MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

3 accommodations with an ocean view under $60/night in Jeju, South Korea

Looking to have a memorable vacation in Jeju, South Korea this new year? We’ve got you covered!

We’ve handpicked some accommodations that offer ocean views, all for under $60/night. From pet-friendly homes to well-located studios, Jeju has a range of options that will make your stay both budget-friendly and unforgettable.

So, without further ado, let’s get started, shall we?

Pet-friendly homey home for 2 persons right by Geumneung Beach

Price: $51/night (for 2 persons)

This cozy studio is your chance to escape to paradise—with your furry friend(s) in tow.

Located a mere 5-minute stroll from Geumneung Beach, this pet-friendly home offers unobstructed ocean views from its perch on the 2nd floor. Past guests rave about the value, beachy location, and ability to grill outdoors.

Whether you come for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, you will find all the comforts of a home with air conditioning and heating. The beach beckons you with waves and walks, while the studio’s relaxed atmosphere invites you to settle in and recharge.

So pack your bags, grab Fido and Fluffy, and head to this home away from home right by the sea.

Recently remodeled studio stay near Gueomri Stone Salt

Price: $56/night (for 2 persons)

Just steps from the crashing waves and within sight of the famed Gueomri Stone Salt, this freshly updated studio provides the coastal escape you’ve been yearning for.

The inviting space was reborn in June 2023 with your comfort in mind, featuring new furnishings, appliances, and fixtures throughout. Infants under 2 are not allowed, but you will have plenty of room to spread out with a plush queen bed and light kitchen for simple meal prep. Best of all, free parking on the first floor means you can come and go without hassle.

Walk to the water’s edge within minutes, then return to your minimalist haven for a peaceful night’s rest. Jeju’s sea air and salt breeze await you at this coastal studio.

Clean & bright room within walkable distance of Lee Jung Seop Street

Price: $59/night (for 2 persons)

Step into serenity at this retreat just steps from buzzing Lee Jung Seop Street.

Huge glass windows in the bright room frame sweeping ocean vistas and views of Saeseom Island and Saeyeon Bridge, transporting you to a place of calm. Just across the street sits a GS25 convenience store for quick Korean snacks and essentials, while the downtown area and its restaurants, cafes, and shops are a leisurely walk away.

Security cameras on-site ensure peace of mind, while the double bed and wardrobe provide a comfortable home base for your Seogwipo adventures. Park your car in the free parking lot, then leave the cares of the road behind as you settle into this stylish, convenient lodging in South Korea’s jewel, Jeju Island.

With these accommodations offering stunning ocean views for under $60/night, you can now enjoy the best of Jeju, South Korea. Revel in the natural beauty of the island while staying within your budget. Whether you choose a homely home or a freshly remodeled studio, each option guarantees not only a breathtaking view but also an affordable stay. So, pack your bags and hop on your plane towards Jeju’s picturesque coastal paradise.

Awesome UNIQLO Hacks You Wouldn’t Want to Miss

Upon hearing the familiar refrain, “Welcome to UNIQLO,” I’m instantly reminded why this iconic clothing store holds a special place in the hearts of many, myself included, here in Singapore.

When it comes to quality within a similar price range, UNIQLO stands head and shoulders above its competitors, offering a superior shopping experience.

Testament to UNIQLO’s commitment to quality, I’ve been enjoying their classic Airism shirts for four years with no signs of wear or defects.

WAIT FOR LIMITED OFFERS

For the dedicated UNIQLO shopper, the term “Limited Offers” is likely music to your ears. UNIQLO periodically launches sales on their products, particularly in the men’s clothing section.

Given the smaller size and less seasonal nature of the men’s catalog, most items will eventually go on the Limited Offer pile. If you miss a sale, rest assured it’s only a matter of time before the same item goes on Limited Offer again.

EXPLORE THE SALE OR CLEARANCE SECTION

Navigate your way to the shelves marked “Sale” with corresponding prices and often the name of the discounted item. These are marked-own items, usually clearance items such as out-of-season or old stock.

While they may not always have red price labels, you can often identify them by a marked-down price on their tags.

DOWNLOAD THE UNIQLO APP

Downloading the UNIQLO app is not just a convenience; it’s a strategic move for savvy shoppers. This free app not only serves as an online store but also grants access to exclusive promotions, early sales, and member-only discounts.

Through the app, stay updated of the latest collections, receive personalized recommendations, and accumulate points in the UNIQLO membership program, redeemable for future discounts. You can also read the product reviews to help you decide which product suits you best.

BUY IN BULK

Leverage UNIQLO’s reputation for versatile basics and wardrobe staples by buying in bulk, especially during sales events. This strategy is particularly effective for timeless items like plain t-shirts, socks, and undergarments that maintain their relevance throughout the year.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Shopping at UNIQLO in Singapore can be a gratifying experience without straining your budget. These money-saving tips, when implemented, not only enrich your shopping experience but also ensure a timeless wardrobe without compromising your budget.

Sources: 1

CDC Vouchers 2024 are now available, here’s how to claim them

In January 2024, every Singaporean household will receive a total of $500 worth of CDC Vouchers. This is part of the Government’s continuing efforts to help Singaporean households cope with daily expenses.

Only one household member with a Singpass account needs to claim the vouchers on behalf of the entire household. Visit go.gov.sg/cdcv, select CDC Vouchers Scheme 2024, and login with Singpass to claim the vouchers.

CDC Vouchers 2024 are valid till 31 December 2024.

Step-by-Step Video and Guide for Residents

The step-by-step video and guide are available in the following languages:

English	How to claim and spend CDC vouchers
中文	如何领取及使用 2024 年社理会邻里购物券
Melayu	Bagaimana cara untuk menuntut dan menggunakan Baucar CDC anda
தமிழ்	உங்களுக்கான CDC பற்றுச்சீட்டுகளைப் பெற்றுக்கொள்வதும் பயன்படுத்துவதும் எப்படி

Important

You will receive an SMS with the unique voucher link from RedeemSG right after you have claimed your vouchers at go.gov.sg/cdcv (i.e. upon completing Steps 1 to 3).

Make sure that the unique voucher link you receive starts with https://voucher.redeem.gov.sg/. Do not trust or click on any voucher links starting with other prefixes.

Do note that RedeemSG will never send SMSes asking for your personal information or banking details to claim the vouchers.

Need Help?

If you have more questions, please read the FAQ.
For terms and conditions of using the CDC Vouchers, please read Terms and Conditions.
If you need help in claiming your vouchers, please bring along your NRIC to the nearest Community Centre/Club (CC). All CCs are open daily from 10am to 6pm and 2pm to 6pm for void deck CCs. Closed on Public Holidays (PH)
Alternatively, you may authorise a non-household member to claim your household vouchers. He or she should bring along the notification letter sent to your household, a completed Authorisation Form
For further enquiries, please contact our hotline at 6225 5322 from 8am to 6pm daily, except on public holidays; or write to us using this feedback form. If you do not have a smartphone or Singpass, please visit your nearest Community Centre/Club (CC) for assistance.

Monday to Sunday	8am – 6pm
New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year’s Eve, and Christmas Eve	8am – 1pm
Public Holidays	Closed

4 baby food makers $299 & under for parents who want to make parenting a little easier

Parenting can be a joyful journey, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges.

And one area where many parents find themselves seeking convenience is in preparing nutritious meals for their little ones (not store-bought ones).

Luckily, there’s a wide range of baby food makers available that not only simplify the process but also help you ensure that your baby gets the best start in their culinary adventures.

So stay on this page as we show you a list of baby food makers priced at $299 and below, designed to make parenting a little easier and mealtime a whole lot tastier.

Boboduck Baby Food Maker

Promo Price: $150.97

First up, we have this clever baby food maker which is equivalent to having your own personal chef—minus the mess. Simply load the ingredients, press one button and the device gets to work steaming and blending your baby’s meal to the perfect consistency.

The micro-grinding technology breaks down chunks for easy digestion while retaining nutrients, and the removable parts clean up in no time. You can even preset the machine to automatically cook ingredients at different times so dinner is ready when you are.

Best of all, the built-in safety lock and overheat protection give parents peace of mind. Simply put, this space-saving appliance whips up wholesome, homemade meals in a snap, so your little one gets all the nutrients and none of the unknown nasties found in store-bought baby food.

Lunavie Smart Baby Food Maker

Price: $160

This little appliance makes mealtime a breeze for busy parents. The Lunavie Smart Baby Food Maker is a 2-in-1 device that can both steam and blend foods in one simple step, preserving nutrients to make the most wholesome, homemade meals for your little one.

Just add ingredients to the bowl, press the one-dial control to steam or blend, and the heating element and powerful motor go to work. Make fruit and veggie purées, meat and grain meals, or more in minutes.

The automatic shut-off prevents overcooking and the low noise level won’t disturb napping babies. Say goodbye to premade baby food with this handy machine that helps you make the most nutritious start for your fast-growing child.

Beaba Babycook Plus – Grey

Promo Price: $259

If you have a little more budget to spare, consider this all-in-one baby food maker.

In under 20 minutes, the Beaba Babycook Plus steams and blends fresh fruits, veggies, and meats into nutritious meals of any consistency—from fine purees to chunky toddler food. The four-in-one functions—steam cooking, blending, defrosting, and reheating—make meal prep a breeze.

In addition, the two cooking bowls let you make double batches simultaneously. The one-handed design means you can hold your baby with one arm while operating the machine with the other. And the appliance also features dishwasher-safe parts and an auto shut-off timer to take the hassle out of cleanup and safety.

With this handy kitchen helper, creating tasty, healthy homemade baby food has never been simpler—giving you more time to focus on nurturing little ones as they grow.

Tommee Tippee Quick Cook Baby Food Maker

Price: $299

Last but not least, we have the Tommee Tippee Quick Cook Baby Food Maker to help you make fresh, healthy meals for your little one in minutes, not weary hours.

Simply add your choice of fruits and veggies to the steam basket, select the ‘steam and blend’ setting, and let this machine work its magic to preserve nutrients and flavor while transforming meals into the right texture.

The automatic shut-off timer takes the guesswork out of cooking times so you can focus on tasks like attending to your baby’s needs. And the smart memory function remembers your last settings for up to 30 minutes, so you can quickly whip up another batch without reprogramming.

With three operating modes to choose from including steam-only and blend-only, this baby food maker makes it easy to experiment and find what works best for your young one.

Parents always strive to provide the best for their little ones, and that includes providing them with wholesome meals. With the help of these baby food makers priced at $299 and under, you can take the stress out of meal preparation and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your baby’s food. From steaming and blending to reheating and defrosting, these versatile machines are designed to simplify your parenting journey and make mealtime a breeze. Happy cooking!

Money-Saving Sephora Hacks for 2024

Sephora, born in France in the 1970s, has blossomed into a global hub for top-notch bath, cosmetics, and lifestyle treasures. With a curated collection of luxurious brands and a signature private label, Sephora has become the go-to destination for those in pursuit of the latest beauty trends.

Yet, the siren call of beauty often comes with a hefty price. In fact, Yahoo Finance found that women spend over S$1,000 on their appearance each year. As much as I love Sephora, I still value my frugality by following these few tips:

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES

While swatching cosmetics on your hands might not offer the most precise shade match, fear not! Seeking out Sephora’s Beauty Advisors for small tubs of samples can be a game-changer.

Take these samples home to experiment without the risk of ruining your flawlessly applied makeup. If the product can be squeezed out, rest assured – you’re eligible for a free sample.

UNLOCK PERKS WITH SEPHORA’S BEAUTY PASS

For those obsessed with Sephora but mindful of their budget, enrolling in a free Beauty Pass Membership is a must. The three tiers – White (Free), Black (Spend $300 a year), and Gold (Spend $1,500 per year) – bring forth enticing perks:

– Accumulate points for free beauty products from Sephora’s Rewards Boutique.
– Enjoy a complimentary brow service by Benefit Cosmetics during your birthday month.
– Double points accumulation for any purchase during your birthday month.
– Receive a free birthday gift without spending money (exclusive to Black and Gold Members).

And don’t forget, as a member, you can also politely request free samples to sweeten the deal.

MAXIMIZE ONLINE ORDERS FOR FREEBIES

Once you’ve pinpointed your go-to makeup products and no longer need to test them on your skin, consider the online route.

Sephora often rewards online shoppers with complimentary product samples for every purchase, adding an extra layer of value to your beauty haul.

OPT FOR SEPHORA’S HOUSE BRAND

Keep an eye on Sephora’s in-house brand, often a treasure trove of budget-friendly alternatives to high-end makeup. Take, for example, the Sephora Collection Smoothing Primer (S$25) and Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner (S$19)– delivering quality comparable to their pricier counterparts.

It’s a gentle reminder that the essence of good makeup lies in quality rather than a brand name.

RESIST IMPULSE PURCHASES

While the siren song of the latest makeup trends is alluring, exercising restraint can be a wise investment. Avoid the rush to Sephora for newly released products from your favorite brands.

Today’s makeup lines strive to cater to diverse skin tones, and what looks stunning on one person may not suit another. For instance, the cult-favorite Anastasia Modern Renaissance Eye Shadow Palette (S$85) might look better on some people than others.

Before splurging, consider whether the product aligns with your skin undertones, ensuring a worthwhile investment in your beauty arsenal.

IN A NUTSHELL

By incorporating these money-saving Sephora hacks into your beauty routine, you can revel in high-quality products without causing a dent in your budget.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

From securing free samples to tapping into membership perks, these strategies empower you to make informed and economical choices in the realm of beauty. Happy shopping!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Step-by-Step Video and Guide for Residents

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