shopping Archives | MoneyDigest.sg

Retail Therapy? Let’s Keep It Healthy!

Who doesn’t love a little treat-yourself moment? Whether it’s a shiny new gadget or that perfect pair of shoes, shopping can feel like an instant mood boost. But when those quick dopamine hits turn into a habit that strains your wallet (and maybe your peace of mind), it might be time to hit pause.

If you’ve ever felt the magnetic pull of an online sale at 2 am, you’re not alone. The good news? You can take back control without giving up all the joy of shopping. Here are some real-life, practical ways to help yourself prevent or curb a shopping addiction.

KNOW YOUR TRIGGERS

Are you more likely to shop when you’re stressed? Bored? Celebrating? Identify the feelings or situations that nudge you toward clicking “Add to Cart.” When you know your triggers, you can start swapping impulse buys for healthier coping mechanisms like journaling, walking, or calling a friend.

PAUSE BEFORE YOU PURCHASE

Impulse buys are sneaky. Next time you’re tempted, try the 48-hour rule: wait two days before buying something non-essential. This cooling-off period can help you decide if it’s a genuine want or just a fleeting whim.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

UNSUBSCRIBE AND UNFOLLOW

Those endless emails screaming “FLASH SALE!” aren’t doing you any favors. Take a few minutes to unsubscribe from marketing emails and unfollow brands that constantly tempt you. Out of sight, out of cart.

SET SMALL GOALS

Challenge yourself to a no-spend weekend or a month of mindful shopping. When you hit a milestone, reward yourself with something non-material. Think a DIY spa day or a movie marathon!

MAKE BUDGETING FUN

Create a fun money fund! Allocating a small, guilt-free budget for treats can help you enjoy shopping in moderation while keeping your finances in check.

BE KIND TO YOURSELF

Slipping up doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Recognize progress over perfection. Every mindful decision you make is a step toward a healthier relationship with spending.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

At the end of the day, it’s not about depriving yourself—it’s about finding balance. You deserve joy that lasts longer than the delivery rush. So, what step will you take today?

Stop Oversharing Your Wealth on Social Media

In a digital era where every meal, milestone, and moment is shared online, it’s tempting to show off your financial wins. I am talking about your latest pay raise, that dreamy Maldives vacation, or the luxury watch you just bought.

But before you hit POST, consider this: oversharing your financial life on social media can bring more harm than good. Here’s why keeping your salary, travels, and big purchases under wraps might just be the smartest financial move you make.

#1: AVOID UNWANTED ATTENTION FROM SCAMMERS

Singapore has seen a rise in scams, from phishing attempts to identity theft. When you broadcast your salary or expensive purchases online, you inadvertently make yourself a target. Scammers can use this information to craft highly personalized attacks, tricking you into revealing more personal data or even gaining access to your accounts.

For instance, if you constantly post about your latest gadgets and expensive vacations, cybercriminals may assume you have disposable income. Keeping your financial details private reduces your vulnerability.

#2: PREVENT UNNECESSARY SOCIAL PRESSURE

Even among close friends and family, revealing your salary or luxurious purchases may stir envy or create unnecessary competition. Oversharing can lead to silent resentment or pressure others to keep up, potentially leading them into unnecessary debt just to match your spending habits.

Furthermore, constantly flaunting wealth can strain relationships. You might find yourself being approached for loans or financial favors more often than you’d like.

#3: PROTECT YOUR PROFESSIONAL REPUTATION

Sharing your salary and big purchases on social media can backfire in the workplace. If your colleagues or boss see your posts about pay raises or lavish spending, it could create tension or resentment. If you work in an industry where discretion is valued, such as finance, law, or consulting, oversharing may be perceived as unprofessional.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

In some cases, discussing salary publicly can even put your job at risk. Employers often discourage employees from disclosing their earnings.

#4: MAINTAIN PERSONAL SECURITY

Posting vacation photos in real time signals to the world that your home is unattended. Even if you live in a secure condominium, why take the risk? If you must share your travels, consider posting only after you return.

Similarly, revealing expensive purchases online can expose you to potential burglaries. A new Rolex or designer bag on your Instagram feed might attract the wrong kind of attention.

#5: STAY FOCUSED ON YOUR OWN MONEY GOALS

Social media fosters a “comparison culture” where people showcase only the highlights of their lives. If you constantly post about financial wins, you may fall into the trap of spending just to impress others.

By keeping your financial milestones private, you stay focused on what truly matters. Shift your focus to your long-term financial stability. Whether you’re saving for a home or planning early retirement, financial discipline is best cultivated away from social media’s influence.

#6: ENJOY WINS WITHOUT EXTERNAL VALIDATION

Not every success needs an audience. Achieving a financial milestone should be personally fulfilling, not a means of seeking social approval. Keeping these moments private allows you to fully enjoy them without external pressure or unsolicited opinions.

Personally, I appreciate the finer things in life, which is why I save up to travel and experience new places. I also take advantage of opportunities to purchase luxury items at lower prices while abroad. When I share my travels on Instagram, it’s primarily to preserve memories and not to show off.

IN A NUTSHELL

In a world where oversharing is the norm, financial privacy is a power move. Keeping your salary, travels, fancy meals, and big purchases off social media isn’t about being secretive, it’s about being smart.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

So the next time you’re tempted to flex on Instagram, ask yourself: is the validation worth the risks?

Wiggle Wiggle’s Playful Vibes Are Coming to Singapore

If you love all things cute and bursting with color, get ready South Korea’s beloved lifestyle brand, Wiggle Wiggle, is making its way to Singapore!

While wandering the vibrant streets of Myeongdong, I stumbled upon Wiggle Wiggle, instantly drawn to its playful, retro-inspired designs. With floor-to-ceiling displays of adorable accessories, funky homeware, and bold fashion pieces, it was impossible to leave empty-handed. I even snagged a pair of fun socks for my sister and she loved it!

WHAT’S IN STORE?

Wiggle Wiggle is a lifestyle haven that celebrates maximalism. Expect a riot of colors, quirky prints, and whimsical designs across their wide range of products from bags and apparel to keychains and even pimple patches. Teddy bear motifs, giant flowers, and rainbow splashes? You name it, they’ve got it.

Image Credits: facebook.com/KoreaNikePasabuy

If you’re easing into the world of bold prints, start small with their adorable pens, socks, slippers, rugs, bandages, or notebooks. Feeling adventurous? Go all out with their statement-making rain boots or oversized tote bags.

GET READY TO WIGGLE!

Spanning an impressive 2,287 sq ft, this will be the brand’s largest pop-up in Southeast Asia to date. According to an Instagram post from Feb. 27, the pop-up will run from Mar. 13 to 30 at Plaza Singapura’s Level 1 atrium.

Expect a fully immersive shopping experience, complete with interactive installations and a chance to meet the adorable Wiggle Wiggle mascot. Activities kick off daily from 10:30 AM, making it the perfect spot for a fun-filled day out. As an extra treat, the first 2,500 visitors will receive a limited-edition Wiggle Bear stick balloon. Be sure to head down early!

Image Credits: facebook.com/KoreaNikePasabuy

While details on the official store location and opening date remain under wraps, this pop-up offers an exciting sneak peek into what Wiggle Wiggle has in store for Singapore.

Source: 1 & 2

Japan’s Iconic Thrift Store 2nd Street Lands in Singapore

When I was in Japan, I couldn’t help but notice the sheer number of people buying second-hand luxury items. But here’s the thing…the items were almost like new, impeccably maintained, and often in pristine condition.

Why? Because in Japan, objects aren’t just objects. They carry a spirit, a presence. This belief stems from an age-old folklore concept called tsukumogami—the idea that objects, once they have been used for a long time, develop a soul of their own.

Japanese culture holds a deep respect for the things they own, but there’s also an understanding that energy lingers. To avoid harboring bad spirits or stagnant energy, many Japanese people refresh their surroundings by regularly replacing possessions. And instead of discarding these items, they pass them on. Hence, there’s the thriving second-hand luxury market.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Now, Singaporeans will get to experience this firsthand. Japan’s renowned reuse shop, 2nd Street, is making its debut in Singapore at 313@Somerset by the end of April. This isn’t just any thrift store as it’s a meticulously curated collection of over 22,000 pre-loved gems straight from Japan.

Spanning 6,198 square feet, 2nd Street will take over units B1-23 to 34, replacing Pomelo, and will be open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM. Whether you’re after vintage streetwear from Levi’s, Nike, and Carhartt or designer handbags from Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Chanel, there’s something for every fashion enthusiast and at a fraction of the original price.

With 881 outlets in Japan and nearly 1,000 stores worldwide, including in the US, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and an upcoming location in Hong Kong, 2nd Street is a testament to Japan’s cultural approach to sustainability, quality, and the soulful cycle of possessions.

Image Credits: 2ndstreet.jp

So whether you’re hunting for a rare streetwear find or a luxurious statement piece, remember: you’re not just buying an item. You’re giving it a second life and perhaps, carrying forward a little piece of its story.

Source: 1

The Psychology Behind Lusting for Luxury

Luxury has long been associated with exclusivity, craftsmanship, and status. But beyond the gleam of designer handbags and the allure of high-end skincare lies a deeper psychological pull.

Why do we crave luxury? Let’s break it down.

#1: BECAUSE YOU DESERVE IT

In a world where burnout is practically a badge of honor, luxury becomes a form of self-care. With constant stress, low wages, and an endless stream of bad news, splurging on something expensive can feel like a well-earned escape.

This phenomenon, known as hedonic consumption, explains why people turn to luxury goods as a way to soothe themselves. It’s that fleeting moment of indulgence where owning a designer piece makes you feel like a celebrity, even for just a second.

Admit it, we’ve all justified a splurge by telling ourselves: “Money will come back. I deserve this.”

#2: KEEPING UP WITH SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media has turned luxury into a never-ending trend cycle. One minute, it’s a Bottega Veneta bag; the next, it’s the latest “It” shoe. Don’t get me started with watches! With influencers flaunting high-end hauls and celebrities celebrating milestones with designer splurges, it’s easy to feel like luxury isn’t just a want.

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok fuel this culture with hashtags like #TreatYourself and aspirational content featuring curated skincare routines, extravagant “galentines,” and designer-filled shopping sprees. The message? Indulgence is essential to self-care.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#3: LUXURY IS THERAPY

Luxury shopping isn’t always about status as it’s often about emotional regulation. Research by Selin Atalay and Margaret Meloy (2011) found that people in a negative emotional state are more likely to splurge on luxury goods, hoping to boost their mood.

But here’s the catch: while shopping might offer temporary relief, the guilt that follows can sometimes outweigh the initial excitement. Harri T. Luomala’s study (2002) found that excessive spending can ruin an already content state of mind, making it a double-edged sword.

#4: IRRATIONALITY OF LUXURY

Luxury shopping isn’t always rational. A well-made, durable handbag can cost around S$100, yet many willingly drop thousands on a designer version that serves the exact same purpose.

Why? Behavioral psychology suggests that luxury purchases often stem from an emotional rather than logical place. It’s about perceived value, exclusivity, and the status attached to the brand (sometimes more than the actual product itself).

#5: LUXURY AS SOCIAL CURRENCY

Luxury is often more than craftsmanship and quality—it’s a status symbol. Many people buy designer items not just for their design but for the brand’s logo, a clear signal of wealth and success.

The downside? Some stretch their finances thin to keep up with the illusion, falling into debt just to own a coveted piece. Luxury can be aspirational, but for some, it becomes a financial trap.

#6: NEED FOR UNIQUENESS

At its core, luxury is about exclusivity. Being able to afford it already puts you in a minority, making it feel even more special.

Wealthier consumers often gravitate towards brands that exude authenticity and timelessness, reinforcing the idea that true luxury is about more than just a price tag.

IN A NUTSHELL

While there’s nothing wrong with indulging, understanding why we crave these things can help us make more mindful, guilt-free choices. So the next time you feel the urge to splurge, ask yourself: Is it about the product, or the feeling it gives you?

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1,2 ,& 3

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