Budget Singapore Make your home beautiful and save money

Forget IKEA. Even if you pace yourself and go once every three years to buy an extension plug, you always end up with three. Because you never know when you might need another one.

In addition, you will probably buy a generic picture, a pot plant and a rug that doesn’t really belong anywhere but looks like a good deal at the time. Then you will queue at the checkout for a smiling attendant who gives you the bill for your soothing retail experience.

‘That will be $214.79 please.’

What?! But we only came in for an extension plug and a set of unbreakable cups lah!

At Budget Direct Insurance, we believe in finding easy ways to buy better and cheaper. Here are our top picks to help save money on your home and, perhaps, find a local treasure.

1. Hock Siong

Founded in the 1970s, by a family of Karung Guni (rag and bone) traders. Hock Siong offers a humble jumble of funky pre-loved furniture, antiquities and operating equipment sourced from local hotels and homes. You’ll find local collectables, linen, retro office and large one-of-a-kind pieces, at their messy space in an old industrial building at 153 Kampong Ampat. www.hocksiong.com.sg

2. The Heritage Shop

For all things old-school Singapore. Patrick Phoa or "Uncle Vintage" collects treasures and stories from our colourful past. If you are a history buff or just looking for a talking point for your home, you will enjoy browsing this narrow shop for signboards, documents, biscuit tins, tingkats, the list is endless.

The Heritage Shop can be found at 93 Jln Sultan, Singapore 198997

3. Mega Discount Store

Want shiny, new branded items? Established in 1994, the Mega Discount Store (MDS) offers a wide choice of home and kitchen gadgets and white goods plus audio/visual equipment and accessories direct from manufacturers. Find trusted brands like Bosch, LG, Mitsubishi, Phillips, Panasonic, Hitachi, Samsung and Toshiba. MDS also offers a delivery and installation service. Check the sales page for the best prices here.

4. Phoon Huat

Established specialist in baking equipment plus baking, dairy and confectionery ingredients at some of the lowest prices in Singapore. The chain is very popular with home cooks and those who like cheese but don’t want to pay Cold Storage prices.

Some Phoon Huat specialty outlets are equipped with test kitchens where experienced pastry chefs offer baking classes almost daily. Try your hand at making cheesecakes, croissants and other goodies. Store locations here.

5. Sia Huat

Sia Huat is SE Asia’s leading direct distributor for an extensive range of kitchen products and equipment. Together with tableware and kitchenware, there is something to suit every budget and need.

Save more Sia Huat also run an annual warehouse sale offering savings of up to 80% on retail prices.

Sia Huat can be found at Nos. 7, 9 & 11 Temple Street, Singapore 058559

5. FarEast Flora

The best kept secret for fresh flowers in Singapore is at Far East Orchid, part of Far East Flora on Thomson Road. Look for the Fresh Flower Centre not the garden centre. There in the cold room, you will be able to escape the steamy Singapore air and buy the flowers of your dreams. Prices are way more affordable than any commercial florist. From all manner of tropical delights, to sunflowers and lilies, it’s the by far the best way to make your home bloom.

Final Tip?

Buying insurance online is a no-brainer. It’s quicker, cheaper and it works just as well or even better than doing what your family has always done. Here are simple equations.

Insurance + middle man + commission = expensive + complicated

Insurance + online direct = cheaper + quicker

Protect your car, motorcycle and travel plans, buy online and save with Budget Direct Insurance