Budget Update: April 2023 – Raya
Welcome to another edition of my monthly budget updates, where I break down my expenses by category and share the highlights and lowlights of the month.
So how was your April? Was it good, bad or meh?
For me, April 2023 was full of worry and anxiety. There are a lot of things happening which are beyond my control, yet could will affect me.
These isn’t things I’m willing to share publicly so that’s why I bought myself therapy sessions, just so I can talk about it and see how I can manage these negative feelings better. I’m just really glad I could afford therapy, for real.
Let’s get on to the budget part.
Budget Update: April 2023
In April 2023, I spent RM9,066.77 The top 3 top expenses were:
- Donations & Gifts (RM3,253.75) – Parents TNB bill, Duit raya
- Utilities & Mortgage (RM1,327) – Half mortgage and bills
- Groceries (RM910.94) – Self-explanatory
Cumulatively, the top 3 expenses make up 62% of my total April 2023 expenses.
(My belief is, if you want to save money, trim first from the top 3 expenses rather than cut out a few ringgits from other already-low expenses)
My Spending Breakdown in April 2023
Here’s what I spent on in the whole month of April 2023, in their respective categories and from highest to lowest amount:
Yay of the Month:
#1 – Raya gatherings
Attended a lot of family Raya gatherings, my heart is full <3
(My stomach is as well!)
I also celebrated with preloved Raya outfit scored for only RM45 from Carousell so that was a win!
#2 – Transferred RM7k to EPF + PRS accounts
Multiple payments came in so I thought I’d just settle my EPF and PRS contributions for the year.
But when I checked PRS again in late April, it seems the amount went down a little bit so timing not so good :/ Oh well
#3 – My book, Bergaji & Pokai got #1 bestselling spot again
It’s been on the Top 10 list for a good 5 months or so now omg that’s amazing!!
#4 – Refunded a Steam game!
Did you know you can refund Steam games? Yes you can! T&C applies of course, but can. You can refer to the process here.
#5 – Appeared on:
a) AWANI Niaga
Had the extreme honour to be featured on Astro Awani’s Niaga AWANI this morning. Gave my commentary on Malaysians’ financial literacy, EPF Account 2 support Facility and more. Special thank you to Tehmina Kaoosji for having me on the show!
Watch the full interview at: https://www.astroawani.com/rancangan/niaga-awani/epf-account-2-malaysias-retirement-savings-gap-2017386
#5 – Misc
Read 2 books:
- How to Raise a Feminist: Bringing Up Kids with the Confidence to Change the World by Allison Vale and Victoria Ralfs
- A Private History of Happiness: Ninety-Nine Moments of Joy from Around the World by George Myerson
Bought for myself:
- 6 x therapy session package
- Sunscreen
- Hair accessories
- Some makeup and skincare products
- One dress
- One preloved Raya outfit
- Renewed Netflix
Nay of the Month:
#1 – Guilt over duit raya
I gave less duit raya this year compared to last year (and to less people as well) and feel super guilty about it.
Yes, I understand duit raya is sedekah and its completely optional and up to my own decision but still.
#2 – Overbought therapy package?
I bought a package of six therapy sessions for RM480 and found out it comes with an expiry date of 2 months. Love my sessions but I don’t actually need to go that often. Should have just bought individual sessions (RM120 each).
I guess I should force myself to make use of them. What shall I talk about hmm…
Things to Look Forward to:
- My birthday month
Well, that was my April 2023. How was yours? What’s your yay of the month, nay of the month, and something you’re looking forward to? Tell me in the comments section 🙂
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To read about my past monthly budget update, click here. Graphs are taken from my expense-tracking app Money Lover (find out your budgeting style)
