dog

Image Credits: newsweek.com

Have you tried doing some of the grooming tasks yourself?

There are some simple things you can do to keep your pet looking good without spending a fortune.

For example, most dogs don’t need to be bathed that often. You can save money by using dry shampoo or giving them regular brushing instead. And if your pet needs a trim, there are plenty of tutorials on how to do it yourself online.

Make your toys and treats

Making your toys and treats is our final way to save money on pet care. Not to mention, it’s a fun way to show your pet some extra love.

There are all sorts of instructions out there for homemade toys and treats, but here are a few of our favorites:

For toys, you can make a simple toy out of an old sock. Just stuff it with some fabric scraps and your pet will love the smell that comes with it.

As for treats, you can make your jerky out of chicken or beef, or bake some tasty dog biscuits using flour, oats, and peanut butter. Your pet will adore the taste and you will treasure the savings. Win-win.

As we close, you can save money on pet care by making a few small changes to your routine. Shop for pet supplies online to get the best prices, feed your furry buddy a homemade diet instead of buying ready-to-eat food, and do DIY grooming instead of paying for a professional groomer. Don’t forget pet insurance too!

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Low-Maintenance Cat Breeds To Bring Home

by  in Lifestyle & Hobbies
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Cats are wonderful companions, especially as pets kept indoors. They are generally low-maintenance and are not difficult to provide care for. There are many breeds of cats that go beyond the black or white cat you see in the television. In fact, the International Cat Association (TICA) officially recognizes 71 breeds as of 2018. That is a lot!

If you are keen to own a cat, you may choose from these adorable low-maintenance cat breeds.

#1: SCOTTISH FOLD

What makes the Scottish Fold unique is its ears that fold forward and lie close to the head. This cat is a lovely addition to any home due to its adaptable personality and its short stature. They are unlikely to attempt any grand leaps or obstacle courses. It can get along with other cats, dogs, and children. Their thick coat is surprisingly easy to maintain as it requires brushing once or twice a week.

Global singing sensation Taylor Swift is a proud owner of Scottish Folds. Her Scottish Folds Meredith and Olivia were both named after fictional television characters.

#2: SPHYNX

The Sphynx is a hairless cat breed, which is often the first choice of cat owners with allergens. The Sphynx’s fur feels more like fine hair or peach fuzz. Not only will its owner get less allergy attacks, but it will not need to groom its fur regularly.

This is an independent cat that is happy to amuse itself while you are busy indoors or outside with your friends. You may invest in a cat tower as the Sphynx enjoy jumping around.

#3: BRITISH SHORTHAIR

Known for its easygoing temperament and undemanding personality, the British Shorthair is popular amongst many cat lovers. It is affectionate, but not needy. It is the perfect companion for people who are looking for cats that stay away from trouble while they are not home. This cat’s short and dense coat is easy to maintain. A good weekly combing should be sufficient to remove the debris and to distribute the skin oils for a healthy coat.

#4: MAINE COON

The Maine Coon originally descended from ship’s cats. It is the largest domesticated cat breed. It is known for its chill, almost dog-like personality. They love the outdoors and can even be walked on a leash. Despite its long coats and large stature, it only requires minimal grooming. This is because its fur is silkier. You just need to comb it once a week and you are good to go!

Although it enjoys human interactions, it can easily entertain itself and is not considered as clingy. Let it freely play on its own.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Always remember that although these cat breeds are seemingly simple to take care of, you are still responsible for your cats. Love and treat them properly.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Surefire Ways To Save Money While Taking Care Of Your Pets

by  in Lifestyle & Hobbies
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As much as you love and adore your pets, long-term care adds up. From pet medications to cleaning supplies and vet visits, it is essential to reduce your expenses without endangering your pet’s health. Fortunately, there are many simple saving tips that can employ to keep the costs to a minimum.

CULTIVATE A SAFE SPACE

Responsible care starts with creating a safe environment for your pets. Prevent hefty and harmful accidents from occurring by storing poisonous, sharp, and dangerous items out of your pet’s reach. For instance, bleach and other household cleaners may cause serious accidents for your pets. Yarns can also get stuck inside your kitty’s intestines and cost you more than thousands of dollars for the surgery.

CONSIDER PET ADOPTION

The age-old advice encourages us to adopt and not to shop. Instead of making an impulse purchase at a pet shop, you can rescue lovely animals from animal rescue centers and other animal organizations. You can provide an adopted animal a wonder new life for a lower purchase price compared to investing on a purebred animal. Purebred animals such as Golden Retrievers can cost up to S$5,000, especially if they come with a pedigree certificate.

This tip is beyond saving money. It brings the fulfillment of knowing that you have saved a life too. Just ensure that you are adopting from a reputable animal welfare organization or a rescue center. One example is the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Singapore, houses a variety of animals since its existence in the 1800s.

REDUCE THE VET TRIPS

The best way to eliminate medication costs is to prevent diseases. Vaccination is truly cheaper than the treatment for your pet’s disease. Consult your vet about the vaccination that your pet needs such the vaccination against Feline Panleukopenia virus. This virus is a highly contagious, severe infection that causes gastrointestinal, nervous system, and immune system diseases.

If your pet is already sick, ask the professional if a generic brand of medication works as well as the branded one. Generic brands are cheaper than the branded ones but they can also give the same effect.

MAKE YOUR OWN PET TOYS

Resist the temptation of purchasing several pet toys from pet stores. Often times, cheap plastic toys are poorly made and can easily get broken. Handmade toys work just as well. Moreover, you will be able to make sure that your pet’s preferences are met, using safe materials.

Most cats are fond of cardboard boxes and laser pointers. While, most dogs are fond of tug-o-war toys or empty plastic water bottles tied-up in a sock. Search thru the web for more ideas!

SLASH YOUR PET’S DENTAL EXPENSES

Gingivitis can damage your pet’s kidney and your finances since it requires expensive treatment and professional cleaning. To avoid this, do regular dental care at home. Wrap a significant amount of gauze on your finger and swipe your pet’s teeth. Brush your pet’s teeth using pet-friendly toothpaste, which may come in savory flavors such as chicken or malt. Toothpastes usually cost about S$10 per tube.

GROOM YOUR PET AT HOME

It is not only safer to groom your pet at home during this time, but it is also cheaper. It is possible to groom your long-haired furbaby at home. All you have to do is to equip yourself with an ear solution, pet shampoo, brush, and nail clippers.

Opt for a pet shampoo that can ward off parasites and fleas such as the ones available in Carousell, Lazada, and Kohepets. Having this special formulation is helpful due to Singapore’s hot weather.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Which of these pet care saving tips are you already using? Feel free to share us some of your coveted tips!

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