Yes, many wished to semi-retire/ retire by as early as possible. But what are the costs involved? Does it mean going on fewer dates with your spouse? Does it mean spending lesser time with your friends? Does it mean taking on a few jobs to ensure that money keeps rolling in constantly?
For the past few years, he had tried to scrimp and save as much as possible that meals with the wife-to-be are spent usually in hawker centres. Dinner and drinks with friends are reduced to once every month or bi-monthly. Even though there are visible savings, which are in turn plunged into the portfolio, or kept for weathering the market downturns.
However, sometimes he could feel that he may not be spending the quality time with the wife-to-be or with his best friends. At times, the wife-to-be may even grumble "huh, hawker centre again?!", though she would gladly go with me at the end of the day or his friends may moan "why you cannot come again?!".
In circumstances like these, it made 小胖 feel very disappointed discontented with himself... Yes, he his saving for his marriage. Yes, he is saving for his early retirement. But at what costs? Short-term pains, long term gains?
As much as possible, 小胖 has been increasing the frequency of bringing the wife-to-be for meals at restaurants (fast-food ones, at least), and has been meeting his friends for dinner and drinks more often...
The target of being semi-retired by 45 years old is still vivid in my mind. But he believes that he should not give up the opportunity of not experiencing his life.
Different conditions at different ages may change his way of thinking, but would you do if you were in his shoes now...?
Everything in moderation. To reach the end of the journey is important, but to enjoy the scenery and process along the way is, if not more important, equally important.
ReplyDeleteHi Sanye, thanks for coming to my blog! Life is too short to have regrets, so I shall enjoy my life restrictively. (:
DeleteAgree with Sanye above.
ReplyDeleteI guess there is always a tradeoff and it is importance to balance them. Dont be too disheartened about it if you are going for a specific goal but do look out also for roses in the middle of the journey :)
Hey B, welcome and thanks for reading! Yes, I am looking forward to the next few milestones in my life. It's gonna be painful on the pocket, but it's gonna be a lifetime experience. (:
DeleteAgree with Sanye above.
ReplyDeleteI guess there is always a tradeoff and it is importance to balance them. Dont be too disheartened about it if you are going for a specific goal but do look out also for roses in the middle of the journey :)
Being single or not Single; our journey to seek financial independence is totally different. There is WE that we have to be aware, address and take care. Single can don't change his underwear for five days; nobody care!
ReplyDeleteOur saving habit may unintentionally sadden or hurt our beloved ones.
Hi Uncle CW8888, yes you're right. Yes, there's a WE in my life now. Taking care and making my confidant happy is one of my responsibilities now! (:
DeleteWhat you describe there is being frugal.
ReplyDelete“Frugal” is now a very unfashionable word, yet it is a trait that built nations.
It derives from the Latin “frux”, meaning fruit or virtue, and “frui” meaning to enjoy or use well.
Therefore frugality does not actually mean going without, but enjoying what you have!
To be frugal means to have a high “joy-to-stuff-ratio” getting maximum enjoyment out of resources.
Enjoy being frugal and happy at the same time.
Hi Tacomob,thanks for the enlightenment! Indeed, there's a fine line between stingy and frugal! (:
ReplyDelete