The search for the perfect tumbler

I'm having a neck ache, shoulder ache, and my head is generally not feeling its best. Guess I was too crouched in work this week and forgot about proper postures or break time. This really sucks.

I dropped by a sports store tucked away in a main street after breakfast outside with my family just now, heard they are giving 10% off and I asked them if this applies to the whole store. The cashier girl said it's only for marathon runners who have to show them an email. Of course I don't have one, nor am I a marathon runner. I calculated the price of the tumbler I want with the lid sold separately, and figured that while it's a few bucks more than buying off online site and have my friend shipped it to HK, it probably makes more sense that the few bucks would be spent on shipping to me, so why not get it now? So I went ahead and miraculously / mistakenly they gave me the 10% off. I am very happy and toted my tumbler home! 

I've searched high and low for stainless steel tumbler for the past year or so, the closest thing is the one sold at Starbucks, it's about the same price as the one I got today but I don't like the black rimmed handle from the Starbucks model. The tumbler has to be stainless steel because it's easy to clean stains (read: not stain-proof but easier to clean than a mug). It's expensive at $220 but it'll last years and years. And it won't rust! The cheapo tumbler I have at office is getting rusty (got it for $5 or $10 at a charity fair), the rubber band on the lid came off and just won't screw tight anymore, the tumbler is made of acrylic outside and stainless steel inside, that's why I can see rust developing on the stainless steel from looking beneath the transparent layer of acrylic! It doesn't affect the drink content inside though, but it's time to get a proper and durable one.

Speaking of which, I must get the new tumbler thoroughly cleaned now!

This week's update

Far too busy with work to think straight today. I met up with the insurance agent anyhow, he got my basics and asked me a few questions (expectations, plans, attitudes), and we'll meet again in one week's time and by then he would have come up with specific packages/payment plans. 

It just made me feel ever more poor both literally and metaphorically. I think I need to dig real hard to cut down my current expenditure - easiest cut could be food category, beauty category and clothes. Since I've always been on the lookout for new styles out there (don't judge) it's going to be hard. But I'm going to do it anyway. I may put the magazine subscription on hold for the time being. 

The road we traveled

I had dinner out with a few of high school friends yesterday. Two of them were teachers, one of them was in the PR field. The former two was married (1.5 years apart from each other).

One of them mused on the fact that she and her hubby paid 15k each month for rent (including furnishing, management fee, not sure about water/electricity bill though). Another paid less than 10k per month but the couple owned a big room (large enough as a standalone flat), which is part of an apartment with a kitchen (mostly used by them) and a bathroom and a common area. 

Apart from concurring with them that the housing market is problematic right now (prolonged period of astronomical figures for both rent/buy), I can't help wondering about one thing. All of them earned less than I do (at least two of them are, the other I"m not sure!), their family would give them support for their down payment if they needed it, but they think the housing market is not at its best price (i.e. very high prices now) so they turned to renting. But here's the thing: why would people go ahead and get married if the circumstances aren't right? Why would anyone want to get married when the problem of housing has not been solved? I can't comment on each individual's decision (e.g. want to have baby soon, enjoy time-for-two longer, etc) but to me, I would feel safer to enter marriage when the housing issue is sorted out in the first place, i.e. the couple have enough cash towards the down payment + subsequent mortgage. I'm not saying the two couples don't earn enough cash to sustain a mortgage, but I'm pointing out that this is not the plan that I have in mind. I certainly don't want to be the person who worry about which place to buy when we are actually renting a place. 

It makes more sense to me to have the down payment first, look around for a potential place to buy, then buy + get married concurrently. Getting married without a house feels bad. In fact this has been the most popular option out there? Some people buy the house first, then leave it empty, move in after they get married. Or, they moved in together first, see if each other's right for the other, then get married (and probably move to a bigger place...when they have kids). I heard there are couples who live apart in their own parent's home after getting married, just for the sake of saving enough dough for down payment / waiting for the housing price to come down. But why not get married when it's been sorted out? It's all about timing. Save your dough first, then wait for the best timing. Whether it's "the best" or "the right" timing nobody knows, but at least there's one less thing to worry about after getting married!

So my primary focus, and the major reason for me to start living on a smaller budget, has something to do with saving up enough for a down payment for future housing. The first step is always hard, but what has to be done has to be done.

During the course of our conversation, each of them expressed real passion for their jobs, or at least some sort of enjoyment and fulfillment. Well, I don't. Of course this has something to do with my job nature but I'm not a person who gets bored easily, so I have absolutely no qualms staying at a boring office job. (Boring doesn't mean it's trouble-free though, but what job doesn't come with trouble?) They all thought my job will be boring, but hey, I'd rather have a boring job than a job that puts new things, more duties on my plate everyday. Or worse, I'd rather have a boring job with decent income than having a job that earn peanuts but is something I'm passionate about. Passion + income don't blend well, at least not in the jobs that I have passion in.

The epiphany I got from last night was, we were 4 simple-minded girls a few years ago back then, while we all grew up now but we made our ways quite differently. Looking at them, earning less, knowing and doing what they like, have simple things (from clothes to cell phones to handbags), enjoying their (some newly married) life, then I look at what I have. Now I don't have designer bags or what, but my clothes, shoes, bags are definitely fancier than them. I don't know what to think here to be honest. Two of them has never been a feminine figure (dress up and look fancy), and the other likes to be pretty but likes to keep things simple. Even I make more than them, I also live a more complicated life too (mentally and materially more so). While I don't aspire to be a person who doesn't care for looks and appearance (never), I come to appreciate how they unconsciously live on less, possess less, and be happy with simple things. They take delight in a dress/shirt/bag they like, and that item isn't even expensive or the newest/latest out there! WOW. I thought silently to myself:  it takes a lot for me to like something, and things that I like will easily cost more! (eek!) 

I thought hard on WHY and HOW I came to where I am today, I have come up with a few possible reasons to account for that. While figuring that part out has been difficult, I'm glad to be able to reflect on something from yesterday's session, and I want to do something about it. I used to be one of them who takes delight in simple things and wishes for nothing more on the horizon (aka easily-contented teenager), and now I'm leading a way of life different from them. I want a simple, happy, minimalist but quality life that values human interactions or experience more than materialistic possessions. Can I go back on that track and be one of them now? If I can, how am I going to do it? Where should the line be drawn to let myself know I'm making progress? Take measure at the dough I saved by eliminating unnecessary purchase? Set a savings goal for my down payment?

What do you think is the most important thing or mindset to have or do when you steer a new direction of your life? 

(I just thought of one: Keep it simple.)

Win-win

I broke my no-spend day today, there was too good an offer to pass up. A bath and body care store that I held membership to, was giving a free bottle (regular-sized) of shower gel with any purchase. Being me, I had nothing I want from the store but I bought some consumables which I'll use up in a matter of weeks: cotton puffs.

I walked away with a bottle of the shower gel + a strip of cotton puffs whilst just paying $26 for it! A box of cotton puffs could set you off close to $20 nowadays. And shower gel is so common an item that my family would use anyway, plus there's always someone to give it to, in case I need to get a gift. So win-win!

I did try on some more jogging bottoms after work, there's one pair that tickles my fancy but a bit overpriced. Going to check the market near my office tomorrow and see if there's cheap alternatives!

This week's update

We went out to watch the Maze Runner on Sunday in IMAX version, the ticket costs a whopping $117 after movie membership discount, and another $10 for online transaction fee. The tickets must be bought online because neither of us lives near an IMAX cinema, and the best seats would go quick if we buy before watching. I concur that the movie was rather lackluster because the plot is quite thin, but if it's a prequel it can be forgiven. The effects are OK to watch with IMAX but I certainly don't think it's a must/worth it to watch in IMAX. There are other movies I think will be worth doing so, like "Gravity" and "Oblivion". 

I went to the cinema early to fetch my membership card, I paid $100 online for a year's membership, comes with coupons and a 1000-point balance, which translates to 1 free movie ticket. There's another free ticket for birthday but they won't remind you - which sucks (I've missed it twice!), and this year I must remember to redeem it. Actually there's another movie card with another cinema that I must remember to redeem come birthday! Gone are the days of a student ticket which was $50-$60, nowadays a regular adult ticket costs +$80! Even more so if the movie runs long, watch in IMAX or 3D. I do think it's a good alternative to watch at home, but that would require consensus from my SO. 

On another note, I've been meaning to sort out my insurance matters since 2012 (yes it's not a typo!) and 2014 is almost coming to an end and I've still sorted out nothing. Damn procrastination! I'll be meeting up with an insurance agent towards the end of the week to sniff out some possible options. As I've started creating a budget plan since July, I've had this in mind, monthly payments would be done to contribute to the insurance plans. I don't expect to sort out everything in this meetup, but I'm hoping to jump on the bandwagon sooner than later. It's just "not in my blood" to be the last one lagging behind compared with others, I hate that feeling.

Regarding the magazine subscription renewal, I'll sort that one out this week or the next. The pound is not at its highest at the moment and I want to take advantage of that to do the renewal.

Whilst SO and I were checking out some trainer shoes, I tried some shorts on at the store. I've never had proper shorts for doing sports for years...the closest ones I have are from high school's physical class. Yep, and I jog......*hides in shame* Getting proper set of sports apparel has been on my list forever but I never got around to it, and it's good that I started looking finally. I don't believe in expensive sports clothing unless I'm a professional athlete. But I do think having a decent sports outfit would be part of the motivation to get me kicking in action. Shorts that don't reveal too much of thighs, and don't create a lot of noise when meshing together (jogging and such), with a nice hidden pocket will be nice. Similarly, a pair of tight fit pants would do the trick come winter. Ideally the pants should double its duty as a travel item as well. I just need to fish around the stores (or online) for the best deal now. 

My previous post mentioned about a friend who was badly injured, I paid a visit to her at her home on Saturday, brought her a box of chocolate, and she asked for some food, so I paid for her portion as well. I don't mind doing so at all. She wanted to pay me back, I said no. She'll primarily be stuck at home for the coming months to come, but she's lucky to be able to work at home with permission from her supervisor, so she still earns her salary and she goes back to her office once a week. There goes my thought about 'saving for a rainy day', and it struck me that having insurance that can cover some of the expenses is important. Learning first aid might help make a difference, I thought. Keeping yourself healthy and fit is very important, too.

Save for a rainy day

My friend had an accident where she will be home-bound for the coming few months after a surgery last week, it was pretty bad for anyone I can imagine, and she was the same age as me. I've known her since high school (1-2 years) then she went abroad to study, we lost contact in the age of the non-smart phones. 2 years ago I was standing at a bus stop in a busy street and she walked in front of me glancing forward - in precisely that 2 seconds or so I shouted her full name, she turned and looked at me and we met again!

So last week I dropped her a message asking how she was doing and it was then she broke the news to me that she had a terrible accident. She asked if I could go and visit her it'll make her feel better as she can't possibly head out in her crutches. I felt very sorry for her and I went shopping for a gift for her today after work. I settled on a box of chocolate tied neatly in a tin, a bit over my budgeted HK$100. In hindsight I should have gone for the handpicked pieces, maybe 4 pieces tucked away in two neatly packaged boxes (each housing 2 bites). That would look as fancy as the tin I got, and it'll be cheaper too. Argh, I literally want to punch myself for not thinking of that before the purchase!

Lesson 1: Do not buy any gift in a rush, particularly when it's something you can mix-and-match for price! Unless it's something you're very very sure of getting (like a regular priced perfume you know you won't get it cheaper anywhere else).

Lesson 2: Even though I don't like the idea of buying gifts indiscriminately, it's important to budget in the incidental expenses arising from gifts.

I went on to another supermarket and saw yogurt on clearance, I thought it was $28 (when i looked at the fridge/rack) and turned out $35 (the label wrote $35 when I'm at the cashier). I thought I mixed up with other clearance yogurt cups in the same shelf. It was until I was taking a shower, it occurred to me - and I want to smack my forehead again - I think I've chosen the one expiring on 23/9/14 ("reduced" to $35) instead of 22/9/14 (where it could be $28)!!! I had plans to finish it by 22nd anyway so it didn't make sense to pay a few dollars more.

Lesson 3: Double-check the price label before heading to cashier. Calculate how much the bill would add up before going to cashier.

I also walked to the clearance shelf and saw a box of chocolate for $30. I thought it would be great for gift when I visit the aforementioned friend. The fancier tin of chocolate would be saved for someone I really, really owe a favor to. Brilliant.

Was planning to get some asparagus on the way home too (the two places I went to are quite up-market...) but I forgot! *smacks forehead* Looks like I"m stuck with sausages and instant pasta tomorrow (no spend day).

The colleagues at work were discussing whether to sign up for an extra Sunday work a few months later - I did the math and it came down to $100 / hr and the location would be quite far away, it's not really worth the time (it's not like we can sit and do nothing, but it's not like really busy anyway). I'll sleep on this, maybe I'll sign up and see which location they put me in. I could have more comfortable extra work done at home and earning the same rate, minus the traveling and the physical labor.

Musing with pencils

Consider yourself fore-warned: this post is for the stationery-obsessed.

I don't know if any of you like pencils, writing with it, that is. Ever since I was a kid, I had been fascinated and slightly obsessed with pencils the way most kids are obsessed with stationery do. The only difference, perhaps was my insistence to use pencils as a main form of writing in high school (I use and keep mechanical pencils but they just don't compare to wooden ones!).

While I was browsing a bookstore a few fortnights ago with my SO, my attention was drawn by a box / dozen of Mitsubishi pencils. Now, Mitsubishi (Uni), Faber Castell, Staedtler, Tombow, Pentel, Chung Hwa, those brands that are locally accessible to me, I've tried them all, you guys. I'm particularly partial to any pencils that are 2B (gives a deeper color), triangular-shaped or hexagon-shaped (easier to grab and looks sleek). I remember my piano teacher used to "reward" me with cute pencils (some are fabulous quality and some are cartoon-printed), later she gifted me the more "advanced" stationery like mechanical pencils and ball-point pens. My heart still belongs to pencils.

Back to the box of Mitsubishi pencils that caught my eye at the store. It looks exactly the way below.

Pictures (above and below) taken from HERE

Now there's some serious nostalgia there. I remember having both colors (still in my treasure trove under the bed) and these write magnificently. The wood is high quality (doesn't hurt/dig the fingers while you write), smells good (again, a sign of high quality wood), bright-colored (my cup of tea), and they are triangular-shaped! I immediately wanted to snatch a box just for old school memory's sake but I did not, and when I went back to the store, it was GONE. Now I spotted it at another store and it was sold at a much higher price, hmmm I'm debating. I almost got myself a dozen of pink-colored Mitsubishi pencils (B) with hexagonal shaft, tried googling but no picture resembles the one I saw at store. Another pic of Mitsubishi pencils in 9800 model, hunter-green colored, hexagonal shaped body and comes in a wide array of shades. I still have one or two of these in my trove:

Mitsubishi 9800 Pencils, Image from Google

Image taken from Google. Yes it's Super Mario and I have a few of these in my trove to date!

There's such a joy associated with writing in pencils, the wood feels smooth and solid, smells like wood instead of sour industrial smell, the firm grip in your hand, the smoothness and speed you write with it, the list could go on, but I'll stop before you think I'm crazy. When I write, I don't care for the cartoon print, as long as the wood used to make it is top-notch and smooth. Across my years writing in pencils, I gathered that the more minimalist / low-key it looks, the better its performance. I also like being able to 'see' the timber used (meaning no color coating or cartoon printing, just regular treatment to make it smooth in appearance). There are some low-grade pencils made with cartoon prints that are actually a piece/sheet of plastic film WRAPPED around a wooden shaft with graphite inside, they call that real pencil? Maybe they can coax kids to use it to write, but someone who is serious about writing (or studying) or to the eyes of a prolific writer, the difference between top-notch and poorly-made ones is easily distinguishable to the naked eye. Or to the nose, for some real sniffing action to tell the wood quality.

There's such a soothing quality when you know you're writing with a top-grade pencil in your hand. You feel at ease. You feel connected to the words and the paper thanks to the smooth writing it gives you. You feel the pencil ages with you, you see the marks and scratches from being in the pencil case with other stationery, the dents made by sharpeners, you see its life shortened but no less meaningful in its existence. I hate to throw away the short studs when they have served dutifully for a few months. Then there's the pencil caps with pretty colored cartoons to "protect" the pencils from getting damaged, and "protect" the other stationery / pencil case from getting stained by pencils.

Back to the frugal blog theme, I think I'll keep scouting around for the childhood pencils that bring back fondness and nostalgia - not even sure if they are still being made or not, but these will be items that I'll gladly spend a few pennies for. And pencils do last a lifetime (if you don't drop/break them).

- PJ

Yogurt Fixation

Today I spent $40 on lottery and I kept wondering if I should. To date, I've spent $60 on lottery this month, of which $20 is involuntary (coaxed by colleagues).

We also had all-you-can-eat dinner for mom's bday, let's just say I paid less than half of the original amount I prepared to, because we aren't going for all-out buffet this time. Just looked at my spreadsheet for the month and realized I've spent nearly 90% of the month's allowance. Mostly on beauty stuff (no more clothes this month) and food (mom's bday meal being the largest by far). 

Another item I want to highlight was yogurt. I've eaten so much yogurt since July, I used to be contented with $7/portion and now my budget stretches to $30/portion (some are $48 for 2 portions). Thursday was supposed to be a No Spend Day but the curious side of me led my steps to the supermarket on the way home and bought $62 worth (3 portions) of yogurt (both marked down). Just now on the way home I bought $38 (6 portions!). 

Right now I'm telling myself: (1) only buy yogurt when on clearance price (not sale price); (2) stop consuming / buying ANY yogurt in October because it's getting cold; (3) cow milk-based yogurt is probably not the best for my skin; (4) dairy products are products of numerous treatments (pasteurization, frozen from production to supermarket shelf, frozen in transportation, etc) so much of the money spent on it is essentially towards the various treatments / packing needed before it hits the shelves. Products that are easier to perish have higher costs to them (production or treatment or transport). I've already succeeded weaning myself off smoothies and juices from the supermarket and yogurt might be a bit difficult but the the change of weather will make it easy I hope.

- PJ

Mid-week Update 11/9/2014

A drugstore has their monthly VIP day yesterday with additional 5% off any purchase, I shaved the intention of dropping by the store because 1) I told myself there's always next month and the items I want cannot be accommodated well in my small bedroom, so next month it (the purchase) is, or maybe the next; 2) I was asked to replace a colleague's overtime work (paid) suddenly and I'm happy for a shot for more money always. Redirecting the going-home route is easy thus since by the time I leave work, the stores are closed (except one) but I made a mental note NOT to walk there. Succeeded.

This week we spent on movie tickets using a BOGOF from my membership card, although I *think* the cashier charged me full price (instead of a discounted price from membership status) when using the BOGOF. Note to self: read / ask before buying and deducting points from membership card next time. 

This week we'll see a subscription renewal for a magazine (the only magazine I seriously read), around the weekend or coming monday I'll be paying for a party of 5 doing buffet somewhere or just all-you-can-eat type of thing in celebration of my mom's birthday. Mom thinks the buffet we've booked costs dearly so she has been asked to give us names of places that she wants to go. The course of development is not bad so far.

As I've been looking for extra income, there's a side hustle job that they gave me the 1st training and I completed it, waiting for their feedback, except that I have been waiting for 2 weeks for the 2nd training. I've called up the person to ask (twice, maybe) but she still hasn't responded to my email. I knew they just relocated their office BUT, if they're really in urgent need of a pair of hands, wouldn't it make sense to just train this pair of hands up and get them to work quickly? The senior woman who interviewed me briefly for this job was fairly open that they'd like to hire me for side hustling, but that of course depends on whether I like the job (after a few trials) and how the training went (shouldn't be a problem). The big question now is: WHY THE WAIT? Has something gone wrong? I've not been informed and it's not a good feeling when waiting for something. I need to call that person next week, or ask the person's colleague via email or something. I can't let money opportunities run away like that!

Another thing that's been bogging me down was my SO not feeling well. Where do I begin? Let's just say I hope he will get back to shape and into some action so we could move on to achieve greater goals out there. Trust me, there's a lot to do.

Looking forward to some jogging done over the weekend but let's see how the buffet thing comes up...been feeling out of shape lately.

- PJ

Power wastage pet peeve

I've made a pledge to keep an eye on water and power usage after starting this blog (which was like, 2 days ago). Much to my horror, I woke up from heat and sweat with the AC on at 2am, discovering my mom virtually asleep on the sofa in the living room with the lights on, TV on, and a fan on!!! I'm not new to her "lifestyle" but really it does need some tinkering. I've made my point to her numerous occasions that:

1) if she has fallen asleep, it means she's sleepy! Sleepy = time for bed! 

2) why not sleep comfortably under a cover in the bed but on the sofa?

3) who would sleep with lights on? so uncomfortable!

4) that she's asleep and not watching the TV anymore, it's a waste of power

5) she should just switch everything off, return to her bedroom and sleep, instead of wasting energy/power and $ !!

Just want to highlight that no matter how many times I've put the above across to her, she would retain her style of living. This has been going on for years. More than a handful of YEARS. It dawned on me it might have something to do with her profession, her imagined reluctance to enter the bedroom (who knows), and inertia to change a habit. Anyhow, I think such a lifestyle isn't healthy anyway, let alone the electricity bill. This frustrates me to no end as I can't fathom why would anyone choose to sleep on such an environment instead of the comfortable bed. REALLY. CAN'T. UNDERSTAND. 

Do you have family members with annoying habits that gets on your nerves? Taking showers that are too long? Operating washing machines without a full load? How did you solve it and how did they respond?

- PJ

Lottery anyone?

Today I decided not to bring my own lunch because the appetite had decided to go on strike due to some shock I've had yesterday (both from my home owning friend and a cluster of family troubles from a family gathering last night). So one of my colleagues suggested (quite insensitively, much to my dismay) that since no one has brought their lunch today why not we go out to a restaurant? I toyed with the idea and kept wondering if I should ditch them on midway saying I'll just buy takeaway (I hinted to them my appetite is not at its best today, and indeed it wasn't). We ended up queuing for a Japanese restaurant then later on we found ourselves seated in another restaurant serving Western style food. I had no problems with the food as I've tried this particular location before but I'm meh about paying more than I expected (takeaway vs. eat-in!). If you know me, I've always been a fan of some pre-planning action: meals, movies, dates, nights-out, etc. This isn't about inflexibility but a feeling of "in control" and "predictability".

For the most part I was pretty much silent in a party of 4, then one of them generously paid for all of us (being higher in position than the rest of us are). Then the same colleague who suggested to lunch out suggested we have a go in lottery. Oh man, where should I begin. To say I've been "coaxed" to contribute my share to a lottery ticket is more like it. We ended up buying 4 tickets and each of us paid HK$20. Then when I sat down and jot down my expenses, I realized in my monthly budget there was no room to wiggle in the $20!! (Of course.)

So my question is, do you guys set aside money for lottery? If so, how often?

-PJ

Stagnant or progress?

A friend and I met up for brunch yesterday (we went to the same Uni), towards the end of the meal she suddenly broke the new to me that she'll be moving two months later. The reason being she has become a proud home owner right now, the flat's ownership is under her name, but her bf and her split the down payment (10%) and the monthly mortgage.

Now I'd like to pause and take sometime to absorb the shock. Truly there had been friends who had got married and moved out a few years ago, some did so this year (though I didn't really ask them how they managed their housing problem, but this will always be of interest). The reason that this particular friend resonates with me so much is because: 1) she's literally has the same age and same birthday with me; 2) although we haven't known each other for long, we have common interests and always honest and open with our thoughts about nearly everything. 

She told me apart from the split half down payment of a certain amount, the brokerage, utilities surveying and solicitor fee that incurred, she was still able to have a decent amount of asset put away for "long-term investment" meaning bonds, funds and US stocks. WHOA. This causes big shock to me because not only she earns less than what I make (no offense), but she's definitely had more savings than I do. This instantly put me to shame to no end. I really hate my former "spendy" self. Where had the money gone? What could I have done to the amount of money instead of spending? I would have been a proud home owner right now.

She also mentioned that during the past 6 months she and her bf had been looking at flats mainly based on their budgeted amount, which a little over 3M. At the end they settled in a pre-furnished flat, it's not first-hand kinda new but it's been lightly lived by a couple to which the 1 bedroom seems a bit tiny for their future plans. So no need to touch-ups on the interior furnishing, certain electrical appliances and furniture will even be included. She also mentioned that the price stability (such that when it sells, they'll earn a profit), transport, ability to rent out afterwards (when they move to a new house with kids in mind), a pre-furnished interior, school network nearby, good construction material (depends on the builder), tranquility. They've looked at various districts (narrowed down by budget) but of course some apartments don't turn out the way they expected: lots of unusable spaces, etc.

I of course, asked her why the quick dive into the hot housing market out there right now, since the prices atm is insanely high, she said she bought the flat half a year ago when the price was still manageable. I then said, maybe the prices will drop later to a level even less than the cost she bought it for? She said 1) she thinks this flat is a steal with furnishings and such price; 2) she hasn't thought about the probable price drop but; 3) she wasn't too concerned since she would most probably rent it out later and 4) she is quite confident that the price will return to at least the price they bought it for. Well, let's see.

This is yet another wake-up call to where I am now = am falling short behind in terms of savings and FQ (Financial Quotient). Time to catch up, PJ.

- PJ

Dilemma

The first post here will speak of a dilemma. GREAT (not). 

September has traditionally been a rather spendy month for me, not due to "back to school" spendings but the following:

1) parents' birthdays are in September.

2) Mid-Autumn festival dinners (and its costs);

3) Money for Grannies - I try to give money to them whenever I meet them for dinner, usually family dinners during various festivities throughout the year. I'm not complaining, they looked after me when I was little, and now that they don't work anymore, it's only right that I give them back something. Since I don't live with them, money will always be the best way to their hearts.

However, this is no excuse to let this month's spending soar above my means. I treat my parents to dinner on their birthdays instead of buying them presents, if something caught my eye and is suitably priced, then I give, otherwise no presents. My mom has always been a fan of "food", aka buffet, it's no surprise to me that she wants to go have a nice buffet dinner for her birthday. I, on the other hand, hated buffet: it's a ridiculous way of spending money on excessive food which I cannot consume, and I don't like the feeling of "stuffing" food down the throat just because (i) there are plenty of choices; (ii) I paid a ridiculous amount for it. My brain would like to think that buffet is a first world's crime. I'd rather spend that amount of money eating exquisite cuisine. It's not only about the money (HK$500 per person at least, if you want a "decent" quality/range of food served), it's about the wastage, the calories and fat that I don't need!

The brain is torn at the moment - part of it is saying "It's mom's birthday and why not just spoil her for once", part of it is saying "No! It'll set a HK$2500 off from my bank". I don't know, really. We're talking about a party of 5 persons having the buffet this time, if I'm lucky, my aunt would shoulder some of the costs with me but I don't know yet. I even thought about just paying for 4 persons' while they eat at the hotel and I would just stay home, really I hate the idea of buffet so much.

Are you a fan of all-you-can-eat meals? What are your dilemmas when it comes to spending?

- PJ

Welcome

Hi there fellow frugal folks, I've just started this blog and please bear patience with me as I tweak the layout and tinker with the settings. I will be adding a few more tabs as time progresses, probably a to-do list, PF goals, daily reads, savings meter, etc. At the mean time, you can take a look at the "About Me" page just under the top navigation bar. Now let's get the frugal drums rolling!

- PJ