If you are traveling with the little ones, you can minimize the stress of flying by picking the best seat in the plane through the SeatGuru by TripAdvisor App. This free app allows you to get information on airplane seating advice, aircraft amenities, and airline recommendations. Through the user reviews and photos, you can be equipped with the knowledge of seats that have extra legroom and of the seats where you are likely to be woken up by the staff. What’s more? You can real-time updates on flight status.
Ever had spontaneous a trip with your friends that lasted longer than expected? Worry not about your emergency accommodation! HotelQuickly, as the name suggests, allows you to book last-minute discounted hotels within seconds. They bring you exclusive deals on Asia-Pacific’s top-rated hotels located in New Zealand, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Laos, and Australia. Keep an eye with their featured accommodation to enjoy discounts up to 70%.
Acclaimed by CNN, LA Times, BBC, and The Travel Channel, XE Currency App serves as one of the best travel companion. It is amazing that this free App allows you to convert every world currency wherever you are even without Internet access. You can even add the currency updates on your notifications center. Craving for more information? Check out their live currency rates and over 30,000 charts.
Available in English and Italian language, Musement App allows you to globally explore and book thousands of attractions, tours, museums, and so on. Let’s say you are going to Venice, all you have to do is to select your destination, refine your activities and date search, and instantly buy tickets through their secure payment system. You get the voucher flashed on your screen and the confirmation e-mail afterwards. Still not sold? This portable itinerary manager not only offers exclusive promotions and but also suggests activities on sale.
One of the main issues experienced by travelers is forgetting something important. That will never happen again with Pack The Bag App. This App will help you get ready for the holidays whether it is a day-trip to the beach or a month on Europe. Organize your list with about 650 baggage items in 26 categories. This way, you are given travel ideas for essentials you did not even know you needed.
In 2014, a research showed that 61% of Singaporean employees felt that were underpaid and overworked compared to the existing market rates. To put that in perspective, that is about 6 out of 10 employees. As the increase of talents from all around the world rise, satisfaction of pay and loyalty to the company will be tested. Now, if you feel that you are underpaid and overworked then, here are the 3 things you shall consider doing…
1. ENHANCE YOUR WRITING SKILLS
Your potential can be assessed by how well you construct proposals, e-mails, and reports. Poor writing skills can cost more money or inadvertently offend others especially the valued clients. Proper grammar along with being direct is very important when responding to your superiors and to your clients. Brush up on your English skills by watching free tutorial videos on YouTube.
2. SPEAK UP MORE
Did you know that Narcissists (i.e., overly self-involved individuals) give out a better impression of themselves in the workplace because of their outspoken nature? They like to brag about their tasks and achievements hence, they are perceived by the bosses to be smarter and to have more initiative. But we all know that geniuses that are extremely quiet exist and are often overlooked (e.g., snob in promotions or pay raise).
To assert yourself more, try to join Public Speaking Workshops. In fact, there is an on going deal for a 3 Hour Public Speaking Workshop at GROUPON for only S$15. Grab it now, as it is valid until June 2015 only.
3. ASK FOR A RAISE
Living in Singapore with a deeply rooted Asian culture, it is usual for us to be silent and underrate our worth. Hence, it is not surprising how many people hardly negotiate pay at interview. During employment, they fail to negotiate a pay raise too. But, if you do not ask then you would not get it. You are more valuable than you think; otherwise, they would have fired you a long time ago. Realize that your bargaining strength is all in your head. You can do it! 🙂
For detailed ways to negotiate salary increase efficiently, read my other article here.
According to Investopedia, Savings Account is an account managed by the bank which provides principal security and a moderate interest rate. Personally, I value this financial tool because it serves as an accessible shield to cover the immediate expenses. Before you open your own savings account, here are the 5 helpful and feasible things you should consider…
1. HOW MUCH TO SAVE
Having enough money in reservation, especially in an expensive country such as Singapore, is very important not just for you but for your family too. A savings account with an emergency fund can pay for the unforeseen expenses instead of using credit cards or applying for loans. You need to ask yourself this: “How much do you need to save?” Consider your needs and that of your family.
2. CHOOSE YOUR BANK WISELY
The first thing you should look out for aside from your eligibility to open the savings account, is the initial fee and the maintaining balance requirements. For example, UOB’s passbook savings account has an initial fee of as low as S$500 (for Singaporean/PR) and a maintaining balance of S$500. While, OCBC’s passbook savings account has an initial fee of S$1,000 (for Singaporean/PR/Foreigner) and a maintaining balance of S$1,000.
3. ATM AND BRANCHES AVAILABILITY
It is important that you can withdraw the cash from your savings account at your convenience once the need arises. Be sure to examine the bank’s ATM locations. Are there ATMs near your home, workplace, or frequented shopping malls? Also, if you are traveling a lot then, a bank with branches around the world is a better option.
4. SCOPE OF FACILITIES
In today’s world, most banks allow Internet banking and even Mobile App banking to check your savings account balance and to make various transactions. Consider this. Also, know whether your savings account comes with a passbook, a debit card (e.g., with VISA, NETS, or MasterCard), or an ATM card. This will help your options to narrow even more.
5. ESTABLISHING THE SAVINGS
To establish your savings, it is better to have a fixed amount to put inside every month. First, you must set a long-term goal about the money you can accumulate. Second, you must set a time frame that allows you to complete your goal.
Image Credits: Ken Teegardin via Flickr
Do not forget that different banks have varied interests rates that may affect your savings.
If you might have been aware, Groupon is having a 3 hours sale for 3 days (14 – 16 Apr 2015) from 10AM to 1PM. (Today is the last day!) Shoppers can enjoy an ADDITIONAL 10% to 20% discount on their shopping by using the discount code “3HOURSALE” when you check out your cart.
Most deals are already heavily discounted, so this additional discount makes the deal even sweeter.
Let’s get shopping savvy by finding out what are the current deals that are trending on Groupon. We have listed 12 of them, of which most are dining deals (Singaporeans love to eat!), with the most popular deals first!
1. Paradise Inn (6,916 Bought!)
Nothing beats dining at Paradise Inn where you get to enjoy a range of delectable chinese cuisines headed by executive chefs. You must try the crisp-fried crystal prawn with pork floss when you are there!
How awesome can it gets when you get another Taiyaki for free? You save $6, the cost of one piece, in this 1-for-1 Tai Parfait deal. Bring a friend along and share the goodness of a parfait topped on to your Japanese cake.
3. Peranakan Buffet at Hotel Grand Pacific (5,799 Bought!)
When i heard that Peranakan Food are one of the most traditional yet tasty food around, i was delighted to see this deal on Groupon. When you combine the Chinese, Malay and Indonesian cuisines together, you get a scrumptious spread of food on the table. The buffet at Hotel Grand Pacific means you can eat and try all you want from babi ponteh to ayam buah keluak.
Have you tried the ice skating rink at JCube? Whenever you do your shopping there, don’t you feel envious when you see a group of happy people skating in the rink? Now you can, with the deal from Groupon, that makes it MUCH cheaper and affordable to skate now. Almost at half its price, you can skate for 2 hours at just $8.00.
5. Churchill Italian Single Size Bedding Set (4,326 Bought!)
I’m not a household person, but when i saw this bedding set deal on Groupon and the amount of hype it’s getting, i thought it might be a good addition to the list.
Soft, flexible and comfy tinsel for breathing material for improving sleeping quality
As we spend most of our time sleeping, i don’t mind exchanging my dollars for a better sleeping quality.
7. Howards Storage World Cash Voucher (3,220 Bought!)
As a standard unit is getting smaller each day, you would need to maximize the space that you have in your house with efficient storage methods. Howards Storage World lets you do that by organizing your mess into neat shelves, drawers and more. Now get clutter-free and not only you save space, you save money with this deal.
Located at Shaw Tower, Oromo Coffee aims to start your day with a hearty breakfast that comes with a drink. You save more than half the price by purchasing this deal.
You love your fried chicken and fried food, but hates the calories that come with it? How about airfrying your food when it purportedly claims that you gets up to 80% less fat from the standard cooking method?
The Airfryer can make nearly anything – and fast. From fried chicken to french fries to breakfast muffins, with less fat and more nutrition. The airfryer’s ability to fry, roast, bake or grill makes it almost unbelievable: that is, until you’ve tried.
11. Straits Cafe International Buffet (1,811 Bought!)
The moment i saw someone slurping down those oysters and picking on those snow crabs from the window yesterday (15 Apr 2015), i know it’s a hidden treasure along Bras Basah road. I got to admit i stretched the list from a top 10 to a top 12 list because i need to add this buffet deal which you can get at a bargain. Here’s your chance to savour these sea delights from mussels, scallops, gong gong, tiger prawns to oysters and snow crabs.
Who say you need to get the latest Apple Watch? This Bluetooth Smart Watch allows you to take calls from your wrist, play the music from your phone besides telling you the time. Get it now from $39 at Groupon.
I have round up these 12 items to make it easier for your purchase, just click on the image which it will redirect you to the product page. Just don’t forget to enter the promo code: “3HOURSALE” from now till 1PM” to get an additional 10% to 20% discount on top of your purchase.
Healthy eating is an active choice to improve one’s lifestyle. It is not about total dietary restriction and remaining thin. Rather, it is about having more energy and feeling better about YOU!
If you find it difficult at first, fear not because you are not alone. Taking this healthier road one step at a time will surely go a long way. Once you embraced healthier eating, you cannot only be fitter but also richer. As you cut back the unnecessary, you can save more money for important things such as your child’s allowance. On that note, here are 10 Tips To Eat Healthier And Save More Money…
CONSUME LESS SUGAR AND STARCH
1. Reduce sugar in fruit juices by diluting it with water. Even if it does not contain added sugar such as the pure fruit juices, it is still good to practice this.
2. A bottle of Strawberry Jam at FairPrice retails for about S$3-9.80. You can save that and reduce guar consumption by using minimum amounts of jam or any spread. Apply it thinly and evenly.
GO FOR REDUCED FATS
3. Did you know that Marigold’s Non Fat Yoghurt is available for S$1.85 while Meiji’s Low Fat Yoghurt is only S$1/pc at FairPrice. Also, milk containing less fat are either the same price or even cheaper than the other types. The point is, you can choose reduced-fat varieties of milk and yoghurt without sacrificing the price.
4. If you are preparing meat, remove the visible fat and the skin off the chicken before you cook.
CONSUME LESS SODIUM
5. You can either reduce or not use salt at all when you are cooking. But, if you want to add more flavors, use iodized salt instead.
6. Want to save more on salt? Gradually reduce the salt you add in your cooking and buy food with lower sodium levels.
INCREASE FIBER INTAKE
7. Eat about 3-4 servings of fruits daily. Banana, orange, and guava are just some of the fruits rich in fiber.
8. It is a known fact that leafy greens are more affordable than lean meat. To eat healthier, eat smaller servings of meat with larger servings of vegetables.
OTHERS
9. Cook more homemade meals instead of buying take-away. For example, cook fish by steaming, grilling, or pan-frying it. Shy away from deep fried food.
10. Lastly, it is no surprise that beer or any alcoholic drinks should be cut down. The recommended consumption should be no more than 3 drinks for men and no more than 2 drinks for women. Reducing your alcohol consumption will not only control your weight but it will also save you more money and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
