Quote Originally Posted by Mimosabreeze View Post
Interesting thread here especially when I see some of my girlfriends splurging on designer bags and paying more than $50 for a haircut in town and then turn around and complain about the rising cost of cab fare and utility bills ??

I think to live "cheaply" is to live within one's means and to prioritize what comes first and what's important.

I've seen too many people getting their priorities wrong and spending money on the wrong stuff and turn around and moan about the high cost of living.

I'll gladly spend on:

• eating well (good food)
• sleeping well (a good pillow, a good bed, air-conditioning)
• commuting in comfort (taking cabs if I have to)
• reliable utility infrastructure (clean water, on-going electricity, hi-speed internet etc..)
• shelter (a good home - which all homes in Singapore are pretty good)

because they are basic necessity that allows me to get on with life and be even more productive for the next day's work. But too many Singaporeans simply take the above basic necessity for granted and the slightest price increase sends everyone going bonkers nationwide ! Yet at the same time, the same people would have no problem forking out $5000 for a Chanel bag, a $800 Burberry purse, a $10K facial package or a $3000 holiday to buy even more Burberry bags in Europe ! Think about how much water and cab fare that can be paid for.. .but of course nobody "sees" what' you've paid for and that's the crux of the moaning.

These are the people who are more than happy to give up their money to French fashion houses, travel agencies and facial salons that delivers a one-off temporary sense of importance but yet turn around and moan when their basic necessity such as water, electricity or even a cab ride incurred a price increment but are constantly there for them whenever they need it.

I do agree that housing prices have sky rocketed and the property speculations have gone too far but I urge that the next time anyone moans about their utility bills and cab fares or "expensive food". Think about the countries that have no clean water infrastructure, villages with electricity at only a certain time of the day and no internet to speak of. Let alone having "snacks" and other indulgent food !

And maybe Singapore wouldn't seem so expensive afterall if we get our priorities right .

Happy new year to all.

Well said, to each his own. Some people may balk at my taking public transport yet spending $2000 on a designer bag but they are the same ones spending $200,000 on a sports car and happy wearing a baby G watch. No right or wrong, simply differences in priorities