Cost-saving tips and hacks

Wondering how to save costs amidst rising cost of living in Singapore? 

You Know or Not? is a 4-part series featuring cost-saving tips and life hacks from professionals and enthusiasts across various fields. Learn practical, effective and innovative cost-saving tips to help you manage your expenses more efficiently.

Highlights of the series:

• Money-saving hacks to reduce daily expenses from a personal finance writer.

• Tips to keep home renovation costs low from DIY reno enthusiasts.

• Practical tips to reduce household water and electricity bills from a plumber and an electrician.

  • Don’t forget to use your $300 Climate Vouchers to purchase energy- and water-efficient products.

  • Request for a free water saver pack from PUB.  

Tips to reduce your household electricity bills by Kok Seong

Tell us about yourself.

"In the past 20 years, I’ve worked on several residential and industrial electrical projects. From lighting layouts in homes to electrical system design for buildings, I provide safe, reliable electrical solutions."

- Kok Seong (47), Electrician

What are some ways to reduce electricity usage at home?

Unplug chargers and devices when not in use to prevent phantom power usage.

• Devices like TVs consume energy even in standby mode.

• Use a multi-socket plug so you can cut off power supply to unused devices.

Switch to LED bulbs with dimmer switches.

• #DidYouKnow LED bulbs use up to 25% less electricity than Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) light bulbs to produce the same amount of light?

• Use dimmer switches to vary brightness level in different settings. Go for softer lighting during your rest time to save electricity.

Use an air-con with a fan to reduce energy usage.

• Turn on the fan to circulate cold air throughout the room more effectively.

• Set your air-con temperature at 25°C, so you can reduce its workload and electricity consumption.

• Set the timer to switch off the air-con automatically after the room is cool.

Place your refrigerator away from heat and sunlight.

• Your fridge compressor works harder to keep its interior cool under a warmer environment.

What is a common misconception about purchasing energy-efficient appliances?

• Think long term – These appliances cost more, but they have significant long-term savings on your bills.

• Look out for energy labels on appliances like lamps and portable air-cons, other than refrigerators.

Tips to reducing household expenses by SG Budget Babe, Dawn

Tell us about yourself.

"I have been sharing cost saving tips online since my first job. 10 years on, I’m now a mum of two and still write regularly to help people learn to improve their personal finances.​"

- 'SG Budget Babe' / Dawn (mid-30s), Finance Writer

What are some tips to reduce household expenses?

Tabulate your income and expenses regularly.

• This will help you visualise your spending and see if there are areas you can cut costs​.

Go for used household items

• ​A used chair or hairdryer may not look brand new, but does the job just as well, at a fraction of the price. ​You can also get second-hand toys and books if you have kids.

Sign up for memberships with frequented merchants

• ​Save with member discounts and promotions.

Watch out for food deliveries and snacks ​

• These costs add up. Cutting down on snacks help you to stay healthier too! #win

What is a common misconception?​

• You don’t have to go through countless websites to find good deals.

• Download CASE’s ‘Price Kakis’ app to hunt down cheaper food and groceries.

Tips to keep costs low when setting up a new home by Izwan and Nadirah

Tell us about yourself.

"We bought our HDB flat in Punggol in 2020. As first-time homeowners, we DIY-ed our way to our dream home within a $5,000 budget."

- Izwan (37) and Nadirah (31), DIY reno enthusiasts

What are some ways to reduce costs when setting up a new home?

Prioritise your reno budget for the spaces you use the most.

• Focus on areas like bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen first for better living quality.

• Get multiple quotes and avoid unnecessary work like hacking.

DIY home reno and repair works.

• It’s easy to pick up DIY techniques like vinyl flooring and wrapping, and installation of fluted panels from online videos.

• Recycled materials, like bicycle tires, can be used as décor. Be creative about it!

• Replace hardware (e.g., cabinet handles and door hinges) yourself as they are easy to assemble.

Choose second-hand or standalone furniture.

• Refurbish used furniture by polishing or painting it to match your house’s theme.

• Opt for standalone furniture over built-in for cost savings and flexibility in layout.

Look out for discounts and deals.

• Buy home appliances during in-store promotions for extra discounts.

• Use your $300 Climate Vouchers to get energy- and water-efficient products.

What is a common misconception on home reno?

• Don’t always opt for the cheapest materials!

• Value quality over cost for more lasting renovation works.

Tips on reducing household water bills by Zhong He

Tell us about yourself.

"I watched my dad fix pipes and taps in my teens and turned those lessons he shared with me into a career. I take pride in my craft and love solving problems."

- Zhong He (27), Plumber

What are some tips to lower our water bills?

Reduce the water output at water points.

• Adding an aerator or thimble to taps can reduce the flow of water – you can fix it yourself easily.

Fix leaks quickly

• When left undetected, silent leaks can significantly increase your water bill.

• Look for leaks in the toilet flush by adding a drop of food colouring or leak detection tablet into the cistern.

*Leak detection tablets work the same way as food colouring and can be found in PUB’s Water Saver Pack

There are also water efficiency labels for water fittings

• Don’t forget to look out for these labels on taps and mixers, not just appliances like washing machines.

What is a common misconception about purchasing household products?

• Buying the cheapest products may not help you save in the long run.

• Ask for taps with mixer cartridges. They are pricier but are more durable and less likely to leak.

*Mixer cartridges are found within taps to help regulate water flow