Hello, Goodbye Salary

Hahaha it’s basically a ghost. I do wish I was a child again and didn’t know how expensive things are. I used to sulk at my parents when I don’t get what I want from the groceries. Now I realise it’s hard when you’re actually paying for it My karma.

@Chellezhere Luckily I have a housemate who works at the same workplace as me. She too feels the struggle. I really think this area is too expensive. We are all quitting this job because of that aspect. The salary is not enough for the cost of living.

@flapiz So true. My 25-year-old son is struggling with that now. He lives 1578.77 km away from me in his own place, and has no roommates.

I don’t want a lot of it, but I do feel like it would be good to not be worrying too much about it. It just feels like I’m chasing after it. It’s making me old.

Yeah and UK I swear taxes everything. Bills always come. Now I understand why people’s hair turn grey as they age.

But bills are a product of design. WE can control the bills we have to some extent, and so to my mind claiming bills are what keep us behind is an excuse. Lower the cost of living and you can increase your ability to save and get ahead. Just my two cents for whatever it is worth. As much as I have accomplished financially, you'd think less people would dispute me on this. But here we are. lol

@porwest Sometimes people don't want to hear what others have to say.

Yeah the only thing I could cut would be my phone bill but phone has become quite essential these days.

I never do. I am one of the few who don’t have any credit card. But even my basic bills look like a mountain to me. So expensive. The average rent on where I live is 2-3x higher than my friends’ in other part of UK.

@Bensen32 Yeah this area not cheap so I am transferring work actually to be on the cheaper side.

@flapiz Oh yeah, that will do it. Maybe time to find a cheaper place to live?

Hi Jim yes that’s actually my goal to have some money saved for when something hits the fan. The problem is, half of my salary goes to bills, 1/4 goes to family support and I’ve got just 1/4 minus monthly groceries. And the house moves is making it heavier. I will have a look at your posts though. I am hoping my upcoming job will make things better for me.

@flapiz It sounds to me like you are living above your means. I know that sounds like a simple answer. But if you can not afford to save, you cannot afford what you are currently doing and where you are currently living. Everyone cites bills and expenses when they make the claim they cannot save. But if the bills are the issue, what you are doing to create them, or where you are living is the very cause of the issue. Easier said than done sometimes. But it is usually the root of the problem. If you find some of my posts on the topic it can explain some of these concepts and ideas much better and in more detail, and may also help you to find ways to save, find ways to make more money on your money, and understand how money works better. I wish you all the best.

@flapiz I am originally from the Philippines, and lots of my Filipino friends here are in the same dilemma. And the main reason is that they have to support the family back in the Philippines. And I am referring to their parents, siblings, cousins, nieces or nephews. Sadly, that is part of our culture that I do not agree or proud of. Everyone should work, and help and not solely rely on someone just because he/she is earning foreign currency. I am fortunate that I do not have to support my family, because they all work. If I choose to give some financial gifts, it is because I want to and I am able to. Imagine saving 25% of your salary every month. What happens if, God forbid, you lost your job? My apologies if I seemed so forward, and my apologies too because I admit I do not have full knowledge of your situation, nor do I know your family. It just hits me home because I feel for friends who are stuck in similar situations and I have seen first hand how it broke them. When I moved here, I have made some steps/decisions that, like Jim, allowed me to be able to afford a certain lifestyle even if I lose a few paychecks. If you want some suggestions, or even a sounding board, please know that I am only a message away. Again, I have dear friends who suffered and are still suffering financially with seemingly similar circumstances as yours. I know how upsetting this can be.

@flapiz Just keep watch on your expenses always. Avoid expenses that you can control.

@rsa101 Like eating out? That’s the one I’m very guilty of. Though I don’t do it quite often.

I hope I figure it out soon. I am very optimistic about my new move.

@moffittjc I’m trying to do an app that auto rounds up. But the problem was everytime I’m short, I take them all out.

The only debt I have is my cellphone and my parents house. But I wish to buy my own house someday too. So really I do worry. I have no savings yet. By the time I buy my own house I’d be grovelling.

@flapiz Start putting away small amounts in savings, even if it seems to be an insignificant amount. Every little bit adds up!

Yeah that’s my goal. I want to start a business not only for me but for my parents so they can retire comfortably. We want to do a bed and breakfast someday.

My dad used to work two jobs too. I really admire him for it. So now I do strive to make their life comfortable at the expense of mine. Maybe when I’m a parent I’d be able to save more as I do believe responsibility does bring better outcome.

@flapiz Marry a rich guy.. And put a full stop to all this situation.. *This thought came to my mind* But things doesn't always work the way we want...

Absolutely. I mean I could earn more if given an opportunity to do so. But the hospital I’m working in does not allow overtime instead we have what they call “time in lieu”. Which I find very clever of them on the business side but very unfair for employees. Thus I’m quitting. When I was working in Australia it was better because the cost of living was cheaper. UK is indeed an expensive place to live in.

Same here half automatically goes to house rent, council tax, electricity, and water. Which I would say is a very basic human need.

@flapiz absolutely! You're doing good. I know you feel proud of yourself!