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Minimalism in Thailand: Spend Less and Live Better in 2022
Minimalism: Have you ever wished you had more time and money to spend on the things you love? I certainly do. However, we must take steps toward those goals in order to live happier lives.
As they say, “money can’t buy happiness,” but having more wouldn’t hurt, right?
Adulting happens to many of us as we grow older: working, caring for family, and managing finances are all part of adulting.
It’s simply unhealthy to worry about money constantly.
The next time you find yourself with a wallet full of credit cards, a pile of bills to pay or can’t seem to figure out where your money has gone, let me introduce you to the concept of financial minimalism.
What is financial minimalism?
A minimalist approach to finance is simply a balanced lifestyle incorporating minimalist habits. By reducing noise in other aspects of your life, you can focus on the things that are more important to you.
Unless you think minimalism is a strict code that requires you to live with only one pair of shoes, a few outfits, and a bare room filled with the bare necessities, you’re wrong.
It is possible to live a minimalist lifestyle for anyone, and everyone will have their own way of doing it.
Financial minimalism has many benefits
1. Saving money
The most obvious benefit of practising financial minimalism is that you will spend less (on things you most likely will not need, such as impulse buys).
As you declutter your items Marie Kondo style, you’ll have fewer things to buy and perhaps some items to sell, and you’ll see a healthier bank account and be able to live within or below your means.
2. Stressing less
Spending less also means worrying less.
By reducing subscriptions, credit cards, and other financial expenses, you can focus more on budgeting for necessities.
3. Being more active
Having more money for the things you care about is one of the best things about financial minimalism. You can spend more time with your family, enjoy your hobbies, and live a better life when you have fewer financial worries.
4. Environmental protection
Furthermore, living a minimalist lifestyle reduces your carbon footprint and helps you consume less.
Living a financial minimalist lifestyle
Are you ready to start your financial minimalism journey? Let’s get started right away!
1. Describe your goals
It is important for us to identify what is most important in our lives before tackling the nitty-gritty. When we do this, we can focus on what we should invest in, rather than spending on things that do not help us achieve our goals.
For instance, I enjoy playing the electric guitar and listening to music. In the future, I hope to play in a band and produce music.
In spite of my limited resources of time and money, instead of spending them on my hobby, I find myself shopping on Shopee or going on random shopping sprees for clothes I only wear a few times.
After learning about financial minimalism and evaluating my goals, I now have more money to spend on my hobbies instead of buying random things that add up over time.
The process may seem intimidating at first, and some of us have much bigger goals, such as financial independence and early retirement (FIRE), but here are a few simple questions to get you started:
- What three things are most meaningful to you if you had to choose just three?
- Do your spending habits match what you value most in life?
2. Develop or reevaluate your budget
After identifying your goals, it’s time to create a budget.
If you are new to budgeting, you might want to check out some budget apps or use an excel sheet if you prefer the old-school approach.
You don’t have to budget like a minimalist to live under $600 a month in Thailand (although it is doable if you really want to), but you can take some inspiration from it if you’re living with your parents.
Minimalism budgeting should cover all your necessities, as well as categories related to your life and financial goals.
Use the 50-20-30 rule, where you spend 50% of your income, save 20%, and invest the rest. You may want to drop your 50 percent expenditure as low as possible and allocate more to savings and investments if it is within your means.
Check out the Seedly Money Framework for an in-depth guide to personal finance.
Keeping to your budget is the hard part. It’s not uncommon for us to overspend during sales just because something is on sale.
Furthermore, you should review your budget frequently so that you can make adjustments and eliminate unnecessary expenditures (No longer using Netflix? Don’t forget to cancel your subscription!).
I recommend checking for better deals once a month, such as SIM-only plans or subscription services.
3. Streamline your finances in Thailand
With a minimalist budget and simplified finances, you’ll be better able to manage your money.
A financial minimalist might argue that they miss out on all the juicy cash rebates from having multiple credit cards or deals and cashback from various digital payment apps.
It is better to own only what you need and use it frequently and not worry about that extra 1% cashback or points you might get from time to time.
If you have a multitude of credit cards, savings accounts, and other financial products, you may want to narrow them down to the ones you use the most.
In case you are just starting out and only have a bank account and a debit card, you can look into the various financial products available. These include savings accounts, cash management accounts, and credit cards.
Of course, we don’t want to put all our eggs in one basket, so having two or three accounts is a smart start.
A general rule of thumb is to keep one account for transactions, one for savings, and one for emergencies. Some people keep their emergency funds in cash management accounts and use their bank accounts for transactions, while others keep three separate bank accounts.
In order to manage my finances, I use a variety of financial products. I keep a cash management account for emergencies, a bank account (DBS Multiplier ) for savings, a prepaid Crypto.com VISA card for transactions (2 percent cashback) and GrabPay (0.67 per cent-1 percent cashback) as a safety net for when I am not able to use VISA.
The framework can serve as a guide for a personal finance journey such as financial minimalism. It will be easier for you to manage your workload if you have fewer things to manage.
4. Adopt a minimalist lifestyle
Along the way of your financial minimalism journey, it is important to cultivate a few minimalist habits to further reduce your financial clutter. Alternatively, you could create your own habits with a minimalist mindset: Less is more.
It could be anything from:
- Making a shopping list (and only buying those items)
- Planning meals to save money
- Making smarter purchases by buying fewer but better products
- Disable shopping notifications from apps or go out less to avoid shopping temptations.
Experiences are better than things
Those of you who have read this far should know that financial minimalism takes time. Your small efforts will go a long way in improving your finances and ultimately, your life.
Furthermore, it helps you appreciate experiences rather than materialistic things and teaches you how to focus on what matters most to you.
In the end, life is about our experiences and the people we share them with.
This article was first published in Seedly.
Entering the UK property market as a first-time buyer can feel both exciting and daunting. The process is filled with potential pitfalls and complex decisions, but with the right guidance, it can be navigated smoothly. The estate agents in Yorkshire demystify the journey from the initial decision to buy a home to the moment you step over the threshold of your new property.
Understanding Your Financial Position
The first and perhaps most crucial step in the home-buying process is understanding your financial situation. This includes assessing your savings, income, and current debts. Here’s how you can prepare:
1. Deposit: Generally, you’ll need at least 5% of the property price as a deposit, though aiming for 10% or more can provide better mortgage rates.
2. Income and Expenses: Use a budget planner to assess your monthly income against your expenses. This will help you understand how much you can afford in monthly mortgage repayments.
3. Credit Score: Lenders will evaluate your credit score to determine your mortgage eligibility. So it’s important to have a good credit score, and you should work on it if required.
4. Mortgage Options: Speak to a mortgage advisor to understand different types of mortgages, such as fixed-rate, variable-rate, and help-to-buy schemes.
Getting a Mortgage Agreement in Principle
A Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) is a statement from a lender indicating how much they’ll likely lend you. You will be a more attractive buyer with an AIP as it shows sellers you’re serious and financially prepared.
Deciding What You Want
Before you start viewing properties, it’s essential to know what you’re looking for. Consider the following factors:
1. Location: Proximity to work, schools, public transport, and amenities are key. Research neighbourhoods to find the best fit for your lifestyle.
2. Property Type: Decide whether you want a flat, terraced house, semi-detached, or detached property. Each has its pros and cons.
3. Must-Haves: Make a list of non-negotiables, such as the number of bedrooms, garden size, and parking facilities.
4. Future Proofing: Consider your future needs. Are you planning to start a family? Do you need space for a home office?
Starting the Property Search
With a clear idea of what you’re looking for, you can begin your property search. Here are some tips:
1. Use Online Portals: Websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket are excellent starting points. Set up alerts to get notified of new listings that meet your criteria.
2. Visit Estate Agents: Register with local estate agents who can provide insights into the market and inform you of new properties before they’re listed online.
3. Attend Viewings: Don’t rush this part. Visit several properties to get a feel for what’s available in your price range.
Making an Offer
Once you find a property you love, it’s time to make an offer. Here’s how to approach it:
1. Research: Check the selling prices of similar properties in the area to gauge a fair offer.
2. Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate. The starting point is most usually the asking price.
3. Conditions: You might include conditions in your offer, such as the inclusion of certain fixtures or a specific moving date.
The Legal Process
If your offer is accepted, the legal process begins. You’ll need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legalities. Here’s what to expect:
1. Conveyancing: This is the legal transfer of property ownership. Your solicitor will handle this, including conducting searches, dealing with the Land Registry, and transferring the funds.
2. Surveys and Inspections: Arrange for a property survey to check for structural issues. There are different types of surveys, from basic condition reports to full structural surveys.
3. Mortgage Finalisation: Once the survey is complete and satisfactory, your mortgage can be finalised.
4. Exchange of Contracts: This is when the sale becomes legally binding. You’ll pay your deposit at this stage.
5. Completion: On the agreed completion date, the remaining money is transferred, and you receive the keys to your new home.
Moving In
Moving day can be hectic, but planning can ease the stress:
1. Hire a Removal Company: Book a reliable removal company well in advance. Discover the best deals by getting quotes from multiple companies.
2. Pack Strategically: Label your boxes by room and keep essential items accessible.
3. Notify Utilities and Change Address: Inform your utility providers of your move date and update your address with banks, the DVLA, and other important institutions.
Settling In
Get settled. Introduce yourself to the neighbours, familiarise yourself with the local area, and really start to make the place your own.
Here are a few final tips:
1. Safety Checks: Make sure that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working, and make sure that you know where the gas and electricity meters are located.
2. Maintenance Plan: Keep a record of the smooth functioning of your new home with a maintenance schedule, complete with regular checks and seasonal tasks.
3. Personal Touches: Add personal touches to make the space feel like home. This can be from putting up family photos or redoing the decoration in your rooms.
Conclusion
Buying your very first home in the UK is most definitely a milestone, difficult and full of challenges but rewarding in the end. Such a philosophy guides you in understanding finances and knowing what you want to achieve from detailed research, and seeking professional advice that confidently helps you navigate the property market. Yes, the journey may have its hurdles, but in the end—owning your own home—the reward will be worth the effort. Welcome to your new chapter!
SEE ALSO: Conquer the Chaos: Hacks to Clean Your Home in Half the Time
There’s nothing quite like a pedicure to keep your feet looking and feeling their best, but did you know that pedicures do more than simply enhance the appearance of your feet? Many people don’t realize that regular pedicures can come with a wide range of health benefits that can promote the well-being of your feet, so here are some ways that your routine pedicure keeps both your toenails and feet in the best condition possible!
Smoother Skin
One of the biggest misconceptions about pedicures is that they only cater to and look after your toenails. While you’ll definitely be leaving each session with a fresh coat of nail polish, your pedicure can also do wonders for the health of your skin. Aside from trimming and shaping your nails and cuticles, you’ll notice that your nail technician also dedicates a few steps to the skin of your feet.
After inspecting your feet and looking for any issues or imperfections that may need to be addressed, your technician will work on an exfoliating scrub to remove any dead skin cells. This step may also be aided by a foot file, which can be used to buff away any calluses and other problem areas manually.
Softer Skin
After your nail technician addresses all the problem areas of your feet and removes any unwanted dead skin cells, he or she will often massage in a moisturizing product, such as lotion, cream, or butter, to ensure that your skin is properly moisturized. These products contain skin-loving ingredients that will ensure that your feet have everything they need to look and feel their best so that you can walk out of your pedicure with a renewed sense of confidence.
Healthier Nails
After your pedicure session, your nails will not only look better due to the fresh coat of nail polish, but they’ll also be healthier and stronger. This is because your nail technician takes their time to ensure that your nails are properly looked after through steps that include deep cleaning, nail trimming, nail filing, and cuticle care. All of these things work together to prevent issues like ingrown nails from occurring, all the while improving the appearance of your nails.
Increased Blood Circulation
While the specific steps included in your pedicure will depend on the beauty salon, most pedicures will have a massage step somewhere in the mix. One of the often overlooked benefits of these massages is the increased blood circulation, which can deliver more nutrients and oxygen to your feet and nails, promoting their health and appearance. Aside from that, better blood flow means reduced tension and soreness, as well as better distributed heat throughout your body.
Reduced Infections
A significant amount of dirt and bacteria can build up on your feet without you even realizing it, but pedicures can be a great way to prevent these from happening in the first place. The exfoliation step of a pedicure removes dead skin cells as well as all the debris that may have accumulated underneath, and the deep cleaning of your toenails and cuticles also gets rid of any impurities that may have slipped beneath them, which can stop infections from happening.
These are some of the many health benefits that you can look forward to at your next pedicure appointment. However, it’s worth noting that you need to book regular sessions to truly reap all the rewards. This can be difficult, especially when you don’t feel like driving to your nearest nail salon after a long day, but the good news is that you can enjoy the salon experience in the comfort of your own home with a home pedicure service.
For businesses in the bustling city of London, having a reliable heating system is crucial. Whether you’re opening a new office, expanding your current premises, or simply upgrading an outdated system, commercial boiler installation services for businesses in London are essential to ensure your operations run smoothly and efficiently. Proper installation and maintenance of commercial boilers can make a significant difference in energy efficiency, cost savings, and the overall comfort of your workspace.
The Importance of Professional Installation
When it comes to installing a commercial boiler, professional expertise is paramount. Here’s why:
- Efficiency and Performance: Professional installation ensures that your boiler operates at peak efficiency, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills. A well-installed boiler can effectively meet the heating demands of your business without unnecessary energy waste.
- Safety: Commercial boilers are complex systems that require precise installation to operate safely. Professional installers adhere to stringent safety standards and regulations, minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of your employees and premises.
- Compliance with Regulations: Commercial properties are subject to various building codes and regulations. Professional installers are well-versed in these requirements and ensure that your boiler system complies with all local laws and standards.
- Longevity and Reliability: Proper installation is critical to the longevity and reliability of your boiler. A professional installation can prevent common issues such as leaks, pressure problems, and system failures, ensuring that your boiler runs smoothly for years to come.
Key Considerations for Commercial Boiler Installation
When planning for a commercial boiler installation, several factors need to be considered:
- Type of Boiler: The type of boiler you choose will depend on your business’s specific needs. Options include gas boilers, oil boilers, and electric boilers, each with its own set of advantages. Consulting with a professional can help you determine the best choice for your business.
- Sizing and Capacity: The boiler’s size and capacity must match the heating demands of your commercial space. An undersized boiler will struggle to meet your needs, while an oversized one will lead to inefficiencies and higher costs.
- Location: The placement of your boiler affects its efficiency and accessibility for maintenance. Professional installers can help you choose the optimal location for your boiler.
- Integration with Existing Systems: If you’re upgrading or replacing an existing boiler, it’s essential to ensure compatibility with your current heating system. Professional installers can seamlessly integrate the new boiler with your existing setup.
Choosing the Right Installation Service
Selecting the right installation service provider is crucial to the success of your boiler installation project. Consider the following when making your choice:
- Experience and Expertise: Look for a provider with a proven track record in commercial boiler installations. Experienced installers can handle the complexities of commercial systems and provide high-quality workmanship.
- Reputation: Check reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the provider’s reliability and customer satisfaction.
- Comprehensive Services: Choose a provider that offers a full range of services, including installation, maintenance, and repair. This ensures that all your boiler needs are met by a single, trusted source.
In London, ROWLEN is a reputable name known for delivering top-notch commercial boiler installation services. Their team of experts is dedicated to providing efficient, safe, and compliant installations tailored to the unique needs of businesses.
Conclusion
Investing in professional commercial boiler installation services for businesses in London is essential for ensuring efficiency, safety, and long-term reliability. By choosing an experienced and reputable service provider like ROWLEN, you can rest assured that your heating system will be installed correctly and maintained to the highest standards. Proper installation not only enhances the performance of your boiler but also contributes to the overall comfort and productivity of your business environment.
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