Middle class Singaporean no more.....Sigh

[Intltuk]

TS, u seemed like a person who is so spoon fed that u're looking at the gov when things don't go ur way and takes credit when u good and well; seems like u're looking at the glass as half empty rather than 1/2 full. Those who is earning 2.0k wish he are earning 5.0k and those who are earning wish they were earning 10k. It is a neverending story as every person would like to improve/sustain their lifestyle.

I agree that cost of living of S'pore is not low but then again, which 1st world country isn't?? Cars and housing are cheap in US......but everyday services like plumbers, eletricians are sky high.....thus, a lot of Americans DIY their homes, can u? Maids are out of the question...they hire part time nanny if they need to go out for a few hrs and leave the kids home. Their cars are a necessity as the public transport is lacking; they drive everywhere as most of the shops are not within walking distance...nor are there widespread of walkways for them to walk! U pay a high income tax to sustain the wars US is involve in, the welfare scheme, etc.

Every country has their pros and cons and inflation is part and parcel of tat. Thus, some tries to better their life thru increasing their earnings.....others learn to live within their means and appreciate what they've.

So, stop being so whiny and take responsibility for ur life and family. Go and find ways to earn more to sustain/improve ur lifestyle or, as some bros suggested......move.....afterall u can `afford' it.

[ilikeoldchangke]

Cost of living affects everyone.

Last time i buy curry puff only 90 cents. Still got 70 cents yam pie. Now no longer have this kind of pricing liao at old chang kee


Coffee at Ya kun and toast box 1.80 1 small cup.

Prices go up at a faster rate than my boss increase my pay, so in the end no choice i got to cut down on junk food and high crass kopi.





Jokes aside.



I think what TS is trying to say is even with a decent household income, with the rising cost these days, your disposable income is getting lower.

Many years back, with the same amount, you can definitely have a comfortable lifestyle. No need to think twice about splurging once in a while on good food.




No choice la, prices will still go up. Make some changes to your lifestyle.

Ditch the car. Take cab definitely much cheaper.

[lasupkia]

Originally Posted by MoJoe313

For the benefit of those who are poor in maths and rich in jealousy, a single person earning $3,000 a month is TWO TIMES RICHER than two people earning $10,000 for a family of 7 ($10,000/7 = $1,428)

Those who think children consume less may be surprise to know that a 2 year old child will not walk to the kitchen to pour hot water into her milk bottle, shake it with Dumex and drink. Someone has to do it for her. When both parents can't do it because they have to work, these become costs. I can eat chap chai rice but I doubt a 2 year old child can. Google milk powder price and you will know what I mean.

I can understand there will be individuals who survive on less than $1,428 a month but one cannot say $1,428 a month per person is extravagant because there are indeed many singles who earn more than $3,000 a month for himself/herself.

In any case, my thread is about the rapidly rising cost of living. I guess some are too fixated on money and envy to notice.

Yeah my maths is not as good as you. $10k for 7 is a worse situation than my only $2k for 3. I also have a 2+ year old who can't make her own milk. My little one don't need any fancy gadgets like ipads. She is twice as happy running around the playground (FREE).
Actually what pissed most of us off about you is the way you put the blame of not being able to eat at fancy restaurants more often because your parents using up your money.
Be creative about ways to enjoy your lives without spending too much. Look at the news of PMETs losing their jobs. Most are saddled with heavy debts to service.

I had a friend in this situation who thought of killing himself because of the stress he faced. But thankfully he bite the bullet. Didn't care how people looked at him and talk behind his back. Sold off all the items weighing him down financially moved to a small rental flat for his family of 5. Now at least some joy coming back to him as he pull thru this tough time.

[Intltuk]

Originally Posted by ilikeoldchangke

Cost of living affects everyone.

I think what TS is trying to say is even with a decent household income, with the rising cost these days, your disposable income is getting lower.

I think most of us understand where TS is coming from. The thing here is; in which country, there is no inflation; in which country, income raises > inflation if u sit and whine only?

[MoJoe313]

Originally Posted by Intltuk

TS, u seemed like a person who is so spoon fed that u're looking at the gov when things don't go ur way and takes credit when u good and well;

I like the way you infer. NO WHERE have I written "I am looking at the gov when things dont go my way". In fact, I have not written anything political or partisan. Check it yourself. Isn't this a forum where things are discussed? Ok, I got bored of the usual sex talk and voiced an opinion for a change. Also cannot? Wow! You sound like the PAP internet brigade rushing to put out a fire. Btw, I am politically neutral .....but I just might change that. Didnt bother reading the rest of your comments. Hope you don't mind.

[MoJoe313]

Originally Posted by lasupkia

Actually what pissed most of us off about you is the way you put the blame of not being able to eat at fancy restaurants more often because your parents using up your money.

If you really want to know, I do casual talk like crabs, COE and simple expenses so as to not boast. You want hard truths?

Here's a surprise tip then. Your parents will never be Peter Pan. They all age.

Which old folk you know will not have cancer, diabetes, high blood, heart ailments, dementia or immobility. When you are at that age, pick one. Or pick all. Each time one goes in for Glioblastoma multiforme treatment, its $60,000 per cycle (surgeon $25k, chemo $15k, ward & ancillaries $20k). Do it an average of 2 rounds only, its $120,000 a parent. When both parents go in, your eyes will pop at the costs. That's just cancer alone. Try getting an assortment.

You want harsh truths? When that happens, you have no choice but to ask yourself Do you sell your home, so that your parent can live another 3 years. Go through that, then come teach me about filial piety. I was hoping to keep quiet about it......but since you asked....there you go.

[Orchinno]

Originally Posted by MoJoe313

For the benefit of those who are poor in maths and rich in jealousy, a single person earning $3,000 a month is TWO TIMES RICHER than two people earning $10,000 for a family of 7 ($10,000/7 = $1,428)

I can understand there will be individuals who survive on less than $1,428 a month but one cannot say $1,428 a month per person is extravagant because there are indeed many singles who earn more than $3,000 a month for himself/herself.

In any case, my thread is about the rapidly rising cost of living. I guess some are too fixated on money and envy to notice.

Hi TS,

Sorry, it seems like you are trying to get sympathy here but not being totally upfront with your information.

Right on top, you mentioned that your household total income is provide by 2 persons at 10K per month. Then at the bottom, you stated that your parents are working and thus not able to help out with activities around the house.

You approach to calculating available income per person seems reasonable at surface, by is a false mask. You cannot divide the income by 7 and claim that it is worse off than another family with 2 members earning 3K.

There is something call economy of scale. A two person family fixed cost may be higher than a 7 family fixed cost, example utilities. Excluding the variable components, both families have to pay 30 dollars monthly regardless of number of users. Or conservancy charges which are tied to housing unit and not number of members in the housing.

Let's try to do a cost estimate (without knowing where you live and your expenditure patterns) base on the info you are willing to reveal so far.

Food expense monthly : 800 dollars (This is the number I live by with 1 maid, 3 kids, 2 parents, so my household differs not from yours)
Utilities : 350 dollars
Conservancy charges and parking : 200 dollars (assuming HDB 5 room/exec)
Childcare for 3 kids ? : 2400 dollars (800 per pax at neighbour childcare)
Milk powder for 3 kids ? : 200 dollars (65 per tin, 1 tin 1 month per kid)
Your wife and you daily expense : 400 dollars (10 per lunch for 20 days)
Telecom charges : 150 (mid-tier phone plans, cable TV and internet)
the total so far : 4,700 dollars

Given your stated income of 10K, less the CPF, both of you probably bringing in home 8K.

That leave you disposable income of 3300 dollars.

From there you start to draw down the luxuries :
- petrol and servicing 500 dollars ( 400 petrol, 100 contribute to car maintenance fund)
- eating out 210 per meal (30 dollars per pax) 4 weekends ? : 840 dollars

This is the income table per month by age cohort to help you understand better where you are in the scheme of things.
http://postimg.org/image/a8awlaxhz/

[Intltuk]

Originally Posted by MoJoe313

Check it yourself. Isn't this a forum where things are discussed? Ok, I got bored of the usual sex talk and voiced an opinion for a change. Also cannot? Wow! You sound like the PAP internet brigade rushing to put out a fire. Btw, I am politically neutral .....but I just might change that. Didnt bother reading the rest of your comments. Hope you don't mind.

U're right, this is a forum for discussion . Unfortunately, ur writeups, to me, seems more like whining as u chose to put ur situation as an example and we know for a fact that in most countries inflation has always been a concern for all.

I believe ur writeup get to fellow bros here as u are in a good spot...not great but good, yet u.....sighzzzz.

Anyway, ea is entitled to their opinion since this is a discussion . Btw, not meant to offend anyone...do skip my write up if u feel offended.Tks.

[parrotkid]

I believe what TS is trying to say is that the purchasing power is being eroded when inflation and commitments rises faster than income.

[Hokkienkia]

10k buay kow?

Mai niam liao, wu jing zuay lang combined 5k ma bo ah, lagi jialat.

le wu 10k si bei heng leow.

[MoJoe313]

Originally Posted by Intltuk

ur writeups, to me, seems more like whining as u chose to put ur situation as an example and we know for a fact that in most countries inflation has always been a concern for all.

I am educated. I studied economics. I understand inflation. 5 years ago, crab was $32 per kg. Today its $65 per kg. It is a 100% increase. It is not called Inflation. It is called Hyper Inflation. Perhaps you haven't lived here since birth so you do not notice.

I used crab as an example. I do not have to eat crab (and act rich). This is Singapore. We are famous for Chilli _____. So its price should be common knowledge. Seriously? Must I explain every detail?

[clapton]

Removed.

!!

[atee]

In Spore one mustnt get sick. Especially cronic sickness. Dont say 10k. 20k also not able to cover medical expenses if the illness prolongs. U cant even get subsidies cos of your "high" mthly income. Ti Ni Nge Kai (hainanese)

[MoJoe313]

Originally Posted by Hokkienkia

10k buay kow?

Mai niam liao, wu jing zuay lang combined 5k ma bo ah, lagi jialat.

le wu 10k si bei heng leow.

Ah hia, hmmm si niam. Si see ay du lan. Zho lai zho ki buay kow. Wa wu sar ay kia. Neng ay lau lang. Lon zhong mi kia see ay kwee. Le ay min pek bo?

[EnolaGay]

While some of us are able to see and feel where you are coming from, maybe you can be thankful that there are a whole lot of people who are in a worse off situation than you and would love to be in your shoes instead.

From time to time i volunteer my time at some welfare home and i can tell you that you should be very grateful for what you have. Maybe you can give some of your time to help out then you will know how lucky you are.

Whilst you worry about the frequency of chilli crabs you can enjoy, there are many people who are wondering when will their next meal be.

Be contented with what you and be thankful.