MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

Top 5 Websites in Singapore to Book Flight Tickets

Have you ever had to plan a business or personal trip in minutes? If so, you must have thanked technology for offering you the advantage of booking your tickets online. It’s a simple yet necessary service that allows people to get the ticket booking done by exploring all the options and without leaving the comfort of their homes.

If you are a newbie who has never booked a flight ticket over the internet then you should have a look at the top 5 websites in Singapore to book flight tickets as these websites will come in quite handy when you have to book your tickets instantly the next time around.

1. Expedia

https://www.expedia.com.sg/

It’s a cool website that is quite easy to understand and helps you get done with the reservations within a few seconds. You also have the benefit of getting your hands on some standard and last minute deals that will save you some money. Who wouldn’t like to save some money? Huh?

2. Agoda

http://www.agoda.com/

This is another cool website for newbies. The best part about this website is its simplicity. Everything is written in a simple language and some steps are clearly mentioned so that even a person who is not so computer friendly can book the tickets within a few seconds. They also offer flight tickets on an urgent basis.

3. Zuji

http://www.zuji.com.sg/

This website is renowned for offering everything with regard for your travel, be it flight tickets or car hire. You can even get customized and exclusive deals in your inbox which will assist you to get started with your travel plans earlier than you would have thought. After all, you wouldn’t want to let go of an exclusive money saving package, Would you?

4. Singapore Airlines

http://www.singaporeair.com/

Singapore Airlines can help you to plan your entire trip at a single place. You can find hotels, get travel insurance, avail Singapore tours and do much more. They also have a very active promotions section that can help you understand about their service offerings and deals in detail. All you need to do is click on the deal you find suitable and get done with the entire tour planning within a few moments.

5. Thai Airways

http://www.thaiairways.com/

Last but certainly not the least; Thai Airways is another website that makes online flight booking a pleasant experience. The website has to offer great deals and updates the users on great happenings various places like exploring Chiang Mai as well as updates the users on latest happenings in the Airline industry. This website is a must visit for travel lovers as it has a lot more to offer than simple airline tickets.

The specialty of all these websites is that they offer flight tickets on priority basis so even if you are in a bit of a rush, you can trust these websites to offer affordable tickets in short order without getting scammed. Just try them once and you’ll agree that they are certainly the best websites in Singapore to book flight tickets.

(This article is brought to you by CouponzGuru.)

Plan For Your Retirement In These Upcoming CPF Roadshows

Are you prepared for what the future holds?

Many of us who have just started joining the workforce have the notion that that saving for retirement can start in later years and the main priority is to focus on current needs and wants such as upgrading to a nicer home, getting a new car and travelling once a month.

The hard truth, however, will eventually catch up with us when we are in our 40s and 50s when we realised that our retirement savings is hardly enough to provide for our long term needs.

There is never a “good” time to start planning for our retirement. But there are advantages to starting early. If you start early, you will have a longer time horizon and that means more time to grow your savings. If you have made investments, a long term horizon will also help to ride out short-term price fluctuations on your investments.

But, if you start late, you will have to work harder at growing your retirement savings. If you cannot afford to lose money, you should avoid investments that come with higher risks. You may even need to think of delaying retirement provided you remain employable. – MoneySense.gov.sg

Unsure of how to plan for your retirement? Visit the upcoming roadshows organised by The Central Provident Fund Board (CPFB) to pick up insightful tips.

Event Date	Event Time	Venue
28 to 30 August 2015	11:00AM to 06:00PM	Bedok Mall
13 September 2015	11:00AM to 06:00PM	Toa Payoh HDB Hub
10 October 2015	11:00AM to 06:00PM	Jurong Point
31 October 2015	11:00AM to 06:00PM	Ang Mo Kio Center Stage
14 November 2015	11:00AM to 06:00PM	Braddell Heights Community Hub

Hear from celebrity and entrepreneur Irene Ang and financial expert Christopher Tan, CEO of a financial advisory firm as they discuss retirement planning. Win prizes at various game booths when you test your financial knowledge too!

Visit www.cpf-bigrchat.sg to find out more

For enquiries on the roadshows, please email the organiser at [email protected]

5 Helpful Steps To Talk To Your Elderly Parents About Money

Money gives people, of all ages, the decision-making opportunities they need. Unfortunately for elderly parents, research has shown that financial decision-making ability declines after age 53. This maybe attributed to the 2013 survey done by National Endowment for Financial Education which found that 7 out of 10 adults have difficulty discussing to their families about who will make the financial decisions on behalf of their elderly family member.

Talking about the aging parents’ finances is a good idea but that does not mean people actually do it. Some people avoid the subject because it raises uneasy situations (e.g., quarreling over the estates or feeling “extra” sensitive toward the elderly). Resolving this negative mindset will help your aging parents to organize their financial life. And, that is the most important thing right now.

So, here are 5 Helpful Steps To Talk To Your Elderly Parents About Money…

1. DO YOUR RESEARCH

You have one goal – to organize your elderly parents’ financial life. Know what issues or topics to discuss that will aid this goal. Due to the declines in someone’s body as they age, topping the list is healthcare. Also, you must consider their life insurance, medical insurance, or long-term care coverage policies. Then, talk about estate and other assets. Having a last will and testament ready is a crucial thing.

2. GATHER DATA

After researching the topics to discuss, you must prepare the documents needed. These documents are the banking statements, credit card bills, tax records, insurance policies, and so on. Put these documents in one safe place such as a relatively small safe deposit box at home. Grant access only to the people who are really trusted (e.g., the lawyer or immediate family member).

3. CONVERSE TO THEM STRATEGICALLY

Before talking to your parents, build a strategy that will work for your family dynamics. For instance, some families are more comfortable with having everyone around while other feel that they are being ganged up by their children. Another tip is to talk to them as if you are talking to your adult peers with objectivity and compassion. Do not make them feel that you are treating them as young children.

4. START THE DISCUSSION

All your homework led you to this moment. Emphasize on the benefits of the talk and speak with love. Delaying the talk will only be more expensive because as health declines, premium prices increase. Ease the flow of the conversation by adding real-life experiences as examples.

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

5. LEARN FROM THE EXPERIENCE

Traditional financial advisors suggest that parents save for their own retirement first before saving for tertiary education. This is because you only have one shot at retirement while there are many ways to get student loans. With this experience, you must realize that it is necessary to save as much as you can for retirement during your peak years (i.e., aged 20-35) in order to age gracefully.

Sources: 1 & 2

7 Awesome And Inexpensive Green Things You Should Try In Singapore

In Psychology, the color green signifies harmony, balance, and growth. It has been the fixed color of important objects such as money and the Earth itself. In fact, the green lifestyle has been encouraged all over the world but, one of the longest running eco-friendly campaigns is found in our country. The Clean & Green Singapore launched the Clean and Green Week campaign in 1990 and since then, Singaporeans were inspired to protect the environment.

That said, here are the top 7 green things every Singaporean must try:

FOOD

1. VIETNAMESE FOOD

Serving meals that are mostly low in fat, gluten-free, MSG-free, and rich in vitamins and minerals…Vietnamese food proved to be a healthy cuisine above the rest. In the heart of the city center, you will find a store called Wrap & Roll. The first to serve freshly made steamed rice paper rolls; Wrap & Roll offers casual yet genuine Vietnamese dining experience. They serve morning tea to start your relaxing day. You shall expect tasty dishes at the affordable price range of S$7-20. Call 6694 4111 for reservations and enquiries.

Image Credits: facebook.com/wrap.roll.sg

2. PICKLED GREEN CHILI

How do I begin to tell you how much chilies are adorned here? Let me start by saying that it complements most of the flavors of Singaporean and Malaysian noodles very well especially with Wanton noodles. You can make your own pickled green chilies by following the simple steps here.

3. ORGANIC GROCERY SHOPPING

Looking for an organic grocery that is within your budget? Look no further as local groceries such as Green Circle Eco Farm and Quan Fa Organic Farm have you covered.

A place with luscious greenery and farm animals, Green Circle Eco Farm not only welcomes educational tours for the public and schools but it also sells food without artificial chemicals and pesticides. These produce are mostly locally grown. There is a minimum amount of S$30 for home deliveries of products listed on their vegetables, fruit, herbs, and condiments tabs. Delivery fee of S$5 is one of the lowest delivery service among other organic groceries in Singapore. Visit Green Circle Eco Farm at 41 Neo Tiew Road Singapore 719028 or at greencircle.com.sg.

While, Quan Fa Organic Farm abstains from the use of pesticides and harmful fertilizers. They offer about 40 varieties of hard vegetables, herbs, leafy greens, and fruits that are from our local roots. Aside from Asian produce, they also sell imported organic produce from Malaysia, Australia, and Thailand. Their products are at available at Sheng Siong outlets. Visit Quan Fa Organic Farm at 35 Murai Farmway Singapore 709145 or at quanfaorganic.com.sg.

DECORATIONS

4. POT OF GREENS

Instead of purchasing the S$299 branded air purifier, go natural and grow your own succulents. Plants are more than just decorations as it can improve the air quality in your home by absorbing dangerous toxins. Go for the inexpensive and easy to maintain plants such as ferns, green spider plants, English Ivy and dracaenas. If you do not have a backyard or an apartment balcony there are community gardens for you to plant your own seed. My personal picks for affordable plants are from Far East Flora and Chye Heng Orchid Garden.

5. GREEN ORGANIZER

GLES box from IKEA Singapore is the perfect organizer for your food, gardening tools, sports equipments, school books, laundry, and other accessories. We have one at home and it has been useful for over 4 years. What is shocking is that it is priced at S$1.90 a piece.

ATTRACTIONS

6. SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS

Whether you are on a date with a special someone or yourself, nothing beats a refreshing day at the Singapore Botanic Gardens (SBG). Sandwiched between the busy vicinities of Bukit Timah Road and Holland Road, the SBG is opened from 5 am all year round. Feel the chirping of the birds, the sound of the crickets, and the hush of the trees as you enter the garden – for free!

7. FIVE GARDENS AT CHANGI AIRPORT

Aside from the SBG, every “Type A” individuals on the go can relax at the five indoor gardens located at the Changi Airport. These are namely: Cactus Garden (T1), Orchid Garden (T2), Fern Garden (T2), Sunflower Garden (T2), and the Butterfly Gardens (T3). While you are in there, enjoy the breath of fresh air, may your kids count the species of succulents and take colorful selfies that you can upload right away because of the Free WiFi!

Image Credits: facebook.com/fansofchangi?fref=photo

For a cleaner world, let us push through a greener Singapore! 🙂

What Is Debt Check And How Do You Make It Healthy?

Debt is the amount of money borrowers by an individual or a corporation used to make huge purchases that they cannot afford under the normal circumstances. Pay this debt in a later date and you would get fined with interest! As of June 2015, the total card billings in Singapore amount to S$3,980,000.40 million! If you do not owe anybody now then, good job! You can start browsing our other articles and enjoy your debtless life. For the rest of you, there is an easy way to check if your debt is not healthy and it is called: the debt check.

DEBT CHECK

The debt check gives you 4 warning signs that you are heading to a troubled path. Awareness of this will come a long way later on. Check if these apply to you:

1. You do not know exactly how much you owe. This shows that you are not in control over your debts.

2. You are usually paying late for bills and sometimes, you go over your credit limit. This could only pile up the debt even more.

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

3. You use your credit card as you would use a debit card just to get by. You can be charged with a higher rate of interest.

4. You are borrowing money to pay your debts. In a sense, you are currently borrowing money to pay the money that you previously borrowed. This vicious cycle is how most people get into trouble.

MAKING YOUR DEBTS HEALTHIER

If all or any of the warning signs apply to you then, you need to take action – now! Take control of your debt and live a happier life by:

1. GATHER DATA

The first step is to gather date of where you are financially. It is important that you are aware of your current debt situation by knowing: how much you owe, to whom you owe these to, how often do you need to repay the amounts, and what interest rates are attached to these.

2. PRIORITIZE DEBTS

The consequences of not paying off some debts are more serious than others so, you must divide your debts into categories. The categories are priority and non-priority debts. Priority debts include mortgage, rent, government tax, loans, utility bills, and child maintenance (if applicable). These are priority debts because you do not want to lose your home, to be bankrupt, to have your electricity cut off, and to be summoned in court. The rest of the debts are non-priority debts.

3. ESTABLISH A BUDGET

Establish a budget to track your spending and savings. Keep track by having an online or physical journal where you log your cash flow every month. By doing so, you will get a fuller picture of where you spend too much and where to cut down costs. You can get out of debt faster if you prioritize paying it.

4. STICK TO YOUR BUDGET

Here are some helpful tips to ensure that you stick to your budget:

Sources: 1 , 2, & 3

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