Celeste Elle, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

4 Japanese traditional-style accommodations under $92/night in Osaka, Japan, if you can free yourself for a trip in September 2024

How often do you get the chance to step into a traditional Japanese accommodation, where the scent of tatami mats fills the air?

This isn’t just a dream; it’s an accessible reality even if you’re on a budget.

We’ve curated a list of Japanese lodgings that will provide you and a +1 with quite the Japanese experience for under $92/night.

Stick around and see what we’ve got!

Bunk beds in a traditional Japanese guesthouse in Taisho

Price: $69/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 1 to 6 September 2024

First up, we have a traditional Japanese guesthouse, where you will rest your head on bunk beds crafted from the finest plywood.

Just minutes from the center of Osaka and Nara, this hideaway offers a local neighborhood paired with easy access to the region’s attractions.

Fuel up at the nearby bakery, grab groceries from the supermarket, and have your meals at the local eateries, all within a stone’s throw of your doorstep.

And when you need a friendly face or a helping hand, your host is always nearby, ready to guide you, lend you a bike, or simply engage in conversation.

Oh, and let’s not forget the resident feline companion, who is ready to shower you with purr-ful greetings.

Modern-looking two-story Japanese house near Shōji Station

Price: $82/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 1 to 6 September 2024

At the heart of Osaka’s residential district, you will find this modern-looking two-story Japanese house near Shōji Station.

Just 15 minutes by train to the downtown of Namba and 40 minutes to Osaka Station, this abode is surrounded by supermarkets and 24-hour convenience stores.

You will have all the essentials at your fingertips.

Inside, the traditional Japanese-style house features tatami floors and built-in bunk beds.

While not barrier-free, this property promises an authentic Japanese experience that will have you feeling like a local in no time.

Spacious “green” townhouse in Sakuragawa

Price: $87/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 1 to 6 September 2024

Or consider this spacious “green” townhouse in the heart of Osaka situated just a 15 to 20-minute walk from the iconic Dōtonbori district.

It’s a family-friendly rental that offers a local-style respite with easy access to the city’s offerings.

Unwind in the Japanese-style tatami room or the “Western-style” bedroom, both outfitted with proper double beds for a restful night’s sleep.

And with paid parking available, you can explore the city by day and retreat to your home away from home by night.

This spacious townhouse has everything you need for a week’s stay.

Private room in a Japanese home close to Osaka International Airport

Price: $91/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 1 to 6 September 2024

Last but not least, we have this top-rated private room, a short drive from Osaka International Airport.

Bask in the gentle light filtering through the south-facing windows overlooking the host’s Japanese-style garden.

Unwind on the two single beds or add a cot for a little one if you are traveling with your baby.

The ground-floor shared space offers an opportunity to mingle amidst Japanese hospitality.

It’s just a 5-minute walk from Okamachi Station.

Ranked in the top 5% of Airbnb homes for its exceptional ratings, reviews, and reliability, this gem promises a stay that you will remember in the Land of the Rising Sun.

These traditional-style accommodations offer more than just a place to rest; they offer a doorway to the past and present culture of Japan. For less than $92/night, you will be securing a memory that will linger long after you’ve folded your last origami crane. So pack your bags, bring an open heart, and get ready to explore Osaka come September 2024. Bon voyage!

4 recipe books with quick & easy recipes under $44 so you can start making your meals and stop dining out too often

Dabao/delivery food and dining out can be tempting, but they cost a lot more in the long run too.

Our curated selection of recipe books priced under $44, is your secret ingredient to whipping up quick, easy, and yummy meals right at home.

Have a look!

Gordon Ramsay Quick and Delicious: 100 Recipes to Cook in 30 Minutes or Less

Promo Price: $36.82

Whip up chef-quality meals in a flash with Gordon Ramsay’s Quick and Delicious cookbook.

This collection of 100 recipes features Ramsay’s bold flavors and straightforward techniques, so you can create restaurant-worthy dishes at home without spending unnecessary hours in the kitchen.

Packed with time-saving tips and tricks, this book empowers busy home cooks to make good food fast, using readily available ingredients.

Trust us, you will find yourself reaching for this cookbook again and again for its foolproof recipes.

Weeknight dinners, weekend brunches, and everything in between?

This is the book you need.

RecipeTin Eats Dinner – 150 Recipes for Fast, Everyday Meals

Price: $37.87

Or want dinner a lot easier?

Do it with the RecipeTin Eats Dinner cookbook.

This curation of dishes covers all your bases—from cheese-filled classics to fast and easy weeknight meals, plus twists on Mexican, French, and Italian staples.

Discover healthy dinner salads, Asian soups and noodles, and more, all with the RecipeTin Eats flair for readily available ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.

And the invaluable “What Do I Do With a Piece of…” chapter makes cooking protein a breeze.

With beautiful photography and Nagi Maehashi’s dedication to simple yet delicious recipes, this cookbook is a must-have for any home cook (or aspiring one).

Natasha’s Kitchen: 100+ Easy Family-Favorite Recipes You’ll Make Again and Again

Promo Price: $39.61

Natasha’s Kitchen is a culinary haven where home-cooked comfort meets global flavor.

This collection of over 100 trusted recipes from the creator of the website Natasha’s Kitchen will have you whipping up family-favorite meals with ease.

Natasha’s no-fuss approach means even novice cooks can master dishes like Lasagna, Zuppa Toscana, and the Ukrainian borscht.

Loaded with stories and tips from Natasha’s kitchen, this cookbook is for anyone seeking delicious recipes that will have your loved ones coming back for seconds.

Natasha’s Kitchen has you covered from breakfast to dessert.

The Complete One Pot: 400 Meals for Your Skillet, Sheet Pan, Instant Pot®, Dutch Oven, and More

Promo Price: $42.98

Dinner dilemmas, be gone!

This cookbook is your one-stop shop for simple, delicious meals made in a single pan.

These 400+ recipes leverage your favorite cookware to deliver big flavors with minimal cleanup.

Pick up time-saving strategies like staggering cooking times and whipping up no-cook sauces.

With more than 130 meals ready in 45 minutes or less, you can skip the dabao and enjoy homemade goodness any night of the week.

Whether it’s a Classic Arroz Con Pollo for two, feeding a crowd with Herbed Lamb Shoulder, or getting dinner on the table fast with Cod and Tabbouleh, this book has all the solutions to make mealtime a breeze.

The complete one-pot wonder for busy home cooks.

As you turn the final pages, you will not only have an arsenal of quick and easy recipes at your fingertips but also celebrate the joy of cooking without the strain on your disposable income. For under $44, these recipe books offer more than just meals but a new lifestyle that celebrates the “homemade.” So, stock your shelves, don your apron, and enjoy your recreations. Bon appetit!

Making sense of disposable and discretionary income in 2024

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between disposable income and discretionary income?

Most of us have heard the terms thrown around, but do we really understand what they mean?

If you don’t, don’t worry.

Allow us to break it down in simple terms so you can wrap your head around these two important money concepts.

Defining disposable income and discretionary income

Disposable income: Your take-home pay

After your employer deducts CPF contribution from your paycheck, the amount left over is your disposable income.

It’s what you have available to pay for necessities like rent, groceries, and utilities.

For example, if you earn $50,000 annually but pay $10,000 in income taxes, your disposable income is $40,000.

That $40,000 has to pay for essential costs of living before becoming discretionary income you can spend freely.

Discretionary income: For fun and recreation

Discretionary income is what’s left from your disposable income after paying for life’s necessities.

This money is discretionary—you have discretion over how to spend it.

You might spend discretionary income on hobbies, entertainment, vacations, or non-essential whatnot.

For example, if your disposable income is $40,000 and you spend $30,000 per year on rent, food, insurance, and other necessities, your discretionary income is $10,000.

You can allocate that $10,000 for dining out, streaming media services, gym memberships, or whatever recreational activities you enjoy.

Making the most of your disposable & discretionary income

Set a budget

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The first step is setting a budget to understand how much discretionary income you have to work with each month after paying for essentials.

Look at your income and expenses over the last few months to determine an average amount left over.

Make sure your budget accounts for both short- and long-term goals.

Prioritize essentials

Focus on needs before wants.

Pay for housing, food, transportation, and healthcare first.

Look for ways to cut costs on essentials through budgeting, meal planning, public transit, or insurance optimization.

Any money saved can be added to your discretionary fund.

Invest in yourself

Use some of your discretionary income for self-improvement to increase your earning potential.

Take a course to learn a new skill, get additional education or training, and build your professional network.

While these may seem like extra expenses now, they can pay off in the long run through career advancement, and pay increases.

Reward yourself

After budgeting for essentials and investing in your future, spend the remainder of your discretionary income on enjoyment.

Treat yourself to a nice meal out, tickets to your favorite concert, a vacation, hobbies, or other leisure activities that you find personally fulfilling.

You’ve earned it!

Now, you should have a decent understanding of the differences between disposable and discretionary income. Disposable income is how much you have left over after taxes and necessities. Discretionary income is how much you can spend on wants after needs are met. While related, they are calculated differently. Knowing the distinction helps you budget and make smarter money choices.

There’s a limited edition Dr.G x Inside Out 2 skincare range with an ongoing 1+1 promo until 14 June 2024

Olive Young’s latest collaboration is sure to stir up some joy—a limited edition skincare line in partnership with Dr.G, themed around <Inside Out 2>.

This exclusive collection merges the best of skincare science with your favorite animated emotions and it’s available for a short time only, with a 1+1 promo running until mid-June.

Dr.G pH Cleansing Red Blemish Clear Soothing Foam 150ml 1+1 Set

Promo Price: $24.51

First up, you will want to bid farewell to blemishes and say hello to soothed skin with the Dr.G pH Cleansing Red Blemish Clear Soothing Foam.

This gentle, yet effective cleanser tackles excess oil and acne-prone skin with a soft, creamy texture that won’t leave you feeling stripped or irritated.

Powered by a 5-CICA Complex and 8 types of Hyaluronic Acid, it hydrates and soothes even the angriest of breakouts, whether on your face or body.

Ditch the harsh scrubbing and let this pH-balanced formula do the work for you.

Dr.G Red Blemish Soothing Up Sun 50ml 1+1 Set

Promo Price: $26.93

Protect your sensitive skin with the Dr.G Red Blemish Soothing Up Sun 50ml 1+1 Set.

This moisturizing sunscreen delivers clinically tested SPF50+ PA++++ protection to shield your skin against harmful UV rays, infrared light, and environmental pollutants.

Formulated with Centella Asiatica-based CICA and 5 calming ingredients, this sunscreen helps alleviate heat-induced irritation and boosts moisture levels for a healthy complexion.

Dr.G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Toner 300ml 1+1 Set

Promo Price: $30.29

Dull, blemish-prone skin, meet your new best friend.

This Dr.G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Toner is a skincare superhero, gently sweeping away impurities while soothing and strengthening your complexion.

Powered by a 5-CICA Complex and nourishing African Aloe, this toner helps promote healthy cell turnover for a smoother glow.

Plus, plant-derived AHA and BHA work to remove excess oil and residue, leaving you with a clean, clear canvas for makeup.

With key barrier-boosting ingredients, this toner fortifies your skin’s natural defenses for lasting suppleness.

Dr.G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream 70ml 1+1 Set

Promo Price: $43.29

Last but not least, banish blemishes and restore skin’s radiance with the Dr.G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream.

This water-based formula feels refreshing and lightweight, never greasy.

Sensitive types, rejoice, for the gentle, CICA-infused blend calms redness and irritation for a happy glow.

And as a special bonus, this 1+1 set includes a color-changing emotion cup as a complimentary gift.

The Olive Young and Dr.G x <Inside Out 2> skincare range is not to be missed. Don’t miss out on the chance to grab your 1+1 promo that’s as appealing as it is fleeting (only until 14 June 2024). It’s time to give your skin the star treatment it deserves, with a touch of animated cheer from the <Inside Out 2> characters 🙂

Want to get a vehicle entry permit before entering Malaysia but don’t know how? Here’s what you need to know

Malaysia is making some changes for foreign vehicles entering the country from Singapore starting 1 October 2024.

From then on, all foreign-registered vehicles will need something called a vehicle entry permit, or VEP for short.

Their transport minister, Anthony Loke, announced this recently.

He said that any foreign vehicles caught entering or driving around Malaysia without one of these VEPs from October could be fined up to 2,000 Malaysian ringgit, which is around S$574.

Or the driver could face up to 6 months in jail.

If you don’t want to get into trouble, here’s a quick overview of what you need to know about getting one of these VEPs.

Do you need one?

You will need one if you own any type of foreign vehicle—personal cars, commercial vehicles, or even motorcycles registered in Singapore.

Even embassy and government vehicles have to get them.

To apply, either the vehicle owner or someone they authorize needs to register online at this website: vep.jpj.gov.my.

After making an account, you will get an email linking you to the VEP portal site to finish everything up.

Make sure you have the Touch N Go eWallet app set up on your phone first though.

Once logged in, you will upload documents like proof of insurance, your ID, and vehicle ownership papers.

Then you just wait for approval.

The relevant authorities will email you to choose your pickup—either by mail delivery or by collecting it yourself in Johor Bahru once everything is processed.

Image Credits: sgcarmart.com

How much and how do you make payment?

The tag itself costs about 10 Malaysian ringgit minus shipping/service fees.

Simply pay online using a credit card.

When you receive the tag, log back into the portal and acknowledge it.

Where to attach the tag?

Stick it either on the top left of your windshield or left headlight, at least 5 cm from any metal parts.

Snap a pic for them once it’s on and upload it to the VEP portal.

They will activate it and you’re all set!

What’s the tag for?

The tag lets you pay road tolls and such using RFID lanes linked to your eWallet account.

It lasts 5 years from activation.

Just remember vehicles can only stay 90 days max for each visit.

Oh, and the new system will help police track foreign vehicles that break traffic laws.

A few other final notes as we round this up:

The tag isn’t transferable between vehicles, so you will need a new one if you get a different car.
Update the portal if your vehicle gets sold.
Authorities usually replace faulty tags for free, otherwise, you will need to pay administrative fees if it’s stolen, lost, or damaged.

Defining disposable income and discretionary income

Making the most of your disposable & discretionary income

Do you need one?

How much and how do you make payment?

Where to attach the tag?

What’s the tag for?

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