If you are worried about the cost of healthcare, utilities and food, take heart. The Government has rolled out a comprehensive package of measures in Budget 2022 to address cost of living concerns.

A $1.5 billion support package was also announced in June to provide further support, especially for the lower-income and more vulnerable groups. These include $100 Household Utilities Credit for every Singaporean household, GSTV – Cash Special Payment of up to $300 for eligible recipients and permanent enhancements to ComCare Short- to Medium-Term Assistance and Long-Term Assistance.

You can learn more about the support measures here.

You can also cut back on living expenses by adjusting your lifestyle. Here are 5 easy ways:

1 Eat and shop in the neighbourhood

Good food and unique finds are always hidden in the heartland, don’t you agree? Explore the shops and food and beverage outlets in Ang Mo Kio, Yio Chu Kang and Kebun Baru and you may be surprised at the great – and budget-friendly – finds.

Need another reason to eat and shop in the neighbourhood? You can use the additional $100 Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers distributed in May 2022 at participating hawkers and heartland merchants. This can help you save without compromising on your food and other purchases. Find out more about the CDC Vouchers Scheme 2022 here.

2 Exercise at fitness corners and parks

You do not have to go far from home to get fit. There are fitness corners, neighbourhood parks and other sports facilities at your doorstep, which allow you to work out and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Some of the fitness equipment in our estates even come with USB charging ports so you can charge your phone while exercising. Isn’t it cool? Check out where these pieces of equipment are located in the January-March issue of Our Home newsletter.

3 Walk, cycle and ride public transport

As the first model walking and cycling town in Singapore, Ang Mo Kio has an extensive cycling path network for you to get around conveniently and in a green fashion. More sheltered walkways and park connectors have been built to let you travel with ease. And thanks to an integrated network of trains and buses, you can always hop on public transport to get to the further parts of Singapore. Enjoy these cheaper ways of commuting while making your travel more eco-friendly!

4 Switch to LED and energy-efficient appliances

Not sure whether to use household appliances with a 4- or 5-tick or those with a 2-tick? Wondering if LED lights really make a difference? LED light bulbs and appliances with more ticks may cost more, but they are more energy-efficient and will help you save in the long run. According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), households can save $40 to $120 annually by adopting such appliances and fittings.

5 Upcycle items to reduce waste

Are egg cartons, empty bottles or coffee grounds really trash? You might want to think again because there are many creative ways to repurpose them. Just do a quick Google and see! Learn to turn your trash into treasure, and it will save you from having to spend money buying new products. It is also a zero-waste approach!

[Chinese]

政府推出了一系列援助措施，协助人民应对生活费上涨问题。你也可以调整生活方式，以减少日常开销，例如在邻里商店购物和到小贩中心用餐、使用健身角落和公园的设施锻炼身体、响应“走、骑、搭”（即步行、骑脚踏车和乘坐公共交通）的出行方式、改用LED灯和节能电器，及发挥巧思，把物品升级再造，以减少浪费。

[Malay] 

Pemerintah telah melancarkan pakej langkah komprehensif bagi menangani keprihatinan kos sara hidup. Anda juga boleh mengurangkan perbelanjaan dengan menyesuaikan gaya hidup anda, seperti makan dan membeli-belah di kawasan kejiranan, bersenam di sudut kecergasan dan taman, berjalan kaki, berbasikal dan menaiki pengangkutan awam, beralih kepada peralatan LED dan cekap tenaga, dan mengitar semula untuk mengurangkan sisa.

[Tamil]

வாழ்க்கைச் செலவினம் பற்றிய அக்கறைகளுக்குக் கைகொடுக்க, பல்வேறு உதவித் திட்டங்களை அரசாங்கம் அறிவித்துள்ளது. நீங்களும் உங்கள் வாழ்க்கைமுறையில் மாற்றங்கள் செய்து வாழ்க்கைச் செலவினத்தைக் குறைத்திடலாம். அக்கம்பக்கத்திலேயே உணவும் பொருட்களும் வாங்குதல், உடற்பயிற்சிக் கூடங்களிலும் பூங்காக்களிலும் உடற்பயிற்சி செய்தல், போக்குவரத்துக்கு நடை, மிதிவண்டி, பொதுப் போக்குவரத்து ஆகியவற்றைப் பயன்படுத்துதல், LED விளக்குகளுக்கும் மின்சாரத்தைச் சிக்கனப்படுத்தும் சாதனங்களுக்கும் மாறுதல், கழிவுகளைக் குறைக்க பொருட்களை மறுசுழற்சி செய்தல் போன்றவை இதில் உள்ளடங்கும்.