How Do You "Lean Burn" For A Year? share your tips for living well but spending less

[therock]

We have a food crisis upon us, a war in the north, countries restricting exports, fuels prices climbing new highs constantly and our property prices still going up and up..

There seems to be a constant pressure on us to conserve, spend less or worse stop living well.

This is MCF, and whilst everyone is affected, being drivers, we aren't in the lowest echelons of the society, and are more likely to be in the middle, but it also means we are sandwiched between enjoying our current lifestyle and trying to pay all the bills on time, without resorted to more loans, defaults and compromises that have dire consequences.

 

So maybe we can get real tips from bros on how to lean burn with dignity, whilst keeping the bellies full and yet live fulfilling lives and encourage one another.

So please share, not merely make fun, but do share how to make it work and get out out the crisis well both physically and mentally, even spiritually.

- our finances are like an input output chart..

INPUT:

- we can try to earn more, but that can be hard in the middle of a crisis

-- eg changing to a higher paying job if we get a chance

-- get more / better returns for our investments

-- get alternate revenue streams

 

OUTPUT:

- here there are more choices that bros can share...

-- cut down on overseas trips or switch to a cheaper holiday destination, eg Asia-Pac holiday instead of Europe and a shorter duration

-- using cheaper fuels

-- household brands

-- eat good food, but eat at less expensive venues

-- cook at home more

-- watch movies at home instead of in the cinemas

-- keep healthy to save on medical bills,

-- exercise more and enjoy the outdoors, pretend it's a trip and camp locally or just take a tour around SG

-- use free resources like the library - did you know they have DVDs?

-- use free online streaming, legal ones eg Viu, Mewatch

-- buy one movie and watch with your buddies together

-- take up free hobbies

-- help someone else who is in need more - this may cost you time and money, but it can be cathartic, and be good for your mind and soul

 

I heard some friends who are really stressed about the current times, and maybe it's time we can share ideas on how to overcomes things. Not everyone is equally affected, and some may be thriving in these times, but lets encourage and be a pillar and friend to others in these times...

Hope others can share too 

 

 

 

[Inlinefour]

cheaper lower Ron fuel is not really working cos mileage is lower too 

[therock]

Medications:

More meds are now OTC - over the counter and one can consider self medication:

- flu meds

- painkillers

- rashes

 

Do you need that many memberships?

- subscriptions in general can cost a lot, and it may be better to curate some of them, then use the remaining to get the best value out of them..

[Jman888]

take public transport immediately save >$10k a year 

 

[therock]

https://www.facebook.com/DanielRadcliffeNews/photos/a.2506997749337311/5209394665764259/?__cft__[0]=AZV2uWJJyakQlDICToNaBouue_e6RSd7OIubLlwStdgfduEntwOX4aJ65wcMUsjAvNAJMMPVcpmcYIi-YRNtwyI_nSkSlFqmx4b2zlOvAL9NxW-2Y_liA9z48o9cXck_YsT0dfG9yarfCUrOP9_zzLxwpeMu2PNLH-PaLIUwaP5x7PRHZtxbxY3sCGE2_SNfdcwZWmK0Po58Q7u-JcRiC4Mm&__tn__=EH-R

[Jman888]

1 minute ago, therock said:

however the opposite argue that when you buy a branded and quality product, you tend to take better care of it and use it longer. Compare to the lower quality fast fashion that may not last a year hence cutting waste.

[Sosaria]

Rather than cutting down, how about earning more? I feel that if we remain consumers, we'll always be at the mercy of increasing prices. But if we become service providers or sellers, we can "ride the wave" of jacked-up prices and earn more.

For me, I took up "gig" jobs and (hopefully) enjoyed the additional income brought in by inflated prices. Of course it means more work but couple of hours extra is enough to cover back the rising cost of living, so I think i more or less break even if not earn extra.

[Jamesc]

Spend $0 on entertainment

1.) MCF

2.) Perogi Scammer Payback

 

 

Edited June 3 by Jamesc

[therock]

Don't spend too much on a wedding... especially if you're not going for a long haul?

https://mothership.sg/2022/06/kim-lim-husband-photos-gone/?fbclid=IwAR1cMvQlp7pICYRVafXa6o2z9pIU4DZyg9xXku4ttPRGWE6onJ4VvHg49nA

 

[Macrosszero]

Spend within your means and take less loans. 

Especially the bad ones that don't generate future benefit.

You will be surprised how much of people's incomes goes towards paying interest.

If they saved up before buying what they wanted, they wouldn't have this expense.

[mersaylee]

Before...Prata kosong plus teh halia

Now...Prata kosong. 

Future...pray not sky juice plus northwest wind 😁

[therock]

[Kopites]

4 hours ago, therock said:

 

[Scion]

crisis no crisis, inflation no inflation, my rule is to spend within the means

never overleverage and go into debts for me, especially unsecured debts with ridiculously high interests

so i make sure to clear my credit card bills every month

will always think thrice before buying those big ticket items

 

[Jamesc]

Marry a low maintenance MIL

[Ingenius]

You only live once. Why live frugal when you don't have to. 

 

Anyway I think going on holiday is one item which will spend most money. 

[Lala81]

Spend your time outdoors. So many parks and park connectors to jog/cycle/play.
Though the beastly weather has certainly reduced down outdoor time.

If u live near the Safras with pools, they have the best pools on a budget other than condo pools (sorry to say most activesg swimming pools are not nice at all). 

National library is the pride of our nation. Borrowing is incredibly easy. And with the NLB app and the e-books it's really unparalleled.

 

[Lala81]

11 minutes ago, Ingenius said:

You only live once. Why live frugal when you don't have to. 

Anyway I think going on holiday is one item which will spend most money. 

Quite true. If you can afford it, by all means, help our local economy.

Especially with current airfares...

hah, i won't bother talking about frugality or living within your means to my friends. Your spending habits already formed long ago since you were young.

Edited June 4 by Lala81