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Simple Acronyms That Can Help You Save Money

Stuck in a rot? Consider imbibing some or all of these four acronyms to maximize your daily savings!

1: BYOB – Bring Your Own Beverage

Bid farewell to your endless Starbucks trips and say hello to BYOB. Bringing your own beverage and food to school or work has many benefits. For starters, you can choose what you eat for the rest of the day. This is especially helpful to the people who vowed to lose weight or to eat healthier meals this year. Lastly, bringing your own beverage and food lessens your chances of dining out. BYOB prevents you from mindlessly breaking the bank on food expenses.

2: PIYS- Put In Your Savings

Aside from having a physically fit body, you must strive to have a financially fit account. Luckily for you, you can just PIYS. Whether you have accumulated loose change or have work incentives, you can PIYS. Do not spend your extra money! Put it in your savings account instead. You may also enroll your account to an institution’s automatic savings program to ensure that you do not touch your money.

3: YODA – You Overspent Days Ago

If you need a reminder on why you need to save, just think of Baby YODA. This adorable Star Wars character cannot only charm your heart, but also give you a potent reminder. “You Overspent Days Ago or You Overspent Decades Ago” is something that resonates many Singaporeans. If you are bound to repeat the same financial mistakes you have done in the past then, what does that make you? It is time to learn from the past and focus on your needs.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Start building a future that you will be proud of. When faced with another temptation to spend, simply evoke the name of YODA. May the force be with you!

4: ABC – Allocate, Budget, and Cut

Did you know that budgeting is as easy as ABCs? Simply start with Allocation, proceed to Budgeting, and apply the Cut. Allocation is the processes of listing down your expenses and identifying which ones are important. Allocate the right amount of money per expense category.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Then, maintain a budget that you will keep track of. Monitor your progress and the money you are currently saving. Lastly, apply cost-cutting when your savings remain too low. Cut down unnecessary expenses and focus on expenses that will help you survive.

Surefire Ways To Save Money As A Freelancer

The essential benefits (e.g., health insurance or retirement contributions) indulged by the freelancers are their primary responsibility. It comes along with a variety of other expenses including operating costs. It comes with a variety of problems including late payment from clients. As a result, freelancers must save more money.

#1: EMPLOY THE ZERO-BASED BUDGETING SYSTEM

Zero-based budgeting entails telling each dollar where it is going to go. Simply put, the money that comes in (net income) minus the money that comes out (expenses) must equate to zero. How will you assign your money efficiently? Well, you must prepare for the fixed and unexpected expenses. Assign an amount to fix expenses and variable expenses first. Then, the rest of your money will be put to savings.

For instance, you earn S$4,000 a month after taxes and you spend S$3,500 on your monthly expenses. Let your extra money be transferred to your savings account. Ensure that you have somewhere to place it with each month.

#2: ASK FOR A RAISE

Say that you cannot afford to cover all your expenses or you cannot commit to your savings. Consider asking for a raise from your loyal clients.

Working with a client for a couple of years can help you prove your worth. There is no harm in asking for a raise as the worst thing that can happen is rejection. You are putting yourself if the position where you are on the present time. So, negotiate your salary. Having an increase of a few dollars per hour or per project can help you save money each month. Trust me, it will add up!

#3: PAY YOURSELF FIRST

One of the most influential factors that will enable you to save is paying yourself first. Transfer a portion of your income to your savings account to cover insurance and retirement plans. Since your income varies per month, having a cushion will help you worry less. Have a minimum savings amount to keep track of your saving goals.

Making sacrifices along the way entails that you will not have to struggle during retirement or during the next big crisis. Be responsible with your finances!

#4: AVOID CREDIT CARD DEBTS

As much as possible, you must not participate in credit card debts as it is bad for your credit score. Friends of mine who carry credit card balances pay hundreds of dollars per annum in interest alone.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Re-frame your mind! Never purchase anything that you cannot save up for. Following this statement will help you avoid flushing down your money due to interest. Cash should go to your savings and not your debts.

Sources: 1 & 2

6 Bulletproof Saving Hacks For Millennial Singaporeans

As a Millennial Singaporean, it is easy to be tempted to travel and to socialize (talk about #YOLO or #NOFOMO). You just want to make the most out of your youth. Enjoying the wonders of the present and preparing for financial freedom is a difficult job!

Hopefully, these saving hacks below will enable you to make the right monetary decisions and live a prosperous 2017.

MAXIMIZE YOUR CASHBACK

In this day and age, almost every purchase qualifies for a cashback or rebate. Do you need a new dress for work? Or, do you need to expand your health coverage? See if you can get a little cash back!

Try to make the most out of your credit card rebates to save a decent amount of money for emergencies.

AVOID THE EMOTIONAL SPENDING

Studies (like this) have shown that Millennials are prone to spending based on their emotional states. The four common emotions that lead you to overspend are hunger, anger, loneliness, and tiredness. These emotions may lead to purchasing something that you do not need or want.

Avoid experiencing “buyer’s remorse” by increasing your awareness while you shop.

SPOT THE BEST DEALS

As Millennials, we spend countless of hours online. Use its potency for the greater good by searching for the best deals, promo codes, coupons, and vouchers islandwide. Keep a close eye on the local websites such as Flipit.com Singapore, Groupon, and Money Digest.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

MAXIMIZE YOUR RESOURCES

As a young adult, you may feel the urge to keep up with the latest trends on fashion and technology. Who can blame you? Purchasing new clothes and devices can boost one’s confidence. However, your spending habits may take a toll on your finances. Choose to be practical instead!

Account your resources to know which areas you can cut cost. Ditch your underused cable television and switch to a Netflix or Toggle account on your laptop. You may also refrain from purchasing new shoes by revamping your simple shoes with laces and ribbons.

DO NOT TURN A BLIND EYE

Being in your 20’s does not guarantee that you are immune to financial woes. Red flags, such as outstanding bill notices, are there for a reason. Make it a habit to account how much money goes in and out.

Use money-tracking tools to aid you in this process!

USE THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY

Most millennials are innately tech-savvy. Use the power of technology to boost your knowledge on investments, financial services, and personal finance. Appreciate how lucky we are to have the luxury of accessing information right at our fingertips!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

You may also seek guidance and support from the experienced financial advisers by interacting with them thru social media.

Sources: 1 & 2

Useful Money-Saving Tips For Pet Owners

Most owners treat their pets not as animals but as members of their family. With this special bond, they only want what is best for their pets.

Fortunately, you not have to go overboard in order to shower your pet with care and affection.

1. CREATE YOUR OWN TOYS

Instead of purchasing a S$10 chew toy, you can recycle old materials and turn them into instruments of entertainment. Remember your old pair of “ripped” jeans? You can transform it into a good tug toy for your dog. There are more ways to DIY your pet’s toys, you simply have to research online and use your creative juices.

2. BUILD YOUR OWN NEST

Aside from crafting your own toys, you can make a cozy haven for your beloved ones. Shaina from sugarstilettosstyle.com showed her audience how to make a space-efficient and cost-efficient bed for her dogs. Watch this video to see for yourself:

The IKEA SKUBB storage case retails for S$11.90 in Singapore.

3. EMPLOY PREVENTIVE CARE

As the age-old quote goes: “prevention is better than cure.”

One of the best ways to avoid paying costly veterinarian bills is to keep your beloved protected against illness. Do so by religiously employing preventive measures such as vaccinations.

4. SHY AWAY FROM FANCY PET FASHION

There are lots of options for pet apparels these days! Instagram is filled with pets that are decked out with glitter accessories, fancy collars, and customized sweaters. But does your pet need all those?

Shy away from the high-end pet trends and stick with purchasing products that will make your pet’s life easier like a sturdy ID tag (in case she or he gets lost) or a comfortable leash.

5. ALLOCATE MONEY FOR YOUR PET

Keep track of your pet expenses before it is too late. This month, analyze how much you are spending for your pet (e.g., costs for grooming and food). Then, designate a budget for your pet that realistically covers your spending. Lastly, eliminate unnecessary expenses from time to time.

6. APPLY EUCALYPTUS

My cousin recently purchased a 2-month-old puppy. The pup is currently in its oral stage where he is obsessed with licking and biting things. He has bitten countless items such as shoes, papers, and even the cabinet. Since the situation is getting out of hand, he stays in his cage most of the times.

A simple solution that my cousin can employ is to apply eucalyptus-enriched products such as Mentholatum (Decongestant-Analgesic Ointment) or Vicks Vaporub. This works because pets cannot take the potent smell of eucalyptus. So apply it in the areas that you wish your pet can stay away from.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

5 Expert Money Saving Tips

It is the beginning of a new journey entitled “2015”. There is a long way ahead and the worst is behind us. The future looks so much brighter! As you lay out your plans for the New Year, why don’t you take on the important goal of saving money?

Here are 5 Money Saving Tips from the Experts…

1. GET POSITIVE MOTIVATION FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Bob Weinschenk, the CEO of “SmartyPig.com”, believes that saving money is a group activity in many cultures. By sharing your financial goals to your trusted partner, family or friends, they can be able to support you and even donate a few bucks. Having someone by your side that share the same goal will surely motivate you to continue this positive saving behavior.

Image Credits: Ken Teegardin via Flickr

2. TAKE THE SHOPPING DEALS ONLY IF YOU NEED THE PRODUCT

Donna Freedman, a writer for “Get Rich Slowly” and “Money Talk News”, said, “Coupons plus sales can easily tempt you to buy something you don’t truly need”. Do you really need to buy a bulk of toothpaste just because you have coupons and vouchers for it? Simply, when you see an item on sale think deeply if you will purchase that item on its original price.

3. LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS

Purchase within your means by balancing what you need and what you want.

Miranda Marquit, the founder of “Planting Money Seeds”, highlights that by knowing that you have enough purchasing power may turn into comfortable spending without keeping the best options for your finances. So, just because you can afford something, does not mean that you should buy it.

4. THINK TWICE WHEN BUYING PERISHABLE GOODS IN BULK

Jeff Yeager, the author and host of “The Cheap Life”, said “it’s not a good deal if it goes bad before you use it”.

This is why he stresses the importance of making a shopping list and sticking to it.

5. LASTLY, LEAVE YOUR CREDIT CARDS IN THE HOUSE

Stacy Johnson, the President of “Moneytalksnews.com”, said, “we’re more likely to overspend with pieces of plastic than real money”. Personally, when I shop, I only carry cash that I am willing to spend so I won’t go over budget. This prevents impulse buys.

Sources: Reader’s Digest and GoBankingRates

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