Simple Budget, Simple Life

As I started to type, the first word that came to my mind was "Nonchalant". I'm feeling more and more so. It seems like a protective layer or persona I'm taking up. So that I gets less f up by external factors. I used to be diligent updating here, but I lost the joy in sharing what's going on.  I was even nonchalant about updating my net worth. I used to track it monthly; and more so on 31 Dec 2025. Yet on 31 Dec 2025, I slept at 10+ pm. Not sure what time I really fell asleep. Sadly, I woke up at 5.30am and it hurts my head. I never had good sleep. What prompted me to do an update here was just in case one day, I have records to track back my thoughts, and my financial journey. Like how I could check back my interest on 1 January 2025 easily through my blog. --- Here's a recap of my finances over the years: 2016 -  Unexpected review of 2016: hitting $200k in net worth 2017 -  End 2017 review - net worth at $287k 2018 -  End 2018 review - net worth at $372k  2...

<post created in July> Dear Universe, 7 months have passed. Many things have happened, positive ones, because I choose to see things positively. And I'd like to express thanks for each of these positive things. As I mentioned in my previous link , I reached FRS for CPF, sold my house for >1m, clocked my business class flights for my hubby and I. Aside from these, I made our family trip happen which made my dad really happy. My mum, though she is not a fan of travelling, enjoyed herself too.  I thank God that my parents are healthy both mentally and physically to enjoy a 2 weeks trip with us.  I thank God for providing such a smooth journey with great weather throughout my trip in a land frequently visited by natural disasters. Everything was amazing. I am thankful to my dad for being so selfless and paying for bulk of the trip. I know he felt satisfied that he could once again pay and bring the whole family out for holidays.  I had a business trip where I got to ...

Thank you to the well meaning people who commented on my previous post.  I am learning about myself, learning to be a better person. Learning to validate and appreciate myself. I've been watching more meditation and spiritual videos, and learning to look and grow from within. Through the videos, it taught me to be more contented and appreciative (I have been learning to give thanks every day), to complain less and gossip about people (because it is creating negative energies, hatred and bitterness in myself).  On the latter, it is easier said than done. I reflected that I've been very bitter about many things, having a lot of hatred for people whom I've crossed paths with for their treatment and attitude towards me. From relatives, to people I interact at work. I try to rationalise that these people are just passer by and have no real effect on my daily life - if I could cut ties with my toxic relatives, I can also cut off may things that expend my energy. I reflected that ...

I am sitting in my husband's childhood home, feeling emotional.  In the backdrop, I am playing a healing meditation bgm to make me feel more calm. I've been playing such singing bowl music to soothe my nerves and my anxiety. Sometimes, my anxiety comes out of nowhere. Often, it is triggered by my overactive brain and oversensitive heart.  My logical brain tells me - I've mostly what I need. A good income, a loving husband, a supportive family (both mine and in-laws) - everything is pacing out well; except a child which I've come to terms with. My emotional wiring stirs up shit. It could be comments made by colleagues, looking down on me/my role, comments from boss showing favouritism and lack of appreciation for my work, comments from other colleagues who gave negative comments about my output. I don't like to be looked down. I hate these little comments floating past my brain, made from little people who I know are not an integral part of my life. I know, but I sti...

If you've not heard of Chocolate Finance and Heymax, here's the deal: As of 11 Feb 2025, Chocolate Finance is partnering with Heymax to allow 2 max miles per $1 through their Chocolate Visa Platinum Debit Card. We can now earn 2 Max Miles per S$1 spent on virtually everything - charitable donations, education, hospitals, insurance premiums, utilities, and even AXS transactions. What is Chocolate Finance? Chocolate Finance has been my sidekick saving account since Jul 2024 where I placed $20k for 3.3% p.a. on the first S$20,000. So far, I've earned $454.98. Not too bad for an account that allows easy and immediate withdrawal.  What is Heymax? Heymax is a rewards platform that offers Max Miles which can be transferred to various airline (excluding SQ) and hotel programs, making them highly valuable for travelers.  I've been using it for the past year as it helps maximise rewards on my credit cards by recommending the best card to use. Simply key in the cards you have on h...

I have been feeling stuck for years. 6 years in fact. I felt like I did not live for myself. That I did not love myself enough. I blame my body for its weakness. I blame my overactive mind for giving me heartaches and tears.  I didn't give time to heal. I was chasing against time, against my biological clock. But I missed out taking care of myself. The pursuit for a child seemed like a blackhole. Only pouring in, with no outcome. I am now stopping this journey. Whether it is a pause or a full stop, I am still uncertain. But I know I need to live for myself NOW. Therefore, 2025 is going to be my year of healing. I had this thought nearing the end of 2024 - that I've suffered enough. Sure there were happy moments, but I could not live in the present.  I wish for reborn. 1. Physical Healing I've made steps to better my health.  Due to my frequent indigestions and stomachaches, I've gone for gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Fortunately, the results were not earth shattering. It...