Changes in lifestyle

Inflation. Bear market. Shares value dropping. Lost of jobs. Yes, we are in technical recession now. If it gets any worst, retrenchments are inevitable, just like what happened in 2002/2003. There is no longer such a thing called ‘iron-rice’ bowl jobs. I think the only so-called iron rice bowl jobs are doctors, nurses and the defense forces. No matter how bad the economy is, people still fall ill and need medical treatment; and wars are still on-going. This is reality and we can’t deny. We often keep world peace and good health in our little prayers but somehow, nature and heaven plays a part in controlling the world’s population.

For the past 3 years, we have been making several adjustments to our life, from the way we spend money to the way we live. All because of great lessons learn from the unforgettable past. Looks like we need one big terrible thing to wake us up from our beautiful dreams. Those who are forever lucky and who still lived in honeymoon bubbles can never understand our feeling.

Money we simply cannot save right now:

1. Gynae and doctor fees. [Having kids are expensive. Sigh..]

2. Basic Transport fees. [We need to work and be on the move]

3. Basic Food expenses. [We need to eat in order to live]

Ways we save on other expenses:

1. Reduce electricity consumption. [Watch less tv programmes except news. Switch on lights ONLY if really needed. Use energy saving bulbs/tubes.]

2. Buy substitutes for both daily necessities and perhaps food ingredients. [No branded/hippy stuffs]

3. Eat at food courts/hawker centres, cook meals at home. Avoid restaurants except on special occasions like anniversary.

4. Avoid taking cabs unless one is not well.

5. Cut hair at Snip Avenue. It’s not perfect but at least it’s only $4.80 per cut.