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Best Places To Buy Affordable Footwear In Singapore

The iconic man behind the red-lacquered soles once said:

“A shoe is not only a design, but it is a part of your body language, the way you walk. The way you are going to move is quite dictated by your shoes.”

I could not agree more with the words muttered by the talented French designer that is Christian Louboutin. More than just for its aesthetic purposes, the right type of shoes take you to the right places. For instance, if you want to survive a 6-hour hike, would you wear heels? Of course not.

Words cannot describe how much I adore shoes. But as much as I am fond of them, purchasing footwear in Singapore can get a tad pricey. Fortunately, there are places where you can find premium footwear at the discounted prices. Check out the list below!

FOR RUNNING SHOES

Since exercise shoes are often subjected to wear and tear, finding factory outlets of quality brands is a must. Consider going to Changi City Point or IMM malls.

At Changi City Point, you can go crazy for discounted running shoes and other sporting goods (e.g., apparel and accessories) courtesy of Nike Factory Store, Adidas Outlet, and New Balance Outlet. Depending on the store, discounts can go up to 70%!

At IMM, you can take advantage of the previous season’s sporting products that are not limited to just one brand. From running shoes to goggles and exercise attire, discounts at Royal Sporting House Outlet can go as high as 70%!

FOR FLIP-FLOPS

As we live in a tropical country, it is unavoidable to be decked out in casual and breezy attire. Complementing this look is a trusty flip-flops or sandals.

For convenient yet inexpensive shopping, go to Lazada.sg. Lazada.sg, one of Singapore’s popular online shopping website, offers a wide selection of flip-flops for both sexes. Men can enjoy sandals that go as low as S$6 with discounts as high as 76%. While women can enjoy it for as low as S$4.90 with discounts as high as 79%.

I was amazed that the famous Brazilian Havaianas is sold at S$22.90 (unisex) – saving you about 43%!

Screen-grabbed from lazada.sg

FOR OFFICE SHOES

Founded by the siblings Charles and Keith Wong, Charles & Keith aims to create innovative and contemporary footwear that are entirely wallet-friendly. Almost every Singaporean owns or at least knows the brand. Ranging from S$30 to 170, their footwear carry sizes up to 41.

Sure you can find this brand at almost every shopping mall in Singapore, but if you want to purchase work-appropriate shoes for a fraction off, visit IMM.

Image Credits: facebook.com/charleskeithofficial

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

The Good And The Bad Sides Of Jewelry Investment

More than just a sparkling indulgence, investing on jewelry is an embedded tradition in many Asian cultures. In fact in Indian and Chinese cultures, jewelry can be given as gifts as individuals approach the marrying age.

To these cultures, investing in gold jewelry is a sound investment. Truly, gold has continued to rise, up to five-fold in a decade, in value despite the worldwide economic slowdown.

However, anyone who is considering jewelry as a means of investment needs to carefully contemplate on its advantages and disadvantages.

Here are some of them:

LABELS

It is not just about what jewelry pieces you buy but where you buy them. Pieces with designer labels are more susceptible to the erosion of value (over time) as you are paying mainly for the marketing costs.

For example, a sterling silver necklace sold by a lesser known retailer in the third world country may cost about S$15 while a sterling silver necklace sold by Tiffany & Co. in the first world country may cost about S$400! They are made of the same material but the branding and craftsmanship attached to it makes the difference.

PORTABILITY

Jewelry is an investment that you can wear. Whether it be gold rings, silver necklaces, and diamond earrings, you can always carry your wealth around wherever you go.

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

PRICES

The craftsmanship can add up to 30% on the price of the actual jewelry pieces. So if you want to benefit from the full price of gold alone, you can invest in products and funds that are associated to gold. For example, you can consider SPDR Gold Shares as they are backed by gold exchange-traded fund.

VINTAGE

Some pieces from the past are still fashionable today. Vintage jewelry from 1920s to 1930s have strong linear designs incorporating diamonds and platinum that can very much look modern!

Furthermore, second-hand jewelry (e.g., at auctions) are less expensive than contemporary pieces as they are not affected by the mark-up of the retailers. If you purchase this from a source that has low costs, it can prove to be profitable to own.

TRADITIONS

As said above, a positive side in jewelry investment is keeping one’s heritage. In fact, India is one of the world’s largest gold market due to the cultural demands during Deepavali and wedding season (i.e.,jewelry may be offered as wedding dowry).
The embedded notion is that jewelry retains (if not increases) its value over a long period of time. Although, this is not always the case.

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

The value of investments and gains can go up as well as down. Sometimes your may get back a value lesser than the amount you have invested. This is why it is recommended that you seek expert financial advice first before making any investment decisions.

Sources: 1 & 2

Money-Saving Fashion Resolutions You Must Keep

1. RECYCLE MORE OFTEN

You can recycle your gorgeously patterned old clothes by sewing it into pillowcases or teapot covers. On the flip side, you can accept mint condition hand-me-downs from family and friends especially those who have baby clothes or infant toys. Do not be too picky! These said items are not utilized a lot since babies grow significantly every day anyway.

2. REFRAIN FROM USING CARDS

A surefire way to save money while shopping is to leave your credit cards at home. Only bring the substantial amount of cash you saved up for rewarding yourself. By doing so, you will only be purchasing things you actually afford!

3. GO BACK TO THE BASICS

If you are aiming to make your affordable clothes appear lavish, it is best to go for the basics and to avoid handbags or clothes that are filled with bargain embellishments or distressed denim patterns. If you want to accessorize, opt for a thick bracelet rather than stacking three little ones to increase the outfit’s impact. Remember: the sleeker and simpler – the better.

4. GET FIT

No! This does not involve spending countless hours at the gym. Instead, it involves purchasing the fitting size for your blazers, bras, hats, and so on

Purchasing the right size entails not having to exchange or return the product. Thus, it will save you effort, time and money. Take advantage of the sales employees who are happy to help you as you fit. Once you found the best size and brand to your physique, become a loyalist (e.g., join their loyalty card program) to enjoy discounts and other perks!

5. DRESS IN MONOCHROME

Since splashing yourself with every color on the rainbow can look cheap, wear one shade or color from head-to-toe. This creates an illusion of supreme quality. For example, you can wear the different shades of black, from Jet-Licorice, to look slimmer and more fashionable.

6. SHOP AT THE RIGHT PLACES

Shopping at the right places brings value to your buck! For instance, if you find yourself blessed with a baby this 2016, consider purchasing stylish and inexpensive maternity and nursing clothes from online shops such as Mummy’s Secret and My Little Angels Maternity. Mummy’s Secret, with a price range of S$9.99-30, offers a wide array of youthful-style clothing line that is as cute as those sold in Korean or Japanese shops.

http://www.99ms.com.sg/maternity/maternity-wear

Image Credits: 99ms.com.sg/maternity/maternity-wear

While My Little Angels Maternity offer diaper bags and infant wear with socks as low as S$2.90!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Ways To Be Healthy And Make Money At The Same Time

After eating a lot of food this Holiday season, get back to your desired shape and earn money at the same time by following these five tips:

1. JOIN THE “PACT”

Looking for an efficient motivation to help you stick to your weight loss resolution in 2016? Look no further as GymPact brings you the Pact app! Pact app allows its users to pledge a specific amount alongside the set of days they plan to work out. Users who do not go by the said goal must pay for each day they miss. You earn cash for staying healthy and get paid by “inactive” Pact members. Also, the nutritional option allows you to commit to healthy eating or pay its consequences.

Download it for free on iOS or Android!

2. INCREASE YOUR SALARY

If you are still contemplating on whether or not you must exercise or not then, you must know that regular exercise helps to increase your salary.

In 2012, a study published under the Journal of Labor Research found that employees who exercise regularly earn 9% more than their sedentary counterparts. This may be due to the enhanced mental function, energy levels, and mood. Thus, these improvements make them more valuable to their employers.

3. TRAIN OTHERS FOR A LIVING

If you have passion for fitness, interpersonal skills, and sufficient knowledge to back it up then consider a career as a personal trainer. A personal trainer works directly with the clients to make fitness assessments, set goals, demonstrate exercises, and provide constant feedback to improve the client’s physique.

The salary is usually S$70-90 per session. Aside from getting paid by doing something you love, you can also save money on costly gym or studio memberships.

4. MAKE YOUR OWN HEALTH BLOG

By constantly writing or blogging about a certain topic, you become sort of expert on that topic. The most feasible ways to earn money from your blog are paid advertisements, paid articles, offering fitness courses, and selling health books.

Start by sharing your own wisdom and genuine passion to educate the readers about being in shape. After which, only promote the products and brands that you really believe in.

5. BECOME THE HEAD AT BOOT CAMPS

Whether you believe it or not, some people pay money to be pushed to their limits and scream at for the most parts! If you are knowledgeable about fitness and you are capable to teach a group of people then, consider becoming an instructor at a boot camp. Do the workouts with your students to burn as much calories as you can!

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

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

5 Noticeable Differences Between Public And Private Housing In Singapore

As most of you may know, public housings (excluding the executive condominiums) are usually built without the amenities of the private condominiums such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and playgrounds.

Aside from these varied amenities, there are other noticeable differences you must take into consideration when purchasing a home in Singapore. Here are some of them:

1. FINANCIAL GAINS

Whether the purpose of your purchase is solely for your occupation or for your investment, you are surely hoping that your property will increase in value as years go by. According to recent evidence, private condominiums surpassed HDBs (Housing and Development Board) in terms of capital gains. This is observed in almost every locations.

Why is this so?

Well, since HDBs are subsidized by the government, foreigners are not allowed to purchase them. So the higher gains of private condominiums in a period of time may be due to the broader range of buyers it cater to. In contrast with HDBs, you can rent out your private flat with no limitations and no minimum years of stay! These things make private condominiums a better choice for property investment alone.

2. RESTRICTIONS FOR FOREIGNERS

Landed properties are stricter to foreigners too as they need the government’s permission from the Land Dealings Approval Unit. Quoting the Singapore Land Authority:

“The ownership of such properties (landed residential properties) by foreigners is restricted to those who make adequate economic contribution to Singapore. The ownership restrictions are provided in the Residential Property Act.”

While private condominiums are more flexible to foreigners as they just need to pay the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty.

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

3. OCCUPANCY REGULATIONS

If you are going to sell your home, there are notable differences between private and public flats. For public housing, in order to rent out your entire flat or sell it, you must first occupy the property for at least 5 years. While for private housing, there is no minimum amount of occupancy. Your only main concern is the Seller Stamp Duty that you are selling your private flat within the first four years of purchase.

4. CPF SCHEMES

The Central Provident Fund (CPF) has two distinct schemes for private and public housing. For buying new or resale HDBs, you can avail the Public Housing Scheme (PHS) wherein you can use your CPF Ordinary Account. Use the PHS to finance the flat’s purchase price, housing loan instalments, stamp duty, legal fees, and other upgrading costs. But this comes with two catches: valuation and withdrawal limits.

On the other hand, Private Properties Scheme (PPS) to buy or build private properties for either personal or investment purposes. Use the PPS to pay the flat’s purchase price, housing loan instalments, construction loan, stamp duty, legal fees, and other upgrading costs. As the PHS, PPS comes with valuation and withdrawal limits.

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

May this guide help you to decide the housing type that suits you best! 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5

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