singapore Archives | Page 27 of 55

How To Stay Healthy Despite of The Terrible Hazy Conditions

Our air quality worsened on Monday due to the shift in the prevailing winds that brought denser haze from Sumatra. In fact, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) entered the “unhealthy” range last Sunday according to the National Environment Agency.

For your knowledge, a PSI reading of 0-50 is okay, 51-100 is moderate, 101-200 is unhealthy, 201-300 is very unhealthy, and 301 and beyond is hazardous. At the time of writing, the 24-hour PSI readings from 1am-12am today ranges from 148-184. Yes! That is certainly unhealthy.

Short-term exposure to unhealthy haze can cause irritated eyes, runny or stuffy nose, dry or sore throat, headache, and fatigue. In some cases, it can even affect one’s heart and lungs that higher PSI readings can cause breathlessness.

So, how do you stay healthy despite the haze?

You must wear the N95 mask to ensure full coverage when you breathe. But, the best way is to stay indoors (with an air purifier and air conditioner) as much as possible!

While staying inside the walls of your home, you do not have to spend money or sulk in boredom. You can enjoy playing video games, board games, and a bunch of other activities like…

1. LEARNING SOMETHING NEW FOR FREE

Upgrade your knowledge and skills with the quality online resources that are available for free. There are two websites that I am fond of namely: Khan Academy and Code Academy. Khan Academy offers a myriad of courses and exam preparation modules. While, Code Academy offers classes in 6 different programming languages. You can definitely complete the course and be well versed in several programming scripts!

2. EARNING EXTRA MONEY

Use your free time to earn extra money by selling your underused and unwanted items on Gumtree or Carousell. Then, spend more time by cleaning up your closets and drawers in the process.

You may also complete some online surveys and get compensated with cash or redeemable rewards in websites such as My Survey and SurveyCompare.

3. QUALITY TIME WITH THE FAMILY

Lastly, use this valuable time to enjoy the company of your family. Catch up on the lives and the latest projects of every family member and indulge on a great session of cooking, games, or movies. These kind of moments are best spent with the ones you love. 🙂

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

5 Things To Do When You Lose Your Wallet In Singapore

1. BE 100% SURE

Before you can confirm that your wallet is lost or stolen make sure that you did not just misplace it. Keep calm and carefully retrace your steps. Check if your wallet just fell out of your drawer at work, inside your car, or hidden at the sides of the couch.

Do not hesitate to call or to talk to the people in charge of the place you have recently been (e.g., restaurants or shops). And, if there is still no luck and you are 100% sure that it is gone then, you must proceed to number two.

2. CALL YOUR DEBIT AND CREDIT CARD ISSUERS

If your lost wallet contains your debit, credit, and ATM cards, you must immediately call your bank or card issuer. You will be happy that you acted swiftly and prevented any unauthorized withdrawals at the moment of your loss. Instead of canceling your cards, you must report your cards as lost or stolen. The bank or the card issuer has a procedure that will suspend the card to keep your wealth safe.

Then, you must replace your cards with new ones. According to a Singaporean blog, only POSB/DBS banks will deliver your new ATM card directly to you. While Maybank and UOB requires you to go down to their branches personally. They will require you to present your IC too and if you lost your IC, bring your passport along and proceed to number three.

3. REPLACE YOUR IDENTITY CARD

One of the most important things that you might have in your wallet is your Identity Card (IC). If you lose your IC and it is not stolen then, you may go straight to ICA to get a new one. Otherwise, you are required to have a police report or to present the completed Declaration Form NR 12. Bonded by the law, Singaporeans and Permanent Residents who lost their ICs are required to report it and apply for replacement within 14 days.

Please bring the following documents:

a. One recent passport sized photo (i.e., photo-taking services are available at the 2nd and 4th level of the building)

b. Police report or completed Declaration Form NR 12 if you are a victim of a crime

c. Passport

d. Entry and Re-Entry Permits

e. Malaysian IC (i.e., if it’s applicable)

Be ready to pay S$100 as a first timer. Subsequent losses will have to pay a fee of S$300.

4. FILE A POLICE REPORT TO THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Do not take your loss or theft too lightly. You must take this step in order to replace your IC if your wallet was really stolen. Furthermore, it will provide sufficient evidence if you become a victim of fraud or identity theft.

Be ready to answer the police officer’s questions such as:

When and where did you lose your wallet?

What are the articles inside your wallet?

If it is stolen, can you describe anyone suspicious?

Then, keep a copy of the report afterwards.

5. CHANGE YOUR LOCKS IF YOUR KEYS ARE INSIDE

If your keys are missing along with your wallet, you must change the locks to prevent the event of a break in. Even if your wallet was returned perfectly, someone could have easily made a copy of your keys and your information.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

It is better to be safe than sorry! 🙂

Sources: 1, 2 & 3

4 Tips You Need To Know Before Buying A Home As A Single Singaporean

According to the latest Population Trends report, single-hood rates are highest among lower-educated Singaporean men in their 30s and 40s and among higher educated women. It is clearly observable that the number of unmarried Singaporeans have been growing over the years but that does not stop one to contemplate about purchasing his or her own flat.

With the hefty housing prices in the market today, can an individual with an average income really afford a huge investment single-handedly?

To tell you honestly, the answer is YES!

It is possible, but you have to consider these few things:

1. KNOW ABOUT THE AVAILABLE SCHEME AND GRANT

In 2013, the government introduced a scheme that allows first-timer singles aged 35 and above earning up to S$5,000 a month to purchase a 2-room flats in “non-mature” estates. At that year, HDB launched 3,861 flats for sale in Sengkang, Bukit Merah, and Yishun under the Build-To-Order (BTO) exercise.

This relatively new scheme is called Single Singaporean Citizen (SSC). As you are aware of, before SSC, singles could only buy either private properties or resale HDB flats which can be costly! Thus, this will give a great opportunity for all the singles out there that are planning to become home owners despite of their average incomes.

Say you are an unwed Singaporean who just turned 35 a few months ago and you draw an average of S$3,000 a month, you can be entitled to receive the Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG) worth S$10,000. However, the eligibility of SHG is only given to first-timer citizen who is applying for a 2-room flat in non-mature estates. Furthermore, his or her average gross monthly income must not exceed S$3,250.

By knowing the available scheme and grant, one can safely conclude that owning a 2-room flat in Singapore is possible without the need to fork out loads of cash upfront.

2. ANALYZE YOUR BUDGET

Since purchasing a house is probably the biggest financial commitment you have at this point, it must be planned carefully. Before you start looking for a flat in the non-mature estates, know what you can afford as well as what you need to pay for first. Even if you are purchasing a new private property, you will need to reserve extra money to cover repair, taxes, and maintenance. Affordability is certainly a huge issue!

3. PROTECT WHAT YOU OWN

There is a huge sense of comfort and independence in owning your own home wherein you make your own decisions as days go by. Along with that comes the responsibility to take care of yourself. It is important that you have sufficient insurance to cover your health and your life.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

4. CONSULT THE PROFESSIONALS

As I said before, buying a home is a huge commitment to make. This is why you must take your time and do your research with the available resources you have. Aside from this, it is always a good idea to talk to real estate agents or to consult a financial adviser beforehand.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Tidy Up Your Family’s Life In 5 Professional Steps

With a house full of children, life can quickly get a little topsy-turvy! Juggling through the chaos of household chores, family relationships, and work responsibilities can become overwhelming. Luckily, you can adopt a professional system that has been present for centuries.

This system is none other than the “business system”. Businesses, enterprises, and firms are organized because they follow a synchronized structure. Apply this to your home life by following these simple tips:

1. DETERMINE YOUR FAMILY’S CORE VALUES

Core values exhibit what is important in the company and its members. In your case, you must consider what are the important beliefs and morals that you want your family members to uphold. Determine your family’s core values to help guide your every decision. For example, if your family values saving money and hard work then your plans for your next vacation will be based on those values. Furthermore, it will affect how much you will save (i.e., practices) and what you will spend your money on (i.e., strategies).

2. SET YOUR PRIORITIES

Spreading out your energy and time to things that are not necessary can be a waste of your resources. This is why efficient companies set their priorities straight and focus more of their resources on the top priority. Your priorities as a family can be anything that you would like to accomplish in the near future such as exercising together everyday. These priorities are personal and subjective to you.

3. ESTABLISH A SCHEDULE

Most of the firms follow a strict schedule for every employee. Apply this to your family by using a digital calendar to automate your family’s schedule. A beloved digital calendar by most is the Google Calendar, which is available if you have your own Gmail account. Establish a schedule that includes household chores, special events, school works, and etc. You can assign a different color for each child too.

Alternatively, you may use a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and assign a color and a row for each child. It is best to plan the week ahead by making the schedule every Sunday night.

4. PRACTICE TEAMWORK

Cooperation and teamwork can extend the walls of your home too! Join or organize a parenting group including the other parents in your children’s school. Aside from meeting new people, you can save more money by taking turns in babysitting each other’s children. Use WhatsApp or a private Facebook group to exchange your contacts for emergency purposes and to schedule events together. Taking care of each other’s kids are matters of trust so make sure that these newfound friends can be trusted.

5. REVIEW YOUR PROGRESS

As a whole, you must sit together once a week for at least 10 minutes to review your progress in terms of your priorities, your schedule, and your other issues. Talk openly and honestly.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

To increase the positivity and the sense of accomplishment, commend your children for their achievements that week (no matter how big or small it may be).

Sources: 1 & 2

Making Your Will In Singapore: Are Lawyers Non-Compulsory?

Whether we like it or not, death is inescapable. This is why it is important to prepare a “Will”, especially if you are retiring soon. The essence of making a Will is not only to prepare for the event of death but also to make sure that others understand your parting wishes.

In Singapore, the surviving spouse is usually entitled to one half while the other half is divided among the children. But if there is no Will, there are higher chances that no one would be held responsible to sort out the estates or to take care of the orphaned children. Without a Will, your assets may be distributed to people whom you do not intend to give anything to. Certainly, it is simpler, more responsible, and more convenient to consider making your own Will.

Clueless about the entire process? Start here:

DEFINITION

An individual makes a legal declaration or a Will to provide the administration and distribution of what he or she owns among his or her beneficiaries at death. The person who made the will is called the “testator” while the people who will inherit the assets are called “beneficiaries”. The Wills Act governs all the Wills in Singapore.

A WILL’S FORMALITIES

1. The testator must be at least 21 years old.

2. The testator must sign the Will accordingly. If he or she is unable to do so, a trusted person may sign in his or her presence.

3. Two or more witnesses are required and they must sign the will too, in the presence of the testator.

4. The two witnesses cannot be beneficiaries of the will (e.g., spouse of the testator) but the third witness can be a beneficiary.

MAKING A WILL IN SINGAPORE

Interestingly, you do not need a lawyer to make a Will!

A 21-year-old individual of sound mind can make his or her own Will and change it any time in the course of one’s life. But if you have insufficient legal knowledge on the subject, your “homemade Will” may be at risk of being ineffective or invalid. So, it is still best to seek legal advice. After writing one, you must keep a copy in a secured place and let your family members know of its existence.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

To ease the process, you must approach the Wills Registry to deposit the document’s information. Expect a fee for it.

Sources: 1, 2,& 3

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