6 Major Reasons Why Young Working Adults Are Not Saving Enough

1. MINIMUM WAGE

As fresh graduates enter the workplace with little to no experience, some are forced to settle for entry-level jobs with minimum wages. Whether you are a secretary at a recruitment firm or a personal assistant at an advertising company, the relatively low salary you earn every month makes it difficult to save money.

2. RECURRENT RENT EXPENSE

Some young adults move out once they start earning a decent amount of money. The independence, freedom, privacy, and convenience can be attractive but the reality of the rent expenses can hit you hard.

In the city centre, it will cost you at least S$500/month to live in a single room and at least S$1,500 to live in a small apartment by yourself. It makes more economic sense to stay at your family home and set aside the hundreds of dollars per month to your savings or investments.

3. INDULGING ON DESIGNER LABELS

Most young working adults spend their fortune on designer labels such as Prada and Louis Vuitton as well as other artisan brands. You may think that you are standing out from the crowd by carrying your S$2,000 Prada tote bag and your S$300 artisanal fragrance but you are simply creating holes in your pocket.

4. CABBING EVERYWHERE

Heading to work late? Hail a taxi.

Coming home after a crazy night out? Hail a taxi.

Aside from designer and artisan goods, you are preventing your savings from growing by cabbing everywhere. Five late night taxi rides can cost you at least S$100 and that equates to about 10 lunches at the nearby food court. This is why you must set aside an “emergency taxi fund” with a maximum of S$60 per month. You must not ride a taxi beyond your intended budget.

5. TECHNOLOGY AS NECESSITY

Technology is so pervasive in a young adult’s life that its costs are virtually inescapable. Interacting through social media is not just a culture but also a necessity. But staying connected comes with costly price tags as having the latest gadgets and paying for the monthly broadband fees can affect how much you can save.

6. EASY ACCESS TO SAVINGS

Most of us struggle with keeping our hands off our savings accounts. With the easy access of Internet banking, credit cards and multiple ATM machines, it is more convenient to spend cash than to save it. For young adults with this dilemma, make spending a chore by converting some of your money to US dollars. The thought of having to go for and pay for the currency exchange will likely to dissuade you from spending!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

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4 Eggciting And Affordable Places To Be On Easter

We are days away from Easter! It is the time for Easter bunnies, egg hunting, high teas, and family gatherings. Celebrate this special occasion of hope and fun in one of these four exciting places, which will cost you under S$50.

1. SENTOSA HARBOURFRONT

Spanning approximately 520 hectares, “The Great Egg-Venture at Sentosa Harbourfront” proves to be Singapore’s largest egg hunt. From the top of Mount Faber to the Sentosa Island itself, participants shall hunt for 60 eggs. The eggs were beautifully hand-painted by the artists from Affordable Art Fair, the students from Temasek Polytechnic, and the youths from FamChamps.

These eggs are not hard to miss as they each have a height of 1.8 meters. More than S$50,000 worth of prizes awaits you! Beyond this, your family can enjoy several activities at the Sentosa Egg Fiesta – Garden Edition.

Website: thegreateggventure.com
Price/s: Free

2. CHIJMES

Hop into The Lawn as CHIJMES brings you a hit Easter Party. Start the day with a high tea suitable for adults and children. Then help your children find the Easter eggs containing various prizes such as S$100 worth of dining vouchers. After hunting some lucky eggs, let your kids play on the bouncy castle and get their faces painted for free!

Tickets are available at the concierge counter daily.

Website: chijmes.com.sg/easter-tea-party
Price/s: S$10/person for the Easter High Tea, S$5 for Easter Egg Hunt, S$5 for Easter Egg Painting

3. HOLIDAY INN SINGAPORE

Window on the Park’s “A Cracking Easter Celebration” will delight your tummies as you feast on hearty roasts, local favorites, sumptuous desserts, and more. From Sautéed Beef with Spring Root Vegetables to Lamb Stew with Chickpeas and Pumpkin, Holiday Inn has got you covered for lunch or dinner. To embrace the spirit of this joyous occasion, there will be fun activities such as Easter egg painting. Deviating from the public, their Easter celebration is set on 31st March.

Website: ihg.com
Price/s: S$35 nett for lunch and S$40 nett for dinner

4. SINGAPORE SENTOSA COVE

For adults, celebrate Easter on a uniquely exhilarating note by plunging into the WET® Pool deck to participant in an aquatic egg hunt. In the “Eggxotic Summer Pool Party”, guests are welcome to sink or float to find a basketful of 100 eggs submerged in the pool. Win a myriad of EASTERRIFIC prizes such as a staycation at W Singapore, dining treats at SKIRT, and a lovely experience at WOOBAR.

On 26th March, the party will continue to turn up as DJs Shigeki, Patrick Oliver, and MR HAS will be mixing the beats all day!

Website: wsingaporesentosacove.com/en/EggxoticSummer
Price/s: S$35 nett (inclusive of a drink and pool access)

Source: Silver Kris

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4 Ways To Get Cheap And Affordable Spa Facial Services In Singapore

1. ENJOY AN AWARD-WINNING CUSTOMISED 90-MINS FACIAL AT $88

Looking for good facial treatment in Singapore? My Cozy Room, an award-winning luxury boutique spa near Orchard Road, is offering their highly-raved facial treatment for just $88 (U.P. $188) if you are a first-time customer residing in Singapore.

Known for their best Extraction Facial in Singapore, you can expect relatively painless extraction to treat acne clogged pores, blackheads and pimples. They have certified professional therapists with years of experience in treating customers skin problems on-site, so you’re definitely in good hands.

What are you waiting for? Take a break from the daily grind and indulge in this ultimate luxury session at the trial price of just $88!

For more information, click here to register for interest.

2. GO CRAZY FOR FAVE DEALS

Fave is probably my all time favorite shopping companion. Used by many Singaporeans, MYFAVE.COM is a website that offers discounted deals on events, luxury goods, bags, watches, beauty products, lifestyle services, and getaways. I recommend going for these current deals below that range for only S$18-48.

3. LOOK FOR FACIALS UNDER S$100

You do not need to break the bank to get quality spa treatment. Do not worry about spending a hefty amount of money as most of these place do not require you to buy packages. Although, you have to book in advance to guarantee your spot.

a. SG FACE

With more than a decade of beauty therapy experience, Michelle Foong of SG Face relies on the trusted power of recommendations. While their services are affordable, German brand Babor is used in the treatments. Try the 60-minute Deep Cleansing Facial for S$48 (first trial only) or the 90-minute Hydration Facial for S$70 (first trial only).

b. FLARE WELLNESS

For the organic-junkies, you will love the Flare Wellness beauty salon. According to their website, they have an ongoing promotion for the “Organic Refresh Vitamin C Facial” for S$98. It is a brightening, firming, lifting, and anti-ageing treatment that refreshes your face immediately. Also, it includes a complimentary foot massage!

c. CHEZ MOI DE BEAUTE

Chez Moi de Beaute uses another German brand called Phyris. What separates it from the most is their friendly and experienced staff that explain each step so you will not get surprised with all the sensations. Currently, they have a promotion on the “Mix & Match Facial” and the “Mix & Match Power Facial” that is valid until 30th April.

Mix & Match Facial for S$48, tailors the treatment for your skin’s needs. While the Mix & Match Power Facial for S$68, allows the therapist to choose from 6 serums to treat your skin concerns. You will get the most out of your dollar as these treatments last for 75 minutes.

4. LASTLY, SELF-SERVICE

If your budget for a spa-quality facial is less than S$20 then, try the magical services provided by you! Forget spending time and money at your local spa as you can pamper yourself with homemade facial masks. May this simple guide help you to get started.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

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Cheap And Healthy Diet Fit For The Student’s Budget

Aside from academic performance, one area that presents students with a challenge is healthy living. If you are a tertiary student, there are certain hindering factors such as tight budget, busy schedules, and lack of knowledge in cooking.

But there are quick, easy, and cheap ways to improve your diet. Start with these tips:

1. B-A-N-A-N-A

Banana is more than just the fruit that Gwen Stefani was chanting in her song called Hollaback Girl! It is a super nutritious and inexpensive food that is rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, and potassium. Potassium, a mineral that helps control blood pressure, inside a medium-sized banana totals to more than 400 milligrams. This is why eating banana is a good way to start the day.

2. HEARTY OATMEAL

Regardless of your age, it is time you embrace the go-to breakfast of many – the oatmeal. Oatmeal contains soluble fiber which helps lower your cholesterol and your risk of heart disease. To upgrade your oatmeal, top it off with grated apples, almonds, or honey.

If you think oatmeal is fancy, try the Quaker Quickcook Oatmeal Hearty Supreme that retails for only S$2.95 (at Fair Price)!

3. VERSATILE EGGS

Eggs are packed with the essentials choline, selenium, and protein. For lunchtime, you can prepare the eggs in many dishes such as hard-boiled and scrambled. Feel full and energized at the same time with quality eggs that are sold for as low as S$1.85 at the grocery.

4. WATER & TEA

Sodas are high in calories as well as carbonated bubbles. This bubbles can accumulate in your belly and add a buldge. So stick to water and tea as much as possible. If you are feeling traditional, try the Sea Dyke Oolong Tea for S$0.90. Or you may try the Dilmah Green Tea With Natural Jasmine Petals, which is on sale until 30th April.

5. DIVINE CARROTS

Like Bugs Bunny, you must create a love affair with carrots to get abundant supply of vitamin A. Vitamin A derives from beta-carotene in carrots. Vitamin A promotes eye health and boosts the body’s immune system.

For snacking in school, cut the carrot in bite-sized pieces after purchasing the pre-packed carrots for only S$0.90!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Places To Find The Cheapest Gym Memberships In Singapore

Singapore is no stranger to expensive fitness center costs! And let us face it, most of you will not even use your membership perks to its fullest! With gym membership fees shooting up to S$2000 per year, one may wonder where the best rates are.

Fortunately for you, this list has you covered!

1. GYMM BOXX

GYMM BOXX is every gym-junkie’s dream as it has a wide array of premium equipment, a helpful staff, and a clean environment. What makes this place stand out is its “popular gym chain” facilities at affordable membership rates.

The standard membership rates are as follows:

a. Senior Membership ranges from S$90-240
b. Youth Membership ranges from S$120-360
c. Standard Membership ranges from S$150-480

If you do not want to commit just yet, you can pay per every entry for as low as S$3!

2. ACTIVESG GYM

Known for offering individuals and communities with various lifestyle opportunities, ActiveSG promotes better living through sport. It is only necessary that they include gymnasiums to their repertoire. If you are able to wait for your turn and workout with the basic equipments then, this place is suitable for you.

Here are the rates of the MyActiveGYM scheme:

a. Adults (Off-Peak) S$15/month
b. Adults (Peak) S$30/month
c. Seniors and Students (Off-Peak) S$9/month
d. Seniors and Students (Peak) S$18/month

As an ActiveSG member under the MyActiveGYM scheme, you will be able to get unlimited gym access to all the ActiveGYM outlets islandwide.

3. YOUR WORKPLACE

If you are serious about getting in shape, consider looking for an employer or a company that offers gym memberships. For example, Siemens has their own gym at the Siemens Centre Singapore. It is adjacent to a lounge where employees can read newspapers or magazines and listen to relaxing music.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Nothing beats a workout that is FREE and is situated at your own convenience!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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