claralim

Articles by Clara Lim

I used to be MoneyDumb. I hung out at H&M every day and thought that a $50 lunch set was a good deal. These days, I spend my time researching the crap out of life and trying to maximise utility on micro-decisions. I'm not sure if that's an improvement.

retirement planning singapore
Budgeting
Retirement Planning in Singapore: A Starter Guide for Confused Millennials and Gen Zs
When you think “retirement”, do you imagine travelling the world or cruising on your own yacht? Sorry, but retirement in Singapore isn’t quite as cushy as that, unless you happen...
6 days ago
japan-rail-pass-singapore-guide
Travel
JR Pass Singapore—The Ultimate Guide to Japan Rail Pass Types & Prices (2024)
There are some Singaporeans who travel to Japan so much that the names of obscure Japanese onsens and izakayas roll off their tongues like smoother than kewpie mayo. For the...
6 May 2024
cpf-life-payouts-minimum-sum
Budgeting
CPF LIFE: The Complete Guide to Payouts, Plans & Minimum Sums in 2024
Did you know Singapore is a “blue zone“? The term was coined by Dan Buettner, an American National Geographic Fellow and New York Times-bestselling author. It refers to places that have 10...
6 May 2024
Singapore Inflation Rate 2024—What Is It and Why Does It Matter?
Budgeting
Singapore Inflation Rate 2024—What Is It and Why Does It Matter?
OK, confession time. Even though I know that Inflation is Very Bad and I should do all I can to stay ahead of it, I must confess I haven’t a...
16 April 2024
speedoc-whitecoat-telemedicine-app-singapore
Healthcare
Doctor Anywhere, WhiteCoat, Speedoc…Can Telemedicine Apps Save Us Money?
Opinions about doctors fall firmly in one of two opposing camps. Either you’re a true believer of the power of modern medicine and rush to the clinic at the first...
1 April 2024
Featured-image-best-delivery-services-in-singapore-2024
Budgeting
13 Best Delivery Services in Singapore in 2024: Cheapest Fees to Fastest Deliveries
Imagine if Pony Express—one of the most famous couriers in history—delivered your items with a horse rider. That would be cool, right? But in the 1860s, it may have taken...
24 March 2024
Income Tax Singapore
Budgeting
10 Ways to Reduce Your Personal Income Tax in Singapore for YA 2025
You know when you get the dreaded SMS from IRAS that it’s time to pay your dues. Yup, the tax man has come to collect.  While we can’t avoid paying...
22 March 2024
cheap-gyms-in-singapore
Fitness & Beauty
Cheap Gyms in Singapore: 10 Gym Memberships Under $100/Month (Mar 2024)
Today, many people wouldn’t bat an eye at spending upwards of $200/month on fancy gyms like Fitness First and Virgin Active. Past a certain point, these gyms aren’t just facilities...
11 March 2024
best-data-roaming-plan-singapore
Budgeting
10 Data Roaming Plans in Singapore—Which is Most Worth It? (2024)
Going on holiday can seem like an endless hunt for free wifi. After all, how else are you going to contact your Airbnb host or check for directions on Google...
4 March 2024
Top 7 ETFs in Singapore — The Total Beginner’s Guide to Investing in ETFs
Invest
Top 10 ETFs in Singapore — The Total Beginner’s Guide to Investing in ETFs
If you’re here because your New Year’s resolution is to finally start investing, you came to the right place. Investing in Exchange Traded Funds, also known as ETFs is one...
11 January 2024
best-jb-shopping-malls
Shopping
15 Best JB Shopping Malls: European-Aesthetic Mall, Retail Park With Mega Bookstore, And More
Regardless of race, language or religion, Singaporeans love to do our festive shopping across the border in Johor Bahru (JB). Whether you’re buying Chinese New Year goodies, Hari Raya baju,...
17 December 2023
jb-guide-cheap-things-to-do
Travel
Cheap Guide to Johor Bahru: Where to Go and Best Things to Do in JB (2023)
Judging by how many people read and shared an earlier article on how to get to JB by train, I’m guessing Johor Bahru still remains as popular a weekend destination...
14 December 2023
Bubblegum Car Insurance Review 2023: Best Value Plan in Singapore?
Car Insurance
Bubblegum Car Insurance Review 2023: Best Value Plan in Singapore?
Checking out the newest car insurance plans in town isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. More often than not, it’s filed away as one of those “get over and...
18 October 2023
Bupa Global - health insurance - survey findings
Health Insurance
Health Insurance in a Post-Covid Era: Navigating New Wellness, Work & Lifestyle Trends — What Does It Mean for Singapore?
Life has certainly changed a lot ever since the pandemic hit. Beyond the immediate changes like border restrictions and Covid testing requirements, there are also deeper and more far-reaching alterations...
cheap onsen hot spring asia
Travel
7 Cheap Budget Onsen & Hot Spring in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia
I know it makes no sense in sauna-like Singapore, but I am a huge sucker for hot springs of any sort.  The ultimate destination for hot spring lovers like me...
20 October 2022
Bubblegum Travel Insurance Review 2022: Super Affordable Covid Coverage
Travel Insurance
Bubblegum Travel Insurance Review 2022: Super Affordable Covid Coverage
After years of anticipation, travel has finally made a big comeback. International borders are open, hotels and flights are up and running, and (best of all) masks and tests (at...
19 October 2022
RealVantage property investing real estate investment strategies for your life stage
Invest
Investing in Real Estate? Here are Some Strategies to Help You Build a Robust Property Portfolio
This post was written in collaboration with RealVantage. While we are financially compensated by them, we nonetheless strive to maintain our editorial integrity and review products with the same objective...
Introducing Bubblegum: 5 Things to Know About Our New Insurance Brand
Budgeting
Introducing Bubblegum: 5 Things to Know About Our New Insurance Brand
Heard of Bubblegum yet? With its adorable artwork and super friendly user interface, you could very well mistake Bubblegum’s app and website for a cute mobile game… but it’s actually...
22 September 2022
cheap batam resort
Travel
7 Cheap Batam Beach Resorts Under $100/Night – Harris, KTM & More
Batam is kinda like a mash-up of JB and Bintan all in one… Except maybe even better. Not only are there heaps of cheap and actually nice hotels to choose from...
20 September 2022
Best Investment Broker Singapore - Webull
Invest
Webull Is Finally in Singapore: Is This New 0 Commission Stockbroker Legit?
This post was written in collaboration with Webull Singapore. While we are financially compensated by them, we nonetheless strive to maintain our editorial integrity and review products with the same...
singapore airlines sia@home restaurant a380
Dining
How Much Do Singapore Airlines’ Home Delivery & Inflight Meals Cost Anyway?
Editor’s Note: We will never get those quiet, WFH Covid-19 pandemic years back. But we lived to tell our kids that an SIA Restaurant A380 existed in our time. Oh,...
8 September 2022
CIMB Renovation Loan - Shariah-compliant
Renovation Loans
Collecting Keys to Your New Home? Here’s Why CIMB’s Renovation-i Financing (Now From 3.88%* p.a. (EPR 4.29%p.a.)) is a No-Brainer
This post was written in collaboration with CIMB Bank Singapore. While we are financially compensated by them, we nonetheless strive to maintain our editorial integrity and review products with the...
DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card – MoneySmart Review (2022)
Credit Cards
DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card – MoneySmart Review (2022)
Yet another DBS credit card? You’ll want to pay attention to this one though. The DBS Altitude Card is one of the most popular air miles credit cards for fresh...
15 August 2022
Luno Discover x MoneySmart - 4 healthy habits to reduce your crypto risk
Crypto
4 Ways To Reduce Your Risk in Crypto
This post was written in collaboration with Luno Discover. While we are financially compensated by them, we nonetheless strive to maintain our editorial integrity and review products with the same...
Tiger Brokers Singapore - zero commission trades - US stocks, Singapore stocks, Hong Kong stocks, China A-Shares
Invest
Tiger Brokers 8.0 App: 5 New Features We Love (Plus, $0 Commissions!)
This post was written in collaboration with Tiger Brokers Singapore. While we are financially compensated by them, we nonetheless strive to maintain our editorial integrity and review products with the...