Exam season can be a stressful time for both parents and kids, but it need not be this way. Most of the time, the stress comes from things we can control. All parents want their children to excel academically, and all children strive to do well, but along the way, both parents and kids may make mistakes that only add to their anxiety, making exam season harder and more stressful than it needs to be. 

While you’re helping your children get through their mid-year assessments, here are six mistakes to avoid. 

1. Putting too much pressure on your kids

Parents put pressure on their children in a number of ways, says psychotherapist Carol Goh at Emotional Wellness Counselling – for instance, reminding their kids of all the financial and personal sacrifices that’ve been made for them, chiding them whenever they take a break from studying, wearing them out by sending them to more tuition classes than they can handle, and making them feel bad about not being strong enough in certain subjects. 

While some pressure can be motivating, too much can have a negative impact on children. 

“They may constantly worry about not doing well; worry can lead to anxiety and even panic attacks,” Carol explains. 

“They may also feel inadequate and have low self-confidence and low self-esteem as a result; and they may feel tired all the time from having to juggle so many tuition classes and not having enough breaks. Additionally, they may fear disappointing their parents.”

Instead, Carol suggests understanding your kids’ strengths and weaknesses and encouraging them to focus on the subjects they’re good in. Remind them that what counts is the effort they put in rather than the results; send them motivating text messages or notes; and give them plenty of assurance and unconditional love. You may also wish to help them set goals if this motivates them. 

2. Comparing your children to other kids

Carol says to avoid comparing your children to their siblings, classmates and other children who might be doing better than them academically. This may fuel unhealthy competition between them and the other children, and your kids may even feel embittered towards their siblings, friends and classmates.  

Worse, it may erode your kids’ self-esteem and self-confidence. 

“Children naturally seek approval and validation from their parents, striving to make them proud,” says Fion Liew, Lead Counsellor and Founder of Awaken Counselling Centre. 

“Constant comparisons can instil in your kids a belief that their worth is contingent upon academic success alone. This can lead to an unhealthy reliance on external validation and a skewed sense of self-worth. Ultimately, this may contribute to increased vulnerability to mental health issues, when your children feel unable to meet your expectations.

“Parents need to recognise the harmful impact of comparisons, and instead focus on fostering their kids’ unique strengths and talents and by emphasising individual growth and celebrating achievements, regardless of how they compare to others.”

3. Not allowing your kids regular breaks

You want your children to spend as much time on their revisions as possible. However, it’s also important to realise the importance of breaks. Kids need time away from their books, when they can play with their friends or relax on their own.

“You can support your children by encouraging them to allocate time for activities that promote relaxation and stress relief,” says Fion. 

“If screen time helps them unwind, that can be a valuable option, but it’s important to strike a balance and incorporate a variety of activities into their relaxation routine. This might include exercise, playing board games, enjoying a favourite treat like ice-cream, or engaging in creative hobbies.”

Give your kids that extra edge with these nourishing foods that will help boost their energy and mental stamina.

4. Letting your kids leave their revision till the last minute

Procrastination isn’t healthy, but Carol says that some kids may leave studying till the eleventh hour for various reasons. For example, they may have a fear of failure or not doing well enough, their fears may cause a mental block, affecting their ability to plan or study, or they may just feel overwhelmed by the nature or amount of work that needs to be done. 

What can you do?

Carol recommends helping them create a step-by-step plan for each subject, being with them to help see their study plan through, offering them a reward for achieving various goals along the way, and taking note of any pressure your kids may be feeling. If they’re finding it hard to focus, can’t eat or sleep, or feel anxious, Carol advises approaching a counsellor for help. 

5. Not checking in with your children

As hectic as exam season can get, don’t forget to spend quality time with your kids. By spending time with them, you get to see how they’re coping with their studies. They will also appreciate being able to share their worries and concerns with you. 

Carol suggests taking time out for meals together, participating in their hobbies with them, bringing them out for a relaxing walk, and so on. 

6. Stressing out over your kids’ academic performance

Stress can take a toll on your emotional wellbeing as well as that of your kids. It can also affect your children’s self-esteem and overall sense of worth, and disrupt the family dynamic, says Fion. 

“Kids feel the pressure to excel academically as well as meet their parents’ expectations and secure their own future. This obsession that our society has with academic achievement only intensifies this pressure, leading children to tie their self-worth to their exam performance. It’s little wonder, then, that kids often feel overwhelmed during exam season.

“Parents, too, feel the weight of expectations because they want their kids to succeed. Consequently, they may employ various strategies to boost their child’s grades, such as enrolling them in extra tuition or imposing strict study schedules. However, when these efforts do not align with their child’s needs, it can lead to added stress and strain within the family.”

To counter the stress, Fion says that mindset matters. This means adopting the right perspective, and seeing exams as assessments of competency in a subject rather than as reflections of your children’s inherent worth. 

You can also support your children by affirming their individual strengths and qualities, and emphasising personal growth over exam grades. If your kids aren’t doing well, it’s important to see the setbacks as part of their learning journey, and understand that they need to learn and grow from their mistakes.  

“Furthermore, you need to recognise that societal attitudes towards success are evolving,” Fion points out. 

“Academic achievement is just one aspect of a child’s identity, and failure to excel in exams does not diminish your kids’ value as individuals. By acknowledging this, you can help alleviate psychological stress and foster a healthier approach to exams.”

Enhance your children’ s academic performance and let them have fun at the same time with these enrichment classes at SAFRA Choa Chu Kang!

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The post Parents, Don’t Make These 6 Exam Prep Mistakes appeared first on eNSMAN.

Travelling isn’t getting any cheaper, but going on an overseas break shouldn’t burn a hole in your pocket. From accommodation and sightseeing to meals and transport, there are many ways to keep your expenses way down. Of course, you may need to spend a little time researching deals and comparing costs, but if it’ll save you money then it’s totally worth it. And, as you’ll soon realise, travelling on the cheap needn’t mean forgoing activities and experiences, flying budget airlines, eating convenience food, or staying in a dodgy hotel. 

Here are eight tips for making your next holiday a more affordable – and memorable – one. 

1. Shop your holiday wardrobe for less

Whether you’re looking for winter clothing, beachwear or luggage, you can save a bundle by shopping ahead of time. This gives you the chance to compare prices and scope out the various sales around town. 

If you prefer to shop from home, check out online stores like Zalora, a one-stop shop for men’s, women’s and children’s wear and accessories.

SAFRA members and 11B holders enjoy 10% off their purchase with a minimum spend of $180. Use the promo code SAFRAZAL10. You can also get 5% cash back on your purchases. For more information, go to safra.sg/promotions/Zalora24

2. Know when to book and go

Don’t wait till the last minute to confirm your airline tickets. If you want a good deal, book them about three months in advance. According to Expedia, Sunday is also the cheapest day to purchase your tickets, while Friday is the most expensive. 

Take the time to compare prices between different airlines and across different travel websites so that you get the best deal. Do also check out newly launched airlines or low-cost carriers that offer discounted tickets to popular destinations.

To save even more money, remember to use your loyalty or frequent flyer points. You can also set up fare alerts to search for cheaper flights. 

You should also research the best times to travel to a particular destination. For example, avoid going to China during Golden Week, an extended holiday when many businesses are closed as locals travel home. 

3. Save on accommodation

If you’re travelling with a group, it might be cheaper to book an apartment rather than multiple hotel rooms. Be sure to compare different areas, because neighbourhoods that are further away from the city and tourist attractions tend to be more affordable. If you decide to stay in a hotel, find out if you can use your frequent flyer points to offset some of the charges, or ask the hotel if they have any promotions or deals, such as “kids stay free” or “book five nights, pay for four”. 

SAFRA members can get 8% off their accommodation with online travel booking platform Agoda, which has over 2 million properties worldwide. For more information and to book, go to safra.sg/promotions/agoda

Check out more family travel tips to ensure that everyone has a good time!

4. Shop like a local

Buying souvenirs, travel essentials and personal care items? Don’t go to shops in popular tourist areas to avoid paying more than you need to. Instead, find out where the locals shop and make a beeline for those stores. And look out for locally made souvenirs and products rather than imported ones. 

If you’re buying fruit and vegetables, try the farmers’ markets which sell fresh, seasonal produce, and for bread and pastries, visit the local bakeries. 

5. Explore free tourist attractions

Not all tourist attractions charge an admission fee. Certain landmarks, art installations, and famous parks and gardens are free to visit. Some museums and art galleries also have “free admission” days (check their websites). And don’t skip the local architecture – historical churches and other heritage or well-preserved buildings are often free to explore, too. 

6. Buy travel data at home

Mobile data is essential for accessing maps and public transport schedules, finding places to eat, and using social media while you’re on holiday. But if you’re not in a Wi-Fi hotspot, you’ll have to pay data roaming charges, which can be expensive. Make things easier and cheaper for yourself by purchasing the AIRSIM prepaid travel data SIM card before you leave home. 

AIRSIM is a prepaid travel data SIM card that can be used in more than 130 countries outside of Singapore. AIRSIM works with mobile operators around the world to provide you with mobile data service at local data rates. Using Over-The-Air (OTA) technology, your AIRSIM is transformed into a local SIM at the destination.

AIRSIM is reusable – just purchase a suitable data plan before travelling to your next destination by using the AIRSIM app or website, and you can enjoy immediate mobile data service upon your arrival at different destinations using the same SIM card.

SAFRA members, get 15% off your AIRSIM Prepaid Card using the promo code SAFRA15. Go to safra.sg/promotions/airsim for details. 

7. Explore on foot or use public transport

Having your own vehicle might be handy, but you don’t really need one if your holiday destination is conducive to walking or has a reliable public transport system. You won’t just save on car rental costs but on petrol and parking fees, too. 

If you plan to walk for most of your trip, invest in comfortable walking shoes. The Crocs range protects your feet while looking stylish.

SAFRA members and 11B holders get 20% off their Crocs purchases (minimum $120 spend on regular-priced footwear and charms). Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/crocs     

8. Have picnics

Eating out every day may not be an option for you, and, even if your holiday rental has a fully equipped kitchen, cooking may not be your idea of fun. The next best way to save money on food is by having a picnic. Buy sandwich fixings, fruit and snacks at the local market or grocery store and pick a scenic picnic spot. Beaches, parks and gardens are all good places to relax and enjoy your meal, plus, they’re perfect for people-watching and taking in the surrounding sights. Be sure to check that picnicking is allowed at the spot you choose.

Get more money-saving travel tips here!

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The post 8 More Smart Travel Tips To Save Money On Your Next Holiday appeared first on eNSMAN.

It’s hard to monitor your kids all the time in the home. Even if you’re super-vigilant, accidents – such as falls, burns, electric shocks and choking – can occur. 

That’s why it’s important to know how to prevent mishaps and deal with serious emergencies, as well as care for or treat your little ones before medical help arrives. 

Here, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) shares their tips for keeping your kids safe. 

1. Learn first aid techniques

It’s useful to know these basic first-aid techniques:

Heimlich Manoeuvre: This is used on someone who is choking and has a fully obstructed airway. 

Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): This life-saving technique is used to rescue casualties who have collapsed from cardiac arrest. Along with the Automated External Defibrillator (AED), it increases a casualty’s chances of survival in the event of a cardiac arrest. 

The SCDF offers the Responders Plus Programme, an emergency preparedness training programme that equips learners with core lifesaving skills, namely first aid, CPR-AED, and basic firefighting. Find out more here. 

2. Pack a “ready bag”

A ready bag contains important items that will help you in an emergency. You should bring it along when you’re required to evacuate your home. Every member of the family should know where the ready bag is kept (it is recommended that you store it in an easily accessible location). You should fill the bag with these essential items: 

Torchlight without batteries: In case of a power outage and when evacuating in the dark.

Batteries: For powering the torchlight and radio. Pack extra batteries and do not fit batteries into the devices until needed, otherwise they may leak or rust.

Essential personal medication and healthcare supplies: For any existing medical condition that you or your family members may have. Include spare face masks and hand sanitiser to protect against bacteria, viral infections and viruses.

Waterproof folder containing photocopies of important documents e.g. NRIC, insurance policies: For administrative purposes should the original documents be destroyed in a fire.

Whistle: To call for help or alert others; shouting may be tiring and ineffective and may even cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of smoke and dust in some cases.

First aid kit: To treat minor injuries.

Childcare supplies and other special care items: For families with infants and toddlers.

N95 mask: To protect you and your family from excessive exposure to pollutants and air-borne infections.

Other, optional items you may want to pack include a list of personal contact numbers for family members, a list of emergency numbers (such as for insurance or utility companies), cash, bottled water, and a set of spare clothes. Avoid packing bulky items, and remember to check expiry dates of specific items like first-aid supplies and masks, and to periodically replace batteries with new ones.

3. Get a fire extinguisher

Every household should have at least one Dry Chemical Powder fire extinguisher that is certified by a Certification Body accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council. A Dry Chemical Powder fire extinguisher can be used to extinguish many types of household incipient fires. The list of authorised fire extinguisher dealers and servicing workshops is listed on the SCDF website.

4. Have a first aid kit on hand

A first-aid kit is useful for minor accidents around the house. You can purchase one at a pharmacy. Remember to monitor the expiry dates of the supplies in the kit on a regular basis and replenish them when necessary. The first-aid kit should be stored somewhere so that it can be accessed by adults yet remain out of the reach of children.

Examples of items in a first-aid kit: Tweezers, scissors, thermometer, disposable gloves, bandages, and dressing.

5. Prevent fires

In 2023, there were 970 fires in residential buildings, an increase of 3.7% from 935 fires in 2022, according to SCDF. 

The top three causes of fires in residential buildings are unattended cooking, electrical issues, and the indiscriminate disposal of unwanted items in common areas such as lift lobbies, staircase landings and common corridors. 

To prevent fires from occurring in your kitchen, don’t leave your cooking unattended, even for a short time, and avoid overheating oil to the point where the oil gets hot enough to self-ignite.

In the event of a kitchen stove fire:

• Keep calm and assess the fire. If the fire is too large, call 995 immediately.
• If the fire is manageable, cover the wok or pot with a lid or a large damp towel completely to extinguish the fire.

Fight the fire only if you can and without endangering yourself and others. Otherwise, call 995 immediately.

6. Quickly address falls and other accidents

It’s helpful to know how to deal with common emergencies:

Foreign body ingestion: 

1. Avoid consuming any more food/drinks. This will prevent further dislodging of the ingested object, which could be dangerous.
2. Do not attempt to remove the object or induce vomiting to do so. Without proper equipment, you could end up pushing the object even further in.
3. Call for help early, especially if your child is actively choking or experiencing difficulty breathing.
4. Take note of the ingested object and inform your healthcare provider.

Note: It is not recommended for non-Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) trained parents to attempt the Heimlich Manoeuvre due to the risk of improper indication, as this is only for complete obstruction and poor positioning causing injury to the xiphoid (the smallest part of the sternum).

Fall from height with head injury:

1. Ensure your child is safely out of the way of any further danger.
2. Avoid unnecessary movements within your child’s comfort level, to prevent aggravating any potential spine injuries.
3. Using a clean cloth, apply firm, direct pressure to actively bleeding open wounds to stop the bleeding.
4. Do not attempt to dislodge any foreign objects from the open wound or introduce any other objects, as this may cause further injury.
5. Inform your healthcare provider of the circumstances of the injury, as well as any vomiting or unusual movements observed after the injury.

Other resources that can help keep you and your family safe:

Responders Plus Programme (RPP)

Previously named the Community Emergency Preparedness Programme (CEPP), this is an instructional public education programme that focuses on practical hands-on sessions. It equips participants with essential life-saving skills and knowledge to deal with emergency situations prior to arrival of SCDF.

The RPP has two components – Online and In-Person. The online component is a self-directed e-learning courseware that takes about 45 minutes to complete, and users can navigate it via their digital devices. 

The RPP (In-Person) is a four-hour practical lesson that focus on the hands-on application of the following skill sets:

• Essential Emergency Preparedness Knowledge
• First Aid
• CPR/AED
• Fire Safety and Evacuation Procedure
• SGSecure

Find out more at: scdf.gov.sg/community-volunteers/responders-plus-programme-(rpp)/course.html

myResponder mobile app

This application by SCDF alerts members of the public – also known as Community First Responders (CFRs) – to nearby fire and medical cases, thereby helping to save lives and increase the survival rate for Out-of-Hospital-Cardiac-Arrest (OHCA), as well as mitigate minor fires in the first few critical minutes. The app may also require members of the public to provide onsite information (via submission of photos and videos) for SCDF to gain an understanding of the emergency. Through the “Call 995” button in the app, users can also send their geolocation to SCDF’s 995 Operations Centre, enabling SCDF to dispatch emergency resources to the scene sooner.

Available on the Apple store and Google Play store. To learn more, go to scdf.gov.sg/home/community-volunteers/mobile-applications. 

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The post Know What To Do In A Home Emergency With These Tips From SCDF appeared first on eNSMAN.

Most of us could do with a little extra motivation and encouragement when it comes to doing our part for the planet. That’s where sustainability apps, gadgets and other innovative tech and digital resources come in. These promote green living and environmental awareness, help you improve your sustainability efforts with useful tips and hacks, and even connect you with other people who, like you, are trying to live a more sustainable life. 

Use our guide to help you on your green journey. 

“Rescue” surplus food

According to the National Environment Agency, the total amount of food waste generated in Singapore in 2022 was 813,000 tonnes (or about 11% of the total waste generated). It’s a slightly lower figure compared to 2021, but that’s still a lot of wasted food. 

Enter Treatsure, a local app designed to reduce food waste by redistributing surplus food from restaurants and grocery stores to greenies like you. Their Buffet-in-a-Box, for example, lets you fill a container with leftover dishes from popular hotel buffet spreads for just over $10. Need to stock up on groceries? Simply browse products from various merchants on the app, add what you want to your cart, pay for your purchases, and confirm a time slot for delivery or pickup. Treatsure doesn’t just help you stop good food from going to the landfill, it also brings your food costs down and gives you the opportunity to try new dishes and food products. 

Download Treatsure from the App Store or Google Play Store. Find out more at treatsure.co.  

Trash to treasure

It’s good to recycle glass and plastic bottles, empty milk cartons, old fabric, cardboard packaging, and other everyday items you no longer have any use for. But what if you could give them to someone who would then transform them into something beautiful or useful? Upcircle is the perfect app to help you connect with these creators – individuals who are making a difference through their initiatives: collecting pre-loved items to contribute to the underprivileged; upcycling packaging for their businesses; creating art installations while minimising the use of new resources; and so much more. With Upcircle it’s easy to do your part for the circular economy and keep certain items out of our landfills and oceans. 

Download Upcircle from the App Store or Google Play Store. Find out more at upcircle.app. 

Reduce your carbon footprint

A carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases that are generated by our actions. There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint, from buying energy-efficient appliances and driving less, to eating sustainably and choosing organic and local produce. 

The homegrown Capture app empowers you to track, reduce and remove your carbon footprint by encouraging you to adopt a climate-friendly lifestyle. Get tips on how to build sustainable habits, calculate​ your personalised monthly carbon dioxide target, enable GPS tracking to help the app automatically predict emissions from your daily journeys, get real-time feedback on your progress, and more. The platform provides you with a gamified learning experience with in-app challenges and sustainable lifestyle programmes and even allows you to earn rewards. 

Download Capture from the App Store or Google Play Store. Find out more at thecapture.club. 

Here are more apps to help you lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

Save water and energy while you shower

What if you could slash your utility bills and conserve water at the same time? The Ariston Aures Luxury ST33 Electric Instant Water Heater allows you to do just that. It features constant temperature technology, which ensures a stable and consistent temperature throughout your shower, saving you more than 16.4% on your utility bills. 

The water heater boasts an elegant and contemporary Italian design, and has a total safety system as well as a smart anti-scalding system and a shower head with five spray options. 

Learn more at ariston.com/en-sg/products/electric-water-heaters/instant/aures-luxury-st33. 

SAFRA members get 5% off all Ariston storage and instant water heaters plus free compressed towels (worth $12.90 each) with any purchase. Present a valid SAFRA card/e-card to enjoy this promotion. For terms and conditions, click on safra.sg/promotions/ariston.

Eco-friendly essentials under one roof

The Green Collective SG is a community of sustainable brand owners and eco-conscious consumers and businesses – a “green kampung”, if you will, one in which everyone has a part to play in creating a more sustainable future. Here, you’ll find a wide range of vegan snacks and beverages; clothes and accessories; makeup, haircare and skincare; home fragrances; tableware; cleaning supplies; and pet food – products that help you live a better life while also being kind to the planet.

Learn more and shop at thegreencollective.sg. 

Get in touch with nature

Forest bathing is a slow and gentle way to connect with the green environment and appreciate all the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Studies have found that forest bathing is a good stress reliever and may even strengthen your immune system and help with common health issues like anxiety and depression.  

Klook, which specialises in tours, activities and experiences, offers a four-hour-long Forest Bathing & High Tea experience by Singapore’s pioneering and certified Forest Therapy Guide(s) from Xiu Nature Connections. Indulge in a slow, restful, nature-connected afternoon through the lush green oasis of Labrador Park, followed by a delectable high tea (with free flow premium coffee and tea) in a colonial bungalow. Tour prices start at $430 (for a minimum of two people). 

Get more details at klook.com/en-SG/activity/66450-forest-bathing-high-tea.  

Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!

The post Find More Ways To Go Green With These Apps & Gadgets appeared first on eNSMAN.

Who doesn’t love to travel? But sadly, not all of us can afford to trot the globe whenever we wish. While you’re saving up for that big romantic gesture overseas, these travel-in-situ date ideas should help satisfy your wanderlust in any season.

Pretend you’re in Japan at this secret scenic spot

Okay, it’s not really a secret, but Singapore Quarry is arguably one of the ‘roads less travelled by’, as poet Robert Frost once opined. You’re probably familiar with Little Guilin at Bukit Batok Town Park or the disused quarries on Pulau Ubin, but are you aware of this one within Dairy Farm Nature Park in Bukit Timah?

Just a five-minute walk from Rail Mall, this former granite quarry surrounded by lush greenery is ideal for a romantic date. Between the imposing cliffs and the picturesque oasis, it’s easy to imagine yourselves in more exotic locales beyond our shores. Walk hand in hand on the wooden deck and capture stunning shots for the ‘gram. You might even spot gorgeous birds and wildlife along the way.

Does the lake look really inviting? Don’t jump in! Get your splash on at Wild Wild Wet instead, because SAFRA members enjoy 10% off Day Passes. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/wild-wild-wet

100 Dairy Farm Road, Singapore 679057; nparks.gov.sg

Eat your way through Taiwan’s night markets in Singapore

According to Skyscanner’s 2024 Travel Trends report, Taipei ranks third on the top 10 destinations for Singapore travellers with the biggest year-on-year increase in searches. But if rising inflation means it’ll be a while before you can visit its iconic night markets, don’t fret. Take your beloved to TaiWan Night Markets at Cineleisure instead.

Presenting the highlights of Taiwanese street food culture, it’s a foodcourt where you get to satisfy all your cravings under one roof. And you don’t even have to wait till the evening. Fill up on oyster mee sua and Taiwanese sausage with sticky rice. Or snack on scallion pancakes and QQ sweet potato balls. Don’t miss the famous Super Nutritious Sandwich and Taipei Bridge Oil Rice too!

Need a Taiwanese bubble tea fix? Then you’ll be glad to know that SAFRA members enjoy 5% off at most Gong Cha outlets. Find out more at  safra.sg/promotions/gongcha

#B1-01 Cineleisure, 8 Grange Road, Singapore 239695; taiwannightmarkets.com

Tour a farm like in Italy or New Zealand

It’s no surprise that city slickers like us look for farmstays when we travel. After all, how else are we supposed to learn to appreciate where our food comes from? But as appealing as thoughts of harvesting olives or plucking grapes are, such idyllic trips can cost a fair penny. Thankfully, an affordable alternative awaits at Singapore’s very first sustainable urban farm.

Open Farm Community conducts farm tours on most Fridays and Saturdays. Each tour takes just about 30 minutes, after which you can savour some of the produce you encounter. The true farm-to-table dining experience is not only meaningful, but is also a multi-sensorial one, where you get to touch, smell and taste homegrown herbs and vegetables.

130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819; openfarmcommunity.com/farm-tour

Immerse in K-pop culture with a photo shoot

These days, all you need are a few camera tricks, the right backdrops and some clever props to simulate your #travelgoals on Instagram and TikTok. And thanks to DIY photobooth concepts like Solace Studios, you don’t even need a fancy DSLR camera. Ready to get creative and cosy up in front of the camera?

For the most options, head to their newest outlet at 73 Haji Lane, which boasts tons of props and nine photobooths over two levels. You can even recreate elevator scenes from your favourite K-drama. Kawaii-fy your photos with adorable 4-cut photo strips designed by local artist, avocagoh for the perfect date souvenir.

Spiffy up before you meet your date for a photoshoot – SAFRA members enjoy 20% off services at Splice Barbershop. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/splicebarbershop

73 & 30 Haji Lane & #02-90 Lucky Plaza; instagram.com/solacestudios.sg

Gaze at the galaxy at the Andromeda Observatory

Extra-terrestrial leisure travel may be out of reach for mere mortals for now, but don’t let that stop you from exploring outer space from a distance. You may be familiar with Science Centre Singapore’s observatory, but did you know that there’s one in Woodlands too? In fact, Woodlands Galaxy CC is home to the second largest telescope in Singapore.

For just $1 per person, you can visit the Andromeda Observatory on Friday nights from 7.30 to 9.30 pm, barring inclement weather. There, you can peer through the 3000 mm telescope and see if you can identify the Milky Way or each other’s astrological sign. It doesn’t get much more romantic than that, surely.

Learn more about our universe with a subscription to National Geographic Magazine. SAFRA members enjoy up to 45% off. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/national-geographic-magazine

31 Woodlands Avenue 6; bio.site/galaxyastroclub

Go back in time with a movie under the stars

A few generations back, open-air drive-in movie theatres were a popular date night option for paktor-ing couples. Why not turn back the clock with Nightflix Somerset? This initiative by *SCAPE takes place on the first Saturday of every month from 7:30pm at the Somerset Youth Park, and it’s not only free, but even includes free popcorn and ice cream!

Simply register for each screening to secure your spot and bring along a picnic mat or folding chairs. Don’t forget headphones too, because you’ll be enjoying a ‘silent’ movie – instead of contributing to sound pollution! The movie titles will be released online each month. Recent screenings include Legally Blonde in March, and 500 Days of Summer earlier this month.

Want to catch a new release instead? SAFRA members enjoy special discounts on MovieMax Member rates and Combo Sets at Shaw Theatres, while SAFRA NSF get discounted movie tickets and combo sets every Tuesday. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/shaw-theatres and safra.sg/promotions/nsf-tuesday-movie-special 

121 Somerset Road; scape.sg/event/nightflix

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The post 6 Free and Affordable Travel-in-Singapore Date Ideas  appeared first on eNSMAN.

Starting a new job as a young adult can feel pretty exciting. You get to work with different people and learn new things, and for the first time in your life, you may be earning more money than you ever have. 

It can be tempting to want to spend your pay cheque on clothes, holidays and social activities. And while it’s perfectly fine to treat yourself, it’s also important to be smart with your money so that you can set yourself up for a more financially stable tomorrow.  

Here, we share eight tips to grow your nest egg, plan for a wealthier future, and spend your money wisely. 

1. Plan your financial future

The financial habits you form in your 20s tend to stick with you as you get older, so ask yourself where you want to end up, 20 or 30 years from now with regard to your money situation, says Andrea Kennedy, a certified financial planner and finance behaviour specialist at Wiser Wealth. Do you want to feel financially secure and in control of your money, or do you want to be drowning in debt? Old habits die hard, so decide from now what habits you want to cultivate. 

Life is also unpredictable, so don’t assume that things will always be as they are now. Plan both for opportunity and the unexpected, she adds. 

Andrea’s next tip is to decide who influences your money decisions. Are you listening to people who have your best interests at heart and can guide you in the right direction, or to people who are going to send you down a rabbit hole of poor financial choices and self-defeat?  

Finally, she says that while growing your CPF funds is a good starting point for securing your financial future, it’s not enough. She advises you to decide how much you want to save for retirement and to start investing early to boost your CPF savings.

2. Forget budgeting, just be a smart saver

It’s good to save money but even better to invest those savings. If you still live at home, you are likely to have fewer financial responsibilities and can therefore afford to put more money aside every month. 

“If you earn, say, $5,000, and $1,000 of that goes to your CPF account, save and invest 20 to 30 per cent of the remaining amount from the get-go,” Andrea explains. 

Think of this as paying yourself first. If you have bigger financial goals, you can always save more. 

“That leaves you with some spending money and money to help your family, and forces you to decide how to best use the balance,” Andrea continues. 

“It’s a type of forced savings exercise that makes you confront your spending. This is far more effective than budgeting.”

3. Don’t wait to save and invest; start now

Saving in and of itself does not keep your money on pace with inflation, which is why it makes more sense to invest your money, says Andrea. 

Even if you earn an average income, if you start investing from a young age you’ll have more time to grow your wealth and be well on the way to becoming a high net-worth individual when you’re older. 

“Starting early also means that if you lose your job or your income takes a hit, you may be able to get through a year or two of unemployment without it affecting your retirement,” Andrea adds.  

Find out more about the fundamentals of investing – how, when and what to start with on your investment journey.

4. Create an emergency fund

You never know when you may need to come up with a substantial amount of money, whether for a health or family crisis or some other type of emergency. Rather than dip into your savings, it’s a good idea to set up a separate emergency fund that you can access if the need arises. 

Andrea suggests putting aside two months’ worth of expenses if you’re still living at home with your family. Depending on your circumstances you may want to save more. She recommends investing this money in term deposits. 

Here’s how to figure out how much you should have in your emergency fund.

5. Buy quality over quantity

Whether it’s clothing, accessories, gadgets or home appliances, high-quality products give you more bang for your buck because they last longer – this means you’re less likely to have to replace them every few months or years, thereby saving more money in the long run. Buying high-quality items needn’t always translate to buying designer brands or even spending a lot of money; it just means choosing products that are timeless and well-made and that you know you’ll use for years to come, rather than a cheaper version that will fall apart or go out of style after a short time. 

6. Take advantage of discounts and deals

As a SAFRA member, you’re entitled to a range of discounts and deals on everything from holidays, cruises and accommodation, to food and beverages, movie tickets, clothes and footwear, gifts, spa treatments, gym memberships, music lessons and more. Find out more about signing for SAFRA membership here, and for current promotions, check out safra.sg/promotions. 

7. Join loyalty/reward programmes

Loyalty or reward programmes help members save money by way of discounts, cash back, member or VIP perks, redeemable points, free shipping, free returns and so on. Take some time to research those programmes that you feel you’ll get the most out of – usually from brands and companies that you tend to spend the most money with or shop at the most often. Think airlines, department stores, specialty stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, bookstores, hotels and restaurants, for example.

Learn how to maximise your savings with these shopping hacks.

8. Timing matters

Planning a holiday? Take advantage of cheaper airline fares and hotel accommodation during the low travel season (typically outside of school and festive holidays). You can also get discounts to attractions and places of interest during off-peak hours. And shopping at local markets and street shops in the early mornings or late evenings can give you better deals, as vendors are more open to negotiation when there are fewer customers around. 

Check out our tips to save money on holiday planning.

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