Intelligence is Value

After working your butt off, you finally got a well-deserved raise. Popping an expensive bottle of wine may seem the right thing to do after hearing the good news, but slow down your celebration thoughts first and think of how your extra money will be beneficial for you in the long run. We don’t mean that you shouldn’t splurge a little, but take time to think about your financial and personal goals. Whether you got a small or big raise, we’re here to suggest six smart things that you can do with your extra cash.

1. Add it to Your Retirement Fund

You probably know that contributing to your retirement fund is a good idea, especially since most employers in Singapore tend to match contributions to a certain percentage. But what you might forget is that every time you get a raise, you should also increase the amount of your contributions since when your salary increases so does the amount of contribution your employer will match. If you contribute S$100 dollars every month, you’ll get S$1,200 in a year. In 40 years, you have already saved S$48,000 dollars (these doesn’t include the contributions of your employer).

2. Pay Your Student Loans

For you to invest your money in the future, you first need to pay off your previous debts. Pay more than the minimum requirement on your student loans to avoid paying more interest than you need to. Although it won’t make your life easier, signing up for auto-salary deductions will also help you save some money. Most lenders also offer an interest reduction if you sign up on their automatic monthly payments.

3. Deal With Your Credit Card Debt

If you’re already paying the monthly minimum of your credit card, then that’s a great start. If you want to speed up the elimination of your debt, however, then consider sending your monthly increase to your credit card company. If you’re already living comfortably before receiving the raise, simply pretend you didn’t get one at all. You’ll feel so much better once you’re debt-free – then you can start enjoying your raise guilt-free.

4. Set an Emergency Fund

You’ll never know when bad luck may strike. Car trouble, health issues, or your partner losing a job are some life events stressful enough without having to worry about money as well. Prevent this happening by creating an emergency fund with your raise, and when the time comes you’ll need to use it, you can easily take a deep breath knowing that you’re safe for now. Financial experts advise saving enough to cover four to six months’ worth of expenses. Even if you’ll never use this fund, having it around will surely give you much peace of mind.

5. Prepare for Life-Changing Events

First comes marriage, followed by a baby, and then lots of extra expenses. If a house, a wedding, or a child is on your horizon, then consider sending your extra money to a special savings account. Keeping your extra funds in a separate account will prevent you from accidentally using it. You can also use finance programs like Mint to assist you in setting goals based on certain dates and help you decide on the amount of contribution you’ll give each month.

6. Invest in Yourself

There are a lot of ways of investing that doesn’t involve gold, oil or property. Investing in your future and well-being are some of the smarter ways to use your money. Use your raise to further your education, develop your career, or benefit your health to reap its rewards now and in the future. Taking an online course about a new skill, or signing up for a weekly yoga session are some of the ways on how you can use your extra money to nurture your well-being.

Getting a raise definitely calls for a celebration, but before you go out and start partying, think about how you’ll be able to smartly use your extra cash. Learning how to spend your money on the right things will surely help in preparing you for the future – and watching your piggy bank fill up can also be one gratifying experience!

Sometimes in our life, we find a song that perfectly describes exactly what we’re going through. Many of these times, we find songs seem tells our own love stories, whether it’s a good one or one that breaks the heart. But since the music of today’s generation are a bit different unlike the old times still there are songs that accurately describes our own stories added with great tune and perfect lyrics.

One of the most popular singer-songwriters of today’s generation is Meghan Trainor, an American artist who writes good relatable songs that many young people adore. Raised in Massachusetts, Trainor strived for success for a long time before finally signing a record deal with Epic Records with her album Title. Since then, Trainor has been making a lot of new in the music industry with her wonderful songs and cool lyrics.

Here are 5 songs written by Meghan Trainor which perfectly describes and tells the story of different love scenarios where everyone can relate to:

1. Sometimes it is best to let go of someone for their good (My Selfish Heart). The song entitled My Selfish Heart perfectly re-tells a story of someone letting go of a special person simply because he or she knows that they deserve someone better than each other. In real life, there will always be a point in our life where we just have to let go of someone because we know that we are not the perfect one for who deserves them. True right?

2. Moving on is really hard to do (3 AM). In the song 3AM, the singer tells a story of how she wakes up 3 in the morning and still thinking whether her former lover texted him and she ends up thinking about him all day, showing how hard it is to move on. In life, moving on is one of the hardest things to do especially when you love someone so much that no matter how much hate you’ve got for them, still love conquers you.

3. When you love someone, you’ve got to love them that much (Like I’m Gonna Lose You). This song is one of the most successful songs of Meghan Trainor simply because it tells of a love so deep, so pure and so true that kind of love where you treasure and cherish each other till infinity and forever. In reality, we always have that someone we will love our whole life, the kind of love where we will love them that big as if we’re going to lose them.

4. We always have that someone that got away (Mr. Almost). Almost is a song that tells a story of someone who almost fell in love with another person, though they never really did end up with each other but they felt the spark and the kind of excitement and rush you feel when you are in love. But when things aren’t really meant to happen, it will never ever happen. Sometimes in our life we all have that someone that got away – the one who took a piece of us but never really stayed. That someone who almost made us whole but is never really meant to stay there forever.

There are people who enjoy the pleasure and joy of having a romantic partner, while there are others who enjoy the independence of being single. Some people find being single a very devastating situation wherein you have no one to hang-out and be with every time. But for some, being single is all fun and adventure.

A study in 2014 showed that 84.4 percent of Singaporean men ages 25–29 stayed single, while the number was 71.6 percent for Singaporean women in the same age bracket. It can be concluded that most of young Singaporeans are single and they’re only growing in number as time goes by. There are certainly some perks in being a single, and here are five reasons why being single is fun when you’re young.

1. You have the money and you got to spend them all by yourself. Booyah! If you are single, you have a work and you have quite the life – then you are living the life. When you are single, you can spend your money all by yourself without thinking of buying anything for your bae. You can have your needs and have your wants all at the same time.

2. You have a lot more control of your time. You have a lot more time for yourself. Time is certainly in your hands because you have no one who needs you to wake up early or the like. You can sleep and wake up anytime you like – you’re free and you can definitely do that.

3. You can go wherever you want and do whatever you want to do. When you’re single, you’re as free as a bird. You can go places that you like because you don’t have to consider your partner’s option. If you are single, you can go to places you want to visit, and you have the freedom to do things exactly you want them to be. You can explore places, hike mountains, surf seas, engage in any activity that you or, if you prefer, just stay at home and enjoy a warm cup of tea and a good movie.

4. You are free to meet and mingle with new people. Meeting and mingling with anyone is your pleasure because you need not hold back for someone in your life. You can go have fun, talk with strangers, meet new interesting people every day because that is one of the things that singles can enjoy. Without anyone stopping you and telling you not to meet this and that because you already have someone in your life.

5. You have no one to be stressed about. The greatest pleasure a single person can enjoy is being free from all the stresses and drama that being in a relationship brings. Stressing out over the feelings of your partner, whether they’re happy, sad, resentful, excited, down, frustrated or any other mix of emotion is never a problem. You don’t have to feel guilty and sorry for your partner and feel the need to pamper them all the time. Well, all you have to think of is you and your life greatest events.

Who is happy being lied to? When we are projecting false emotions and being inauthentic with our words, our verbal and non-verbal behaviors disintegrate that will eventually result to the truest form of lie. Some lies hurt, while others will leave you cheated but not pissed such as White lies. For example, we all have friends who say they left home already and is about to meet us in 20 minutes only to find out they’re still in the shower. Surprisingly, according to a survey, this is one of the greatest white lies Singaporeans hear almost every day!

In a more serious context, A person who is trying to conceal his feelings for example, may command his gestures but will find it difficult to control his facial muscles, which are, considered to be the least obedient when it comes to covering a passing emotion.

Under those circumstances, it cannot be denied that the truth reveals itself through one’s actions and not necessarily words. So what are the surefire yet subtle signs that tell our bodies betray us when we lie?

1. Head Movement is Out of Sync

When someone is lying, the timing of what he is saying and what he is expressing are usually a mismatch. A common sign to this is when a person is shaking his head signifying a “no” while responding yes to a question. Same is true when saying “I like it” supported by a frown for a box of chocolates.

2. Shoulders

Shoulders are more often overlooked when we speak of non-verbal psychology but how shoulders look or move is a key component for those who are intending to prey on us. This body part can betray anyone who is lying or is lacking confidence to what he is saying. For example, a person may positively confirm something while at the same time his shoulders or maybe just one shoulder slowly rise up an inch, this may indicate uncertainty which is an opposite to what is being said. So take some time to do people watching and take a good look at the language shoulders.

3. Direction of One’s Eyes

They say that eyes are the windows to the soul and therefore, it is not a healthy place for deception. For instance, the manner in which the person opts to move his eyes has something to do with what he is trying to remember or make up. One of the pretty common eye directions to observe is when a person is asked a question and looks toward his top right corner, it’s considered that he is trying to recall a particular memory. If however, the person looks up to their top left, he is using his visual imagination to construct or make things up but this tends to be the other way around for left-handed persons.

Pupils, on the other hand, are the only body part that we don’t have complete control of. They either dilate or contract depending on our emotional state. For example, dilated pupils are strongly related to love or romance, when someone is aroused, interested or excited, this dilation is very much evident that deep eye gazing to the opposite sex impossibly irresistible. Contracted pupils however reveal our negative mood towards something or someone.

4. Say Cheese!

Did you know that a person’s smile and wrinkles in the corner beside his eyes are both determinants to distinguish a genuine and fake smile? True smiles create marked wrinkles beside the eyes while false ones only create crinkly eye effect or the ones we usually see when photographers say cheese! Furthermore, smiles are classified to different kinds: One of the common smiles is the tight lipped or concealment of teeth. This is not often used by liars but usually means a polite smile by someone who is trying to be nice. Smirking or two-faced effect can display either sarcasm or half-hearted smile. Teeth display is considered the most convincing smile as it makes the person look happier and positive.

5. Blinking

On an average, a relaxed blinking of a person ranges from 6 to 8 blinks in a minute and people who are under discomfort or pressure especially in the case of lying will most likely increase it dramatically.

While there are still many indicators on how our own body language contradicts what we sometimes make up and portray, what is truly certain is that lies, in order to appear believable, requires hard work. After all, our body language speaks more than words.

Behind the busy streets, city lights and fast-paced lifestyle in Singapore, couples do search for well-deserved getaway spots to celebrate love and quality time. While many seem to think that the city has less romantic hub, they are just in for a big surprise as it uncovers the best places to get romantically glued and visually hooked up. So go head over heels with your other half as you visit these places to fall in love for.

The Anderson Bridge of Love

As lovebirds seek for some privacy while setting a romantic mood under the moonlit night, there’s no better place to stay than the Anderson Bridge across the Singapore River. Experience the most romantic treat with the breathtaking scenery the place offers.

Fort Canning Park of Memories

One of Singapore’s renowned romantic landmarks, this venue provides quiet time for romantic duo while strolling around the country’s historical traces.

Glass Top Dream Boat Ride

Be captivated as you and your darling cruise hand in hand across the Singapore River. The boat itself is made of a glass top which sets a more romantic experience while sailing and getting a glimpse of the country’s vast historical heritage.

The Spa Botanica

What could be more relaxing than getting it literally? Take an escape of the busy life with your loved one as you unwind in the Sentosa happening. The spa offers relaxing mud pools, bath and floral treatments you can share and enjoy with your love interest.

“Durian” The Esplanade

This popular place is where dramas and arts are performed. With its romantic ambiance and lighting, this is a surefire way to impress and captivate your better half. Catch the breeze blowing and live performances at the Waterfront that’ll give you artsy experience and earn you romantic points.

Christmas is the happiest time of the year and here in Singapore, it is the start of festivities leading to New Year. The merriment is undeniable but through it all, we have to be aware that Christmas is also considered one of the most dangerous times of the year.

Here in Singapore, accidents during Christmas happen and sometimes we do not know what to do and how to prevent it. This article will help us deal with Christmas misfortunes. It is crucial that we identify the common dangers of Christmas and how to keep our families safe during Christmas – or at any time of the year.

Here are the tips for keeping the family safe this Christmas:

1. Avoid fire: Many house fire cases happen during Christmas. The reason behind these fires include faulty fairy lights and burning of candles. If left unattended for a long time, it will surely lead to fire. To avoid the fire, you should buy quality fairy lights and do not overexpose it.
2. Cut down drinking: Festive drinking is normal during the holidays but it can lead to road or traffic accidents. Never endeavour driving drunk. If you must go home, at least consider a designated driver or just take a cab. Do not risk it for the sake of the car. You can endanger other people’s lives not just your own.
3. Keep the first aid stocked: Falls and burns are also common during Christmas. Decorating sometimes lead to injuries so it is imperative that you keep your first aid stocked and within arm’s reach. You need to administer first aid. If you are not yet oriented with simple first aid steps, it is time that you know how to use it so you can deal with sprains, strains and broken bones.
4. Keep calm: You intend to throw a party and you are anxious. There is nothing wrong with that but when stress boils over, it is time to pause and keep calm.
5. Cook thoroughly: You heard of food poisoning during Christmas and it is very serious. With this, it is important that you administer food safety tips that can make a difference at the end of the day from simple things like looking for the ‘use before’ label to complicated things like sanitizing your tools and utensils.

We have to take a second to ponder through the potential dangers mentioned above. It is important that we be wary all throughout the season.