MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

Government to offer new step-up bonds that comes with more flexibilities

Straits Times has reported today that the government will soon offer a new type of bonds in the market in the second half of the year.

Coined the Singapore Savings Bonds, being first of its kind, is different from the current SGS bonds which offers fix interest rates every year. It offers a step up interest starting with a smaller rates that rises over year. (Refer to the diagram in the newspaper article below)

Photo: Straits Times

The new bonds will be offered at a 10 years tenure linked to the long-term SGS Bonds Rate with no penalty for early redemption.

The minimum amount to invest is $500, with additional multiples of $500 up to a certain cap.

This roll out would really benefit the risk-adverse investors as it open up an alternative investment other than fixed deposits.

To sum up the features of the Singapore Saving Bonds:

Step up interest with rates rising over the years
No penalty of early redemption
Minimum investment of $500
Capital guaranteed by the government

You can also read the electronic version on Straits Times here: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/business/economy/story/new-government-bond-offers-rising-rates-20150331

What you should also know about the Singapore Saving Bonds: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/business/banking/story/singapore-savings-bonds-what-you-should-know-20150331

To find out more on SGS Bonds, check out: http://www.sgs.gov.sg/~/media/SGS/SGS_T-bill_English.pdf

How You Can Dine From $0.30 With The Sugar App

“Thirty cents? You got to be kidding!”

That was the first impression when i was exploring the Sugar app i downloaded from app store.

If you don’t know what the Sugar app is, think Groupon, but with a twist.

Instead of activating a deal with group buying, Sugar allows you to shop for unbelievable deals with prices from as low as $0.30.

Not only that, it allows you to “skim” the price of the items you like by simply tapping on the green icon next to it. In other words, each time you “skim” an item, you slash the price by $0.20 – $0.50. At price already that low, any further skimming will make you feel like you’re stealing something.

If you have noticed, i have actually skimmed the price of the Army Stew from Ajumma’s (The Cathay) from ~~$3.60~~ to $3.40. You can also tap it (now a blue icon) to share the love with your friends so that you can bring the price down lower.

Once you think the price is right, you can purchase it and the e-voucher will be saved in the app itself under the section “Redeem”. The thing to note here is that you must redeem the voucher within 7 days before it expires. Thus, make your purchases wisely and only if you will be visiting the outlet in a week.

The e-voucher can be redeemed easily. Just show them to the service staff when you order and the staff (*not you) will slide to redeem the voucher.

The Army Stew from Ahjumma’s costs $10.90 and thanks to Sugar, i’ve only paid $3.40!

The catch here is that besides having to redeem your purchase within a week, you can only use one voucher per table and you are not allowed to do take-away. There is only one voucher a day – that is to say, if someone else bought it before you do, you have to try your luck the next day. They usually restock the deals in the morning, so be kiasu a little, check them out when you are on the way to work or school. As the saying goes: the early bird catches the worm.

There are many other fantastic food deals such as:

Bubble Milk Tea at $0.60
Scoop of Ice Cream at $0.60
A Cup of Latte at $0.60
Cupcake at $.060
Cheese fries at $1.00
Waffles at $1.00
Salmon Sashimi at $0.60
Sliced Beef Pho at $1.00
Sushi Buffet at $10.00
.. and many more!

Besides food and beverages, there are also different kind of lifestyle deals from hair cuts to cooking class. How about a game of Laser Tag or Escape Room that sets your heart pumping?

The Sugar team are sourcing for more irresistible deals for you daily, so share the joy and get your friends and family members to use the app. With more users, more merchants would be more willing to advertise on Sugar – which means more fantastic deals coming your way.

Here’s something to make it sweeter:

Download the app and register your mobile number to get a free $10 credit for you to shop on Sugar.

Even sweeter?

Log on to www.wewantsugar.com/extralove and enter your mobile number with the referral code <CHEL> to get a free $20 credit.

There is no string attached so what are you still waiting for? Download the app for free from your Apple App/Google Play store and start raiding the stores!

For more info on how the app works, check out the Sugar’s website: http://www.wewantsugar.com

Like this post? Don’t forget to share it with your friends and family members. Hit ‘Share‘ and spread the love.

Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s Notable Quotations on Economy and Life in Singapore

As the nation bids its final farewell to Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of Singapore, here is a humble homage for his wisdom on money and life matters.

1. “People want economic development first and foremost. The leaders may talk something else. You take a poll of any people. What is it they want? The right to write an editorial, as you like? They want homes, medicine, jobs, schools.”

~The Man and His Ideas, 1997

2. “If Singapore is a nanny state, then I am proud to have fostered one.”

~From Third World to First, The Singapore Story: 1965-2000

3. “Life is not just eating, drinking, television, and cinema…the human mind must be creative, must be self-generating. It cannot depend on just gadgets to amuse itself.”

~Speech at Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Haji Celebrations held at Joo Seng Community Centre, February 28, 1970

4. “But I’m not God, I can’t change you. But I can encourage you, give you extra help to make you do, say maybe, 20% better.”

~Success Stories, 2002

5. “Every Singaporean who owns a flat can double his value in today’s terms within the next 15 to 20 years. In other words, in the next 20 years, we can make everybody worth twice as much, at least.”

~National Day Rally, 1990

6. “If you can’t think because you can’t chew, try a banana.”

~Reply to a BBC reporter, 2000

7. “I am often accused of interfering in the private lives of citizens. Yes, if I did not, had I not done that, we wouldn’t be here today. And I say without the slightest remorse, that we wouldn’t be here, we would not have made economic progress, if we had not intervene on very personal matters – who your neighbor is, how you live, the noise you make, how you spit, or what language you use. We decide what is right. Never mind what people think.”

~Straits Times, April 20, 1987

Image Credits: William Cho via Flickr

To build a strong Singapore during the most difficult years and to transform it from a Third World to a First World country is truly admirable beyond words. Mr. Lee, your outstanding leadership gave us the direction and for that your legacy will on forever.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, and 4

Delicious And Affordable Places For Thai Food in Singapore

For Thai cuisine, variety of texture, color, and taste is paramount. Thai chefs not only pay attention to how the dishes taste but they are also conscious about the balance of how it looks, smells, and how it fits with the rest of the meal. With several of delectable choices islandwide, here are the 3 delicious yet affordable restaurants in Singapore to satisfy your hunger for Thai food…

1. THAI TANTRIC

Hidden in Orchard Towers is a gem of authentic Thai cuisine called Thai Tantric. Affordable prices range from S$6 to S$10. Other than the classic Thai dishes, you must try their Thai Fried Rice (S$6) and Deep-fried Chicken Wings with Honey (S$10).

Image Credits: sg.openrice.com

Location: #03-23 Orchard Towers, 400 Orchard Road

Online Rating: 100% on HungryGoWhere

2. JAI THAI

Find yourself shopping on the streets of Bugis? Feed your belly with cheap yet good tasting dishes from Jai Thai. Their Phad Thai, complete with a hearty serving of prawns, is priced at only S$5. Online voters raved for their Pandan Chicken and Tom Yum Soup.

Image Credits: Jai Thai Restaurant – Wallet Friendly Authentic Thai Cuisine via Facebook

Locations: Four outlets, visit here.

Online Rating: 70% on HungryGoWhere

3. NAKHON KITCHEN

It is undeniable that Nakhon Kitchen is a crowd favorite. Long queues, every day, are always at sight. This is because they are known for their authentic dishes yet budget-friendly prices. As said a while ago, Thai food is known for its variety so, Tom Yam Soup (S$6) comes in three kinds: clear, thick, or coconut bases. Other online voters favorite are Green Curry (S$8) and Thai Style Fried Kway Teow (S$4).

Locations:

#01-2371, Cheng San Centre, 529 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10

#01-166, 136 Bedok North Avenue 3

#01-341, Blk 212 Hougang Street 21

Online Rating: 64% on HungryGoWhere

Image Credits: [ThumbsForFood] via www.hungrygowhere.com

Enjoy your meal! Or, as they say in Thailand: ทาน อาหาร ให้ อร่อย นะ (thaan aa-hăan hâi à-râwy ná)!

5 Questions You Should Ask The Interviewer To Get A Good Company Insight

How will you know if you are really suited for the job and the company you are applying for unless you ask? Satisfaction at work and lesser turnover rate can only be ensured if you have a good insight of the company even during the job interview. According to studies and professional experiences, here are some questions every candidate should ask…

1. WHAT IS THE IDEAL EMPLOYEE FOR THIS POSITION?

Do not waste your time. Before saying “YES” to a job offer, consider whether you are the type of employee they are looking for. Some bosses in Singapore demand more attention and punctuality while others are loose and flexible toward their employees. You can get even more information by asking what the mission of the company is. Research showed that people are happier when there is a goodness of fit between the company’s and the employee’s goals.

2. CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE WORKPLACE CULTURE?

Not all Singaporean organizations make employees work for long hours. Asking the interviewer about the workplace culture will help you grasp the management styles, dress code, employee dynamics, and more.

3. WHAT IS THE LARGEST ISSUE THAT THE COMPANY IS FACING NOW? WILL I BE ABLE TO HELP?

Demonstrate your interest in the company. This question will not only imply that you are thinking of supporting the team but it will also encourage the interviewer to visualize you in the rightful position.

4. WHILE WORKING HERE, WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

Your interviewer who is superior in the company may have a more biased or positive view than others but, it is still worth finding out about the benefits that the job might bring once decide to stay in the company for long.

5. CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE PREVIOUS PERSON WHO HELD THIS POSITION?

I have had an interviewer who told me that the post was vacant due to pregnancy but once the previous employee comes back, she would fill in a higher post. This is a good sign of the company’s flexibility and growth. If your interviewer speaks bitterly of the past employee, determine if the boss takes things personally or if the place is in turmoil.

Image Credits: Chris Potter via Flickr

After discovering the answers to these questions, ask yourself this: Are you right for the job?

Sources: Forbes and Inc.

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