5 ways to reach the rank of Major Saver in NS

For many, NS is a time to pick up useful new skills and habits. While your platoon sergeant will gladly teach you many (in between making you do the SOC and jogging around the camp), there are others you have to find out for yourself.

Fortunately, when it comes to saving money now that you’re earning your own, we’re here to help.

1. Get a country club experience for a fraction of the price

Did you know you’re automatically eligible to join an exclusive club as an NSF? With many top-notch facilities and services like Laser Quest, gyms, and even chalets, SAFRA and HomeTeamNS members are spoilt for choice when it comes to ways to spend their weekends.

2. See how much you can save on new specs

Everyone knows you have to get one of those nondescript black-rimmed spectacles for NS, but did you know you could potentially get one for free? As an NSF, you might be entitled to claim up to S$40 for your glasses and up to S$20 for a replacement pair every year.

Find out more about spectacle subsidies for SAF.

3. Whether you're wearing green or blue, it's affordable to stay in the pink of health

Maybe it’s the weekend or you’re on leave, but there will definitely be occasions during your NS when you might need to see a doctor outside of camp. When that happens, you just need to drop by any government hospital or polyclinic and flash your 11B for fully subsidised outpatient medical treatment.

This awesome medical benefit doesn’t only take care of your bumps and bruises, but also dental services with subsidies of up to 85%. And when a wisdom tooth extraction can cost up to S$2,000, it’s always a good idea to make sure your teeth are in tip-top shape before you finish your National Service.

Find out more about medical subsidies for SAF, SPF, or SCDF.

4. Smart National Servicemen shop with eMart credits

The only thing better than shopping is shopping for free, and that’s exactly what you can do with your NSF credits at any eMart. National Servicemen receive up to 260 credits every year and these can be spent on essentials like shoe polish, mosquito repellent, and even backpacks. Just remember: your credits have an expiry date, so use them while you can!

Find out more about eMart credits here.

5. Boost your NS savings with POSB Save As You Serve Programme

Exclusively for National Servicemen, this programme lets you set aside a portion of your NS allowance every month for an additional 2% interest p.a. on your monthly savings. You can also enjoy up to 2% cash rebate with your SAFRA DBS Debit Card and HomeTeamNS-PAssion-POSB Debit Card, as well as privileges at over 3,000 merchants islandwide. At the end of your NS, you’ll be able to withdraw your bonus savings and celebrate your ORD in style!

Find out more about the POSB SAYS programme here.

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