Oh So Broke

I guess it takes a lot for someone to realize that he/she is actually very broke.

I was out that day, remembering that I had a credit card due date and that I totally needed to pay the minimum charge of $25 for the month or Citibank would slap a $40 late charge on me. I opened up my wallet to find $30, which was to last me for the whole of the week.

I first went over to the DBS atm machine, hoping "magic money" might appear. But it didn't. It says, "$8.61". Fine, I reckoned, and went over to the UOB machine. Worse! "6.80"

I tried to go over to the cash machine to deposit the 30 bucks so I could pay off, but the machine was spoilt. In a desperate measure, I had to call L in the middle of the night to transfer some money to my bank so I could pay off the minimum amount. I felt so remorsely ashamed of myself.

And so, I've learnt that even though we should not slave for money, leading a comfortable lifestyle is important. I am not talking about a hedonistic lifestyle of self fulfillment, slashing cards to their highest limits and pampering yourself with treats all the time. When I meant comfortable, I meant that you did not have to save on meals, indulge in an occasional taxi ride, or watch a movie once every fortnight.

And so I've calculated. I have a loan from school that can be repaid interest free for 3 years, and in which I hope to settle of course.

A breakdown of my expenses might look like this:

Transport $120
Breakfast/Lunch $150
Cigarettes $150
Dinner after gym $150
Phone Bills $100
Weekends $250
Loans $650

So I already need around $1570 a month to settle my necessities. Not to mention savings and contribution to household.

And if you now know why I'm always missing in action, you should roughly know why. Because I am in an austerity drive, and staying at home is the cheapest way of escaping from expenditure.

I will get out of this when I have a proper job I guess! :p

Peace out.