youth Archives | MoneyDigest.sg

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

Common Career Mishaps Young Employees Make

On your first full-time job after graduation, you are bound to make minor to costly mishaps. Keep in mind that it is okay to make these mistakes especially at the beginning of your career. It helps you to learn and as you bounce back, you will be tougher than you ever were before.

On that note, here are the Common Career Mishaps Young Employees (In Their 20s) Make…

1. WAITING GAME

First on the list is the irrational belief that you will magically land your dream position without any ounce of effort. No matter how skilled you are, you need to search for the job yourself. Some people maybe lucky as companies personally look for them after they graduated, however what if you are not one of them? Worry not. By working hard, you can achieve your goals and so much more.

And, once you are accepted for the job, do not forget to dress for the part. There is no right or wrong way to dress except if the company provides the uniforms. Nevertheless, the best thing for you to do is to wear conservative or non-revealing clothes in the first few days then adjust from there.

2. NEGLECTING THE IMPORTANCE OF NETWORKING

Resources and connections play a huge part especially in the business, marketing, and advertising world. Being able to keep in touch with your fellow graduates will help a lot. As young professionals, it will benefit you to attend networking events to increase your knowledge about the working environment. Also, having access to job opportunities at a young age is indispensable.

3. FAILING TO NEGOTIATE

Being fresh to the “working scene”, you may be prone to underrate your worth. This is why it is important to evaluate your skills, education, and experiences. Find out the average salary per year through PayScale.com. It provides salary information for a particular position from its global online database. For example, the average pay for a Sales Representative at Pharmaceuticals is S$46,006/year.

And, if you already got the job yet you feel underpaid and overworked, ask for a pay raise. If you do not ask then you would not get it. Realize that your bargaining strength is all in your head. You can do it!

4. LEAVING A JOB TOO SOON

There is nothing inappropriate with leaving a job unless you have not taken everything into consideration. When faced with a difficult situation at work, young employees often think that quitting will solve it.

You may be away from your annoying colleague but you are faced with unemployment and debt. Is it really worth it to quit? In this situation, it is best to weigh-in the benefits and consequences of your future actions first.

5. LETTING YOUR INFLATED EGO AFFECT YOUR CAREER

Your huge ego can translate in your Resume/C.V., your interview, and your actions. Instead of only boasting your strengths, find the skills that can help the company to improve and put it in your Resume/C.V.

Lastly, do not overestimate your abilities because you are merely starting a journey. Ask politely if you do not know how to solve an issue. This simple gesture can save the company hundreds of dollars.

Image Credits: Sara Ashley via Flickr

Sources: 1 & 2

9 Budget-Friendly Ways To Look Younger And Beautiful

1. MAINTAIN A GOOD POSTURE

People who stand up straight would convey a figure that looks more attractive and smarter. Also, research show that it facilitates breathing, increases happiness, and improves concentration. Give it a try. It is a free boost anyway.

2. GET A LONG SIDE-SWEPT FRINGE

If you are ever going to get a haircut, ask your stylist for long side-swept bangs to cover any obvious wrinkles in your forehead.

3. CUT YOUR NAILS INTO SQUARE-OVALS

Square tips with rounded edges tend to look more youthful and clean. Cut your nails straight across then smooth the corners round with a nail file.

4. HAVE A FREE EYE-LIFT

Curl your lashes and finish it with mascara. Curly and thick looking lashes give you an instant eye-lift that makes you seem alert and younger. For best results, wash your curler with hot water or blow-dry it for at least three seconds before using it.

5. SWITCH TO CREAM

Face powder can produce fine lines and lifeless look. So, switch to BB or CC cream instead. It will give a natural radiance to your glowing skin.

6. GO FOR BERRY LIPS

Go for a color that softens your lips by being not too nude, sheer, and bright. A berry hue is just right. Also, it is universally flattering for all skin complexions. Try Clinique’s Berry Blush Butter Shine Lipstick for S$16 or Broadest Berry Chubby Stick Lip Balm for S$17.

7. TRY MIXING IT UP

Pair two solid color or two patterned clothing together to give a bold and youthful statement. For example you may pair a floral skirt print with a striped blouse.

8. WEAR CLOTHING ARTICLES THAT FIT

My mother is one of the women who buy one size larger so that the clothing is more comfortable but it is less flattering. Whether something is too tight or too loose, the result remains constant: looking larger that you really are. So, shop and wear clothes that fit you well.

9. RENEW YOUR EYEWEAR

Image Credits: Ansel Edwards via Flickr

If you do not want to wear contact lenses, a new color of frame shape will take years off your face. A frame shape that you may try is the modern take on the cat-eye. The upward tilt has a lifting effect. For the colors of the frame, warm hues exude youthfulness.

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