Being Comfortable or Uncomfortable – Property Market Changes

What is HDB? Singapore’s Housing and Development Board (HDB) is a pivotal institution in the city-state’s journey towards modern urban living. Established more than 60 years ago, HDB has played a crucial role in transforming Singapore’s housing landscape. We have evolved from a nation grappling with inadequate living conditions into an efficient, high-quality public housing model. Other than affordable homes, it aims to foster vibrant communities and promote a high standard of living.

In the most recent announcement of cooling measures the LTV of resale HDB loans is reduced from 80% to 75%. What does this mean? In very layman’s terms, it just means for a 1 million dollar value of HDB property valuation; one can loan up to 750,000 SGD instead of 800,000 SGD. The recent news of a record price of 1.77 million on a single HDB home, means that the LTV will be reduced by 5% should resale buyers continue the same purchasing trend.

It is quite clear that the cooling measure is to ensure the resale HDB price is at sustainable rates. In my own opinion, the gov has all the statistics. The new prices of HDB to say, million-dollar HDB are rare. (i.e. location, HDB size, layouts, rarity, duplex) is still dependent on multiple factors. Not many can afford to pay top dollar for a resale leasehold property. I’m not an agent nor am I in public service. I strongly believe that there are rationable explanations behind every decision (Be it a good or bad one) and in this aspect, the focus of this issue is really about a few points.

  1. Demand for HDB. Increasing supply so that demand will go back to normal.
  2. It is highly likely given our gov focus on statistical approaches many times (Not saying all the time) This 5% is probably the way they manage the resale affordability (Based on the median House Pricing and resale pricing) If this cooling measure is insufficient, I don’t think they will stop at just 5% until it slows down. To put it simply, there’s no crisis and no bubble. Our home assets remain to be our assets.
  3. Young homeowners assistance (i.e. first-time home-buyers). Standard, Plus, Prime new HDB changes. Providing the incentives to stay at CCR, RCR or OCR depending on one’s choice. The new incentives also help low to mid-income households to own homes with benefits, subsidies and incentives islandwide.

To be honest, this strategy seems to be a rejuvenation of places to own in small Singapore as well and every school is a good school strategy. All these policies in my view are linked to one another for a more inclusive society. Just to see the entire big picture – The execution needs some finesse. Singapore Government is the basis, once they have declared, they will do all to execute it. The issue is just a matter of when that will be done.

How is that going to affect private housing going forward? I’m not too sure but I’m kind of swayed to the fact that it will slow down that price hike in housing. Being land scarce, it is hard to believe that prices will drop in the near term. My definition of the near term is 10 years just because the properties, living spaces, and amenities take years to develop and create a natural habitat for the township.

For some sense within me, there will be more generation changes. More people will hold on to their HDB. Less property flipping will happen and like ever before, only the rich get richer assuming they get the right properties.

The Housing Board is a testament to addressing housing challenges with foresight and ingenuity. By constantly pushing the envelope in housing design and community development, HDB not only meets the needs of today’s residents but also paves the way for a better, more inclusive future.

Conclusion

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes for other services at Referral and Recommendations

These pictures were taken by AI.

Today’s Deal of the day – Dobin App

At the start of 2024, there were signs that new offerings were being put out for deal seekers but as it seems, after January, there has been a drag of three months. Nothing much now except for Dobin. Before we start, let me just say that this is an affiliated link and by doing some actions, you do help me in keeping the lights on this blog. Please do try the app out. I have been using it for the past 6 months and I must say it has one of the better apps available without annoying advertisements.

At the same time, I can track expenses and connect my banking apps. Today is the last day for the referral. You can sign up and refer your friends and family to get cash rewards too. Besides that point, the main aim is to use the friendly app for tracking personal expenses. Personally, I prefer this app over the rest since there are no pesky advertisements and they are done here locally in Singapore. Support local I guess.

Here is the download link: Dobin Download

Do use my referral code please: ZUPUNWI

And remember to connect at least one bank account or one credit car on Dobin.

What You Need to Do:

  • Open the Dobin App and tap on the referral widget on your home screen.
  • Share your exclusive referral code with your friends & family.
What Your Friends Need to Do:

  • Download Dobin and enter your promo code during sign-up.
  • Connect at least 1 bank account or credit card on Dobin.

Disclaimer

If you like what you are seeing, do remember to check them out and do your diligence. There is no one-size-fits-all investment strategy and no one solution to life. Join my telegram group to find out more about deals and join the community to connect for ideas: Life Journey Telegram

Do use my referral code please: ZUPUNWI

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes here at Referral Services

Today’s Deal of the day – Max Miles

2024 has been kind to us. There’s a bit of budget around most things available to the common man out there. Today is no exception with the introduction of Max Miles Ang Pow for extra miles. This is a limited-time promotion and is valid only until 24th Feb 2024 or up to 1 million max miles. So this is going to go out pretty quick.

Here are some free miles provided by max miles: Ang Pow Link

Do use my referral link if you would like to sign up: Sign Up Here!

What’s Huat with heymax?

  • This Lunar New Year, heymax will be gifting every Maxer up to 1,000 Max Miles to share with friends and family as ang baos!
  • Additionally – you get referral bonuses and new users get more Ang Baos when they sign up! Huat ah!
  • Not only can you give, but you can also receive up to 10 Ang Baos filled with Max Miles from fellow Maxer

Eligibility for Activity Participation

 The event will run from 10 February to 24 February 202 and you will get up to 1000 max miles

Activity Summary

Is there a limit to the number of Max Miles I can earn from ang baos?
  • Every user can receive and open up to 10 ang baos. There is no cap on the total Max Miles earned.

How can I redeem my Max Miles earned from Huat with heymax?

  • Any Max Miles earned from Huat with heymax can be redeemed through the usual redemption options as follows:

  • You can transfer your Max Miles to our 20+ airline and hotel partners. For airline or hotel transfers, the minimum transfer amount is 1,000 Max Miles at a 1:1 ratio.

  • You can redeem a minimum of 1,000 Max Miles for a $10 gift card.

Will my Max Miles expire if I don’t use them during the campaign period?

  • Max Miles do not expire. Any Max Miles you earn will remain with you after the campaign ends and can be redeemed through the usual redemption options on heymax.

Disclaimer

If you like what you are seeing, do remember to check them out and do your diligence. There is no one-size-fits-all investment strategy and no one solution to life. Join my telegram group to find out more about deals and join the community to connect for ideas: Life Journey Telegram

Do use my referral link if you would like to sign up: Sign Up Here!

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes here at Referral Services

Another Ang Pow Promotion for Grabs – Limited

Chinese New Year is around the corner and there seem to be multiple promotions during the festive period. I hope everyone has a great new year and I do have something that I would like to share with you. These deals are kind of hard to come by and they depend on festive, promotions and company budgets. While some people might have stability in their lives, some don’t, and let’s make that simple and happy this 2024. I have another CNY Ang Pow Promotion that I would like to offer to anyone interested.

This article is brought to you via the Life Journey Blog Affiliate Partnership with Moomoo.

This special promotion is brought to you via the Moomoo Futu Trading app. If you use a normal referral code that gives you $660 in the welcome package. By using my unique link here Sign Up link, you get an additional $20 cash voucher by funding just S$100 on top of the welcome package that I have put below. The threshold is really low here.

Another Ang Pow
Moo Moo is licensed by MAS

The process is as follows:

For clarity:

a. Click on the signup link here to Open Account. Sign up and submit your details

b. Using any of the 4 deposit methods

  1. Deposit via Direct Debit – DDA
  2. Bank Transfer (Add  MooMoo as the payee)
  3. PayNow
  4. Transfer via Wise (Another payment App)

c. Transfer or Fund SGD 100 and wait for your rewards. That’s a 20% Return on Investment (ROI) that is risk-free.

d. (Something special) – The first 10 who have completed the signup and funding. Put in your details here: Contact List so that I can give you a little Ang Pow of S$5 for your efforts once I have verified the sign-up is complete. My only request is that you join my telegram group at Life Journey Telegram.

Those who already have the Moomoo accounts would have been long-time deal hunters so this is specially done for all of you who don’t have a lot of funds to play around to get some cash using limited resources.

Campaign Period

The campaign will commence from 2/11/2023 at 10:00PM SGT – 23/1/2024 at 9:59PM SGT** (“Campaign Period”).

Eligibility for Activity Participation

New users who have never opened a Moomoo SG universal account and/or deposited funds before 10:00PM SGT on 2/11/2023.

Activity Summary

When new users complete tasks, they can get corresponding rewards, such as free stock/ cash coupons and free real-time quotes.

As I mentioned earlier, this is for you only. Only when you use this link here Sign Up here and Fund $100 to get an additional $20 (Until 23 Jan 2024 only) and deposit S$100, you will receive an additional S$20 cash coupon from Moomoo. Treat that as a special treat.

Welcome Rewards worth up to S$660 (New Users)

Task Rewards
Successfully opened Moomoo SG universal account Reward 1

(i) Lifetime commission-free in the U.S. stock market*

(ii)  Free Level 2 US stock market data

(iii) (iii) Limited time access to free Level 2 SG Market Data (worth $20/month). Effective till 31st March 2024

(iv) Free Level 1 China A-share market data

(v) Free Level 1 Hong Kong market data

(vi) 1 Year commission-free for SG market (includes only stocks, ETFs and REITs)

(vii) Moomoo Cash Plus 5.8% p.a. Guaranteed Returns worth up to S$380 (Applicable to the first S$80K subscription, valid for 30 days only)

Deposit a cumulative amount of at least S$3,000 before 23/1/2024 at 9:59 PM, complete 3 cumulative buy trades and redeem rewards before 9:59PM SGT on 30/1/2024. Maintain assets for 30 days. Reward 2

(i) Receive 1 x Stock Bundle#: AAPL, NVDA TSLA, SE, NIO (worth S$70)

Deposit a cumulative amount of at least S$10,000 before 23/1/2024 at 9:59 PM, complete 8 cumulative buy trades and complete buy trades and redeem rewards before 9:59PM SGT on 30/1/2024. Maintain assets for 90 days. Reward 3

(i) Receive 3 x Stock Bundle#: AAPL, NVDA TSLA, SE, NIO (worth S$210)

Who is Moomoo?

Backed by Chinese tech giant Tencent, Moomoo makes trading accessible with a gamified, easy-to-use interface.

Disclaimer

If you like what you are seeing, do remember to check them out and do your diligence. There is no one-size-fits-all investment strategy and no one solution to life. Join my telegram group to find out more about deals and join the community to connect for ideas: Life Journey Telegram

By using my unique link here Sign Up link, you get an additional $20 cash voucher. The first 10 in my google forms get additional Ang Pow after verification.

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes here at Referral Services

Another easy $5 from CapitaLand app

After all that hype and pretty good promotion AngPow vouchers for Lendlease Malls. I must say Capitastar pales in comparison. This is another easty$5 voucher from the CapitaLand app to get. It is little wonder that they are not even too concerned with the fact that their properties are located in areas that are pretty prime and have relatively decent or good location value. 

If you have not heard about the Lendlease promotion shopping app. Read my article here: Lendlease $20 free money. Hopefully you will still be in time for the promotion which is limited to 5000 sign ups.

Another easy $5 voucher from Capitaland and additional $5 on spending

Well, better than nothing. The initial quote is to go to the app click on profile on the top left, followed by Rewards for the code “LNY10OFF’

1. The initial $5 e-Capitastar voucher is only valid for 10 days and for the 1st 5,000 redemptions

Note that only 1 redemption per Eligible Shopper during the promotion period

2. The next 5 comes when you spend $100 at participating Capitamalls and for the 1st 500 redemptions per participating mall

Note that 1 redemption per Eligible Shopper, per mall, per day of the Promotion Period

Not fantastic but yeah, save while you can. If you do not have a Capitastar Shopping App, then you probably need to get one first in order to get those deals.

There’s no refer programme at the moment so probably get the one from the official app for a $5 sign up bonus by Capitastar themselves.

Capitastar Discount
Capitastar Promotion T&Cs

The CapitaStar Rewards Programme

CapitaStar is a card-less Rewards Programme with no membership fee or expiry. They reward you with STAR$® (on top of all other rewards on your everyday spend) when you make purchases at participating retailers across CapitaLand Malls. STAR$® are awarded automatically when receipts uploaded via the CapitaStar App are approved.

The STAR$® accumulated in this programme can be used to exchange for eCapitaVoucher and/or exclusive Deals on the CapitaStar Mobile App. 

Note: All purchases (including purchases with eCapitaVoucher as payment mode) made in ION Orchard are not eligible to earn STAR$®

How does CapitaStar work

1) SHOP or SPEND
Shop at any participating CapitaLand Malls (with min $20 spend per receipt) or at Jewel Changi Airport (with min $10 spend per receipt) and retain your receipts to earn STAR$®.  

2) EARN 
Simply snap your receipt with min S$20 spend and upload via the CapitaStar Mobile App ($1 spent = 5 STAR$®).
Receipts of purchase(s) must be submitted no later than the next day of purchase (11.59pm) to be eligible for STAR$®.  

3) REDEEM 
Redeem eCapitaVouchers via the CapitaStar Mobile App (5000 STAR$ or 4500 STAR$ for Passion Card Members = $5 eCapitaVoucher). You can also redeem exclusive shopping and dining rewards on the CapitaStar Mobile App to enjoy greater savings!

Disclaimer

If you like what you are seeing, do remember to check them out and do your diligence. There is no one-size-fits-all investment strategy and no one solution to life. Join my telegram group to find out more about deals and join the community to connect for ideas: Life Journey Telegram

If you have not heard about the Lendlease promotion shopping app. Read my article here: Lendlease $20 free money

Use my referral code ‘DZEqaq’ when signing up or click on this link: New Lendlease Sign-up link

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes here at Referral Services

Quick Ang Pow $20 for Lendlease app

This one comes a little at time but at limited supply.

Happy redeeming for new lendlease app owners.

You can spend at Parkway, Somerset 313, Paya Lebar Square and JEM malls for now.

Ang Pow
Example of how it looks like

Lendlease Promotion Refer for each to get $20 in e-Vouchers

First time I am seeing a referral $20 for $20 for both referral and referee.

If you restart the app, you need to rekey in the code to get the vouchers. Otherwise nothing will be allocated.

The app is a bit glitchy so be warned for now.

Only 5000 new lendlease sign ups get S$20 SIGN UP gift. Grab it early.

Once you download the app, you can only choose referral code or promocode. For this sign up promotion, the $20 for $20 is the most efficient one for now.

Use my referral code ‘DZEqaq’ when signing up or click on this link: https://lendleaseplusapp.page.link/gSRGPaWJpByeKrgz8

Disclaimer

If you like what you are seeing, do remember to check them out and do your diligence. There is no one-size-fits-all investment strategy and no one solution to life. Join my telegram group to find out more about deals and join the community to connect for ideas: Life Journey Telegram

Use my referral code ‘DZEqaq’ when signing up or click on this link: New Lendlease Sign-up link

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes here at Referral Services

Petrol Prices – Ways to Save Money On Petrol/Diesel

Just earlier today. I wrote a piece about saving money and I was reminded of petrol prices. Stay tuned until the end for a nice freebie at the end which is in limited stock.

Sometimes saving money is about not spending it at all or cutting back on what we commonly call an austerity measure. Usually, that is quite drastic and meant to be a joke of some sort. However, some things have to be spent, necessities or even things that you have previously committed to paying for. It is akin to having a car and petrol prices are directly linked to costs.

For Example:

  • You purchased a home. You can’t stop the mortgage
  • You purchased a car. You can stop the financing payments (If any) and the petrol costs or the charging costs.
  • You purchased a subscription plan that has a contractual period. You can’t stop the payment. (Well, you can do an early termination if it makes economic sense)

I don’t wish to keep discussing the increase in GST. In a sense, this increase is necessary for economic gains and country-building. Additionally, business costs have increased, snowballing effect of the laggard inflation and upcoming soft landing is becoming apparent.

Petrol Prices

Discussing petrol prices has always been contentious with people around here. Regardless of any discussion, the price is as such. On the Price Kaki website, there’s a comparison of petrol grade 95, 98 and Premium.

Petrol Prices
Petrol Prices: Petrol Grade 95 as of 12 Jan 23

Petrol Prices
Petrol Prices: Petrol Grade for 98 on 12 Jan 23

Petrol Prices
Petrol Prices: Petrol Grade for Premium on 12 Jan 23

In this year 2024, I wish to be able to bring joy to others as much as possible so in that aspect I have a good deal for anyone who drives a car and would like to get direct discounts from the petrol kiosk.

Don’t be confused and don’t be sceptical about it. It is a good deal and I have been using it for 9 months now so it is not a sham. I have a limited fleet card on hand at the moment and would like to offer to the first 5 pax who indicate their interest on google forms here: Fleet Card Interest Gathering and First 5 GIveaways.

One condition is to follow/subscribe to my blog and also to add my telegram channel here at Life Journey Telegram. Thank you!

The first lucky 5 gets it.

Rest assured, this information is for me to understand how to address you and share that information via email. I’m gathering some interest here so let me speak with the guys and see if we can release more slots for you.

Save on Petrol Prices – Pros

1. No age or salary restriction

This is not a credit card. Anyone who has a vehicle registered in Singapore has proof of address in Singapore and a credit card for recurring payment can apply for this. There’s no bank involved in this.

2. A physical card

It is a physical card at the moment and is only available to ESSO and SHELL kiosks in Singapore.

3. Fabulous Discount on petrol prices

Perks for this card are a direct 23% or 24% for SHELL and ESSO respectively.

4. No Complications. No minimum spend or Top Up

Away with the complications of minimum inclusive spending and potential discounts. To me, cold-hard discounts are the best since they are upfront discounts.

5. Ease of Payment on petrol

This fleet card works like a credit card and you need to set up a credit card payment to pay once a month.

6. Convenience

Once you have been registered by the company, you will get a pin and each time you visit the kiosk, just the card and you can skip the cashier queue. That’s really convenient.

7. Continue to earn credit card rewards/miles/cashback

Even more, discount via double dipping and still be rewarded with your credit card rewards.

Save on Petrol Prices – Cons

1. New to Many

I understand the scepticism but what have you got to lose other than savings for your petrol.

2. No accumulation of reward points on your petrol loyalty card

You don’t earn kiosk points or rewards that you have accumulated for some time. To me, there’s a cost to everything including reward points. Just finish up your points or claims and move on to something else. But you still earn reward points for your credit card (No exclusion for most cards – At least I still earn mine on my Premier Miles Card)

3. There will be a 1.8% fee for the credit card charges

I believe that they use Stripe as their provider so the B2B fees will be at 2.4% and they roll it to consumer at 1.8%, hence the discount will be All-in 21.2% or 22.2% which is still decent.

From what i understand, one can use the giro payment and it takes 4-8weeks to set it up. There’s no fee for that however if any one Giro payment fails, thats the $10 fee slapped on your bill for the GIRO return so think wisely. I think it is still good to go on credit card recurring payments.

If you like what you are seeing, do remember to check them out and do your diligence. There is no one-size-fits-all investment strategy and no one solution to life. Join my telegram group to find out more about deals and join the community to connect for ideas: Life Journey Telegram

I have a limited fleet card on hand at the moment and would like to offer to the first 5 pax who indicate their interest on google forms here: Fleet Card Interest Gathering and First 5 GIveaways.

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes here at Referral Services

How to Save Money? Tips and Tricks

Saving money is an essential aspect of personal finance. Implementing some smart strategies can help you build your savings and achieve your financial goals. Here are a few tips on how to save money:

Saving Money
A Rainy Day fund is more apparent in 2024 as we all set ourselves for the soft landing ahead

Create a Budget:

Start by reviewing your expenses and income. This will give you a clear picture of where your money is going and help you identify areas where you can cut back.

Track Your Expenses:

Keep a record of all your expenses, including small purchases. This will help you understand your spending patterns and identify areas where you can make adjustments.

The envelope theory involved stashing cash away in different envelopes. This helps with the first condition – budgeting. In this day and age, perhaps a better way is to use a digital app such as Dobin.

I’ve found the ultimate personal finance app: It helps to manage my money & save on everyday purchases.

Quote: Download the app here: https://www.dobin.io/download. You may use my referral code when you sign: ZUPUNWI 

Cut Back on Non-Essential Expenses:

Review your expenses and identify items or services that you can live without. Consider making small lifestyle changes such as reducing dining out or entertainment expenses.

If you really still plan to have these expenses to eat out. Perhaps playing the miles game as you spend to double dip on rewards.

Kris+ is a lifestyle rewards app that gives you discounts and privileges at over 1,000 partner outlets islandwide! Earn rewards (KrisPay miles) for payments made on the app, and use them to offset future purchases!

Quote: Sign up now with my link below, and my referral code L329518 and we’ll each be rewarded with SGD 5 worth of KrisPay miles upon your first transaction on the Kris+ App 

Don’t forget to check in daily every week to earn about 30 KrisPay Miles. Meanwhile, you can also utilize Google Pay to make payments via Krist+.

Quote: Use my code when you sign up and transact at least S$10 for the first time in Google the  e Pay App or use my code t74cf8f

Meal Planning:

Plan your meals ahead of time and create a grocery list. This will help you avoid unnecessary trips to the store and impulse purchases. Look for sales and use coupons to save on groceries.

The CDC vouchers should do most household some good and defray some costs. More about that here if you have not claimed yours. Claiming your CDC Vouchers

Save on Utilities:

Make small changes in your daily habits to save on energy costs. Turn off lights when not in use, unplug electronics when not in use, and adjust the thermostat to optimize energy usage.

Perhaps switching to an Open Electricity Market retailer can save you  10-15% off your electricity bills.

Quote: Sign up for Senoko Energy with my referral code: “YM8SCA2D”. You will receive a S$20 rebate on your electricity bill. Browse their price plans and start saving today. T and Cs apply. Senoko is your electricity retailer

Compare Prices:

Before making a purchase, compare prices from different vendors or stores. This can help you find the best deals and save money.

Saving Money
Double or Triple Dip for More Savings

 

For comparison’s sake, if you are exchanging a foreign currency for any purpose. You can try iChange for money exchange and remittance.

Quote: Their rates are very competitive. Sent $5 for you to try it out. Download the app here https://ichange.onelink.me/Px1i/iyv9ymrr and add paul38 to receive it.  

Alternatively, if you want the convenience of using multi-currency cards, there are three options that you can consider. You get the idea.

  1. You Trip Personal User: Get $5 when you sign up. Sign up with my referral link: Personal YouTrip (Valid until 4 Feb 2024)
  2. The other option is to perhaps consider using a Revolut Card as an alternative and you can get $80 when you make three $10 transactions:  My Revolut Referral Link
  3. Quote 3: Use this Crypto.com App to sign up for Crypto.com and we both get USD 50. Code: im3py887ty

Automate Your Savings:

Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a dedicated savings account. This way, you’ll save money consistently without having to think about it.

Other than a bank standing instruction, the alternative is to use Money Market Funds for either:

  1. Using Tiger Brokers as a platform to sign up to make that regular saving.
  2. The other option is to select another provider such as Moomoo Brokerage Invest App for a great welcome starter kit here at Moomoo Invest App
  3. The third option is to select Webull and get your starter kit promotion. Click here to register at Webull Sign-up link

Avoid Impulse Buying:

Before making a purchase, give yourself a cooling-off period. This will help you evaluate if the purchase is necessary or if you’re buying on impulse. As the saying goes, delayed gratification. Any new tech is always appealing and after a while, it loses its appeal.

Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions:

Review your subscriptions and cancel those you no longer use or need. This could include streaming services, gym memberships, or magazine subscriptions[1].

Prioritize Debt Repayment:

If you have outstanding debts, focus on paying them down. High-interest debts, such as credit card debts, should be prioritized and paid off as quickly as possible.

Remember, saving money is a gradual process, so be patient with yourself. Small changes can add up over time and lead to significant savings. By implementing these tips, you’ll be on your way to building a more secure financial future.

Disclaimer

If you like what you are seeing, do remember to check them out and do your diligence. There is no one-size-fits-all investment strategy and no one solution to life. Join my telegram group to find out more about deals and join the community to connect for ideas: Life Journey Telegram

If you like what I am sharing or if it resonates with you, do use my referral codes here at Referral Services