Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like

Quote of the Day - Will Smith

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If you're born poor, it's not your mistake. But if you die poor, it's your mistake

Quote of the day - Bill Gates

Beaware of little expenses ; a samll leak will sink a great ship

Quote of the day - Benjamin Franklin

What should I use for payment? - Really?? Cash?? Only??

First advice you will hear when you want to start cutting down your spending, will be START USING CASH - and give up all the credits you may receive from using credit cards.

Really?? Do I have to?? Was my response to it. We are living in a such a technology developed era. Is it really necessary to use paper money when you can simply carry a single thin(and pretty) credit card? And who wants all the heavy and dirty coins? Right? (My mom always made me wash my hand after touching coins, you never know where it's been) 

I always questioned this advice until when I was half forced to use cash. I was planning a trip to Koh Samui, Thailand and I had to put all my expenses and my friend's expenses on my credit card. And then of course, my friend paid me back  after the trip, but in cash. I didn't have ATM nearby my place and I was really busy after the trip so I didn't have time to put the money back into my account. Instead I started using cash(cause I clearly was on my limit for credit card and had no balance in debit card) 

But that first week of me started using cash, I felt something different whenever I paid for something. It felt like everything was expensive, even the normal lunches I used to have everyday. Because I was physically watching my money handed of to another person, and feel my wallet getting thinner and thinner. And believe me here, I was the girl who would spend crazy amount of money on the clothes and feel like it's a bargain all the time - because I bought it 30% off and if I put it on monthly installment plan it was like nothing. 

Ok. There's a really long story behind me getting into this trap of spending massive money, but we will get into that deeper another time. 

Anyways, that is the first time I felt like I need to spend less money. Also it was literally impossible for me to buy any luxury goods I love and used to buy so easily because there was no way I was able to hand off that much bundle of cash. No way. 

That's when I learnt my lesson. So there WAS reason why professionals suggest you to spend cash rather than credit cards. 

After than, there was a phase when I was  thinking, hold on, what's the big difference if I pay by my debit card? It should be same as using cash because you can only spend the amount you have in your account. And then I started using debit cards. It was totally working for me for the few month. I was feeling really good because it felt like I was doing a great job spending not so much money. But once I got used to it, I noticed myself sending more money whenever I needed to, to my debit card account. It was great in a sense that I don't get to spend more than I have, but with that pattern it was clear that I was not able to save any money. And personally, I think debit card somehow makes my unconsciousness remember what it was like to use credit card, and spend it little more. I don't know why but I always imagine myself to be looking so cool whenever I hand off my credit(or debit) card to the sales person. 

Maybe from all those Sex and the City and Shoppaholic movies. It looks cool, but not so cool when you look at you balance. 

So here's my suggestion when you are really trying to get out of debt and cut down some of your spendings, USE CASH. 
If it's too much effort to carry a big wallet with bills and coins, at least use debit card, unless you have total control of yourself - and I believe who visit my blog would be similar to me ; totally not able to control myself.
Girls, if you really want to change your spending habit, cut your credit card.

With Love, V

Personal finances are like people’s personal health, crucial and tragic to the sufferer but tedious to the listener

Quote of the day - Thomas Keneally

The first rule in making money is not to lose it

Quote of the day - Steven J. Lee

You don't have to be like most people around you, because most people never become truly rich and wealthy

Quote of the day - Manoj Arora

A Budget tells us what we can't afford, but it doesn't keep us from buying it

Quote of the day - William Feather

Financial Freedom is available to those who learn about it and work for it

Quote of the day - Robert Kiyosaki

I'm Back! and am ready for Adventure!!

Hi All,

I’m finally back!

I was really struggling personally to figure out what’s going on in my life.

And I think now I have an answer.. or at least clear path to the answer.

As you may already figure out from the title of the blog and everything, my path for blogging has changed as well.

Don’t get me wrong, I am still the same person I was.

I love fashion and that’s the only thing that keeps me going.

I go crazy when I see something pretty, I go really dumb especially when it comes to things that I am a sucker for..

 i.e Christian Louboutin pumps.. Chanel bags..

I’ve had my career as fashion buyer for about 8 years now, and I think I’ve reached a certain place of my life that I want to be also smart when it comes to my personal finance. Looking at my current balance, all I have is unbelievably expensive bags/shoes and too many clothes that wouldn’t even fit my closet.

And since last year, I have been trying to change my habit of buying.. and I can assure you, it’s still not easy for me. It has been habit for freaking 8 years!!

But I see some changes happening, and I am in the status that balances me out in terms of financial status and enjoying Fashion.

This blog will be the journal for my adventure in financial world.

I will be sharing about my past screw ups, current status.. and tips for the future.

I am very opposed to overflowing my blog with all kinds of lectures and articles that we both know you and I will never read.

Instead I want to be able to share my journey through the adventures that’s ahead of me.

Are you ready to join me for the Adventure?

With Love, V