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!
