Beginner’s Guide to Saving Money in Singapore

Living in Singapore isn’t cheap. With rising costs and temptations everywhere, it can feel tough to set money aside. But whether you’re saving for a rainy day, your BTO, or a well-deserved holiday, getting into the habit now can make a big difference.

Read this simple guide to help you get started.

#1: SET A CLEAR GOAL

Don’t just say “I want to save more.” Be specific! Are you saving for an emergency fund, a new laptop, or a holiday?

Once you have a clear goal, break it into monthly targets. Open a separate savings account to track progress. Naming it something fun like Japan Trip Fund can keep you motivated.

#2: LET YOUR MONEY WORK

Put your savings in an account that earns interest. Local banks like DBS, OCBC, and UOB offer savings accounts that reward you for crediting your salary or paying bills.

Every little bit of interest adds up, and your money grows even while you sleep.

#3: EAT OUT LESS

Eating out often can burn a hole in your pocket quickly. Cooking at home a few times a week can save you serious cash and help you eat healthier.

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Even simple home-cooked meals cost less than most hawker or café food. Plus, you’ll waste less and stretch your grocery dollar further.

#4: USE THE SAVINGS BUCKETS

Organize your savings into three buckets namely:

a. Emergency fund: For unexpected expenses like medical bills or home repairs

b. Short- to mid-term goals: For things like education, weddings or travel

c. Long-term goals: Retirement or financial independence

Having separate goals helps you stay focused and on track.

#5: BE CAREFUL WITH CREDIT CARDS

Credit cards can be useful for rewards, but only if you pay off the full amount every month. Otherwise, interest charges add up fast.

If you find yourself carrying a balance, switch to cash or debit to stay in control of your spending.

#6: PAY BILLS ON TIME

Late payments lead to extra fees and can hurt your credit score. Set reminders or automate payments to avoid unnecessary charges.

If you can’t pay on time, contact the provider early. They might offer an extension or payment plan.

IN A NUTSHELL

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Saving money doesn’t mean you have to give up fun. Start small, stay consistent and track your progress. Even saving an extra S$50 a month puts you on the right path. Small habits today build a more secure future tomorrow.

Sources:1,2, & 3

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Spending Less is as Important as Earning More

Earning more money is undoubtedly appealing, but it’s only part of the equation. What many people overlook is that controlling your spending is equally essential, if not more so, for achieving financial stability and success.

Let’s explore why spending less is just as crucial as earning more and how this simple approach can significantly improve your financial situation.

#1: EMPHASIZE SAVING

Developing the habit of spending less than you earn is a powerful financial strategy that should become an integral part of your lifestyle. By doing so, you create the opportunity to have extra cash at your disposal, allowing you to save and invest for your future. Moreover, it acts as a safeguard against accumulating unnecessary debt, which can burden you for years to come.

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If you find yourself unable to implement this habit immediately due to your current situation, don’t fret. As soon as you become capable, make it a priority to pay off any outstanding debts, freeing yourself to focus on saving money for the future.

#2: UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF DOLLAR

One essential aspect of spending less is recognizing that every dollar you earn is not entirely yours to keep. Taxes and other expenses take a considerable bite out of your income. In fact, to have one dollar in your pocket, you may have to earn closer to $1.30. This means that approximately 30 cents of every dollar you earn goes towards taxes and various costs.

#3: MIND YOUR SPENDING HABITS

Imagine trying to fill a bucket with water while it has holes in the bottom. No matter how hard you work to pour water into it, the effort would be futile, and the water would simply leak away. Similarly, focusing solely on earning more money without addressing your spending habits is counterproductive. Before pursuing ways to increase your income, it’s crucial to plug those spending leaks, ensuring that your efforts bear fruit.

#4: GIVE EVERY DOLLAR A PURPOSE

Doubling your income might sound like the ultimate financial goal, but it won’t guarantee success if you lack a proper financial plan. Whether you choose to cut back on expenses or boost your earnings, it’s vital to give every dollar a designated purpose before the month begins. Creating a budget and allocating funds for specific goals will guide you towards financial prosperity.

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By following this approach, you’ll find that dreams like traveling the world, saving for a new car, or buying a house become attainable realities. So, take the reins off your finances, strike a balance between earning and spending wisely, and watch your financial aspirations come to fruition faster than you can say “budget!”

Sources:1 & 2

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Deepavali 2023: Illuminating Celebrations and Savings Await!

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, illuminates the spirits of people across various Indian traditions worldwide. This vibrant Hindu festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. One of its key narratives involves the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana after vanquishing the demon king Ravana.

The festivities of Deepavali are set to light up Singapore from November 10 to November 15, with the main celebration falling on November 12, a Sunday. Following this, Monday the 13th becomes a public holiday, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in the festivities.

WHERE TO CELEBRATE DEEPAVALI IN S’PORE

#1: LITTLE INDIA

The heart of Singapore’s Indian community, Little India, transforms into a captivating spectacle during Deepavali. Streets adorned with diyas and kolam create a colorful tapestry. Dive into the festivities at the Deepavali Mela, a street carnival featuring food stalls, games, and cultural performances.

Indian Heritage Centre: This center is a treasure trove of knowledge about Indian history and culture in Singapore. During Diwali, it hosts workshops on making diyas and kolam, allowing visitors to engage with traditions hands-on. The Diwali Open House 2023, from October 14 to November 12, invites everyone to enrich their understanding of this vibrant festival through various activities.

Find more details about Diwali Open House 2023 here.

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#2: FESTIVAL VILLAGE

Nestled along Campbell Lane, the Festival Village offers traditional clothing, delectable snacks, handicrafts, and festive decorations. Open from September 30 to November 9, 2023, this vibrant market promises a treasure trove of experiences from 10 am to 10 pm.

Explore the Festival Village here.

#3: DEEPAVALI FOOD BAZAAR

Indulge your taste buds at the Deepavali Food Bazaar at Poli@Clive Street. From 2 pm to 10 pm daily until November 11, this bazaar offers an array of authentic Indian snacks and dishes, including biryani and murukku. It’s a culinary delight you won’t want to miss!

Discover the Food Bazaar here.

#4: WALKING TOUR OF LITTLE INDIA

Experience the vibrant heritage of Little India through a 2.5-hour walking tour. Delve into the area’s cultural nuances, from the best eateries to hidden gems. While the tour is free, tips for the guides are appreciated.

Book your Little India walking tour here.

#5: HINDU TEMPLES

Explore the vibrant tapestry of Hindu culture by visiting some of Singapore’s most iconic temples. Begin with the crowning jewel of Little India – the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. Established in 1855, it holds the distinction of being one of Singapore’s oldest religious sites.

In the heart of Chinatown, make sure to visit Sri Mariamman, Singapore’s largest and oldest temple, situated on South Bridge Road. Renowned for its breathtaking painted ceilings, this temple is also famous for hosting the Fire Walking Ceremony, known as Theemithi. If you find yourself in the East, head over to Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple on Ceylon Road. What sets it apart is its unique musical pillar, which produces different notes when tapped, adding to the temple’s allure.

WHERE TO FIND DEEPAVALI SPECIALS

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a. Sheng Siong Deepavali Special Promotion: Enjoy special offers from October 20 to November 9, 2023.

b. Giant Get Ready for Deepavali Promotion: Dive into festive shopping from October 26 to November 1, 2023.

c. Lazada Singapore’s Redmart Diwali Sale: Avail up to 60% off on a variety of items during this Diwali Sale.

This Deepavali, Singapore promises a celebration that’s not just lit but also rich in culture and tradition. Embrace the festival of lights and revel in the joy it brings!

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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How to Cut Your Expenses in Half and Still Live a Comfortable Lifestyle

As you strive to keep up with the vibrancy and dynamism of the Singapore workplace to sustain your daily needs, being intentional with your budget is crucial. Cutting your expenses in half while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle is achievable. Here are some hacks to help you save money and reduce your expenses.

#1: PREPARE HOMEMADE MEALS

At the onset of the pandemic, I started learning how to cook. Eating out can be costly, and making my meals at home helped me to be conscious of my spending and what I put in my body.

You can create a weekly meal plan using the ingredients you already have and make a shopping list of any missing items. Shopping online can also help you reduce costs through store vouchers and occasional sales. Opting to include more veggies in your meals can also lower your food costs.

#2: SHOP SMART

When shopping for groceries and other essentials, keep an eye out for deals and promotions to save money. You can also consider buying toiletries in bulk to reduce costs.

Additionally, you can explore shopping at local markets instead of big chain supermarkets. Local wet/dry markets offer a greater variety of options and provide an opportunity to haggle for the best prices. Gain freedom of choice while sticking to your budget!

Related Post: 4 Wet Markets Offering Fresh and Affordable Groceries In Singapore 

#3: APPRECIATE DIFFERENT ART FORMS

Singapore offers a wealth of free or low-cost entertainment options, such as museums, festivals, and parks. Take advantage of these options instead of costly activities like shopping or hotel hopping.

Furthermore, review your monthly expenses to see if there are areas where you can cut back. For example, you could cancel your cable TV subscription and retain your Netflix subscription only.

#4: COMMUTE WITHOUT CARS

With a reliable public transport system that continues to expand, you can easily ride buses and trains on a regular basis. Consider using public transportation instead of owning a car, which can be subject to high taxes and fees.

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Not to mention, you would also have to maintain the vehicle’s condition and regularly purchase petrol.

#5: EAT THE LEFTOVERS

Don’t let your dinner leftovers meet a moldy end in the back of your fridge. Forgetting about them wastes both money and food. Instead, consider enjoying them for lunch the next day or incorporating them into a new dish, like egg fried rice. With a bit of creativity, you can spruce up your egg fried rice by adding leftover rice and other ingredients to make Uncle Roger proud!

#6: SWITCH TO REUSABLE ITEMS

Make a positive impact on your wallet and the environment by ditching disposable items like paper towels, sandwich bags, and single-use water bottles. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives.

For example, a pack of paper towels can cost around S$4.50 at FairPrice, while a hand towel from the same store is only about S$2.90. By switching to a reusable hand towel, you’ll save S$1.60 right off the bat and get many more uses out of it. Plus, using the hand towels you already have tucked away instead of grabbing a new paper towel sheet every time you make a mess means fewer trips to the store and less waste in the trash bin. It’s a minor change that will benefit you in the long run.

#7: STEER AWAY FROM COSTLY HOUSING

One of the biggest expenses for most people in Singapore is housing. To reduce your housing costs, consider living in a less expensive area or finding roommates to share the rent with. Downsizing to a smaller flat or house can also be a viable option.

Yes, you need shelter, and you want to live in a lovely place with amenities. While these factors are important, you don’t want to spend so much on your housing that you can’t achieve your financial goals.

#8: AVOID USING CREDIT CARDS

For everyday expenses, avoid using credit cards. Remember that interest rates can be high. Instead, consider using cash or debit cards to keep track of your spending and avoid accumulating debt. By being mindful of your spending habits, you can achieve your financial goals and avoid the burden of credit card debt.

#9: CREATE YOUR OWN THINGS

Don’t spend money on things that you can make yourself. Search for DIY tutorials on YouTube, Pinterest, and social media platforms to create your own soaps, household cleaners, ant killer, rugs, and face scrubs. The possibilities for home DIY projects are endless!

#10: OPT FOR CHEAPER ALTERNATIVES

Cheaper alternatives for products and services are readily available but finding them requires some research. For instance, you can save money on handphone plans or other service subscriptions by choosing more affordable plans or cancelling unnecessary subscriptions.

When it comes to cleaning supplies, medications, and groceries, opting for store or generic brands can help you reduce your expenses while still getting quality products. You can also choose to splurge on a few select items to treat yourself.

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With a dash of foresight and smart decision-making, you can enjoy the Lion City’s luxuries while staying within your financial means.

Sources: 1 & 2

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