Quick Hacks to Save Money in Singapore

Saving money in Singapore sounds simple, but it often feels out of reach. Between rising rent, expensive dining, and the constant pressure to keep up with tech and travel trends, expenses pile up faster than most people realize. As of 2025, the average monthly cost of living in Singapore ranges from SGD 2,500 to SGD 4,000 for individuals and SGD 4,500 to SGD 7,000 for families, depending on lifestyle and housing choices (upGrad, 2025). Monthly bills often include hidden charges, and even high-yield savings accounts offer very limited returns.

The good news is that saving money doesn't have to mean giving up everything you enjoy. By making a few smart choices like switching telco plans, using cashback apps, and tracking your spending, you can cut costs without feeling restricted. This guide will walk you through practical, everyday strategies to help you save more in 2025 and take control of your finances.

Money-Saving Hacks Every Singaporean Must Know

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to saving money, but there are a few proven habits that make a big difference. These simple strategies can help you take control of your spending and build a stronger financial foundation with no extreme budgeting required.

Set a Budgeting Model and Stick to It

One of the easiest ways to get started is by following a clear budgeting model. The 50/30/20 rule is a popular option because it’s simple and realistic:

• 50% for needs: This includes essentials like rent, groceries, transport, and utility bills.

• 30% for wants: Dining out, shopping, subscriptions, and entertainment fall under this category.

• 20% for savings or debt repayment: This portion helps you grow your savings or pay off loans faster.

Once you set your budget, the key is staying consistent. Review your spending regularly to keep things on track.

Break Down Your Monthly Expenses

To manage your finances more effectively, break your monthly spending into clear categories:

• Food

• Transport

• Education

• Entertainment

• Personal wants

• Telco bills

• Emergency fund

• Savings

• Debt repayments

Assign a monthly limit to each category. This makes it easier to spot overspending and adjust early before small expenses become big problems.

Track Your Spending

Awareness is the first step to control. Use apps like Seedly, You Need A Budget (YNAB), or even a basic Google Sheet to track where your money goes each week. Categorize your expenses so you can identify areas to cut back on. Just a few minutes of review each week can help you stay in control and avoid end-of-month surprises.

Save in High-Interest Accounts

Not all savings accounts are created equal. Banks like UOB One, OCBC 360, and DBS Multiplier offer better returns than standard savings accounts. Look for accounts that reward consistent deposits or monthly spending activity. Once you choose an account, set up an automated monthly transfer so you save first before spending.

Use Cashback and Promo Apps for Shopping and Dining

Apps like ShopBack, FavePay, Burpple, and GrabRewards can help you save every time you shop or dine out. Combine these rewards with credit card promos for even more savings. A few dollars off here and there may seem small, but over time, they add up to significant monthly savings without changing your lifestyle.

Save Big on Telco Bills

Your mobile plan may not seem like a major expense, but over the course of a year, it adds up. Many people stick with the same telco for years out of habit without realizing how much more they’re paying than they need to. By reviewing your current plan and making a smarter switch, you could save hundreds of dollars annually while getting more data, better perks, and greater flexibility.

Switch to a SIM-Only or eSIM Plan

SIM-only and eSIM plans offer some of the best value on the market. Here’s why they work:

• No contracts mean you can switch anytime without penalties

• Lower monthly costs compared to bundled phone plans

• More data for less, with options that include roaming and lifestyle perks

If you’re ready to stop overpaying and start saving, port over to Circles.Life and take advantage of their no-contract plans with high data and smart rewards.

Tips To Pick the Right Plan for Your Usage

Not everyone needs the same mobile plan. Here’s how to choose the one that fits your lifestyle:

• Light user? Choose a plan with 20GB or less to avoid paying for unused data

• Heavy user? Look for plans offering 100GB or more, or even unlimited data

• No calls needed? Opt for data-only or basic SIM-only plans with minimal talk time

Evaluating how you use your phone each month is the first step to cutting unnecessary costs.

Use Wi-Fi Strategically

Another easy way to save on data is to use Wi-Fi more intentionally:

• Set your phone to auto-connect at home, work, malls, and MRT stations

• Turn off mobile data access for high-consumption apps like YouTube and TikTok

• Download videos or music while on Wi-Fi to avoid streaming on mobile data later

A few smart habits like these can reduce your data usage and make cheaper plans go further.

Join a Family Plan

Family plans are one of the most cost-effective ways to manage multiple lines:

• Share data across users without overpaying for individual plans

• Manage everything through one account for easy billing

• Enjoy lower cost per line, especially when bundled with telco promotions 

If your household has more than one mobile user, a family plan is almost always the better deal.

Take Advantage of Telco Rewards

Some telcos, like Circles.Life, sweeten the deal with exclusive lifestyle perks:

• Get vouchers from TADA, Shopee, Golden Village, and more

• Combine with reward apps or credit card promos for extra savings

• Use rewards to offset regular expenses like transport or entertainment

These perks often go unused, so be sure to activate them through your app or customer portal.

Avoid Hidden Charges and Contracts

Many traditional telcos still include fees that catch users off guard:

• Setup fees

• Early termination penalties

• Excess data charges when you go over your limit

One of the biggest advantages of Circles.Life is transparency. There are no lock-ins or surprise costs. You also get regular port-in promotions that help you save money the moment you switch.

Our Top Telco Picks to Save More in 2025

Here are our top telco plans that combine affordability, generous data, and lifestyle benefits. Each plan from Circles.Life is contract-free, making it easy to switch or upgrade as your needs change.

📌 Updated: May 21, 2025

Final Thoughts

Saving money in Singapore doesn't have to feel like a constant sacrifice. With the right tools and a few smart decisions, you can cut down on everyday expenses while still enjoying the things that matter to you. One of the easiest ways to start is by switching to a mobile plan that offers more value without locking you into a contract.

If you're ready to make a change, Circles.Life offers affordable, data-packed plans with roaming perks, lifestyle rewards, and zero hidden fees. It's a simple switch that can lead to long-term savings.

👉 Make the smarter move. Switch to Circles.Life today and enjoy better data, more freedom, and perks that fit your lifestyle.

FAQs

How do family plans help save on mobile expenses?

Family plans let multiple users share a single data pool, which often lowers the cost per line. They also simplify billing and make it easier to manage usage across the household. Most telcos offer better value when you bundle lines together.

How can I save on telco bills without compromising on data?

Switching to a SIM-only or eSIM plan can dramatically reduce your monthly cost while giving you more data. Look for plans that offer large data allowances, roaming perks, and lifestyle rewards, all without locking you into a contract.

What are some easy money-saving tips I can follow in Singapore?

Start by setting a monthly budget and tracking your expenses. Use cashback and reward apps, take advantage of high-interest savings accounts, and find areas like telco bills where switching providers can lead to big savings.

What is the 50/30/20 rule of money?

This rule splits your monthly income into three parts: 50 percent for needs (bills, groceries), 30 percent for wants (dining, shopping), and 20 percent for savings or debt repayment. It’s a simple way to build better financial habits without being overly strict.