How To Celebrate Valentine’s Day Without Spending Too Much

Valentine’s Day is one of the most expensive “holidays” in Singapore.

But, it does not have to be!

You can always celebrate love without breaking the bank.

ELICITING GENUINE EXCITEMENT

One of the best ways to start a date is by handing over a sweet letter that will elicit genuine excitement. Crafting your own Valentine’s Day card costs practically nothing! Simply use the art materials that are available in your own home. Pouring your heart and soul into written words is more personal than signing your initials into a mass-produced holiday card.

Apply your personal skills to your homemade cards to boost its quality. Consider these scenarios:

a. An illustrator may draw the image of his or her significant other.
b. A digital enthusiast may animate a romantic message and send it via email.
c. If you like to bake, you may place the card on the top of a delicious box of cookies.
d. If you like to blog, you can create a beautiful post for your lover.

These things are more likely to be treasured than the items bought at the store.

FUELING THE ARTISTIC CLIMAX

Appreciating the arts is often perceived as something exclusive to affluent individuals. Purchasing concert tickets at Esplanade can be costly! Not to mention, purchasing art at galleries can cost thousands of dollars. Fortunately, locals and permanent residents have the option to hop around several museums for FREE!

Build up on the excitement by taking your beloved on a “not so typical” date at our very own Singapore Art Museum. This innovative museum houses a great collection of contemporary Southeast Asian art ranging from sculptures and paintings to installation art and moving media. They regularly collaborate with the leading international museums to cover both the local and international art practices.

Your date will be amazed with its current exhibition entitled: Singapore Biennale 2016: An Atlas of Mirrors.

LEAVING A LASTING IMPRESSION

Close your lovely day with a hearty dinner. Going to a restaurant on Valentine’s Day takes guts as you need to brave the waves of people and to make early reservations. Save money and avoid stress by preparing a romantic meal in the comfort of your own space.

Great recipes are available at Epicurious, AllRecipes.com, and RasaMalaysia.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If your budget does not allow you to celebrate on February 14 itself then, consider choosing an alternative day. It will not only be cheaper, but it will also be less crowded. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you spent the gift of love with your partner.

Sources: 1 & 2

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10 Wonderful Treasures That Money Cannot Buy

1. RESPECT

Genuine respect from your partner, your workplace, and yourself is something that almost everyone desires to achieve. One gains respect not by paying for it, rather it is gained through humility, hard work, and nobility.

2. WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge and education are acquired through time and effort. While, wisdom comes from the knowing how little you actually know. Submitting yourself to updated books and new experiences can fuel the lifelong learning process.

3. FULFILLMENT OF DREAMS

Whether you call it dreams or passions, dedicating your life to something you love and value can help you unlock happiness. However, arriving at your true calling takes a complicated and a highly personal route of self discovery.

4. GOOD HEALTH

Although we are aware of the benefits of physical activity to our health, most of us do little of it. Instead of getting consumed by earning, lead a healthy lifestyle packed with exercise and balanced diet.

5. AFFECTIONATE RELATIONSHIPS

Since our time here is limited, we must constantly put effort into making our loved ones feel that they are appreciated. Show affection by your presence, hugs, and kisses. Help one another in the time of need as this will only keep the bond stronger.

6. SECURITY

Security is defined as freedom from risks and danger. Aside from keeping piles of wealth to secure your future, prevent the harmful attacks from people and diseases by employing overall security and preventive measures.

7. INNER PEACE

The state of being mentally and spiritually at peace is achieved when one accepts everything that life has to throw at him or her. Positivism even in the most negative circumstances are attained due to knowledge and understanding of oneself. This is one thing that I personally want to attain without the help of wealth.

8. TIME

If there is something money cannot buy, it is absolutely time! Time is one of the most important commodities on Earth. It is limited. Once it is gone, you cannot take it back.

9. CLOSE-KNIT FAMILY

The true closeness of a family cannot be bought by money even if you combine all the wealth in the world. It comes from spending quality time, giving adequate attention, and pouring unconditional love to each family member.

10. STRONG WORK ETHIC

Building strong work ethic is a matter of becoming an action-oriented person that steers to the direction of self-development. Boost it by practicing hard work, wielding self-discipline, and embracing responsibility.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Financial Intimacy: How To Mix Love With Money

Relationships and investing are both complicated and mixing the two can either be a home run or a recipe for disaster. As Michelle Singletary, author of Your Money and Your Man: How You and Prince Charming Can Spend Well and Live Rich, once said:

“Couples want to know should they have his, hers, or ours, or all of the above. They’re not sure how to manage it. And that’s where a lot of the arguments come in, especially if there is uneven income earning between the two.”

Sometimes an individual may feel like a child receiving an allowance from his or her spouse, but it turns out that the person simply cannot handle money well. The situation can be resolved if both parties begin to be accountable for their money. Aside from this, here are some tips to boost your financial intimacy:

1. INTERVIEW EACH OTHER

Upon entering a serious relationship, you must discuss about your perspectives on money, spending habits, and sharing costs. This will make talks about financial issues easier as time goes by – especially if you are planning to spend the rest of your lives together.

For couples who are about to get married, you must touch on the long-term subjects such as how to enhance your credit scores, how to address retirement, how lavish your wedding ceremony will be, and how do you plan to manage your money.

2. BE COMPLETELY HONEST

Regardless of whether you have joint or separate bank accounts, you must always be honest to your partner about your current financial situation and your ideal financial situation. Tell him or her about your purchases, debts, income, assets and other things that are in your account/s right now. As for your ideal financial situation, relay your future plans such as having annual overseas trips.

Financial intimacy entails full disclosure about your finances including knowing what documents are signed and where the records are kept.

3. SEEK OUTSIDE HELP

When it comes to marriage, you become half of a legal and financial partnership once you say “I do!” This is why Premarital Counseling incorporating a strong financial component is a great help. If you are deciding to purchase a condo or an HDB through your CPF accounts, the financial professional will guide you to good credit score and substantial amount of savings. An accountant during the first year of marriage is also helpful as your taxes can get complicated during the transition from single to married.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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Affordable Valentine’s Day Ideas For Adrenaline Junkies In Singapore

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion wherein you get to show your affection and to reconnect with the people you care most for. Whether you are celebrating with your spouse, your girlfriend/boyfriend, your group of friends, your family, or yourself – go on an adventure this Valentine’s Day with this fun activities that cost under S$55…

1. FOR THE EXTREME COUPLES

Aside from riding roller coasters, taking your date on exciting and seemingly dangerous situations can boost the levels of hormones that are mainly responsible for making people fall in love or feel euphoria.

This is why, couples may consider the extreme surge of G-MAX REVERSE BUNGY or GX-5 EXTREME SWING at Clarke Quay. These two rides designed in New Zealand, the home of Bungee, to ensure it is 100% safe. The G-MAX Reverse Bungy catapults you up to 200 km/h in a steel capsule while the GX-5 Xtreme Swing acts like a giant swing that speeds up to 120km/h. What a thrilling experience indeed!

One ride costs about S$45 (different student rate applies)

2. FOR ALL THE “SINGLE” SQUADS

For all the single people who decide to celebrate together as a powerful group, take on an enjoyable challenge by playing Bubble Soccer. Bubble Bump Singapore offers bubble games where players wear inflatable balls in an attempt to win in a Soccer match. Each suit are harnessed and equipped to make sure your fall will be relatively painless.

One date with your friends can surely bring loads of laughter as you start the full-on bouncing action just to score a goal. A casual fun game including 10 bubble suits, 2 facilitator, equipments, and photography starts with S$15/pax (i.e., 20 people). For more information, visit: www.bubblebump.sg.

3. FOR A FAMILY DATE

If you cannot leave your kiddos this February 14, try to bring them along on a fun date at a water amusement park. One of Singapore’s largest water theme parks called “Wild Wild Wet“ offers exhilarating rides at inexpensive prices. As Valentine’s Day fall on a Sunday, it follows the peak price of S$24 for adults and S$17 for children and senior citizens. While, toddlers are free to swim all year round! Cheaper prices are in store for NTUC members and Plus! cardholders.

Once you are there, brave the rapids with Ular-Lah, make your way to wacky the crazy turns of The Waterworks, and so much more. Also, you may take part in their online contest (until February 8) to win exclusive Wild Wild Wet prizes!

4. FOR SELF LOVE

Being #ForeverAlone on the day of hearts does not give you the free pass to sob on the corner. Instead, try something new and exciting by taking the leap of faith. If you happen to be in Sentosa, do the “ParaJump” attraction including the Jungle Ride for S$19. ParaJump replicates a free-fall parachute jump through its safety harness and experienced staff.

I have to admit…I am fearful of heights but after trying this, I felt a surge of fulfillment and happiness. Beyond the fear, the experience was unforgettable.

Image Credits: instagram.com/agoncilloanna

Image Credits: instagram.com/agoncilloanna

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Financial Tips For People Dating In Retirement

Dating later in life can be a challenge not only because of your limited income resource but also because of the ever-so-changing dating landscape. In the era of Tinder and online dating sites, dating is entirely different from your first time. However, I believe that if your health permits (i.e.,you have no chronic illnesses or serious health concerns), it is never too late to fall in love again!

Despite its challenges, persevere with these 4 Financial Tips For People Dating In Retirement:

1. REKINDLE THE OLD FLAMES

Use modern technology to your advantage by embracing the power of social networking. Free sites such as Facebook and Twitter, allow you to look up your old friends whom you lost touch with. Do not be afraid to reconnect with your previous secondary school, university, and workmates by instant messaging or even e-mailing them. This way, you are expanding your social circle and increasing your chances of finding a date.

2. CONSIDER ONLINE DATING

If rekindling did not work for you, another inexpensive yet tricky strategy is to consider online dating. For many dating sites, you need not spend a cent as they offer free memberships. But you must proceed with caution as there may be scammers and imposters.

The leading online dating sites in Singapore include SingaporeCupid.com and
SingaporeLoveLinks.com. SingaporeCupid.com offers their services to more than 14,000 members. It has a rather retro design that may seem messy at first but you will soon get a hang of it. With its practical options, you can search for matches based on ages, locations, and other keywords. Members can either be free or deluxe. Deluxe members pay about S$16.95 for 1-month membership.

While SingaporeLoveLinks.com is operated by one of the largest niche dating networks in the world – Cupid Media. What is special about this site is that they bring together the singles of different nationalities. Also, they offer useful functions such as video exchange and instant messaging to its paid members. Members can either be gold or platinum. Gold members pay about S$29.98 for 1-month membership and platinum members pay about S$39.99 for the same time.

3. KNOW EACH OTHER’S MONETARY VALUES

Once you meet someone new, it is important to understand and know each other’s values about money. No need to talk about the specific numbers at first but you need to get an idea of how your date likes to save and spend.

Learn to put yourself in your date’s situation (i.e., spender or saver) by recognizing his or her financial strengths. For example, if your date is a saver then, he or she may view money as an important currency that shall not be wasted.

4. SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS

After several dates, solidify your bond by maintaining good communication with your date. You must set clear expectations about who pays for what as this notion changes over time.

Time has led to both genders being relatively equals. In fact, a poll by Cosmopolitan showed that less than 25% of women believe that their partners should always pay for the bill and about 40% of women think that couples shall always split the bill.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Gone are the days when men pay for all the bills!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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