As a kid, there were many ways of life I adopted from my parents.
One of them was how to spend money wisely.
Coming from humble backgrounds, my mum and dad never failed to impress upon me the value of a hard-earned dollar.
I was fed this rhetoric whenever I tried my luck asking for more band posters: “Is this something you need, or something you want?”
This philosophy has been adapted over the years.
Sure, my parents still keep a sharp eye on their savings, but they’ve also acknowledged the value of the phrase “treat yo’self”.
Even so, old habits die hard, so many of their spendings actually involve saving money too.
I suppose it won’t hurt to share some of their secrets, so here’s how to treat yourself on a budget, from one thrifty shopper to another.
1. Don’t settle for full price. Especially when you can get 50 per cent off.
Lesson one came during a trip to China, aka my initiation into bargaining.
Usually a stickler for the rules, I was both amazed and horrified when my dad managed to snag me a new school bag for half of its original price at a market.
It’s almost 13 years later and I’ve yet to return to that market of flexible price tags, but sniffing out lower prices is a skill I’ve carried with me since.
Like discovering Citi’s 50 per cent off Fridays, which is taking place this July to August.
As part of this TGIF deal, you can get the Miuvo Power Rest Massager at 50 per cent off. Use promo code “CITI50PR”.
Miuvo KneadMaster Ultra Slim Neck and Back Massager. Image via Miuvo.
Pair this with the Power Rest Massager, going at half price too, with promo code “CITI50KMA”.
Miuvo Power Rest Massager. Image via Miuvo.
This period also brings about other Star Buys Fridays deals.
2. Keep an eye out for good deals.
I do most of my shopping online, from the comfort of my bed.
When I feel less like a hermit though, I invite my friends out to shop.
Sadly, the recent heatwave has had me hailing more Grab rides on the way out.
I’ve been trying to be more conscious on this front by taking public transport, but sometimes, life just gets in the way.
Luckily, Lendlease and Mastercard are lightening the burden of heavier ride sharing prices.
From Jul. 1 to Aug. 31, 2023, Grab rides to and from Lendlease malls paid with Citi Mastercard are S$5 off with a minimum of S$10 spent as long as you use the code “MCL5”.
Images via Lendlease.
We’re also entitled to a S$5 Lendlease voucher once our spending hits S$100, counting a total of maximum three receipts.
On Fridays, that voucher will be doubled to S$10 for the first 50 redemptions per mall.
3. Know your cards.
Back when digital retail platforms were just taking off, to say my parents were cautious of them would be an understatement.
But once Covid-19 hit, they discovered the joys of online shopping.
We even figured out how to make the most out of online transactions with card promotions, such as Citi Daily Deals.
Citi Singapore’s Lazada Tuesdays, for one, offers S$5 off with a minimum spend of S$60 till Dec. 31.
I’ve been putting my newfound knowledge of these deals to good use.
See, I’m currently in the market for some trinkets to spruce up my desk at the office.
In my quest to make my workspace more homey, I snooped on various online shopping platforms, only to discover a host of other promotions to KIV.
There’s one for every day of the week, so buckle in.
Citi Singapore’s ZALORA Mondays make Mondays more bearable with 10 per cent off a minimum spend of S$100 till Aug. 28.
And when I’m feeling the midweek burnout, I turn to Taobao Wednesdays for some solace.
Image via Taobao.
The current Taobao promotion runs till Sep. 27 — S$10 off with a minimum spend of S$100. Not bad at all.
RedMart Thursdays are grocery days, with S$12 off with a minimum spend of S$160 till Dec. 31.
On Fridays, LazTravel will be offering S$10 off a minimum spend of S$150, and S$30 off a minimum spend of S$300.
Image via Lazada.
The weekend brings double the thrills with two promotions each day.
From now till Aug. 27, Sift & Pick Saturdays come with 15 per cent off a minimum spend S$150 when you use the code “CITIJULY23”.
Image via Sift & Pick.
Until Dec. 31, Shopee Sundays round off the week by taking S$6 off a receipt of S$80 or more.
On top of that, when you spend at least S$120 on Qoo10 Sundays, you get S$12 off till Aug. 27.
I guess to sum it all up, the trick to getting your money’s worth while shopping boils down to this: always do your research, and a little help from the right card provider never hurt anyone.
Especially if you’re a Citi Cardmember.
Citi Credit Card
From now till Jun. 30, 2023, as part of the new Shop Smart with Citi campaign, Citi Credit Cardmembers get an Exclusive Welcome Gift of up to 120,000 bonus Points when they successfully apply for a Citi Credit Card.
Go forth and reap the rewards, fellow thrifty shoppers.
This sponsored article by Citi Singapore made this writer realise she needed more retail therapy.
Top images via Miuvo and Philips