The unexpected bill we received from TOT this week makes me cut some of our expenses. Good thing that before my hubby paid it today, he talked to the manager and presented our case on why do we have previous bill on our current telephone/internet account which was only used last September 20. I’m glad that our record shows that we only need to pay the current bill of only 500 something baht instead of nearly 2,000 baht! The only problem left is that at the moment we still don’t have internet connection so I’m forced to use my brother’s internet nearby.

This experience makes me ponder once again that money management is a very important thing and should not be taken lightly no matter what your cash flow is. This month’s extra expenses on our social security disability insurance, motorcycle repair, clothing and shoes (not to mention the amount of money to be spent to celebrate a birthday and anniversary) will turn out a heavy burden if we haven’t saved enough.

Working and living here in Thailand doesn’t mean we’re lying on beds of roses but by God’s grace we are able to manage a good life even with little money on hand. A friend told me that she appreciates how I handle or budget our money. Maybe it’s because I learned to live without before so now that we’re entrusted with a job with a good income, I am more responsible in terms of spending…more likely, spending little money most of the time.

Here are some tips on how to spend little money:

1. I do weekly shopping with a shopping list. A shopping list helps to do the shopping in a disciplined way and to avoid unnecessary purchases.

2. I shop at Super markets like in TOPS, TESCO and Carrefour. They promote regularly food and other goods to discounted prices. Buying goods to discounted prices help saving money. I buy storable goods like detergents, dish washing liquid,ironing starch, and liquid softener in large quantities while they are offered to discounted prices esp. when they’re offered on 50% discount!

3. We’re able to save money because we have a handyman in the house! Our broken furniture and other home equipment we’re all repaired so they’re not replaced yet with new goods.

4. Haven’t you noticed that consumer goods are expensive during the main seasons and before holidays? I don’t shop during those times. Instead, I shop after the main seasons when the shops offer them to discounted prices. That’s the time you’ll see me at FQ and L Boutique, AIIZ Baby department and Central Department Store.

5. I stopped excessive use of mobile phone. I used pay phone most of the time which only cost 1 baht per call.

There are still more tips on how to spend your little money but I’m already running out of time. I need to go home now for Hyzyd’s bedtime routine. I do appreciate if you could add more tips on spending wisely.

See you…when I see you:)