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Be Financially Smart With These Incredibly Free And Useful Websites

Educating yourself on your finances is just a keystroke away with these incredibly Free and Useful Websites…

1. SPENDING WISELY

Spend wisely by budgeting your money and saving more through the awesome money management website called Mint.com. Mint.com, accompanied its free mobile Apps, allows its users to track their spending, develop a monthly budget, receive bill reminders, and take control of their financial life. What’s more? It sends online alerts if you had gone over your budget.

2. MAKING MONEY

Whether you have a special knack in writing, engineering, administrative work, advertising, legal work, marketing, illustrating, and web design…there are secure websites that provide opportunities for online freelance work.

Searching through various freelance websites, the two most globally popular are Fiverr and Upwork. Fiverr.com enables its users to earn money through Paypal payment services. However, the company keeps a small portion of your earnings before handing it out to you.

On the other hand, a similar platform called Upwork.com (previously called Odesk.com), captures the work-in-progress and snapshots your screen. Payment is painless because Credit Cards, PayPal accounts, and Bank Accounts are accepted.

Image Credits: SEOPlanter via Flickr

3. USING FINANCIAL PLANNING TOOLS

Financial planning is an active choice to take charge of your finances and to ensure your financial well-being is in top shape. Among others, Bankrate.com and CCS.org.sg are two websites you can use to support your financial plans.

Bankrate.com aids with the consumer’s debts, loans, and taxes. It was crafted in 1976 for a print publisher in a banking industry. These long years of experience had them frequently referenced on major news outlets such as CNN, ABC News, and FOX Business News. As Bankrate.com allows publishing of personal financial stories, you can make more informed monetary decisions.

And, if you are looking for an in-depth plan to repay your debts, you can avail the resources and services of Credit Counselling Singapore at CCS.org.sg. Credit Counselling Singapore is a non-government and charity organization driven to help people to overcome their debt dilemma. Unlike some debt advisors, they are not driven by profit.

4. BOOSTING FINANCIAL LITERACY

Increase your financial literacy by regularly browsing through Money Digest‘s totally free and user-friendly website. As you may know, MoneyDigest.sg is dedicated daily news, tips, and guides relating to money and financial issues. But, beyond that, it focuses on the localized view so as to support the financial literacy of any individual living in sunny Singapore.

Image Credits: facebook.com/MoneyDigest

Hey Globetrotter! How Much Is Your Money Worth Around The World?

Has your strong desire to travel been itching you these past several weeks? Is your schedule free enough for you to travel at least 3 days away? If all your answers point to “YES” then, it is time to give in to your wanderlust!

As you let your heart decide which country you shall go next, it is paramount to understand the value of your money and the cost of living dynamics. These said information would help you build the travel fund that is suited best for your trip. Furthermore, you can carry a little more pocket cash in case an emergency rises.

Looking into the globe through a microscope, a few of the countries you may visit are Australia (Continent: Australia), Italy (Europe), China (Asia), South Africa (Africa), Canada (North America), and Peru (South America). Hooked to the globetrotter idea already?

Then, browse through the things that you can buy with S$2.50, S$52.50, and S$1,500…

S$2.50

In Australia, or Commonwealth of Australia, you can buy 1 liter of milk for S$1.53 or a 1.5-liter of water for S$2.48.

Are you a salad enthusiast? Try the lettuce (1 head) from Italy for S$1.35. The 1.5-liter of water there costs S$0.76 only!

If you love imported beer, get a 0.33 liter bottle for S$1.59 in China. Otherwise, conquer your thirst with the very affordable S$0.65 1.5 liter of water.

Image Credits: takuki via Flickr

In South Africa, you can purchase 500 grams of white bread loaf for S$1.31. And, their 1.5-liter of water retails for S$1.47.

Going up to Canada, you may purchase a kilo of tomato for S$1.90 that is otherwise S$2.66 in Singapore. The 1.5-liter of water? It costs about S$2.43.

Lastly, Peru offers friendly priced domestic beers (0.5 liter bottle) for S$1.84 while their 1.5-liter of water is priced at S$1.16.

S$52.50

You can ride a cab (normal tariff) with an hour of waiting for S$51.31 in Brisbane, Australia.

And, if you are a sucker for cheese, get 2 kilos for S$46.14 in Milan, Italy.

There is nothing but pure regard for your money at Zhuhai, China where a three-course meal at a restaurant can cost about S$43.38 for 4 people!

However, in Johannesburg, South Africa it is a tad pricier as the three-course meal at a restaurant can cost about S$48.74 for 2 people.

In Cold Lake, Canada, chain store (e.g., Zara) dresses are priced cheaper at S$43.78 whereas it retails for S$63.60 in Singapore. That is saving you S$19.82!

In the capital of Peru called Lima, you can enjoy 3 hours of playing tennis on a weekend (S$35.94) plus catching a flick on its international release (2 seats for S$15.76). Talk about an ideal date!

S$1,500

With this larger amount, you can rent an apartment for a month (inclusive of Internet services) at all these countries discussed. For instance, in Australia, you can rent a 1-bedroom apartment on the outskirts for S$1,187.62.

While in the world’s eight largest economy, an Italian 1 bedroom apartment outside the city costs S$1,034.54.

Image Credits: Julia via Flickr

For an incredibly cheaper price, visit China where you can rent a 3-bedroom apartment at the city for S$1,030.15.

Or go to South Africa where a 3-bedroom apartment at the city is about S$1,409.27.

And, if you have a month long business trip in Canada, consider renting the 1 bedroom apartment in the city for S$1,340.63.

Finally, Peru’s 3-bedroom apartment at the city will cost you approximately S$1,107.23.

Image Credits: blog.absolutvision.com

Oh! By the way…all these data were collected from Numbeo. It is a website that stores the world’s largest database of user contributed information about global living conditions. It has been mentioned in internationally renowned newspapers and magazines such as BBC, Forbes, The Economist, and New York Times among others. See for yourself! 🙂

6 Highest Paying Jobs In The Field Of Technology (IT)

With the increasing global concern for cyber security across companies, there has been an ongoing demand for Information Technology (IT) Professionals. In fact, recent study showed that the five highest income-earning sectors in Singapore include Information Technology alongside Banking and Finance, Petrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals, and Semiconductors.

Salary.sg, a website dedicated to relay information on career and jobs, used the Ministry of Manpower wage date and excluded the bonuses and profit-sharing to generate the monthly gross wages of over a hundred jobs in Singapore. Looking at the IT sector through a microscope, here are the 6 Highest Paying Tech Jobs In Singapore based on the 2014 data by Salary.sg:

6. NETWORK AND SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Network and Systems Engineers can earn about S$4,000-7,000 a month.

They are tasked to oversee functionality, security, and design of the computer systems. To keep the internal and external company databases running smooth, they are responsible to look to how information is shared both internally an externally.

5. APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

Application Development Consultants can make about S$5,000-7,000 a month.

They are tasked to consult with the program managers, senior consultants, and clients to understand information requirements, operational procedures, and transaction processing. Basically, they are responsible for designing fresh software applications from the concept to completion.

4. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TESTING IT

Testers can earn about S$6,360 a month.

IT Testers are tasked to check for system bugs or other concerns in the new software to ensure that the company standards are maintained or that the product integrity is preserved. They examine a program by going through its typical uses and noting down the observable problems.

Image Credits: Bob Mical via Flickr

3. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY SPECIALIST

IT Security Specialist can make about S$6,385 a month.

IT Security Specialists are tasked to analyze the security breaches that have or may occur. Then, they must repair and strengthen the system against these breaches. Simply put, their work focuses on the risks to the security of valued company information or data.

2. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECT MANAGER

IT Project Manager can have a paycheck of about S$8,320 per month.

A bachelor’s degree and significant years of experience is usually required for this position. IT Project Managers are tasked to manage and coordinate with the staff to oversee various computer-related assignments for the company.

1. CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

Chief Technology Officer (CTO) can earn about S$10,648 per month, on average.

CTOs are tasked to play an important role in setting the company’s direction, development, and future growth by supporting all information and technology-related operations. With your growing years of experience and educational background in tech, you too, can be the CTO.

Image Credits: Chad Kainz via Flickr

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

5 Things You Must Know About Microfinance In Singapore And Beyond

As majority of people in developing countries are economically disadvantaged, Microfinance proved to be a viable source of capital. In fact nearly 15% are living below S$1.68 a day, according to the World Bank. Fueled by hope and excitement towards success, both public and private sectors are willing to accept the risks of working with numerous borrowers. The only factor in the way are tightened financial regulations across the world. That said, here are 5 Things You Must Know About Microfinance In Singapore And Beyond…

1. DEFINITION OF MICROFINANCE

Microfinance refer to a diverse group of services that specifically target people who are low-income earners and who are often denied access to banking loans. Microfinance services include loans, savings, remittances, and insurances. Interestingly, Microfinance gave women the biggest economic boost.

2. RISE OF MICROFINANCE

Muhammad Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank, developed Microfinance in 1974 to promote self-sustaining social businesses in Bangladesh. Since then, millions of people around the world have opened Microfinance institutions that allowed Microcredits. With Yunus’ valued efforts to impact many and improve global economy, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006.

3. TECHNOLOGIES AND MICROFINANCE

Funding more than millions of people, Microfinance aided by technology became a perfect match in helping to eradicate poverty. Hatton National Bank’s Chandula Abeywickrema highlighted that Sri Lanka had been experiencing relatively high mobile technology tap. For instance, mobile technology allows rural residents to perform transactions through mobile platforms. This will surely bring newfound opportunities.

4. INTEREST RATES OF MICROFINANCE

The interest rates of Microfinance services vary across the board. In 2010, several organizations and websites have sited the rate to be about 37% in average. Borrowers are required to pay these rates to receive the money they need. Certainly, the rates are still cheaper than that of the banks’.

5. SINGAPORE MICROFINANCE NETWORKS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMPANIES

Open a small business or help others to be entrepreneurs with these networks, organizations, and companies:

a. Microfinance Society (Singapore)

b. MILAAP

c. Kiva Lending Team: Singapore

Image Credits: Dean Meyers via Flickr

Through Microfinance, may we not only show care to the underprivileged sector but also show immediate action toward activities that promote social welfare. 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Eating Out? Make Healthier And Cheaper Choices In Just 5 Ways

With the influx and the variety of the restaurants, cafes, and other eateries island-wide, it is always a good time to dine out at the Red Dot. But…this does not mean that you can freely eat unhealthily or splurge a lot.

Here are 5 ways to work around it:

1. MAKE IT A HABIT TO SEARCH IN ADVANCE

Before dining in the restaurant, make it a habit to check their menu online. Websites such as sg.openrice.com, yelp.com.sg, or hungrygowhere.com can help you locate a restaurant, identify its menu, and give you an estimate of the average spending. This will help you make tastier, healthier, and cheaper decisions.

2. CONSIDER ORDERING A MEAL

Imagine being in an affordable buffet with all the calorie-rich food available at your arm’s length. It sounds tempting doesn’t it? Yet your health may be at cost. Instead of always opting for a buffet, consider ordering a single meal that is packed with nutrients!

3. DISTANCE YOURSELF FROM THE APPETIZERS

Even if the restaurant appetizers are free, do your best to skip it as some of it are packed with calories. Appetizers are also made to fool your brain unto consuming more food that you intend.

Image Credits: wEnDy via Flickr

4. CHEW SLOWLY

Indulge and savour the taste of your food. Eating slowly will help you realize that you are actually satiated. Thus, you will eat and purchase just enough or even less.

5. CHOOSE YOUR DESSERTS AND SALADS WISELY

I know I am not the only one who shares a deep fondness for desserts. A delectably sweet cake drizzled with tasty toppings can make you hungry for more. Although it is tempting, it is important to watch your sugar intake. Opt for lighter dessert choices such as sorbets or fruits. As for the salads, be mindful of the creamy toppings and the dressings.

Image Credits: Ralph Daily via Flickr

With these simple ways, your tummy and your wallet will definitely be happy!

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