MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

Best Credit Card Promotions To Usher In The Lunar New Year

Be a cheeky monkey who maximizes your prosperity with these great credit card offerings for the year 2016…

1. STANDARD CHARTERED

Standard Chartered rewards you with 15% CashBack wherever you feast this Chinese New Year. From 16th January to 15th March, you can get rebates once you are charged with a minimum of S$688 on your total spending courtesy of your credit card (not limited to dining bills).

Go to sc.com/sg/campaign/cardscny for more information about its Terms and Conditions.

2. HSBC

Aside from getting S$8 Hong Bao cash rebates daily with HSBC credit cards (till 29th February – T&Cs apply), you can enjoy a wide range of promotions from dining, shopping, and travel.

a. 15% off Yu Sheng and Pen Cai Takeaways
b. 15% off storewide when you shop at ZALORA Singapore
c. Up to S$50 off selected items at AngelFlorist.com
d. Additional 8% off bookings on Singapore hotels and more at Agoda

Simply go to hsbc.com.sg/cny for more details and other festive offers.

* EXCLUSIVE: SIGN UP FOR A HSBC’S REVOLUTION CREDIT CARD AND RECEIVE A SAMSONITE RED ROBO LUGGAGE 
WORTH S$335 OR A REDMART GROCERY VOUCHER WORTH S$80! T&CS APPLY. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

3. DBS

DBS credit cards also reward you for your dining experiences. Here are some of their delicious offerings:

a. 20% off orders at foodpanda.sg. Valid until 22nd February.
b. 20% off the Lunar New Year Dinner Buffet at Brizo Restaurant & Bar – Park Hotel Clarke Quay. Valid until 22nd February.
c. 15% off lunch or dinner buffets at Grand Park City Hall. Valid until 19 February.

4. OCBC

OCBC credit cards will reward you with a tempting array of promotions that will keep you covered this festive season! These are my top picks:

a. 15% off takeaway CNY Treasures at Goodwood Park Hotel. Valid until 22nd February.
b. 10% off regular priced items at TAKA Jewellery. Valid until 28th February.
c. 10% off apartment and villa rentals in Asia and Europe courtesy of Roomorama. Valid until 29th February.
d. Get a Bioskin Radiance Bundle for only S$38. Valid until 29th February.

Image Credits: facebook.com/OCBC.Singapore

Visit ocbc.com for more information about the Terms and Conditions.

5 Major Money Lies That Can Tear Your Relationship Apart

The fundamental basis of marriage is trust. And when one or both parties breached that trust, it harms the relationship. As family law attorney, Steven Mindel once said: “Financial infidelity is the root cause of many crumbling unions.”

Prevent this crumbling from happening by knowing the 5 Major Money Lies That Can Tear Your Relationship Apart:

1. “IT IS JUST S$60!”

One of the most common financial lies that people are guilty about is lying about one’s spending. Instead of admitting that you bought a S$68 dress, you would round off its price to S$60 as it seems easier to accept.

I have to admit, I had done this a couple of times during my teenage years. I just did not want to tell my mother the whole truth due to the irrational fear of her getting mad at me. Applying the same childish notion to your marriage does not build a mature relationship! It is an unfair approach to spending the money that you both worked hard for.

2. “I ONLY HAVE ONE BANK ACCOUNT!”

Another financial infidelity case that experts see most of is hiding a secret stash. Having a separate bank account is acceptable but, you have to tell your spouse about it.

According to Nancy Butler, a certified financial planner and divorce financial analyst, one of the telltale signs that your partner is guilty of this offense is when you received a bank statement for an account that you did not even know existed.

3. “I PAID THE BILLS ON TIME.”

Sometimes, work and home stress can consume you to the point that you forget your responsibilities such as paying the monthly utility bills. To avoid confrontation, you immediately said that you settled everything already. By doing so, you can experience damage to your credit history as well as penalty fees.

4. “ALL OF MY MONEY GOES TO US.”

Growing up in an Asian household where family is one of the top priorities, it is hard not to help a family member in need. It is hard to be in a situation wherein you are thinking of your financial health while feeling responsible for that of the others.

These type of lie may come from the people who hate lying but they do not know how to handle the situation.

5. “WE ARE ABLE TO AFFORD THIS DEBT.”

In most cases, going further into a pile of debt is never a good idea especially if one of two parties is not even aware of it. Keeping your bad credit score or debt history from your spouse may lead him or her to taking on more credit. Instead of purchasing a home within your means, your partner goes beyond it due to the assumption that you both can afford it.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Telling your partner that you already have a budget for your debt is only misleading you both.

Sources: 1 & 2

4 Absolute Ways To Spend Less and Save More This Valentine’s Day

Think your wallet can rest after the costly festivities of Christmas and Chinese New Year? Think again as we usher the season of love!

While Valentine’s Day is a great way to appreciation and affection to your significant other, I cannot deny the fact that the anticipated costs may cause a hole in your pockets. This year, however, you can turn things around if you are willing to put in creativity, time, and flexibility.

1. SAVE THE SPARKLES FOR LATER

If you are planning to purchase jewelry for your beloved, try to clamor dry out first. Since the demand for jewelry goes way down after 14th February, the retailers offer discounts to attract customers to buy their remaining products.

The only downside is that you have to discuss this with your partner in advance and seek his or her understanding.

2. AVOID THE CROWDS

Valentine’s Day 2016 is on a Sunday and more than ever, shopping malls and restaurants will be populated. Most places are jammed with couples and women holding on to their bouquets or stuffed animals. Beat this “competition” by scheduling a wonderful date on another day as long as your significant other is fine with it.

By doing so, you had avoided the crowd and maximized your savings.

3. OPT FOR AFFORDABLE FLOWERS

Since some people prefer getting blooms for Valentine’s Day, you would have to plan beforehand. Save money by skipping high-end or mainstream florists. Instead, visit your local grocery store or compare the prices of various online flower shops.

Image Credits: instagram.com/agoncilloanna

And if you are in the Gardens By The Bay area, I was got a bouquet of orchids there for only S$5.

4. CRAFT YOUR GIFTS BY HAND

What better message of love can you convey when you pour your heart on handmade gifts? Consider these gift ideas:

a. COOK TOGETHER

There is nothing sweeter than sharing your interests to your partner. If you are a fan of cooking and baking then, teach him or her the basic recipes and techniques. But, if neither of you have an expertise, lookup free online tutorials and prepare a V-Day dinner together.

b. SPECIAL CARD

Bring your wonderful memories to life by turning photos into very personal V-Day card. Print his or her favorite Instagram photos in JPEG format using glossy or matte photo papers available for as low as S$2 at Popular bookstores.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

Stay ultra productive at work with these simple and affordable tips:

1. LIGHT IT UP

A well-lit room increases concentration and effectiveness. In fact, a study by National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that employees who were exposed to natural lighting stayed focused on the task longer that their “sun-deprived” counterparts.

Replicate the effects of this study by positioning your table by the window or by placing a bright table lamp on your desk (here’s an IKEA table lamp for only S$4.90).

2. EMBRACE ERGONOMICS

Although most of our lives are spent while sitting, we are not designed to sit at desks all day. This is why people who are working a full-time job at the office may experience occasional back pains and other long-term problems. Avoid this and the costly hospitalization costs by investing on ergonomic chairs. Ergonomic chairs are designed to support your posture and boost your comfort while you work.

Purchase yours at LAZADA for as low as S$49.90!

3. STAY FOCUSED

Stay focused by eliminating all the unnecessary distractions such as noises and social media. Avoid online distractions by closing tabs that you do not need, keeping your phone on silent, and by not logging onto your social media accounts. Afterwards, drown out the background noises by wearing earplugs or headphones.

4. KEEP IT CLEAN

Excess litter and scattered rubbish can make you feel overwhelmed and distracted. Clean up your work space by organizing important documents inside drawers or labeled boxes. Also, organize your files with descriptive folders in your laptop or computer.

5. EXERCISE REGULARLY

Aiming for better time management skills and increased ability to beat the deadlines? Consider spending 30-60 minutes of your time per day to exercise. According to science, keeping your blood pumping at work may elevate your productivity for about 15%!

6. PAINT THE SPACE

The colors of your workspace automatically stimulates you and induces color-motivated behavior. Thus, you must alter your space based on your desired goals. If you want to boost your alertness and creativity – go for yellow. For improving reading and relieving stress and fatigue – go for green.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

And if you want to reduce your feelings of aggression and irritation (with your demanding co-workers or horrible boss), decorate the space with nothing but pink!

Sources: 1, 2, 3 & 4

How To Start A Business While Keeping Your Full-Time Job And Sanity

Manage the stress of your full-time job while running a side business without going crazy with these 6 tips!

1. DETERMINE THE REAL REASONS WHY YOU ARE BUILDING A BUSINESS

Getting a clearer understanding of why you want to start a business is a crucial first step that every budding entrepreneur must take. Whether you want to accomplish a childhood dream or you are motivated to become your own boss, knowing your drives will help you focus and commit to your dreams. When you are committing to your dreams, you make sure to see it through to success.

2. READ THE FINE PRINTS

Before getting your full-time job, I am sure that you signed a contract or some paperwork for the HR department. Find those files and make sure that you did not sign any agreements that prevent you from building your own business. Get professional legal advice if necessary.

3. USE YOUR TIME WISELY

You are given the same number of hours as Bill Gates or Oprah Winfrey each day, maximize it! In a week, say you are given 40 hours of work and 56 hours of sleep, you will have about 72 hours left to spend wisely. Successful entrepreneurs strategically make the most of what they have instead of wishing for more time.

4. DEVELOP NEW SKILLS

As a start-up, you are testing every aspect of your business including the amount of labor necessary. Do really a marketing team or can you handle the marketing aspect by yourself?

Instead of hiring professionals to do the job for you, you can commit several hours in developing skills. Online educational websites such as General Assembly and Skillshare offer free and paid courses on a wide range of topics such as marketing, photography, and design.

5. SHOP FROM B2B WEBSITE

If you are planning to start your own shop or online business selling goods, you need to know where to source for your items. Sites like Taobao is the way to go, but if you want to enjoy greater discount or better price for each quantity of item, you need to purchase in bulk. That’s where VolumeBest, a B2B online trade site dedicated exclusively to wholesale and volume business buyers, can help you save money.

Volume Best carries a good range of consumer products such as mobile accessories, lighting peripherals, watches and other electronic goods at a very good price. They also offer free and secure UPS shipping to ensure that you receive your goods on time.

6. OUTSOURCE IF NEEDED

To finish the tasks faster and make money while you are at your day job, consider outsourcing.

When you decide to hire help, good sources of quality yet low-cost labor are university or polytechnic interns. If you are willing to spare some time to training, both of you can benefit from the experience. Think about it! You are giving a worthwhile experience and good recommendation for the intern while the business is receiving low-cost (and sometimes free) services.

7. ACCOMPLISH WHAT IS IMPORTANT

The Pareto Principle states that for many events, about 80% of the outcomes stem from the 20% of the causes. Simply, only a portion of your efforts lead to the effects. This is why the smartest decision is to focus your energy on the things that yield higher returns. When you are juggling two jobs, do not beat yourself up with the unnecessary investments and drama. Rather than doing everything, accomplish only what is important.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Search the site