On Being a Spendthrift..

I grew up in a simple family with a low-income earning parents. Middle class, probably..but still life was hard back in the Philippines. I watched as my mom has to borrow money or fresh goods just for us to have a meal the following day..my mom is a teacher (with one year before retirement) and my dad a retired Adventist pastor. However, with that setup I grew up and became a spendthrift, not because I had a choice but because I had to. If I don't cut costs, I'll end up in hunger.

Buying less and saving more became a habit and I'm thankful that we were not well-off back those days (oh, even until now ). However, when I got married...I was tied to a person who loves to shop! So...unlike me! I therefore found out that shopaholics are contagious. I began buying things I really don't need and sometimes forgot to save. But then I'm thankful to the internet who opened my eyes again into saving and investing.

I'm toying on the idea of investing in stocks and mutual funds and according to Robert Kiyosaki, we have to pay ourselves first. Pay for saving or investing because without discipline, we will never be out of the rat race.

Here's what I plan to do with my monthly income:

• After receiving salary, allot a 10% for your tithe and give back to God what is due to Him.
• A 10-20% (or higher, if possible) will be set aside for savings and invest in time deposits, mutual funds or stock investing / trading.

Saving tips when you're in Thailand:

1. For first timers in Thailand, buy sim cards (Dtac, True or AIS) from 7-eleven shops, not from the airport. 
2. On transportation -- take the ordinary bus...way cheaper and sometimes free (the red bus with the blue sign)
3. Shop in Tesco Lotus - products are  slightly cheaper than other grocery stores plus they have cash back every 3 months as well as discount coupons.
4. If you will take the skytrain often, ask the BTS staff as to which travel card will help you save more.
5. Get discount vouchers from  group buying websites like ensogo.co.th or dealdidi.com or the likes.
6. If you're a health buff, buy your food supplements online like here, cheaper than most local drugstores and shipping is not that expensive.
7. There are a lot more but my brain is failing me now...so next time, okay?