Simple Budget, Simple Life

Years ago when I entered the workforce, I set myself goals (you can refer to the left side of my blog), mainly financial ones. I set to achieve $100k cash savings before 28. And I met it at 25 . I shared my tips on how I achieved it here  and they were really simple tips, mainly tweaks to your lifestyle  (eg, dining at discounts).  I then set out to achieve $200k by 28. Earlier this year, I mentioned that I've crossed $150k savings  and shared updated tips on how I helped myself.  As 2018 draws to a close soon, I found out that I've hit $200k in cash savings.  Except, I've just parked $6k+ to my CPF MA for tax relief, and it has now dropped to less than that. I've also parked $7k into my CPF SA some months back, so I would have hit $200k earlier. If I delve even deeper, I have also bought stocks amounting at ~$10k. Yup, so I would have crossed the $200k mark even earlier. In any case, this is just a number game for me to keep track of

If you are looking for a budget destination, how about heading to Hanoi, and adding in Sapa, Fansipan for an extra spice to your tour? The husband and I were there for a 8D7N trip (disclaimer - not my honeymoon. I haven't plan one yet hehe) Most people exclaimed - so long!? What's there to do? It is indeed long if we were to stay in just Hanoi alone. After all, Hanoi was pretty boring as we could cover Old and French Quarter in a day. Our days in Hanoi were spent on food, facial and massages 😛If you are planning to tour Hanoi only, a 4D3N tour would suffice. But we inserted a 3D2N trip to Sapa and Fansipan which was notably the highlight of the trip! And, I'm proud to share that our expenses were around $1,400 for two which includes a full fledge flight via Vietnam Airlines instead of a budget flight 😊 and our anyhow spend also can expenses at ~$250 (we ate whatever we like , and also had pampering facial and massage sessions!) Here's a rou

Good lobang must share! Ever since I discovered Chope, my partner and I have been using it as a fuss free way to make reservations at restaurants - no more waiting for the restaurants to pick up my calls! Not only is it more convenient for me to book a seat at popular restaurants, with every reservation, I could earn 100 chope dollars ! And the first 400 chope dollars allow me to redeem for a $10 voucher to offset my bill at a wide list of restaurants such as 49 seats, Standing Sushi Bar, Yum Cha and more (just listing my frequent dining places hoho) If you are new to Chope,  sign up with this link  to get 300 Chope dollars on your  first reservation and I'll get 300 too! With just one more reservation at 100 chope dollars, you'll be able to redeem a $10 voucher, or you can choose to accumulate for more! The good thing doesn't end here. Other than using it to make reservations, we have also been purchasing Chope vouchers to dine a

I was scrolling through FB recently when I saw an ad that attracted my attention. Reminded me of the FWD 2.02% plan one year ago - which I applied for. Now Singlife is offering a 3% GUARANTEED plan which last till 30 Nov, at up to $6k: This Single Premium Endowment product’s availability is based on a first-come-first-served basis and is only available for purchase while the acceptance tranche is still open. Singapore Life reserves the right to decline any application that does not fulfil the requirement of a complete application without prior notice, including the invalidity of payment received. (1) The guaranteed maturity yield is 2.20% p.a. and 2.50% p.a. for 3-year-term and 5-year-term respectively. The 5-year-term is only available through our financial adviser partners. During the period between 26 Nov and 30 November 2018, there is a special campaign that gives 3% p.a. guaranteed maturity yield for the 3-year-term and this offer is strictly applicable for one poli

Ever since I started my new work, I've been in a daze. I've stopped tracking my budget daily. And I even forgot to pay my credit card bills resulting in late charges and interest fees! I was on the verge of tears when I saw late charges of $160 on my two credit cards. I've no idea what's wrong with me for lacking the discipline to do all these. What happened to the diligent me tracking every single purchase and tallying it with my credit card bills? Why do I feel drained after work although this job is less tedious than my previous one where I've been loaded with too much responsibilities that I lose sleep and had acne outbreaks? However, I realised this is just the start. I've seen 3 resignations in my team within 1.5 months here, and I've been asked if I'm ready to take on some of their portfolios. I'm thinking if it is worth taking on more at the same pay, and then stressing myself all up again? What exactly should I do? Also, I re

I've officially severed ties with my BOC Smartsaver account, after a good 2 years . With the disappointing revision to the BOC Family card , which used to be the BEST credit card I had, it just wasn't worth keeping the bulk of my cash in BOC anymore. Since Aug, I've jumped ship to DBS Multiplier and left the minimum balance of $1,500 in my BOC. Today, as I passed by the BOC branch at Jurong East, I decided to just close the account. No point leaving my $1,500 there when I can transfer it to other accounts to generate more interest! As I stepped into the BOC branch, I saw restless ladies gossiping at their seats. I was the only customer, but nobody bothered to serve me. I even had to ask if I'm supposed to take a queue number, but nobody came to assist. Over at DBS, the customer service experience would be way different, in a positive way. BOC has gotta up their game in terms of their cards/accounts perks and staff attitude/customer service man. That said, it

For people my age, wedding bells have been ringing. A few years ago, we started out in the workforce, fresh from school, trying to earn our keeps and manoeuvre ourselves in the dogs eat dogs world. As we earned our keeps, we also knew we had to save for impending cost bombs - for house, for wedding, for kids, and for retirement. Back then, I set my goal to save $100k and I managed to hit it at age 25 . I knew time was on my side and I had keep my expenses low in order to save. I wasn't earning big bucks - I was just a normal salaried working, earning less than what my peers were earning. Likewise, when I planned for my wedding, I knew I had to keep my expenses low as well because my partner and I were paying everything out from our pockets. I was the Chief Finance Officer budgeting and making sure we clock rebates, and getting the best deals out of everything. I was also the CEO of my wedding, because I dictate most of the "to-do" and "not to do" list.

Hi guys. I wanted to blog only after I'm settled down at work and with my life event but I needed an outlet to complain and release my pent-up unhappiness. So, I mentioned that I've changed job. I'm still adjusting myself and enjoying my honeymoon stage since I'm new, though it's not like I'm not working la...just that in comparison to others who worked longer, my full load hasn't come in yet. I'm lying low for now given that I've my wedding to prep for. Within these few weeks here, I've some thoughts on this job and here goes: The Good Higher monthly salary than before albeit just a few hundreds more (better than staying put...) Cheaper transport than before (~$1 saving/day) Don't need to bring work home FOR NOW More capable bosses and seemingly, their Senior Management than before The Bad Not much increase in annual package given that my bonuses were more at my previous job Everyone else work like sh*t....my bosses sends

I used to be an advocate for BOC, given its attractive interest for their Smartsaver account and the good rebates for the BOC Family card. Until one day, BOC decided to review the Family card terms....and well, it suck. I was disappointed with the changes and has since then, stopped using the card. And with that, I've now jumped the boat to DBS Multiplier for my salary crediting. Meaning to say, BOC is no longer my main account. I still keep the Family card though, just in case BOC changes their mind again and review the terms to be more attractive. But, this morning, I was reviewing my accounts when I realised I was charged an Annual Fee and GST on the card. Gosh. That's an exorbitant $305! So I called the card centre and asked to waive it off. I knew it wasn't going to be accepted after reading some comments on how niao they are now. And yup, my waiver was rejected. Not even a partial waiver. That leaves me no choice but to cancel the card immediately.  Funny how

And so, I've resigned. When my colleagues knew, many were shocked, given how stable I was at work (or how I seem to be). Some said they expected it, since I was still young. Some said they were shocked, yet expected it. Whatever it is, I've come to realise a few things during my notice period and I'm here to share my thoughts. Everyone is dying to leave this place During the past few weeks, I received varied comments from people. The most common comment I heard was - you must be happy to get out of this place. Hearing this comment, made me very unhappy. It actually reflects how the person feels about this place.  There are some who said they are envious that I'm leaving. I asked - can't you do the same? And then, they started rattling on things like they have too much work piled on them to leave, they have too much responsibilities on hand... that it got me thinking...aren't these just excuses? Which brings me to the next point... It takes cou

Aloha.  Some updates on what's going on with my life.... A. I accepted the job offer Ever since I received the job offer, I've been feeling jittery. I kept playing the angel and devil's advocate and in the end, decided to take up the offer. I still worry about the instability in the new place, but at worst, I'll just find another job if I can't survive there. The new salary, although not a lot, is also better than if I stay put. I figured I might only get this salary 2 years later. So, hopefully, things pan out well.... B. Transferred $7k to my CPF SA Next, I've transferred $7,000 cash to my own CPF SA. This is the 3rd time I'm doing so. You can read more about it here and here . I probably should have transferred the amount in Jan, instead of waiting till now...but well, better late than never.  My CPF SA now stands at $46,000.  C. Parking $40k with CIMB F.D at 1.8% and 1.6% Also, good lobang must share! I've done some house

2 months ago, I shared that I've thought about leaving my first job.  2 months later, I received an offer and I'm torn. I'm a practical person. At the end of it, a job is just for me to survive - I need a monthly stream of income to build a home, build a family, feed myself and my family, and to save enough for retirement. So when the offer came, theoretically I should without a doubt accept it, since there was a pay increase. The pay increase isn't a lot though, but it would still be one two hundred more than what I'll get next year. But I asked for some time to decide. The new place would be extremely challenging. The team is practically new because of high turnover. They are still busy filling vacancies. To think positively, a new team might mean everyone starts afresh (or starts equally blur); but there must be something wrong within to cause high attrition. Even the bosses are new. The people there also don't seem friendly either. Next, I usually do

2 years ago , I shared my achievement of hitting $100k cash before 28. Today, I'd like to share how I accumulated >$50k within 2 years time. Honestly, saving around $25k a year is nothing to brag about. But I hope that with my revised tips - which doesn't differ much from what I had two years ago - would inspire or motivate you, especially the younger ones, to do the same for yourself.  To save money, start with discipline. Set a goal - When I achieved $100k at 25, I set myself a new goal to hit $200k by 28. I still have some time to go and may or may not hit $200k given that I've huge expenses coming up (wedding and housing/reno). But, having this goals helps me to work towards it. - The thing is, I don't force myself to save a fix amount each month because I think I am disciplined enough. I still continue my indulgence of eating good food, going for holidays, and buying stuff I like because I know I have a healthy amount of savings to afford it.