Most people fall into one of two camps — they’re either a saver or a spender. I consider myself more of a saver, but not to the extent that I strive to be part of the FIRE (financial independence, retire early) movement, members of whom are known to prioritise cutting expenses to the extreme. Spending is not a dirty word; it’s just about striking a balance. Over the years, I’ve become somewhat of an “auntie”, in all senses of the word, and I don’t consider it a bad thing. They are likely the ones to know the best days to go shopping online and accumulate vouchers for greater savings. Personally, it has also become more of a fun challenge to try and achieve more bang for my buck and earn some bragging rights — from whom, I’m not sure. Here are some tips I’ve gleaned on how to still enjoy life to the fullest, while not busting your budget.
## Background
In today’s digital age, saving money has become an art form, especially with the plethora of online shopping platforms and deal-hunting communities. The rise of e-commerce giants like Shopee has revolutionised how we shop, offering significant discounts and cashback opportunities. Events like Shopee’s 9.9 Super Shopping Day provide a prime example of how consumers can maximise their savings. This article aims to share practical tips on how to balance spending and saving, ensuring you get the most value for your money.
## Whatsapp/ Tele groups are your best friend
Joining neighbourhood WhatsApp or Telegram groups can be a goldmine for finding the best deals and promotions. Thanks to my neighbours, I’m alerted to the latest coupon drops on platforms like Shopee, sometimes daily. However, it’s crucial not to blindly follow what others are buying. For instance, a carton of energy drinks for just S$10 might seem like a steal, but if it causes you to lose sleep, it’s not worth it. Similarly, buying a huge bag of snacks that you can’t finish before they expire is a waste. Always think quality over quantity.
## Check out online platforms for offline deals
Shopping online can often cost less, not only because you save on transport or parking, but also because you can apply coupons or cashback on purchases. Deal platforms and channels can help you save significantly on dining out and groceries. For example, our family saves at least a hundred dollars a month by checking online deals before making purchases. Knowing when deals will drop online, such as during Shopee’s 9.9 Super Shopping Day, can also be a bonus. Marking these dates in your calendar ensures you don’t miss out on significant savings.
## Redeem those credit card points and make sure they don’t expire
Being a good bookkeeper when it comes to your accounts and tracking your coupons and rewards can pay off. Accumulating credit card points and earning discounts is the main reason I have credit cards. I find it beneficial to narrow my spending to just two to three credit cards to enjoy the most benefits in terms of meeting their minimum spend requirements.
## Compare, compare, compare
Comparison is often called the thief of joy, but not in this case. Some legwork can pay off when you compare offers within online platforms across different sellers. For example, checking reviews and comparing prices can help you get more for less with minimal effort. However, this only works if you’re not strapped for time. It’s essential to have some perspective and not lose the forest for the trees. If it all sounds like too much work, then maybe it is.
## Shopee’s 9.9 Super Shopping Day
Shopee’s 9.9 Super Shopping Day offers plenty of deals, with discounts of up to 99 per cent available across nine timeslots on Sep. 8 at 8pm and 10pm, and on Sep. 9 from 12am, 2am, 12pm, 2pm, 6pm, 8pm, and 10pm. Personally, I’m looking forward to deals on vacuum cleaners from brands like Ecovacs and Dreame, as I’ve been wanting to replace my old robot vacuum for nearly a year. On Sep. 9, prices of robot vacuums are expected to be slashed by up to 99 per cent, meaning one could get a machine for less than S$40.
## Orange takeover
From Aug. 29 to Sep. 9, S$30,000 of free vouchers are up for grabs for those who deck themselves out in their orange-y best and post photos on their socials with the hashtag #99SuperShoppingDay. Additionally, there are S$9.90 sure-win vouchers to be won on Sep. 8 and 9 if you can spot members of the Shopee team around Singapore. Shopee will also be taking over hotpot restaurant Haidilao with a series of activities and deals. Don’t forget to log on to the Shopee app or visit Shopee’s social media pages to stay updated on their exciting deals and activities.
## Vouchers
Shopee offers various cashback and platform vouchers during the 9.9 Super Shopping Day. Cashback vouchers include up to 50 per cent cashback sitewide from 12pm – 2pm and up to 10 per cent cashback sitewide all day. Platform vouchers include flash vouchers that let you offset S$20 when you spend S$150 and all-day vouchers ranging from S$1 to S$365 to offset purchases. DBS vouchers offer up to S$70 off from Aug. 29 – Sep. 8, stackable with brand vouchers offering up to 15 per cent off selected stores.
## Livestreams
Shopee will host livestreams with Lee Teng and Mongchin Yeoh (Mongabong) to share the best 9.9 deals on the platform. On Sep. 8, from 8pm to 12am, Lee Teng will host a livestream where three lucky viewers can win up to 100 per cent cashback on their purchases. Mongabong will host a livestream on Sep. 9 from 8pm to 10pm. Viewers can enjoy up to 80 per cent off vouchers during Shopee’s 9.9 countdown livestream. Selected items also offer Next Day Delivery, and Shopee’s hassle-free returns policy ensures you can shop with confidence.
## Future implications
As online shopping continues to grow, events like Shopee’s 9.9 Super Shopping Day highlight the increasing importance of digital literacy in managing personal finances. Consumers who can navigate these platforms effectively stand to save significantly. Future developments in e-commerce will likely offer even more opportunities for savvy shoppers to maximise their savings. Keeping abreast of these trends and participating in community groups can provide valuable insights and tips for making the most of your money.
