life hacks Archives | Page 7 of 28

Practical Ways To Stand Out As An Exceptional Employee

There is more to an exceptional employee than mere attention to detail and laser focus!

1. SOLVE PROBLEMS

You are happily employed at a small-scale advertising firm along with 8 employees. Your boss decided to gather all of you to discuss about the reinvention of your website. He asked your opinions about the potential problems that can occur with this shift. You raised a couple of issues including the lack of stock images. You immediately suggested to organize a cost-efficient photoshoot. Your boss was impressed!

As you can see, there is a fine line between highlighting and complaining about an issue. Pointing out the issue helps to get the attention of the people involved. However, it must not end there. You have to come up with realistic solutions to conquer the problems.

2. BE POSITIVE

In my experience, there is always that one employee who exudes a pessimistic mindset in the workplace. It can lead to lack of motivation and poor work etiquette. Negative thinking may also start to rub off on other employees and reduce the overall productivity. It is important to find ways to handle the pessimistic employees.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

It is impossible to live in a world where conflicts do not exist. Stressful days are bound to occur as you need to meet the deadlines and work on a strict budget. Despite the emergence of these days, it helps to remain positive. A resilient employee is able to stay optimistic about the future and encourage others to share the same mindset even during the most difficult circumstance.

3. TAKE INITIATIVE

On a different scenario, imagine that you are a contributing writer for a large-scale lifestyle website. The boss assigns your daily topics but, you are free to come up with your own ideas. Your interaction with the team made you realize that your boss is passionate about Golf. You decided to do your research about the distinct sport. You wrote an article about it and handed it to your boss on the next day. Furthermore, you included 3 more topics that focused on the current trends in Singapore. Your boss was shocked – in a good way!

Outstanding employees do not wait for the tasks to be assigned. If there is an urgent need, they act upon it appropriately. They are proactive in other areas including communication. Instead of responding to a selected few about a project, they keep the whole team in the loop.

4. ACCEPT CRITICISM

I witnessed a petty office brawl between two supervisors before. They came from divergent departments and each of them had a point. However, the other one was fueled with aggression and took things personally. A mediator had to break the tension between them. Obviously, you must deal with the same situation in a mature manner.

Exceptional employees are able to tolerate conflicts and take constructive criticisms. Instead of displacing the blame to other people, accept the idea that you need to make some changes.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Committing a mistake is not a mark of a poor employee – failing to adapt is.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

5 Must-Read Books About Retirement

A prosperous retirement is more than just attaining financial independence. It involves finding happiness and meaning in this fresh chapter of life as well as stretching your financial resources to aid your journey.

Here are the must-read publications if you are looking for ways to make the most of your remaining years:

1. “HOW TO MAKE YOUR MONEY LAST: THE INDISPENSABLE RETIREMENT GUIDE” BY JANE QUINN

But it here.

Are you at the library right now? Check out the self-help books and other resources about retirement. You will notice that most of these books focus mainly on how to invest your money to create a potent retirement fund. The author’s experience supported this. Quinn once said: “I found books and websites on how to invest but practically nothing on how to prudently parcel your money out. If you take too little from savings, you’re depriving yourself of some of the comforts that you worked for. If you take too much, you’ll go broke.”

You see, spending your money wisely is just as important as building a nest. Find a balance between these elements by reading this book. Written in plain terms, this book explains how you can stretch your money once you are in retirement.

2. “THE NEW RULES OF RETIREMENT: STRATEGIES FOR A SECURE FUTURE” BY ROBERT CARLSON

Buy it here.

For people who are far from the retiring age or who are in the earlier stages of retirement, this gem is perfect for you. It is dubbed to be a “global book” that seeks to help its readers to wrap their minds around the whole subject. It takes a realistic look at the diverse life patterns that are emerging in the retiring Baby Boomers in the recent years.

It includes chapters that educate you about managing your fund, avoiding scams, planning for long-term care, and more. These chapters are detailed and easy to read.

3. “HOW TO RETIRE HAPPY, WILD, AND FREE” BY ERNIE ZELINSKI

Buy it here.

What makes this book shine above the rest is its Canadian humor and its focus on the non-monetary aspects of retirement. It encourages its readers to improve their physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. It puts heavy emphasis on how to live during retirement. This is why the contents of the book are not only practical but also relevant.

4. “THE RETIRING MIND: HOW TO MAKE THE PSYCHOLOGICAL TRANSITION TO RETIREMENT” BY ROBERT DELAMONTAGNE

Buy it here.

A Psychological transition to retirement entails dealing with the emotional stress that comes with this significant milestone. A substantial part of the book is dedicated to finding the reader’s inner being to create a fulfilling life and to enhance personal relationships. Dr. Delamontagne helps us to understand our personality types as it influences how we grow toward the next stage. These nuggets of knowledge are backed by his personal experiences.

5. “WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE? (FOR RETIREMENT: 2ND EDITION)” BY JOHN NELSON & RICHARD BOLLES

Buy it here.

Learn about the wide array of variables that are involved in retirement as this book provides you with useful guidelines on how to be healthy, happy, and successful. There are worksheets and exercises inside for hands-on or practical learning.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Ultimately, the authors view retirement as a crucial stage in life and not just an event that occurs when you stop working.

Sources: 1 & 2

Newbie’s Basic Guide To Smart Shopping

1. BATTLE BETWEEN NEEDS AND WANTS

If you want to be a smart shopper, it is important to stick to what you need to buy and what your budget permits. Knowing the difference between a perceived deal and an actual deal is also a must. For instance, you find a studio that offers 80% off their Pilates classes, but you have no passion for it, then you are still wasting money if you purchase the deal.

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT CREDIT CARD

Committing to smart shopping entails a credit card that has the best rewards. By that I mean, you must find the best card that aligns with your purchasing habits. For instance, if you intend to save more on flying then get a frequent flyer miles card. To each your own cards match.

3. GET OFF THE ELECTRONIC MAILING LISTS

Most of the stores especially those that are online makes you give out your email details. This can break your savvy shopping strategy. Being a newbie, you may not be able to resist the urge to shop once you learned about the deals available, so it is recommended to unsubscribe from the mailing list right away. This simple change will eventually break the bad habits.

4. STICKING WITH THE MONEY YOU HAVE

If you cannot trust yourself with the responsibility of holding a credit card, then stick with cash and debit card. It is best to spend the money you already have rather than to swim in a pile of debt. You may allocate a portion of your budget per month to a category called “shopping money” so you will be sure that you always have money to spare.

5. FREE SHIPPING IS NEVER FREE

Free shipping is usually offered in more expensive items and by comparing prices you will find out that an item at a lower price is much cheaper with shipping included!

Image Credits: Yoel Ben-Avraham via Flickr

So, when a website offers a free shipping minimum, it is smart to shop what you need and observe if your virtual shopping cart has reached the minimum. This not only gives you a chance to see the prices go up and down to fit your desired budget but it also gives you a chance to save even more money.

6. LOOK OUT FOR DISCOUNT COUPONS AND DEALS

Online shoppers need to know this. Why pay full price for your cart when you can save even more with discount coupons? There are many aggregators out there that offer coupons and deals for online shopping. These sites help benefits customers by giving them varied discount coupons and choices in their shopping experience, by leveraging our relationship with merchants.

For example, shoppers can easily save up to 70% with a promo code for Zalora that can be found on Paylesser.com.

4 Essential Money Questions Poly And Uni Students Shall Ask

Entering Polytechnic or going straight to University can be exhilarating! Some even move to different countries and make significant decisions by themselves. Managing your personal finances at this age can be challenging but it is always a good idea to start early.

Because of the hefty fees and other expenses parallel to Polytechnics and Universities, it is important to consider these aspects of your finances…

1. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING WHAT?

Poly and Uni students can collect money from different streams such as their part-time jobs, parents, loans, grants, scholarships, or a combination of all these. On the other hand, the categories of expenses are varied too. You will be paying for tuition fee, books, transportation, food, living expenses (if applicable), and so on.

Sit down with your parents to discuss who is responsible for paying each of the expenses. Offer to help if possible.

2. HOW DO YOU MAKE A REALISTIC BUDGET?

It is easy to get complacent with your finances as a student especially because you do not have to pay for mortgages, for childcare, and for other “adult” responsibilities. However, it is easy to lose track of your cash flow if you are to lax about your money. Remember that your income is limited and infrequent so you have to save the most of it.

Start by creating an easy yet realistic budget with the envelope system. With this system, tracking your spending and analyzing which category to cut down does not take too much of your time.

3. WHAT IF I WAS SHORT OF CASH?

Say unexpected events happen and you run short of cash, will your parents help you out or not? If so, will the money be given as a gift or as a loan? Is it possible to get a part-time job instead?

During my first year in Uni, I did not expect the influx of social expenses such as club registration fee and school dinners. I had to save up some of my allowance and pack some lunch in order to settle this unforeseen expenses. Aside from this, you can gravitate toward part-time jobs. Your part-time job can either add to your school allowance or buffer emergency fees. Know how to hunt for a job through this simple guide.

4. WHERE DO YOU LOOK FOR FINANCIAL GUIDANCE?

Every student has a different financial circumstance influenced by how much or how little the parental involvement is. I was very fortunate that my parents supported me all throughout my years as a student. I did not even have my own bank account then! Thus I can say that my parents were the ones who guided me financially as a student.

In contrast with my situation, I had two friends who were basically financially independent during their Poly and Uni years. One was a scholar while the other was in army. They monitor their own bank accounts, control their own budgets, and dictate their own spending. For financial guidance, they still seek their parents’ advice at times but mostly do everything on their own.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If that is not enough for you, you can always consider getting useful guidance from qualified financial professionals.

Sources: 1, 2, 3,& 4

4 Ingenious Travel Scams Singaporeans Should Be Aware Of

Do not taint your vacation by becoming a victim of the latest travel scams targeting unsuspecting tourists. From your expensive belongings to your personal safety, the risks of scams are overwhelming. The finest form of protection in these situations is to be forewarned.

1. THE PHOTOGRAPHY SCAM

The wonderful backdrop of Bali’s serene sunset deserves to be encapsulated forever through a photograph. As quick as you are, you gathered your group to take a special “jumping shot”. Then one of the locals approached you and offered to take your group photo for free. Seconds later, your newfound friend disappears with your expensive camera.

Bustling city attractions are the most vulnerable places for this scam. Do not be fooled! If you have to take a photo, it is best to ask your fellow tourists and return the favor to them.

2. THE PIZZA FLYER SCAM

As a busy tourist with a fully packed schedule, you are bound to forget about your meals at times. A promotional pizza flyer slipped beneath the doors of your hotel room seems like the most convenient choice. So you gave your payment details over the phone and end up waiting for nothing. There was no pizza and you just gave your credit card details away to a stranger! Cue the *panic* music here.

This is why it is best to check with the authorization of the fliers first at the hotel’s concierge.

3. THE FAULTY TAXI METER SCAM

Using the different modes of transportation overseas will make you realize how lucky you are that Singaporean taxi companies are very well-regulated. But in other countries, the taximeter can be faked. Your driver may overcharge you by not stopping the meter while he takes a “toilet break” or by wiring the meter itself. To avoid this you must negotiate the rates beforehand, have your map handy, and ensure that the meter is in tact.

Here are the other taxi tips by Christine Kaaloa :

4. THE BOGUS WIFI HUB SCAM

Modern technology paved way for keeping all your information such as credit card details (via Blogshop sites), savings account details (via internet banking), and school data (via university portal) in one place – your laptop or Smartphone. And as you login through the “free WiFi” at a terminal, you can fall prey to hackers. Hackers may set up unsecured WiFi spots in public locations in order to access of your device and steal important information.

Avoid this by asking which WiFi connection belongs to the establishment and by bringing your own pocket router while you travel. Consider the affordable portable WiFi Router available at Changi Recommends.

Sources: 1 & 2

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