If you enter a drugstore to buy a shampoo and a toothpaste but end up buying S$50 worth of nail polish, buy 1 get 1 offer of contact lens solution, and holiday decors along with your needs…keep in mind that you are not alone. Most drugstores employ sneaky and clever ways to entice you with their products that are rather unnecessary.
So, be a savvy shopper by educating yourself with the 5 Times Drugstores Take Your Money through clever strategies…
1. HUGE WINDOW DISPLAY
As you walk in the wall you see a flashy window display of a fever medicine and you immediately rushed in since that is what you needed and you thought that they are having a special offer on it. Not so fast! A special window display does not necessarily mean that the product is a good deal.
2. ENTICING ENTRANCE
The seasonal items such as Christmas balls for Christmas season or artificial flowers for Valentine’s Day are presented to entice the shoppers in the entrance. Even if you did not come to buy these holiday decors, you get excited because of the claimed price drops at that moment.
3. ALLURING AUTHORITIES
Some sales representative are dawned in special uniforms or even lab coats to entice you with sweet-swelling shampoos or dermatologically tested cosmetics that you did not come to buy. So, if you are there to buy sunscreen, dandruff or hair growth shampoo then go directly to the respective aisle and buy the less expensive brand, which usually contain the special active ingredient.
4. SHELF GAMES
Drugstores place complementing products together so you end up buying not just the duster refills but also new sweeper handles and other attachments. To avoid this, focus on the shelf cards and look for the special deals or the special rebate items.
5. FAR PHARMACY
Drugstores are usually designed to encourage consumers to walk in a circular layout where the “must-haves” are tempting you along the way. And the highly needed pharmacy is located the far end.
Image Credits: Mike Mozart via Flickr
So, head straight to what is on the list and stick to it. You can also leave your credit card at home and bring only the certain amount of cash that is sufficient.
Foodies and gastronomes, it’s time to gather for Singapore’s largest gourmet festival.
Savour 2015 is back and this time it will be held at the F1 Pit Building on 26 – 29 March 2015.
If you don’t know what Savour is, you would have missed out 3 years of gastronomical extravaganza held yearly since 2012!
Don’t fret, because you ain’t going to miss the upcoming one after knowing what’s lined up for you.
Meet the Celebrity Chefs
With award winning celebrity chefs from around the World, it’s a great opportunity to get up close and meet these culinary icons in person.
Meet Alvin Leung, ‘The Demon Chef‘, who holds a three Michelin stars at his restaurant Bo Innovation in Hong Kong and also the creator of ‘X-Treme Chinese’ cuisines.
Next on the line-up is award winning chef Luke Burgess from Australia, who has had a stint in one of the best restaurant in the world, Noma and has since founded Garagistes as one of the best restaurant in Hobart, Australia.
Chef Henrik from Kiin Kiin is back and it is the only Thai restaurant in the world with a Michelin Star.
Don’t miss out Singapore-based Celebrity Chef Andre Chiang, who opened up Restaurant Andre near Cantonment Road. Restaurant Andre has many accolades under its belt – being ranked #5 in the top 50 restaurants in Asia in 2014 and the San Pellegrino Best Restaurant in Singapore. Chef Andre’s uses his octaphilosophy to serve up his intepretation of artisanal culinary creations.
There are many other big name chefs for Savour 2015 and more are added as the date draws nearer. Check out who they are, their stories and menus for the event here: http://www.savour.sg/#!meet-the-chefs/c1gnh
Be your own Master Chef
(Image credit: gourmetadventures.net)
Here’s your chance to become your own Master Chef. Get your hands dirty and show your culinary skills by participating in the workshop.
There are many classes and workshops held throughout the 4 days.
Celebrity Chef Auditorium – Sit in to the Masterclass by the Celebrity Chefs
Cooking Studio – Get your hands dirty and learn how to make macarons, liquid nitrogen ice-cream and Peranakan cuisines
Wine Theatre – Learn the different type of wines in the World
Jasons Kitchen – Get educated with lessons on different type of Oysters, Meats and how to cook $10 dinner
It’s a good opportunity to not only taste mouth-watering food, but also enrich yourself and learn the ropes from the connoisseurs.
Wine & Cheese Tasting
The event will last 4 days and you not only get to try tasty food, you get to taste more than 100 different label wines and over 50 sake labels from Japan.
What about some cheese or Truffle cheese to go along? Visit the Cheese Room to try out different kind of cheese served with fruits condiments, crackers and nuts.
There’s no better time to spend your evening by relaxing in the alfresco setting with good food and a glass of wine.
(Image credit: memoirsoffood.blogspot.com)
Shop around the Gourmet Market
Fill up your belly with gourmet sausages and grilled meats. If that’s not enough, how about popping 20 different kind of oysters into your mouth from over 8 countries sounds?
For those that want something sweet after tantalizing your taste buds, don’t miss out the white strawberries airflown from Japan. (One of the most expensive strawberry in the world)
If you are bringing your kids, i’m sure they would want to try out the different kind of momolato icey popsicles!
There will be a range of seafood for you to purchase at the Gourmet Market. Look out for the Croatia’s Kornatska Hama, an organic stonebass with a sweet and firm texture.
26th March 2015, Thursday, Dinner at $65 + $4 fees
27th March 2015, Friday, Dinner at $65 + $4 fees
28th March 2015, Saturday, Lunch at $60 + $4 fees
28th March 2015, Saturday, Dinner at $65 + $4 fees
29th March 2015, Saturday, Lunch at $60 + $4 fees
29th March 2015, Saturday, Dinner at $65 + $4 fees
Each ticket comes with 30 SAVOUR Dollars for you to spend on yummy food.
It may seems a little pricey for a meal, but this could be your only chance to tuck into these savoury food by gourmet and Michelin starred restaurants – not just one but a wide range of well established names eager to satiate you and your taste buds in this 4 days event.
A visit to Savour 2015 is definitely well worth your time and money spent. Make your calories count.
P.S: Over here at Money Digest, we aim to keep you updated on deals and events too good to be missed, making sure that it is worth every dollar.
Start your year with a clean slate by tossing out, repurposing, or donating these 5 hoarded items that are scattered all over your house…
1. OLD GREETING CARDS
One of the common things that people hoard are greeting cards because of its sentimental value. You may keep the special or handmade greeting cards given to your by your family and friends as long as they hold a significance.
But toss the cards that are for novelty, company greeting cards, or those who are given to you by people whom you barely know. It is nice to cherish these cards during the season but once the holiday is over, all these cards do is just create a stack of clutter.
2. CONTAINERS WITHOUT A LID OR VICE VERSA
When you store your leftovers, you will realize that some plastic containers do not have a lid while other lids do not have containers. Save your effort of trying to find these missing parts by tossing the extra pieces. Another thing that you can do is to use big containers as a place to store your make-up or remote control. This way, you do not have to buy a new organizer.
3. CARTON OF CORDS AND CABLES
Every house has a carton of cords filled with extra cords that are perceived to be useful in the near future. Guess what? They never are. Cords and cables get obsolete as technology advances so, toss everything to the garbage bin. Label your current cords and cables by putting placing a masking tape so that you can easily find what you are looking for.
4. OLD AND MIS-MATCHED CLOTHING
Arrange your closet and search for old t-shirts and mis-matched clothing. Toss your mis-matched socks because you do not have any use for it. While, your old t-shirts can be used as rags. But, if it is still in good condition, donate it for charity.
5. FREE MUGS, CUPS, AND WATER BOTTLES
Who can resist something that is free? You probably got one to many free company mugs or water bottle freebies from your rewards card. These things only stack up so, unless it fits your home decoration and you actually use it, sell everything online.
Image Credits: Tomi Tapio K via Flickr
Go to Gumtree, eBay, and Carousell to sell your mugs, cups, and water bottles that you have not used. By doing so, you did not only save space but you also made money.
So you got your first full-time job after graduating…what happens next? You may be lost and unfamiliar with the new responsibilities ahead. So, it is best to keep your finances in check. These steps will help:
1. ALLOCATE YOUR FINANCES BY BUDGETING
List down your expenses (i.e., fixed and variable), your income, and debts. Be aware of your cash flow for at least 2 weeks to help you set up a budget. Do not panic if you still have to pay your student loan because a budget will help you plan your income allocation.
2. REDUCE YOUR STUDENT LOAN
Do not wait until the lender notices you have graduated, start now. The earlier you start making payments, the more you will save. Furthermore, if you have a private loan that you took out when your credit score was lower, there is a potential to borrow again at lower rate.
3. THINK ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS
You may be living from paycheck to paycheck at the first few months but how about 4 years from now? Think about your long-term financial goals and start planning your budget accordingly. You may consider buying a house, traveling, or having kids, so start setting aside some money every month towards your goals. This will lessen the load and the stress.
4. CONSIDER BUYING THE INSURANCE YOU NEED
Insurance maybe in the back of your mind because you are young, healthy, and you got your life ahead of you. But, it will be the best thing you have ever invested on once accidents and unforeseen things happen. It is cheaper to buy insurance now while you are young because the risks are low. Many employers offer group life and group disability insurance, so it is more affordable and cheap enough to consider.
5. OPEN YOUR RETIREMENT ACCOUNT
I stressed this issue so much before and I will say it again. The best time to start your retirement savings is before you hit 35 years old. Wouldn’t you want to have a relaxing life with no financial worries once you retire?
Image Credits: 401(K) 2012 via Flickr
Then, set aside at least 5-10% of your income per month for retirement fund. Also, avoid debt as much as possible and get educated about your finances. Know how and why you should save for retirement before your mid-30s here.
Tipping is a practice of gratitude and recognition to those who have provided you with excellent service. In Singapore, they automatically have service charges in restaurants but you can still leave about 5% for great service.
Not all countries welcome tipping. In fact, some parts of China and Japan may be offended when you give them tips. Before leaving your hotel, it is important to research on the country’s tipping practices. Here are 10 countries you can start with…
1. AUSTRALIA
Tipping of 10-15% of your bill is appreciated for waiters and waitresses especially those who are serving you from expensive restaurants. It is customary to tip the hotel bellman at least AU$1 per bag.
2. FRANCE
A service charge of 15% is always included in your restaurant or bar tab. So, typing beyond that is not a must. For taxi drivers, you may tip at least 1 Euro and the hotel bellman should get at least 1 Euro per bag.
3. GERMANY
Like France, a service charge is included but, you may leave at least 5-10% of tip for good service. At least 1 Euro should be left for the hotel’s bellman per bag and the hotel’s maid per day.
4. HONG KONG
Tipping is certainly acceptable in Hong Kong. Offer your bellman at least HK$2-3 per bag.
5. ARGENTINA
You may tip at least 10% in restaurants but, do not tip your taxi drivers. Your bellman should get at least 2 Pesos per bag.
6. SOUTH AFRICA
Tip at least 10% in restaurants and taxis for gratitude. Group tours should receive at least R 10/tour guide while private tours should receive R 50/guide for half-day tours and R 100/guide for whole day tours. Hotel maids should get R 50 per day while the hotel bellman should get about R 5 per bag.
7. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Consider at least 10% of tip for restaurants. Your bellman should get at least 5 Dirhams per bag.
8. UNITED STATES, CANADA, AND MEXICO
It is common to tip the person who assisted you with your baggage in the airport or the hotel with at least US$1 per bag. Bellman should receive about US$1 per bag too. And, the hotel maid should be tipped at least US$2-5 per day.
Image Credits: Tax Credits via Flickr
Since some hospitality workers are paid less, they will truly appreciate a tip. Tipping per day will not only be a gesture of gratitude but it will help you to receive continued shower of good service.
