Haziq is starting school next year.. Each time my child enrolls in school, I get really nervous even though we survived each time so far. It's not that bad, really, but then we tend to forget how Allah grants each and everyone of us with our own rezeki.
This year, for my budget adjustment, I'm trying my luck at sewing my daughters uniform. I'm definitely not fond of sewing but then I decided to try as the price of school uniform nearly gave me a heart attack.. Her baju kurung alone costs RM20.00 and that does not include her 'kain' and 'tudung'. After a few trips to different stores, it's gonna cost us RM200++ for Nurul alone. Last year's uniform is not gonna help either.. She needs blue uniform this year.. [sigh]..
When I look back the past years, we managed because we adjusted our lifestyle. Some things are really hard to let go but in the act of survival, we managed to change our lifestyle tremendously. I've heard some of my friends tell me it's okay for me as I can bake. The truth is, baking was one of the lifestyle that we had to change.
I started with finding recipes for friends, I ended up trying the recipe and sell eventually. There was a time when the profit of my cake went straight to the grocery store leaving my money just enough for the next cake to sell. There was a time when I had sleepless night catering my friends' order. I had to sneak at 4 or 5 o'clock in the morning to finish decorating the cakes. It was a blessing from Allah. I can never thank Him enough.. Here are the things that we adapted. Hopefully it will help you too. Or perhaps if you don't even have to change your lifestyle.. it will help you count your blessings. Alhamdulillah...
1. Eat in instead of Eat Out
Even if you are too lazy to cook, you can cook rice and buy the 'kuah' and 'lauk'. When i didn't know how to cook back then, it was always, 'telur masak kicap', 'ikan masak kicap', 'telur masak taucu', 'ikan masak taucu'. The list didn't change for quite some time. You'll save a lot since you don't spend on drinks and rice. Even if you don't have children, it'll save you almost RM6.00.
2. Stop Watching Movies, Go to the Playground instead.
With the popcorn and drinks, my family will spend RM50.00 for a trip. We managed to get our kids to wait until it is aired on tv or buy the CDs. We now regularly go to the playground at Cempaka Lake, Bangi, armed with skipping ropes and Rollerblades. We even bring 2 tumblers of chilled water from the fridge. We only spend RM6 for ice cream on the way home and yet happier with the adrenalin rush..
3. If you really Need to Buy, Postpone at least 5 Minutes
I used to want things immediately and realize at the end that I don't really need it. Some things can be postponed. If you have the urge to buy, walk pass it and if you still want it when you are about to check out at the counter, you might need it. If not, it's probably your own desire..
4. Only Buy New Clothes if You don't have Enough
Shopping is just so relaxing.. Be extra careful when it's on sale. Most of the time we spend on clothes that we don't really need. How often have you bought a 'tudung' without having anything to match? You end up having to buy a new blouse just to match the 'tudung'.
5. Go ahead, jot it down!
Have you ever calculated how your money just slipped through your fingers? I once jotted down everything I spent for three whole months, typed it in Excel and found out exactly where I spent. You'll be surprised just to know where you spent and where you can save. This is a must-try tip!
6. Explain to your Kids! Don't Lie when You can't Afford it!
This used to be tough but then we were determined to let them know the truth! My kids were frustrated that we don't want to buy PS2. Everyone seems to have it and they are sick and tired of the braggings they heard at school. We even went to the store to check out the price. We explained how we have to spend the money on other important thing. The bottomline is, do tell your kids and don't just be shy to admit if you can't afford it. I've heard parents lie "Kedai ni tak jual", "Benda ni dah rosak" and sometimes ask the shopkeeper to lie for them and it makes me sad.
7. Believe in Allah
Allah has promised that each and everyone will have their own rezeki. I had a hard time telling my kids how rezeki comes in different forms. It need not be money. Being a part time teacher at my son's kindy gave me free enrollment which normally costs me RM300++, having good neighbours may mean spending less on vacation and having my baking skill polished by attending demo classes is a gift from Allah, enough to save me a lot with my family of 7.
I was a bit shy to come at the beginning actually but then the other members of the forum kept on encouraging newbies to come.. It was great.. I'm into wraps.. I just love the closeness of the baby to me. Since one of the topics was going to be on backcarries, I braved myself. (can remember myself being a shy person hehe but meeting up a bunch of new people definitely makes me nervous!)