MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

8 Places To Go This Chinese New Year On A Budget

As the most important day for the Chinese in the world arrives, it is also the time when festive mood kicks in. Most of us look forward to usher in the Year of the Goat hoping for a better year ahead filled with abundance and prosperity. For the younger generation, it is also the time of the year when they get rich as they fervently collect the red packets.

There are also various activities and places to go where you can soak into the ambience of the festive mood. We take a look at 8 places where you can celebrate the Chinese New Year on a budget:

1. River Hongbao 2015

River Hongbao is one of the best place to be at during Chinese New Year as there are a varieties of activities from Xinjiang performances to large lanterns and God of Fortune. For your kids, there are more than 25 game stalls and rides such as the bumper car and carousel. There are Traditional Chinese Art and Crafts stalls if you enjoyed arts. When you are famished, there is also a Food Street for you to try out some of the local delicacies such as Chicken Rice, Bak Kut Teh, Laksa, Hokkien Prawn Noodle and more. There’s also fireworks on the eve of Chinese New Year. Admission is free.

For more info: http://www.riverhongbao.sg/

2. Open House at the Musuems

Take a walk at the museums as there are Open House during Chinese New Year. With an array of activities organised for you and your family, learn the history and cultural aspect of the Festival of Spring. Admission is free.

For more info: http://www.nhb.gov.sg/

3. Catch a movie

As this is a festive period, expect a number of movies to be launched on the first day of Chinese New Year.

Make sure you catch these movies:

Ah Boy To Men 3: Great family show. If you have watch the first two series of Ah Boy To Men, you know Jack Neo is a good director who know what the Singaporeans want to see.
King of Mahjong: Starring Mark Lee. Good show to watch for those who wish to be inspired before their Mahjong’s session this CNY.
From Vegas to Macau II: With Chow Yun Fatt, “the legendary gambler” as the main lead, you shouldn’t miss this for those who like to gamble during CNY. Gamble with care.
Dragon Blade: With Jacky Chan in the movie, need i say more?
Triumph in the Skies: If you are a HK Drama addict like myself, you would have watched their drama on TVB years ago. It has also been cited as one of the best serial dramas. With Julian Cheung and Charmaine Sheh in the movie, this will be a movie on my watch list.
12 Golden Ducks: Another HK Movie, this time a comedy starring Sandra Ng who plays a cross-gender gigolo that will make you laugh your way out of the theatre.

4. Chinatown Countdown Party 2015 and Street Light-Up

Image credit: ST

Expect Chinatown to usher in the Chinese New Year with a blast! After your reunion dinner, head over to Chinatown for a countdown party from 9.30pm – 12.30am on 18 February 2015. Immerse yourself with the festive joy with performances, skits and festive songs. Did i mention there will be firecrackers and fireworks? On the first day of Chinese New Year, the entire street of Chinatown lights up with lanterns and “goats” figurines.

For more info: http://chinatownfestivals.sg/chinatown-chinese-new-year-celebrations-2015/

5. Sentosa

Do not miss out the actions at The State of Fun as Sentosa will bring you a series of performances this Lunar New Year. Wei Wei, a Shaolin Master who also holds the Guiness World Record, will showcase his Kung Fu and martial art skills during the events. Be captivated by the Northern and Southern Lion Dance performances located at the Merlion Plaza and Wings of Time Concourse respectively. That’s not all. When night falls, you will be mesmerized by the LED Dragon Dance at the Beach Plaza and the Prosperity Walkway with hundreds of lantern beautifully lighted up.

For more info: http://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/SentosaCelebratesLNY/

6. Singapore Flyer

Ride the Singapore Flyer for free this Lunar New Year if you are the first 88 visitors from 19 – 22 February 2015! It operates from 8.30am so make sure you are there early if you want to embark on a ride that provides unrivaled view of the Singapore’s skyline. Make sure you snap a photo of Marina Bay and the Esplanade. There are also other fun-filled activities such as Lion and Dragon Dance performances, Wushu performances and God of Fortune/Lucky Goat mascots to welcome you.

For more info: http://www.singaporeflyer.com/lunar-new-year-2015-promotions-activities/

7. Gardens by The Bay

At Gardens by The Bay, there are also plenty of events lined up for Chinese New Year. Don’t miss the floral showcase at the Flower Dome where you get to see display of goats and other Chinese New Year figurines made of flowers. There’s also Lion Dance performances on 21 February 2015, from 5 – 6pm.

For more info: http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/the-gardens/whats-on/calendar-of-event.html

8. Wildlife fun

Zoo

Since this is the year of the Goat, don’t you think you should visit the Zoo to snap a picture with the “main lead” this year? There’s Goat Photography on 18 – 22 Feb 2015 for you to take a shot with the baby goats! There are also Lion Dance performances and Mascots to greet you during your visit.

For more info: http://www.zoo.com.sg/events-promos/cny-15.html

Jurong Bird Park

Visit the birds and feed the parrots with curated treats in festive ang baos!

For more info: http://www.birdpark.com.sg/events-promos/cny-15.html

River Safari

Catch the giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia at the River Safari as you witness these majestic Chinese animals fervently open up their Chinese New Year’s treats.

For more info: http://riversafari.com.sg/events-promos/cny-15.html

Night Safari

Want to catch glowing ‘Lions’? Then head over to Night Safari where you can catch spectacular LED lighted Lions showcasing their moves to bring you luck and prosperity. The LED lighted mascots look forward to snap pictures with you, so make sure you bring your camera with you. If you would like to read your future, take a walk along the Zoo-diac trail which predicts your horoscope for the year of the Goat.

For more info: http://www.nightsafari.com.sg/events-promos/cny-15.html

May you enjoy this festive season and long holiday with plenty of activities that are lined up for you.

Wishing You a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year. 新年快乐, 恭喜发财!

7 Golden Insurance Tips Every Newlywed Should Know

The vow of “for better or worse…for richer or for poorer” entails an important promise to live in a financially able home. Managing your money on your own can be challenging enough so adding your spouse’s finances may be overwhelming at times. With that in mind, here are 7 Insurance Tips for Newlyweds…

1. DISCUSS YOUR FINANCES AND SET YOUR GOALS

Discuss your finances with your new spouse as soon and as open as possible. You will need to communicate about your bank accounts and about your debts. Set up goals together in order to see which insurance suits your intentions.

2. LOCATION IS EVERYTHING

Housing insurance often pays for destruction, damage, and theft of your possessions. In the event of fire, your insurance will help pay to repair and replace your expensive belongings. Homes close to fire hydrants and fire stations cost less to insure. This is why location of your house is important.

3. TRY THE LUCKY SEVEN

If you are wondering how much life insurance coverage you need, then seek the experts help. Some experts suggest multiplying your annual income by seven so that your spouse is covered for at least 5 to 10 years.

4. CONTINUE DRIVING RED CARS

It is a myth that car insurance companies charge more for red cars. Higher charges come from the age of the client, client’s claims history, and age and model of the car.

5. CONSIDER FLOOD INSURANCE

Housing insurance cover damage caused by pipe overflows but, natural disaster flood are covered by flood insurance. Findings suggest that almost 25% of flood insurance claims are made from low-risk areas, so consider this policy.

6. HOME IS YOUR BIGGEST INVESTMENT

Your home is your biggest investment because unlike cars that depreciate its value the minute you drive them, your house increases its value over time. Houses that are less than 10 years old or those that are renovated within the last 10 years cost less to insure. What’s more? If the house is made of fire-resistant materials such as brick, you can save even more money.

7. BE FIT TO SAVE MORE

Live a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet. Hop on the scale to see if your body weight is the ideal BMI for your age. This is because life insurance companies charge more for people who are overweight since they develop more health problems as time passes. So, stepping on the gym will not only give you a sexy body but it will also help you save more insurance money.

Image Credits: Alan Cleaver via Flickr

Reuse These 7 Household Items To Increase Savings

Stop throwing things out and try these 7 Ways To Reuse Household Items To Increase Your Savings. It not only saves money but it also shapes your creativity.

1. BROWN PAPER BAGS

Want to scratch off plastic book cover to your school supplies list? Then, reuse the brown paper bags you carried from the grocery store to cover your children’s textbooks. You may also cover their notebooks and label it easily with a marker.

2. PLACE MATS

Your place mats can be transformed into colorful drink coasters. Just cut your place mats into circular coasters and place it on the table. Most place mats are water-resistant, plastic, and made for wear-and-tear, so no extra steps are needed.

3. OLD AND UNWANTED T-SHIRTS

Put your worn-out, old, and unwanted shirts into use by cutting it into handy rags. Your arsenal of cleaning supplies will not only expand but your closet will be free from space also.

4. CEREAL BAGS

If you’re a family who loves cereal, then you can avoid buying wax paper again. Wash the cereal bags that come with the box because it can be reused to wrap sandwiches, cold cuts, or freeze meats.

5. CONTACT LENS CASES

Old contact lens cases that no longer hold the lenses can be filled with your daily vitamins. Just wash the cases carefully before using it. This will be a handy way to take your pills wherever you go.

6. CANDLES AND CANDLE WAXES

No need to throw away burnt candles or candle waxes since you can convert them to pincushions. Roll up the wax into a round shape to house your pins and needles.

7. COFFEE MUGS

Being a clumsy menace myself, chipping off the handle of a coffee mug is unavoidable.

Image Credits: EUNOIA via Flickr

Do not throw these mugs just yet because they can be used as perfect homes for your small flowers or herbs. Fill up the mug with soil, plant the seeds or flowers, and place it on the windowsill to have your own portable garden!

Smart Investment And Retirement Strategies From 20s And Beyond

IN YOUR 20s

1. EDUCATE YOURSELF.

Read and understand materials about self-empowerment, investment, and money management. Here are four books to get you started with:

“The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield
“Why Stocks Go Up and Down” by William Pike
“The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham
“Turning Pro” by Steven Pressfield

2. CONNECT AND DISCONNECT MORE.

Networking is very important especially if you will be dabbling in the field of business. Meeting people with shared interests will not only bring a life of fun but also a life of opportunities. Your network may refer you to your first job or even challenge you to be a business partner. On the other hand, you must disconnect with the distractions such as excessive amounts of alcohol or other vices that are harmful to your body.

IN YOUR 30s

3. BEGIN NOW.

The sooner you start, the more money you part with. In order to retire on 80% of an income, a 30-year-old must save 10% of his or her salary.

4. INVEST IN STOCKS.

Even if the economy suffers badly, your account will have time to recover. For instance, The Fidelity Select Software and Computer fund has yielded more than 11% a year since 1996. Keep it basic with a low-cost index fund.

IN YOUR 40s

5. PUT VALUE TO YOURSELF.

You may want to put your retirement savings into hold because of your child’s college fund. But, keep in mind that you cannot load for retirement yet you can loan for college fees or even get a scholarship.

6. SEEK THE EXPERT’S ADVICE.

To reach the maximum level of your retirement savings, sit down with a financial planner. Create a financial goal together and learn how to save more, spend wisely, and invest to reach it.

IN YOUR 50s

7. STAY WITH STOCKS.

You may increase your percentage of savings by investing in bonds but do not totally quit on stocks. To battle inflation, you must lean on the stocks’ higher growth potential.

Image Credits: American Advisors Group via Flickr

Shopping Intervention: 7 Things You’re Doing Wrong

1. GETTING TEMPTED WITH THE EXTRAS

You may go shopping during a huge Laptop sale and save big time on what you need but find yourself purchasing its costly accessories. Extras for laptop, computer, Smartphone, and so on can be purchased at a bargain price online on Ebay or Carousell rather than from the shop itself. Shop for the necessary, weight your options when buying extras, and look at the bigger picture.

2. COMPARING PRICES BY SHOPPING

Compare prices online or through magazines and newspapers instead for buying the items yourself. Also, when comparing prices, give yourself a time limit (e.g., 20-30 minutes). This is because people who can’t stop looking for the next best deal are never satisfied.

3. LETTING IMPULSE TAKE OVER

When impulse takes over your shopping, you regret purchasing an item the minute it arrives. To know if you really need and want something, walk away from it and you will save money. As most heard: “if you love something, set it free”. And, if you find yourself thinking about it after 24 hours then go back and buy it.

4. OVERSPENDING DUE TO AN ATTRACTIVE DEAL

Online shoppers are found to spend over 1/3 more when the shipping is offered for free. This is because the attractive deal catches you. Avoid overspending by writing down the things you need to buy and sticking to it.

5. NOT NEGOTIATING

Most goods are negotiable these days. You would not know if there is a sweeter deal if you do not ask. You do not have to say: “Can you give me a discount?” directly if you are shy…use “Can you work with the price with me?” instead. Before negotiating, be sure that you did your homework about the competitors’ prices first.

6. TRYING IT ON

If you are not prepared to buy an item for its price, do not try it on. Psychology suggests that physically touching a product makes you desire to buy it more. Touching a product can lead to lingering and prolonged feelings of ownership. This is why clothing stores have an abundance of changing rooms or why more expensive grocery items are just within your reach.

7. GOING FOR RETAIL THERAPY

People often know that you must not shop hungry in a grocery store because you would end up buying everything that satisfies your hunger.

Image Credits: Pedro Ribeiro Simões via Flickr

Same goes for other aspects of shopping, it is best not to shop angry or sad. Shopping while you are angry makes you more likely to take risks. While, shopping while your sad may fill up the void in your heart but empty your wallet along the way. Making retail therapy a habit can turn in an unhealthy and costly addiction.

1. River Hongbao 2015

2. Open House at the Musuems

3. Catch a movie

4. Chinatown Countdown Party 2015 and Street Light-Up

5. Sentosa

6. Singapore Flyer

7. Gardens by The Bay

8. Wildlife fun

Search the site