Surprising Success on Lemon8 - A Fair Platform for All

We were surprised by Lemon8. We thought it was just another platform for influencers' short videos and posts. So, we shared our thoughts without expecting many views. But to our surprise, some of our posts got over 10,000 views.

Then we went to a workshop in March and learned how Lemon8's algorithm works. We were happy to find out that Lemon8 treats everyone equally. It's not just about having lots of followers; the algorithm is fair to everyone. That's good news for everyone.

Another surprise was when we happily posted about our trips and joined the "# challenge," and our profile was chosen to win $100 from PostIn3.

It seems like Lemon8 listened to our feedback and created another challenge that everyone can relate to.

These experiences show that people at Lemon8 care about their users by being fair to everyone.

So, we'll keep posting there, hoping our posts can help someone with relationships, finances, and travel. 

🇸🇬Green & Clean Singapore: A Journey to Sustainable Living - Earn Up to $10 Vouchers

Recycling plays a crucial role in Singapore's sustainability efforts. Not only does it benefit the environment, but it also aligns with the goals outlined in Singapore's Green Plan 2023, particularly the aim to reduce landfill waste by 30% by 2030, which is just six years away.

To do your part, make sure to recycle your unwanted items in the appropriate bins. Here are three common items often disposed of incorrectly:

1. Rubber shoes

2. E-waste

3. Clothes

These items should not be tossed into the blue bins located beneath your units.

Green & Clean Singapore | A Journey to Sustainable Living -  Earn Up to $10 Vouchers -

But where should you drop off these items? 

And did you know you can earn vouchers in the process?

1. Rubber shoes - Download the Alba app to earn points for discounts and vouchers.

2. E-waste - Recycle at Alba's E-drives and receive a $2 voucher.

3. Clothes - Fill up Zalora's form and get a $10 cashback.

This initiative is perfect timing for your spring cleaning! 😉

Here's the Zalora link for clothes donation:

https://goto.zalora.com/donate

And don't forget to use my referral code for the Alba App:

STEP24749188a082 to receive 1000 bonus CO2 points when signing up.

Thank you for your contribution to making Singapore greener!

CHECK THIS OUT! 

Accommodation Excellence

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

Bonus Tip: Zalora for OOTD Goals!

Oh, and speaking of dreams, let's talk OOTD (Outfit of the Day) goals. Head over to Zalora for some jaw-dropping fashion finds. Click [here] to explore and snag those Instagram-worthy outfits for your trip. A fashionable adventure awaits!

Citibank Credit Card Perks: Free Flight + Free Luxury Perfumes

We often share with our blog readers the benefits of using the Citibank PremierMiles Card. We've redeemed plane tickets for trips to the US (2016 & 2019) and Europe (2023), opting for Qatar Airways this time for two compelling reasons: they offer great value for our miles and boast the perfect ETA for Zurich.

But the excitement doesn't end with complimentary flights; Qatar Airways surprised us with a generous welcome gift – 45,000 Avios points.

Avios points offer versatile options:
1. Flights and upgrades
2. Hotel bookings
3. Shopping

For this particular trip, we opted to splurge our points at Qatar Duty Free, bidding farewell to Qatar Airways. Stay tuned for our next post detailing why we won't be boarding Qatar Airways again. Plus, with Avios points expiring and no imminent trips planned to the Middle East or Europe, it made sense to indulge.

Citibank Credit Card Perks: Free Flight + Free Luxury Perfumes

Curious about our haul?
Here's what we snagged:
1. Ralph Lauren Polo Sport - 19 QAR
2. Eau des Merveilles Bleue Eau de toilette - 535 QAR
3. Ralph’s Club Elixir - 555 QAR

The grand total? A fantastic sum in 1,109 QAR or SGD408! If Qatar Airways is on your radar, be sure to explore their membership system for added perks! 

CHECK THIS OUT! 

Accommodation Excellence

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

Bonus Tip: Zalora for OOTD Goals!

Oh, and speaking of dreams, let's talk OOTD (Outfit of the Day) goals. Head over to Zalora for some jaw-dropping fashion finds. Click [here] to explore and snag those Instagram-worthy outfits for your trip. A fashionable adventure awaits!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Realistic Travel Budget | Free Google Sheet Template

Planning your dream trip? Exciting times await, but let’s talk about a crucial first step – creating a budget. Fear not, we've got you covered! By the end of this guide, not only will you be a budgeting pro, but you'll also have access to a handy tool – our free Travel Budget Google Sheets. Ready? Let's dive in!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Realistic Travel Budget | Free Google Sheet Template

Step 1: Define Your Travel Style and Priorities
Before crunching numbers, think about your travel style. Are you a luxury traveler, a budget backpacker, or somewhere in between? List your priorities – whether it's exploring local cuisine, staying in comfortable accommodations, or splurging on activities.

Step 2: Research Destination Costs
Each destination has its own cost factors. Research accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and miscellaneous expenses. Realistic estimations help prevent budgetary surprises.

Step 3: Calculate Transportation Costs
Consider flights, local transportation, and any travel passes you might need. Check for budget-friendly airlines and explore various routes to find the most cost-effective options.

Step 4: Accommodation Expenses
Research accommodation options – hotels, hostels, or vacation rentals. Factor in the number of nights you plan to stay and any additional fees. Pro tip: Booking in advance often yields better deals.

Step 5: Daily Expenses for Food and Activities
Plan your daily budget for meals and activities. Be realistic but leave room for unexpected treats or experiences. Street food can be both delicious and budget-friendly!

Step 6: Miscellaneous Expenses
Don't forget the small stuff – visa fees, travel insurance, and unforeseen expenses. Allocate a portion of your budget for these essentials.

Step 7: Emergency Fund
Life is unpredictable. Include a buffer for emergencies or unexpected expenses. It's your safety net for peace of mind during your journey.

Step 8: Use Our Free Travel Budget Google Sheets
Now, here comes the exciting part! We've prepared a user-friendly Travel Budget Google Sheets for you. It's designed to streamline your budgeting process, providing categories and automatic calculations.

Make a COPY to Your Free Travel Budget Google Sheets

CLICK ABOVE

Step 9: How to Use the Budget Sheet
Open the link and make a copy of the Google Sheets document.
Input your estimated expenses in the relevant categories.
The sheet will automatically calculate your total budget and track your expenses.

Crafting a realistic budget is like building the foundation for your dream trip. By understanding your priorities and using our free Travel Budget Google Sheets, you're taking a significant step toward a worry-free adventure. Happy budgeting, and may your journey be as incredible as you imagine!

CHECK THIS OUT! 

Accommodation Excellence

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

Bonus Tip: Zalora for OOTD Goals!

Oh, and speaking of dreams, let's talk OOTD (Outfit of the Day) goals. Head over to Zalora for some jaw-dropping fashion finds. Click [here] to explore and snag those Instagram-worthy outfits for your trip. A fashionable adventure awaits!

Buying Silver Bars at BullionStar Singapore

ABBEY: It’s Christmas time and my wife keeps on asking me what I want as gift. Good thing she found one: a silver bar. I asked her why silver and not gold. The explanation brought me to the doors of BullionStar. 

The first thing I felt when I’m inside the store is that it is welcoming. You can check the items for sale like gold and silver bars and coins as well without someone snooping around you. Their staff also help us to narrow down our choices for the items we will buy. I was very happy at the feel of the element on my palm. 

And you know what made me more happy? The price surge after we bought it. Haha. Merry Christmas indeed.

Buying Silver Bars at BullionStar Singapore

Buying Silver Bars at BullionStar Singapore

WILL: Expensive shirts, shoes, bags, or even an authentic leather belt, those are the usual gifts we are giving to our partners right? But those do not last long, don’t  hold a value, and of course not a real investment. I am unemployed last 2020 and that is why I started how to stretch the value of my money. A gift that I will benefit too. Haha! 

I look on investments but Abbey have most of it..EXCEPT..except commodities. So I have done some research and finally decided that I will buy Abbey silver bars.  

*Do you know that Singapore won’t require you to have a vault or safety box before buying any commodities? 

*Do you know that you can buy silver/gold/platinum in Singapore tax free? Well now you know.

We went to BullionStar and it was a really nice experience. We walked in and told the cashier that it was our first time to buy a silver. So the staff patiently answered all our questions. He also helped us to register our account and advised that we got a free one ounce of silver due to the sign-up.

Our experience at BullionStar is superb and now I do not wonder why there’s a number of visitors when we visited the store. Definitely recommendable to checkout BullionStar if you are thinking to buy your silver/gold/platinum.

***

BullionStar Singapore

(W) https://www.bullionstar.com/

(H) Mon to Thu: 11AM - 7PM / Fri: 11AM - 5PM / Sat: 10AM - 2PM / SUN: CLOSED 

(A) 45 New Bridge Rd, Singapore 059398

(T) 6284 4653

Singapore Condo - Lipat Bahay | Buhay Expat

ABBEY: We recently moved to a new place as our previous contract expired. It was a nice and peaceful 3-year stay as the unit is closed to anything I like; mall, grocery, park and airport. There are few things that were brought up upon moving out. Partly my mistake for not clearing things up. First is the professional cleaning. This is the first time we were asked to have the unit cleaned with receipts. Our previous landlords were satisfied with only us cleaning it. We even got a feedback that the unit is so clean as if nobody occupied it. Next is the dry cleaning of curtains. The agent told before the unit is handed over to us these two were things done. Third is the parquet sanding and varnishing. I get it but if it’s a normal wear and tear then no need for us to pay. I felt that I’m held “hostage” as I my security deposit is withheld until all the damages will be repaired.

I understand the point of the landlord but we also need the deposit in full for the new place.

Anyways since that happened before the holidays and I  want to finish the saga before my vacation, we caved in. Thanks to my understanding housemates.

Our new place is great; out of the hustle and bustle of busy neighborhood. But the catch is it is somehow remote. Grocer shops are there but of limited items. A mall is 10-15mins of travel which means my fastfood fix is thru delivery only. They provide free shuttle service to and from MRT station and also have the usual condominium amenities; bbq pit, gym, steam room, tennis court and pool.

We had a difficult time finding a new home that fits our budget and preferences but I can say I’m enjoying my stay. This is also the first time for us to have housemates from different part of the world.

WILL: One of the challenges of being an expat is looking for a house that you can call it a home. For 10 years of stay in Singapore, we changed house for about 6 times. The reasons? Well...

Compassvale: July 2009- end of contract 

Punggol Central: November 2009 - end of contract 

Ridgewood Condo: October 2012 - Cheating Main Tenants 

Compass Heights: April 2015 - Unit was sold 

Parc Centros: Dec 2016 - Landlord needed the unit 

Imagine, packing and unpacking, disinfecting the house and everyting. Oh my gosh! It is quite tiring specially when th last flat we rented deducted to our deposit the curtain’s dry cleaning and professional cleaning which is not indicated in the contract. Varnishing the parquets even they are admitted that is a fair wear and tear. It is indeed a hostage as we can’t do anything but to agree for us to avoid any arguments and headaches. Whew! First time our deposit got deducted. Unforgettable experience and learned a lot on that. 

Now here in Singapore, the new trend is co-living. It excites us. Means the agents is renting out per room and not by whole unit. The monthly rental fee includes everything.. water, electricity and aircon cleaning, oh agents also hires people to clean the whole flat weekly. Yes, even your room. It is a worry-free living in Serangoon. Oh! First time to live with different nationalities too. Our housemates now is a Japanese Chef and Brazilian IT. 

Please do take note of the lesson we’ve learned and be more inquisive on what are to dos when ending the contract. 

Happy Room/Flat Hunting!

52-Week and 12-Month Saving Challenge - (2020) Free Template

Hey 2019! Few more weeks and it is 2020! 


We are tired of hearing and reading the "back to reality" mentality! Why? every vacation, every good food you intake, every spa or massage you you enjoyed, well you deserved it all! 

I, you and we work for it. Sacrificed for it. And most important of it all, we saved for it! 

So here is the video how we afford our yearly travels and escapades..

Stop the "back to reality" mentality and let's all save for our well deserved travel, vacation and relaxation! 

"DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE 52-WEEK CHALLENGE TEMPLATE HERE"

"DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE 12-MONTH CHALLENGE TEMPLATE HERE"

How to use it:
1. Download the excel file.
2. Key-in the amount you want to start with.(inside yellow box)
3. Print
4. Write your GOAL.  
5. Post on room's wall.

Write your "GOAL" on top of the paper because as you put why you aim for that target it will surely drive you to stay and finish this challenge. 

In posting on your wall, we highly recommend it to put that just beside/above/below of your room's light switch. You can see everyday your performance on and if you are still on track.

We do hope that this will help you to learn the habit of saving. See you again on 2018 for a new template :)

To Happiness, Prosperity and Holiness!

**Abbey and Will**

Monopoly Electronic Banking

ABBEY: The Austrias gave us a different version of this board game : Monopoly Electonic Banking. Yes, no cash. Only debit cards. The most expensive title deed is New York and the prices are in millions. Since we will not let each to be the winner, we are closed on deals like trading  and buying properties for us to complete a colored-group to build houses and hotels. So Wilma and I got into an agreement. We can buy properties but thrice its price. :)

It went well. At first I thought I was winning and then I keep on landing to all the airports which she owns and I have to pay 2M. But my trap at the properties near the Free Parking and the White House made her surrender on our first battle. Hooray!

I think she just made me experience it as the next ones are all for her.

Monopoly Electronic Banking

WILL: Ate Abigail gave us a Monopoly Electronic Banking. And afterover a year, we finally found time to play with it. Abbey came out of the rule how we will both play and will not end up biting off each other’s property haha. 

How to play it without the play money? Well, it is easier and time saver. Counting money is quite time consuming haha! And replacing play money with a gadget also took the fear of loss of paper money. 

All in all, I appreciate this replacement. Good job Monopoly! Thanks Ate Abigail, Kuya Victory and ThurThor! You can buy Monopoly Electronic Banking at Toys"R"Us. 

***

Toys"R"Us - VivoCity

1 Harbourfront Walk #02-182/3

52-Week and 12-Month Money Saving Challenge 2018

We hear you!!!

Large number of readers, oh even our relatives told us that it is impractical to withdraw money from the bank just to put in their piggy bank. It creates hassle on their part.

Readers who receives a monthly salary preferred to save per month. Some are comfortable on the traditional weekly savings.

To accommodate both, we generated 52-week and monthly money savings challenge. FREE TO DOWNLOAD. Click the images below. 

12-Month Money Saving Challenge 2018

52-Week Money Saving Challenge 2018

Now, due to upcoming new event for us, we decided to have the monthly savings plan too. This new set-up will bring excitement for both of us and we can dish out our 3 year old Garrett popcorn tin can.

Make money-saving a habit. It’s for your future! 

Singapore FinTech Festival 2017

ABBEY: Singapore held the largest fintech festival last November 13-17 at Expo. We went there on the second day and we were awed by the works being done to further progress the development of new technology in providing financial services. 

Transactions will be lightning-fast, have less fees and more secure. Vulnerabilities will be there and that’s when the specialists comes in. 

Blockchains and crypto currencies are also here to stay. And it is exciting what it will bring in the future. 

Singapore FinTech Festival 2017:NEM Blockchain

Singapore FinTech Festival 2017:
Oracle Digital Banking

Singapore FinTech Festival 2017:
 Monetary Authority Singapore Project Ubin

WILL: Of course, Singapore will not let themselves left behind! Singapore is Asia's hub of big international banks and a major key player in technology in the region. Surpasses all, Singapore organized the largest FinTech in the globe... The Singapore FinTech Festival 2017. 

Monetary Authority Singapore presented to people the Project Ubin. Oracle gladly presented their Digital Banking. IBM have a mini discussion about their Watson Security. Visa booth is full packed and giving away Rubik's Cube. 

NEM and LoyalCoin threw a smile and answered queries on every attendees visited their booth. Finally, a reward system that is 'loyal' to consumers. Imagine, you can get rewards from coffee shop and spend the reward to another store. OR you can convert it to XEM or Bitcoin or fiat money. Kaching! 

What can I say? Technology is moving too fast and we need to adapt and grow. Blockchain is truly disrupting the financial world. Once it is perfected, it will crawl on to the next level.. Supply Chain. 

We are indeed lucky that we are here in Singapore witnessing the biggest transition of 'money' to 'token'. This is exciting. 

No chance to attend this event? Don't fret, as early as now they are already building up for 2018 Singapore Fintech Festival. Keep an eye on it. 

FREE Downloadable Resume Templates

Year end is coming and we are not here to ask you how does your resolutions or your 52-week challenge going. We are here to remind you to check how's your career? 

Are you stuck, idle and unrecognized by your boss? Do you feel bored on your job and you feel that can you do something more or you deserve more benefits? Or you already figured out finally your mission in life and have a concrete decision that you will move on to next dream company/job. 

Here! Like you, we opened up again our CVs and turned the boring paper we had to an exciting and hit-on-the topic content. 

You can download the FREE formats below. 

Free Downloadable CLEAN Resume Template

Free Downloadable GREY Resume Template

Free Downloadable BLUE Resume Template

Let's go through the parts:
PROFILE: This is were you will boast how many years of expertise you have. 

WORK EXPERIENCE: Do not enumerate what you are doing, like answering the phone/emails, but make this part of your paper attractive by keying-in what is the most relevant/problems you solved, how you make the company and client happy. 

TOOLS/SOFTWARES: Be sure that you will only put what is appropriate on the job you are applying.

ACHIEVEMENTS/CERTIFICATIONS: C'mmon! Take pride on the awards you had received. 

TRAININGS: Stick to the your career path. It will not be necessary to put there your crocheting class if you are applying to be the next astronaut going to the moon. 

REFERENCES: Let them know that you dropped their name to be your reference. Do not allow that they will be caught off-guard. 


Hoping that we help many people thinking for a career shift. 
Be happy! We only have ONE LIFE! 'Till next time guys! ---Abbey&Will

Free Downloadable CLEAN Resume Template

Free Downloadable GREY Resume Template 

Free Downloadable BLUE Resume Template 

Chinkee Tan's - Singapore | Be Moneywise: Learn To Protect And Grow Money

ABBEY: At first, I was hesitant to go for Chinkee Tan's talk here in Singapore due to my schedule. But my thirst for learning won. We attended it at AIA Alexandra and I'm glad we did. It reminded me of the things I learned at Millionaire Mind Intensive: to change your mindset, your beliefs and money blueprint. 

My greatest take away is when he said to be contented but not satisfied. This will ensure to pursue greater cause, purpose and dream. 

I also enrolled for his mentorship where I got tons of materials like books and videos for free for a price of 100SGD. Invest in education, learn from the successful ones and be like them. 

Thanks Mr. Chinkee Tan. See you soon! 

Chink+ : Be Moneywise: Learn To Protect And Grow Money

WILL: Chinkee Tan is one of the famous financial speaker in Philippines and we did not let the opportunity pass to see him live when he visited Singapore. His 3-hour seminar was held at AIA Alexandra. 

My greatest take-away was when he told the attendees that "Huwag mong ipilit ang lifestyle mo. And compute the real value ng bawat binibili mo". He also emphasized to group on to three the goals we have in life.. Short, Medium to Long Term Goals. In that you can achieve those step-by-step..little-by-little. He pinpointed out that he was neck-deep on debts when his wife got ill. That is how important the health and medical insurance is. 

Oh! We bought his package to have sessions with him. ;) Can't wait to learn more and be more knowledgeable because of this man.

***

Chinkee Tan – Filipino Motivational Speaker

(W) https://chinkeetan.com

Our Ways to Get Free (or Almost Free) Airline Tickets to USA

ABBEY: Flying to United States for free? Wow. We harnessed the power of our card to collect miles just in time to visit my sister. 

We swiped here and there. Let me make this clear: the miles were accumulated for a number of years. And whenever there is a huge purchase by our friends by cash, we took the cash and then we got our bonus miles without actual spending. 

The miles covered one return ticket. It was a good experience and a very rewarding one. 

Know or befriend your card, spend wisely and reap your reward.

Premiere Citibank Miles

52 Week Money Saving Challenge

WILL: Abbey tagged me as a "freeber" (a woman who extremely loves free stuffs) so, pinanindigan ko na! Ha! 

We have a US invite and checked the amount of fare we will be spending on that! And holy molly! It will cost us a fortune for a SIN-CHI-SIN flight. And on that, we look out how to get there for free or almost free. And viola! Seek and you will find, ask and it will be given :) Presenting the Citibank Premiere Miles. Our black credit card :) 

For almost 4 years, we have this card. We charged everything and anything on it. We topped-up our ezLink using that. Abbey and I encouraged our colleagues and friends to use our card on their purchases. Yes! We tag-along to their shopping escapades. We trusted them and no one ran after their bill haha. Actually, I am frantic when they want to settle the bill before the actual payment date. Grrrr.. 

For 119,886 miles piled from the credit card, it is the reason we got a free 2-way (1pax) ticket for our US trip. 

You are thinking how about the fare for the other person? That is when, we opened our 52-week money saving challenge. For another ticket, we spend S$1,631.27 out of our savings. We still have S$600++ pocket money. :) 

But what can we spend in Chicago? We are there not to tour the place but to be a nanny to our Ate Abigail and Kuya Victory! Haha. 

Plan ahead guys! There are STILL free things here on earth. :) You can save a lot of money with proper planning!

***

Citibank PremierMiles Visa - Earn Up to 42,000 Miles*‎

(W) www.citibank.com.sg/PremierMiles‎

You want us to refer you? Kindly pm us on our facebook account the following details: Full Name/Mobile/Email Address

Need a fresh start for your saving habit? Download the 52-week Money Saving Challenge in here!