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Frugal Mums’ Guide To Saving Money In Singapore

Here are five ways to save money as the head of the household:

SHOP ONLINE FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES

There are many retailers that offer promotions and clearance sales on their own websites. You will not save money on the supplies but you will also save a lot on gas or transportation costs. If you have the time, purchase online.

Lion Stationery and Evergreen are the two local stationery websites you can visit.

LEAVE YOUR KIDS AT HOME

If you have the option to leave your children behind with a family member or a babysitter then, do so. Children play a huge role on what goes inside your basket. This is why marketers and store strategists put their items on a child’s eye-level.

You do not have to give in to what your playful kids wants if you go to the store alone. This will help you to save a lot more money!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

MAKE A LIST AND STICK TO IT

Say you have no choice but to bring your precious little ones along. Turn grocery shopping into a fun task by making a game out of it. Start by planning your menu throughout the week. Then, list down the ingredients and other products you need to purchase. Save more money by opting for the generic or store brands.

Have your children find each item on the list (much like a treasure hunt). The person who finds the most items at the end of the shopping trip will win a prize. It is up to you to choose which prize will entice your children.

SAVE ON KIDDIE PARTIES

You are not forced to send invites to everyone in your kid’s entire class. If your budget does not allow you to invite your kid’s entire class, employ the “age plus one rule”. For example, you are planning to throw a party for your 6-year-old son then, invite 7 guests. Keep the numbers down by making it clear that the guests’ siblings are not invited.

Aside from that, you can forgo printing services by sending out electronic invitations through Facebook or email. This gets the job done – fast.

STOCK UP DURING GSS

An easy way to save money in Singapore is to take advantage of the “Great Singapore Sale”. This event which happens once a year includes numerous retailers from all over the nation. Bargain hunters like you can get good deals on baby clothing, child’s school supplies, toddler’s toys, and so much more. Stock up on these items to cover your annual needs but, do not go beyond your budget!

You may also buy several gifts to be prepared for the upcoming festivities (e.g., Christmas or Chinese New Year).

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Money-Saving Parenting Hacks That Work

MAKING YOUR OWN SWIVEL ROCKER

Looking for a great way to save on your nursery swivel rocker? Instead of looking at the baby aisle, try looking for the office aisle. Consider purchasing a pre-owned armchair online and adding your own rocking base to it. You will not only save a lot of cash but you can also have an unforgettable DIY experience with your spouse.

Simply follow the instructions – here.

ORDERING GROCERIES VIRTUALLY

Image Credits: pixabay.com

One marketing strategy that groceries employ is targeting the children’s interest because they play an influence on what goes inside the carts. Supermarkets purposely place cereals, toys, and sugary treats at a kid-friendly level. If you cannot leave the kiddos alone, opt for shopping online.

A revolutionary feature of most “big name” grocery chains in Singapore is that they offer access to online grocery shopping. This can help you to save money by religiously sticking to your list (or budget), by avoiding the transportation costs, and by preventing the impulsive buying power of your children.

For everyday shopping, I recommend fairprice.com.sg as they have regular deals and discounts. As for affordable organic produce, you can visit bestorganicfood.sg.

STOCKING UP FOR KIDDIE PARTIES

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Children’s toys, clothes, and other fun items go on sale from June to August due to the Great Singapore Sale. Take advantage of this annual event by stocking up on a variety of inexpensive gifts that you can give on kiddie parties or even Christmas. Set a limit for every individual to avoid going beyond your budget.

KEEPING A PIGGY BANK

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Be the good example to your children by putting some of your loose change into a money jar. Since most young children want to be like their parents, seeing you do it will provide them with encouragement to save.

After serving as an example for a month, provide your child with his or her very own piggy bank. Have your child draw the picture of the specific toy on the side of the piggy bank. Through this, they will be motivated to save in order to get what he or she wants.

USING FREE RESOURCES

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Your nearby public library can serve as your savior during those school-free days. Not only can you borrow children’s books but you can also rent CDs/DVDs for the whole family – at no cost. Aside from these, the public libraries also offer a wide array of free events that your family can join. Visit nlb.gov.sg to stay updated with the National Library Board’s events calendar.

BREASTFEEDING YOUR BABY

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One of the empowering things that only women can do is to breastfeed their baby. As much as you can, opt for breastfeeding because it will not only be healthy but also be able to save you as low as S$1,500 per year.

If you want to save even more on breast pump, borrow from your family or friends but make sure to change the plastic attachments. You can buy those for far less than a brand new pump.

Sources: 1 & 2

Genius Cleaning Hacks To Save You Money And Time

USE VINEGAR TO CLEAN THE BATHROOM

Your S$2-3 bottle of white vinegar have uses that are beyond the kitchen! To clean the toilet, pour a cup of distilled white vinegar into the bowl and let it stay there for 5 hours or overnight. Then, scrub it well and flush. To clean your tub and kill the germs, spray white vinegar around the tub. Then, wipe it with wet cloth to clean.

USE BLOW DRYER TO REMOVE WATER STAINS

Spills from your mugs, glasses, bottles, and cans can leave a whitened “ring” that can be easily visible on furniture. Before you replace or repaint some tables, a simple yet efficient shortcut is to use a blow dryer to clean it. Hold the blow dryer (high heat) close to the ring and see it disappear in a few minutes. Once it evaporates, add a small amount of olive oil to re-condition the wooden table.

USE A DRY TOWEL TO SPEED UP THE DRYER

To save money on electricity, you must reduce the amount of time it takes to dry your wet laundry load. Simply add a dry towel to your dryer with other wet clothes. This trick works because the dry towel absorbs the excess moisture around your dryer.

USE AN IRON TO ELIMINATE CARPET STAINS

To eliminate nasty carpet stains without professional help, clean it with white vinegar, iron, and water. Start by mixing 2 parts of water with 1 part of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray this solution on the stain. Then, iron the rag (steam setting) for about 30 seconds or more. This shall remove the stain as well as its unpleasant odor.

USE A DIRECTORY OF THE CLEANING SERVICES IN SINGAPORE

If all else fails, save time and effort by having a directory of the top cleaning services in Singapore.

a. NTUC Domestic Cleaning Service
Location: 75 Bras Basah Road, NTUC Income Centre, Singapore 189557
Contact: 6788 8788

b. House Cleaner Singapore
Location: 538 Bedok North Street 3 Singapore, Singapore 460538
Contact: 6844 3382

c. Home Cleanz Cleaning & Laundry Services
Location: 332 Changi Road, Singapore 419807
Contact: 6440 3342

d. Domestic One Cleaning Service
Location: 47 Hill Street, #06-06 Singapore 179365
Contact: 6100 2388

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

5 Appliance Shopping Hacks Everyone Should Know

Are you considering a major appliance purchase any time soon?

Spend your money wisely and save along the way with the 5 Appliance Shopping Hacks Everyone Should Know:

1. WAIT FOR THE HOLIDAY SALES

Aside from the holiday festivities, you will enjoy the appliances bargains. All year-round Singapore’s physical and virtual stores celebrate the holidays with lots of promotions. If you are not rushing, I suggest you wait for the sales on the upcoming Labour Day and Vesak Day on May.

2. AVOID HEFTY MAINTENANCE COSTS

Air pollution is around us, especially during the incidents of haze. Indoor air pollution come in the form of dusts and dirt trodden. These can harm your lungs and contribute to asthma and allergies.

To control the air pollution, you may purchase appliances such as air purifiers, air cleaners, and air humidifiers. However, its maintenance costs can be pricey. So it is better to shop for permanent or washable types of filters such as HEPA filter.

3. CONSIDER OLDER MODELS

It is no secret that you can score greater savings by buying the older models of appliances. Sometimes, stores offer discounts on older models to prepare for the upcoming release of new one.

Since stores constantly rotate the models, the previous models are left at the sides or at the back. Look for those!

4. AVOID CHEAPER KNOCK-OFFS

Knock-offs are duplicates or copies of the authentic or branded appliances. Because knock-offs are built with lower quality than the authentic appliances, it may cost you more in the long-run. The knock-offs’ appliance life is generally short that you may constantly have to buy a replacement. Instead, buy appliances from trusted brands such as Electrolux, Philips, and Whirlpool.

5. BUY ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

If you are planning to buy a new refrigerator, air-conditioner, television, or dryer, opt for the ones that are energy-efficient. Energy efficient appliances can help you save several dollars each month on your water and electricity bill. These seemingly minute savings add up quickly to about hundreds or thousands per year.

Image Credits: nea.gov.sg

To check if the appliance is energy-efficient, please refer to the Energy Label. Aim for appliances with 4-5 ticks. Energy Label is issued by the National Environment Agency.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

4 Absolute Ways To Spend Less and Save More This Valentine’s Day

Think your wallet can rest after the costly festivities of Christmas and Chinese New Year? Think again as we usher the season of love!

While Valentine’s Day is a great way to appreciation and affection to your significant other, I cannot deny the fact that the anticipated costs may cause a hole in your pockets. This year, however, you can turn things around if you are willing to put in creativity, time, and flexibility.

1. SAVE THE SPARKLES FOR LATER

If you are planning to purchase jewelry for your beloved, try to clamor dry out first. Since the demand for jewelry goes way down after 14th February, the retailers offer discounts to attract customers to buy their remaining products.

The only downside is that you have to discuss this with your partner in advance and seek his or her understanding.

2. AVOID THE CROWDS

Valentine’s Day 2016 is on a Sunday and more than ever, shopping malls and restaurants will be populated. Most places are jammed with couples and women holding on to their bouquets or stuffed animals. Beat this “competition” by scheduling a wonderful date on another day as long as your significant other is fine with it.

By doing so, you had avoided the crowd and maximized your savings.

3. OPT FOR AFFORDABLE FLOWERS

Since some people prefer getting blooms for Valentine’s Day, you would have to plan beforehand. Save money by skipping high-end or mainstream florists. Instead, visit your local grocery store or compare the prices of various online flower shops.

Image Credits: instagram.com/agoncilloanna

And if you are in the Gardens By The Bay area, I was got a bouquet of orchids there for only S$5.

4. CRAFT YOUR GIFTS BY HAND

What better message of love can you convey when you pour your heart on handmade gifts? Consider these gift ideas:

a. COOK TOGETHER

There is nothing sweeter than sharing your interests to your partner. If you are a fan of cooking and baking then, teach him or her the basic recipes and techniques. But, if neither of you have an expertise, lookup free online tutorials and prepare a V-Day dinner together.

b. SPECIAL CARD

Bring your wonderful memories to life by turning photos into very personal V-Day card. Print his or her favorite Instagram photos in JPEG format using glossy or matte photo papers available for as low as S$2 at Popular bookstores.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

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