MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

4 Amazing Ways To Use Social Media To Save Cash

Bring your social media craze to your advantage by exposing yourself to its opportunities. “Liking” the Facebook page of your favorite airlines is just one way to save cash when you shop. Other than that, here are 4 Amazing Ways To Use Social Media To Save Cash…

1. GET FREE PRINTOUTS AND TUTORIALS

You do not need to spend S$5 for a decent looking greeting card, all you have to do is to browse through the free printouts available on Pinterest – a global photo sharing website. Users such as Mique Provost 30daysblog and Amber Price: Crazy Little Projects Amber Price: Crazy Little Projects can give you simple Do-It-Yourself ideas such as a Photo Paper Flower Bouquet Printable and a Free Printable: Inspirational Quotes.

For your make-up needs, Youtube sensation Michelle Phan freely offers low-cost product recommendations and Do-It-Yourself cosmetics in her Pinterest account.

Image Credits: michellephan.com/diy-lip-balm

2. SELL YOUR STUFF

Social media, defined as websites or applications that enable the users to share content and to network, allows daily access of many consumers…all over the world. With this knowledge, you can supplement your Ad with a social media post.

For example, you may clean up the clutter in your closet and find the things that you deem to be unused or underused and sell them to your friends and family through Facebook or Instagram. Alternatively, you can turn your hobbies (e.g., baking cupcakes or making jewelries) into your home-based business.

3. SAVE ON PHONE BILLS

Save money and time by taking your customer complaints or issues on Twitter or Facebook. This will prevent the countless hours on the helpline only to be transferred to different departments. If the matter is more personal, you may message them directly without posting on their timeline.

4. FOLLOW THE SHOPS OR COMPANIES YOU PATRONIZE

You signed up to your favorite shop’s website mailing list but, do you check your inbox regularly? If not then, you might have missed out on some special deals. To prevent this, you can follow the shops or companies you like such as Forever 21 Singapore or Kinokoniya Bookstore Singapore. Retailers often put coupon or discount codes online so, stay social!

If you want to follow a single timeline that will deliver great deals, tips, and guides relating to money then, follow Money Digest on Facebook today. 🙂

Should You Say, “Yes” To A Prenuptial Agreement?

BACKGROUND

In Singapore, more and more couples are interested to enquire about what Prenuptial Agreement entails.

Prenuptial Agreement (Prenup) is a contract between a couple that is about to get married. It is used to set the terms of assets, the control over properties acquired before marriage, the potential wealth division if the relationship later ends, and more. Sounds like a major romance buzzkill, doesn’t it?

Despite its reputation, prenups include significant benefits namely:

a. Protection from one’s debts incurred by the other party,

b. Offer supplementary certainty in financial arrangements, and

c. Protection of family inheritance or businesses in an event of divorce.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

Before you sign a prenup, you must consider these 3 things:

1. IT MAY BE DIFFICULT TO DISCUSS

Even if we live in the most expensive city in the world where finances shall be carefully planned, do not assume that your future spouse is comfortable with pushing through a prenup. A prenup may suggest lack of trust in one party as you are planning for unforeseen divorce. Aside from this, talking about monetary and property division can make the marriage sound more like a business matter. Truly, this is a sensitive subject matter that should be handled with care, love, and honesty.

2. IT MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE FOR YOU

Just because your favorite celebrity did it does not mean that you should too! Prenup is not a necessity for everyone. But, I cannot deny that a prenup is especially helpful for couples that either earns about S$20,000 a month or already have children from previous marriages. Couples with previous marriages need to ensure that their children are protected and supported no matter what.

3. PRENUPS ARE IDEALLY BASED ON FAIRNESS

The idea of this written agreement is to highlight fairness and full disclosure of the couple’s assets. Terms have to be fair and reasonable to ensure that there will be no bias (e.g., elitism) and no coercion (e.g., use of threats).

Image Credits: Bambi Corro III via Flickr

Sources: 1 & 2

4 Fabulous Beauty And Wellness Activities In Singapore, Under S$55

1. EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN

Experience natural exfoliation of your skin with Kenko’s Fish Spa Therapy. As the fishes remove your feet’s dead skin cells, you will feel a gentle nibbling sensation that may be ticklish for the first two minutes. Afterwards, you will feel a relaxing pulse stimulating as the therapeutic wave sets in. The benefits of this therapy includes: Smoother and healthier skin Promote blood circulation Release stress and tension The 30-minute therapy costs about S$30.

Image Credits: kenko.com.sg

Kenko Singapore has 7 outlets nationwide, visit: kenko.com.sg/outlet to know the nearest one.

2. LEARN HOW TO RIDE THROUGH THE WAVES

Take on the challenge of getting into the exciting action by learning how to Flowride. On May 23, WAVEHOUSE SENTOSA will conduct a “Girls Learn To Ride” session that is suited for female beginner and intermediate Flowriders who are interested to learn the basics and some new tricks as taught by the in-house female instructors. This Babe-only session costs S$20 for an hour and S$40 for two!

Image Credits: Lim Ashley via Flickr

Order your tickets at wavehousesentosa.com. For others who would rather stay out of the surf, worry not, because there are two beach bars and a pool to keep you refreshed and occupied.

3. TREAT YOUR HAIR ON A BLOWOUT

Book in for a hair blowout at Blow+Bar salon to get a star-worthy makeover. With the “Daily Blowout” you can get double cleanse, scalp massage, conditioning, and a Signature blowout look for S$38-52 depending on your hair length. Kids are welcome to the fun too (i.e., Daily Blowout Kids: S$27)!

Image Credits: blowplusbar.com

You can choose from different Signature blowout looks including BB Volume, BB Natural, and BB Curls while sipping a glass of wine. Ohh la la indeed!

There are two has 2 Blow+Bar outlets nationwide, visit: blowplusbar.com to book an appointment.

4. STRECH AND SWEAT

Enjoy a rejuvenating yoga class at Hom Yoga, Singapore. Hom Yoga is a contemporary boutique yoga studio that offers hot and non-hot classes. Choose from a range of their hot classes such as Hot Hom, Hot Ashtanga, and Hot Flow as taught by internationally trained yoga instructors. What separates Hom Yoga from the most is its minimalist ambience and premier services complete with the staple facilities. Not only is the reception staff courteous but the instructors are friendly too.

Image Credits: Image Credits: facebook.com/homyogastudio

I suggest you go for their 1-week trial for S$49 to get a feel of all their classes. Otherwise, you can go for a single class for S$40. Hom Yoga has 2 studios nationwide, visit: homyoga.com/sg for more details.

Perfect Places To Buy Cheap Camera And Accessories In Singapore

Singapore is a haven for not only the food or fashion lovers but also for the digital savvy. That being said, most of the tourists that come to the Lion City are in search of the cheapest and the best electronics available. Fortunately, most if not all, provide you with the documents to claim the 7% GST from the Changi Airport. All you have to do is ask for it politely!

If you are set to buy quality yet reasonably priced Camera or Camera accessories, here are the Perfect Places To Buy Cheap Camera And Accessories In Singapore…

1. FUNAN DIGITALLIFE MALL

Topping the list is the famous Funan DigitalLife Mall. Funan DigitalLife Mall houses a variety of electronic stores with products at inexpensive yet competitive prices. These stores offer Cameras, DSLRs, Camera lenses, and more. One store that stocks ThinkTank Camera bags is the TK Foto at #02-14 and #02-38/41.ThinkTank bags are low profile and high-capacity bags suited for mirror-less Camera gear.

Image Credits: tkfoto.com.sg

Rest assured that you would not be a victim of scam at the Funan DigitalLife Mall because its stores follow Singapore’s trading standards.

2. CATHAY PHOTO

One of Singapore’s trusted Camera stores is the Cathay Photo. Established in 1959, Cathay Photo offers an impressive range of Still-Cameras, Video Cameras, and professional studio equipments among others. They strive to give the best photographic equipments by importing from international brands and by widening their range of products.

The DLSR Cameras with HD video capabilities include brands such as Rotolight, Zacuto, Kessler Crane, and Steadicam. Accessories that they sell include lenses & filters, light modifiers, Camera straps, and Camera bags. They have two outlets with the Peninsular Plaza being a few steps away from Funan DigitalLife Mall. See the full locations here.

3. CEE SHOW AND IT SHOW

IT Show 2015 may have pass last March but shopping for attractive deals on electronics does not stop there! This May 29-31, CEE (Consumer Electronics Exhibition) Show will give you great deals on electronics, all in one place – Suntec Singapore.

For 3 days, you can get huge savings on your electronic lifestyle needs ranging from Digital Cameras to the latest touchscreen and LED displays. Also, you can trade-in your used or faulty electronics (e.g., laptops, tablets, and smartphones) to get up to S$1,200 worth of vouchers. Interested to trade-in? Get a quote by filling their form here: http://pcdreams.com.sg/CEE/ The best thing about CEE Show 2015 is not only can you get up to 90% off but admission is also Free!

Image Credits: COMEX and ITSHOW via Facebook

For more information visit: ceeshow.com.sg

4 Ways To Stop Your Couple Woes Over Money

They say that love is unconditional, selfless, and priceless. But the truth is, you have to spend money for roses, dinner, or even diamonds during special occasions such as birthdays or Valentine’s Day. And these gifts do not come cheap! The influence of money on the relationship does not stop there. It is significantly present in marriage. In 2012, a study found that the more regular couples argued over money, the more likely they were to get divorced.

There are different reasons why couples have dispute over money. One reason is the opposing views that deeply affect their values to the point that it is hard for them not to be self-righteous in the subject. Although, if both parties truly love each other and are willing to work things out then, they can set their differences aside. Here are 4 helpful ways to stop your couple woes over money…

1. DISCUSS YOUR VALUES ABOUT MONEY

To prevent another issue to boil, understand each other’s view by explicitly discussing your differences on financial issues. For example, if your partner is a saver then, he or she may view money as an important currency that shall not be wasted.

Learn put yourself in your partner’s situation (i.e., spender or saver) by recognizing his or her financial strengths. For example, if you are buying a washing machine. While a saver may lean towards a cheap and used machine, a spender will want a costly and new machine. Compromise by combining the saver’s ability to get a good deal with the spender’s ability to commit to a new purchase.

Related Article: Psychology of Spenders and Savers

2. RELAX AND WRITE

When faced in a situation where you are already frustrated and about to burst, take a step back from those feelings. Avoid blaming or shouting at each other. Instead, write down your feelings or values about money and how you want your money dynamics to change for the better. When your temper is gone, exchange letters to know where your partner is coming from. If you want to break the cycle of feud, you have to work together to a fresh start.

3. PRODUCTIVELY PLAN TOGETHER

Ensure that you will have a productive and open communication on your financial goals and new budget plan. Change can be difficult and you may need to remind each other of your dreams and budget from time to time.

4. ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENCE

Although you have a joint bank account, you may want to have separate bank accounts for your personal finances including buying gifts for your spouse or child. This degree of financial independence can help you deal with the changes better. Keep in mind that you shall still honor the new budgeting scheme and financial goals even if you have a personal account.

Image Credits: Robert Bejil via Flickr

In resolving your money woes with your partner, it is important to keep an open mind. Remember that it is not about winning or superiority, instead it is about understanding your partner’s perspective on money.

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