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Anonymous
30M currently married, stuck in a government job where I cant leave cause contract, but it's paying peanuts. Practically living on pay check to pay check to pay back loans/bills. Used up almost all our savings on our HDB renovation. Wife is pregnant, and if she stops working during her late trimester, I don't know how we can get through with our financial problems. I cant even think of investments because every single dollar is necessary for our living expenses now.
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You're in a pretty tough situation bro, but you can do it. Here's what I'll suggest
Expenses: Thoroughly explore what you can cut from your expenses, even the very little things matter; from cutting the air-con to eating only home-cooked food, switching to a cheaper mobile plan, cancelling Netflix/Mio tv or even exploring alternative transport options (cycling etc). You'll be surprised how much you can save every month.
Monetize dorment Assets: Take a look around your house and see what you can sell, from unused furniture to under-utilized digital devices, keep only the absolute essentials. You can always buy them back when you have more $$.
Income: understand you can't get out of your job, but nothing is stopping you from bringing in additional income; from driving grab to doing freelance work or working in retail during off-hours, do what you can do to get that extra $$
Knowledge: Although you can't afford to make any investments, you can always invest in yourself, ramp up your financial skills - Seedly is a good place to start. Also, try to pick up new skills that can make you additional income.
Invest: You mentioned that you can't afford to invest, but I want to bring your attention to Robo investment platforms like Stashaway and Syfe that allow u to invest as little as $5/mth or even a few hundred dollars lump sum, would be good to start sooner rather than later. Such platforms also allow u the flexibility to withdraw your money without any added fees. (2-3 working days wait time) .
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Loh Tat Tian
22 Feb 2021
Founder at PolicyWoke (We Buy Insurance Policies)
If so many bills, the painful thing is to cut all debts asap, live way below for a few months (ok i did eat maggie mee and bread only just to scrimp money), drink plain water, so that there's a bit of emergency fund.
Sell off many of the white elephant items at home (could be gym equipment etc etc), even car (yes this is a killer, grabbing around is better than a car honestly if you have 1).
Basically, my advice would be very painful for the first few months. So that you can have an idea that, what are the most important things in your life.
Good luck.
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Zac
16 Feb 2021
Noob at Idiots Invest
This is a problem that you probably need to get help for from a financial advisor who knows more about your situation. Especially not with the level of detail you've provided here (which is understandable).
You will get good advice and tips here, but nothing will ultimately be tailored to address your specific situation.
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Randy
16 Feb 2021
Financial Analyst at
It’s hard for people to help you when you dont disclose your household income, how much your debt is...
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It's a really tough and stressful situation to be in. Having a child coming and possibility of losing a source of income (wife's) is going to make the situation tougher.
I wonder if your wife is also aware of this difficulty. I would really suggest that you and your wife discuss together and align your financial plans. Like what the rest have mentioned, to look in-depth into your family's and individuals' monthly expenses. Understand where are all the money going? Which expenses are needs, which are wants and decide which are those that can reduce or stop e.g bubble tea and take actions in reducing them e.g. reducing the usage of aircon hours to reduce electrical Bill? Eat more homecook or cheaper cai fan?
Discuss with wife on her income, does she has to stop working in her 3rd trimester? Or can she convert to part time or be on unpaid leave where she can soon return to work after maternity?
Explore possible additional incomes eg. Are you able to take on side lines like grab driving?
On child's needs; Discuss on the care options - any parents or in laws can help? Can source for hand me down clothes, stroller etc from friends, relatives or even Facebook grps. Children outgrow their clothes very fast, so it is easy to find good quality 2nd hand clothes & items. If wife breastfeed will save money but if Milk powder needed, brand like dugro cost only $15/tin or nature one diary which I am using cost $20-$30. Can find such tips from heartland boy or budget babe 's blogs.
The key idea is, facing this situation solo will not help. It has to be worked out together as a couple for the solution to be sustainable.
All the best!