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6 Ways to Fine-Tune Your Lifestyle

Being financially responsible is vital for your health and your financial life. Spending less than what you make each month entails that you live within your means. For many Singaporeans, it is a lot easier said than done.

Start with small financial changes to alter your lifestyle!

#1: TRY BACKWARD BUDGETING

Write down your income and start subtracting each monthly expense. If you get a negative number, you are spending more than you make. You need to cut back. Focus on reducing your expenses to fit your income.

#2: SAVE FOR LARGE PURCHASES

People often use credit cards for large purchases that they cannot afford entirely, such as a new air conditioner. It is best to set aside some money each money until you have saved up enough to buy it outright. Do not purchase something that you cannot afford to buy.

#3: WAIT FOR SALES

12.12 is right around the corner! Save money on your favorite brands or large ticket purchases by waiting for sales. You can often predict when an item will be discounted. Perhaps, a new model will come along. Take advantage of year-end sales!

#4: ASK FOR A LOWER PRICE

Sometimes, all you need to do to save cash is to ask. If you are a long-term client who has never made an overdue payment, you may be entitled to a loyalty discount. Affordable vacation packages can also be offered to you once you ask for flexible travel plans.

#5: PAY WITH DEBIT OR CASH

Leave your plastic cards at home. Try to buy things that you can afford using cash or your debit card. Be strategic and calculate your moves. Consider apps to automatically put money in your savings every time you use your debit card.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#6: STOP KEEPING UP WITH THE TRENDS

Trends come and go. Resist the pressure to have the same material things as the people around you or the people you see online. You may be able to use credit cards and loans to fake wealth for a brief period, but you will pay for it later. That is more painful.

Sources: 1 & 2

10 Gifts You Should Never Give This Christmas

There is nothing worse than watching someone opening your gift and pretending to like it! Avoid cringe-worthy moments like this by familiarizing yourself with the following types of gifts that people would rather not receive this Christmas.

Do not waste your money on these gifts!

#1: PETS

Living, breathing creature as a present is a bad idea! Being stuck with them for the remainder of your life can seem scary, especially if you will gift a lizard. Never get someone an animal they may not be able to take care of.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#2: EXERCISE GEAR

What message are you sending by gifting exercise gear? We all have at least one friend who is obsessed with fitness, gifting exercise gear to said friend is acceptable. However, you do not want to risk unintentionally insinuating that he or she needs to lose weight.

#3: WORK DRESS

Gifting a work dress is tricky! You might not get the right size. Can you imagine the look on your friend’s face when you bought a Size 10 and she wears a Size 4?

#4: ROMANCE NOVELS

Not safe for work, novels can be embarrassing to open in front of friends and family. There would be so many shades of red if that happens.

#5: WRINKLE CREAM

It is insulting to insinuate that someone needs anti-aging creams. What about giving a nice, seasonally scented lotion instead? Peppermint or cinnamon lotion sounds delicious to me!

#6: AN OUTDATED CALENDAR

It might seem like an obvious one, but you would hate to receive a calendar that is only good for a month. Do not give a calendar for a year that already happened.

#7: CLEANING SUPPLIES

Your friends and family are going to wonder what you are really trying to say if they were to open a bag filled with cleaning supplies. Your cleaning tools and sprays might put a smile on your face, but you might send a wrong message across.

#8: GYM MEMBERSHIP

Much like giving exercise gear, signing someone up for a monthly gym membership could have a negative connotation. Plus, aside from its potential for offense, a gym membership serves as a reminder that New Year’s resolutions are right around the corner.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#9: SOUVENIRS

Did you just visit Bali or Maldives? Then, they do not need a tacky magnet to commemorate your experience. Look for inspiration elsewhere.

#10: HOVERBOARDS

They were the hottest toy years ago but have proven to be dangerous. Authorities recalled thousands of models all over the world. So, please find a safer toy to give to your favorite nieces and nephews.

Sources: 1 & 2

What Your Expensive Perfume Says About You

Do you ever wonder what message your perfume sends to others? What does your signature expensive perfume evoke about your personality?

While I stick to floral scents daily, I also love to pick a perfume based on my mood and where I am going. If I am going out on a date night, I want to go for something that smells more flirtatious. While I am on a hike, I would choose something more subtle.

On that note, here is a fun guide to what your scents say about you.

#1: FLORAL

Gravitating towards floral scents makes you seem warm and inviting. There is something comforting about hugging someone that smells like lavender or rose. It is a universal scent that sends a sweet signal to others.

For floral scents, you can go for Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel or Dolce by Dolce&Gabbana.

#2: WOODY

Fragrances that are dominated by woody scents typically contain Pine, Patchouli, Vetiver, Sandalwood, and Cedarwood. There is something mysterious about woody perfumes. It evokes humility and being grounded, just like you. These scents are unisex and can be sexy, without being overly feminine.

You can try Tom Ford’s Oud Wood or Byredo’s Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum.

#3: FRUITY

When I think of fruity scents, I imagine the fun and flirty tropics. Visualize sitting by the beach while sipping your favorite cocktail and chatting with your friends. Fruity scents evoke your playful side, which does not take things too seriously.

Fruity lovers can enjoy the whiff of Versace Yellow Diamond or Sonia Kashuk Eau De Toilette in Yellow Alluriana.

#4: SPICY

Sexy and confident are two words that encapsulate the beauty of spicy scents. If you could be a celebrity for a day, you will embody Sophia Loren. An Italian actress that exudes luxury.

Add spice to your life with Yves Saint Laurent’s Black Opium Eau de Parfum or Donna Karan’s Liquid Black Cashmere Eau de Parfum.

#5: VANILLA

Vanilla may have a reputation for being bland, but when it comes to perfume it is quite the opposite. Fans of vanilla scents are often outgoing, loud, and love being the life of the party. These people have lots of energy and are most likely found dancing until dawn.

You can opt for Perfect by Marc Jacobs or Lovely Patchouli 55 Classic Eau de Parfum by KRIGLER.

#6: COCONUT

Coconut lovers are always on trend. If you are a fan of this scent, you like to be on top of the latest trends. Your weakness is being a little sensitive when it comes to criticisms. In this case, you unleash your creativity!

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If anyone knows how to create beautiful coconut perfumes, it is Versace and Estee Lauder. Buy the Versace Crystal Noir Eau De Parfum or Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Nuit.

Sources: 1 & 2

8 Tips to Look Elegant on a Budget

We all desire to look elegant and classy. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to spend a hefty amount to look and feel like a million dollars. You can follow certain tips and tricks to present yourself in the most elegant way.

Not only can you make your wardrobe look fancy, but also your bank account!

TIP #1: INVEST IN STAPLE PIECES

Key fashion pieces consist of the most valuable clothing items in your closet, which can provide a foundation for every great outfit. Choose quality over quantity to look expensive while on a tight budget. You can purchase fewer high-quality pieces rather than purchasing more fast-fashion items every month. This will save you money in the long run.

For instance, you can spend S$45 on a premium white shirt instead of purchasing a S$5 poorly made white shirt every month. Staples include basic tees, classic black dresses, pairs of jeans, and flats.

TIP #2: GO FOR THE NUDES

Choose neutral or nude shades to achieve a classy, minimal look. While bold colors are fun to add into your outfits every once in a while, you can make a chic entrance with neutrals.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Neutral shades include black, white, grey, olive green, brown, and taupe. Neutral shades never go out of style, so you can keep these pieces in your wardrobe for years. These shades are extremely versatile too, which can result in an effortlessly expensive-looking outfit.

TIP #3: LESS IS MORE

Wearing minimalist outfits with sharp tailoring in neutral shades and paired with timeless accessories will elevate your style. Keep things simple. For instance, you can match a black dress with a gold necklace or bracelet.

TIP #4: WEAR FLATTERING CLOTHES

Elegant people know that focusing on their assets and drawing attention to the body parts they love can help them look more stylish. Clothes that fit you like a glove and flatter your body can help you look classy.

Not everyone has the same body type, so select clothes that flatter your body. For instance, petite women can find a tailor to achieve the best hemlines.

TIP #5: MATCH BAGS WITH SHOES

The importance of a good shoe can never be underestimated. A good pair of shoes can either be durable black high-heeled shoes or a pair of nude flats. Learning to match these shoes with your back does not necessarily mean you have to match the colors. Rather, you need to match the materials used in the shoes and bag.

You can go for a leather bag and pair it with leather mules. You could still match colors as it is your choice. Invest in quality shoes and bags that are long-lasting and timeless.

TIP #6: WEAR MODERATE MAKEUP

Avoid heavy makeup and false eyelashes. These are not bad ideas, but you can elevate your style by keeping things simple and fresh.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Do not forget about proper grooming too! Wash your hair properly, brush the edges well, and put it together.

TIP #7: KEEP YOUR ACCESSORIES TO A MINIMUM

Those who are trying to stay within a budget will be happy to apply the “less is more” method when accessorizing. Tasteful accessories have the potential to elevate your style from looking basic to fancy. Stick to dainty, sleek accessories such as simple gold chain bracelet and pearl drop necklace.

TIP #8: FIND THE RIGHT FABRICS

Expensive-looking style is complemented by luxurious materials. Some fabrics you can consider include linen, cotton, silk, cashmere, and wool. Stay on budget by finding quality fabrics at end of season sale or shop on pre-loved sites such as Facebook Marketplace and Carousell.

Sources: 1 & 2

Creative Ways to Celebrate Your Birthday While Overseas

Year-end travel bookings are fast approaching! How can you celebrate your birthday without disappointing your guests? Fret not! It is possible to embrace the strangeness of celebrating while overseas.

Take a moment to plan your virtual party. From virtual party games to virtual potlucks, here are some fun and budget-friendly ways to honor your big day while you are overseas!

#1: ENJOY A MOVIE NIGHT

The Netflix Party app allows you to watch a movie simultaneously with multiple viewers. It lets one person start and stop whatever you are watching for the whole group to stay on track. What’s more? It gives you a chat room to discuss what you are watching.

#2: HAVE A VIRTUAL POTLUCK

Nothing beats a party filled with food. If you and your relatives or friends love cooking, pick a cuisine or a theme for your potluck. Allow everyone to showcase their dishes while you are at a virtual party. Everyone can eat together and describe their creations in entertaining ways. The most creative entry will win!

#3: OPEN THE VIRTUAL VISITING HOURS

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Who can decline to a party when the visiting hours are forgiving? Post a message that they can come any time from “0:00am to 0:00pm”. You can set the Zoom meeting to a recurring one to allow visitors to drop by any time. Just send them the link to your party and be ready to say: I am so glad that you could make it! This is especially helpful when you are separated by different time zones.

#4: PLAY CHARADES

Virtual parties can have a variety of games such as Bingo and Charades. When attempting to host a party via video meeting, embrace the technical glitches that can happen. No activity is better suited to this platform than charades. Pick a topic that the majority enjoys such as the famous singers or iconic Singaporean food.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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