there are just too many stuffs out there calling out to us to open
our wallets....it really takes a lot of discipline not to buy
everything that catches our eyes.
i find the cost of living in my area is kinda
high....particularly for food and medical insurance. think my
spouse's single income is just barely enough to cover all our
expenses...and we really can't afford to eat out alot. not sure
whether we can save much...and i'd really hate to dip into our
savings back home.
although we singaporeans might have some not so desirable
habits...i must say we are reasonably good at managing our
finances (at least most singaporeans are)...and we
will still try to save for the rainy days no matter how little
we earn. some people might think we are "cheapo"...but at
least we are not spending money that we don't even
have.
i just found a great place to shop today. it's called Ocean
State Job Lot. lots of stuffs going at quite low prices...if you
aren't too fussy about brands/looks.
for those of you who have been overseas for awhile and most
likely not returning to S'pore...have you withdrew your CPF
monies?
In addtition to using discount coupons as Arapahoe has
suggested, you'll find that you can save a boatload of money
by buying online. Internet retailers usually offer a much
wider selection of merchandise at lower prices
vis-a-vis "brick and mortar" stores. In addition, in
many states, mail-order/internet purchases are exempt from sales
taxes.
As for my CPF funds, I never worked in Singapore as I came
stateside right after my NS, so the amount in there
comprises whatever paltry sum the SAF contributed during
my stint in the army, plus the various election bribes doled out by
the PAPpies through the years. I can't withdraw my CPF funds as I
haven't gotten round yet to renouncing my Singapore
citizenship in the wake of my fairly recent naturalization as a US
citizen.
