Where Did Your Money Go?

If you check your pockets and wallets right now, would you be happy of what you'll find? Or do you have a savings account with some banks? Are you troubled for the lack of money?

If your answer to the questions is yes, then good for you. You'll definitely get a different answer if you throw the same questions at me. But if I somehow got you feeling sad and low after those questions, then never worry, you're not alone.

People sometimes have the notion that people with the same job that I have earn more than the common laborers. Relatively, that's true but it still depends though. Some of us are in it just to keep up with our responsibilities on our shoulders. Those who previously worked from other industries would switch to the graveyard shift jobs just to earn extra to pay the bills. These folks even gave up quality time with their families and risk their health due to lack of sleep. It's not as easy as others would think of it.

So where is this leading to?

The figures on my payslip tells me that I'm lucky to be earning this much. But my wallet and bill statements(debts) tells me otherwise. Then I think of my plans and dreams; help our youngest sister though college, give some regularly to my family back home for daily expenses, and buy myself a house. How on earth would I be able to meet and achieve those if my current expenses alone I can't take care of with what I'm currently earning? It really gets you worried, right? Sometimes, even frustrating.

I was searching for tips, tricks, cheats(?), and suggestions how to save money and yet not neglecting responsibilities. And I found a few which were, I say, ideal and could work. But I want to ask from those reading-- and who will be reading-- this entry their own suggestions.

Some of the tips I was able to gather includes the following:

• Cutting down on trips to expensive restaurants; you can probably still enjoy meals at restaurants but check out there prices first.
• If you can't stop eating those yummy but unhealthy junk foods then buy less of them at least.
• You can still enjoy taking a shower using a 'tabo'. It's fun and saves more water.
• Clean you appliances regularly. Appliances can work efficiently when they are clean.
• If you have a dirty kitchen, try to use it every now and then. Specially during weekends when you have more time to spend in cooking. It can be messy but again, it can be fun too.
• Hitch a ride on your way to work. But make sure it's completely fine with the one who owns the poor car.

These are just suggestions. They might work fine for you but for some, it might sound obnoxious. So, guys, if you have tips and tricks you personally practice to save money, would you mind sharing it with us?

We might not be able to return the favor but good karma will surely follow you.