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Going Head-to-Head With Your Financial Fears

Fear, a primitive human emotion, refers to the physiological and psychological response to threatening situations. The sources of fear may have evolved throughout the years, but I am putting focus on the Singaporean’s financial fears.

FEAR #1: FEAR OF LOSING ONE’S JOB

Unemployment is a global phenomenon. Our economy continues to narrow down jobs at an alarming rate. Do you know what is worse than that? Being unemployed in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Losing your job can trigger anxiety as it opens doors to uncertainty. However, you may conquer this fear by improving your “job seeking skills”.

A good place to start making connections is LinkedIn (i.e., a professional networking site). Moreover, you may ask your family and friends if they can recommend you to work for their companies. Do not hesitate to approach your resources!

FEAR #2: FEAR OF LOSING EVERYTHING

Devastating and crippling – these two words are not enough to encapsulate what you will feel when a catastrophic event wipes out your entire fortune. The abundance of disaster stories on social media and on the paper media supports this fear. It is undeniable that the society highlights negative stories (e.g., bankruptcy, divorce, or scam) due to its significant impact.

How do you turn the tables around? For starters, you must assess whether your fear has supporting evidence or objective data. Moira Somers, a renowned Clinical Neuropsychologist, once said: “If you focus your energy on what you can control, then all of the things that you can’t control will have less of an impact if the worst were to happen.” Establish control by building a sufficient emergency fund and by reviewing your insurance policy coverage. Work with what you already have!

FEAR #3: FEAR OF GETTING RIPPED OFF

Getting swindled by an individual or a corporation is not something that you should take lightly! From soaring handphone scams to tempting dating scams, it is easy to fall prey to exploitation. Awareness of the process is the first step. You need to get involved in your financial plan.

Figure out your current monetary standing. Then, map out a future by setting at least 5 financial goals. You may even hire a professional adviser to understand the process better. Remember that getting rich does not happen overnight!

FEAR #4: FEAR OF BEING AN OLD MAID

A recent government survey shed a light on the public’s attitudes toward marriage and parenthood. The participants were 2,940 singles and 2,861 married Singapore residents, ranging from 21 to 45 years old. Majority of the single participants intend to marry. Although, 6 in 10 are not dating with marriage in mind. Finding the right partner and diving into a serious relationship seems to be more challenging now. Thus, several people left the romantic game to chance.

When the cards of chance is not on your side, you may be considered as a woman who is “too old for marriage”. Some women are not comfortable with being an old maid. They believe that marriage is critical to fully supporting themselves. Overcome said fear by building a financial plan based on your income. The written projections show that you can rely on yourself for financial security.

FEAR #5: FEAR OF NOT AFFORDING A HOUSE

Reality check, please! Property in Singapore is far from cheap. Younger generations of working Singaporeans are coming into the realization of how hefty housing has become. The prevailing sentiment among people in their thirties surround how unaffordable condominiums are and how costly HDB flats are.

Diminish your fear toward housing by determining how much you will need to save and invest for the future. Be sure to adjust for inflation.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The first aid to your financial fears is strategic planning. Analyze your current financial circumstance and the supporting objective data. Make a plan that is reflective of this. Getting started is as easy as having a plan.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

FUNtastic Ideas To Spice Up Your Dates

I am not familiar about your dating habits, but predictability is not a part of my book! My significant other and I are actively browsing through online articles and asking for recommendations. We make it a point to “shake things up” every once in a while.

On that note, here are just some of the romantic and fantastic ideas that we have gathered throughout the years:

1. Let us start with a nostalgic date. Share your most intimate memories with your beloved by exchanging family albums. Then, reminisce the milestones you had as a couple by going back to where you first met.

2. Take the slang “Netflix and Chill” in its literal sense by streaming your favorite shows while indulging on ice cream. Eat as many ice cream flavors as you want! Personally, Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough is my guilty pleasure.

3. Stay in touch with your artsy side by attending craft workshops. From Calligraphy to Bento Box classes, there are many interesting workshops in Singapore! For starters, you can create a spectacular keepsake by Pottery Painting for as low as S$15 at Goodman Ceramic Studio.

4. Be the star of your own editorial by pretending to be famous photographers for a day. You can either take turns in modelling or find a stranger to do the work for you. Snap pictures of your model at the picturesque spots in Singapore (e.g., Haji Lane and National Gallery of Singapore are totally Instagram-worthy).

Image Credits: pixabay.com

5. Immerse yourself into the art of storytelling by attending poetry slams. Artists gather together to eloquently spread their messages out to the public. Considering reserving a free spot at the “Slam: A One Man Show by Neil Basu” on September 30 or October 1!

6. We might be known as a concrete city, but that does not mean that we lack furry companions! Spend a day with adorable felines as you drop by The Cat Cafe. Unlike other establishments, The Cat Cafe only charges for the entry fee of S$15 (i.e.,including a complimentary drink).

7. Aside from furry cuteness, you can get up close with over 100,000 marine animals at the S.E.A Aquarium. Be dazzled with one of the world’s largest acrylic panel that houses over 800 marine species. Their interactive displays will entertain you too! Prices for adults start at S$30 (T&Cs apply).

8. Celebrate your love for sultry Jazz music by visiting the Blu Jaz Cafe. The establishment hosts free-flowing jazz bands that are open to improvisations. Check out their menu to know how to keep your tummies full while you heart sings with glee!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

9. Reconnect with nature by visiting the highest pedestrian bridge in the country – the Henderson Waves. Jog in the Mount Faber Park before watching the sun set in this creative spiral bridge. The wonderful reflection of the the sun shall set the romantic mood for your outdoors date.

10. Inspire each other to reach the optimum physical health by joining fun runs or marathons. Engaging in these activities will not only give you a fitness boost, but it will also allow you to consistently motivate each other along the way.

11. Tired of seeing your partner glued to his or her gaming console? Well, you can ditch the virtual games and immerse yourselves in an intense reality game with Exit Plan. Exit Plan is a local escape room that offers thrilling rooms for friendly prices. Admission starts at S$15 for off-peak hours.

12. Strengthen your bond by revealing your inner self to your partner. Start by writing ten personal questions. Test how well your partner knows you by throwing said questions to him or her. The person who gets the highest score wins, while the loser will have to do a consequence.

Sources: 1 & 2

How To Balance Your Busy Work And Blossoming Romance

No one ever said that cultivating a successful career is easy. Throwing the element of romantic relationship into the mix may make things more challenging. But, you can survive it!

SET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT

Many Singaporeans choose to shift all their resources to professional aspirations. There is nothing wrong with that. But, isn’t it more fulfilling to share your promotion with someone special?

For those of you who agreed, consider prioritizing both your work and your relationship. Prioritizing one thing over the other does not entail that you have to sacrifice entirely. It just means that you have to commit to temporal adjustments. Start by building a strong ground for both your professional and romantic life. When your employer and your significant other understand that they are mutually valuable, disruptions when priorities shift may not be a problem.

STAY UPDATED

The capabilities of social media are not limited to sharing adorable cat videos to your friends. Its primary purpose is to reach out to the people whom you care for. Allotting a significant amount of time at the office in unavoidable. It is a part of your responsibility as an adult. However, ruining your relationship because you are occupied by your job is avoidable.

Spare at least five minutes to write a sweet message to your significant other via Facebook. You may even send a quick video on WhatsApp. Or, you may call each other before going to work. Simple gestures can make your partner feel appreciated, wanted, and loved. Furthermore, having someone’s support makes it easier to get through a busy day.

SPEND YOUR TIME WISELY

Managing your time is a crucial factor in creating a work-love balance. Personal issues can be avoided with a little forward planning. Let say that your career exhausts much of your time as it demands you to work long hours. As much as possible, plan a weekend getaway with your beloved. Do you fancy staying at these affordable and Instagram-worthy hostels in Singapore?

After this much-needed staycation, you will come back to the office energized. Spending your time wisely may show that you are both devoted to your career and your personal life.

STRENGTHEN YOUR FUTURE

More often than not, people stay committed to each other because they see a brighter future ahead. I am distinctly referring to couples who are in long-term relationships. Financial stability is important in strengthening the future that you want to build. Although the fantasy of winning the Singapore Pools Toto is attractive, but it can become a barrier to accomplishment.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

It is time to bring a reality check! Take serious steps toward financial stability. Write down your financial goals together and discuss your monthly expenses. Be aware of each other’s financial situation and current income.

Sources: 1 & 2

Bad Money Habits That You Need To Drop When In A Relationship

Maintaining a healthy relationship with your significant other entails stabilizing the disposition of your finances.

Read thru this article to know how bad monetary habits can potentially harm your relationship. Furthermore, you will get an idea on how to conquer these habits.

#1: AVOIDING FINANCIAL CONVERSATIONS

A healthy long-term relationship is built on trust and transparency. As things get serious with your partner and marriage becomes a viable option, consider discussing about finances. You need to resolve your potential spouse’s money problems before it is too late.

Fully disclosing about your financial circumstance to your partner can be uncomfortable at first but, you have to at least try. Tell your partner about your outstanding debts, financial obligations, income sources, and other assets. This will make you empathize with each other more. From time to time, do not forget to check if your goals are in lined with each other.

#2: STICKING TO YOUR OUTDATED BUDGET

Improve your financial state this 2017 by establishing a robust budget. The budget that you created when you were single may be efficient, but you are now budgeting for two. Being in a committed relationship means that you have to take on more expenses with more resources. Begin by studying each other’s spending habits. Then, trim down unnecessary expenses after compromising. You may also adapt the budgeting techniques of your partner.

I, for one, allocate a small portion of my income to date nights. Let us face it! We belong in a generation where it is acceptable for women to split the tabs with their dates. Give this new perspective a chance as a loving relationship is a two-way street.

#3: LOANING YOUR VACATIONS

I know how much travelling can ease the stress of a hard working Singaporean. However, consistently deducting your romantic vacations on your credit card can take a toll on your wealth. Spending money that you do not have is a dangerous habit to possess. Imagine the arguments that boil down due to the frustration of not being able to meet up with the outstanding debts. This is why you must cultivate a travel fund in advance.

#4: SKIPPING THE BUDGET FOR GIFTS

According to the internationally-acclaimed book by Gary Chapman, there are five ways to express your love to your partner. These five ways include gift giving, quality time, words of affirmation, physical touch, and acts of service. Understanding your partner’s love language will help you to strengthen your bond.

I am only going to focus on one love language – the gift giving. For people who place importance on the tangible symbols of affection, it is important to remember your special dates. You are bound to celebrate various occasions together such as anniversaries and birthdays. Not to mention, Valentine’s Day is coming up soon. Is your wallet ready?

It is a good idea to allocate a budget for gifts before buying one. Otherwise, you have to face budget trimming and other financial woes.

#5: KEEPING A MONETARY SECRET

Secrecy is rarely beneficial to a relationship. Research showed that 1 in 10 people considered breaking up with their partners upon the discovery of a financial secret. Millennial participants were even less forgiving as reaped a figure of 1 in 5. These numbers convey how secrets can strain a “loving” relationship.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The impact of keeping a monetary secret depends on the couple’s income, the item purchased, and the frequency of purchases. Another significant monetary secret is having a stash for escaping the relationship. Having undisclosed assets and secret bank accounts can affect the level of trust given by your partner. The primary source of damage is not money on its own, but it is the unpleasant habit of concealing the truth.

Sources: 1 & 2

How To Celebrate Valentine’s Day Without Spending Too Much

Valentine’s Day is one of the most expensive “holidays” in Singapore.

But, it does not have to be!

You can always celebrate love without breaking the bank.

ELICITING GENUINE EXCITEMENT

One of the best ways to start a date is by handing over a sweet letter that will elicit genuine excitement. Crafting your own Valentine’s Day card costs practically nothing! Simply use the art materials that are available in your own home. Pouring your heart and soul into written words is more personal than signing your initials into a mass-produced holiday card.

Apply your personal skills to your homemade cards to boost its quality. Consider these scenarios:

a. An illustrator may draw the image of his or her significant other.
b. A digital enthusiast may animate a romantic message and send it via email.
c. If you like to bake, you may place the card on the top of a delicious box of cookies.
d. If you like to blog, you can create a beautiful post for your lover.

These things are more likely to be treasured than the items bought at the store.

FUELING THE ARTISTIC CLIMAX

Appreciating the arts is often perceived as something exclusive to affluent individuals. Purchasing concert tickets at Esplanade can be costly! Not to mention, purchasing art at galleries can cost thousands of dollars. Fortunately, locals and permanent residents have the option to hop around several museums for FREE!

Build up on the excitement by taking your beloved on a “not so typical” date at our very own Singapore Art Museum. This innovative museum houses a great collection of contemporary Southeast Asian art ranging from sculptures and paintings to installation art and moving media. They regularly collaborate with the leading international museums to cover both the local and international art practices.

Your date will be amazed with its current exhibition entitled: Singapore Biennale 2016: An Atlas of Mirrors.

LEAVING A LASTING IMPRESSION

Close your lovely day with a hearty dinner. Going to a restaurant on Valentine’s Day takes guts as you need to brave the waves of people and to make early reservations. Save money and avoid stress by preparing a romantic meal in the comfort of your own space.

Great recipes are available at Epicurious, AllRecipes.com, and RasaMalaysia.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If your budget does not allow you to celebrate on February 14 itself then, consider choosing an alternative day. It will not only be cheaper, but it will also be less crowded. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you spent the gift of love with your partner.

Sources: 1 & 2

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