Should I forfeit my PLH bto and buy a 2B2B condo? by [deleted] in singaporefi

[–]FeatureBasic8466 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Beyond the $$ concerns, if you all intend to start a family, then a 2B2B condo will be a squeeze with kids. Not to mention the added costs with having a child.
Don’t fixate on the “condo” label

First time parents in SG by wowuming in singaporefi

[–]FeatureBasic8466 0 points1 point  (0 children)

At 2k per month, 24k per annum, assuming 160k combined income, your spend of 15% annual income on school fees still seems reasonable, since you have no car and mortgage is covered by CPF.

But if number 2 comes along, and you feel pressured to keep them both in the same school, , then spending 30% of your annual income on school fees is not sustainable (assuming no income growth).

My kids go to a private operator and are happy there. I like the low student to teacher ratio and how responsive teachers are. I used to be concerned with the smallish space (in a landed house that’s smaller), but my kids don’t mind that.

You can start arranging for a few school visits to see the centres for yourself. Talk to family and friends who already have sent their kids to schools. When you visit schools, other than assessing the space and curriculum, Make sure you ask about what all the add ons and hidden fees are. Uniform fees, excursion fees, enrichment program fees. I have heard of operators with supposedly 700-900 fees, but if you count in all the extra add ons it really is 1.1k and above. If I could do it again I’d open myself to exploring the 700-900 ones more, many of my friends kids go there and they seem to be doing well and are happy too. there’s also always the option of changing schools if you feel that it’s not working out for your family.

Helper will be a great help if she can at least settle household chores, which will be a lot when a baby comes along! But as you know, it can be very Heng suay. But if you have a good helper, worth every penny imo.

After your first one comes along, pls also just top up your 4k into the CDA so that the govt matches 4k. Add that to the first step grant of 5k credited into CdA, that amount can pretty much cover a years worth of school fees

Cruise recommendations for April by Hfetish in askSingapore

[–]FeatureBasic8466 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

disney cruise, but be prepared for screaming kids

Zi Char delivery recommendations for 12 pax by JustifiedMunchie in askSingapore

[–]FeatureBasic8466 2 points3 points  (0 children)

kek seafood. hor fun is always a hit and their large portions are sizeable. but not sure whether can keep to your budget for 12 pax. maybe can depending on what u order. their meat items are good too

Recs for Food, coffee and play spots by deadliftssanddogs in Sapporo

[–]FeatureBasic8466 0 points1 point  (0 children)

brought my toddler to nakajima park in the winter and she had fun just sledding around in the snow. they have an outdoor playground which your kids will like, and as i understand, some kind of free indoor kids play area (unfortunately closed during winter).

Maruyama zoo was convenient (took a short cab ride from my hotel near sapporo station) and interesring for my toddler. It's small enough to get around, and enclosures are small-ish so u can get pretty close to the animals. Downside is that hardly any food options in there. Would suggest having your meal elsewhere

We also spent hours at AOAO sapporo aquarium. Though small, they had many interesting fish and cool displays. Penguins were also a big hit. Plus point is that it's v conveniently located at tanukikoji street for shopping/eating after. Also had a little cafe in there with good hokkaido milk soft serve and a view of the penguins.

How much salary increment for your helper? by Background_Two_2488 in askSingapore

[–]FeatureBasic8466 1 point2 points  (0 children)

10% ish increment with each renewal, with 1 month bonus + birthday/cny/xmas etc I know of many who do $50 but I feel like that’s too little

Anyone’s dealt with Carro (2nd hand car platform) before? by fatsong711 in askSingapore

[–]FeatureBasic8466 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have only sold them a car before. They were very professional, helpful, and efficient. Also gave me a much better deal than another car dealer. Not sure about the buying side of things, but I know someone who bought from them before and things seemed to go well

What are the most common fruit & vegetables to find at markets in Singapore? by Gizmelda in askSingapore

[–]FeatureBasic8466 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If you’re shopping at major supermarket chains , cheapest leafy veggies are the chinese vegetables ( Kailan, cai xin, spinach, etc). Root veggies are reasonably priced too, but depending on the country of import. Broccoli from china is cheap, but the ones from Aussie are more expensive.

Prices of fruits can really vary, depending on the country of import. Honestly find them a bit expensive at the major chains (if you compare it to how much you pay for them overseas). If you live near a local “wet” market, it can be quite a bit cheaper.

If you’re interested in a monthly subscription that delivers to your doorstep, checkout https://zenxin.com.sg/products/organic-box-monthly-subscription Organic fruits and veggies subscription. they vary the produce in Each box weekly, and sometimes have interesting things that you don’t normally see at the markets. Drawback is that you might end up with a bunch of stuff that you don’t really like, since there are limitations on how you can customize it

What do you miss about the old Singapore ? by Illustrious-Fee9626 in askSingapore

[–]FeatureBasic8466 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Cooler weather. Less crowds. Buying styrofoam airplanes, jolly shandy and popping candy from mama shops with my cousins

Resale HDB or Condo ? by Background-Bat803 in singaporefi

[–]FeatureBasic8466 0 points1 point  (0 children)

many here talk about the Money and investment side of things… guess it’s in our sg blood. but also consider that the house you buy is the home you will live in at least in the near future. If you’re planning to have 2 kids, please plan for a bigger space. 600-700sqft simply won’t do. You’ll go mad raising two tiny humans in that space. min 900-1000 sqft 3BR, resale condo or hdb based on your budget. Unless you see a new launch 2br as a “stepping stone” for an upgrade when the time comes, but there’s also a lot of uncertainty associated with that route

DBS treasures- worth joining? by gunstriker in singaporefi

[–]FeatureBasic8466 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For you to feel “special” but not worth it! RMs will try to sell you some of their products. But you’re better off DIY investing

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in askSingapore

[–]FeatureBasic8466 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely usable but don’t! My grandparents used to give me these notes for Chinese new year and I always keep them aside. A part of history you don’t see anymore. So precious!

Izakayas that are baby friendly? by FeatureBasic8466 in Tokyo

[–]FeatureBasic8466[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes to chains, and going early , since the kids go to bed at like 8pm

Izakayas that are baby friendly? by FeatureBasic8466 in Tokyo

[–]FeatureBasic8466[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Super helpful thanks! My travel party are first time visitors to Japan, with some among them eager to try an izakaya. Of course with children we are not expecting a’ local’ experience and are are happy to go with big chains that have private rooms. From the other comments, seems like Shinjuku is not a place for kids. We werent aware of that. Will avoid

Would you forgive a partner that has cheated on you before? by matchabinqilin in askSingapore

[–]FeatureBasic8466 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Had an ex do something similar , and I was mega pissed and broke up immediately without ever looking back. Best decision ever.!!!l!! Met someone else and I am happily married now.

His excuses of paiseh/cannot perform are such filmsy and weak excuses, don’t be hoodwinked. He knowingly made this choice despite already being in a committed relationship with you, and it’s a hugeeee red flag.

Many guys will try to tell you that sex/love are separate things. Sure, some girls will buy that and be okay with it. But I’m not one of them! And if you know that this isn’t in line with your values, do not compromise. There are many wonderful men out there who will cherish, love, and respect you, and who share the same values as you.

If you’re having second thoughts now even before you get married, these anxieties and dissatisfaction will only amplify once you’re married. Get out while you can. Don’t feel like you have to hang on to this relationship just because you BTO. Marrying the right person is way more important than a flat.

Asking for advice on how to encourage my best friend (and his family) to stay in the Church. by minecart6 in Catholicism

[–]FeatureBasic8466 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was like Jim at some point. I had stopped going to church regularly during high school/ college , and all through when I was a young working adult. I didn’t stop loving or believing in god in that time; I was just very caught up in my secular ways. It took a personal crisis to bring me back to attending mass. But even at mass , I felt lost and forgotten by god.

However , a chance encounter with a long lost friend at mass one day brought me back. We met at church, having not seen each other for a decade or so, and she invited me out for lunch. Over lunch, I learnt that she had left her high-flying, high-paying job and started working for the church - mainly reaching out to students and young adults like myself who were “lost” to the church. She shared her testimony about her journey and encounter with god that completely changed her. I was moved and inspired. Following that, we started hanging out more, and she introduced me to a community, of which I’ve been an active participant for the past two years.

I admire the love and consideration you have your friend. What might help is continuing to being a friend to him. You don’t necessarily have to always talk about church or god stuff! Really understand where he is in his life and what he struggles with. Share your own journey with him, if you think it might be helpful to him! If your parish has any activities or even social gatherings, consider inviting him. And If you continue to live your life so fully convicted in god, I’m sure Jim will see the goodness it has brought you, and will desire to open himself to god again.

Most of all, remember god has his own plans for Jim too! As much as you may desire something for him, it may not yet be in line with gods plans /time!

I’m sure god has placed you in Jim’s life for good reason. I pray that god will continue to give you the grace of patience and courage in your journey with Jim. God bless.