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Budget-Friendly Ways To Build Your Dream Home Office

If you are waving goodbye to the office life and venturing to the exciting world of freelance or self-employment, you will find yourself in need of a home office. Luckily, due to modern technology, building a home office is easier than ever before. Here are some budget-friendly ways you can start with…

1. DO IT YOURSELF

Instead of hiring an interior designer or other professionals, decorate your office by yourself. You have the freedom to choose your working space. Be creative, as your imagination knows no bounds. For example, you may hang inspiring posters or family photos to motivate you everyday.

2. USE WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE

Recycle and repurpose your old furniture or decorative materials. Buried in your attic or closets are useful yet forgotten things such as lamps, chairs, or notebooks. Seek for these things. Then, reinvent these forgotten treasures by fixing and painting on them. Not only did you save more money but you also saved Mother Earth. 🙂

If purchasing for other items is necessary, consider to…

3. PURCHASE FURNITURE ONLINE

Looking for stylish yet inexpensive furniture? Then, GROUPON.sg is the website for you! They currently offer a wide selection of discounted furniture but, here are some of my top picks:

a. The classically beautiful Funika 3-Tier 2-Tone Reversible Bookcase priced at S$25.90 (38% off). Available here.

b. The assorted colors of Bolton Swivel Chair with Armrest priced at S$79 (47% off). Available here.

c. The space-saving Set of 2 Folding Chairs priced at $29.90 (30% off). Available here.

d. The maple colored 2-Tier Desk priced at S$59 (54% off). Available here.

4. BARGAIN AT THE FLEA MARKETS

It is possible to buy unique yet affordable pieces of electronics, rags, stationery, paintings, and furniture at Singapore’s flea markets and thrift shops. Some of the known fleas include MAAD (Market of Artists and Designers), Zouk Flea & Easy, and China Square Central Sunday Flea Market.

5. LASTLY, SHOP DURING SALES

To save more money, list down everything that you need for your home office. Then, buy these items one by one once the sale comes up. It is okay to take your time in building up your ideal haven since you are the master of your own time. One of the large-scale brand that offer quality products at low prices is IKEA Singapore. And, they occasionally have special product offers. For example, you may add a tampered glass VITTSJÖ laptop support to your home office for only S$19.90 (U.P. S$39.90).

Image Credits: Jeremy Levine via Flickr

Building your own home office may take time, money, and effort but, once you found something you truly love (whether it be blogging or web designing), all of these will be well worth it. 🙂

4 Money Saving Websites That Work

One of Singapore’s favorite pastime is shopping. Since Chinese New Year is coming up, you may wonder where is the best place to get some cheap deals online.

Wonder no more! There are numerous websites that offer deals and discounts, but some of them are hard to navigate. Be aware of the websites that require subscription because you will receive tempting deals regularly. The good news is that…you can always unsubscribe and still use the site perfectly.

Also, some pop-ups that say “check discount code here before you shop” may not always be as rewarding as it seems. With that in mind, here are 4 Money Saving Websites That Work.

1. GROUPON.SG

Topping our list is the ever-so-famous Groupon. Groupon makes women go gaga over their outrageously discounted luxury goods, bags, watches, beauty products, lifestyle services, and getaway deals. You can conveniently pay through for Debit/ Credit Card, Paypal or American Express.

Image Credits: Groupon via Flickr

2. HOMEEXCHANGE.COM

Save up to 58% on your travel expenses though Home Exchange. It is a popular website where people rent out their own home and find a place to stay while they travel. You will get to choose from about 60,000 members in over 150 countries around the world. With this system, you will get a local feel and get to be toured to places that you will have never visited if you travelled by tour packages.

3. DEAL.COM.SG

Similar to Groupon, Deal.Com.Sg by Ensogo lets you select from a wide variety of food or buffet packages, cheap hotel accommodations, travel packages, and amusement deals (e.g. Universal Studios Singapore). Also, you can conveniently pay through for Debit/ Credit Card, Paypal or American Express.

To ensure customer satisfaction and superior shopping experience, Ensogo handpick their offerings by working with highly reputable merchants and brands.

4. FACEBOOK.COM OR TWITTER.COM

Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter offer doors to access special deals by letting you follow the companies you wish to buy from. For instance, to get special deals on air fare and gadgets, follow Amazon.com or Virgin America on Twitter.

Follow Money Digest on Facebook to get cheap deals on various companies all over Singapore. Best of all? These methods are free.

Image Credits: Garrett Heath via Flickr

7 Low-Cost (or Free) Ways to Lose Weight

One of the top 10 new year’s resolutions of a million people is to lose significant weight. This may be an ongoing resolution that has yet to happen, therefore the decision to lose weight is becoming more emotional.

Along with the article called “5 Ways to Shop for Healthy Foods Without Spending Too Much“…here are 7 Cheap Ways to Lose Weight…

1. STREAM FREE EXERCISE VIDEOS

Watch free exercise videos on youtube and across the Internet. Personally, I recommend Cassey Ho’s Blogilates as she incorporates Pilates, Yoga, and Cardio workouts. Aside from free exercise videos, the Internet is abundant with free or cheap Fitness Plans and Health Information. So, your only job is to make sure that the website is credible.

2. GO MEATLESS ONCE A WEEK

Nutritionist Rania Batayneh says that a sure way to burn off pounds and to save money is by going meatless once a week. You may substitute meat with tofu, beans, and mushrooms.

3. GROW AND COOK FOOD BY YOURSELF.

Growing your own food is organic at its finest. If you do not have a backyard or an apartment balcony there are community gardens for you to plant your own seed.

Image Credits: woodleywonderworks via Flickr

By dinner time, you can browse online (e.g. Kraft Recipes or Eating Well Recipes) for healthy recipes and cook your own food.

4. GAGA OVER GREENS

Kale, arugula, and spinach are some of the most nutritious and affordable foods you will find in a grocery store. As the color of the vegetable gets darker, the more nutritious it is because of its antioxidants and beta-carotene.

Image Credits: Wonderlane via Flickr

5. BUY CHEAP GROUP WORKOUT DEALS

Take advantage of a low-cost workout class if you are undecided and you do not want to spend hundreds of dollars for a gym membership. Groupon.sg is rich with Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, and Boxing Classes that range from $28 and below.

For example, here is a “Four 60 mins. Boot Camp” pass at $19 only! It will not only push your limits but it will also aid you in losing weight. Usually, newly opened gyms or studios give 1-week free trial so you better watch out.

6. RUN, JOG OR CYCLE OUTDOORS

The healthiest way to lose weight is neither crash diets nor starving yourself. But, the healthiest way is the gradual increase of exercise. As you increase the exercise intensity and duration, you will change your own body mechanism in time.

Try walking or biking to work if you live within a few miles. If that is not an option, then skip the elevator and take the stairs instead. Not only will you save on gas, but you’ll burn calories as you go.

Image Credits: Fit Approach via Flickr

7. EXERCISE AT HOME

Stay fit in the comforts of your own home. You may choose to buy bargain workout DVDs or use the resources you already have.

For example,

Use paint cans or bottle with rocks to work on your biceps.
Find a stable bar at home for chin ups.
Or, do sit-ups and push-ups without any equipment.

Image Credits: Jordan Misner via Flickr

You are now looking to the future with hope and expectations. What better investment could you make than with your own health?

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