Budget Update: October 2022 – Bergaji & Pokai Book is Out!
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 October? Was it good, bad or meh?
October 2022 was quite whirlwind, definitely an eventful one. Professionally, I am busier than ever with work (including releasing Bergaji & Pokai book!). Personally, I am planning some trips as self-reward.
But just in terms of current events, remember when Tengku Zafrul announced Budget 2023 and got us all excited, but then they announced GE15, rendering the budget in ‘who knows what’s gonna happen to it now’ zone? That was kinda wild.
But right. Regardless who wins in the election, all I know I can’t depend on the govt 100% for my wellbeing. Demand better policies yes because making citizens’ life better is literally their job, but also I can’t stop my own effort to improve myself.
Happy voting, everyone. Let’s get on to the budget part.
Budget Update: October 2022
In October 2022, I spent RM10,702.32. The top 3 top expenses were:
- Donations & Gifts (RM2,565.80) – Parents’ electric bill, Dad’s dusun, care package
- Dates/Travel (RM1,318.59) – Flight tickets, makan dates and outings
- Home Reno + Deco (RM1,662.63) – Monthly EPP for renovation
Cumulatively, the top 3 expenses make up 62% of my total October 2022 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 October 2022
Here’s what I spent on in the whole month of October 2022, in their respective categories and from highest to lowest amount:
Spending notes:
- I am only 1 (ONE) payment away from finishing a RM1,013.13 monthly instalment (for home reno). Almost there!
- Irregular payments of the month – Angpow for friend’s wedding, TnG card reload, domain ID renewal
Yay of the Month:
#1 – Bergaji & Pokai Book is out!
You can add Bergaji & Pokai book to cart directly at: https://bit.ly/3h3GVyl.
Find out how you can win or earn money by promoting the book in the Y’All, ‘Bergaji & Pokai’ Book is Out! (Share & Win RM250!) article!
#2 – Booked a trip to Vietnam
After months of surveying flight tickets all over the world and dismayed by the prices (they really jack it up for December!!), I finally decided on Vietnam for year-end holiday.
Tix cost for 2 pax: RM1940. High for ASEAN country, but way cheaper than going to Europe. Plus hotels, food etc there is CHEAP.
#3 – Ate a lot but didn’t really gain weight
I ate so many different things in October 2022, but weight is manageable?? It didn’t decrease, but it didn’t increase, either.
Not going to complain, will record this as a yay of the month.
#4 – Found a cheap haircut place!
Nowadays, RM35 for a haircut (for women in Klang Valley) is CHEAP! Who cares if its no-frills, I think I still look good whoo!
#5 – Appeared on..
#1 – Gamification Application in Raising Capital Market Products and Services organised by SIDC
#2 – Cara Buat Duit Sebagai Seorang Freelancer Yang Anda Patut Tahu organised by Cakna Kewangan
#3 – How Should I Spend My Salary or Allowance organised by Iman Publication
#4 – Session 4 – AAA: Alternative Assets Already? for the Annual FIMMAC Convention 2022 organised by Federation of Investment Managers Malaysia
#5 – Hutang Baik vs Hutang Jahat for Financial Literacy Week 2022 organised by EPF Learning Center
Whew, October 2022 was definitely a busy month for me.
#6 – Misc
Read:
- Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool by Emily Oster
Bought for myself:
- Powerbank
- 3 books
- 2 dresses
- Paint by number set
Nay of the Month:
#1 – My parents caught Covid-19
After dodging it for 2.5 years, my parents caught Covid-19. Their symptoms were relatively mild and didn’t need hospitalisation, so that’s good. But even after testing negative again, their health has declined a bit. I suspect they might have long Covid 🙁
Just need to monitor from now on..
#2 – In worse physical shape than I thought
In the end, I was so embarrassed I quit. It’s ok, I’ll still do my swims and walks and yoga for exercise..
Things to Look Forward to:
- My trip to Hatyai and later, trip to Vietnam!
Well, that was my October 2022. 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)
