For the very first time in my adult life, I am using public transportation on an almost regular basis. Giving up my car was like a fall from grace and though it hurt my pride a bit, I am glad that I haven’t given in to the temptation of buying a flashy car. At this stage in life, I just want to save as much as possible without any worry about keeping up with the Joneses.
What thrills me these days is my money in the bank; not the things it can buy, but the financial security that it can give. For sure I have my weak moments and sometimes I give in too, like in December I bought DH a Mulberry messenger bag (i.e. during our pre-silent days) after buying myself a Prada bag. Only consolation is that both were bought from the outlet shops at Bicester Village and so did not pay retail price for them.
So now on to how my spending for January looks like:
I am a bit surprised that I saved 28% of my post-tax salary and that is just superb. But the grand idea is to save 50% and I know I can do it. Today I got the very depressing news – my annual salary increase is just £1,000, the lowest salary increase that I have ever got. Not sure how much that will turn out after tax; it won’t be more than £60/month I guess. Anyway that amount too shall go straight to my savings. The games category will be predominant for the next two months because of the launch of PS Vita in February and PlayStation is A’s only vice.
I was lucky that in January I did not have to pay any utility bills, which means that they will all be due in February.
Coming to think of it, sacrificing the car was not a big deal. That walk to the bus stop at 6:15 in the morning is my time, the ride in the bus and the nap in the train – I love it all. The feel of crisp, cold air on my face while the rest of the world is warm in their beds, is exhilarating. The train ride is also so quiet. Sometimes I wonder how train companies make money if they run this empty. In the afternoon, I leave work at 3:50pm and at this time too I don’t get to see any crowd. Where did I ever get the idea that public transportation would be terrible? I know a lot of people bitch about commuting time and such but I am just thankful to God that my experience till now has been great.
What about you, how was Jan for your pocket??
What thrills me these days is my money in the bank; not the things it can buy, but the financial security that it can give. For sure I have my weak moments and sometimes I give in too, like in December I bought DH a Mulberry messenger bag (i.e. during our pre-silent days) after buying myself a Prada bag. Only consolation is that both were bought from the outlet shops at Bicester Village and so did not pay retail price for them.
So now on to how my spending for January looks like:
I am a bit surprised that I saved 28% of my post-tax salary and that is just superb. But the grand idea is to save 50% and I know I can do it. Today I got the very depressing news – my annual salary increase is just £1,000, the lowest salary increase that I have ever got. Not sure how much that will turn out after tax; it won’t be more than £60/month I guess. Anyway that amount too shall go straight to my savings. The games category will be predominant for the next two months because of the launch of PS Vita in February and PlayStation is A’s only vice.
I was lucky that in January I did not have to pay any utility bills, which means that they will all be due in February.
Coming to think of it, sacrificing the car was not a big deal. That walk to the bus stop at 6:15 in the morning is my time, the ride in the bus and the nap in the train – I love it all. The feel of crisp, cold air on my face while the rest of the world is warm in their beds, is exhilarating. The train ride is also so quiet. Sometimes I wonder how train companies make money if they run this empty. In the afternoon, I leave work at 3:50pm and at this time too I don’t get to see any crowd. Where did I ever get the idea that public transportation would be terrible? I know a lot of people bitch about commuting time and such but I am just thankful to God that my experience till now has been great.
What about you, how was Jan for your pocket??
2 comments:
You are funny and so honest C! I love reading your blogs... such honesty is so refreshing. And this one has inspired me to evaluate my finances. Thanks for that!
- Rags
Thanks Rags - Personal Finance is so important to me and I want this blog to portray my reality vs what I think people would like to read. Unfortunately us Indians don't discuss money and hopefully I can do my bit to change that. Take care C
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