I’ve joined the ranks of the working world for the sixth month running now, and it’s been a relatively smooth journey. There’s just so many things to thank God for, especially in the area of finance. God’s been blessing me in ways many might not see as blessings, but deep down .. I know I can never do it without Him. And now, because of all that He has taught me [and still teaching] I am able to look forward with confidence knowing that I can do all things through Christ.
I’ve always been known as the spend-thrift of the family. Well, in a more apparent manner .. really. All throughout college and university, my dad lectured me every single time I asked him for money. He’d ask me why I ran out of money before the month end, and I’d be able to come up with some reason .. somehow or rather. So yes, I was never the thrifty son. Although, I will not fail to mention that all my purchases were well thought of and given careful consideration. Usually, they last me for a few years. Like my .. hmm .. shoes? :p
But when I started working, God placed within my heart the desire to be prudent when it comes to my finances. Of course, everyone around me encouraged me to practice it, so I started tracking my expenditure. Daily expenses, food, drinks, gifts, Darlie toothpaste, every single thing la. Of course, I don’t go down to the cents .. but only to the dollar. After a few months of .. religiously [for the lack of a better word] keying in every single entry at night just before I sleep, I get a good overview of my income and .. expenses. And so far, save for December .. I’ve been in the black. December was red, cause I spent more than I earned. Which later, was compensated by scrimping on lavish dining to satisfy the high class black hole in my stomach.
Every month, I know where I am in my spending .. with a budget I outlined with Microsoft Money in which I also utilize to key in my daily expenses. This software provides me with visual and outlined report of my spending, income, cashflow, and whatnots that I have not fully explored .. which makes the whole experience … fun! I’m sure those who struggle to keep track of your monthly expenses blame it on the lack of a GUI or comprehensive eye-candy to help you along.. Hehe.
Even though it’s just an apparently insignificant thing to do, recording every single expense somewhere, be it to a software or spreadsheet .. it helps tremendously. I am extra conscious with my money, when I am nearing the budgeted limit for the month. Of course, I think that the amount set apart for makan could be lower .. *cough* but anyway .. it’s all for the good of .. me. Ahaha. The straightforward monthly comparison of income VS expenses outrightly present the amount I have saved for that particular month, breakdowns of every single category shows me where my money goes .. be it to the petrol the car drinks, or to the food the black hole .. consumes.
I can’t stress enough about this issue of financial responsibility, especially those who are already living out on their own .. away from the comfort and security of their parents. Financial comfort and security. I am beginning to see how it will help me in the future, in which I will talk about .. in part 2!
So, till then .. stay tuned.
David[hmm]
PS: Pardon me for not updating. Just realized that the last entry was .. about 9 days ago.
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