Things I Cut From My Budget

Ever since I become a mother, I am more conscious about my monthly expenditure. I would like to save more in order to provide better life and education for my daughter and also to buy a house (for my family). Of course I am like every other typical mother who easily goes overboard in buying their kids’ toys and clothes. Therefore, I’ve been thinking a lot on ways to cut my expenses and save up. Here are some things I can think of right now which have helped me achieving my objective.

1)      Stop buying stationery/note book

Some people are just addicted to cute stationaries. I am not that obsessed, but still buy stationary once in a while. They are not cheap, especially the fancy one. Since my department provides basic necessities like pens, marker, correction tape, paper clips and staplers I can just make use of them. I used to buy notebooks every time I visit Kaison. But now I realize it is a waste of money because I have so many already. Also, I’ll get new notebook every time I attend a conference/seminar/workshop.

2)      Avoid takeout tea/coffee

I was first introduced to Tealive when I was in Edinburgh and it has been a habit to buy tea or coffee every time I go to the mall. A regular cup of Costa will cost me almost RM10. Now I realize if I just drink coffee/tea at home it will save me around RM40 per month.

3)      Reduce fancy dine out

I used to have big/fancy lunch every Friday and Saturday. I like to try new or viral places or newly introduced menu. I even have my own hashtag every time I review new places on instagram (i.e. #hanijjcm). This usually cost me around RM50 per meal. When I cut down this ‘jjcm’ to only twice per month, it effectively saves me around RM300 per month.

4)      Clothes!

When I started teaching, I make my own policy of buying new working attire every 3-4 months. At that time I don’t have many suitable working clothes and feel bored recycling them every week. Now I have accumulated quite a lot, I better go easy on this. I am totally okay about wearing the same baju kurung to class twice a month. On average, a baju kurung costs me RM200. So not buying them frequently have save me a lot.

5)      Avoid Mr Diy/Daiso/Eco/Ikea

It’s obvious. I’ll end up with non-essential, not needed items. Although they are cheap, but they add up to big sum. (Ikea is not cheap but very tempting!)

6)     Au naturel: Skincare and make up

      I had a major breakout for one year now. This made me keep on buying products that people rave about. However, most of the products are kept untouched in my drawer because I am too afraid to try in case they’ll make my skin worse. I now focus on using up all the stash before I buy new one. I also have stopped doing make up and just use a compact powder.

7)     Cut desert/appetizer

      When I came back from Edinburgh, I adopt the habit of ordering appetizer and/or desert every time eating out. I like to have chips or hot brownies with ice cream or chicken rolls. However, I never be able to finish everything since I am not a big eater. Now I cut those things and only order main course. I still can enjoy those foods during festive seasons and party. This is definitely better for my health, and my wallet!