Dear readers, thanks for dropping by. Kindly note that I have migrated all these posts to my new blog All Things Cozy and Homely . I will blog at the new site from Jan 15 onwards.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

CPF Contribution & Allocation Rates changes (from 1 Sep 2011)




 Extracted from the CPF site:
 From 1 September 2011, the employers’ CPF contribution rate is increased by 0.5 percentage point. For employees who are above 35 years old and earning monthly wages of up to $1,500, the higher employer CPF contribution rate will continue to be phased in from 0% at the wage of $50 to the new full rate at the wage of $1,500. The increased contribution will be credited to the employees’ Special Account (including those above 55 years of age).

However, the additional 0.5 percentage point does not apply to graduated employer and employee rates for first or second year Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR) and their employers.

The new CPF contribution amount can be computed using the CPF Contribution Calculator or determined using the CPF contribution rate booklets.



** This is the table meant for:

       (1) Private Sector Employees
       (2) Non-Pensionable Employees (Statutory Bodies & Aided Schools)
       (3) Non-Pensionable Employees (Ministries)

       Note: For (1), (2) and (3), the Ordinary Wage Ceiling is $5,000.

I have actually done up an excel  sheet showing how  the CPF contribution of an ordinary Singapore couple, with a combined gross income of $4500,  will look like. I have made an assumption that there is a wage increase of $100 per year for this couple, and there is no income ceiling for them.

You can use this CPF template** to forecast how your housing loan matches up with the CPF contribution as you age. This is pretty useful for you to predict when cash is needed when the CPF contribution is lower than your monthly housing loan deduction. Just beware not to mess-up the formula used in the excel sheet. :)

A gentle reminder that the Ordinary Wage Ceiling is $5,000, which means the CPF contribution rate will still be based on $5,000 even if your income exceeds $5000.

Hope you find the template useful. :)




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Dear readers, thanks for dropping by. Kindly note that I have migrated all these posts to my new blog All Things Cozy and Homely . I will blog at the new site from Jan 15 onwards.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Mortgage Calculators


For home-owners who are looking at refinancing their mortgage loans, or simply at the amount of loan they have to pay to the banks when the interests fluctuates,  


is a very useful website that can assist you. Extracted from the site, here is  very brief overview of the types of calculator which you can use:



and so on. This is an American based site. For the Singapore based Banks, the mortgage calculator is as follows: 

OCBC Singapore Mortgage Payment Calculator

Hope you find it useful. :)

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Dear readers, thanks for dropping by. Kindly note that I have migrated all these posts to my new blog All Things Cozy and Homely . I will blog at the new site from Jan 15 onwards.

Monday, September 19, 2011

How to Protect Your Parquet Floor


How to Protect Your Parquet Floor?

What is Parquet Flooring?


Parquet was once used exclusively in royal houses and French nobles. However, this ornamental flooring has become a common feature in many modern homes of today. Parquetry is essentially a collection of wood pieces that are fused together to create a decorative mosaic effect. 
They are usually made of wood such as walnut, oak, pine, maple, bamboo and even cherry, and are placed in angular, geometric formations which lined the floor. However, rare wood material like mahogany, ebony, and rosewood were sometimes used too. In order to enhance the contrasting colors and patterns of the different woods and geometric patterns, stains and varnish finishes are used.



Protection from Scratches from Furniture & Cleaning Equipment
Felt protector Pads

You can use the felt protector pads (sold at local hardware, DIY stores in pre-cut rounds or large squares which you can cut to the sizes you need) as a buffer between the furniture legs and the flooring. This can also prevent dents formed from heavy furniture such as bed frames and sofas. These protector pads are sometimes known as parquet gliders.
 Parquet Gliders

You can also use casters for the furnite legs. Casters allow for smooth chair sliding but you may want to consider using them with a carpet which will buffer the casters from excessive sliding. The carpet will act as a protective layer to mitigate the wear and tear on the floor. Aside from carpet, rugs can be used underneath furniture sets for  protection and an additional decorative touch.

Use parquet friendly vacuum cleaners which has laminate and parquet floor nozzle. Do not use a vacuum or attachment with a rotating brush as the moving bristles will scratch the floor.

If your wooden flooring already has some scratches, look for parquet touch-up kits from the hardware or DIY stores. Choose the touch-up kit closest to your wooden flooring finish,  fill in deeper gouges. Employ a stain marker close to the stain finish of your floors to blend in visible scratches that can't be buffed out. Leave it to dry overnight. The scratches should appear less obvious.


Maintenance and Treatment of Parquet Flooring

Maintaining the finish and shine of parquet floors is as important as protecting your floors from scratches and dents. Older parquet floors typically have finishes of varnish, shellac or lacquer, whereas newer floors are finished with polyurethane. You should use a nonabrasive liquid cleaner for polyurethane coated flooring.  Parquet flooring finished in lacquer, varnish or shellac requires the use of a paste wax to maintain the finish and shine.

Mop parquet floors with a damp mop soaked in a gentle hardwood cleaner. Avoid using water to mop the floor as stagnant water will cause water stains and warp wood. 

Its important to keep indoor humidity levels to 40 - 60 percent; its recommended to use a dehumidifier during summer months and a humidifier during cold months to reduce the expansion and contraction of the parquet floors as these will cause uneven floors and bumps.

Invest in curtains or blinds for rooms installed with parquet flooring as direct sunlight will causes aging or discoloring of the wood. Therefore, installing window blinds will protect the floors against ultraviolet rays and rearranging carpets and rugs will help to mitigate the damage from the sunlight.



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Dear readers, thanks for dropping by. Kindly note that I have migrated all these posts to my new blog All Things Cozy and Homely . I will blog at the new site from Jan 15 onwards.

Monday, September 12, 2011

High Tech Dream Luxury Bathroom


High Tech Dream Luxury Bathroom
This post is dedicated to those who want to build an amazing bathroom but have no idea what to include. Here are some ideas to consider... :)

Note: All photos credited to the respective websites. Click on the photo to proceed to the original website.



1) Smart Toilet
 Remote controlled, automatic open and close lid, flush, seat warmer...and the list goes on! :)




2) Automated Water Taps/ Faucets
Infra-sensor, self setting detection range, regulates temperate and water flow. Great for conserving water too!




3) Steam Room
Acrylic Steam Rooms, white, high-gloss with integral recessed LED light installs above each seat section to provide subdued lighting. Just imagine having this right at your doorstep!




4) Suntan Shower
Suntan in your very bathroom - how cool can this get?!





5) Mediastation multimedia system
VisiPad Mediastation multimedia system that has taken internet right into your bathroom. Keuco visiPad is a splash protected multimedia system that features touchscreen display and can even be operated via remote control.




6) Mirror cum TV!
A fully functioning digital television one minute, and a high quality illuminated mirror the next! Never miss a movie screening.





7) Create that Futuristic Look with LED tiles!
Don't forget to adorn your walls and Ceiling with LED tiles to complete your high tech dream bathroom. :)

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