life lessons Archives | MoneyDigest.sg

5 Life Lessons from the Candy Crush Saga

Though I was late to the fad, I’ve recently indulged in the world of Candy Crush Saga. I must admit, it’s an undeniably addictive game, but surprisingly, it has also imparted some valuable life lessons. Let’s delve into it and discover what makes it so intriguing.

Candy Crush Saga can be described as a delightful puzzle game with a social twist. The objective is to connect candies of various colors, creating chains that make them vanish, all while progressing through the sugary levels of this exciting adventure.

Playing this game has taught me a few important things that I’d like to share.

#1: BIGGER ACHIEVEMENTS LED TO SWEETER REWARDS

As you progress through Candy Crush, the game not only acknowledges your achievements but also rewards you accordingly. Whether it’s a handy lollipop hammer or the coveted ultimate treasure chest, these special incentives add an extra layer of interest and engagement to the gameplay.

Likewise, in the workplace, recognizing employees for their accomplishments plays a significant role in motivating them to put in even more effort to reach their objectives and encourages them to stay committed. Rewards not only spark interest but also aid individuals in achieving their future goals. Leaders who genuinely acknowledge people and their skills become respected figures admired by many.

#2: TAKING THE RISK LETS YOU EVOLVE

I’ve taken quite a few risks in my life – working and studying overseas and switching careers. Sometimes, we can’t predict all the obstacles that lie ahead, but that shouldn’t stop us from moving forward. In the game, there are mystery blocks that reveal themselves over time. Players take the risk and forge ahead, despite not knowing what awaits them – whether it’s good or bad.

Similarly, in the workplace, we encounter situations like new technology, expansions, and process changes where the effects are unknown until later. Embracing that risk-taking attitude becomes crucial in such scenarios. Taking risks allows us to evolve, meet objectives, and achieve our goals.

As a leader, being prepared to take risks and prioritize work is essential for success. A great leader focuses on their employees, leading by example in handling risks. It’s all about taking those calculated risks when needed, as they pave the way for success and bring us closer to achieving our visions.

#3: HAVING A STRATEGY PAYS OFF

In the game, just playing continuously takes you to the next level, but it doesn’t mean you’ve truly won. To achieve victory, you must stay focused on your actions. Whenever I find myself losing repeatedly, it becomes evident that my strategy needs adjustment, and I must incorporate more special power-ups. After all, how can you expect to win without a solid strategy? It’s a no-brainer; you definitely need one.

Whether it’s in games or any aspect of life, if you aim to progress and come out on top, a strong and well-thought-out strategy is essential.

#4: BETTER RESULTS HAPPEN WHEN YOU DON’T KEEP SCORE

It’s backed by statistics, and there’s even a famous dialogue from the movie “3 Idiots” that echoes this sentiment: “Pursue Excellence and Success will follow.” I can vouch for its truthfulness – it really works!

Constantly obsessing over the scoreboard or worrying about success can actually hinder your progress. Instead, focusing on achieving excellence in whatever you do allows you to concentrate on the task at hand and perform at your best. That’s just the way life goes! So, strive for excellence, and success will naturally follow suit.

#5: THERE’S ALWAYS A WAY OUT

I’ve found myself stuck in numerous levels of Candy Crush, and at times, it’s taken me days to overcome them. But the beauty of the game lies in the fact that you must keep trying. Just like in life, it’s all about resilience and perseverance. Persistence truly holds the key to success. If you keep pushing forward, sooner or later, you’re bound to figure it out, whether through sheer determination or a stroke of luck, perhaps even both. This reminds me of my uncle’s incredible journey, from picking food out of garbage bags to eventually dining in fine dining restaurants – a true rags-to-riches story.

There are hidden paths you must seek both in the game and in life. You have to trust that there’s always a way out, leading you to the next level. Just keep playing, and sooner or later, the solution will reveal itself. It’s a valuable lesson to remember – never lose hope and believe in your ability to find a way forward, both in Candy Crush and in your own life’s challenges.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Top Career Tips I Learned from Emily in Paris

After landing her dream job in Paris, American marketing executive Emily Cooper embraces her unpredictable new life while juggling work and romance. Its third season premiered last December 22, 2022, with Lily Collins as its Netflix Series lead.

Emily goes through many workplace challenges and is confronted with cultural differences as she navigates in the French work environment. Although some of her choices are questionable, here are some of the top career lessons I learned from Emily in
Paris.

#1: SPEAK UP

If you need to share your ideas, speak up! Do not wait for the opportunity to knock. When Emily did not agree with the sexist De L’Heure campaign, she took the initiative to share her thoughts to Mr. Antoine Lambert. People appreciate employees who are proactive and professional. Proactive employees think ahead and get ahead!

#2: THINK DIFFERENTLY

Being a person who thinks outside of the box is important in any line of work. For Emily, she impresses the head of a leading cosmetic brand with her unique Instagram posts. Applying creativity in your projects allows you to grow and to lead with futuristic lenses.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#3: NEVER GIVE UP

Emily’s perseverance and tenacity is an inspiration. She faces many situations and keeps pushing for what she wants. Her positive attitude wins her clients in the end. Although you cannot be positive in every situation, it helps to reframe your perspective to win over your clients. Connect with your potential clients and have them sign on board by not quitting the game.

Image Credits: facebook.com/Emilyinparistv

#4: ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING

Emily once booked for the wrong date and immediately thought of a solution to fix the situation. She said: “the good news and the better news – we are booked in with an up-and-coming chef tonight and we are all coming back here for the Zimmer launch together next year!” She handled the situation well.

Attitude can affect the way you overcome the toughest situations. In a world where things seem impossible, Emily makes it possible!

#5: TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK

Emily constantly reminds her boss Sylvie that they need to work well together to succeed. In one episode, Sylvie even corrects Emily and tells her that the French word for team is équipe, which does not have an “I” in it. However, Emily proves to Sylvie just how important it is to work as a team. Use the strengths of your co-workers as leverage to succeed together.

Image Credits: facebook.com/Emilyinparistv

#6: HAVE A GROWTH MINDSET

Emily embraces every opportunity thrown at her. She jumped on a chance to work in Paris, for starters! She actively seeks out increased responsibility and continues to say yes to challenging opportunities. You can incorporate the growth mindset into your own careers too. Let me end with a quote that champions the growth mindset.

“Individuals who believe their talents can be developed (through hard work, good strategies, and input from others) have a growth mindset. They tend to achieve more than those with a more fixed mindset (those who believe their talents are innate gifts).”

– Mindset Author Carol Dweck

Sources: 1 & 2

6 Nerve-wracking Lessons From Squid Game

Since its release in the latter half of September, Squid Game has been the talk of the town. Squid Game is a 2021 Netflix Thriller created by Korean director Hwang Dong-hyuk. Its story follows the lives of 456 cash-strapped players who accepted a strange invitation to compete in a series of children’s games.

A tempting prize awaits inside the Squid Game. However, all these come with deadly high stakes.

CAUTION: SPOILER ALERT!

Let us highlight the six important lessons you can reap from the Squid Game.

#1: THE PRESENT AFFECTS THE FUTURE

The decisions you make now shapes not only your present, but also your future. The lead character, Gi-hun, showed his imperfections throughout the show. All his past actions (e.g., gambling problems), came to bite him in the present.

His broken marriage, losing his child due to financial constraints, and his seriously ill mother took a toll on him. The mistakes he made in the past led him to enter the Squid Game.

#2: BE CAREFUL WHO YOU TRUST

Be careful when it comes to trusting someone. Remember that a person’s smile does not always mean that he or she is your friend. Of all the betrayal that happened in Squid Game, I was heavily hurt when disgraced banker Cho Sang Woo betrayed Pakistani worker Abdul Ali.

Throughout the show, Ali showed pure kindness and admiration to his Hyung Sang Woo (i.e., hyung – term of endearment meaning older brother). Sang Woo also helped him in the outside world by giving him money. During an important game of marbles, Sang Woo tricked Ali to win the game. At the last-minute, Ali realizes that his marbles have been switched with stones. He was brutally killed. His death showed us that the world around us is not as kind as it seems.

Image Credits: facebook.com/netflixph

#3: MONEY CANNOT BUY HAPPINESS

Several articles and films showed how money cannot lead to happiness. In the Squid Game’s final episode, we find out that Player 001, Oh Il Nam was the mastermind of it all. I had grown fond of this old man who continued to have fun in the face of imminent death. I, too, was deceived.

It was mastermind Il Nam’s way of entertaining his extremely rich clients who had grown bored of their lives. Money is important, but it is no substitute for doing something fulfilling.

#4: GAMBLING IS NEVER THE ANSWER

On his daughter’s birthday, Gi-hun used his mother’s money to gamble. He should have bought a special meal or a special gift instead. If you look closely at the character, he enjoys the thrill of the uncertain.

Gambling never gives you the assurance of a better life. It may be a way to win cash quickly, but it is never guaranteed.

#5: INSURANCE CAN SAVE LIVES

The best time to get insurance is when you do not need it yet. In episode two, he urged his mother to get her foot treated only to realize that he stopped paying for the health insurance years ago. His weakened mother had no choice but to walk out of the hospital because they cannot afford it.

Having insurance helps you to cushion unforeseen expenses such as the ones brought by critical illnesses. Shop around to see which fits you best.

#6: KINDNESS COMES FROM THE PEOPLE YOU LEAST EXPECT

The first episode is a special one. “Red Light, Green Light” displayed that the players came from tricky situations and were shocked by the deathly risks of the game. The innocent child game escalated into a bloodbath.

Image Credits: facebook.com/netflixph

Gi-hun came close to being eliminated. Fortunately, Ali’s strong helping hand saved him. He did not have to do it, but he did despite risking his own life. He was selfless. Being selfless means caring about others, without the desire for compensation.

You will meet both selfish and selfless people throughout your life. The choice is yours!

Sources: 1 & 2

12 personal money management life lessons to live by

While we were searching for good reads, we came across Cary Siegel’s “Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School?: 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By”. We’re not even halfway done with the book but already learning so much from the retired business executive.

Here are 12 personal money management life lessons adapted from the book.

#1: Marry someone who has good financial habits

a couple wearing masks for a wedding photo

Image Credits: The Straits Times

If you’re already married, you might agree that money is the top reason why couples fight. It could be very much due to a non-full disclosure during the dating process. Singles planning to tie the knot should learn how to facilitate money conversations to identify each other’s financial habits.

Here are some crucial questions you can ask:

How much debt do you have?
At what age do you want to retire?
Do you want to have kids? If so, how many and how soon?
What is an ideal amount for an emergency fund?
Are we ready to leave the workforce to be a full-time parent? If yes, which one of us and for how long?

#2: Stay married to the same person

Image Credits: Pinterest

According to Singapore Legal Advice, divorce fees may cost up to S$3,500 for simplified uncontested divorces and S$10,000 to S$35,000 for contested divorces. Let’s not forget about pre-divorce payments, alimony, and child support charges. Need we say more?

#3: Know the cost of raising kids

Image Credits: MindChamps

The obvious expenditures include education, healthcare, clothing, and food. Other costs include moving to a larger HDB flat and getting a new car to shuttle them to school and enrichment classes.

Prudential Singapore has examined various costs involved in the parenting journey. From pregnancy to childbirth and education to recreation, you must plan your finances for the long road ahead.

#4: Buy only when you can afford it

Image Credits: Carsome

When you don’t heed this principle, you will find yourself on a downward spiral to possible bankruptcy. Live below your means, and you will find extra cash to save and invest at the end of the month.

#5: Take care of your stuff

Image Credits: atulhost.com

By stuff, we mean the things you own. It could be your white shirt, your latest mobile device, or even your car. When you learn how to take care of your stuff, you will find them lasting longer over time and requiring fewer repairs or replacements. This equates to more savings!

We wrote an article several months ago with tips to help you apply basic maintenance to your electronic gadgets to help them last longer. Click through the link if you’re keen to find out more details on battery inspection, data clearance, and more.

#6: Build lasting friendships

Image Credits: Visit Singapore

One of the greatest gifts on earth is connecting and learning from people from all walks of life. Whether your secondary school classmates or polytechnic school friends are working within the financial sector or not, there are still personal money management experiences you can tap on from them.

#7: Take away more by giving more

Image Credits: HealthHub

This applies to your career in the early stages. Do you believe that you take away more from your company by giving more? The extra time and effort you’re donating to a work project can return tenfold because you gain valuable skills, knowledge, and experience by doing. Think of it as getting paid to learn!

With that said, those who are forced to work extra hours, make sure your employer is compliant with the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) practices. Click here for some FAQs relating to overtime work and rest days.

#8: Spend an hour per week learning about personal finance

Image Credits: ConversionLab

There are tons of free resources online, and a quick Google search can reveal the top-ranking ones. The Straits Times also has an “invest” section you can take advantage of if you’re a subscriber. Don’t underestimate the little hour you spend a week because it’s significant when it adds up over the years.

#9: Enjoy the slow journey to wealth

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Not all millionaires are made overnight. Do a quick search, and you will probably come across several rags-to-riches stories that will inspire you.

Please note that you don’t have to be exactly like any of the high profiles out there because everyone has their set of money management principles. Find your own and be comfortable in your unique journey to wealth.

#10: Pen down attainable short-term financial goals

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Short-term financial goals refer to your quarterly plans or annual ones. This could include the exact amounts for savings and investments. You can also note down personal reward amounts if you’re expecting big purchases. Remember to review your goals frequently and spot the hits and misses.

#11: Set realistic long-term financial goals

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When you have your short-term plans ready, it’s good to spend some time setting realistic long-term financial goals. If you like it, you may call it “the big picture” or “a bird’s eye view”. Long-term goals could mean you look far ahead in 5 years, 15 years, or even more.

Here’s a look at the author’s long-term financial goals when he was 25:

Buy my next car with cash (within 5 years).
Pay off all college loans by the age of 30.
Own a home by 35.
Attain a net worth of $1 million by the age of 40.
Own a beach property by age 45.
Retire by the age of 50.

#12: Develop a simple net worth statement

Image Credits: MoneySense

There are online resources available to help you find out your net worth. It’s nothing too difficult to understand. For example, MoneySense has a net worth calculator you can use. All you have to do is input your total assets and total liabilities and let the webpage work its magic.

So what are your thoughts on a peek at Siegel’s “Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School?: 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By”?

Let us know if you want more insights from his book, and we will prepare them in the coming weeks. If not, you can also grab a copy yourself and be enriched with more personal money management principles to live by. Happy reading!

Powerful messages from ‘The White Tiger’ we can apply in real life

Honestly speaking, while ‘The White Tiger’ has ranked its way on top 10 of Netflix’s film list… I’m not a fervent fan of it. But that’s just my personal opinion.

On one side, we’re happy that Balram broke free from his master and saw the light at the end of his tunnel. But on the other hand, we can’t seem to condone his behaviour and the choices he made.

With that said, though we’re sitting on the fence on this 2021 film that’s currently showing on Netflix, there are powerful messages to learn and apply in real life from ‘The White Tiger’.

Here’s our take on it.

#1: Poverty should not be a hindrance to one’s success

Just a few minutes into the opening, ‘The White Tiger’ opens with a weighty message. That is, “Any poor boy in any forgotten village can grow up to become the prime minister of India.” Yes, poverty sucks big time, but not being rich should not be a barrier to one’s hope and dream for success.

#2: Tap onto every opportunity to listen and learn

Balram shared that he had learned to use his time wisely to eavesdrop on customers, hoping to gain an opportunity. While eavesdropping isn’t that polite, it doesn’t hurt to tap on opportunities to listen from your neighbours and gain some insights. You never know when an opportunity will present itself.

#3: Upskill for better prospects

Balram could have settled contentedly with his brother in the poor village. But instead, his target for better prospects led him to the desire for upskilling. Instead of saying, “I can’t drive so this job is not for me,” he asked his granny for 300 rupees (S$5.47) to go for driving lessons with aims to secure a better paying job.

#4: Eat or be eaten up

Isn’t this just so true about life in general? Whether it’s in relationships or the economy, there are only two destinies. You either eat to your fill and prosper to greater heights or get eaten up by your co-workers who step on you to rise to the top. You hold the power to write your fate!

#5: Know your competition

When we say know your competition, we mean to be well aware of it. Especially to those thinking of starting their own business or entrepreneurs who are at an early stage running their start-up, this is some wise advice you ought to take. Being up to date with what’s happening within your industry can steer your business strategy towards success.

#6: Women should speak up for themselves

We know it’s the 21st century, but women still face discrimination in certain countries and cultures. Ladies, if a man ever tells you that you belong at home and have no place in a man’s discussion, speak up. There is no way you should let a person belittle you like that.

#7: Don’t underestimate the weight of kind words

Do you remember the first time or a situation where you were desperate for some kind words? “You’ll figure it out. Don’t worry,” was what Ashok told Balram in ‘The White Tiger’. This was after Mukesh slapped Balram on the head after he missed the exit. Don’t underestimate these simple words to a friend or colleague. You might touch them in unexpected ways beyond your imagination.

#8: You don’t always need a start-up business plan

It’s common for start-ups to come up with a business plan. Well, it helps to have a clear vision for the way forward and a written document to follow if there are hurdles along the way. But do you know that it’s not always necessary? Instead of wasting time on a start-up business plan, you want to do these five things instead.

#9: Spend some time in reflection

Reflections are not only for the end of the year. It doesn’t harm anyone to do a review at any point in their lives. Asking yourself questions such as “What is it that I want to do?” can direct you to a decision you might not have thought about it before. Is it a business idea you’ve been putting on hold for some time? Or a new field you’re looking to enter? Take actionable steps to achieve it in 2021.

#10: Stop searching for the key when the door is open

Balram thought he heard Pinky said to him, “You were looking for the key for years, but the door was always open.” Putting this in life’s context, do you find yourself searching for the key to open a particular door? While being stuck in this tiresome rat race, maybe you already hold the ability to unlock new opportunities. The question is, are you allowing yourself to?

#11: The early bird catches the worm

We bet all Chinese-educated peeps have heard of the phrase, “早起的鸟儿有虫吃”. When translated to English, it simply refers to how the early bird catches the worm for food. To put it in another way, it benefits one to be early in grabbing onto a chance when others are still deep in their slumber. So are you the former or the latter?

#12: Beware of yielding to temptation

When temptation knocks at the door, learn to walk away. A little moment of interest in that “red bag” will grow into an idea, and that action of folly will lead to possible regrets down the road. You will start justifying your actions as right and look for ways to continue indulging in that little secret you want to hide from the world.

Final Thoughts

We think young people should watch ‘The White Tiger’ with discernment. Robbing someone to break away from poverty and gaining monetary freedom is not morally right.

We shan’t spoil it any further for those who’ve yet to watch the film but have read up till this point. Let us know your thoughts on the ending after you’re done with your two hours?