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4 Powerful Tips To Become A Smart Spender

Have you ever desired to purchase something so bad but cannot afford it then, later you found out that a similar thing is available at a different store for a cheaper price? This circumstance can be prevented if you know how to spend wisely! Being a smart spender entails having enough knowledge to make the right purchase and to justify why it is the best choice.

1. SET A CLEAR PATH

It is important to develop a tangible and realistic savings goal that you can achieve little by little everyday. Yes! You must keep a small portion of your money regularly and add it to your savings account. Make it tangible by calculating the compound interest with the savings interval set to “daily”. Be amaze as you see how your small savings can increase through time. Truly, this tip will keep you motivated.

2. AVOID NEEDLESS EXPENDITURES

Have you ever shopped for a bikini (on sale) and realized that you already have one back home? Items that are usually seasonal such as swimming attires or winter coats are usually put at the back of your clothes and left forgotten. To avoid needless expenditures, make it a habit to check what you already have before buying. You can also organize your stuff as much as you can before a trip and be sure that you separated what you need that are still in mint condition.

3. COMPARE PRICES

Knowing you made the best purchase means you spend effort on comparing stores and its products in terms of price, design, quality, and so much more. Learning how to patiently browse through the nearby stores before buying something is smart. Also, you can shop around by comparing the prices online. There may be times when shopping online is cheaper especially with free shipping and clearance sales.

4. WORK FOR YOURSELF

If you are recently laid-off from work, one of your most practical options is to be self-employed. Certainly, when the conditions are suitable…it is much cheaper to hire yourself than to get someone to work for you. If you do not have enough money for transportation, food, clothing, or other expenses, working freelance can help you land back on your feet.

Related Article: Real Ways To Make Money Online

Image Credits: @Daman via Flickr with Creative Commons License

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Cheap Ways To Include DIY Crafts To Your Dream Wedding

Wanting a wedding that is immensely personalized and stylish yet money-saving? Then, consider including a myriad of lovely Do-It-Yourself (DIY) crafts. These DIY crafts can be used in wedding ceremonies, bridal showers, and receptions. Budget for these elements depend on the type and quantity of materials necessary to fill in the needs of the guests.

Since time is of the essence, here are 3 wedding DIY ideas that are easy and quick to make:

1. PAPER FLOWERS

DIY paper flowers with beads or laces could be presented at the centerpiece, at the wedding shower, or given as souvenirs. To flourish an elegant touch to your big day without breaking the bank, you can make the classical wedding pomander:

2. RIBBONS

Ribbons are beautiful to look at, especially if they shine with vivid patterns. You can just hang these at the entrance arches, doors, or bouquets to add a dramatic flair.

What’s more? You can even decorate a chair with 9 shades of ribbon colors or 10 types of ribbon patterns. Here is how:

a. Gather either the 9 strips of ribbon or the 10 types of ribbon patterns.

b. Tie the strips sideways and rotate these toward the middle.

c. The excess shall create a pretty fringe effect cascading down to the center.

For a portrait of the ribbon arrangements, click here.

3. MASON JARS AND CANS

You need not to have a degree in design to brighten up the special reception. Just place several mason jars or cans on the table and put small candles inside.

Image Credits: sugarspiceandnice.wordpress.com

Alternatively, you may place your family’s old wedding photos or your pre-nuptial photos too.

Image Credits: sugarspiceandnice.wordpress.com

Look no further for the perfect candles and mason jars. IKEA sells a pack of 12 small scented candles for S$7.90 while mason jars are sold as low as S$2.90!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

5 Simple Ways To Renovate Your Tiny Flat Without Spending Too Much

It is no secret that most of the flats available in Singapore are relatively small. It is done so as to expand the area available in our wonderful country. Aside from condominiums, HDB flats, ranging from 45 to 110 square meters, are the popular choice of the masses.

Whether you recently got off your parent’s estate or you relocated in the city center, the limited space of a flat can pose different challenges ahead. To live comfortably in it, here is the “5 Simple Ways To Renovate Your Tiny Flat Without Spending Too Much”:

1. SHOP AT IKEA

This Swedish super brand is a hub for home decorating while on a budget. IKEA’s two Singapore stores sell multiple organizational items and furniture that are perfect for small living spaces. For example, you may purchase the BRIMNES slim mirror with 4 storage squares for S$99 or the BYGEL removable dish drainer for only S$6.90.

What’s more? You can get free #homeinspo from their in-store displays or website catalogs.

2. AFFIX YOUR APPLIANCES TO THE WALL

Instead of getting huge drawers for the flat screen television or microwave oven, mount or affix them on the wall. This inexpensive trick is a surefire space saver for a small-scale kitchen or living room.

3. ADD MIRRORS

Adding mirrors to a modest room can make it appear bigger. Wide and oversized mirrors can fool the eyes by reflecting more light and by brightening the room. Save money by mounting two 70×70 cm IKEA STAVE mirrors costing to S$29.90 each.

4. OPT FOR SOFA BEDS

Buying a mattress, a headboard, and a bed frame can be costly and space consuming. Opt for a sofa bed instead. For about S$100, you can purchase a multi-purpose coach that expands into a bed for yourself or your guests.

5. NO-COST VISUAL DISTRACTIONS

You can easily maximize your space for free! All you have to do is to create visual distractions. Keep the room bright by opening the curtains. Then, make room for more by fixing your furniture diagonally.

Image Credits: Jim Cramer via Flickr with Creative Commons License (Attribution-NoDerivs)

Sources:1 & 2

Know These 4 Usual Start-up Mistakes To Save More Money

Although you are eager to venture on the business scene in Singapore, you must first be aware of your chances. In 2012, a research showed that 3 out of 4 start-up businesses fail.This is why it helps to know and learn from the usual mistakes that previous business owners have made.

These are just four of them:

1. GETTING OFF ON THE WRONG FOOT

It is paramount to choose the right partners, team, co-founders, or investors to start the company with. Not only does your skills have to balance but also your values must be aligned too. What is even more difficult than having unsuitable partners is having a lone founder. Well, your chance of succeeding is slimmer when you do it alone because of limited access to resources and funding.

2. HAVING TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE MONEY

Raising bountiful amounts of money can make you appear more successful but it shifts away the real focus of the business – the clients. You must give more time and energy into making your product appear impressive for all the consumers to patronize.

On the other hand, having scarce funding because of underestimating the start-up costs can lead you to using your own savings just to meet the business’ monetary needs. You can either use your retirement savings or borrow money from friends and family. This is not always a good idea! Furthermore, you will not be able to optimize your product to its full potential.

3. MISTAKE IN TIME

Jonathan Wegener, the founder of ExitStrategy and Timehop, told Mashable that a common mistake that companies make is wasting one of the most valuable currency on Earth – time.

He then said this: “The biggest mistake I see is companies waiting too long to release the product. It’s easy to let the scope of what you’re building get out of hand. But equally importantly most startups build much more than they truly need to, but this is often only realized in hindsight”.

4. PAYING NO ATTENTION TO THE PRESENT OR FUTURE CONSUMERS

Engaging in activities that enable you to reach out to your potential clients earlier on can help you reach success. Get feedback from the present consumers to examine the demand for your product and the uniqueness of your brand. Then, target your future consumers by using social media.

Image Credits: Clément Petit via Flickr with Creative Commons

Sources: 1 & 2

4 Saving Tips You Must Know Before Buying Your Dream Designer Bag

Aside from your wedding or your house, a designer bag is one of the biggest investments most women make in their entire life. It is so common that you can sometimes make assumptions about one’s level in the company just by perceiving their bags. This is why it is paramount that you save and purchase righteously.

Tweaking your lifestyle here and there and following your budget religiously will help you reach your dream in no time!

1. RESEARCH TO BE ENLIGHTENED

Determine how much you want to spend and whether you want to buy a brand new or secondhand (pre-loved) bag. This will give you a view of how long you have to save up. Research online on the real value of your designer bag to see if you are getting a great deal.

2. SAVE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN

Save to the fullest by removing the unnecessary expenses such as regular trips to the nail salon or to the luxurious cafe. Instead of sipping a S$5 cup of cafe beverage that would cost you up to S$1,825 a year, make your own coffee or tea at home. With S$1,825, you can already afford a new designer bag. Save even more cash by packing your own lunch to school or work.

3. GO FOR THE CLASSICS

Yves Saint Laurent once said: “fashion fades but style is eternal”. When selecting the best designer bag for you, go for the classic designs over the fashion fads. The fringes or embellishments may be trendy now but it will be gone tomorrow. Buy something that you are going to enjoy for a long period of time. It has to be simple, timeless, and undeniably you.

A few examples of timeless designs are Prada Tote (US$1,660/S$2,244) and Fendi 2Jours Shopper (US$1,900/S$2568).

4. GIVE THE ONLINE SCENE A SHOT

Online shops in Singapore not only sell brand new but pre-loved designer bags as well. With prices that are over 80% lower than the retail price, how can you resist an online bargain deal? Here are some of the trusted retail websites in Singapore:

a. www.reebonz.com.sg

Reebonz, a popular online destination, offers the widest range for both new and pre-loved designer bags, wallets, and watches. From Chanel, YSL, to Louis Vuitton bags…they have it all!

b. www.brandsfever.com

Getting a great bag deal at the Brands Fever’s flash sale is like hitting the jackpot. For example, you can purchase a new Bottega bag for as low as S$1,800. But you have to be a site member to indulge on the benefits of over 80% the retail prices.

c. www.madammilan.com.sg

Madam Milan not only has an online shop but also physical boutiques in Far East Plaza, Raffles Place, and Holland Village. They offer prime selections of designer labels islandwide.

Image Credits: fervent-adepte-de-la-mode (Raymond Meier) via Flickr with Creative Commons License

Image Credits: fervent-adepte-de-la-mode (Vogue, Raymond Meier) via Flickr with Creative Commons License

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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