If you haven't noticed yet, I am not a baller. I do not have many baht. One day the tide will turn. I hope. Unfortunately, this is the reason I didn't go to Cambodia for my March break. I am under the impression that New Zealand may be slightly more expensive than Thailand. I have a feeling my $1.50 hair washes and food will be a thing of the past. It has taken me 11 years of having a job and making money to figure out that it isn't fun spending money you know in the back of your mind you shouldn't be spending. I wouldn't say I love spending money but I certainly don't hate it. I'd like to blame my parents for this but my dad was super into wanting me to save money. So much so that I had like $200 once and he told me he would give me a dollar a day in interest if I didn't spend it. In retrospect, I think that parents should legitimately force their kids to save money. No choice. When I'm older (I think tons of people say this when they don't have kids then once they do, they act differently) I think I want to sit my kids down and show them how much money our family makes, how much our house costs, expenses, etc. I think kids can handle it and should understand why they can't have a certain toy or go on an expensive March break. I think kids are smarter than we give them credit for and it could help them when they are older. This is only a thought but I think it's a good one.
For about the last year, I've been writing down everything I buy. I'm pretty accurate, almost exactly every baht I spend I can track. All it has told me that I didn't know how big my love for juice was and drinking is expensive. So to sum up, sorry I didn't go to Cambodia, have no stories or pictures. If you have any money saving habits or advice, let me know. Enjoy your week, enjoy March Madness, and stay classy.
.jpg)
“The speed of your success is limited only by your
dedication and what you're willing to sacrifice”
― Nathan W. Morris
“Every time you borrow money, you're robbing your future
self.”
― Nathan W. Morris
The Complicated System of Envelopes: Buy 10 envelopes each month (10 baht). Leave X amount in your bank account (say, 10,000 baht) for savings, plane tickets, etc. The rest take out in cash. Label one envelope RENT, one GAS, one BILLS, one TRIP, etc (if you are saving for something big, like a bike or a TV, add money to this envelope each month). Then divide the month into weeks or specific dates. Put the cash in your necessary envelopes first and then divide the rest into your spending money envelopes. Don't touch your bank account unless completely necessary. Hide the envelopes well or buy a small safe and SEAL each one so you can't open it until that date. This way your savings grows each month (say, 10,000 baht a month) and you know exactly how much money you have to spend each day (I do about four days at a time). I was completely broke for years and a bartender friend taught me this system, it was the only way I could save enough to travel and it completely changed my life. Let me know if you have questions, I'm Mimi, met you yesterday! Chok dee!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice! I tried envelopes out for a bit but struggled a bit. I also didn't go it exactly your way. Makes sense though, just need to keep that money safe!
ReplyDelete