7 Practical Hacks to Save Money on Diapers

What’s one of the biggest daily costs of new parents? Diapers. When it comes to infant care, diapers are non-negotiable! Diapers will play a vital part in your baby’s life until the time when your baby experiences potty training. Your newborn will constantly need diaper changes and stocking up on diapers before your baby arrives saves you time and effort.

For parents, getting the best diapers for your baby burns a hole in your pocket. What if we tell you that there are hacks to save money on diapers in Singapore? This article comes with practical and simple tips to support your infant care. Let’s get started!

#1: BUY DIAPERS IN BULK

If you have multiple children in diapers at the same time, it can be costly to maintain a household stocked with diapers. A way to save money is to buy diapers in bulk. Buying in bulk usually saves you money on the “per diaper cost”.

You can order bulk purchases online or purchase them at groceries such as Jin Tai Mart. Jin Tai Mart proudly offers cheap diapers and cheap milk powders islandwide.

#2: STICK TO YOUR GO-TO TRUSTED BRANDS

Varied brands can have different effects on your babies. After trying a few brands, see what fits your baby best. Which brands keep your baby dry, rash-free, and clean throughout the day? Stick to these trusted brands to have a bit more flexibility when it comes to sales, while keeping your baby’s safety a priority.

#3: CONSIDER SWITCHING TO CLOTH DIAPERS

Cloth diapers are long-term investments, which are recyclable and adjustable to the size of your baby. Using cloth diapers is not for everyone, but if you are keen on trying it out, it can maximize your savings.

The catch is that you will have to spend a bit more upfront to stock your cloth diaper supply. After completing your initial purchase, you will only spend on detergent. Cloth diapers retail for as low as S$0.75 in Shopee.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: WATCH OUT FOR COUPONS

Couponing can help you save money when diaper shopping. If you are buying online, search for both the brand the store coupon codes. Online retailers such as Lazada, Shopee, and Qoo10 often come up with special deals for its shoppers. Watch out for this!

#5: WAIT FOR SALES

If you are hesitant to invest in bulk purchasing because of its seemingly high price tag, you may want to wait for sales. Firstly, sign-up for email notifications from your trusted diaper brands to stay alerted when they have a promotion. Secondly, you can check out online retailers or physical stores for seasonal promotions such as the Mother’s Day event.

#6: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE BABY SAMPLES

Many well-known brands such as MamyPoko, Huggies, and Merries offer FREE diaper samples to their customers. Take advantage of these samples!

You can get free MamyPoko diaper samples and be part of the Poko-Chan Point Program to reap the member’s benefits. For Huggies, you can get a free diaper sample by joining their Huggies® Club. Lastly, you can request a free Merries Tape diaper or join their rewards program through their website.

#7: JOIN THE REWARDS PROGRAMS

Joining rewards programs like the ones mentioned above can help you gain purchase points and other exclusive benefits. This works out particularly well if you find your baby does better with a specific diaper brand than others.

Baby diapers eat a huge chunk of your budget during your little one’s early years. Even a few cents of savings per diaper will add up to quite a lot in the long run! We hope that this article helps.

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Marriage-Killing Money Habits

Marriage beats having a partner on a long-term basis. I am no expert on love, but my goal is to make sure that you understand the financial obligations that you each bring to the table. Otherwise, arguments can occur. Arguments about money hamper many marriages. Do not let it happen to you!

#1: FIGHTING OVER WHAT’S MINE AND YOURS

Sometimes, couples split the bills or allocate a fair amount of cash and settle everything in an equitable manner. Each spouse can spend what they have left as they see fit when the bills have been covered. This process of splitting what’s mine from what’s yours can often build resentment. It also divides the spending power, which eliminates the financial value of marriage.

#2: COLLECTING DEBTS

From student loans to credit card bills, many people come to the altar with financial baggage. If one partner has a habit of incurring debt, the other can feel the burden. People in such situations may take some solace in knowing that debts brought into a marriage stay with the person who incurred them.

#3: PLAYING WITH POWER

Power plays occur in many ways such as controlling the allowance of the unemployed spouse and comparing oneself from a spouse who came from money. It is important that both partners cooperate as a team. Joint account offers greater access and transparency, which can aid the unbalanced power dynamic in your marriage.

#4: SPENDING HABITS

Personality can play a crucial role in discussions and habits about money. The age-old conflict between spenders and savers can play out in many ways. Many of us may display more than one of these characteristics at a given time but will typically revert to one main category. Know your spouse’s money personality and discuss your differences openly. Recognize bad spending habits and address them.

#5: LOANING YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS

Do you have a habit of loaning money to your friends and family members? Respecting each other’s goals, needs, and expectations can be especially tricky. For instance, your partner’s mom may need money because of a serious illness, or your sister just gave birth. You need to allocate your travel fund to the medical expenses instead.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The joys (and sorrows) of having a bigger family often extend to your wallet.

Sources: 1 & 2

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12 Cheap Thrills to Enjoy this Weekend

Living a frugal life does not have to be dull and boring! Keep yourself entertained while maintaining your budget by checking out these free or cheap things to do this weekend.

#1: READ A BOOK OR TWO

Dive into the mysteries and magical adventures of your favorite book. If nothing on your bookshelf strikes your fancy, you can take a trip to the local library to borrow one. You can also download free eBooks online.

#2: WATCH A MOVIE

Movies like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Black Adam are now streaming in cinemas. You can either watch a movie there or go to the public library to check out a film that you can rent. Netflix has a selection of newly released films too! Take advantage of your subscription with this streaming service.

#3: PLAY INDOOR GAMES

Invite your loved ones for a friendly game of cards or puzzles. If video games are more your speed, check out the free or cheap games available at the app store or other free gaming websites.

#4: PLAY OUTDOOR GAMES

Searching for an athletic endeavor? Grab your basketball or volleyball and head to the park. Join the recreational sports groups in your community. Some are free and others can cost you a registration fee.

#5: GO TO THE THRIFT SHOP

Hunt for bargains at the local thrift or flea shops. Remember, you do not have to buy anything. Browse around and watch out for great deals. It is more fun to try things on!

#6: TAKE A HEALING WALK

Smartphones, podcasts, and earbuds have transformed a walk around the neighborhood from mundane to entertaining. Even if you do not have access to good audio, stepping out for a stroll can help boost your mood. Check out this list of the best nature trails in Singapore.

#7: TAKE A LONG HIKE

Immerse yourselves with the sights and sounds of the natural world. Check out Singapore’s list of trails and parks and choose a beautiful long trail. Then, pack lunch and a water bottle to complete your hike.

#8: CYCLE AROUND

If you have a bike, ride around the neighborhood, and explore your surroundings. Do not have a ride? You can rent a bike at the East Coast Park Bike Shop.

#9: LISTEN TO PODCASTS

Your smartphone is the perfect podcast player! Use it to browse the various categories of free podcasts. Whether you are listening through Spotify or Apple Podcasts, you can keep it playing during a solo walk.

#10: TEACH YOURSELF TO KNIT

A lot of homes have yarns and a couple of knitting needles stored somewhere. If you do not have these, you can find a friend who will lend you a knitting set. Or you can head to the nearest Daiso to grab some supplies. The basics of knitting are easy. Here’s a great “getting started” tutorial that you can watch.

#11: TEACH YOURSELF ORIGAMI

Make origami decorations to beautify the Yuletide season. For example, you can create paper snowflakes or butterflies. You can aim to learn this skill and make decorations for future events.

#12: TEACH YOURSELF TO DANCE

Use your radio, speaker, or TV to dance to your favorite tune. You can invite your partner for a romantic dance. Who knows? It might become one of your top fun things to do on a Saturday.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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4 Things to Consider Before Living Near Your Child’s School

Singaporean parents want to provide their children the leverage in life through providing quality education. Some parents are willing to spend their savings to move to a property within proximity of their chosen primary school.

The question remains, is it really worth it to move near your child’s school to increase his or her chances of getting in?

#1: AMENITIES IN SCHOOL ZONES ARE PRICIER

Living near your chosen primary school is convenient for commuting. However, being near the school zone comes with other inconveniences such as noise and traffic in the morning.

Elite primary schools tend to be situated in prime districts. Properties in the prime districts are expensive. For instance, ACS Junior in Newton is surrounded by private properties amounting to S$3-7 million. Apart from shelling out millions, it is not uncommon for supermarkets or MRT stations to be further away from residential areas. In contrast, neighborhood schools are often surrounded by HDB Developments.

#2: PRIORITY ADMISSION IS NOT GUARANTEED

Staying near your chosen school does not immediately guarantee that you will be given the slot, which is why many parents are hoping to improve their chances by participating in volunteer work. If you cannot get into your preferred school and have no alternative options nearby, that means that you could be facing a lock-in period of at least three to five years as part of the home loan agreement.

On the other hand, if you can successfully secure a place for your child due to proximity, you will need to stay at the address for at least thirty months from the start of the registration exercise as required by the Ministry of Education.

#3: SOCIAL SUPPORT CAN BE A FACTOR

Apart from prioritizing quality education, childcare should also be a factor in planting your roots. Do you opt to live near the homes of your parents and in-laws? If so, you will be able to ask for their support after school hours. For instance, your child can go over to his or her grandparents’ home after school.

#4: ASSESSING PROPERTY MARKET PRICE CAN MAXIMIZE PROFIT

If you found a home within a kilometer away from your chosen primary school, you will reap its rentability and value benefits. Many parents would want to rent a flat near their children’s school.

A study done by NUS found that 1.4% and 6.9% price declines of private and HDB homes, respectively, within 1km of a school that relocates. Apart from your proximity to the school, it is essential to assess a property’s size, age, and nearby amenities to ensure a tidy profit once you decide to rent it out or to sell it in the future.

For owners of private properties, you can seek the help of licensed appraisers who are members of the Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers to determine your property’s valuation. While HDB homeowners should not worry about researching the valuation cost as they can get a valuation report on their unit from the HDB office.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

BOTTOMLINE

Choosing where to live is a personal decision. Consider all the factors that will affect your move. Some people are content with being near any primary school, while others feel that getting a good start in life is tied to an elite primary school. The choice is up to you.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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What is Generational Wealth?

Generational wealth pertains to assets passed by one generation of a family member to another. Assets can include stocks, bonds, and other investments such as real estate and family businesses.

Other terms for generational wealth include family wealth, legacy wealth, multigenerational wealth, and intergenerational wealth. Many people may associate generational wealth with financial wealth such as cash, bonds, real estate, and family businesses. However, generational wealth can include valuable possessions, heirlooms, educational legacy, traditions, and connections.

Generational wealth transfers after death by passing it down in the form of an inheritance. A generation does not always have to die off in order to enrich its heirs. Families can transfer much of their wealth in other ways such as gifts, educational expenses, and medical expenses.

For instance, your grandparent died. The Last Will and Testament specifies that the S$2 million fortune be divided evenly to five grandchildren. The funds and assets passed to these grandchildren would then be considered generational wealth.

BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH

Creating generational wealth to hand down to future generations starts with establishing a solid financial footing. You can build your generational wealth by investing. Buying stocks, bonds, and other investments can help your money grow through the power of compound interest.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Moreover, you must have an emergency fund that will prepare you for short-term goals such as down payments on a home. Eliminating high-interest debt such as credit cards can be a helpful strategy to build your savings too. Lastly, opening lucrative family business can provide opportunities for you to create a financially successful life. Pass these down to the future generation!

“When money realizes that it is in good hands, it wants to stay and multiply in those hands.”
― Idowu Koyenikan, Wealth for All: Living a Life of Success at the Edge of Your Ability

Sources: 1 & 2

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