How do you cope with rising prices?
Question
Let’s share your views.
Prices are rising, and wages are unfortunately stagnant. How to cope with the rising cost of living in this competitive (almost dog-eat-dog-world) society?
I know some will say why not increase your salary by getting a degree or going for further studies. Not everybody can afford to do that – our parents don’t print money and we have to pay bills and feed our families. Not everybody can afford part-time studies too.
Changing jobs may be an option, but job markets don’t look good atm.
Netizens’ comments
Personally, I don’t have much of a social life apart from meeting my partner. Thankfully I’m introverted so I don’t mind more personal time
My partner and I got a BTO, we chose a fairly low floor unit at a non-mature estate, so it’s cheaper. We once considered 3rm flat but figured the super tiny space will make us miserable, so picked 4rm. Very happy w what we chose, it’s not like we are sian that we had to pick that flat at that location! Also, not planning to have kids, so that’s a huge weight off my shoulders. Ofc money isn’t the only reason why we don’t want kids.
Wedding will be quite simple (no hotel banquet, no church wedding), but not too bare to the point where I would regret. No expensive rings either, might consider CoupleLab
We are choosing to hold our wedding after the flat is in move in condition, because our families expect us to live together after wedding. No one here thinks living w in-laws is a good idea. So we will just stay put at our own parents’ hse til the flat is done. No renting either
I share costs with my partner for stuff like bubble tea (which we usually buy once or twice per week), we share 1 bubble tea, $1.90 becomes $0.95 per pax
That said, we don’t cut down TOO excessively on things we enjoy, such as food, which is a nice reward in between work weeks. But not that we go high-end restaurants. Once in a while we go Genki Sushi, Astons, Shake Shack, cafes, etc
I monetise my hobby (drawing), but at a sustainable pace so I don’t end up hating my hobby
I try to upskill using free methods, like YouTube tutorials (but ofc depends on your profession)
I sell stuff that I don’t need anymore, on Carousell
For entertainment and unwinding, find cheaper or free options (free entry events, go to parks/beaches, etc)
Prioritise needs over wants. If wanna buy a ‘want’, give yourself a waiting period to see if you’ll change your mind