5 Considerations to Make When Hiring a Domestic Helper in Singapore

There are nearly 250,000 foreign domestic workers in Singapore, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and the number is rising steadily. The high demand for helpers is not surprising, considering that many families need an extra pair of hands to run the household, especially if both parents are working and there are small children or elderly loved ones to look after.

Perhaps you are also contemplating hiring a live-in maid to relieve yourself of the physical and mental stress of having to juggle numerous household chores and your other important responsibilities. If so, you can’t take the decision lightly. After all, employing a stranger who will live with you and care for your family requires careful consideration. Before you contact a domestic helper agency to start the process of hiring a maid, you may want to consider the following factors first to help you make a decision you will not regret.

Costs

Hiring a domestic helper, particularly a maid who will be working in Singapore for the first time, has serious financial implications. You need money for agency fees, work permit application, foreign domestic worker levy, security bond, insurance, and many other expenses. You can expect to pay between SGD500 to over SGD2,000 when you first hire a maid. Besides these initial costs, you also need to allocate a portion of your income for your helper’s salary and additional groceries and utility expenses. In case of an accident or illness, you also have to shoulder her medical bills. Make sure to consider all these things to get a better understanding of whether employing a live-in maid makes good financial sense, given your family’s unique situation.

Your Living Situation

Aside from monetary considerations, you also need to think about your living situation. Do you have enough room in your home for your maid to have her own space? Are you comfortable letting somebody from another country with a different culture and set of values live with you? Although it will be helpful to have someone to help with cleaning and other household chores, remember that this person will be entering your private space. She will hear a lot of conversations and witness practically everything that goes on inside your home. You also have to exert effort to understand your maid’s cultural nuances and make a few adjustments to build a good relationship with her. Essentially, your home life will change to accommodate another person. As such, you should carefully ponder on whether you and your family are ready for these changes.

Your Responsibilities

As an employer, you have the responsibility to pay your helper on time, provide adequate food and lodging, and create an environment that is conducive to domestic work—but your duties do not end here. Because your maid will perform many essential tasks that impact the overall well-being of your entire family, you should care for her as well. Besides being polite and kind, you should be willing to provide necessary assistance to ensure that she is healthy and happy to perform her work responsibilities. You may even need to make special accommodations if you have different religious beliefs, like in terms of dietary restrictions or prayer hours. Are you open to making such compromises? Hiring a live-in maid undoubtedly has multiple perks, but you should be ready to take on the responsibility of looking after a foreign worker as well.

Type of Helper

You also need to identify your needs before hiring a domestic helper so that you’ll have a better idea about the type of helper to employ. Start by listing down all the tasks that you need your helper to do. Go through the list again to see whether the workload is reasonable for just one person to handle. If you cannot perform all the chores you enumerated yourself, consider adjusting the workload. Once you have a sensible list of tasks, the next step will be to determine which skills are of the highest importance to you. For example, if your primary concern is your school-aged children, you may want to hire someone who has experience in childcare and can help with homework more than a helper who is talented in cooking. Ultimately, you can readily find a suitable domestic helper if you have a clear understanding of your family’s needs and priorities.

Maid Agency

The maid agency you will partner with is another factor you need to consider when hiring a domestic helper. Instead of merely relying on advertisements or choosing an agency nearest to you, you may want to do a bit of research yourself to find a reputable service provider. For one, the agency should be licensed by MOM and accredited by relevant authorities. You may also want to check the track record of the employment agency you are eyeing on the MOM website. You can also read client reviews or ask your relatives or friends with maids for recommendations. At the end of the day, you should do your due diligence to ensure that you will pick out a reputable maid agency that will protect your interests.

You may not realise it, but you are essentially outsourcing your important household duties when you employ a domestic helper. She will live with your family to help you manage your home and care for the people you love so you can focus on other essential responsibilities. That said, hiring a live-in maid requires careful consideration. Think about every aspect of employing a helper before hiring one. And when you decide that your family is ready to commit, be sure to take your time finding the right maid agency that will source the ideal person for the job.

 

Read More...

6 Clever Tricks To Help Singaporeans Spend Less On Groceries

Perfecting your grocery budget can help you make serious contributions to your savings. Best of all? Saving on groceries does not have to mean skipping on delicious meals or depriving yourselves of quality produce. Read the following backs before you complete your grocery shopping trip.

#1: BRING A SHOPPING LIST

Whether you want to write down your grocery list on a piece of paper or bring a portable list through a mobile app, you can save time and money by sticking to this list. Free apps such as rShopping List (available on Android) and AnyList (available iOS & Android) let you create customizable lists to help you avoid unnecessary purchases. Some of these apps have built-in calculators too! Use this app to help you split the list when shopping with friends or family members.

#2: SHOP WITH A BASKET

Believe it or not, study showed that consumers tend to spend 40% more money than usual when the size of their shopping carts were doubled. Simply put, people tend to feel more comfortable with filling up trolleys due to its larger size. Trick yourself to narrow down what you need by carrying a basket instead. It may be easier to push a trolley but carrying a basket can help you spend less time and money in the supermarket. What’s more? You can enjoy a free arm workout.

#3: FIND CHEAPER-PRICED ITEMS

Supermarkets strategically put their pricier and popular items at the eye-level so you can get tempted easily. Next time you shop, give yourself the opportunity to comprehensively look at the shelves from top to bottom. While you are at the fresh meats section, filter through the displays to spot the reduced-price items. These packaged meats may be on the display for a few days, but they are still good for the same-day cooking.

#4: LOOK AROUND

Since every aspect of the grocery stores are meant to entice you to buy more, you must not buy the first brand you see. Chances are, products in the lower shelves are of the same quality, but they are cheaper. House brands are typically placed there. Moreover, fresh milks that expire next week are usually hidden behind the carton that expires tomorrow. Feel free to look around.

#5: BUY A WHOLE CHICKEN

A fresh whole chicken retails for about S$6 at the supermarket, whereas buying separate parts of the chicken can cost twice that amount. So, do not be afraid to cut the whole chicken by yourself. There are useful and free tutorials on YouTube. All you need is a sharp knife!

#6: EARN CASH BACK REBATES

Whether you are living with your kids or by yourself, groceries can cause a huge dent to your wallet. Since they are essentials, you cannot exactly cut down so much on the costs. However, you can still get cash rebates.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If you have a grocery credit card, you can earn cash back rebates whenever you shop.  While some cards can help you save money on Giant, others can increase your savings at NTUC FairPrice or Sheng Siong. Get the best grocery credit card that suits your needs and your grocery preferences to save up to 8%!

Sources: 1 & 2

 

Read More...

S’Pore Yuletide Shopping Do’s & Don’ts

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Whether you are figuring out how to dodge awkward questions from your relatives or are planning your gift list, this article can help you navigate through the maze of holiday campaigns and attractive sales. Remember, the Yuletide shopping season will be even more cutthroat than the last. You best come prepared!

#1: SHOP SAFELY

Are you excited drop by the Orchard Road? When shopping at the mall, look for stores or businesses that offer safety precautions for its customers and staff. These precautions include enforcing face mask policy, offering hand sanitizers at the entrance, encouraging social distancing, and providing contact-free payment options. Do you part in keeping the community safe by staying at home or by refraining from shopping if you feel unwell.

#2: SHOP AHEAD OF TIME

The massive growth of online shopping and deliveries will likely put an additional strain on the logistics that are already reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. Many customers have come to expect shipping delays over the past months, but these delays could become worse during the last few months of the year. Not to mention, the effect of the Yuletide season.

Thus, it is best to shop ahead of time. Plan your gift giving list and complete your Yuletide shopping. You can also opt for the store pick-up option. Some retailers such as Samsung and Uniqlo Singapore help alleviate shipping delays by offering the store pick-up option. Customers may purchase the goods online and pick them up in the store to avoid waiting for deliveries.

#3: DO NOT FORGET TO CHECK THE PRICES

Despite your best intentions, the perfect gift may come with a hefty price tag. If you find that a gift can blow your budget, you may use your smartphone to check whether there are better deals elsewhere. Look into websites that post deals such as Money Digest or go to price comparison websites like iPrice.

#4: CREATE A GAME PLAN

Avoid biting into the holiday temptations by creating a game plan before you complete your Christmas or New Year shopping. Make a list of the gifts that you need to buy for the people whom you love the most. Weigh whether you can purchase these gifts online or in-store.

By equipping yourself with a list, you will be able to navigate through the busy malls. If you still have trouble resisting items that are not on your list, consider leaving your credit cards at home. Bring enough cash for your purchases.

#5: DO NOT MAX OUT YOUR CARDS

Your credit card utilization rate is a vital part of your credit score. It refers to how much you currently owe divided by your credit limit. Thus, you must use your credit card wisely to prevent damage to your credit score. Do not get us wrong! It is understandable to have a higher balance over the holidays. However, please try to keep your utilization rate as low as possible. You can either spend less money, use cash for small purchases, or make multiple credit cards payments in a month.

#6: ENSURE ONLINE SECURITY

It is important to educate yourself about shopping securely, given that many people have experienced data breaches over the past years. Monitor your credit and financial accounts regularly and exercise caution when submitting your personal information. Is it secure to provide your credit cards details over the phone? Can you click a random link sent through your spam folder? Be careful!

By proactively guarding your identity and sensitive information, you may be able to prevent fraud from ruining your holidays.

#7: DO NOT SPEND MORE THAN WHAT YOU HAVE

Do not let the flashy advertisements and the pressures of the season to tempt you to go into debt. The holidays can still be a joyous season even if you do not have gifts for everyone. If you do not have enough money for gifts, there is no shame in giving homemade gifts or being present in the celebration. Sometimes, the best gift is spending quality time with the ones you love.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

May these Yuletide spending tips help you survive the season with your wallet still intact!

Sources: 1 & 2

 

Read More...

7 Tips for Achieving Mind-Body Balance

Health is not merely the absence of diseases; it is a state of optimal well-being and wholeness. This includes the food you eat, the relationships you build, the jobs you fulfill, and your life experiences.

Aiming for balance in your mind, body, and soul is a good place to start. Below are seven ways to help you begin the process.

#1: AVOID SITTING FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME

Given our current situation, many Singaporeans are working from home. Try to stand or walk around while you work. Take a few minutes to refresh your mind and body. Sitting for extended periods of time was linked to diabetes and heart diseases.

#2: READ AND LEARN MORE

Learning does not stop once you get out of school. Open your mind to new possibilities by taking online classes, reading books, watching documentaries, and attending workshops. Cultivate a heart that yearns for lifelong learning.

#3: MEDITATE ON A DAILY BASIS

Meditation improves concentration, memory, mood, sleep, and creativity. All it takes is a few minutes per day to start reaping its benefits. You may even ask your friends to partake in a 30-Day Meditation Challenge with you.

#4: EXERCISE REGULARLY

Apart from meditation, regular exercise offers benefits for both your mind and body. A complete fitness plan includes exercises to develop cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, and flexibility. Get at least 15 to 30 minutes of moderate to fast-paced exercises each day.

#5: DISCONNECT FROM TECHNOLOGY

Our society heavily depends on technology such as laptops and smartphones. Our busy lifestyles glued to our devices can cause detrimental effects on our overall health. Which is why people are tapping into the concept of mindfulness. Try unplugging for the weekend. Start by giving yourself an hour of mindfulness (i.e., no devices allowed).

#6: TAKE A RESTFUL SLEEP

Restful sleep is vital to having energy and optimal well-being. Take a restful sleep of about 7 hours per night. When you are well-rested, you can approach stressful situations in a calmer manner.

#7: CREATE LOVING RELATIONSHIPS

Research showed that a good social network has numerous physical and mental health benefits. Social support can keep you from feeling isolated, inadequate, or lonely. Your friends and family can give you advice on how to manage your problems.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

 

Read More...

Best Places To Get Plant-Based Meat Alternatives In Singapore

Over the weekend, I had the chance to meet up with a childhood friend. With her contagious personality and unwavering enthusiasm, she encouraged me to try the plant-based options at Starbucks. You read that right! Starbucks, of all places, introduced me to the wonderful world of plant-based meat alternatives.

To my surprise, the dish resembled the flavors and texture of the real meat. I expressed how eager I am to try another plant-based dish and my friend said: “If you think about it, meat primarily gets its taste from its herbs and spices.” My curiosity grew and I began to search for other vegan creations offered by restaurants and supermarkets in Singapore.

Through the innovation of companies and startups, the vegan scene is thriving with its amazing plant-based meat products. Read this article for the best brads and where to find them.

#1: IMPOSSIBLE FOODS

When the well-renowned plant-based meats by Impossible Foods graced our sunny shores in 2019, it won the hearts of many with its beef-like flavor and texture. Two years later, it became a center of many dishes such as burgers, pizzas, and even curry puffs.

Image Credits: facebook.com/ImpossibleFoods

Craving for the OG plant-based meats? Satisfy your hunger with Impossible Foods’ selection at FairPrice, Cold Storage, or RedMart. Its Impossible Beef (340g) retails for S$11.90 at these stores.

Website: impossiblefoods.com

#2: QUORN

Let us move the spotlight from California’s Impossible Foods to United Kingdom’s Quorn. Quorn sells a wide variety of vegetarian meat products including vegan fish fingers, crispy nuggets, burgers, sausages, and more. Their products are made from a fermented protein that is derived from the fungus that grows in soil.

Image Credits: facebook.com/Quornfoods

What separates Quorn from the rest is its competitive prices. For instance, a 336g packet of Quorn Sausages retails for just S$6 on RedMart. Quorn is available at most supermarkets including Cold Storage and FairPrice.

Website: quorn.sg

#3: IKEA

Let’s face it! Many Singaporeans drop by IKEA to eat their Swedish meatballs rather than to buy a list of furniture. Instead of braving the crowds, you can taste their plant-based alternative at the safety of your own home. Take home a frozen bag of plant balls for S$8.50 (12 pieces), S$10.50 (16 pieces), or S$12.50 (20 pieces). These plant balls are made of nourishing ingredients such as yellow pea protein, oats, and potatoes.

Image Credits: Lara Isabella Parry via facebook.com

Visually, these plant balls resemble the Swedish meatballs. Order a plate of 8 plant balls with mashed potato and mixed vegetable for S$6.50 to see for yourself!

Website: ikea.com

#4: BEYOND MEAT

From beef patties to ground beef, you can easily recreate your favorite meal dish with the plant-based meats offered by Beyond Meat. Australian company Beyond Meat’s plant-based products not only look and taste like meat, but they also cook in a similar fashion. Best of all? All their products are made without gluten or soy.

Image Credits: facebook.com/beyondmeat

Beyond Meat products are available at the local restaurants such as Porta and Wolf Burgers and supermarkets such as FairPrice, Cold Storage, and RedMart. Grab a 453g pack of minced beef for S$19.95 at FairPrice or S$19.67 at RedMart.

Website: beyondmeat.com

BOTTOMLINE

These plant-based meat substitutes can affect your wallet, your body, and the environment. Sticking with non-processed food like vegetables, grains, nuts, fruits, and tofu can help you save more money as meats tend to be relatively expensive. Incorporating these plant-based meats to your diet can affect your budget too depending on your frequency of cooking and your brand of choice. Plan your meals wisely.

At the end of the day, items made with plants are nutritious and versatile. Do not be afraid to explore other vegan options in Singapore!

Sources: 1, 2, 3

Read More...