[vc_row el_class=”container section”][vc_column el_class=”row”][vc_row_inner el_class=”row”][vc_column_inner][expatmedia-landing-article title=”landing article”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_class=”col-md-8 “][vc_column_inner el_class=”col-md-8″][expatmedia-article-content body_text=”Tax-free commodities, a plethora of entertainment options and frequent sale seasons can be distracting to anyone who might want to save money in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE.
However, it is possible to live a financially fit life in the emirate, and save extra cash for your security. Here are top 15 tips:
15. Plan your yearly holidays so you can buy your airline tickets in advance. Airline tickets are usually cheaper when bought at least six months ahead of your travel date. Also, try booking online at around midnight when some airlines offer “midnight sale” on seats. You can also subscribe to airlines’ email alerts so you’ll always be the first to know of any promotions.
14. When sending a considerable sum of money home, don’t go with the flow. Exchange rates are usually high at mid-month or end of the month because this is when people receive their salaries and are likely to remit money. If possible, wait when the exchange rate dips (which means you get more peso for your dirham) before you send money to the Philippines.
13. Prefer to buy quality, used items that you need. You don’t have to spend a fortune on new furniture, unless you want to. There’s plenty advertised on online classifieds, or in second-hand stores in Dubai. Another Filipino favourite is the bi-monthly flea market in Safa Park.
12. If you don’t have accommodation or transportation paid for by your company, rent a place that is closer to your workplace. You can save time and money if you are spared a long commute.
11. Plan your trips using public buses or the Dubai Metro. The fares are a fraction of what you would spend compared to riding a taxi. If you must have a car, it is more economical to buy one in good condition (to spare you from maintenance woes) than lease one. However, make sure you have free parking space, and factor in yearly costs like vehicle registration renewal, vehicle insurance and toll fees.
10. Look for free entertainment. Beaches or parks are great places to unwind and entertain yourself with friends or family. You can also check out free shows and events at the malls, particularly during the shopping festivals.
9. If you are living alone or renting a shared apartment, it might be a good idea to buy cooked food in small portions from supermarkets and hypermarkets like Carrefour, Spinneys or New WestZone. You can ask for servings within your budget. This way you are saving time and effort from preparing your food.
8. If you must cook, include more vegetables on the menu. They’re cheaper, quicker to prepare and healthier, too.
7. Regularly check supermarkets and hypermarkets for special offers or deeply discounted prices on stocks for clearance. Most Filipinos head to Baqer Mohebi for discounted prices on boxes of chocolates to ship home, while New WestZone or Al Maya Lals are the go-to places for cheaper Philippine food items. For other commodities, check out three of the biggest hypermarkets in the country: Carrefour, Lulu and Geant.
6. Shop, dine or get service from establishments that offer loyalty points or rewards. Also check out offers on deal websites. There is usually a buy one get one offer on leisure trips, restaurant meals and other deals.
5. Get a pre-paid internet subscription on your smartphone that will allow you to use software like WhatsApp, Skype or Viber so you can call or message folks back home for free anytime, or when you are feeling homesick.
4. Try not to eat out frequently, but when you do, don’t be embarrassed to have your leftover food packed so you can eat it at home later.
3. If you can’t wait to do your shopping during sale season, shop at outlet stores instead (ask the store staff for the location). A more popular destination is the Outlet Mall, which houses all the outlet stores in one mall.
2. Don’t use a credit card, unless you can pay what you owe in full before interest accrues at the end of the month. But remember: It is always better to spend only what you have.
1. Save a portion of your salary. Always. The money you save now is not just for your retirement, but it can also be a much-needed fund for emergencies.” byline=”Brenzy Kaye Maquilan” caption=”Photo for illustrative purposes only.” credits=”ARCHIVE”]
How to improve your sleep for better life
Sleeping has a direct impact on your emotional and physical well-being. Not getting enough sleep can affect your everyday energy, productivity, emotional balance, and even your weight.
Ever since most of us started working from home, we sit in front of our computers more than the amount of time we sleep. These three tips may have been something you overlooked before. Experimenting with these tips might change your life for the better!
1. Increase bright light exposure during the day
The human body has a natural time-keeping clock known as your circadian rhythm.
This rhythm affects the brain, body, and hormones. It tells the body when to stay awake and when to sleep.
Aside from the light of your computer and phone screens, exposure to natural sunshine during the day helps maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. It can also enhance daytime energy and the quality of nighttime sleep.
According to research, two hours of bright light exposure throughout the day increases sleep duration by 2 hours and sleep efficiency by 80 percent.
If having daily sunshine exposure isn’t possible, invest in bright light bulbs that imitate sunlight.
2. Reduce blue light exposure in the evening
While exposure to light during the day is beneficial, it can be detrimental at night.
Exposure to blue light at night tricks your brain into thinking it is daytime. Hormones like melatonin, which help you relax and sleep deeply, are reduced when the body absorbs blue light.
Blue light, which is emitted in significant volumes by electronic gadgets such as cellphones and computers, is the worst in this regard.
If exposure to blue light at night is unavoidable, there are several methods you can use to reduce the exposure. These include:
- Wearing glasses that block blue light
- Installing an app that blocks blue light on your smartphone and computers.
- Turning off bright lights 2 hours before heading to bed.
- Avoid watching television for long periods at night.
3. Limit daytime naps and move more
Daytime naps can help the body recharge within the day. However, it can also interfere with nighttime sleep. If you choose to nap, limit yourself to up to 30 minutes and avoid doing so late in the day.
Instead of taking more naps and just sitting around during the daytime, you can opt to do less strenuous physical activities as simple as stretching. Aside from improving blood flow, extra movements can also use your excess energy. Using up extra energy later in the day can help you get ready for bed by the end of the day.
Study shows that insufficient sleep elevates the risk of obesity by 89 percent in children and 55 percent in adults. Other studies also show that sleeping less than 7–8 hours a night raises the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Sleep is essential for good health. Making sleep a high priority is recommended when achieving optimal health and well-being. BKM/ Expat Media
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