March 11, 2021

Lobang: https://www.moneydigest.sg/6-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-laptop/

In 2020, retailers and PC makers saw an incredible spike in laptop sales after the Circuit Breaker measures implemented the closing of schools and non-essential work premises. Electronics retailer Courts said that it experienced an “overwhelming demand for laptops because of the work-from-home situation”. Moreover, online retailer Lazada said that their sales of laptops increased by 80% following the Circuit Breaker announcement.

Having your own laptop or desktop computer is crucial to fulfill your roles in school or at work. As we transition to a digitally-centered world, you may consider purchasing a laptop soon. I just bought mine yesterday and these were the specifications that I researched for.

#1: SIZE AND FORM

You need to make sure that you pick a laptop that best suits your needs and personality. Depending on what you plan to be doing on your laptop, look for a size that is right for you.
For people who opt for portability, you may go for laptops with smaller screens. Look for laptops that have a screen size of 12.5-inches or 13.3-inches and a weight of 1kg to 1.5kgs. Smaller laptops are ideal for people who work mainly one emails, spreadsheets, and presentations. On the other hand, a bigger laptop is suitable if you edit videos on a regular basis.

As an editor or gamer, you can opt for a 15-inch model. This type usually comes with a powerful hardware such as a dedicated graphics chip for creating multimedia content and gaming.

#2: WEB CAMERA

Yesterday, I was faced with a dilemma involving the laptop’s web camera. I can either opt for a laptop with a better web camera and a slower processor or a laptop with an okay camera and a faster processor. I opt for the latter. I find it more convenient to purchase external accessories than to upgrade a laptop’s internal system. You may want to do the same thing too.

With the rise of video meetings and online classes, it is time for the web camera to shine! The 720p camera in most new laptops is more than adequate for your daily use. When buying an external web camera, you may consider its additional features such as unlocking your computer via facial recognition. Check the location of the web camera too.

#3: CPU

In most cases, notebooks come with a Core processor from market leader Intel. For many users, they are satisfied with the performance of the Intel Core Processor. Core i3-based notebooks are generally found in entry-level systems, while Core i5 are found in mainstream computers. The high-end processors are Core i7 and Core i9.

In a similar fashion, AMD processors have different conventions such as Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9. Ryzen 9 offers the best performance.

#4: GRAPHICS

Produced by a graphics chip, the visuals you see on a laptop screen play an important role on how your experience your device. This comes in either a part of the processor or a separate dedicated chip.

For people who play games or produce digital content, having a dedicated graphics chip offer more options when it comes to controlling the performance. Know that the gaming firm Nvidia recently refreshed its entire GeForce mobile graphics chips.

#5: MEMORY AND STORAGE

System memory or RAM affects the responsiveness of a computer and its applications. The 8GB RAM should suffice most users. Those who edit videos and photos may need more RAM.

Another option is the solid-state drives (SSD) that are faster and more reliable. You should expect to have at least 256GB SSD. Ultimately, your lifestyle will dictate your needs in memory and storage.

#6: PORTS AND CONNECTIVITY

When it comes to ports and connectivity, an ideal laptop must have the HDMI port or USB Type-A ports. Moreover, you must check how fast it can connect to the wireless connectivity as most of us will be relying on the Wi-Fi router.

When buying a laptop, you must strike a balance between all these features and your budget. You need to make some compromises based on your needs and your current funds. It is rare to be in a situation wherein all your boxes are filled, especially when it comes to the price. Good luck!

 

The post 6 Things To Consider When Buying A Laptop appeared first on MoneyDigest.sg.

Lobang: https://www.moneydigest.sg/7-red-flags-that-show-youre-spending-way-too-much-money/

Do you believe that one of the foundations of achieving wealth is saving as much money as you can? A highly effective method of building your savings is to live below your means, and we can’t emphasise that enough in our articles.

Just in case you get us wrong, this doesn’t mean taking a vow of poverty and selling all your possessions away. It just means actively monitoring your spending and watching for ways to spend less.

Watch out for these red flags that may indicate you’re spending way too much money.

#1: Spending above your salary

Spending more money than you make is a bad habit. Overspending can put you in debt, which is incompatible with your aim for financial freedom.

To better evaluate your spending, make a list of all your monthly expenses – housing, food, bills, memberships, and subscriptions – and compare it to your monthly income. If your expenditure exceeds your salary, you must find ways to increase your earnings or decrease your spending.

For freelancers with variable incomes, this can be challenging. One strategy is to calculate your average monthly payment over a rolling 12-month period and use that number to budget. You may also use a more conservative approach by taking your lowest-earning month as a baseline to account from.

#2: Budgeting based on your pre-tax income

Constructing your budget on your pre-tax earnings can be a huge mistake. If you’re a Singapore Citizen (SC), Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR), or a foreigner who has stayed for 183 days or more, you would be well aware of Singapore’s income tax requirements.

The more money you earn, the more you pay in taxes. This means our take-home pay is less than our hourly rate or our salary would suggest. It is, therefore, unwise to craft your budget on your pre-tax income since you do not get to keep everything you earn.

Build your budget around your take-home pay minus the taxes for a more accurate financial review.

#3: Oustanding balances on your credit accounts

Having credit cards to supplement your income can be highly attractive. However, unpaid debt on your credit lines is detrimental to your financial health.

According to some local findings, the average interest rate on a credit card on our sunny island is about 25%. If you do not pay off your credit card in full every month, the remaining balance will begin accruing interest, and this may grow out of hand if not kept in check.

Debt can increase rapidly even before you realise it. Be sure to pay off your credit balances in full at the end of each month, and if you can’t, at least go past the minimum sum required to “get by’. This is because merely making minimum payments every month is a dangerous practice.

Should you find yourself unable to do so, it means you are spending too much on credit.

#4: Having a negative net worth

Investopedia defines net worth as the value of all of your assets minus your liabilities. If your net worth is negative, you owe more money than you own. Makes sense? If not, read that again.

This is not a desirable state of affairs for sure. To know your net worth, you can calculate it using Moneysense’s Net Worth Calculator. The numbers will help you take stock of your current financial situation.

For those who are severely indebted, with a net worth of – S$15,000 or less, you may wish to consider examining Singapore’s bankruptcy laws to help you repair your finances and start afresh. 

#5: Housing expenses over 40% of your gross income 

Experts suggest that your housing expenses should not exceed 30% to 40% of your monthly income. For example, if you bring home S$4,000 a month, your monthly housing budget should be somewhere between S$1,200 and S$1,600.

To find out your ideal housing expenses, simply multiply your monthly income by 0.3 or 0.4 to see what your monthly budget for housing expenses should be. If your rent exceeds this number, you may need to try and find a less expensive apartment and not survive just on your savings.

#6: Spending to keep up with social influences

In our current age of Instagram and TikTok, it is easy to get swirled into the world’s neverending wants. We may see influencers, friends, or family members buying new items or taking expensive staycations and begin to wonder if we should do the same.

But before we buy that latest device or spend money on an extravagant restaurant date, we must ask if we’re doing this for ourselves or to impress someone else on the worldwide web? Is it worth finding money in the budget to keep up with appearances?

Spend your money wisely and avoid the trap of wanting the latest of everything because that will only lead you down the point of no return.

#7: Your savings are literally zero

An absence of savings is a common-sense indicator of excessive spending.

A healthy savings account can help you survive unexpected expenses medically related and help you prepare for significant life events like starting a family or even early retirement.

If your savings account is empty or underfunded, you are spending too much and saving too little. Finding small opportunities to save money will help get your spending under control and your savings back on track.

The post 7 red flags that show you’re spending way too much money appeared first on MoneyDigest.sg.

Lobang: https://www.moneydigest.sg/uob-bank-is-giving-you-an-iphone-12-with-5g-worth-s1299-when-you-apply-for-a-credit-card-and-make-a-min-spend-from-8-21-march-2021/

Get a free iPhone 12 worth S$1,299

UOB Bank has launched a card acquisition campaign and will be giving away free iPhone 12 with 5G worth S$1,299 when you apply for a UOB credit card from 8 to 21 March 2021

That’s really a good deal.

You need to be a new-to-UOB credit card customer and make a minimum spend of $1,500 as fast as possible on your UOB Credit Card upon approval.

There are only 30 sets to be given out, so only the first 30 to meet the requirements will be guaranteed a set. The subsequent 100 applicants to meet the requirements will get a S$50 cash credit.

Choose from the following cards:

Click here to apply now!

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Not a new-to-UOB credit card customer? You can still take advantage of these credit card sign up offers:

Exclusive Credit Card Sign Up Rewards

• HSBC: Receive a Dyson Cool AM07 Tower Fan (worth S$499) or S$300 cash
• American Express: Receive a Dyson Cool AM07 Tower Fan (worth S$499) or S$300 cash
• Standard Chartered: Receive an Apple AirPods Pro (worth S$379) or S$300 cash via PayNow
• Citibank: Receive an Apple Watch SE (worth S$419) or S$350 cash via PayNow
• Maybank: Receive S$20 Cash via PayNow and S$100 cashback

The post UOB Bank is giving you an iPhone 12 with 5G (worth S$1,299) when you apply for a credit card and make a min. spend from 8 – 21 March 2021 appeared first on MoneyDigest.sg.

Lobang: https://www.moneydigest.sg/fairprice-save-up-to-50-with-discounted-items-from-now-till-17-march-2021/

Is it just me, or is time passing at a much faster rate than before? It’s Thursday again, and this means we’re just a day to the weekend! Folks struggling with school or at work, hang on tight.

This week, we’re looking at a set of brand new deals at FairPrice. Loyal shoppers tuning in every Thursday can look forward to some savings on Häagen-Dazs mini ice cream cups, Hai Di Lao self-heating hotpots, and more.

Let’s get started!

#1: Haagen-Dazs Mini Cups Ice Cream – Favourite Selection

Price: 2 for S$27.90

Usual Price: S$17.90

Savings: S$7.90

We’re spotlighting the Favourite Selection from Häagen-Dazs. It’s made up of coffee, macadamia nut, matcha green tea, and caramel biscuit & cream. If those are not your favourites, how about giving Chocoholic Moments or Fruit Fantasy a chance to impress your taste buds? Each box comes with 4 x 100ml mini cups, so with this ongoing deal, each serving is yours to bring home at only S$3.49 (usual price: S$4.48).

#2: Hai Di Lao Self-Heating Beef Hotpot – Spicy

Price: S$7.95

Usual Price: S$10.90

Savings: S$2.95

Hai Di Lao fans, where art thou? Your self-heating hotpots are on sale! Most of us are used to the tomato beef or the spicy vegetable selections from FairPrice. Apparently, there are new additions to our go-to supermarket. Get your fill on spicy beef and tomato vegetables (sale price: S$6.50) from now onwards.

#3: I’m Kimchi Cabbage Kimchi

Price: S$6.50

Usual Price: S$7.20

Savings: S$0.70

Kimchi isn’t the cheapest side dish to have daily, but there are many health benefits tagged to the national food of South Korea. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including choline and vitamin K. It’s also a good source of probiotics that can help facilitate digestion. Check your refrigerator right now and see if you’ve finished up all your kimchi. If yes, you will want to take advantage of this promotion to get your new batch of kimchi. Just be mindful not to store it past six months after opening.

#4: Farmpride Stone Baked & Frozen Pizza – Truffle

Price: 2 for S$7.75

Usual Price: S$5.35

Savings: S$2.95

Did someone mention truffle? Yes! In fact, it’s not just truffle but savoury truffle sauce and chewy mozzarella cheese. No matter how busy work gets, don’t forget to take a quick bite during lunchtime or tea break. For peeps who don’t fancy truffle (but why?!), you can go for these instead:

• Margherita
• Rocket & Tomato
• Fungi Champignon

This particular promotion will last till 24 March.

#5: Lifebuoy Antibacterial Handwash – Activ Fresh (Menthol)

Price: 2 for S$2.90

Usual Price: S$2.90

Savings: S$2.90

Singapore has seen significant progress in COVID-19 numbers in recent months. Our Health Minister Gan Kim Yong shared that Singapore is making “steady progress” in its COVID-19 vaccination programme last week too. But still, the sneaky virus can strike back anytime if we aren’t careful with our hygiene habits. Keep up with frequent handwashing with the 1-for-1 Lifebuoy Antibacterial Handwash assorted products this week at FairPrice!

Shop online or check in-stores for the latest deals.

Must-buy items from now till 17 March 2021

Fresh picks at FairPrice till 17 March 2021

FairPrice’s weekly saver deals till 17 March 2021

The post FairPrice: Save up to 50% with discounted items from now till 17 March 2021 appeared first on MoneyDigest.sg.

Lobang: https://goodyfeed.com/pizza-hut-1-for-1/

As avid fans of Pizza Hut would surely attest to, their mains are delicious but expensive. And though we could afford that expensive notion in normal circumstances, the fact remains that these are not peaceful times.

No, these are tumultuous times – the likes of which could destroy one’s financial prowess with just one wrong move.

So, it’s with a heavy heart that we leave the doors of our favourite Pizza franchise, and head to the nearest cai png stall in search of greater savings, and hopefully bigger portions.

Or at least, that was the plan until Pizza Hut’s latest move.

All of a sudden, Pizza Hut mains are not just delectable, but affordable as well.

Pizza Hut Has 1-for-1 Promotion on Main Dishes From 3–10pm at All Outlets; No End Date Given Yet

According to the Facebook page for Pizza Hut Singapore, they will be introducing honest to goodness 1-for-1 dine-in deals to the general public!

Available from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays, the deal is likely to cover, at the very least, the four items from the promotional photo: Hawaiian Supreme Pizza, Prawn Aglio Olio, Chicken Royale Baked Penne and Spicy Seafood Parchment.

Considering how these mains would routinely cost way upwards of your pre-planned meal budget, we gotta say; it sounds really worth it alright.

Plus, just look at how palatable the fare looks!

 

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Savings have never been more… delectable.

As such, please note down the following details:

Location: All Pizza Hut outlets

Duration: Weekdays only, with no end date specified yet

Time: 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

And We’re Not Done Yet

Apart from their newest revelation, Pizza Hut has also introduced Souper Value Sets to satiate your thirst and hunger, all at more than affordable prices.

For less than 10 dollars, you’ll be entitled to a sumptuous main, two drumlets and a warm bowl of Pizza Mama’s soup.

Do note that these Souper Value Sets are only available through walk-in takeaway at selected Pizza Hut Dine-In restaurants. It is not available on weekends and on certain occasions.

The free kids meals are limited to one redemption per receipt and only valid for purchases above $15. Kids Meal only valid for kids under 10 years old. To prove that they fall under the category, the child will either have to be present or the parent can present the child’s ez-link.

All prices will have a 10% service charge and prevailing GST.

Home may be a distant notion, but Pizza Hut sure works hard to fill in the gap.

For more details, you can click here.

You can also check out more Pizza Hut promotions and deals here.

If you’re interested in other food deals, check out 10 Best-est deals of the week (8-14 March).

Featured Image: Facebook (Pizza Hut)

The post Pizza Hut Has 1-for-1 Promotion on Main Dishes From 3–10pm at All Outlets; No End Date Given Yet appeared first on Goody Feed.