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How to Save Money on Healthcare in Singapore

When it comes to healthcare costs, we are wired to believe that things cost the way they do. If you have an insurance provider, chances are, you are paying a premium on a regular basis. If you are uninsured, you might be avoiding visits to the nearby clinic or hospital.

You can still save money on healthcare! To get the most value for your dollar, follow these money-saving tips.

#1: PRACTICE PREVENTIVE CARE

Do not get sick! One of the best things you can do to limit your healthcare costs is to establish a healthy routine that incorporates good nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management. Choose a wellness routine that works for you. When you nourish your body and spirit, you can have a meaningful impact on your future health and prevent healthcare costs.

#2: SELECT A SUITABLE HEALTH INSURANCE

Health insurance aids you in paying for your medical expenses when you get sick, get injured, or become disabled. Although all Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are covered by Medishield Life, you may face some restrictions to your uses and claims. Payouts correspond to the prices for the Class B2 and C wards in public hospitals. So, you must be prepared to pay a large amount of money if you want to stay in a Class B1 or A ward. You can combat this by enhancing your health insurance coverage with an Integrated Shield plan.

#3: OPT FOR GENERIC MEDICATIONS

Brand-name medications are more expensive than generic brands. From a medical standpoint, previous literature has shown that generic medications seem to perform in the same manner as brand-name medications. Instead of poking a hole in your pocket, you can opt for generics to reap its benefits.

For instance, you can pay S$11.50 for 100 tablets of Paracetamol (500 mg) instead of paying S$10.50 for 20 tablets of Panadol.

#4: DROP BY YOUR LOCAL PHARMACY

For mild conditions, you can visit your local pharmacy to ask for advice. According to Unity’s website, their pharmacists can assist you with advice on minor ailments, medication concerns, travel medication, and so on.

For instance, you can consult their pharmacists if you have questions on your medications for your constipation. If you are experiencing mild ailments such as constipation, you can skip the clinic queues and go straight to the pharmacy. However, you must see a doctor if you are certainly unwell.

#5: SCREEN FOR LESS

Screen for Life is a national screening program that encourages Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents to go for regular health screening. Singaporean citizens only need to pay S$0 to S$5 per screening visit*. While Permanent Residents can check with their CHAS GP clinic on the screening test rates offered under the said program. The doctor consultation will be charged accordingly by the respective CHAS GP clinics.

Note: *Rates apply only at Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) General Practitioner (GP) clinics

#6: GO TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD POLYCLINIC FOR AFFORDABLE DENTAL CARE

If you are looking for a dental option for regular check-up and oral maintenance, search no further than the neighborhood polyclinic. Neighborhood polyclinics offer subsidized dental treatment and care. Both SingHealth and National Healthcare Group polyclinics have dental services, and it is easy to make an appointment online.

Alternatively, you may utilize the company dental and health screening benefits. Check with your employee handbook or ask your Human Resources department to know which medical benefits you are eligible for.

#7: FREE VACCINATIONS AT POLYCLINICS FOR INFANTS

The National Childhood Immunization Program offers immunization against certain diseases, which are fully-subsidized. Full subsidies* for vaccinations under this program are available for Singaporean children at CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Note: *This is applicable for certain vaccine brands. Refer to go.gov.sg/vaccine-list for the list of the latest subsidized vaccine brands.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

No Cost Ways to Relax After a Long Day at Work

Lately, I have been swamped with work. I switched from having an 8-hour shift to a 12-hour shift. As my body adjusts to the longer hours and the added demands of the workload, I realized how stress can affect my body and mind.

We cannot deny how important work is. With Singapore’s modern go-go-go society, people can be constantly put in the “fight or flight” mode. Relaxation is essential to slow things down and to take care of your overall health and wellbeing.

From gently rolling a ball under your feet to drinking green tea while soaking your toes in a relaxing foot bath, these are some of the no cost ways to relax after a tiring day at work.

#1: STROLL DOWN THE BOARDWALK

A quick stroll around the block combines physical activity with a change of scenery, which can act as your weapon against worries. You can end your day by walking to your favorite park. If Changi Boardwalk or Changi Point Coastal Walk is nearby, you can even enjoy the sunset. The stunning sunset over the coastline is a bonus. Best of all? Admission is free.

#2: TAKE A NAP ON A FORT

Forts are childhood staple for a reason! They are fun to build and are cozy to sleep on. Make an adult version of a fort by arranging your soft blankets, favorite book, and delicious snacks.

#3: SOAK YOUR TIRED TOES

With all the heavy lifting that your feet do all day, it is about time to give it the extra love it deserves. Use your available bath salts, bubbly foot bath, or simply sit on the edge of the bathtub filled with a few inches of relaxing hot water. Finish it off by massaging your feet with lotion.

#4: BE SURE TO DRINK YOUR GREENS

Help reduce your body’s stress responses by drinking green tea to reap the benefits of L-Theanine. Enjoy the earthy colors of your drink as you relax in your couch with your favorite TV show.

#5: MEDITATE IN SILENCE

Forget about spending hundreds of dollars on a week-long silent retreat overseas! You can meditate in five minutes or less with visualization techniques. Give it a go before a nerve-racking meeting or after you end your shift.

#6: STRETCH OUT

Put your head between your knees or stand and hang your head and arms toward your toes. Doing these stretches can lessen your reactivity to the fight-or-flight response and provide restorative effects to your autonomic nervous system (ANS).

#7: TAKE YOUR FRUSTRATION OUT ON A STRESS BALL

It is okay to be angry at times. Stress can bring rage, and what is important is how you manage your fiery emotions. It might be tempting to throw your laptop away but squeezing a stress ball is a less costly and safer option. You can also gently roll the ball under your feet to calm you down.

#8: WRITE IT DOWN

Putting your feelings down serves as an outlet to release what is on your mind. Try journaling about your work problems, pet peeves, relationship conflicts, debt, and so on. You might just get a new perspective upon seeing what you have written down.

#9: LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE SONGS

Soothe your soul by creating a playlist of songs that will best calm you down. Listening to music has relaxation benefits. So, try listening to music during your commute back home. If you are not going to bother anyone else, go ahead and sing along. You know you want to!

#10: DANCE AROUND

If dancing is your passion, try dancing to your favorite tunes once you are at home. Losing yourself to the beat can help you take the edge off. Dancing gets the blood flowing for a re-energizing rush of oxygen.

#11: TELL YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD STORY

Relive your happy moments and create new ones by sharing your memorable childhood story with your loved ones. Not only will this bring a smile to your face, but it is a wonderful way to bond with your child before bedtime.

#12: ENJOY SOME MILK AND COOKIES

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Eating milk and cookies is not only reserved for the Yuletide season. It turns out, consuming milk and cookies can help you relax because the carbohydrates in the cookies combine with tryptophan. According to a study published in Nutritional Health, tryptophan is an amino acid found in dairy foods, which can induce a feeling of relaxation.

Sources: 1 & 2

4 Telltale Signs that You Don’t Make Enough Cash

It can be immensely frustrating to feel stuck in a financial rut with no means out. You may think that you earn decent money, but still struggle each month. Whether you are overspending or not making enough money, these problems can lead to big trouble!

Consider these financial issues and how to solve them.

#1: CONSTANT FINANCIAL WORRIES

There is a difference between worrying about covering your necessities and worrying about unexpected car repairs. Constant worries about money can keep you up at night.

Put these worries to rest by creating a realistic plan. A budget allows you to plan out your purchases within a certain period. Moreover, an emergency fund can help you cover unexpected costs.

#2: RELIANCE ON CREDIT CARDS

One of the surefire signs that you are having financial problems is your reliance on credit cards to cover all your finances. If you need the help of credit cards to manage between paychecks, your balance can trap you. The solution is easier said than done – stop using your credit cards and leave within your means.

#3: UNABLE TO COVER BILLS

It is important to act quickly when you are not able to pay the bills on a monthly basis. Look for ways to reduce your bills and increase your income.

Start by cutting down your unnecessary costs. Trimming back luxuries across the board such as bringing your mobile plan down and canceling your cable television can help. Instead of eating out, you can cook at home to follow your meal plan.

#4: INABILITY TO HANDLE EMERGENCIES

It is difficult to grow your savings when you are stretched tight each month. However, the inability to create an emergency fund can lead to reliance on credit cards. Eventually, your credit card payments will grow detrimentally.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Set up an emergency fund by starting slow. You can put aside an extra S$50 per pay period and build from there.

Source: 1

Have a Magical Shopping Experience at Singapore’s Disney Store

Lion City dwellers can experience the magic of Disney as they shop its online store. Sadly, Disneyland Singapore is not opening anytime soon. However, Disney fans can rejoice for the opening of the new shopDisney store. It is an online store filled with character-themed merchandise such as Frozen pillowcases and Star Wars apparel. This shop spans from the classic Mickey & Friends and Winnie-the-Pooh to Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars characters.

Image Credits: Walt Disney

OPENING ON 14 JUNE, 2022

According to the media release of the Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia, the first collection will be released on 14 June, 2022. This collection will feature more than a thousand items across different Disney franchises featuring collectibles, home and living products, stationery, gifts, baby items, toys, adult fashion and accessories, and more.

You will be able to shop merchandise and other products from the actual Disney Park Shops overseas. New arrivals will come each week.

Image Credits: Walt Disney

This first collection includes limited edition collaborations and global collections. Limited edition collaborations will see the likes of Disney x COACH leather goods and handbags, Asia Pacific-exclusive ranges, and other fan-favorites such as Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh. Global collections include the Sakura series. This is an exclusive series designed by The Disney Store in Japan.

LAUNCHING HIGHLIGHTS

1. AUTHENTIC DISNEY PARKS PRODUCTS

A variety of Disney Park products can be bought at shopDisney such as Ear Headbands, Spirit Jerseys, and Loungefly Backpacks. Keep on the lookout for the famous “Mickey Mouse: The Main Attraction” series, which is inspired by the Disney Park attractions like Mad Tea Party and Space Mountain.

2. GLOBAL COLLECTIBLES

Limited edition dolls from Mickey & Minnie Doll Set, Ultimate Princess Celebration, and Disney Designer Collection can delight you. The trending pocket-sized Disney nuiMOs plush toys are also available.

3. FASHION AND ACCESSORIES

Themed shirts found in the store are based on the latest movies and Disney+ series. It features the Avengers, Buzz Lightyear, Star Wars, and more. Designer favorites include Disney x COACH collection and other major collaborations.

Image Credits: Walt Disney

4. HOME AND LIVING ITEMShttps://www.instagram.com/shopdisneysg/

Home and living items include dinnerware, mugs, planters, bed accessories, bath essentials, desk and office supplies, and other lifestyle products. Imagine decorating a child’s room with all things Frozen! Stay updated by following their Instagram account here.

Sources: 1 & 2

How Gratitude Can Improve Your Financial Life

Showing appreciation to others and to ourselves is characterized by gratitude. Gratitude makes us more aware of the sources of hope, joy, and wonder in our lives. Being grateful can improve your health, strengthen relationships, and help manage your finances.

Here are just some of the financial benefits of practicing gratitude:

IMPROVING PATIENCE

Practicing gratitude can affect your patience. Researchers found that feelings of gratitude reduced financial impatience, according to a study published in Psychological Science journal. Those who showed gratitude had increased willingness to wait longer to receive their money. While those who wrote about neutrality tended to opt for immediate payouts.

REDUCING DESIRE FOR MATERIAL THINGS

Psychologists Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough showed that people who counted their blessings had a more positive outlook in life, exercised more, and were more likely to help others. These findings were supported by Psychologist Nathaniel Lambert who found that feelings of gratitude were associated with lower materialism.

Feeling thankful for what you have can enhance your satisfaction in life and reduce your desire to buy more things. Think about that!

INCREASING GENEROSITY

As said above, generosity can increase the likelihood of helping others. The goal of financial planning is to allocate money towards things that you value most, which can be the welfare of others. Gratitude was shown to motivate people to pay it forward or to give back in many ways including financially.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

An article published by the American Psychological Association reported that gratitude facilitates generosity. People who were feeling gratitude were able to share more money with others, despite the recipient being a stranger.

BOOSTING YOUR EMOTIONS

When it comes to gratitude, the first step is to acknowledge the gifts and benefits we have received. Secondly, you must recognize that you have been blessed by others, luck, or divine intervention.

Gratitude requires us to see how we have been supported and affirmed by other people. In return, it can make us feel satisfied and secure.

HELPING COUPLES WITH MONEY FIGHTS

A 2015 study by researchers at the University of Georgia found that gratitude can help couples to manage financial conflicts. Expressing appreciation and feeling appreciated are hallmarks of strong partnership, according to couples’ therapist Ed Coambs.

Ed said:

“In a flourishing, healthy relationship, gratitude flows naturally and pretty easily. In a functioning relationship, it’s more intermittent, a little less consistent. In a dysfunctional relationship, it’s absent.”

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Many financial conflicts stem from partners not feeling appreciated for their efforts to save money and to look after the couples’ future. This is where gratitude can come in.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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