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6 Shopping Faux Pas All Should Avoid

1. SHOP ‘TILL YOU “DEBT”

Do not bury yourself in a pile of debt because you cannot live without the new Prada bag. Saving up for a new designer bag or a new car is a better option than having to loan money for it. Seek a balance between your debts and your savings by paying for loans with low interest first. This will ramp up your cash flow (income – expenses) for sure.

2. AVOIDING COUPONS

Couponing is a strategy used by a shopper to pay less in shopping for groceries, tickets, and more. Smart shoppers that are new to the scene may shy away from coupons but once they see the real value of their savings by looking at the receipt, they would realize how great it is. You may get coupons for dining, leisure, toys, pets services, and just about anything at cuponation.com.sg or groupon.sg. Learn more about how coupon works in groceries by watching this video:

3. MISTREATING THE SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Never show off your success or mistreat the salesperson. Instead, treat the sales representatives nicely by smiling and asking politely whenever you shop. That act of kindness can go a really long way. They may even offer you special discounts or tell you when the next promotions are coming.

4. SPENDING MONEY YOU DO NOT HAVE

Having your credit cards handy will only tempt you to shop for more. Say you hid your credit card already but memorized its account number then you may just fall back to a slipper slope. Use precautions such as getting a new credit card to replace the one that you had memorized. Spending the money you do not have can only lead to a pile of dreaded debt.

5. LEAVING PERSONAL BELONGINGS BEHIND

Although this event happened once, I can never forget what I learned. I went inside the fitting room and hung my bag with my wallet and phone inside. As I was going out of the store with my newly purchased dressed, I realized that my bag was not with me. Luckily, living in a country with low-crime rate paved way for my bag to be in tact. Singapore is generally safe but, we can never really say that crimes do not happen. What if I left my passport inside and someone took it? Even a new dress will not make me happy. So, always check your belongings before and after you go inside the fitting room or any place else.

6. BEING CAUGHT BY THE HOLIDAY SALES

Most of us clamor over the holiday sales!

Image Credits: F Delventhal via Flickr

Who can resist a cheap Valentine’s Day greeting card or an oven that retails for 50% off after the Christmas sale? To avoid buying more than you intend, make a shopping list and stick to it. If you are shopping for more than one person then, budget your money by calculating how much you are willing to spend per person.

Budget-Friendly Organic Groceries in Singapore

Investing on organic produce that is GMO-free and freshly grown with fewer pesticides sounds like a good yet pricey idea. Not anymore. Nowadays, you can get organic vegetables and fruits in local grocery stores or online for affordable prices. Prices are decreased to suit Singapore’s needs.

1. BESTORGANICFOOD

BestOrganicFood, established in 2010, is one of Singapore’s leading distributor and retailer of organically grown produce. Dishing over 60 varieties of organic vegetables and fruits that are grown locally or overseas, BestOrganicFood is a green paradise for those who want to change their lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Here are some of their products:

a. Organic Australia Beet Root (600 grams), Price: S$5

b. Organic Baby Bitter Gourd (400 grams), Price: S$3

c. Local Organic Bai Cai (500 grams), Price: S$5

Free delivery for orders above S$35! Visit BestOrganicFood at Blk 681, Hougang Avenue 8, #01-865 Singapore 530681 or at bestorganicfood.sg.

2. GREEN CIRCLE ECO FARM

A place with luscious greenery and farm animals, Green Circle Eco Farm not only welcomes educational tours for the public and schools but it also sells food without artificial chemicals and pesticides. These produce are mostly locally grown.

Here are some of their products:

a. Kang Kong (300g), Price: S$2.50

b. Lettuce (200g), Price: S$3

c. Lemon grass and Pandan (100g), Price: S$1

There is a minimum amount of S$30 for home deliveries of products listed on their vegetables, fruit, herbs, and condiments tabs. Delivery fee of S$5, is one of the lowest delivery service among other organic groceries in Singapore.

Visit Green Circle Eco Farm at 41 Neo Tiew Road Singapore 719028 or at greencircle.com.sg.

3. QUAN FA ORGANIC FARM

Much like Green Circle Eco Farm, Quan Fa Organic Farm abstains from the use of pesticides and harmful fertilizers. Since 1999, Singapore has been enjoying their nutritious and healthy produce. They offer about 40 varieties of hard vegetables, herbs, leafy greens, and fruits that are from our local roots. Aside from Asian produce, they also sell imported organic produce from Malaysia, Australia, and Thailand.

Here are some of their products:

a. French Bean (200g), Price: S$2.50

b. Romaine Lettuce (300g), Price: S$3.50

c. Cauliflower (100g), Price: S$1.50

Quan Fa’s products are at available at Sheng Siong outlets. Visit Quan Fa Organic Farm at 35 Murai Farmway Singapore 709145 or at quanfaorganic.com.sg.

4. BONUS: PASAR ORGANIC BY FAIRPRICE FINEST

A brainchild of FairPrice, Pasar Organic products are available at the “Just Organic” section at FairPrice Finest. There are over 800 varieties of organic products including vegetables, fruits, canned goods, beverages, condiments, snacks, and infant food. What’s more? FairPrice Finest offers the best prices for organic pasta, noodles, and sauces.

Visit them at the FairPrice Finest outlets or at fairprice.com.sg.

How To Minimize Food Leftovers And Save Money

Food leftover or food waste consists of numerous discarded materials. Over the last decade, the amount of food waste generated in Singapore had elevated by 45%. In fact, in 2013, the food waste rate reached its peak of 796, 000 tones and with only 13% of it recycled.

1. SHOP ONLY WHAT IS NECESSARY

Shopping for groceries? Make sure you buy what is realistically necessary for your whole family. Even though the produce is enticing, avoid being greedy with it, as you certainly cannot consume all of it. Plan out your meals and make a detailed shopping list of the ingredients you need. Stick to the list. If you live far away from the grocery store, be careful about your purchases.

2. COOK THE RIGHT PROPORTION

Mouth-watering massive proportions of food in restaurants sound tempting but you only generate more leftovers once you adapt this culture to your home. Avoid cooking more food than your family can consume. Over-serving your friends and family especially during special occasions will only generate more monetary and food waste.

3. EAT THE LEFTOVERS

Save the unconsumed food when you either ordered too much restaurant food or when you cooked excessively. Regularly label these leftovers so you can keep track of how long it has been in your refrigerator.

4. MORE THAN THE EXPIRATION DATES, TRUST YOUR SENSE

Milk, bread, and other grocery products have expiration dates that you can use as guidelines. But, do not solely rely on it. Trust your senses to prevent medical expenses in the event you had a stomach flu or food poisoning. Use your sense of smell, sight, and taste to test the condition of the food.

5. PRESERVE YOUR FOOD BY CANNING

Canning, a method that applies heat to food in a closed container, helps to preserve food and stop its natural spoilage. Lengthen the shelf life of your favorite fruits by following the steps on this video:

What’s more? You can decorate the containers or jars by using paint that you already have.

Delicious And Affordable Pizza Places in Singapore

Pizza, a specialty of Italian cuisine, has been one of the well-loved food around the world – including Singapore. Who can resist deliciously baked thin crust topped with rich tomatoes, oozing with cheese, and savory toppings. It is like a beautiful symphony for my belly!

1. SAPRINO’S PIZZA

Saprino’s Pizza offers inexpensive pizzas that you can mix and match. What’s more? You can even create your own pizza by choosing from their meat, vegetable, and cheese toppings. We usually order the Pepperoni and Aloha pizza for S$28, inclusive of the delivery charge. Not bad for two 10″ big pizza. You may also indulge on their gourmet pizzas with flavors such as New York Deli, Sicilian, and Classico Italiano or their specialty pizzas with flavors such as Vegetarian Special, Tuscany, and Pesto Veggie. Prices of the pizzas range from S$13.80-35. Aside from pizzas, they have a wide array of add-ons that range from S$2.90-8.90.

Order yours today by calling 6636-3636 or by visiting sarpinos.sg.

2. SPIZZA

Spizza first opened its doors in Club Street with its vision of serving affordable yet authentic thin-crusted wood-fired pizza and other delectable Italian dishes. The prices of the pizza range from S$21-25. Their beautifully named pizzas including Anna, Claudia, Katerina, and Nadia can be customized by adding toppings such as Parma Ham, Carpaccio, Pancetta Bacon, Salmon, mixed Seafood, and Buffalo Mozzarella for S$4. If you cannot decide which type of pizza to choose then try their best sellers such as Margherita (Vegetarian), Pamela, and Olivia.

Order yours today by calling 6377-7773 or by visiting spizza.sg.

3. THE PIZZA PLACE

The Pizza Place is perfect for couples of group of friends who want to dine in delicious yet no fuss pizzeria with at a wide array of topping variations. The old-fashioned thick crust that is soft on the inside and crispy on the outside will have you wanting for more. They offer regular 10″ and 14″ pizzas that is able to feed at least a medium-sized group. Budget-friendly prices range from S$16-30.

Order yours today by calling 6336-1979 or by visiting them at #B1-16, Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road.

4. MANHATTAN PIZZA CO.

The Manhattan Pizza Co., offering New York-style pizza, is beloved by many. What separates this pizzeria from the rest is that they offer 20″ whole pizzas that are enjoyed by the people from New York. Aside from pizzas, they serve sides such as BBQ wings (S$5.90) and combos such as The Brat Pack (S$5). A slice of 10″ pizza is priced S$4.80-6.80. Choose from a collection of specialty and classic pizzas. Personally, I recommend the Regina, Pepperoni, Vegetarian, and Meat Lover.

Order your by visiting mymanhattanpizza.com.

Image Credits: The Manhattan Pizza Company via Facebook

You’d Be Surprised At How Much It Costs To Get Pregnant In Singapore

Once you have confirmed that you are pregnant, your mixed emotions will take a while to settle. Then, it is time to prepare for your much-awaited pregnancy. Before you deliver your child, it is vital to determine the costs related to your pregnancy here in Singapore.

PRE-NATAL

Expecting mothers need to visit the OB/GYNs or gynecologists regularly. As a result, you will have to pay about S$60-75 per visit. But to save more, you may take on the maternity package that costs about S$400 in the public hospitals. This already includes charges for consultation and needed supplements.

Routinely care for both your baby and you includes: monitoring blood pressure and weight gain, lab tests for blood and urine, and monitoring your baby’s position, heartbeat, and size. Additional tests include ultrasound and fetal health screening.

PRE-NATAL CLASSES

To prepare you physically and emotionally to giving birth in Singapore, you may join pre-natal classes that cost about S$150-250. These classes will impart knowledge on handling labor pain, post-natal exercises, and nursing for your newborn baby.

DELIVERY AND HOSPITALIZATION

Hospitalization for two days will cost you about S$3,000 in a private room at a private hospital. But, you can lower down the cost significantly by choosing a private room at a public hospital. Aside from the varied hospitalization fees, delivery fees vary depending on whether you have normal or C-section delivery. For normal deliveries, you can give birth with or without epidural. This costs about S$2,000-3,000 and the C-section only costs more.

POST-NATAL

Expect your bills to increase from the minute your give birth. You will have to pay not only for your gynecologist but also for the pediatrician of your baby. Also, you must get your newborn immunized against several diseases. All the compulsory immunizations are free but if you want to save more, then opt for the services by polyclinics.

CONCLUSION

Giving birth to a baby is a lovely experience. Couples may consider it as a miracle that they had dreamt of for long. But the reality is, getting pregnant in Singapore can bring hefty costs. Bills include pre-natal consultation, lab tests, fee for birth certification, baby immunization, baby clothing and accessories, and more. As a couple, you may prepare a minimum of S$10,000.

Fortunately, Permanent Residents and Singaporeans can deduct a percentage of the delivery costs through the Central Provident Fund (CPF) for their first four children. Furthermore, the Medisave Maternity Package allows you to use your Medisave savings to pay for the pregnancy and delivery expenses. Click here to know more.

Image Credits: John Spade via Flickr

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