Coronavirus Shopping List: Important Things To Buy During CB

We are living in extraordinary times. Since many Singaporeans have ample amounts of supplies before the Circuit Breaker (CB) period started, you probably have what you need inside your home already. There is no reason for you to crazy and hoard items on the grocery shelves. There are more vulnerable consumers such as elderly and people with auto-immune diseases that may need supplies right now.

Think about other people apart from yourself. Take what you need and save some for the rest. On that note, here are the essential items to purchase during CB period.

#1: CANNED GOODS

Canned goods are staple items to stock up on during emergencies. If kept at a room temperature, canned goods may last decades. While you will not need a canned item to last you that long, we do not know how long this pandemic will last. It is best that we stay prepared. Buy canned goods that have fish, veggies, and fruits in them. This is a great way to ensure that you are still consuming vital minerals and vitamins.

#2: PET FOOD

The same can be said for your pets. Ensure that you have sufficient pet supplies to last you for a month. Do you need to purchase grooming supplies or extra litter boxes? You can get creative by cooking your own pet food too.

#3: DRY GOODS

Aside from canned goods, dry goods can last a long time in your pantry. Dry goods include pasta, cereal, rice, nuts, and beans. You can easily throw these things to a pot and cook.

#4: DRINKS

My father cannot live without his trusty energy drink. If you need an energy drink or a caffeine fix to boost your day, you will have to stock up your supply. The amount of drinking supply that you will purchase depends on how frequently you consume it. You know your habits the best. It is a good idea to brew tea or coffee at home too.

#5: SOAP

Hand sanitizers are scarce in all parts of the world. If you are isolated by yourself or are quarantined with your family, there is no need to carry one all the time. All you need is to religiously wash your hands with soap and water. You can kills the coronavirus through scrubbing for at least 30 seconds. Experts agree that cleansing with soap and water is the best option!

#6: EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

You cannot go to the gym since fitness centers and parks are closed. However, you can still pick up a mat or a dumbbell and complete a set of exercise inside your home. Look through YouTube for free exercises that will heighten your mood. Personally, I like to follow dance and yoga tutorials.

#7: ENERGY BARS

Whether you call it protein or energy bars, these bars can help you fell well enough to go out for a quick run. You can also snack on these ready-to-go snacks after a grocery run or while you are watching Netflix at home.

#8: FROZEN FOOD

A lot of frozen food does not last forever – much like relationships. You do not want to waste your time, money, and efforts. Purchase enough supplies that will incorporate frozen fruits, frozen veggies, and frozen meat. You can buy chicken breast and ground beef. These can be added to soup or rice. For frozen fruits, you may purchase peaches and mangoes. These are rich sources of Vitamin C. Lastly, you may consider frozen spinach, broccoli, peas, and carrots.

#9: POPCORN AND CHIPS

If you are going to be inside the home for two weeks, chances are you will be watching plenty of shows on Netflix, YouTube, and Toggle. Buy several boxes of microwaveable popcorn and several bags of chips, if you like to make it the old-fashioned “cinema” way.

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Singtel GOMO Is Giving You 30GB Extra Data For Only $10 So You Can Go Online More Often During This CB Period

Go Online More Often at home during this Circuit Breaker period

During this Circuit Breaker period, everyone’s connected online to work, study, workout, while staying at home. A strong and reliable internet connection is important, and with so many devices logged onto your WiFi bandwidth, it’s time to consider getting a big data, no contract, SIM only plan to further supplement your usage. That’ll also mean no more fretting if you realise you forgot to turn on WiFi on your mobile phone while binging on the latest Netflix series!

Don’t get caught without Internet again. Meet GOMO by Singtel – one of the most affordable, value for money and no-contract SIM only plans in the market today. You can choose from 2 options – 20GB for $20, or their all new, limited time only, 50GB for $30 ‘Close the Circuit’ Pop-Up Plan!

What’s more, GOMO is giving their users unlimited data-free WhatsApp messaging for this Circuit Breaker period, till 7 Jul 2020. That means data for all the text, images, videos and voice messages you send on WhatsApp will be automatically waived during this period!

Here are more reasons why it is often considered the #1 SIM Only plan in the market:

What is GOMO by Singtel?

ID 171378783 © Roman Kosolapov | Dreamstime.com

GOMO by Singtel is an all-digital, no-contract, SIM only plan. Their base plan consists of 20GB, 200 SMS and 200 mins, free incoming calls & caller ID for $20. Being on Singtel’s 4G also means you stream on Singapore’s fastest and widest network – giving you the best bang for your buck with big data and fast, reliable, internet connection.

There is no excess or pay-per-use charges to this plan. There are also no SIM or registration fees, and you enjoy FREE same day delivery right to your doorstep. And if you missed it above, there’s data-free WhatsApp messaging till 7 Jul 2020.

If 20GB is not enough, GOMO has just launched a new, limited time only ‘Close the Circuit’ Pop-up Plan giving 50GB for only $30, to cater to bigger data needs. How this works is simple, enter in promo code BINGE50 when you check out. What’s more, this plan is forever – you’d get to enjoy 50GB as long as you are on GOMO!

Hurry, snap up this flash sale by 31 May!

Tap On Singapore’s #1 Network

Ever felt frustrated with your network connection and found yourself scolding your phone as you’re waiting to load your webpage or stream the next IG story? Even with 100GB or unlimited data, your experience will still be subpar, if your network connection is not fast enough.

This is where the mobile operator comes into play, an important factor that may be easily overlooked. Here’s GOMO’s edge over the rest – on top of offering big, affordable data, they are also backed by Singtel 4G, Singapore’s fastest & widest network. Based on Tutela February 2020 Annual report & IMDA 2019 4G Outdoor Mobile Service Coverage Measurement Results, Singtel is ranked:

  1. #1 in Consistency
  2. #1 in Download speed
  3. #1 for Widest Coverage for 19 consecutive quarters

(See more at www.singtel.com/4G)

This should be an important factor in your consideration set of a mobile plan.

Rewards with the GOMO Pass

Exclusive only to GOMO users, access GOMO Pass from the GOMO App to enjoy over 40 curated hyperlocal deals and rewards across the region (Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines).

During this Circuit Breaker, they have curated online deals for Food, Entertainment and Shopping to keep you entertained while you stay home.

Key rewards include:

  • Food Panda – Get $7 OFF all orders (coming soon)
  • Zalora – 22% OFF for all new & existing customers
  • Shopee – 10% OFF for new customers
  • Dash – 5% cashback on your first transaction of the month when you pay with Singtel Dash at Sheng Shiong/Fairprice/ Cheers/Lazada
  • SPH – Free access to digital magazines for 3 months
  • Singtel CAST – Free preview on 30 channels for 3 months

More deals can be found on gomo.sg/promotions

And when we all can travel again after this is all over… Get Out with GOMO!

Because GOMO has the best roaming plans in town! And we’re not kidding.

Opt for GOMO’s Roam Like A Local plan where you will get 100GB of roaming data from just $5 in Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines. That’s like getting data at the rates of the local prepaid cards, without the hassle of airport queues and changing out your SIM card.

If you’re travelling to multiple destinations instead, you get greater value for money by opting for the Roam More Destinations plan which costs $10 for 1GB across 10 countries for 30 days. Perfect for island hopping!

Psst, just for you Money Digest readers. We’re giving you an exclusive deal – sign up with promo code GET30 and get 50GB* for $20! That’s FREE 30GB. *Valid for first 35 days. Only for new signs ups or when you switch to GOMO from another telco. Hurry, promo ends 31 May.

 

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Tuition is a long-term investment.

For decades, parents have found themselves weighing up the pros and cons of higher education. They have hesitated before encouraging their children to pursue a degree, questioning whether the value they might get out of a university education will ever actually outweigh the fees of attending that college – and whether it will justify life-long debt. But the reality is that tuition is unequivocally a long-term investment and when evaluating the return on investment into a higher education, there should be no doubt it will always generate far more value in a person’s life than it costs them. If you are still in the pre-liminary stages of whether higher ed is for you, here are a few reasons why you should go ahead and enroll:

It’s not what you know, but who you know (actually, it’s both)

Attending a college or University can provide students with valuable connections who may help them get a job later in life and that’s why you should strongly consider attending after high school because it will help you get your foot up in your career. Even if a student fails educationally while at college, one friendship or introduction could lead them to a career opportunity they wouldn’t otherwise have.

Better job prospects

On the same note, universities typically do all they can to make graduates employable by responding to changing workforce demands and customising university courses so that they help produce students perfectly suited to the markets’ needs. For example, accelerating digital change is one major global phenomenon that universities know will dictate the future of the workplace. In fact, the McKinsey Global Institute estimates half of current work activities could be automated using existing technology, and so universities are increasingly changing the way in which they teach to ensure students keep up with changing technologies. Universities also often embed work experience into the curriculum to prepare graduates for life after college. Given how competitive the workplace is today, especially in light of Covid-19, the more an applicant can demonstrate that they are perfectly suited to a job, the better.

Improved self confidence

There is much evidence to support the idea that attending a respectable university will lead to increased confidence in the students attending it, simply because it helps them to recognise they are a worthy and valuable member of society, with the world their oyster. As opposed to retreating into their own world and potentially becoming an antisocial recluse, students at university tend to relate better with their peers, and later on with the outside world. This in turn tends to translate into better jobs, since interpersonal skills are considered a key asset in recruitment today. Part of building this self-esteem, though, is about succeeding in one’s scholarly pursuits – and here is the catch. Sometimes, it is necessary to invest a little more in private tuition during one’s university years, to ensure that the educational experience is maximised.

However, long before you are able to attend college, you need to have the appropriate qualifications. For instance, if you are planning to study finance, marketing or other economy related courses, you might require economics tuition. It is very important to make sure you get the help you need so that you are able to realize your dreams of going to university. Furthermore, experts in their field are a choice investment in your children’s education. The value of their tuition is not merely that they help students secure high grades but also truly coaching them in thinking skills, and helping them to see the applicability of the economic concepts to making important life decisions as well as training them with a business or entrepreneurial mindset.

 

 

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Telltale Signs That You’re Financially Unstable

Your sense of stability will be at its peak at the age of 40. During this phase, you will get more control on your finances and your family plans. You may prioritize your child’s education and sustain the needs of 3 people in your household. On the flip-side, being financially stable in your 20s is a rare sight!

It is terrifying to navigate through the adult world while being confused with will happen next. Sometimes, you think you have plenty of money to spare. The next minute, you feel that you need to call your mom or dad for help. This stage of instability can last up to your 30s.

Relax. You are not alone. For a friendly warning and healthy awareness, here are the telltale signs that you are not doing financially well.

999. WHAT’S YOUR EMERGENCY?

It comes as no surprise that you will borrow a small amount of money while you are applying for a job. Sometimes, you may ask for a little help too. However, if you have your parents on speed dial as your financial helpline, you are in a sticky situation.

Your parents may not be able to support your financial needs all they time as they are going through another phase of their lives – retirement. It is seemingly embarrassing to rely on your parents when you have no cash left as an adult. Hence, you need to do your best not to be an added weight to your parents.

YOU BETTER HAVE MY MONEY!

With red markings on your calendar, you saw that #PAYDAY is two days down the line. You keep on waiting for this day to come. You have not gotten your salary yet, but you have numerous plans on how to spend your money. Do you want to hangout with your friends at the pub? Do you want to purchase the designer bag online? You have no worries! You got plenty of money. At least, that was what you thought.

Seven days after your payday, you are already regretting most of the things that you have done. Why didn’t you spend your money wisely? You should have kept some of your money in your investment portfolio. Now, you are wondering how you will get through the week with only S$50 on your pocket.

PAY ME WHAT YOU OWE ME!

It is your creditor’s phone operator again. The operator is calling to remind you about your unpaid credit card bills. You think you are responsible just by carrying a credit card? You think you will only use it for emergencies? Think again!

As you get comfortable with swiping your expenses on your plastic card, you will be able to widen the scope of your shopping categories. After two to three months, you will notice that you will feel safe to swipe your card when purchasing new clothes and when eating out. Online shopping? It is easy with a credit card!

Your bill arrives and you feel horrific! You are wondering where you can borrow money to pay for all your bills.

WHAT SAVINGS?

You are in a financially unstable place if you do not have a savings account. A payroll account does not count! It is essential for working adults to have a separate savings account to create an emergency fund.

People typically see the value of a savings account after being caught in a financial mess with no emergency funds or no one else to run to. Taking loans or cash advances can incur more debt in the future.

THE FUTURE IS NOT NEAR

You are not thinking about your retirement. Retirement? Yes. You are too young for this. You have your lives ahead of you. But, time is in your hands. Use its power to create a wealthy retirement fund.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You do not want to beg people for money 30 to 40 years down the road. Being financially stable is a lot of hard work, but you can achieve that by planning and spending wisely. Reach your financial goals in a slow and steady pace.

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Important Benefits Of Life Insurance

Say you are a breadwinner to a family of three. You are happy to sustain the needs of your family. Suddenly, you caught the coronavirus bug. What will you do? You can no longer go to work! You cannot fulfill your work from home duties either.

Fortunately for you, you decided to purchase a life insurance policy prior to this event. Your critical illness is covered. Apart from that, how can life insurance help you in the future?

Firstly, there are two types of insurance such as whole life and term insurance. The latter is cheaper than the former. I will get to that later. Nonetheless, life insurance serves as your protection for unforeseen events, your shield for medical emergencies, and your extend relief after retirement.

The difference between whole life and term insurance is the amount of money you will have to put inside and the amount of money you will get back. Both policies provide protection in the event of total permanent disability and death.

Term insurance, true to its name, provides you with protection only for a fixed period of time (such as 20 to 30 years). The plan expires after the given term. If nothing happens to you and you do not make the claim, you get nothing. On the other and, whole life insurance covers you until you die. This is as long as you pay your premiums.

PROTECTION FOR UNFORESEEN EVENTS

Ensure that you will be able to support the needs of your surviving family with life insurance. When the income earner dies, there is a significant impact for the surviving family. There are possibilities when a survivor can provide for the rest of the family’s needs as well, but it is better to be prepared.

Keep the impact of death to minimum and provide your surviving family members with a source of income by arranging your life insurance plan.

SHIELD FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Whether you are single or married, having an emergency fund is vital to your life. You will never know when bad events such as this pandemic will occur.

Getting life insurance and having emergency funds are the best way to be ready for any emergencies. It will not only assure you but it will also prevent you from having an empty pocket when you drown in an unfortunate situation.

Some people might say that getting life insurance is like getting ready for your funeral. However, you may look at it as a means to prepare yourself for survival.

RELIEF FOR RETIREMENT

Using the cash value of your life insurance policy allows you to have an additional financial support once you retire.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You may also use this money to indulge yourself, after you retire. Just ensure that you work within your means.

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