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6 Clever Tricks To Help Singaporeans Spend Less On Groceries

Perfecting your grocery budget can help you make serious contributions to your savings. Best of all? Saving on groceries does not have to mean skipping on delicious meals or depriving yourselves of quality produce. Read the following backs before you complete your grocery shopping trip.

#1: BRING A SHOPPING LIST

Whether you want to write down your grocery list on a piece of paper or bring a portable list through a mobile app, you can save time and money by sticking to this list. Free apps such as rShopping List (available on Android) and AnyList (available iOS & Android) let you create customizable lists to help you avoid unnecessary purchases. Some of these apps have built-in calculators too! Use this app to help you split the list when shopping with friends or family members.

#2: SHOP WITH A BASKET

Believe it or not, study showed that consumers tend to spend 40% more money than usual when the size of their shopping carts were doubled. Simply put, people tend to feel more comfortable with filling up trolleys due to its larger size. Trick yourself to narrow down what you need by carrying a basket instead. It may be easier to push a trolley but carrying a basket can help you spend less time and money in the supermarket. What’s more? You can enjoy a free arm workout.

#3: FIND CHEAPER-PRICED ITEMS

Supermarkets strategically put their pricier and popular items at the eye-level so you can get tempted easily. Next time you shop, give yourself the opportunity to comprehensively look at the shelves from top to bottom. While you are at the fresh meats section, filter through the displays to spot the reduced-price items. These packaged meats may be on the display for a few days, but they are still good for the same-day cooking.

#4: LOOK AROUND

Since every aspect of the grocery stores are meant to entice you to buy more, you must not buy the first brand you see. Chances are, products in the lower shelves are of the same quality, but they are cheaper. House brands are typically placed there. Moreover, fresh milks that expire next week are usually hidden behind the carton that expires tomorrow. Feel free to look around.

#5: BUY A WHOLE CHICKEN

A fresh whole chicken retails for about S$6 at the supermarket, whereas buying separate parts of the chicken can cost twice that amount. So, do not be afraid to cut the whole chicken by yourself. There are useful and free tutorials on YouTube. All you need is a sharp knife!

#6: EARN CASH BACK REBATES

Whether you are living with your kids or by yourself, groceries can cause a huge dent to your wallet. Since they are essentials, you cannot exactly cut down so much on the costs. However, you can still get cash rebates.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If you have a grocery credit card, you can earn cash back rebates whenever you shop. While some cards can help you save money on Giant, others can increase your savings at NTUC FairPrice or Sheng Siong. Get the best grocery credit card that suits your needs and your grocery preferences to save up to 8%!

Sources: 1 & 2

S’Pore Yuletide Shopping Do’s & Don’ts

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Whether you are figuring out how to dodge awkward questions from your relatives or are planning your gift list, this article can help you navigate through the maze of holiday campaigns and attractive sales. Remember, the Yuletide shopping season will be even more cutthroat than the last. You best come prepared!

#1: SHOP SAFELY

Are you excited drop by the Orchard Road? When shopping at the mall, look for stores or businesses that offer safety precautions for its customers and staff. These precautions include enforcing face mask policy, offering hand sanitizers at the entrance, encouraging social distancing, and providing contact-free payment options. Do you part in keeping the community safe by staying at home or by refraining from shopping if you feel unwell.

#2: SHOP AHEAD OF TIME

The massive growth of online shopping and deliveries will likely put an additional strain on the logistics that are already reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. Many customers have come to expect shipping delays over the past months, but these delays could become worse during the last few months of the year. Not to mention, the effect of the Yuletide season.

Thus, it is best to shop ahead of time. Plan your gift giving list and complete your Yuletide shopping. You can also opt for the store pick-up option. Some retailers such as Samsung and Uniqlo Singapore help alleviate shipping delays by offering the store pick-up option. Customers may purchase the goods online and pick them up in the store to avoid waiting for deliveries.

#3: DO NOT FORGET TO CHECK THE PRICES

Despite your best intentions, the perfect gift may come with a hefty price tag. If you find that a gift can blow your budget, you may use your smartphone to check whether there are better deals elsewhere. Look into websites that post deals such as Money Digest or go to price comparison websites like iPrice.

#4: CREATE A GAME PLAN

Avoid biting into the holiday temptations by creating a game plan before you complete your Christmas or New Year shopping. Make a list of the gifts that you need to buy for the people whom you love the most. Weigh whether you can purchase these gifts online or in-store.

By equipping yourself with a list, you will be able to navigate through the busy malls. If you still have trouble resisting items that are not on your list, consider leaving your credit cards at home. Bring enough cash for your purchases.

#5: DO NOT MAX OUT YOUR CARDS

Your credit card utilization rate is a vital part of your credit score. It refers to how much you currently owe divided by your credit limit. Thus, you must use your credit card wisely to prevent damage to your credit score. Do not get us wrong! It is understandable to have a higher balance over the holidays. However, please try to keep your utilization rate as low as possible. You can either spend less money, use cash for small purchases, or make multiple credit cards payments in a month.

#6: ENSURE ONLINE SECURITY

It is important to educate yourself about shopping securely, given that many people have experienced data breaches over the past years. Monitor your credit and financial accounts regularly and exercise caution when submitting your personal information. Is it secure to provide your credit cards details over the phone? Can you click a random link sent through your spam folder? Be careful!

By proactively guarding your identity and sensitive information, you may be able to prevent fraud from ruining your holidays.

#7: DO NOT SPEND MORE THAN WHAT YOU HAVE

Do not let the flashy advertisements and the pressures of the season to tempt you to go into debt. The holidays can still be a joyous season even if you do not have gifts for everyone. If you do not have enough money for gifts, there is no shame in giving homemade gifts or being present in the celebration. Sometimes, the best gift is spending quality time with the ones you love.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

May these Yuletide spending tips help you survive the season with your wallet still intact!

Sources: 1 & 2

6 Tried & Tested Tips To Save Money On Shopee Singapore

E-commerce became a staple part of our lives due to the aftermath of the global pandemic. Personally, I only understood the Shopee craze in the recent months. Shopee is a Singaporean multinational technology company, which focuses on e-commerce.

For those who are not familiar with Shopee, it is an online marketplace that can be accessed through their website or their app. What separates it from the rest of the e-commerce websites is its interactive platform.

Save more money on your next Shopee shopping by following these tips.

#1: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SHOPEEPAY

Sometimes, Shopee vouchers may require you to use its digital wallet called ShopeePay. ShopeePay often offers a higher percentage of cashback compared to non-ShopeePay vouchers.

If you are skeptical about using ShopeePay, you can simply transfer the exact amount you need for payment. ShopeePay lets you withdraw the leftover cash back into your bank account directly in case there are leftover funds.

#2: SHOP DURING EVENT SALES LIKE 8.8

For those who are not familiar with the event sales, online marketplaces have monthly sales on dates like 8.8 or 11.11. On top of the regular sales during occasions such as Christmas, you can enjoy discounted items with additional cashback in the form of exclusive Shopee vouchers.

Not to mention, Flash deals also occur during this period. It is up to you to make the best purchase for your family. The August sale is on 8.8, which is Shopee’s National Day sale.

#3: CHECK OUT THE SHOPEE MALL

If you want to invest on authentic products from your favorite brands such as Olay, adidas, or Samsung, you can go to the Shopee Mall. The Mall is a dedicated space that allows its users to request for a free return of product within its allowed period. It has a free shipping option too, which you can get if you meet the shop’s minimum spending requirements.

#4: DO NOT MISS THE FLASH DEALS

Look out for the Flash deals that happen throughout the day. These deals offer incredible discounts with products costing as low as S$0.50. As these are usually hourly sales, you can set reminders within the Shopee app.

Several stores (including big name brands) have constant deals too. Just click the dedicated deals section on the stores’ pages.

#5: APPLY VOUCHERS BEFORE CHECKING OUT

Vouchers replenish daily. Claim your vouchers to your heart’s content. Brands offer exclusive vouchers such as free delivery with a minimum amount of spending. You can follow these shops to get updated. Just remember to avail and apply the free delivery vouchers.

Best of all? Users are allowed to apply multiple vouchers upon check out. Enjoy more discounts when you apply the vouchers. You can claim as early as 12 AM.

#6: COMPARE THE TOTAL PRICES

As I was looking for an arts and crafts activity online, I was mesmerized with the colorful beads in the Diamond painting. Diamond painting is a new arts and crafts activity that fuses the dynamics of Paint By Numbers and Cross-stitch. It uses beads that correspond to numbers or symbols on the canvas. Since I am a beginner, I opt to search for affordable practice kits on Shopee. Two shops offer the cheapest prices. I decided to compare these two by clicking the “Add to Cart” button.

Image credits: pixabay.com

When you sort your results by price, the lower priced items will appear on top. Naturally, you will gravitate towards the cheapest ones. However, you must include the costs of shipping fee. The product price may be cheaper, but it could end up more expensive when you factor in the shipping fee. For instance, I can buy a cheaper Diamond painting kit in an overseas shop, but it will cost me more due to international shipping rates. Some merchants offer lower shipping fee or provide free shipping so, get the total cost of the purchase.

Sources: 1 & 2

6 Tried & Tested Tips To Save Money On Lazada Singapore

E-commerce became a staple part of our lives due to the aftermath of the global pandemic. Lazada has always been my go-to online marketplace because of its user-friendly interface and its variety of payment options. Lazada Group is a Singaporean multinational technology company, which centers on e-commerce.

Founded by Maximilian Bittner with the backing of Rocket Internet in 2012, Lazada Group is currently owned by the Alibaba Group after its acquisition in 2016.

Save more money on your next Lazada shopping by following these tips.

#1: SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

Are you new to Lazada? Subscribe to its newsletter to receive instant discount on the site. As a new subscriber, you will be welcomed with a coupon for your first purchase. You can also get access to the latest promotions and receive news of the trendiest products in the site.

#2: SHOP DURING EVENT SALES LIKE 8.8

Not to mention, Flash deals also occur during this period. It is up to you to make the best purchase for your family. The August sale is on 8.8 (August 8 to 10), which is Lazada’s National Day sale.

#3: CHECK OUT THE LAZMALL

If you want to invest on authentic products from your favorite brands such as Philips, Casio, or Lysol, you can go to the LazMall. The Mall is a dedicated space that allows its users to request for a free return of product within its allowed period. You are expected to get 100% authentic products, or you can get your money back. Get two times money back if you get a non-authentic product from the LazMall (T&Cs apply).

#4: DO NOT MISS THE FLASH DEALS

Look out for the Flash deals that happen throughout the day. These deals offer incredible discounts with products costing as low as S$0.50. As these are timed sales, you can set reminders.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Several stores have constant deals too. Just click on the brands that you love.

#5: APPLY VOUCHERS BEFORE CHECKING OUT

Best of all? Lazada partners with different merchants and credit card issuers such as Citibank. You can spend S$250 to get S$250 back in the form of Lazada and RedMart vouchers when you apply for the Citi Lazada Credit Card (T&Cs apply).

#6: SHOP AROUND

It is important to do your research before purchasing anything from Lazada. Read up on the product you intend to buy to prevent buyer’s remorse. This is especially vital when you are making huge purchases such as home appliances or gadgets.

Please read the product description thoroughly and access the warranty and the customer reviews.

How To Overcome The Temptations Of Retail Therapy

With a population of nearly 5.7 million people, the humble Lion City is one of the major e-commerce markets in Southeast Asia. In fact, the largest segment in its e-commerce market is the Electronics & Media. This segment’s growth is understandable given that most of us relied on technology to sustain our needs during the pandemic.

Aside from this, research firm IGD Asia found that Singapore’s grocery market saw an increasing demand in its consumers. It was forecasted to become a S$9.9 billion industry by 2023. The leading players in the local online groceries were NTUC FairPrice and RedMart.

These figures highlight the increasing numbers of people who patronize online shopping. Online shopping can bring multiple benefits to its consumers, but it can also encourage retail therapy. Oh! What exactly is retail therapy?

DEFINITION

Retail therapy is the act of shopping for goods with the primary purpose of improving one’s mood or disposition. In other words, it is shopping (or window shopping) for something to make you feel better.

PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND RETAIL THERAPY

Retail therapy produces “happy hormones”.

When you are shopping, the body releases dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role on how we experience pleasure and reward. It helps reinforce enjoyable sensations and behaviors. This affects how people feel during the anticipation and acquisition of a new possession. Interestingly, the height of the blissful release is usually during the anticipation of getting a new item. Before you know it, the bliss is gone!

Retail therapy can boost the buyer’s self-esteem.

Many advertisements take advantage of how retail therapy can boost one’s self-esteem. You may be tempted by both targeted ads and SMS notifications when you are most vulnerable. Be mindful!

On the other hand, treating yourself can be strategically motivated. A 2011 study showed that consumers can exercise restraint if this act leads to improved mood.

Retail therapy has its advantage too.

The authors of a 2013 study suggests that retail therapy gives people a sense of control that counteracts the feelings of powerlessness. People tend to feel empowered when they decide what they must purchase. When done in moderation, retail therapy can bring positive effects.

However, it becomes a harmful habit if you consistently shop to cope with distress. The temporary boost associated with shopping can prevent you from seeking necessary help.

Retail therapy can affect your financial situation.

Retail therapy may affect your finances if you do not keep track of your spending. Having a budget and sticking to it can help you cushion the costs of shopping.

Spending more than what you have may lead to significant levels of debt over time. Drowning in debt can result to more distress. Therefore, it is important to have a realistic allocation for your leisure shopping activities.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

FOLLOW A REALISTIC BUDGET

Overspending and debt are the primary negative consequences of retail therapy. Avoid these by strategically planning your spending. Create a budget and maintain your limits. Set aside a specific amount for your retail therapy each month.

If you want to shop for an item that is beyond your limit, you can plan to save up for it. Saving for a desired item can be rewarding!

TRY WINDOW SHOPPING

Much like physical or online shopping, window shopping or scrolling through an online store can positively impact your mood. The anticipation of eventual possibility of a treat releases dopamine. It gives your brain the bliss it craves for, but it does not cost a thing!

REDUCE THE TEMPTATION

Shopping apps are tempting for all types of consumers. The convenience of shopping at one’s fingertips as well as swift online payments have helped increase the online shopping tendencies of many. Because everything is convenient, there is only a small room for contemplation and clearer decision-making. Hence, you can delete the shopping apps from all your devices to reduce its temptation.

THINK BEFORE YOU PURCHASE

Everyone has bad days. If you are overwhelmed with emotions during your shopping day, give yourself a brief waiting period. Ponder about the content of your shopping cart for one to two days. Then, go back to it.

If you still feel like you want or need the item when you are in a better mood, you can get it if your budget permits it.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

CONCLUSION

Retail therapy is the act of shopping for goods with the primary purpose of improving one’s mood or disposition. In most cases, rewarding yourself with new items can make you feel better. You just need to stay within the budget.

It turns harmful when you use it as a coping mechanism to regulate your emotions (i.e., emotional spending). To relieve distress on a long-term basis, you must identify and manage its triggers. Seek professional help when necessary. Remember that retail therapy is not actually therapy!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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