As the Japanese Proverb once scribed: “Money grows on the tree of patience.”
Yes! One virtue, practiced religiously, that can definitely increase your savings and even increase the odds of success is none other than: Patience. Why is that so?
1. PATIENCE BOOSTS YOUR DISCIPLINE
Applying patience to overcome instant gratification is important in financial success. If you are an impulsive over-spender, establish a waiting day rule of at least 30 days on any purchases. The new items you have been eyeing on will go on the waiting list. This will not only help you to develop patience but also to help you filter out which ones you need and which ones you don’t.
2. PATIENCE HELPS YOU RESIST THE TEMPTATION
If the temptation of spending is overwhelming, try discussing financial matters to your bank. You may ask them to make automated payments or to put restrictions into your savings account and credit card. Once the convenience of spending is out of sight, it will be out of mind.
3. PATIENCE ALLOWS YOU TO LOOK FOR OTHER OPTIONS
Sadly, in a world that hates delayed gratification, impatience costs people cold hard cash. If you are willing to wait instead of purchasing immediately, you are able to compare prices within other shops and to find cheaper options while you are it. Patience gives you the opportunity to wait for the greatest sales, huge markdowns, and bargain deals that will help you save a lot!
Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)
4. PATIENCE ALLOWS YOUR MONEY TO GROW
The longer you keep your money, the more you will make of it. Elevation in your wealth each year is possible because of compounding. Compounding is the addition of interest to the principal of a deposit. Read more about the compounding power, here.
5. PATIENCE SHARPENS YOUR CONSCIOUS SPENDING
Patience sharpens and shapes your conscious spending by letting you realize the worth of each item. Ask yourself in the present time: “At my age, what matters to me the most?“
If you are willing to wait for a purchase then, you consider that item as important. And if it is that important…surely…it is worth the wait.
Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)
Assuming the basic ingredients including salt, pepper, sugar, garlic, onions, and eggs are available at your home, here are the affordable meal ideals you can simply and swiftly prepare for the whole family:
1. CRISPY ROMAINE SALAD
Increase the vitamins absorbed by your body through this low-calorie dish that takes only 15 minutes to prepare.
2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar (S$6.50 at Delicia)
1 small clove of garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 cucumber (S$0.65 per pack at FairPrice)
Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)
DIRECTIONS
Cut the unpeeled cucumber vertically in half then, cut it horizontally into thin “half-moon shapes”. Then, coarsely chop the Romaine lettuce. Get a huge serving bowl and place your cut cucumber and lettuce there. Afterwards, peel the carrots directly into the serving bowl.
On a separate small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper well. Then, add this sauce mix to the serving bowl.
2. VELVET SCRAMBLED EGGS WITH HERBS
Give your good ol’ scrambled eggs a twist by adding fresh herbs. This recipe takes a total of 20 minutes to prepare.
INGREDIENTS (SERVING 4 PAX)
9 eggs
1/4 cup of milk (as low as S$2.40 at FairPrice)
1/4 cup of butter (S$3 per 250g at FairPrice)
1 tablespoon minced oregano (S$4.35 per 15g Mccormick Whole Mexican Oregano at FairPrice)
1 tablespoon minced thyme (as low as S$4 at FairPrice)
2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese (S$5.55 per 125g Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese at FairPrice)
Chives (follow self-preference)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
DIRECTIONS
Whisk the eggs and milk in a medium bowl for about 1 minute. Melt the butter over medium to low heat in a large sauté pan (preferably non-stick). Then, pour the mix of eggs into the pan and gently stir it with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Cook it over low heat.
When the eggs finally lose the “raw look”, put the thyme, oregano, chives, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in the pan and stir these ingredients to distribute. Immediately pour an additional 2 teaspoons of milk to the eggs once it is very creamy and moist. Finally, remove the egg from the heat.
3. CONFETTI RICE PILAF
This is a colorful compliment to any of your chicken dishes. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare.
INGREDIENTS (SERVING 4 PAX)
1 small onion
1 carrot
1 celery stalk (S$1.60 per pack at FairPrice)
1 tablespoon of butter
1 clove of garlic
1 cup of white rice (as low as S$4.95 at FairPrice)
1 chicken broth (S$1.75 per 60g of Knorr Chicken Cubes at FairPrice)
0.25 cup of water
0.25 cup of Parsley leaves (S$3.85 per 7g of Mccormick Parsley Flakes at FairPrice)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
In a saucepan, heat the butter on medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, garlic, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir all this for 6 to 8 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add the white rice to the pan then store for 1 minute. Then, put the chicken broth and water into the pan while boiling it on high.
Reduce the heat to low then cover and simmer for 16-18 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the white rice is tender. Afterwards, you must turn off the heart but keep it covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with the fork and stir the parsley.
Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)
Isn’t it incredible that you can make yummy dishes of four servings under S$20? Try it now and enjoy! 🙂
For the past few decades, Japanese brands had been circulating the worldwide market. Valuing their historical significance, contemporary influence, and innovative style, Japan never seize to amaze its consumers. Myself included. Personally, there is one Japanese brand close to my heart and it is called MUJI.
MUJI’s products are not only simple but also efficient. Most of their products are practical such as the “CT LINEN POLY SOFT BOX OBLONG“, a foldable fabric storage box for only S$13.
Curated by Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd., MUJI upholds the philosophy of bringing quality products at lower prices. This is because of their intensive selection for raw materials. A testament of that are their stationery items including office supplies, packaging items, acrylic storage, desktop items, and handphone accessories with prices ranging from S$0.90-S$49.
Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)
Given that their prices are reasonable, you can still save further by using these tips:
1. SHOP ONLINE WITH CUPONATION
CupoNation has a huge database of the coupon codes and deals across Singapore. If you browsed through their coupon codes and discounted deals for MUJI this September 2015, you would see that you might avail the following offers in MUJI’s online store:
a. 10% on Women’s Linen products
b. 10% OFF + Free Delivery on Selected Travel Items
c. 10% OFF on Spring Accessories
d. 10% OFF on Kids Linen products
e. 10% OFF on Men’s Linen items
2. GO DIRECTLY TO THE SALE ITEMS PAGE
If you are shopping in a rush, you may skip CupoNation but go directly to the “SALE ITEMS” page. In this page, you would see that there are two types of special offers namely: sale items and limited offers. As the name suggests, limited offers are available for a shorter period of time compared to the sale items.
Let me be the good messenger as I tell you that the sale items boast in an array of clothing articles such as French Linen Boat Neck Dress for S$48.30 (U.P. S$69) and Linen Cropped Easypants for S$34.30 (U.P. S$49.00). While, the limited offers include the Gel Ink Pens for S$1.44 (U.P. S$1.60) and the Ochiwata Duster Set for S$7.47 (U.P. S$8.30).
3. SPEND AN AFFORDABLE AMOUNT ON UNIQUE, QUIRKY, AND COOL ITEMS
Feeling adventurous does not have to be expensive! You can save money on unique, quirky, and cool authentic Japanese items by shopping at MUJI. For instance, you may try their selection of special and tasty snacks and desserts such as white chocolate strawberry, scallop rice kit, and pretzel mustard.
Also, dig into the cool and innovative items such as the “HANDY SHREDDER” which is a stand-alone portable shredder for your everyday use. It is available for S$11.
It can be overwhelming when you go inside the store. So, come prepared by stalking them on social media. Get the inside scoop of their store activities, product launches, and latest deals by following facebook.com/muji.sg.
Currently, the revamped Paragon outlet include the first Café&Meal MUJI as well as the following in-store deals:
Let us face it! Your addiction to cosmetics is not doing any good to your wallet. The good news is that there are affordable hacks and cheaper alternatives out there! You just need to have the patience to find them. All in the name of beauty, here is the Make-up Addict’s Guide To Saving Money In Singapore…
1. BE FAMILIAR WITH THE BRANDS
According to an experienced make-up artist in Singapore named Nat K., the awesome and affordable beauty brands in the city are:
a. COLLECTION
With a huge public demand in United Kingdom, Collection finally made its way to Singapore. Beauty gurus on YouTube have adored their Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer that covers blemishes and flaws for up to 16 hours. So, a little application of this creamy tube can go a long way. It comes in four colors namely: light, fair, medium, and dark. It retails for S$14.90.
Aside from this, Nat recommends for you try their assorted glitter liners, as they are the best she had found. Their product prices range from S$8.90 to S$21.90.
b. CATRICE
Another brand hailing from Europe is Catrice. Catrice boats with a huge following in Switzerland and Germany. This is probably because for cheaper brands, their formulations are great as well as their packaging. The packing is sleek and minimalist. Their product prices range from S$4-13.
c. ESSENCE
A brand owned by the same European company as Catrice, essence is raved hugely in United States and Australia. This is probably the most affordable of all the brands in the list with its prices ranging from S$2.50-7.90. But, do not let the price fool you about its quality. The quality is shockingly good.
Since, one of my all-time favorite beauty products is mascara, I shall recommend the I <3 Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara. The mascara’s wand is bigger than others but you will find it easier to maneuver. The staying power is good in both warm and cold weather. The Essence I <3 Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara gives your lashes length, thickness, and darkness to increase its volume. Best of all? It retails for only S$5.50!
d. NYX
NYX has a wide array of affordable beauty products but I am personally in love with their lipsticks and lip-gloss. Whether it is matte, soft matte, or creamy, and their products are smooth and well pigmented. I have almost all of their butter glosses and I have to tell you…they smell nice! Nat shares that there blushes are both gorgeous and varied. Their product prices range from S$9-20.
2. KNOW WHERE YOU CAN FIND THEM
You guessed it! The cheaper brands are available at your local pharmacies such as Guardian and Watsons. However, NYX is available at Sephora and Watsons stores. Aside from these places, some online sellers (e.g, in Carousell) and flea markets carry these brands. To save you time and money, you just have to do your research before heading to town.
3. LENGTHEN YOUR PRODUCT’S LIFE SPAN
Maximize the longevity of your beauty product by:
a. Use every last drop of your BB or CC cream by cutting the plastic bottle into half and squeezing out the leftovers.
b. Store your oil-based products such as foundations and lipsticks in the fridge to make it last longer. This is because products with oil eventually go rancid in time.
c. I am a lipstick addict and seeing a broken lipstick, break my heart too. Not anymore! Fix smashed or broken lippies by heating them up quickly with a hairdryer or a match (full instructions – here).
4. TRY THESE ALTERNATIVES
Another way to save as a make-up addict is to find budget-friendly options for the lavish products she or he desires. For instance, if you want to get fuller and longer looking lashes, you may simply put baby powder on your mascara.
Also, you can make your own lip-gloss by mixing eyeshadow pigments with petroleum jelly. Lastly, you can find the pretty alternatives for the MAC lipsticks you have been eyeing on:
Aside from Sephora, one of the beloved brands in Singapore and beyond is IKEA.
IKEA is the Swedish brainchild of Mr. Ingvar Kamprad. Well known for its modern architectural products that ooze simplicity, from furniture to plants and even Swedish meatballs, IKEA offers a wide range of items essential in your home. Most of their products are not only elegant but also affordable. That said, who would not fall in love with this brand?
From becoming a part of the IKEA family to following them on social media, these hacks could take your IKEA savings game to the next level:
1. BECOME A PART OF THE IKEA FAMILY
You would be surprise to know that IKEA offers a free discounts program with no strings attached! As an IKEA family member, you are entitled to several benefits such as special discounts, members-only savings events, monthly offers on the Swedish Food Market, and complimentary coffee or tea with each visit.
There are two kinds of membership called temporary and permanent. A temporary membership gets to enjoy the lower prices, discounted meals and complimentary drinks for a year while a permanent member who spent S$150 within a year will enjoy the full suite of benefits.
Becoming an IKEA family member is easy and quick. All you have to do is to sign up for their temporary membership at any IKEA Family kiosks located around their stores (i.e., IKEA Alexandra or IKEA Tampines) or online (i.e., here). These are the current product offers for members only are available here.
2. SHOP WITH A SATIATED STOMACH
Going inside an IKEA store may not be the best idea if you are hungry. It could lead you to splurging at the kitchenware section or at the restaurant itself. You mindlessly go to the products and the meals simply because you want to satisfy the hunger within. Personally, it is hard not to get tempted by the aroma and the looks of their food even when you are full. So, it is best to eat a large meal before heading into the store.
3. ASK FOR REPLACEMENTS
If there are missing parts or a part is defected, do not pay for extra parts. Instead, call or head to the nearest store to ask for replacements. Check the assembly manual for the name of the product and the “number” of the missing parts to communicate smoothly with the IKEA staff.
4. COME PREPARED
Before purchasing anything, it is good to read the reviews and to compare the prices so that your money would not go to waste. IKEA offers a smart way to help you save and it is called ELP. ELP stands for “Even Lower Price”.
As the name suggests, this means that the product is marked lower than before. Thus, you get more savings on various items from lighting to decorations, and so much more. Browse ELPs for yourself, here.
5. GIVE THE PERFECT PRESENT
I for one dislike it when I purchased something that is not fit to the person’s size or style because they will have to put an effort to returning and replacing it. The added effort defeats the purpose of giving the gift. And if you are planning to give a present for your friends’ housewarming then, the stakes are much higher! You must not only find an item that is suitable for the house’s look (which you might have not seen at this moment) but also for their daily needs.
Fortunately, IKEA offers Gift Cards ranging from S$20-1,000. By giving them dated gift cards, you can finally ease your worries, get the value of your money, and help them find the perfect present!
6. UPGRADE YOUR SMALL FLAT
It is no secret that most flats in Singapore are relatively small to ensure that the country’s land is maximized. That said, aside from the 5 Simple Ways To Maximize Your Small Flat Without Spending Too Much, there are other easy ways you can upgrade your flat with IKEA products.
a. Lighting
Aside from opening your blinds to let the natural light flow freely, you can add lamps and spotlight to make the interior appear larger. The adjustable JANSJÖ LED clamp spotlight is available for only $14.90 – SG50 Sale Price.
b. Mirrors
Mirrors can help open up the small space especially if it is placed behind a light source. Get a mirror that is water-resistant and adjustable by purchasing the FRÄCK for only S$19.90.
7. MAKE DIY IKEA PROJECTS
Another genius hack is to purchase cheap IKEA items that are multi-purpose. For example, you can use the DUNSÖN trolley (S$34.90) as a foldable drying rack for your socks or undergarments. All you have to do is to read the instructions – here.
You can also put magazines or beverages in these assorted colored slippers. 🙂
8. FOLLOW THE DEALS
Come prepared before you walk inside the store’s door by stalking them on social media. Get the inside scoop of their product launches, store activities, and latest deals on furniture, toys, kitchenware, plants, and so much more by following facebook.com/IKEASingapore.
Currently, the page shares that “SG50 Sale” is ongoing until August 23. With massive discounts of 50% off storewide, you can certainly make the most out of your dollars!
