vanessah.nah

Articles by Vanessa Nah

Vanessa likes her personal finance articles the way she likes her sitcoms—funny, entertaining, and leaving people knowing a little more about life. In another life, Vanessa was the biggest nerd in class and was *this* close to doing a PhD. That researcher is still in her as she now digs out the ins and outs of personal loans, T&Cs of credit cards, and ups and downs of alternative investments. When Vanessa’s not debunking finance myths, you’ll find her attending dance classes, fingerpicking a guitar, or fulfilling her life mission to make her one-eyed cat the most spoiled kitty in the world.

best-food-discount-reward-apps-singapore
Dining
Best Food Discount and Rewards Apps in Singapore (2024)—Chope, Burpple, Entertainer & More
“Are you a member?” the restaurant staff asks. “Is it free?” comes my reply. Usually, it is. And that’s how, over the years, the penny-pincher in me has amassed a...
18 July 2024
best travel tips to save money
Travel
I Tried 6 Travel Tips to Save Money—2 of Them Shaved $1,000 Off My Upcoming Trip
How old were you when you went on your first fully-funded trip? You know—the first trip for which you had to save up, plan an itinerary, and try your darndest...
17 July 2024
mari credit card moneysmart review 2024
Credit Cards
Is Shopee’s Mari Credit Card Singapore’s Best Unlimited Cashback Card?—MoneySmart Review (2024)
Who knew that Singapore’s highest-earning unlimited cashback card would come from…Shopee?  The Mari Credit Card is named after MariBank, Shopee’s digital bank. With this card, you can earn 5% unlimited...
17 July 2024
best-halal-buffets-singapore-hotel-high-tea
Dining
11 Best Halal Buffets in Singapore (July 2024)—Starting From $26.80++
Whether you’re a Muslim or are dining with Muslim friends, you’ll be pleased to know that many of the best buffets in Singapore are halal-certified. We’re not just talking about...
15 July 2024
essential tips for comparing credit cards you should know
Credit Cards
8 Essential Tips for Comparing Credit Cards I Wish I Knew Earlier
Since I started working at MoneySmart, I’ve learnt a lot about credit cards. Specifically, what credit cards are hiding from you. Behind every shiny new card promising up to 10%...
10 July 2024
i dont want to advance my career is that bad
Career
I Don’t Want to Advance in My Career—is That Bad?
“Most people work just hard enough not to get fired and get paid just enough money not to quit.” – George Carlin In today’s modern world, a job is complicated...
8 July 2024
should i take a lower paying job
Career
Should I Switch to a Lower-Paying Job for Better Prospects?
Would you take on a new job for a lower salary? It might sound crazy at first, but taking on a lower-paying job a serious consideration for some people because...
5 July 2024
should i leave a comfortable job for a job with growth
Career
Should I Leave a Comfortable Job for a Job With Growth?
When it comes to your career, how comfortable are you with being comfortable? You might be wondering why I’m even asking that question. I mean, isn’t it easy to remain...
5 July 2024
free events in singapore in july 2024
Entertainment
Top 46 Free Things To Do in Singapore (Jul 2024): Toy-Themed “Play:Date” Pop-Up, The Plantsman’s Fair, and More
Bored as well as broke? We’ve got good news for you. This July, there’s a plethora of markets, events, and activities to keep you entertained at zero cost. Visit Singapore’s...
4 July 2024
best-savings-account-in-singapore-highest-interest-rates
Savings Accounts
10 Best Savings Accounts in Singapore with the Highest Interest Rates (Jul 2024)
Savings accounts have a simple premise, but often come with complex mechanisms for you to earn bonus interest. When you open a savings account with a bank, you deposit money...
3 July 2024
Best Fixed Deposit Rates in Singapore (Jul 2024)—Rates Up To 3.7%, Minimum Deposits From $500
Fixed Deposits
Best Fixed Deposit Rates in Singapore (Jul 2024)—Rates Up To 3.7%, Minimum Deposits From $500
If you think that fixed deposits are only for conservative cash-rich aunties and uncles, think again. A fixed deposit (also known as a time deposit) account is a type of...
2 July 2024
best-bank-promotions-singapore-travel-lifestyle-deals-discount-masthead
Credit Cards
Best Bank Offers in Singapore (Jul 2024): Win a Mercedes-Benz EQB, a Samsung Galaxy S24 Daily, and More
Everybody loves credit card sign-up promotions, but not many of us realise the promotions don’t end with a welcome gift. Banks actually shower us with tons of lifestyle deals and...
2 July 2024
Best Credit Card Promotions in Singapore (Jul – Sep 2024): Citibank, DBS, HSBC, UOB, and More
Credit Cards
Best Credit Card Promotions in Singapore (Jul – Sep 2024): Citibank, DBS, HSBC, UOB, and More
This July, sign up for a credit card and you could walk away with a brand‑new all‑electric Mercedes-Benz EQB, a 3 Day 2 Night stay at Capella Ubud, Bali (worth up to...
1 July 2024
hsbc-live-plus-credit-card-moneysmart-review
Credit Cards
HSBC Live+ Credit Card: With 8% Cashback on Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment, is this the Ultimate Lifestyle Credit Card?
Some credit cards reward you for dining, some are geared towards shopping rebates, and others are all about your entertainment spending. But what if you want all 3? Enter the...
24 June 2024
hdb-flat-eligibility-guide-application
Property
Guide to the HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter (2024): When You Need It, How to Apply, and More
Whether you’re buying a Built-To-Order (BTO) flat or a resale flat from HDB, there’s one slightly leh chey thing you’re gonna need to prepare. It’s not a four letter word...
24 June 2024
best-credit-card-pairing-miles-cashback-rewards
Credit Cards
3 Best Credit Card Pairings for Maximising Cashback, Miles, and Rewards
We’ve all heard the clichés—you’re the cheese to my macaroni, the flip to my flop, the stars to my night. Well today, I’ve got a new one for you: you’re...
20 June 2024
best-subscriptions-worth-spending-on
Budgeting
The 6 Best Subscriptions Worth Spending On Today
The other day, I wanted to show my mum a video on YouTube. I searched for the video, tapped on the right one, and an advertisement for some makeup wipes...
19 June 2024
hdb-bto-june-2024-review-prie- location-application-rates
Property
HDB BTO Jun 2024 Review: Locations, Prices, Site Plans, Expected Application Rates, and More
PSA: Apply for your Jun 2024 BTO flat by 26 Jun 2024 via the HDB Flat Portal. You know what’s special about the Jun 2024 HDB Build-To-Order (BTO) launch? Firstly,...
19 June 2024
best-cashback-credit-cards-singapore
Credit Cards
12 Best Cashback Credit Cards in Singapore (Jun 2024)
Collecting air miles for your jet setting lifestyle admittedly sounds sexier than trying to scrounge for cash rebates. But if you’re still one of those people who believe that cash...
14 June 2024
5 Hair Salons for Curly Hair—How Much Does it Cost to Get a Curly Haircut in Singapore?
Budgeting
5 Hair Salons for Curly Hair—How Much Does it Cost to Get a Curly Haircut in Singapore?
As someone with naturally curly hair, my number one red flag for hairdressers in Singapore is being told that I should rebond my hair to “fix” it. To be fair,...
11 June 2024
best-fathers-day-deals-promotions-singapore
Entertainment
21 Father’s Day 2024 Deals and Promotions: Dads Dine Free, 1-for-1 Cooking Classes, Up to $100 Off Gifts, and More
There are cool dads, and there are corny dads. There are sporty dads, and there are, well, “dad bod” dads. However you’d describe your own dad, if you clicked into...
10 June 2024
motherhood-bias-hiring-discrimination-against-women
Career
“If You Can Get Pregnant, We Can’t Hire You”: A True Story About Hiring Discrimination
Should women have opportunities to work? That seems like an unnecessary question. It’s 2024, for Pete’s sake. Women have been in the workforce since the 19th century, with the 20th...
31 May 2024
family-travel-insurance-singapore
Travel Insurance
Guide to the Best Family Travel Insurance in Singapore: Cost, Coverage, Age Limits and More
Feeding one extra mouth at home is one thing, but travelling with another little human is a whole different ball game. From missed flights to lost belongings, a lot can...
29 May 2024
housing-terms-definitions-to-know-m
Property
Buying a House? Here are 8 Terms You Need to Know Before You Meet Your Realtor
For many of us, buying a home might be the biggest purchase of our lives. Ideally, we want to get it right. I’m not just talking about choosing the right...
27 May 2024
best-travel-insurance-singapore-cheapest
Travel Insurance
6 Best Travel Insurance with COVID-19 Coverage in Singapore (May 2024)
COVID-19 might be the last thing on your mind…but it could be the first thing to ruin your next trip. Whether you end up quarantined overseas or have to cancel...
24 May 2024