How to save when you shop

Let me introduce myself to you.

My name is Mrs Stingy.

Any better name?

As it sounds bit more depressing than actual it is, let’s say I am frugal. ummmm… sounds better.

I don’t like spending money unnecessarily. I feel really uncomfortable (grumpy) when I waste money without proper reason. Believe or not, it is painful… I know what you would think about me but don’t get me wrong that I would never make any needless purchases. I certainly do time to time especially, when I can see my favourite words “half price”, “ 50% further sale”, or “MEGA sale”. Sometimes, I simply cannot control myself and buy things for sake of buying and enjoy the instant pleasure for a very short time. So, what I am talking about is I am not spot-on all the time but, I am trying to be a wise buyer most of time.

Let’s face the reality. The society that we live in requires certain standards of living so it is almost impossible to completely stop spending money or living fully self-sufficiently like a wild man. We must to buy stuff and spend money more or less. Therefore, we need to be sensible spenders to get the best value out of our “money”. Money is very important to me as it is equivalent to my precious life and energy that I had to exchange with work. So, it is same to me that wasting money is wasting of my life.

I guess some of you already feel sorry for me and my life like some of my friends and colleagues who think we must buy stuff and spend all our earnings for enjoying life. If you are one of them, my ideas wouldn’t be very helpful but if you want to know how I have become financially independent and ready to leave the job (retirement) at age of 44, my thoughts will make sense. All is up to you.

Let’s talk about how you can save money when you shop.

1. Less shopping less spending: Reduce the number of shopping. If you go every day, reduce to every second day. If you go 2 times a week, then reduce to once a week. It would be even better if you can manage your regular shopping less often. We are more likely to buy more unnecessary stuff while we are in shops. Specialized advertising strategies can easily capture our attention unconsciously and scam us to buy the stuff which we don’t need. As we all know, they are very good at it. You will need to do a bigger shopping when you go less time but total spending will be significantly less than when you go more often.        

2. Buy what you need not what you like: I know that you would hear this million times but this is critical. What you like to buy is not always same as what you need to buy. We all want to have more than what we need to have, don’t we? This is simple math. (More money and time saved = Buying what you like – Buying what you need). Think twice when you shop, whether you need the stuff or you just want to buy the stuff. Purchasing consciously is the opening step to take for saving money.

3. Make a shopping list but, be flexible: Make a shopping list and try to stick on the list. Before you head to the shop, take some time to think what you need to buy and write down the list. It happens to me often that actually I don’t need to shop for anything. Knowing what you need to buy can save time and also avoid purchasing unwanted items.

4. Be flexible and find alternatives: When you shop, you need to be flexible with alternatives. If the item you wanted to buy is not on sale, try to buy alternates that are on sale or better price. Most of time, what we want to buy can be replaceable with cheaper and better options if we let go our stubbornness. If apple A that you wanted to buy is far more expensive than apple B which is similar quality, this is the time to try apple B. Buying seasonal fruits and vegetables are cheaper and also fresher. If you have the flexibility, I am sure that your shopping basket will be fuller and your wallet will be heavier.

5. Buy on sales: I have not seen many days the shops without sale signs on their windows. There are plenty of occasions for them to shout at us “SALE”, “BUY this, BUY that… ”. From the start of the year till the end of the year, they put sale signs on their windows and winking at our wallet. So, why would you pay full price? I hardly ever pay full price unless it is urgent. Bigger market produces more stuff to buy but the strong competition benefits us for more options and bigger discounts so please take the advantages. I know some people don’t like to buy sale stuff or cheaper stuff as it doesn’t look good but how silly it could be when you pay more for the same stuff to be looking cool? It is up to you but I feel cool when I spend less for same good things and save money for my comfortable retirement.

6. Maximise store cards benefits but don't buy to get the benefits: I have been using FlyBuys (Coles supermarket store card) for a very long time and saving quite a lot of money through their point system. When I get 10,000 points, I can get $10. Coles sends me non-stop emails to activate their bonus points options and I diligently activate the bonus points options. Honestly, it can be annoying sometimes but there is nothing for free so I happily tick the boxes for extra dollars for my next shopping bills. But, please be careful of buying extra things or unwanted things to get the extra points as that’s the outcome all the big suppliers want to achieve.

7. Check the receipt: don’t forget to check the receipt after shopping. I had to go back to the shop for the price correction countless times as they overcharged me. Some sale items are quite often incorrectly priced in the system so you can be overcharged accidentally. The last thing we want is paying more for sale items while you are shopping. People can make mistakes and sometimes even machine does so we should look after our money. Some big supermarket chains’ policy allows giving away the items that they made an error so you can get things for free if you are lucky. Sounds good, doesn’t it? So, check the receipt. Look after your money is starting point of saving money.

Our current saving rate is over 80% of our income and I still think there is a gap which I can narrow down. Do I feel if this is too tight so that I cannot enjoy my life? The answer is short and simple. “NO!” I spend my money whenever and whatever I need to spend for and I still think we have more than enough. Amazing thing is when you spend wisely, you will find that less and less things you will want to buy and life is getting more comfortable. I don’t want you not to shop but shop consciously. Then less money will be spent. More saving will let you be free. One of the most stressful things in life is financial restrain and this can be avoided by your sensible spending habits.

Earning never can win saving. 

Why I like 'Where the wild man are with Ben Fogle'

 

I am not a big fan of watching TV.  Not because I think TV is an evil thing that eats up our valuable free time after all day at work but only because I am a person who can hardly sits down and patiently watches TV with all the annoying endless commercials. Honestly, my personality can be a bit of issue as it makes people around me dizzy but I really cannot stand the long and persistent advertisings that repetitively scream at us “buy me, please try me, please…. look at me, buy me because you deserve this, have me to lift your status, This is the one made for you, why don’t you get this on half price…, why don’t you??? Can’t you afford this? I will lend you money coz we really think about you…”

 

“SHHHHH….. UP!!!”

 

For that reason, my husband and I usually watch only News, Travel documentaries and movies so that we can avoid all the irritating interruptions. Boring…? I know we are. Our TV program selection can cause a minimal issue when I talk with some of my friends and colleagues (especially ladies) who love chatting about drama series and reality shows as I have no idea about them but, it definitely works perfectly for us to maintain our healthy blood pressure level while we are watching TV. 

 

Long story short, what I really wanted to say is I have found a great program which I would like to recommend and share with you even though I have very limited knowledge about the new/ trend programs on TV. Title of the program is “Where the wild man are with Ben Fogle” and it truly excites me every time I watch.

 

The main concept of the program is simple. A British adventurer Ben Fogle meets people who have turned their backs on the trappings of Western society and set up home in some of the most isolated and challenging locations on Earth. The people who chose to live a less ordinary life in the program stunned me. The people overwhelmed me and their extraordinary (‘braveness’ is certainly too simple to define) approaches towards to their life made me amazed.

 

Have you ever thought of giving up your day job and moving away from the hustle and bustle of modern life? I am sure that many of us occasionally dream of escaping from our scheduled life. Yes, I am the one of them. I feel like accomplishing my own dreams when I see the people’s extraordinary life.

 

To be honest with you, I have to confess that I cannot see myself living in the harsh conditions where the people in the program chose to live. I was born as a spoiled city kid (even though my hometown in 1970’s Korea was not exactly deserved to be called as a city) and never actually been exposed into a wild life. I have been travelling a bit more than people around me but I don’t believe that sleeping a  couple of nights in a tent in camping grounds and staying in budget accommodations while we were travelling 17 countries for 4.5 months wouldn’t make myself to be qualified as a wild man. So, I don’t think I will want to or can live like a wild man but I truly admire and respect their strong mindset and free-will.

 

These are plenty of reasons why I cannot stop watching the program but these are my 4 main reasons why I want to share this program with you.

 

1.     Know what they want in their life: I firmly believe that the first step towards to a happy life is knowing what we want. Dreamless life can lead us nowhere and never make us feel happy and fulfilled. I accept that knowing clearly what we want in our life is not always simple but it will be difficult to make our life happier without knowing what we want and how we want to live. It is fascinating to see the people who know what they want and trying to lead their life to the way how they want to live.

 

2.     Positive (Can-do) attitude: I was amazed by their braveness and can-do attitude. I couldn’t believe my eyes to see the people live in the harsh/extraordinary conditions but funny enough, they seemed to be happier than people around me who are sitting in a comfortable office (including myself).  How many times we have waved and given up many of our to-do lists because of what-ifs and can’t do attitude. How often we delay or postpone our dreams by being scared of little bit of discomfort. I trust that failure is always better than trying nothing. If we don’t try, how we can know if it work or not? I just love to see the people who has full of positivity which can allow them to live they own designed life.

 

3.     Free from being ordinary and choose to build their own life: As two eyed person can be bizarre among the one eyed people, most of us feel comfortable or safe to live like others even though the pathway is not suitable to us. Many of us unconsciously follow the pathway designed by others and wish for heading to the right direction. I don’t tell you that all of us need to live an extraordinary life. If you are happy with how you live, no one force you to change or challenge your life. However, when you feel it is not right for you, you need to find out your own pathway to fulfil the purpose of your life. I am aware of that being not ordinary requires a lot of braveness and determination. But, imagine the life that you build and enjoy… Wouldn’t it be fantastic?

 

4.     Work on their decision: It is not the same what you dream and what you do for it. Lack of action can easily oppress what we want. Every dream requires firm decision and adequate actions. People in the program not only made a brave decision but also took a brave action to achieve their dreams. Determination can be a first step but it will allow us to get nowhere unless we take actions. When I know that many, many people only dream without any action followed and waiting for a miracle, I cannot stop respecting the people who try hard on their decision.

 

 

As I mentioned earlier, I am not an adventurer and I know my limit so I wouldn’t push myself to live in the extreme conditions. But, I certainly wish to live my own life which is less ordinary but helping me to make a more joyful life. It is a great relief to know there are people who are focusing on their dream and enjoying their own less-ordinary life, and I am very happy to be one of them. My early retirement decision could be bit strange to other people around me but I am pleased to choose a life that will make me happy not others. 200 working days to our freedom….. It makes buzz sound in my heart and feel so excited.

 

I cannot wait to see the next story about another wild man. Mmmm… How about you?

Work till 70 for a luxurious life?

Morning tea time when I desperately needed a cup of coffee to wake/shake myself up (to survive another day at work), I met Mrs Luxury in front of the cafe.

Mrs Luxury is 60+.

She has countless luxury handbags (even she doesn’t know how many...).

She is always and only in luxury brand clothes.

She knows and dines in many famous restaurants run by celebrity chefs.

She lives in a luxurious serviced apartment that requires very high strata levy to maintain the high standard living condition which she thinks necessary (over $10K per year).

She travels on a very high budget (World class cruises, trains, business class flights. 5 star hotels, etc.…).

She only has high quality food and drinks (very expensive) to match her life style.

She buys a world brand travel luggage only as others are not good enough.

mmmmmm….

I am confident enough that these descriptions would explain more than enough why I call her Mrs Luxury.

Well, I don’t want to be judgemental or criticizing as everyone has their own priorities in their lives so it is just fine to me what she likes and how she lives. Her life style doesn’t bother me to interact with her at all. However, whenever I meet her and talk to her (mostly, listening to her), I cannot stop wondering why she is still at work. Why does she spend her precious time at work, 9 to 5, 5 days a week, 48 weeks a year for the last 35 years of her life when she is that wealthy and especially when she has already passed our standard retirement age? I really can’t get the logic. Can you? Maybe, she really loves what she is doing?

One of the best things I have learnt from my life is ‘do not be shy to ask’ (as long as it doesn’t invade personal space) instead of guesstimating and making a story. Therefore, I asked her why she still works. Here are her answers.

Of course, as most of us, she doesn’t like to come to work every day. She wants to leave the workforce as soon as she can.

Well….

But!

She cannot afford to stop working at this moment.

She cannot stop working till 70 to save up money for her “COMFORTABLE” retirement.

She needs money to keep her high-standard lifestyle.

She needs money to buy things which make her happy and they are not cheap.

She needs to pay for the high strata levy in order to live in her luxurious apartment.

She smiled while she was answering my WHY.

Hilariously, I was even more confused than before the conversation. Now I feel that I am lost. Is it worth to sacrifice your life to buy stuff and live luxuriously when you cannot afford it? Maybe it can be for someone but, definitely not for me.

Unfortunately, she is not the only one around me who is ready to sacrifice her time and life in order to buy and have more things which give them an instant pleasure and excitement. One of my friends’ husbands has just started a weekend job addition to his full time job to maintain her shopping obsession and she has happily chosen not to spend more time with her husband for buying more stuff.

How about you? What are your thoughts? I will leave the verdict with you.

I don’t want to say which one is better for all. Some of us can be satisfied by indulging themselves with all the luxurious goods and services, and some of us can enjoy happiness within their means. One of my friends who know my spending habits emphasised that I should enjoy my life more. I am still not sure what she really meant and why she thinks that spending money and buying unnecessary stuff will make my life more enjoyable than spending more time with myself and loved ones. One thing I am very clear is “Time” is the most important thing to me and I am not dare to exchange my free time in order to decorate my life to be looking better. I do not have much stuff to show to others like Mrs. L but, I am glad that I have achieved financial freedom by living a simple life that can allow me to leave the job any time I want.

Are you ready for choosing having more things or more meaningful time? 

I am confident that all is up to each of us to choose how to live so, each of us needs to be responsible for the consequences.

Today, work was same boring as any other days (sorry for being so negative but… I can’t help) but definitely talking with Mrs. L was not too bad. Knowing that I am about 20 years younger but certainly ready for enjoying my financial freedom whenever I want made me feel cool. Today, my 10 dollar top from Target looks better than ever. Hehe…

6 Reasons Why I Love Bali

Friday afternoon(nearly 5pm), I am still physically sitting in front of computer and counting the every single second but my mind has been already left work and dreaming about our exceptional holidays we have made. Ummm… They were absolutely FANTASTIC!!!!

 

Last trip to Bali was our fourth time and we still cherished our time in Bali. So, guess what? We have booked another trip to Bali!!! and I cannot wait for THE DAY.

 

Each time, we have been to Bali with different reasons and different circumstances but Bali always offered us more than we wished for.

 

Our first trip to Bali as young and poor international students was for a simple curiosity about different culture. Of course, cheap travel cost was an extra charm for our very thin pocket.  The curiosity turned into priceless enjoyment and non-exchangeable pleasure every time we return.

Last time while enjoying the magnificent sunset and sniffing the pleasant ocean breeze, my husband mumbled that what a pity it would be to miss this amazing feeling because not being here, and I had to nod. “Yes, indeed…”

My husband and I are bit of travel freaks (we can’t sit still). We have been travelling over 30 countries so we can tell that we have seen many places, and Bali is one of our most favourite places to come back any time. Why?

 

These are the reasons why we love Bali.

 

1. Weather in Bali is absolutely amazing. Especially when we have to fight with cold and depressing winter weather in Sydney (June to August), Bali’s hot weather becomes a magic. I have to admit that the sizzling hot weather can be unfavourable to some people but I simply love the crispy hot. Early morning and afternoon cool ocean breeze effortlessly moves up my feeling. A singlet and light baggy pants are all I need in Bali and I truly love the feeling of lightness. Please note that Bali has 2 seasons, wet (November-March) and dry (April to October) season so be cautious if you want to make your trip enjoyable.

 

2. Affordability is a gem. If you are patient enough to plan a trip ahead (earlier), you can get great deals for Bali including flights, hotels and food. Of course, there are tons of luxurious hotels in Bali but if you can keep your standard reasonable, we can find very nice accommodations for very (surprisingly) cheap price. Paying less doesn’t mean that you will get a bad deal or need to accept a lower standard. If you invest bit more effort to find a right place (good service with cheap price) to stay, you will be nicely surprised. Food is so cheap and nice. Especially, trying local food will make your mouth and also your wallet happy. Whenever we go to Bali, we don’t need to worry too much about our budget as quite often, we spend less money than we would spend at home. Isn’t it awesome that you don’t need to worry about money when you go on holiday? Certainly, yes to me.

 

3. Fruits in Bali are amazing. I love eating. I truly love tasting the exotic fruits with unusual textures, colours, shapes and sizes that you won’t find elsewhere. Only imagining the fruits makes my mouth watering. Mangosteen, Mango, Papaya, Rambutan, Custard apple, Passion fruit, etc…. Whenever we are in Bali, we go to a local market to explore and buy these fruits almost every morning and enjoy them all day as much as we can. Make most out of your holiday in Bali by pleasing your senses – discover and try as many Balinese fruits as you can. I can’t wait to feel the tropical exotic taste.

 

4. Bali can offer you a true treasure of natural beauty. You can enjoy relaxing moments on the picturesque beaches all day long if you wish, but if you get out and explore, you will definitely enjoy Bali’s mixed beauty of nature, from jungles, forests, rice paddies, to active volcanoes. I have been to Bali so many times but still can stop taking photos and enjoy looking at them over and over. The striking views easily make your holiday extraordinary. Imagining myself sitting on the beach for watching the spectacular sunset always makes me serene.

 

5. Staying Bali is super easy. There is everything you need. Last trip, we flew to Bali for 2 weeks with only a small cabin bag. All we needed were simple/light summer clothes and sandals (of course, my running shoes and my husband’s surfing shorts). We could buy there whatever we needed with very good price. Unlikely many non-English speaking countries, you don’t need to worry about communication in English in Bali. Believe or not, most Balinese are very good at many languages. Start from English, Russian, to even Korean/Japanese… Any languages that can bring them money from tourists, they are happy to learn and speak. This easiness can make our trip super easy and comfortable.

 

6. Bali’s unique culture is a complete charm. I love the colour of Bali. Balinese people practise Hinduism ceremonies every day so you can see eye-catching ceremonies anywhere anytime.  Looking at the Balinese ladies who wear sparkling white dresses and put colourful fruit baskets on their heads in a long queue totally captures my attention. I also love their colourful traditional paintings, wood and stone carvings, gold and silver craft. The uniqueness of Bali can make me never feel tired of coming back again and again.

 

We have already booked all the hotels and purchased a travel insurance (please make sure to have one), and cannot stopping counting days to THE DAY. We have found very good deals for the hotels that lighten up our trip even more. I am still sitting in front of computer but my mind is already on Kuta beach for the best sunset and relaxed. Ummmmmm…… Why don’t you join us?

 

 

 

Some photos from Bali in 2014