(CBD Area) Places Where Overworked Singaporeans Can Relax

The focal point of the financial and commercial centers in Singapore is called the Central Business District (CBD). To name a few, CBD includes Raffles Place, River Valley, Orchard, and Outram. Some of the most prestigious organizations both local and international have their offices compressed in this area.

Since most of the people here are hard-working employees, it is ideal to take a rejuvenating break every once in a while. If you agree, consider these nearby affordable places:

RULE OF THUMB

Close to the business offices is a neat and modern spa called Rule of Thumb. Do you want to see the spa for yourself? Click here for a panoramic view of the interior.

Price range for 60 minutes Shiatsu, Deep Tissue, Relaxation, Back, or Body Scrub is S$55-S$60. While add-on services such as cupping, ear candling, and magic light therapy are only S$15. Stuck at work? Worry not. It is opened until 4 am every day!

Location: 289 Beach Road, #01-01, Singapore 199552

MANICURIOUS

Located at 41 Beach Road, Manicurious may just be a woman’s paradise. It is a unique store that combines a nail salon with a cafe corner and a retail section offering shoes, accessories, and handbags. The interior of the store is relaxing, vintage, and neat. You will surely feel cozy in their armchairs while you choose from an array of polish colors. Their reasonable service prices (e.g., express manicure or nail shaping) start at S$6-18 while add-ons (e.g., hand scrub or quick dry) prices start at S$3-8.

What’s more? They have 10% off nail services from Monday to Thursday at 11 am-4 pm (T&C apply).

Image Credits: facebook.com/manicurious

Image Credits: facebook.com/manicurious

Location: 41 Beach Road, Singapore 189680

TRADITIONAL JAVANESE MASSAGE HUT

As the name implies, Traditional Javanese Massage Hut offers an ancient system of oil massage by predominantly using strokes with strong thumb pressure to ease joint and muscle fatigue and soreness. There are five types that costs S$65 for 60 minutes. These are Hut 67 (signature service that is highly recommended), Smooth and Soothe, Back Breaker, Tired Feet, and Stress Buster.

Location: 415 River Valley Road, Singapore 248314

PHYSIQUE

Reach your body’s finest state with the services provided by Physique. Aside from the Cryotherapy they are known for, they also offer “power nap services”

Physique offers the one of a kind cold therapy called Cryotherapy. But they also offer power nap services. Upon paying S$28 for 30 minutes, you will be placed on a recliner and given free access on leisure items such as iPad and magazines. Enjoy a nap within your “own” space by calling 6532 0777 for an appointment.

Location: 05-17, One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, Singapore 048616

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Financial Tips For Savvy Singaporean Teens

When it comes to money management, starting early is always a good idea!

1. KNOW THE TRUE VALUE OF MONEY

When I was a teen, my sister and I spared a portion of our allowance in order to by the latest CD released by our favorite boy band. Instead of asking our parents for money, we worked patiently for it. That way, we understand the true value of money.

Aside from being a student, if you have a part-time job, you can see the value of money in terms of the work you have to do in order to earn it. For example, if you view a designer wallet as 25 hours of work at a S$6/hour job rather than as S$150 alone, it gives you a unique perspective on spending. This shall help you make more accurate decisions.

2. FOLLOW THE STOCK MARKET

To get a good grasp about investing, it is recommended to follow the companies that have growth potential and renowned products. For example, track the stocks of the world’s no.1 brand for half a century – Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) or the stocks of your favorite bakery – Breadtalk (SGX: 5DA). Using these shares for financial education can help make learning fun!

3. SPEND SMARTLY

As a teen, you can save more money by employing simple spending strategies such as comparative shopping and buying sale items. If you are an artist who want to purchase assorted colored paints, compare the prices of online and physical shops to get the best deal. And if you want to save even more, go to the clearance or sales section to avoid paying the full price.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

 

4. REWARD YOURSELF

To make savings as vital as expenses, you must set aside a certain amount that you are planning to save first. This way, you can keep track of your money without accidentally spending it. Even as a teen, it is advisable to open your own savings account (e.g., Junior Savings Account).

5. DO AVOID DEBT

In Singapore, students are eligible to use their parents’ CPF account in order to pay their school fees. To pay it off, you might start your adult working life with debt. Such type of debt is unavoidable but credit card debt is. So avoid debt as much as possible.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

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4 Don’ts Of Real Estate Investing

Since land is scarce in our country, properties had always been a go-to investment option for many. The majority of these investors have strategies limited to purchasing, reselling, and renting flats or condominiums. While others consider other options such as the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).

REITs allow the investor to have a professionally managed portfolio of properties by purchasing a publicly traded investment product. Investors of REITs purchase units of the trust similar to shares of a common stock.

But no matter what type of property you purchase, here are 4 Don’ts Of Real Estate Investing to help you on your journey…

1. DO NOT FORGET TO IDENTIFY YOUR GOALS

Before committing to a property or even a property visit, it is important to understand what you want to achieve from investing on real estate. Be on a peaceful place where you can think carefully about your goals for the long-run.

You must have a transparent idea of your existing income, current expenses, and outstanding loans before diving into another complex route. Also, you must identify your budget and type of risk you are comfortable with.

2. DO NOT GO WITHOUT RESEARCHING

After identifying your financial circumstance and your investment goals, you must do your research on real estate investments in order to be sure that it is worth your money. For example, a two-bedroom HDB flat can cost about S$250,000. That is a huge sum of money you may be willing to risk if you are serious in property investing. The risks only increase when the investor does not understand how the property market works or when and where to invest. Hurrying up without analyzing the situation thoroughly can only bring about more damage (e.g., bankruptcy) than good.

So if you lack sufficient knowledge, seek advice from a financial consultant or other professional advisers. And when you find the “right property”, ensure that you keep your expectations realistic and keep your finances in tact.

3. DO NOT EXPECT TO BE A MILLIONAIRE QUICKLY

Do not fall into the trap that some real estate investors set – offering you properties for small amounts of cash with higher returns. These “undervalued assets or profitable investment opportunities” are mostly likely unsold overseas property projects. You see, real estate investors usually do not offer “jackpot” properties to complete strangers. They only invest with the people they know well.

There are no shortcuts to success on real estate investments! In fact, you must allot a long period of time on finding a property in a decent location, building a good relationship with the tenants, and maintaining the condition of the property. Time that may not be in the good side of most.

 

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

4. DO NOT PURCHASE A PROPERTY WITHOUT VISITING IT

In support of your in-depth research, you must drive to the property itself before signing any contracts. There are a number of reputable realtors and agents who can give you feedback about certain properties but you must follow your own instinct in the end.
There are no shortcuts to success on real estate investments! In fact, you must allot a long period of time on finding a property in a decent location, building a good relationship with the tenants, and maintaining the condition of the property. Time that may not be in the good side of most.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

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5 FUN-astic Activities That Teach Your Kid About Money

Money gives people, of all ages, the decision-making opportunities they need in life. Educating your children to make wise money decisions earlier on will affect their finances in the long run. Why not teach them about money with a hint of fun?

1. CREATE YOUR OWN BILL

Aside from language, art is one of the child’s primary modes of communication. Let your children understand the importance of the design of a note by letting them create their “own S$2 bill”. Use crayons, markers, and pens for this craft. Tell them to use their imagination to decide whose face they shall put in the front and what infrastructure they shall put at the back.

2. USE A PIGGY BANK OR A MONEY JAR

Setting up realistic goals is the foundation to learning about the value of money and saving. Ask your children what they want to buy with their money. After identifying the short-term goal, provide your child with a small piggy bank or a money jar where they can fill up their savings with. Have your child draw the picture of the specific toy on the side of the piggy bank or the money jar.

You may also want to help your child understand that some items will take longer than others to save for. For these long-term goals (e.g., going to Disneyland Hong Kong), provide them with a bigger money jar.

3. SAVE BY SORTING

Based on experience, 3-5 year old kids love to sort things. It trains them cognitively too! Incorporate money in this enjoyable activity by letting your child sort coins in the different denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents. If your child correctly sorts those coins, reward him or her with your spare change. Ask your child to save this money inside the piggy bank or the money jar.

4. PLAY “FINANCIAL” GAMES

Preaching about money can be a boring subject for kids but if you open up the discussion with a game then that shall stir things up! Play games that teach children about financial concepts. Such games include Monopoly and The Game of Life. They will not only have fun but it will also shape their money management skills.

5. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Use technology to your advantage by letting your child watch free videos that teach the basics of making and saving money. For example, your preschooler can learn about salary by following these steps:

a. Describe your job to your children. You may even bring them along one in your workplace and give them a tour.

b. Introduce this video of a farmer that gets paid for supplying milk. This short video explains the concept of money to children in a simple and animated manner.

Or you may print this colorful and informative activity book by Sesame Street.

Sources:  1,  2, & 3

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4 Eggciting And Affordable Places To Be On Easter

We are days away from Easter! It is the time for Easter bunnies, egg hunting, high teas, and family gatherings. Celebrate this special occasion of hope and fun in one of these four exciting places, which will cost you under S$50.

1. SENTOSA HARBOURFRONT

Spanning approximately 520 hectares, “The Great Egg-Venture at Sentosa Harbourfront” proves to be Singapore’s largest egg hunt. From the top of Mount Faber to the Sentosa Island itself, participants shall hunt for 60 eggs. The eggs were beautifully hand-painted by the artists from Affordable Art Fair, the students from Temasek Polytechnic, and the youths from FamChamps.

These eggs are not hard to miss as they each have a height of 1.8 meters. More than S$50,000 worth of prizes awaits you! Beyond this, your family can enjoy several activities at the Sentosa Egg Fiesta – Garden Edition.

Website: thegreateggventure.com
Price/s: Free

2. CHIJMES

Hop into The Lawn as CHIJMES brings you a hit Easter Party. Start the day with a high tea suitable for adults and children. Then help your children find the Easter eggs containing various prizes such as S$100 worth of dining vouchers. After hunting some lucky eggs, let your kids play on the bouncy castle and get their faces painted for free!

Tickets are available at the concierge counter daily.

Website: chijmes.com.sg/easter-tea-party
Price/s: S$10/person for the Easter High Tea, S$5 for Easter Egg Hunt, S$5 for Easter Egg Painting

3. HOLIDAY INN SINGAPORE

Window on the Park’s “A Cracking Easter Celebration” will delight your tummies as you feast on hearty roasts, local favorites, sumptuous desserts, and more. From Sautéed Beef with Spring Root Vegetables to Lamb Stew with Chickpeas and Pumpkin, Holiday Inn has got you covered for lunch or dinner. To embrace the spirit of this joyous occasion, there will be fun activities such as Easter egg painting. Deviating from the public, their Easter celebration is set on 31st March.

Website: ihg.com
Price/s: S$35 nett for lunch and S$40 nett for dinner

4. SINGAPORE SENTOSA COVE

For adults, celebrate Easter on a uniquely exhilarating note by plunging into the WET® Pool deck to participant in an aquatic egg hunt. In the “Eggxotic Summer Pool Party”, guests are welcome to sink or float to find a basketful of 100 eggs submerged in the pool. Win a myriad of EASTERRIFIC prizes such as a staycation at W Singapore, dining treats at SKIRT, and a lovely experience at WOOBAR.

On 26th March, the party will continue to turn up as DJs Shigeki, Patrick Oliver, and MR HAS will be mixing the beats all day!

Website: wsingaporesentosacove.com/en/EggxoticSummer
Price/s: S$35 nett (inclusive of a drink and pool access)

Source: Silver Kris

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