MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

Budget-Friendly Ways to Save Cash on Your Wedding Gown

Your wedding gown is one of the most iconic and memorable pieces of your big day. But the truth is, it doesn’t have to break the bank to look fabulous.

Consider these smart, budget-friendly ideas to keep your wedding gown expenses in check:

#1: BUY READY-TO-WEAR GOWNS

The cost of a custom-made gown can soar into the thousands, especially when factoring in designer labels. But there’s an easier, more affordable route: ready-to-wear dresses. Bridal shops in Singapore offer beautiful ready-to-wear options that are often much more affordable than bespoke gowns. Some well-known bridal shops in Singapore that offer affordable ready-to-wear options include Love, Bonito Bridal, The Wedding Scoop, and Sing See Soon Bridal.

For instance, I found my dream dress for just S$280 and had it altered to fit perfectly for S$50. Plus, you save time and energy in the process, because there is no need for multiple fittings!

#2: DO YOUR RESEARCH

When it comes to wedding gowns, narrowing down your style preferences ahead of time can save you a lot more than just time. Take the time to research different styles online, and look at real weddings, bridal magazines, and Pinterest boards. Personally, I was initially drawn to A-line and corset gowns.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Knowing exactly what you want allows you to focus on dresses that fit your style, eliminating the temptation to overspend on something you don’t need. Bridal gown stores often feature off-the-rack styles that are equally gorgeous but without the high price.

#3: CONSIDER REUSING GOWNS

If there’s one wedding trend that’s both sentimental and sustainable, it’s wearing a relative’s or friend’s gown. While it may seem unconventional, passing down a wedding dress has become a beautiful tradition.

Whether it’s your mother’s vintage gown or a friend’s dress with special meaning, wearing a reused gown adds an extra layer of love to your big day. A quick trip to the tailor to update the fit or make minor modifications can make it feel fresh, and you can always add personal touches like a sash or new accessories to make it your own. For instance, I rented my reception gown for a day for only S$24!

#4: SHOP ONLINE FOR SALES

Online shopping offers an array of dresses that often come with a significant discount, especially during sales events. Be sure to check for end-of-season sales or Black Friday or Cyber Monday promotions.

Websites like ASOS, Shopee, and Zalora offer a wide variety of affordable bridal gowns with both contemporary and classic styles. Apart from these websites, you may check out The Wedding Bazaar and Shopbop. The best part? Shopping from the comfort of your home!

IN A NUTSHELL

Wedding gowns are undoubtedly a special part of your celebration, but it doesn’t have to come with a price tag that haunts you for years to come. Remember, it’s not about how much you spend—it’s about how amazing you feel on your big day.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

6 moisturizing body lotions from $16 to buy if you want “atas” alternatives from drugstore ones

Time to upgrade to a more “atas” body lotion this year?

We’ve got you covered with some options priced from $16.

Here are our top picks:

Sephora Collection Scented Moisturizing Body Lotion

Price: $16

Surrender to the allure of cherry blossoms with this pampering body lotion.

Its fast-absorbing formula melts into the skin while leaving behind a soft, sheer fragrance that whispers of springtime; the sweet floral scent transports you to that first bloom.

Plus the vegan, 96% natural formula coddles your skin with nourishing botanicals.

The bottle itself is crafted using 43% recycled plastic, part of Sephora’s commitment (and yours too!) to sustainability.

Rare Beauty Find Comfort Hydrating Body Lotion

Promo Price: $24

Rare Beauty’s Find Comfort Hydrating Body Lotion quenches dry skin with up to 24 hours of moisture.

A nutrient-infused blend of niacinamide, peach flower, and ashwagandha soothes, firms, and revives skin’s healthy radiance.

Plus, the lotion envelops you in a lightweight, non-greasy caress, leaving nothing but softness behind.

As the warm, cozy scent embraces you, marvel at how such a luxurious experience can multitask so hard—improving tone and texture with each vitamin-packed application.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Inulin Body Lotion

Price: $30

Why opt for heavy, greasy moisturizers that leave your skin feeling suffocated?

This lightweight body lotion is a breath of fresh air for all skin types, delivering hydration without clogging pores.

You will love its moisturizing factors—including urea, PCA, and amino acids—that mimic your skin’s hydrating superstars to attract and lock in moisture from within.

Inulin joins the party as a prebiotic superhero, working to support your skin’s precious microbiome and strengthen its natural moisture barrier.

Sephora Collection Resurfacing Body Lotion 12HR Hydration

Price: $32

Smooth skin days lie ahead with this creamy resurfacing body lotion with a pleasant fragrance, your shortcut to an enviably refined complexion.

Its gentle formula harnesses a 9% blend of AHAs and PHAs that slough away dull, dry cells to reveal a silky soft “new skin” effect.

Hyaluronic acid coats every last inch of your body in 12 hours of hydration.

Best yet, it’s a conscious choice, with 94% naturally derived ingredients and a vegan formula free of animal-derived nasties.

Caudalie Vinotherapist Hyaluronic Nourishing Body Lotion

Price: $36

Let Caudalie’s Vinotherapist Hyaluronic Nourishing Body Lotion turn your daily moisturizing ritual right with its lightweight formula, a hydration heavyweight, rewarding skin with hyaluronic acid and shea butter to replenish and lock in precious moisture.

The fresh, non-greasy texture glides on and absorbs in seconds, leaving behind only touchably soft, supple skin.

Infused with antioxidant grapeseed polyphenols, the 98% natural formula helps fortify your complexion against premature aging while scenting your body with the aroma of orange blossoms.

Drunk Elephant Sili™ Body Lotion

Price: $36

Lastly, we have this supercharged body lotion featuring a nutrient-dense mix of plant oils, butters, and moisture magnets like squalane.

Amino acids join the hydration party, strengthening the skin’s defenses while a reparative ceramide complex restores the barrier that environmental stressors have depleted.

But that’s just the start.

A bounty of antioxidant-rich pulps—kakadu plum, mango, and banana—also forms a protective shield against free radicals.

How to Prevent and Manage Influenza Abroad

Barbie Hsu, the Taiwanese actress best known for her role in Meteor Garden, has passed away at 48 due to pneumonia caused by influenza complications. Her sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed the news through her agent on Monday, February 3.

Reports indicate that Barbie contracted influenza-induced pneumonia while on a family trip to Japan, highlighting the serious risks associated with the flu, especially while traveling.

UNDERSTANDING INFLUENZA

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. The virus can also linger on surfaces, making it easy to contract through touch.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

There are three main types of influenza viruses:

Influenza A & B – Responsible for seasonal outbreaks and epidemics. Influenza A tends to cause more severe cases and complications.
Influenza C – Less common and typically results in milder symptoms.

While anyone can get the flu, certain groups are at higher risk of complications, including:

a. Young children under five years old
b. Elderly individuals
c. People with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Flu symptoms usually develop suddenly and can include:

High fever
Sore throat, runny or stuffy nose
Persistent cough
Muscle aches and fatigue
Headache and chills
Loss of appetite
Image Credits: unsplash.com
In severe cases, influenza can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, ear infections, or even meningitis.

PREVENTION

Before Your Trip
a. Get a flu vaccine. It is the most effective way to reduce your risk.
b. Strengthen your immune system with a balanced diet, vitamins, and sufficient rest.
c. Purchase travel insurance that covers hospital expenses in case of illness abroad.

While Traveling
a. Stay hydrated to support your immune system.
b. Prioritize rest and sleep to allow your body to recover.
c. Carry fever reducers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
d. Use steam therapy, such as sitting in a steamy bathroom or drinking warm tea, to relieve congestion.
e. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.
f. Wear a mask in crowded areas like airports and public transportation.

Flu Treatment
If you experience severe symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Antiviral medications such as Tamiflu, Xofluza, and Relenza can help shorten the duration of the illness and prevent complications. In serious cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

IN A NUTSHELL

Traveling should be an enjoyable experience, not disrupted by illness. Taking preventive measures and knowing how to manage flu symptoms can help ensure a safe and healthy trip.

Take care of your health and travel with confidence.

Sources: 1 ,2,3, & 4

First-Time Bill-Paying Guide for Young Singaporeans

Stepping into adulthood comes with its share of firsts—your first paycheck, first apartment, and yes, the dreaded first experience of paying bills. Don’t worry, though. With a little organization and some smart strategies, you can manage this like a pro.

Let’s break it down step by step, with some relatable tips along the way!

#1: ORGANIZE YOUR BILLS

When Marcus and his wife got their first flat, they found himself drowning in unopened envelopes and emails about utilities, rent, and more. Their solution? A master list of all the bills, split into two categories: automatic payments and those that needed manual attention.

Take a leaf out of their book. Start by listing out your recurring expenses including rent or mortgage, utilities, car loans, insurance, and even those sneaky subscription services. Next, prioritize them by due dates and importance. Not only will this save you from late fees, but it also keeps your finances in check.

Pro Tip: Create a “paid” folder (i.e., physical or digital) to file receipts and proof of payment.

#2: MARK PAYMENT DATES

Ever forgotten a birthday and scrambled for a last-minute gift? Missing a bill deadline feels worse, except it comes with late fees. Avoid this by setting up a payment calendar.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Whether you prefer a physical planner or your phone’s calendar app, having due dates marked makes it easier to plan your finances and avoid the dreaded Oh no, I forgot! moment.

#3: KNOW WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD

When it’s payday, it’s tempting to splurge on a new gadget or that café-hopping adventure with friends. But adulting also means setting limits. Take some time to understand your monthly income and expenses.

Break your expenses into fixed (like rent) and variable (like dining out). Allocate a portion of your income to bills, and don’t forget to build an emergency fund for those unexpected surprises, like a burst water pipe.

#4: AUTOMATE EXPENSES WHENEVER POSSIBLE

Automation is the magic wand for forgetfulness. If it’s an option, set up automatic payments to avoid missed deadlines. For instance, paying your SP Utilities bill is as easy as using PayNow QR in the SP app or through eGIRO. Not into apps? No problem as you can head to an SP customer service center for a hands-on walkthrough.

Remember, automation doesn’t mean you stop checking. Always review statements for any discrepancies. You wouldn’t want to pay for something you didn’t use!

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Taking control of your bills might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s a skill that grows with time. Start small, stay consistent, and celebrate the wins (i.e., like making your first on-time payment). Because let’s face it, mastering bills is just one more step toward owning your adulting game.

Sources: 1 & 2

This “Love is in the Air” K-beauty box worth $218+ is yours to bag home at just $81+

Love is indeed in the air with Valentine’s Day around the corner! ♥️

And what better way to celebrate with a loved one or pamper yourself than with a NEW love-themed K-beauty box from Olive Young this February?

Here’s $218+ worth of skincare stuff you get for just $81+:

FULL SIZE

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask 27g

Clogged pores and blackheads, consider yourselves on notice with this handy clay stick mask, the closest thing to a skincare magic wand.

With its convenient stick format, you can precisely apply the “poremizing” power exactly where you need it—no need for messy scooping or spreading.

The mask’s clay blend, featuring 18% kaolin, acts like a magnet to draw out sebum and gunk from deep within pores.

In mere minutes, rough skin is smoothed and blackheads are banished.

The formula also features soothing Madagascar Centella to calm sensitive complexions.

MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask Sheet 2ea Special Set (+2ea)

MEDIHEAL’s Collagen Essential Mask Sheet contains vegan collagen extracted from plants and this fine collagen penetrates deep into the skin to restore elasticity and firmness.

It also contains adenosine, a powerful anti-wrinkle ingredient that smooths and tones for a more youthful complexion.

Plus its unique Hydrodeeper™ technology floods skin with dewy hydration.

STUDIO17 Pang Pang Big Puff

espoir The Sleek Cream Matte 0.9g

narka Core Rebuild Hard Fix Hair Mascara

growus Damage Therapy Hair Milk 160ml

This hair milk from growus drenches strands in moisture without leaving them limp.

Its featherweight formula sinks in instantly yet keeps on conditioning with each application.

Packed with extracts like pearl and mineral-rich seaweed, this hair elixir treats tresses to a much-needed drink while guarding against future dryness and damage.

We love how it promises a lingering fragrance that envelops you in notes of velvety rose, warm musk, and tangy blackcurrant for a sensorial experience that’s as luxurious as the very hydrating formula itself.

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All-In-One Cream 100mL

Everyone’s queueing for this 92% snail mucin cream.

The star ingredient isn’t just a Korean beauty craze—it’s a hydrator that will quench complexions while repairing and soothing irritation.

With a concentrated 92% snail mucin formula, this multitasking cream packs an entire skincare routine into one lightweight gel that glides on to nourish skin with a surge of moisture from snail mucin and hyaluronic acid.

At the same time, it calms inflammation and creates that coveted plump glow.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule 50ml

Last on our list is this brightening ampoule with a dream team of powerhouse actives like niacinamide and tranexamic acid to wage war on pigmentation, with soothing Centella Asiatica fortifying and calming.

More than just brightening, this blend creates a stronger skin barrier for lasting radiance.

The results will speak for themselves: clearer, more even-toned complexion with a youthful glow.

Try it for yourself! ⭐

Get Olive Young’s BEAUTY BOX FEB (LOVE IS IN THE AIR BOX) at $81+ here.

FULL SIZE

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