5 Fun Family Activities in Singapore under $10

Who says that no family activity in Singapore is cheap? Think again! In fact, some of them are FREE! From free shows to art appreciation, here are 5 Family Activities (under $10) that you will surely enjoy.

1. STARGAZING

Be amazed by the stars and constellations you will see in the Omni Theatre at the Singapore Science Centre. Gaze over the vast universe from 7:50 to 10 pm every Fridays through a series of telescopes. Best of all? It’s FREE.

2. PICNIC BY THE GARDENS

In Singapore Botanic Gardens, your family may stroll over the Rain Forest Trail to see various forest animals (e.g., Giant Mahang and Common Tree Frog) ,and forest plants (e.g. Rattan and Meraga Tree) or the National Orchid Garden to see the beautiful orchids. The entrance for the National Orchid Garden is S$2 for adults and S$1 for children and senior.

Image Credits: Edwin.11 via Flickr

Image Credits: Edwin.11 via Flickr

You could lay down your blanket almost anywhere in the Gardens, but one of the nicest spot is probably at Palm Valley and Symphony Lake, especially when they’re staging one the regular free classical music concerts.

3. HEALTHY OUTDOORS

Cycle and jog across the lush greeneries and wondrous beach view of the East Coast Park. If you don’t own bike, you may rent one for S$6. You may also indulge in a family barbecue here, and stay on your own tents to cozy up.

4. ART APPRECIATION

Be absorbed with great contemporary art in the Singapore Art Museum. Their Learning Gallery especially caters for the young minds. It is a rich visual sight that your children don’t usually see. The admission is free for citizens and PRs, otherwise you may check the prices here.


5. WONDERFUL LIGHT SHOW

Enjoy the free “Wonderfull Show” at the Marina Bay Sands every evening from 8pm (full showtimes here). In here you will immerse yourselves in light, sound and music where your little ones will awe in delight. Remember to get there early to secure the best seats!

Image Credits: MarinaBaySands.com

Image Credits: MarinaBaySands.com

You don’t have to spend too much to have fun with the ones you love. At the end of the day, your presence and quality time spent are more than enough to make them happy. 

Read More...

8 Interesting Facts about Money (Saving Tips Included)

Did you know that being too relaxed might lead to overspending? Well, that along with 8 other Interesting Facts about Money may just help you save more. Plus, these facts can be really good conversation starters!

1. MONOPOLY MONEY> REAL MONEY

It is a fact that more Monopoly money is printed each year than real money printed throughout the world.

Image Credit: Sy Clark via Flickr

Image Credit: Sy Clark via Flickr

(Source: FactSlides)

2. MICROTEXTS ARE PRINTED THE BACK OF SINGAPORE’S 1000 BILLS

Did you know that the entire lyrics of the national anthem are printed in the microtexts on the back of the S$1000? It certainly is micro to make all the text fit. Awesome!

(Source: Monetary Authority of Singapore)

3. ALL GOLD IN THE WORLD CAN FIT A TENNIS COURT

All the discovered gold in the world will be able to fit a court of 62 feet and 82 feet on each side. Imagine a whole tennis court covered with gold bars!

(Source: Forest, C., 2009)

4. THE FIRST CREDIT CARD WAS CREATED OUT OF EMBARRASSMENT

Interestingly, the first Credit Card was created because of a man’s embarrassment who had to pay for dinner but forgot his wallet. It surely is a shameful moment especially when you have a date with a pretty lady.

(Source: FactSlides)

Image Credit: 401 (K) 2012 via Flikr

Image Credit: 401 (K) 2012 via Flickr

5. NEWER IS BETTER

To save money, fill your wallet with new money. Research showed that you are less likely to spend bills if they are smooth, crispy and new.

6. HIGHER DOMINATIONS WILL EQUAL TO LESS SPENDING

Another way to save money is to stack up more bills of S$100 and S$1000 because research has shown that people are more likely to spend smaller bills, and are reluctant to spend bills in higher domination.

7. BEING TOO RELAX LEAD TO OVERSPENDING

According to the study by Columbia Business School, when people are placed in a calming environment (i.e., classical music with comfortable chairs), and when they feel extremely relaxed, they overspent by 15%. So, it may be best to walk up the escalator or do simple exercises first before shopping.

8. SOME FONTS CAN SAVE MORE PRINTER INK AND TONER 

If you want to save money on printer ink or toner, one thing you should do is to change the fonts that you use for printing. Century Gothic, Ecofont, Garamond, and Courier are some of the fonts that naturally use less ink.

(Source: Ehow)

Do you want to learn more? Here is a colorful infographic by Daily Infographic that you can share to your friends! Or, do check out other Money Digest articles. 

Read More...

6 Ways to Save Money as a Triathlete

Combining running, swimming, and biking gear expenses…some people spend more in competing for Triathlons than others. If you will adopt these 6 Simple Ways, you may significantly lower your financial expense of training and joining in triathlons.

1. EXPLORE YOUR CHOICES

Don’t just rely on the sports shops in the malls that sell Triathlon gear, also explore good prices in the Internet such as: Bike Plus Singapore, Ebay, Amazon,Treknology Bikes 3 Singapore, and Carousell. Online stores have sales and clearance of their last year stocks where you can save money. It is important to shop around, and compare prices before purchasing to get the best deal.

2. REGISTER EARLY

Take advantage of the lower early-bird fee for Triathlon events. If you wait for the last minute, then you will have to pay more! Also, choose races that fit your budget and capacity.

Swim/Bike/Run by bradleypjohnson via Flickr

Image Credit: bradleypjohnson via Flickr

3. SHARE YOUR TRIATHLON RESOURCES

Share your Triathlon books and other racing magazines with a group of friends. What’s more? The Internet is full of free training videos and tips that you may repeatedly watch in the convenience of your home. You may also watch it on hand phone anytime and anywhere!

4. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TOWN’S SPORTS FACILITIES

You may train your swimming skills in the Town’s swimming stadium, which costs about $2. Another great and cost-free way to train your cycling and running skills is to park hop across the lush greeneries of the Park Connector Network.

Park Connector Network connects all the parks in North East, East, North, South, West and Central Region. You can download the walking trail or cycling trail here.

5. SAVE ON TRAVEL EXPENSES BY CAR POOLING

With the price of gas and taxi fares, consider car pooling together with others to the Triathlon events. Enjoying a chat before the race will help you calm your nerves.

6. LASTLY, DON’T BUY THE UNNECESSARY

For instance, there’s no reason to purchase a swimming cap because every time you register for a Triathlon, they will most likely give it to you for free.

Aside from renting a bike in the racing venue, you may covert your road bike into a Tri bike. Do this by making a few position adjustments, and by adding aerobars and aerowheels. You didn’t have to buy a new bike plus you save more money!

Image Credits: Jimmy Harris via Flickr

Image Credits: Jimmy Harris via Flickr

There are more ways to save money as a Triathlete (e.g., making your own hydration drink), you just have to be diligent, clever, and resourceful!

Read More...

7 Awesome Christmas Gift Ideas Under $50

Christmas is just around the corner. While searching for the perfect gift, keep in mind that you must also be financially-savvy. You may be tempted to go over your budget since this holiday only come once a year. But, your gifts need not to be expensive to make your loved ones smile! Here are 7 Awesome Christmas Gift Ideas under $50.

FOR THE WANNABE FIT FRIEND
US$29.95 or S$39.53. Buy it here.

The Wake up Workout Alarm Clock is the perfect gift for that person who wants to lose weight, but is too lazy to get up the bed. This alarm clock only shuts off after you have done 30 reps of consecutive bicep curls. The dumbbell-shaped alarm clock has a countdown timer on one side, which counts the number of reps you have done. Even the motion sensors inside can detect how many bicep curls you have done only if you swing it right. So, it will be really hard for you to cheat!

Wake up Workout Alarm Clock via GadgetsandGear.com

Wake up Workout Alarm Clock via GadgetsandGear.com

FOR YOUR FASHIONISTA SISTER
S$12.90. Buy it here.

Since the Coachella Music Festival, the trend has been leaning towards the gypsy or bohemian style. This Jeweled Hair Decor by H&M will surely make your sister stand out from the crowd. Don’t worry about its fitting because its silver chains have an adjustable length up to 63 cm.

Jeweled Hair Decoration via HM.com/sg

Jeweled Hair Decoration via HM.com/sg

FOR THE ON-THE-GO MOM
S$29.90. Buy it here.

Busy moms who are always stressed with tight deadlines need pampering too! With this Wild Argan Oil Beauty Bag by The Body Shop, your mom will feel beautiful from head to toe. It is consist of an Argan Oil shower gel, body butter, body scrub—all imported from Morocco. Best of all? The cost of youthful skin won’t hurt your wallet.

Wild Argan Oil Beauty Bag via TheBodyShop.com.sg

Wild Argan Oil Beauty Bag via TheBodyShop.com.sg

FOR YOUR PHILOSOPHER DAD
S$21.86, Outliers Book. S$21.83, Tipping Point Book. Buy it here.

Indulge your deep thinking dad with the best-selling books by Malcolm Gladwell. Personally, I recommend the “Outliers: Story of Success”, and the “Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference”. Not only will he thank you for this interesting read but it will change his view of the world too.

FOR YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE
S$42. Buy it here.

Nothing beats a custom-made gift such as a Personalized Name or Word Necklace from MyLittleBow shop. You may use his or her nickname, your secret code or your term of endearment. It will make your girlfriend, boyfriend or best friend feel that you have really thought of them. Orders take about 3 weeks to be ready, so be sure to place your order early!

FOR YOUR COFFEE/TEA LOVING BOSS
US$14.95 or S$19.73. Buy it here.

This heat sensitive battery mug glows green once you pour hot beverage on it. Then, the battery turns black once your coffee or tea is cool enough to sip. The battery will also appear empty once you’ve finished all of its contents, and it’s time to refill. Your boss will surely appreciate this thoughtful reminder.

Battery Mug via GadgetsandGear.com

Battery Mug via GadgetsandGear.com

FOR THE PROUD SINGAPOREAN
S$20, Badges. S$22, Canvas Totes. Buy it here.

The Little Dröm Store sells Badges and Canvas Totes for several types of Singaporean. From the Precise (Zhun zhun guni hoon), to the Champion (Kiasu), and the Composed Singaporean (Steady Pom Pipi), this store has it all for you! The badges are available in 16 different designs, which you may check out here.

Kan Cheong Spider Badge via TheLittleDromStore.com

Kan Cheong Spider Badge via TheLittleDromStore.com

While, their totes (fits A4 folders) are available in 8 designs namely: Stylo Milo, Siao On, Jiak Gan Tang, Steady Pom Pipi, Chop Chop Curry Pok, Kan Cheong Spider, Kiasu, and Huat ah. These adorably designed and hilariously clever badges and totes will make you feel closer to home.

Read More...

Singapore’s growth in 2015 may be weighed down by global factors

Singapore's growth in 2015 grim

Singapore’s growth will be dampened by external factors in 2015, says the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) on Tuesday.

While we cheered about our Q3 GDP of 2.8%, which beats the forecast of 2.4-2.5% growth, external factors around the world is likely to slow growth in 2015.

Economic recovery will be mixed across different regions with economy in Malaysia and Indonesia expecting to stay resilient, thanks to healthy investment growth.

Growth in both Asian powerhouses China and Japan is likely to be sluggish due to correction in the real estate market in the former and fiscal consolidation to reduce public debt in the latter.

For China, it’s extreme fast growth has caused a bubble in the real estate market and prices has since fell for consecutive months. It’s property market accounts for 15% of GDP and the threat of it bursting may cause the downfall of China’s economy which has spillover effect other sectors such as banking and construction.

The cost of servicing Japan’s public debt is likely to eat up half of its tax revenue despite raising its consumption tax from 5-8% in 2014 and up to 10% in October 2015.

Whereas in the Eurozone, the Ukraine-Russia crisis will likely affects offshore investments due to lower business and consumer sentiments.

In the US, there are uncertainties on when the Fed will raise a hike in interest rate as they aimed to strike a balance between the dyanamics of the labour market, inflation and economic growth.

Otherwise, Singapore growth is expected to be between 2-4% in 2015, says MTI.

Read More...