These money-saving hacks will help you enjoy fun activities like shopping and dining out without breaking the bank.
TEXT: MELODY TAN
For many, 2023 is off to an expensive start. Inflation, a volatile global financial environment and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) increase are all hitting our wallets at the same time.
Tightening your belt, however, doesn’t mean having to miss out on the fun things in life. With some small adjustments, you can still go shopping, refresh your home, treat your family to activities and dine out with friends, with these money-saving hacks.
PICK PRE-LOVED GOODS INSTEAD OF NEW
These days, we’re all more aware of the negative impact consumer goods have on the environment. Rather than buy brand new products, why not buy pre-owned items instead?
Visit shops like Hock Siong and Refash, for preloved furniture and fast fashion respectively. If you’d rather not get off the sofa, try online storefronts like Thryft (second-hand books and clothes), BookXcess (brand new books at clearance prices), Retykle (preloved children’s clothing) and The Fifth Collection (preloved designer clothing, bags and accessories).
If you’re itching to shop but don’t want to spend any money, apps like GoodHood.sg and Olio, allow people to list unwanted items – like food, toys, books and household goods – for others to collect for free.
MINOR IMPROVEMENTS, MAJOR IMPACT
If your home is an eyesore but renovation quotes are eye-watering, consider engaging in some simple and affordable do-it-yourself (DIY) projects instead.
First, start by cleaning and decluttering. Put up items that can be sold on Carousell, and if you live in a HDB flat, call your Town Council to arrange for complimentary removal of bulky old furniture (limited to three times a month).
You can repaint your walls, or install peel-and-stick wallpaper with the help of online guides and YouTube tutorials.
If you’re sick of your old furniture – but don’t want to buy new items – chalk paint is your answer. This easy fix doesn’t require tedious sanding of furniture surfaces and can be completed over a weekend. That dreary dark wood coffee table can be transformed into a clean white surface, or a bright pop of colour. You can even repaint upholstered surfaces like cushioned seats.
JOIN IN A FREE ACTIVITY
Singapore might have the reputation of being an expensive city to play in, but there are plenty of free activities available if you know where to look. Going out on weekends doesn’t have to be a costly exercise.
Instead of forking out for yoga or dance fitness classes, check out the free daily Experience Sport Sessions at the Singapore Sports Hub, which include Zumba, K-pop inspired cardio, Tabata and more.
For cultural enrichment, head to the Esplanade for free performances and exhibitions (pro tip: click ‘free’ in the filter list before searching). The Singapore Symphony Orchestra also performs free concerts, at venues like Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Botanic Gardens – perfect for a picnic date, or a day out with the kids.
Museum buffs have a plethora of free options, ranging from admiring the paintings at the National Gallery Singapore to learning about history at Reflections at Bukit Chandu. There are also more niche venues like the Children’s Museum, the Gem Museum and the Peranakan Museum to explore.
TRY OUT TELEGRAM FOR TIPS ON SAVING
Chat app Telegram is home to numerous chat groups devoted to the art of scoring a good deal.
Subscribing to these groups and bots can save you money on things like tech gadgets (SG Tech & Games), make-up (SG BudgetBabes), travel (sgtravelpromos) and even private hire rides (sgcabcodes). They collate hot tips, promotions and discount codes to give you more bang for your buck, whether you’re buying dinner (SG FoodDeals) or looking for a free running event to join (SG Fitness & Health).
DINE OUT ON DEALS
There are ways to have your cake and eat it too – without going broke.
Dining membership apps like Burpple Beyond and the Entertainer offer 1-for-1 deals and discounts on both popular and new-to-the-scene restaurants, bars and cafes. If you’re prepared to eat at odd timings, reservation platform Eatigo offers discounts as high as 50 per cent of the bill, while competitor Chope has discounted restaurant vouchers and allows you to accumulate Chope loyalty points that can be redeemed for movie and supermarket vouchers.
For hotel buffet fans, there’s the Treatsure platform, which connects users to hotels and eateries that have excess food. It’s a great way to sample a variety of dishes without having to pay the full buffet price.
MAKE USE OF YOUR HOMETEAMNS MEMBERSHIP
Those with HomeTeamNS membership have access to exclusive lifestyle, entertainment, wellness and dining offers – all of which make life more enjoyable without draining your funds.
Whether you’re looking for 1-for-1 movie tickets, discounted hotel stays or savings on petrol, make sure to check out the full list – which is always being added to – on the HomeTeamNS Mobile App or HomeTeamNS website.
The HomeTeamNS Rewards+ programme also helps members enjoy greater value, by rewarding everyday spending across participating facilities, in-app purchases as well as membership sign up and renewals.
Saving while spending is a lot easier, with the right membership in hand. Members can also get the latest HomeTeamNS deals on their Telegram channel too, which offers updates on promotions including Wow Wow Wednesday, school holiday events and in-app deals.
Not a HomeTeamNS member yet? Why not sign up now to enjoy great deals and exclusive benefits?
