Feeling the financial pinch is real here in Singapore. As the cost of living continues to rise globally, we’re all looking for ways to maximise our cash while still saving effectively and enjoying all that the red dot has to offer. The good news is there are ways to cut back without sacrificing fun. By being mindful of savings, budgeting, and making smarter choices, you can live your best life while still saving for the future. Here’s how.

Cost Effective TRAVEL

Caesar Indra is President of Traveloka, Southeast Asia’s leading travel platform empowering travellers to explore, book, and enjoy a wide range of products including flights, accommodations, transportation services, and unique experiences such as cruises, local attractions, and guided tours.

Singapore’s strategic location provides easy access to affordable holiday destinations. Nearby spots like Bintan, Batam, Bali, and Thailand’s Krabi, Phuket, and Koh Samui are ideal for relaxing getaways. For urban adventures, cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Ho Chi Minh City offer great value. For a unique experience, cruises departing from Singapore, including Disney Cruise Line, offer exceptional value by bundling transport, accommodation, dining, and entertainment.

Packages are often more cost effective than booking each component individually. Bundled deals typically come with discounts on multiple services, which works well for cost-conscious travellers or those flexible in choosing airlines or accommodations.

Flexibility and strategic planning can help you to save significantly.

  • Leverage promotions: Platforms like Traveloka offer major discounts during shopping events like the Traveloka EPIC SALE® and Black Friday, featuring site-wide promotions on flights, accommodations, and activities
  • Use planning tools: Traveloka’s built-in tools allow you to compare prices months in advance, spot cost-effective dates, and avoid peak travel periods highlighted in the app
  • Set Price Alerts: Enable Price Alerts to get notifications when fares drop for your preferred routes and travel dates
  • Be flexible: Travel on off-peak days, such as midweek departures, or explore alternative airports and destinations to lower costs

Avoid hidden costs by understanding what’s included in your booking and how charges are applied. Always review the total costs, including baggage fees, seat selection, transfers, or resort charges, rather than focusing solely on the displayed base price. Check policies on cancellations, changes, and baggage restrictions to avoid unexpected fees.

Exchange rates, foreign rates and foreign transaction fees can add up, significantly increasing costs. To minimise these expenses, use multi-currency credit cards or payment apps with favourable exchange rates, and always pay in the local currency to avoid unfavourable conversion rates.

 traveloka.com

OUT & ABOUT in Singapore

Pic: Sam Churchill

Charley Larcombe is the Marketing Manager Singapore at the ENTERTAINER, a savings lifestyle app and the leading provider of Buy One Get One Free (1-for-1) offers for restaurants, bars, attractions, leisure activities, spas, salons, services, hotel stays and more throughout Singapore.

The ENTERTAINER is about making the unaffordable, affordable. The offers are simple to use – they’re always 1-for-1 and can be redeemed seven days a week throughout the year, with minimal exclusion days like public holidays. Each merchant provides three 1-for-1 offers, allowing you to save on a variety of experiences.

The annual subscription is just $85 and gives you access to 1000’s of offers. New merchants are continuously added, and exciting bonus offers are available each month. There are no percentages off, eaten up by GST and plus-plus, nor are there restrictions at the weekend. Our offer is the same throughout the year, so you know exactly how much you’re saving. The average user saves at least $679 each year.

You can realistically treat yourself. Mid-week dinners may be something you strike from the list when trying to economise, but if you can go to Les Bouchons at Rochester Commons or Bedrock Origin on Sentosa and dine on 1-for-1 steaks – yes, really, only pay for ONE – it can be totally affordable.

Friends with children love activities. It can be pricey to keep the kids entertained at the weekends in Singapore, but with 1-for-1 offers at places like BOUNCE Singapore or Forest Adventures, the whole family can have fun (and still have a college fund!).

I personally load up on all the salon treatments! I just pop along to Pixie Nails or N20 on my lunch break, pay for my mani or pedi using the voucher, and then the next time, it’s free!

theentertainerme.com
 instagram.com/entertainersg

CHARLEY’s pick of THE ENTERTAINER OFFERS:

  • Ginkyō by Kinki
    Holland Village
    Beautiful interiors, stunning dishes
    1-for-1 Main Course
    Estimated savings SGD 35
  • The Kitchen Table
    W Singapore Sentosa Cove
    Exceptional wood-fired feasting
    1-for-1 Dinner Buffet
    Estimated savings SGD 98
  • CIN CIN
    Tanjong Pagar
    Their boutique gin collection means 500 different ways to build your favourite martini.
    1-for-1 Cocktail
    Estimated savings SGD 25
  • Baskin Robbins
    Multiple locations
    For kids (big and little) with a
    sweet tooth or for weekend treats
    1-for-1 Single King Scoop
    Estimated savings SGD 7
  • Mo & Jo Sourdough Burgers
    Dempsey
    Refuel post
    ANZA Soccer
    1-for-1 Burger
    Estimated savings SGD 18
  • High Element @ Xscap8
    Orchard Central
    Sweat it out and burn extra calories at this indoor ninja course
    1-for-1 Admission
    Estimated savings SGD 25
  • Forest Adventure
    Bedok
    Zip lines, Tarzan swings, challenging obstacles
    1-for-1 Grand Course Ticket
    Estimated savings SGD 25
  • BOUNCE Singapore
    Cineleisure
    Who HASN’T done a kid’s party here?!
    1-for-1 General Admission
    Estimated savings SGD 25
  • PAUL Bakery
    Multiple Locations including Tanglin Mall
    Tried, tested,
    ever-popular
    1-for-1 Main Course
    Estimated savings SGD 20
  • Adeva Spa
    Paragon
    Rooftop spa above the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road
    1-for-1 60min Body Massage
    Estimated savings SGD 246
  • Jurlique
    Orchard
    Stunning spa using products grown on the brand’s biodynamic farm in the Adelaide Hills
    1-for-1 60min Classic Signature Hydrating Facial
    Estimated savings SGD 195

Use ANZA10 at checkout for $10 off the ENTERTAINER 2025. Only available to ANZA members!

Daily FINANCIAL HABITS

Alexis Livanes, Partner at Eight Wealth International is an accomplished financial adviser with over 20 years of business experience. She is known for her unique skills and efficient strategies in financial advising that foster deep connections with her clients.

The start of the new year can be a great catalyst to take stock and review your ambitions for the future. What do you want to achieve financially, how will you get there and who will be with you on that journey? I regularly conduct financial health checks with my clients to ensure things stay on track:

  • List all assets (cash, investments, property) and liabilities (loans, credit card debt)
  • Calculate your net worth
  • Analyse spending. Review last year’s expenses to identify patterns or waste
  • Set priorities: Determine short, medium, and long-term financial goals
  • Check your retirement balances and consider how they fit into your retirement planning
  • Review insurance policies. Ensure adequate coverage for health, life, and critical illness

Set financial goals that are realistic. Break goals into smaller steps and focus on weekly or monthly milestones. Reward progress by celebrating small wins to stay motivated.

Meet with a qualified financial advisor. They can guide you in the planning process and keep you on track to achieve your set goals. I always suggest following the SMART framework:

  • Specific “Save $10,000 for school fees”
  • Measurable Track your progress monthly
  • Achievable Base goals on current income and expenses
  • Relevant Tie them to life priorities
  • Time-bound Set deadlines

Building an emergency fund may feel overwhelming, but like many things, once you start saving it can be a huge relief and something you can feel confident and proud of.

  • Start small Aim for one month’s worth of expenses as an initial milestone
  • Automate savings Set up a separate account and automate transfers
  • Redirect savings to your emergency fund
  • Use windfalls wisely Tax refunds, bonuses, or cash gifts can fast-track your fund

Make small, achievable changes now. By taking small steps you will soon see improvements and start to feel good about your progress.

  • Switch to hawker meals. They’re affordable, delicious, and a staple in Singapore
  • Utilise public transport. It’s efficient and cost-effective
  • Cancel unused subscriptions. Assess if you need all your streaming services or gym memberships
  • Leverage sales and cashback apps. Apps like ShopBack or Fave can save money
    Cut energy costs. Reduce aircon usage or switch to energy-saving appliances

Take a hybrid approach to saving and paying off debt. Focus on paying off high-interest debt first (e.g. credit cards); simultaneously save a smaller amount to build a cushion; reduce reliance on loans or credit cards to avoid new debt; choose a strategy that works for your psychology.

Contact Alexis directly on mobile: +65 8161 9426 and at
 eightwealthinternational.asia

Member BENEFITS exclusive to ANZA!
Signing up to an ANZA membership doesn’t just mean being part of the best community in town, it allows you automatic access to a host of incredible discounts. Alongside our sports and activities groups, weekly and monthly events and community gatherings, don’t forget about these!

For a full list of ANZA member discounts and to check on ever-changing deals, log onto anza.org.sg

 

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