The Straits Times recently published an article on “Why a safe job is risky business for Singapore”, which urged young job seekers to change their mindset about the risk and remuneration issues apparent in local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). While these are common issues faced by SMEs which often have limited resources to offer competitive salaries that may inevitably compromise their company’s growth, it is time to rethink the prevailing practices surrounding employment and compensation. Indeed, considerable funding support from SPRING such as the SME Talent Programme for SMEs should provide a strong impetus for SMEs to strengthen their competitive edge in today’s dynamic and rapidly evolving world by offering pay packages commensurate with each individual’s qualifications, experience and competence.
To all job applicants: It is not too late to “flaunt” your attributes, but please convey your gifts in a measured way. The diagram below just serves as a reference guide.
To the employers: It is never too late to start appreciating your potential hires’ talents that may prove invaluable to your company’s development and progress.
Dates can become a burden to the wallets of broke students. The idea of dating at a limited budget can sometimes be stressful and embarrassing. Well, not anymore! You can go on amazing dates without spending a dollar! Remember, there is absolutely nothing wrong about staying frugal while dating.
1. GO ON A TREETOP HIKE
Take your special someone to a morning hike while watching the sunrise at the MacRitchie Reservoir Park. MacRitchie Reservoir Park houses several long hiking routes including the famous TreeTop Walk. The TreeTop Walk consists of a freestanding suspension bridge that connects two highest points namely: Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang. This is the first of its kind. Your date will truly appreciate the unique experience of looking over the variety of plants and animals while being about 25 meters off the ground.
2. HAVE A GAME NIGHT
Turn your date night into a romantic game night. You can get to know each other while playing the infamous childhood game of Truth or Dare. Learn a lot about his or her boiling points while playing poker. Wage it with anything other than money (e.g., kisses or chocolates). Lastly, you can even play fun board games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, and Battleship.
Image Credits: Anders Ruff Custom Designs via Flickr with CC Attribution-NoDerivs
3. CONDUCT A VIDEO GAME SHOWDOWN
Get your XBOX, Wii, or Play Station ready for a showdown. Nothing beats a date filled with enjoyable video games. What is even more interesting are old-school video games. If your old console or Nintendo hand-held game is still operating then, spend the night by facing each other into a classic brawl of Super Mario Brothers or Street Fighter. This is a sweet trip down the memory lane!
4. HAVE A MOVIE MARATHON
Looking for a perfect first date experience? Look no more as MovieMob brings you the premier outdoor movie screenings that would not cost you a cent! MovieMob, an acclaimed Outdoor Movie Specialist, screens movies to various locations around Singapore. Instead of heading to a fancy and pricey restaurant, plan a picnic while enjoying a free movie at the park. Stay updated by visiting: facebook.com/apemoviemob.
Alternatively, you can host a movie marathon by watching free movies at home. Catch a free flick or two in the comforts of your own home by watching at YouTube’s Movies playlist at youtube.com/user/YouTubeMoviesWW. Turn the romance on by switching to scented (and safe) candles instead of lamps and by heating up a bag of popcorn.
5. LEARN A SKILL TOGETHER
There is nothing more romantic than sharing your interests to your partner. If you are a fan of cooking and baking then, teach him or her the basic recipes and techniques. And, if neither of you have a special skill, you can look up free online tutorials and make a DIY project together.
Image Credits: Howard Holley via Flickr with CC License
Having tight finances should not stop you from spending quality time with your special someone!
Are you an aspiring model or photographer looking for the perfect photo-shoot location? If you do not have the access to a professional studio, fret not because there are a lot of picturesque outdoor spots that are worth visiting. These spots are not only limited to models or photographers; if you want to savor the scene, you can too! You can always take great photos for fun! Just have your selfie stick ready as you go to the Most Picturesque (Yet No-Cost) Places In Singapore…
1. FOR THE HERITAGE NOSTALGIA
About 15 minutes away from the Eunos MRT is your first potential photo-shoot location – the Koon Seng Road. It is filled with traditional Peranakan shophouses that are pastel colored and intricately embellished. Be in awe with the rich architecture background as you take a beautiful selfie.
I was one of the lucky few people who witnessed the halls of National Gallery Singapore before its grand unveiling later this year. All I can say about it is that, every corner and every room is undeniably Instagram worthy. This is because the place used to be the halls of the Supreme Court and the City Hall. Starting it off with the elegantly white entrance that used to be a car park. Instead of going inside the traditional doors, we went inside the windows.
A photo posted by Registered Psychometrician (@agoncilloanna) on
Simply, they took something old and added a creative modern twist. An aesthetically pleasing background is perfect for snaps!
3. FOR THE CHILD IN YOU
Travel to Toa Payoh to see the Dragon Sand Playground…this might be the last of its kind. As its name says, the playground is dragon shaped and sand based. These were the popular playgrounds in the 70s-80s. After 1993, they were phased out due to safety concerns. Take a trip down to memory lane and reminisce your childhood memories as you take photos of your #OOTD (Outfit Of The Day).
Image Credits: remembersingapore.org
4. FOR THE NATURE JUNKIE
Punggol Waterway Park as is one of the favorite locations of wedding photographers. It is located at the heart of the Punggol Eco-town – the first eco-friendly town in Singapore. That said, you could take unforgettable pictures along the Punggol Waterway Bridge and the Punggol Waterway Park Tree.
5. FOR THE TOTALLY HIPSTER
Two of the hippest spots in Singapore can house the most pleasing photo-shoots. These are namely: the Haji Lane and the Orchard Gateway Bridge. Haji Lane has a myriad of vintage shophouses that sell contemporary and quirky items such as accessories and clothing. The road is also filled with textile shops that have been in business since the 50s! And, my favorite corner is that of the Piedra Negra Restaurant’s because of its vibrant graffiti.
Image Credits: Luke Ma via Flickr with CC License
On the other hand, Orchard Gateway Bridge gives a modern vibe as its futuristic glass bridge joins the orchardgateway@emerald and Orchard Gateway. Always have your camera with you so you can stop and snap some selfies while you are walking along.
Boredom is unavoidable. It can happen to anyone at some period of time. With this period, you can either waste your time on non-sense facades or get your creative juices flowing! I would rather choose the latter.
Do something productive with your time while earning and saving money with these 4 simple ways:
1. KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PERSONAL FINANCES
Having a good amount of time to spare can be efficient if you utilize it to organize your personal finances. Start by tracking your bi-weekly and monthly income and expenses. Then, review your monthly budget. Contemplate if the budget is enough or overboard.
Image Credit: 401 (K) 2012 via Flikr
Afterwards, you must review different strategies to improve your budget. These strategies may include cutting down expense categories, limiting your shopping trips, or using coupons.
2. INEXPENSIVE INTERACTIONS
If you are trying to defeat boredom while living frugally, you must practice inexpensive ways to socialize or interact with the people who are important to you.
For instance, you can save more money while having the equal amount of fun when you are having your friends over at your house.
Image Credits: Alex Bellink via Flickr with CC License
You can also score free and delicious home cooked meals at your parents’ house. Of course, that comes with having a quality time with them.
3. ANSWER ONLINE SURVEYS
Bring your boredom to your advantage by answering online surveys while making decent money out of it. Answering online surveys is a type of freelance work done during your own convenience. However, it is important to highlight that several companies pay a couple of dollars while others compensate you with gift cards or rewards (e.g., iTunes or Amazon gift card).
Image Credits: 401(K) 2012 via Flickr with CC License Attribution-ShareAlike
Share your thoughts and the things you are passionate about while making loyal followers and extra money through a blog. In order to get started, your blog must have a thematic niche such as fashion, finance, or parenting. Preoccupy your time by improving the blog’s design and content. Then, start earning by placing advertisements or becoming an affiliate partner.
Curious on how much a successful blogger can make? Well, they can earn as much as S$5,000 a day. Not bad for something that might have been a by-product of boredom!
Image Credits: Mike Licht via Flickr with CC License
Here’s the truth: whether you like it or not, we are living a life that has been accustomed to using credit cards. They seem to be rampant everywhere. There are even some places that only take payments via credit or debit cards. And it is also a given fact that most of us have at least one credit card in our wallets.
But take note that accessing credit cards is not a right but a privilege. If you make mistakes, you might just end up in a sea of debt that you’ll find very hard to clear.
With the advent of credit cards comes the dumbest and smartest ways to use it. Here’s a quick list of the dumbest moves that will surely leave you with a lot of credit debt.
Making late payments
Never mistake a due date as a guideline. It is your responsibility to execute timely payments for your credit use. Remember that although there are rules that must be followed, credit card issuers remain to have the right to raise rates when it comes to late payments. When you pay late, the following will apply to you:
You will be obliged to pay a late fee, and
Higher interest rates may apply to your future purchases. In some cases there may be an interest rate adjustment, but this is not an absolute fact.
Paying minimum for your credit card use
If you are paying the minimum in your credit debt now and then, it’s not actually a big deal, but it won’t be good at all anymore if you make it a habit. Paying only the minimum can dramatically increase your credit debt.
Abusing credit card cash advances
While there may be emergencies where your only option is to take cash advances, always remember that it is not a cheap deal. In general, licensed moneylenders can be a quick fix for your financial needs but it can incur up to 48% interest per annum. You can consider a personal loan before considering cash advance. There are several free personal loan calculators that can help you assess which will help you save more.
If there are dumb ways to use your credit cards, there are also considerably smart ways to utilise them. Credit cards offer valuable rewards when utilised properly. Here are the smartest ways you can utilise your credit card.
Earn credit rewards for spending
When you use rewards credit cards, it can earn valuable points, air miles and even cashback for up to 6% of your purchases. This might be a meager amount but some card holders earn a few hundred dollars with cashback rewards on a yearly basis. Thebest cashback credit cards in Singapore are usually just within reach.
Credit cards as a payment method
Paying your credit card statements within the grace period will help you avoid credit charges. When your credit cards are used as a payment method, it will allow you to enjoy a handful of benefits at no cost to you.
As your protection from devious merchants
When the merchant fails to deliver the services or items you have purchased, you can get help from your credit card provider during this dispute. If your credit card provider can verify your claim and block your payment, you just might be able to get your money back. However, keep in mind that this is only applicable with certain products. Always check the terms and conditions before applying for a credit card.
As a way to build your credit
Building your credit score is the best way you can do to qualify for the most affordable rates when doing big purchases. Observing how your credit card score affects your chances of getting a loan approval. If your credit score is bad, you don’t get approval on a loan. At most you will get a higher loan quantum with a good credit score. The best way still to improve your credit score is to get a personal instalment loan and pay it back consistently.
MoneyDigest
Anna Agoncillo
