For much of this year, inflation has been all we could talk about. From office workers complaining of exorbitant caifan (mixed rice) prices to policymakers raising interest rates yet again to fight inflation, it is on our minds whenever we shop, save, and invest.
Does it feel like you are getting less bang for your buck these days? You’re not alone: I find myself dreading a visit to the petrol station every time my car’s fuel gauge lights up. In August, The Straits Times reported that all fuel pump prices in Singapore have increased – Shell and Caltex raised diesel by 7 cents and petrol by 3 cents a litre – following a rise in crude oil prices globally.
Inflation, as former UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher puts it, is the unseen robber of those who have saved. But I think the definition shared by American economist Milton Friedman is more accurate – inflation is caused by too much money chasing after too few goods.
Ask any shopper exiting your neighbourhood grocery store what they think could be the main reason behind the current inflation, and you’ll probably get one of the following answers: “The war between Russia and Ukraine”, “Supply chain disruption”, “Too much money was printed during the pandemic”, “Climate change affecting our food supplies” – factors that are not within our control. But while the volatile global situation is a driving force behind our predicament, the truth is, the current inflation is also very much a product of our behaviour as consumers.
CHECK YOUR SHOPPING HABITS
Denne historien er fra November 2022-utgaven av Her World Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 2022-utgaven av Her World Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Is It Ever A Good Idea To Engage In Online Discourse?
Sarah Bagharib answers.
Breaking Down The Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid
Here's why this popular skincare ingredient is a potent fix for dehydrated complexions.
Heritage in a Bottle
Crafted by Swiss perfumer Christine Nagel, Barenia is the first chypre fragrance from Hermes, a seductive scent that is a dance between the delicate butterfly lily and the vibrant burst of miracle berry.
Is my adult acne caused by hormonal changes?
Quinn Chen answers.
BEST IN CLASS
MOVING AWAY FROM INTRODUCING ENTIRELY NEW PRODUCTS, BRANDS SUCH AS SHISEIDO, CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE AND SULWHASOO HAVE CHOSEN TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD TO ELEVATE TRIED-AND-TRUE FORMULAS. THESE ICONIC CLASSICS ARE MORE EFFICACIOUS AND LUXURIOUS THAN BEFORE.
Sneak Peek
We've got our sights set on these new must-haves that promise to breathe new life into tired-looking eyes.
ACTS OF SERVICE
Beauty brands are enticing customers with a range of in-store treatments and services that offer expert tips, demonstrations and pampering.
November favourites
Here are some of the must-haves you will not regret adding to your beauty shelf.
Against the rules
Step into the dark side with grunge-inspired moody tones and smoky, smudgy eyes.
GO WITH THE FLOW
Half a month in Mongolia living with nomadic families and exploring the country's storied beauty taught senior advertising strategist Uli Chan the beauty of impermanence.