It’s very normal considering what you just start working. So start saving now and your gf should too.
Say example you save 1k and her 500 monthly – that works out to be 18k -19k annually. Suggest u both open joint account to save together and when you hit 20k, switch to a fix deposit account for better interest- there is quite a number of plans out there offered by banks for better interest rates or monthly salary deposits.
Your take home is about $2400, shaving transportation and food ($400) and savings, left with about 1000, part of which you can contribute to family and personal expenses. What left over from this, you can budget part of it for dates and the remainder, consider getting hospitalisation and life insurance.
So set up a detailed budget plan with your gf and start planning. Like someone suggest can rom (rom very cheap only) and bto first.
Here’s a rough breakdown of costs for a house reno and appliances
- Simple reno (no hacking or fancy stuff) – $25-30k
- Bathroom n kitchen accessories- $2k upwards
- Furniture (no simmons mattress, normal mattress)- $5k-$10k
- Electronics -$5k-$10k (or less if you can live without aircon)
- Lighting fixtures -$500-$1k upwards
Wedding – $10k-$15k. Wedding shots will set u back $3k-$3.5k. Actually if you know how to taobao, your gf may be able to buy 3-4 gowns for below $600 with free shipping, guys even simpler just rent or order off taobao, hire someone for makeup, and a decent pg – can help you save $$500 to $800. For the celebration suggest you go for wedding lunch buffet – budget and simple. Less tiring also.
The bad news is the on coming gst hike. Situation is abit similar to mine.. myself and hb rushed to get everything before 5% became 7%.
If you and gf can taobao, taobao. A number of stuff can be purchase at very good prices there. There is free shipping for quite a number of items. But navigating tb is another study in itself. Suggest you join Taobao groups in fb to get yourself acquainted. I know quite a number of couples who saved a fair bit ordering stuff from tb.
So all in all I say you can look forward to saving about $60-80k for the next 3-5 years. It may mean no holidays, or holidays to nearer locations on a budget. In the meantime try to avoid renting if u can stay with parents to save cost. Rental is not cheap and can set you back a few hundred bucks a month.
Last of all… persevere! Jiayou!