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Wanna Be Self-Employed? Here’s 5 Realistic Jobs That Can Transform You Into Boss

If you give yourself an opportunity to freelance or by being your own boss, you may be able to do the things you love and get paid for it. Also, you can have the freedom to design a schedule that works for you and still be able to nurture your loving children!

Yes! Sometimes, stepping out of the cubicle to be a self-determining entrepreneur or a freelance worker gives you the opportunity to find yourself while bringing money in the bank. Nonetheless, it will give you self-benefiting outcomes. Start with these 5 jobs that take purposeful risks…

1. OWN AN ONLINE SHOP

Do you love to make cupcakes, jewelry, or essence oils? Turn your hobby into your own business. Be your own boss by thinking about your skill set and hobbies then, start making an online business out of it. Popular platforms for selling or making your own online shop such as: Carousell and Tictail, are available for free. Furthermore, these platforms have a growing following of audience or customers already.

2. BE A SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Sales representatives or brand ambassadors sell household, beauty, or health products in their own ways. Join millions of independent ambassadors of Herbalife or MaryKay worldwide by visiting their respective websites. Here are added information that you can benefit from:

a. Herbalife : website here!

b. Mary Kay: website here!

3. VENTURE INTO BLOGGING

If you enjoy writing or sharing your ideas then, becoming a blogger might just be for you. There are many ways to monetize a blog such as advertising, memberships, selling books, product affiliations, becoming speakers, and so on.

A blog may lead to success with a combination of hard-work (e.g., countless hours of writing articles and editing videos), networking during events, media affiliations, luck, and building a fan base. A job as a full-time blogger can be so persistent in your life that you can be working everyday without noticing it!

4. BE A FINANCIAL CONSULTANT OR ADVISOR

In general, Financial Consultants or Financial Advisors are professionals who guide their clients to manage their money, investment options, and asset relocation. But, what they do is far more complex than that. A career as a Financial Consultant gets to enjoy the flexible working hours and the privilege to get the job incentives.

It involves a lot of paperwork, preparation, and building relationships. It can not only be challenging as they face a lot of rejection but also rewarding as they see their clients improving their monetary lifestyle. There is a job growth in this field as long as you go through continuous training with determination and openness.

5. PURSUE AS A PROPERTY AGENT

Early this year, a young property agent by the name of Shirley Seng sold a penthouse in Le Nouvel Ardmore for S$51 million. With that, she gained a commission of a whopping S$1.5 million! It’s like winning the jackpot!

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

Truly, the top richest people in Singapore have been involved in either the property business or the property development. But, what is a property agent exactly? A property or a real-estate agent is someone who arranges the selling, renting, and management of properties. So, be prepared to be creative in your marketing strategies and to be able to build a good network of people to aid in financial crises.

Sources: 1,2, 3, & 4

Make-up Addict’s Guide To Saving Money In Singapore

Let us face it! Your addiction to cosmetics is not doing any good to your wallet. The good news is that there are affordable hacks and cheaper alternatives out there! You just need to have the patience to find them. All in the name of beauty, here is the Make-up Addict’s Guide To Saving Money In Singapore…

1. BE FAMILIAR WITH THE BRANDS

According to an experienced make-up artist in Singapore named Nat K., the awesome and affordable beauty brands in the city are:

a. COLLECTION

With a huge public demand in United Kingdom, Collection finally made its way to Singapore. Beauty gurus on YouTube have adored their Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer that covers blemishes and flaws for up to 16 hours. So, a little application of this creamy tube can go a long way. It comes in four colors namely: light, fair, medium, and dark. It retails for S$14.90.

Image Credits: boots.com/en/Collection-Lasting-Perfection-Concealer_1436032

Aside from this, Nat recommends for you try their assorted glitter liners, as they are the best she had found. Their product prices range from S$8.90 to S$21.90.

b. CATRICE

Another brand hailing from Europe is Catrice. Catrice boats with a huge following in Switzerland and Germany. This is probably because for cheaper brands, their formulations are great as well as their packaging. The packing is sleek and minimalist. Their product prices range from S$4-13.

c. ESSENCE

A brand owned by the same European company as Catrice, essence is raved hugely in United States and Australia. This is probably the most affordable of all the brands in the list with its prices ranging from S$2.50-7.90. But, do not let the price fool you about its quality. The quality is shockingly good.

Since, one of my all-time favorite beauty products is mascara, I shall recommend the I <3 Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara. The mascara’s wand is bigger than others but you will find it easier to maneuver. The staying power is good in both warm and cold weather. The Essence I <3 Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara gives your lashes length, thickness, and darkness to increase its volume. Best of all? It retails for only S$5.50!

d. NYX

NYX has a wide array of affordable beauty products but I am personally in love with their lipsticks and lip-gloss. Whether it is matte, soft matte, or creamy, and their products are smooth and well pigmented. I have almost all of their butter glosses and I have to tell you…they smell nice! Nat shares that there blushes are both gorgeous and varied. Their product prices range from S$9-20.

2. KNOW WHERE YOU CAN FIND THEM

You guessed it! The cheaper brands are available at your local pharmacies such as Guardian and Watsons. However, NYX is available at Sephora and Watsons stores. Aside from these places, some online sellers (e.g, in Carousell) and flea markets carry these brands. To save you time and money, you just have to do your research before heading to town.

3. LENGTHEN YOUR PRODUCT’S LIFE SPAN

Maximize the longevity of your beauty product by:

a. Use every last drop of your BB or CC cream by cutting the plastic bottle into half and squeezing out the leftovers.

b. Store your oil-based products such as foundations and lipsticks in the fridge to make it last longer. This is because products with oil eventually go rancid in time.

c. I am a lipstick addict and seeing a broken lipstick, break my heart too. Not anymore! Fix smashed or broken lippies by heating them up quickly with a hairdryer or a match (full instructions – here).

4. TRY THESE ALTERNATIVES

Another way to save as a make-up addict is to find budget-friendly options for the lavish products she or he desires. For instance, if you want to get fuller and longer looking lashes, you may simply put baby powder on your mascara.

Also, you can make your own lip-gloss by mixing eyeshadow pigments with petroleum jelly. Lastly, you can find the pretty alternatives for the MAC lipsticks you have been eyeing on:

Image Credits: moneycanbuylipstick.com/2013/09/abcs-of-mac-lipstick-dupes.html

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Best Resources For Retirement Planning In Singapore (These Are Free Too)

In 2014, a survey by DBS bank showed that over 76% of the participants said that their key long-term financial goal is to have sufficient for retirement. Why are these people not ready? Perhaps time and awareness are the factors.

Majority of people think that saving for retirement can wait until you are more stable later on in life. Some may get caught up with their spending patterns and life events such as celebrating weddings and raising children.

There is never a “great” time to start planning for your retirement. But, there are good advantages if you started early. However, if you are starting late today then, you will have to work harder to grow your retirement fund. Moreover, you cannot afford to lose money anymore so; you must avoid investments with higher risks.

After shedding a light into the importance of retirement planning earlier on, here are the best yet free resources for retiring in Singapore (aside from the fantastic Money Digest) :

1. RETIREMENT CALCULATOR BY AVIVA

Aviva is a British multinational insurance company that provides services across 16 countries. Since they have a branch in Singapore, their website features a retirement calculator that tells you how much money you need to live comfortably in your golden years. Also, it takes expected inflation into account. Personally, I found Aviva’s Retirement Calculator as easy and user-friendly but I still want to get more information out of it.

Get it here.

2. CPF RETIREMENT SAVINGS INTERACTIVE CALCULATOR

As I said, I seek more functionality from the above retirement calculator. Which is why I continued my search. In my conquest I found a comprehensive retirement calculator that is validated and created by Central Provident Fund (CPF).

CPF is a social security savings plan that has provided the working Singaporeans with confidence and a sense of security for their retirement years. A part from this, they offer online guides and resources such as the Retirement Savings Interactive Calculator. This calculator allows you to assign values for your current age, desired retirement age, desired retirement income, return of investment, and so on. The results will show the number of years you need to save and the cumulative savings necessary to age gracefully. Furthermore, it provides charts and graphs to enable you to understand the numbers more.

Get it here.

3. VANGUARD RETIREMENT INSIGHTS

A premier international website for retirement information is owned by the Vanguard Group – an American investment company. Vanguard’s retirement resources are divided into three categories namely: saving for retirement, nearing retirement, and living in retirement. They provide tips, guidance, and advice using simple terms that would not require a genius to understand. Additionally, it offers retirement planning tools such as creating a realistic retirement budget.

Browse it here.

4. HSBC SINGAPORE RETIREMENT PLANNING

Going local, you may browse through the articles by HSBC Singapore. These articles feature detailed information about the future retirees in Singapore, 8 steps to have a confident retirement, and a guide to retirement planning. Also, it includes localized researched statistics, charts, tables, and graphs. But, I cannot deny the fact that it advertises HSBC’s own retirement services too.

Browse it here.

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

6 Amazingly Affordable Toys That Can Make Your Child Happier And Smarter

I smiled when I saw the definition of the word “toy” at dictionary.com. According to it, toys are supposed to serve as a diversion rather than practicality. It is also an object that typically represents something familiar for children or others to play with. As a children’s teacher I can vouch for that meaning. Sometimes, we use toys to divert the kids’ attention while we prepare for the class. I am sure some moms use toys as a distraction for them to do chores too!

If toys are so helpful and pervasive, are there cheaper alternatives? Fortunately, there are. You can use your imagination and creativity to make handmade toys. Not only can you save more money but you can also increase the toys’ safety.

Two types of toys are mainly in the market today namely: educational toys and entertaining toys. Let us start with the latter…

FUN TOYS

1. MADE OF MILK CARTON

It is vital for kids to consume more milk in order for their bones to grow stronger. And, after they finished the whole carton, do not throw it just yet. You can transform an empty milk carton into a sailboat that can survive sizable splashes of water.

Full instructions – here.

2. MADE OF SPONGES

Have you ever played Jenga or Tumbling Towers? It is a fun game that you and your little ones can get addicted to. But, a new box can cost over S$19. Save more money while retaining its structure by making block pieces out of sponges.

Image Credits: facebook.com/pages/Toddler-Approved/179029702145360?fref=photo

Alternatively, you can practice making patterns or letters out of it. Full instructions – here.

3. MADE OF SHOEBOX

Have you saved up old newspapers, shoeboxes, and rubber bands? Well, you can turn those things into an old-fashioned toy guitar. Browse here for full instructions.

SMART TOYS

1. IMPROVE THE CHILD’S TOUCHING SENSATIONS

Various childcare and preschool centers include sensory tables to improve the fine motor skills and touching sensations of the young minds. Make your own by taking a simple wooden base out of a plastic bin. Then, you can fill it with colorful beads, dried beans, handful of rice, and so much more. This set toy will keep your child occupied for hours!

Image Credits: https://www.facebook.com/RingAroundtheRosies

Full instructions – here.

2. IMPROVE THE CHILD’S VISUO-SPATIAL AND PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS

Say the weather is not friendly enough to go to the nearby playground, what you can do is to round-up your kids, take a large sheet of paper, and several shaped blocks. Then, challenge them into a giant block puzzle. Let them figure it out on their own. Full instructions – here.

3. IMPROVE THE CHILD’S PHONETICS

A toy made out of inexpensive materials can go a long way in terms of improving your child’s language abilities. Repeat the letters and add sounds as you read along the alphabet board (full instructions – here).

Image Credits: nicandkate09.blogspot.com

Also, you can incorporate magnetic letters for your child to match it with the alphabet board accordingly. This activity is both educational and enjoyable! 🙂

Reminder: Although the ingredients and materials used are safe, it is still essential to look after your child from time to time to avoid any unforeseen events.

Sources: 1 & 2

4 Ways To Significantly Decrease Your Living Costs In Singapore

According to Investopedia, “Cost of Living” is the amount needed to sustain a certain level of living that includes basic expenses such as food, taxes, housing, and healthcare. This factor can make a difference especially if your salary is sustained in an expensive city such as ours. Your salary can go further at a developing city but it may barely go buy at a developed one. Logically, it is important to take measures that help you decrease the costs. Start with these four ways:

1. SAVE ON EDUCATION FEES

Aside from transportation, housing, and food, one of the family’s major expenses is the education fee. Childcare as well as tertiary education is costly for the parents especially if they have two or more students in the family. Topping the fees are the pile of miscellaneous such as school supplies, uniforms, camps, and other extracurricular activity expenses. Fortunately, there are some organizations that offer student grants.

The NTUC Bright Horizons Fund offers financial assistance to children from underprivileged families. The amount of assistance varies according to the gross household income or per capita income. Also, there is a minimum co-payment fee of 2% and an additional S$20 for Union Members.

While adults’ aged 35 and above that earn not more than S$1,900 can upgrade their skills with the Workfare Training Support (WTS) scheme. These adults can benefit from 95% course fee funding on various courses including part-time diploma or specialist diploma at the five local Polytechnics. Imagine how many opportunities you can get after!

2. SAVE ON TAXES

Each year, hundreds of tax deductions and credits may go unclaimed due to the lack of taxing knowledge. Be sure to maximize the tax reloads that are applicable to you by checking out the information provided by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, here.

3. SAVE ON TRANSPORTATION

The good news just keeps on rolling! Early commuters can board the MRT for free before 7:45 am on the weekdays (i.e., excluding public holidays)! The no-cost rides are available at 18 MRT stations namely: Somerset, Bayfront, Bras Basah, Bugis, Orchard, Chinatown, City Hall, Clarke Quay, Dhoby Ghaut, Downtown, Esplanade, Lavender, Marina Bay, Outram Park, Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar, Promenade, and Telok Ayer.

If you missed the cut-off timing for a few minutes, fret not. You can still indulge on 50 cents off your fare if you exited the designated stations. To be eligible for these, you must not enter from the 18 stations mentioned above. Your savings on transportation can pile up as time goes by.

4. SAVE ON WATER

We cannot live without clean water. Therefore, you must employ saving habits to lower down your bills. Learn a thing or two from this illustration:

Image Credits: pub.gov.sg/CONSERVE/HOUSEHOLDS/Pages/Watersavinghabits.aspx

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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