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How To Enjoy A Thrifty Relocation

Whether you are upgrading to a newlywed nest or downgrading to a cheaper work space, you are starting a fresh chapter in your life. You are leaving the past behind and looking forward to a brighter future ahead. Simply, this transition is exciting! However, I cannot deny the fact that moving day is stressful. This is why it is important that you employ cost efficient strategies to make your life easier.

Begin by devising a relocation plan. Invest a dollar or less in a handy notebook where you can visualize a timeline that leads up to your moving day. For instance, you may start labeling the boxes by week two. Organizing everything is important to prevent spending money purely for convenience.

The next thing that you must focus your energy on is packing the boxes by yourself. You may ask a little help from your kindhearted friends and family if you want. The bottom line is that this strategy saves a decent amount of cash. While packing your stuff, do not forget to label each box.

Let us be honest! There is nothing worse than the hassle of scavenging through a pile of mystery boxes. Sometimes, people would rather purchase new things instead of wasting time in searching for two or three items that they really need. Avoid unnecessary or impulsive buys by marking each box with a permanent marker and writing down what section of the flat it belongs to. Leave your valuables inside specific boxes that you can keep a close eye on. You may even go further categorizing each item in your notebook.

Image Credits: Book Glutton via Flickr Creative Commons

In the process of carefully putting everything in place, you will realize that there are some old investments that you do not mind leaving behind. These said investments are the items that you do not want to bring in your current residence. As long as these items are in mint condition, you can sell them on online marketplaces such as Carousell and Gumtree Singapore. Scam or spam messages are bound to flood you if you display your details in the open. So, set up an independent account just for this. Take down said account once you are finished moving. Selling your old stuff helps you to save money by shipping less and to earn more money on the side.

In the last couple of weeks before your moving day, you must narrow down your options to a single moving service. Make it a habit to get written or documented quotations from different moving services. I am not referring to the nuggets spoken by famous personalities. Instead, quotations refer to the prices offered by the companies. Show these written or documented quotations to the next company to persuade them into matching or lowering down the prices of their predecessors.

I hope that these tips can help you to enjoy a fuss-free moving day. If you can think of other ways to relocate in an affordable manner based on your personal experience, comment below and share your story. Your views are greatly appreciated!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

You Must Stop Buying Items Just Because They Are Cheap

Do you ever purchase items that you do not need just because they are cheap or on sale?

Many of us do! If you adopt this hobby, it can easily get out of hand. Prevent yourself from spending on indulgences by regaining self-discipline with these 5 tips:

SHOP FOR WHAT YOU NEED

Previous studies have shown that people who overspend are craving for the surge of the feel-good hormone called dopamine. They associate this hormone to shopping for items while they are on sale. It is okay to give in to what your heart desires every once in a while as long as you are in control. However, you must regulate your shopping habits if you are overdoing it.

A bargain deal such as Lazada coupons can be a great score but, not if you have not intended to buy the item in the first place!

CONDUCT AN INVENTORY CHECK

I can still recall the moment when my mother came home with bag of groceries in her hands. Inside the bags were bathroom supplies such as shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste. It dawned on me that she picked up the same items merely four days ago. She says it slipped her mind. Well, she is not alone!

It is common for people to buy new items because they cannot remember what they already have or they cannot locate them. I am not limiting this scenario to the items in your wardrobe as it is applicable to household products, car tools, and so on. A neat solution is to conduct a monthly inventory check to filter out what items are worn out, ill-fitted, and useless. You can toss or donate these items afterwards.

SPEND ON QUALITY

Clothes and other products that are of quality lasts longer and are usually more comfortable. Think about it! Cheap clothes are not entirely cheap as time passes. Mediocre items made with thin materials and poorly sewn ensembles wear out faster than quality ones. Furthermore, it requires time to replace and repair them. Consider spending your hard-earned money on few good things than, in loads of rubbish things.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

USE WHAT YOU BOUGHT

Whether you want to admit it or not, you use your most valuable items the least. You want to protect your precious item for as long as you can. I do too!

When I got my hands on the iPhone 6s last year, I played with it for a few hours and kept it safe in my cabinet. I relied on my iPhone 4 for so long that I jumped several generations when I bought the said device. Can you imagine how happy I was to explore the new iOS features and to savor the larger screen? Despite my satisfaction, I still preferred using my iPhone 4. I adored the new device and I did not want to spoil it immediately. A couple of weeks passed and I came to realize the irrationality in my actions. I bought this device for a reason and I must use it!

Use your priced item to maximize its value. Dissatisfaction can only lead to buying cheaper knockoffs or settling for less.

WALK AWAY CONFIDENTLY

Shopping eats up a significant portion of time. Sometimes, you may feel like your trip to the store was wasted if you do not purchase anything. This is why boutiques and online stores employ strategies to draw shoppers in for a long period of time. But, you must not fall for this! Purchasing something unnecessary makes is more wasteful than spending your time on window shopping.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Remember that it is alright to walk out of the store and buy nothing.

Sources: 1 & 2

Do Not Let Your Financial Problems Keep You Up At Night!

Is there anything worse than reaching home after a stressful day only to be kept up late because your brain keeps ruminating over your financial burdens?

If this happens to you constantly, it is a sign that you are either feeling helpless about your current situation or trying to exert too much control over your future. Stop right there! Thinking about all your financial problems before you fall asleep will not solve anything. It may even cause health issues such as headache, chest pain, and muscle tension on the next day.

The obvious move that you must take first is to solve the underlying problem. Set aside a portion of your day to contemplate about the solutions to your situation. Afterwards, work on your sleep hygiene. It involves healthy sleeping habits and maintaining a conducive sleeping environment.

If these two strategies are not enough, try my other suggestions:

a. ACCEPT EVERY CHALLENGE

You must accept the fact that you cannot accurately predict the future. No one can! Hence, it is always a good idea to be prepared for any money woes that life will throw at you. Make calculated strategies to shield yourself against unforeseen events such as unemployment and critical illness. For instance, you may save at least six months’ worth of your salary to cushion unemployment or apply for health insurance to fund your critical illness.

Let go of all the worries once you have planned for the situation. Unfortunate events may test you but, you will be alright.

b. BE ASSERTIVE

If you keep on lending your hard-earned cash to friends and family, financial issues can rise. Your money belongs to you and you are accountable for it. If you do not feel comfortable in lending money to a friend or a family member then, be assertive. Genuinely say that you cannot loan the money at the moment due to your financial responsibilities. Discuss the matter in a mature manner. People who care about you will understand.

c. CREATE A RELATIONSHIP

For your relationship with money to flourish, you must understand that it involves the two of you. Do not let the power of spending govern you! When things go badly, it is partly because of what you brought to the situation and partly because of what the money brought.

d. BE ACTIVE

Redirect your cognitive energy to productive matters such as catching up with your friends or updating your C.V. or resume. If you have more time in your hands because you were recently unemployed, improve your relatively low mood by exercising. You do not have to exhaust your savings to stay health. Be active by following the free online tutorials or by registering at the “Places To Find The Cheapest Gym Memberships In Singapore“.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

No matter how much you dream about achieving an indestructible body like Incredible Hulk’s, it is still impossible. This is why you need quality sleep to combat the daily challenges. Constantly worrying about your finances is not only draining your body but also straining your relationships. Remember to value your well-being as much as you value your bank account.

Sources: 1 & 2

7 Clever Strategies To Save Cash While Shopping Healthy

According to a study published by the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, consuming healthy food can save you money. The participants lost weight and reduced their grocery budget.

Mimic these effects by choosing healthier options and shying away from junk.

1. AVOID THE CONVENIENT

Salad sets containing assorted lettuce seems convenient but, these are a bit expensive. Individual greens can also be more vulnerable to turning wilted at a short amount of time. This is why it makes more sense to purchase the heads of lettuce, which are cheaper and usually longer lasting.

2. EMBRACE THE OATS

One of my go-to healthy fixes is the oatmeal. Oatmeal contains soluble fiber which helps lower your cholesterol and your risk of heart disease. Embrace the power of the a bowl of oats by topping it off with grated apples, almonds, or honey. Try the Quaker Quickcook Oatmeal Hearty Supreme that retails for only S$2.95.

3. BULK UP

Bulking up is applicable to some situations than others. For staples like oil and noodles, you can always stock up when they are on sale. Do not forget to compare the prices per weight of the bulk items as well as standalone items before you decide that the bulk section provides a better deal.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

4. KEEP IT GROUNDED

Ground or minced beef has a reputation of being budget-friendly as compared to its other counterparts. To get the maximum benefits for your health, go for the lean ground beef. Use it as an ingredient to your tacos or spaghetti. You may also make some patties with lettuce as its buns.

5. DITCH THE SODAS

If you are looking forward to trimming your belly before the December festivities, ditch the sodas. Sodas are not only high in calories but they also contain carbonated bubbles. These bubbles can accumulate in your belly and add a bulge. Stick to water or tea as much as possible. Try the Sea Dyke Oolong Tea for S$1.10 or the Dilmah Green Tea for S$3.85.

6. BIGGER IS BETTER

What is better than a piece of carrot? A bunch of them, of course!

You can save more money by cutting your own “big” carrots into smaller bit-sized sticks instead of purchasing the prepackaged “baby” carrots. It is best to cook these carrots to get most of the beta-carotene as these root veggies can be internally hard to break down. Moreover, carrots are full of Vitamin A, Vitamin B8, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Potassium.

7. ALWAYS COME PREPARED

It always pays well if you come to the store prepared. Nutrition expert Katherine Tallmadge encapsulates this concept when she said: “Take inventory of what you have on hand so you don’t overbuy. Create a detailed shopping list based on your needs and weekly menu plan, and take into account how you plan on using leftovers.”

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Moreover, you may bring your last grocery receipt along as a guide.

Sources: 1 & 2

4 Times That Fast Food Chains Stole Your Money

When fast food chains offer their tasty meals, they go beyond advertising on television and social media. They employ different marketing strategies to entice the consumers into spending their hard-earned cash on the spot. Just take a look at their slogans!

Burger King once used the slogan: “IT JUST TASTES BETTER”. They provide no further explanations as to why their burgers and products tastes good. They simply implant this idea because they are business-oriented people. On that note, here are the 4 Times That Fast Food Chains “Stole” Your Money:

1. TEMPTING STORE FRAGRANCES

It is no secret that smell can induce cravings. These cravings can later lead to spending money.

Some companies (like ScentAir) are in the business of copying the natural scents of different food such as grilled burger, cinnamon bun, and popcorn. They sell these scents to companies that want to enhance the overall aroma of their stores. It works because smell can actually make your food taste better.

Dr. Brian Wansink once said: “it [odor] definitely makes the dining experience much more attractive to people, but unfortunately it also makes you want to get the fries instead of the salad.”

2. OVERWHELMING BUNDLE PRICE

Seeing me sip a cup of soda is a rare sight but, I always fall for the “bundle price” marketing trick regardless of that! Bundle pricing occurs when the company sells 2 or more products as a package with an intent of saving the customers’ money. Fast food chains habitually engage in this strategy which they refer to as “value meals”.

Currently, Burger King is offering value meals that come with burgers, cheesy fries, and sodas for only S$4.95 each. How can you not fall for a price that is significantly less than the amount of each item separately?

Image Credits: burgerking.com.sg

One drawback is that the portions are lesser than the usual.

3. APPETITE-ENHANCING COLORS

From the logos to the interior, two colors seem to stay at almost every fast food chains. These two colors are red and yellow. Red and yellow stimulate appetite, which probably explains why your stomach starts to make noises as soon as you see the yellow arches or the red logo. You cannot resist spending more inside!

Interestingly, you can combat how colors affect the way you eat by controlling your own plate. Researchers at Cornell University found that when they reduced the contrast in their plates and tables or in their plates and the food itself, people tend to serve themselves less food. To eat less, pair your white plate with your white table-cloth or a blue plate with a blue table-cloth.

4. ENTICING HEALTHY FEATURES

With the continued advocacy against obesity, consumers have been warned about the health risks of various fast food joints. Some companies heard this plea and incorporated healthy options to their menu. These companies came up with low-calorie ice creams, fruit bowls, veggie wraps, and salads.

Included in these said companies are McDonald’s and Burger King. Let us take Mac’s “Chicken McNuggets® 6pc Delight 500 Meal with Dasani Drinking Water” as an example. I was impressed with the website as it showed the nutrition facts, allergen information, and food sensitivity. In fact, the amount of cholesterol is this meal is only 59 mg!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

My friends at the fitness studio who are always on the go will enjoy this seemingly healthier option. Well, you know how popular healthy detox and other healthy alternatives are in the Singaporean social media.

Sources: 1 & 2

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