Hey there everyone, and a very happy 2024 to all of you!
It’s hard to believe how quickly the year is flying by already. I wanted to take a quick moment to apologize for my absence from the blog over the past few years. Life has been busy, but I’m committed to making a change and blogging more regularly in 2024. Here’s to a great year ahead, filled with new opportunities and exciting adventures.
As we begin the new year, I thought it would be helpful to reflect on my spending habits from last year. In this post, I want to give you a walkthrough of where my money went in 2023. I’ll be breaking down my biggest expenses and sharing my insights as well. Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- My Biggest Spent in 2023
- Seoul Trip
- Business Registration and Bookkeeping Platform
- Running Man Concert and Attending AHEB
- 30th Birthday weekend trip
- Holiday with parents in Eastern Samar
- March 2024 Singapore Trip
- Other notable splurges
- Upgraded to Macbook M1
- DJI Osmo 1 Vlogging Camera
- Haircut and color
- Longchamp Bag
- Reflections and Lessons Learned
Seoul Trip
In January 2023, I went on a winter trip to Seoul. It was a fun experience that I will cherish forever. This was my second time visiting Korea, and I must say, the place had never been better.
Unlike my first visit to Seoul, I felt financially better. I had saved up money and created a better budget, allowing me to truly enjoy my stay. This time around, I was staying in Seoul purely for leisure and had the opportunity to explore the city more thoroughly.
Some of the places and experiences I had were:
- Sleeping at Incheon Airport upon our arrival because we want to save money on accommodation. Haha.
- Visiting Incheon Chinatown for the first time and eating white jajangmyeon at Yeongyeong Restaurant.
- Experiencing snow in Elysian Ski Park. Although it was a painful experience, with all the tumbles I took while learning to ski, it was also an exhilarating experience. It allowed me to check off an item from my bucket list which is to touch snow.
- Seeing Nami Island during the snow season. I think my life goal now is to visit Korea in all seasons.
- Going to Running Man HaHa and Kim Jong Kook’s BBQ restaurant, Quan BBQ. And what made the night more special was that HaHa was present.
- Strolling Gwangjang Market and eating the best of South Korea’s street foods and delicacies.
- Being inside the National Palace Museum. I think this is a must see if you are visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace.
- Eating samgyetang at Tosokchan Samgyetang.
From preparations, flights, accommodation, and the overall trip, I believe this was my biggest, biggest spend last year. No regrets though as always when it comes to travel.
You can also read – The Ultimate First Timers’ Guide to Seoul 4D3N Itinerary, Expenses, Tips and More
Business Registration and Tax Filing
In 2021, I made the life-changing decision to register my blog as a business. It was a significant step for me, and I’m extremely pleased with the outcome. It made everything feel more real and gave me a sense of accountability and ownership over my work.
Since registering my blog as a business, I’ve been able to take it to new heights. I’ve been able to monetize my content, collaborate with brands, and get invited to paid speaking engagements. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it takes me.
I never thought that my passion for blogging would lead me to start a business, but I’m glad I took the leap. It’s given me the freedom to pursue my passion while also generating income, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.
When I decided to transition to freelancing in 2022, I initially assumed that my existing blog business registration would be enough. However, it turned out that I needed to register a completely new business altogether.
As it turns out, even though I only had one Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) ID, I actually had two separate businesses – my blog and my freelance work. It was important for me to register both businesses correctly in order to avoid any potential legal or financial issues down the line.
Registration process, meeting with an accountant online, and tax filing were some of my biggest expenses last year.
For my bookkeeping needs, I use Taxumo. You can use my code SAVINGSPINAY in registering.
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Running Man Concert and Attending AHEB Musica
Another unforgettable experience that I had last year was attending the Running Man in Manila concert. As a long-time fan of the popular Korean variety show, I had been eagerly anticipating the concert since it was first announced. The show had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and so when it finally happened, it was all the more special.
Attending the concert was a dream come true for me. I had been watching the show since 2015 and it had become my go-to stress reliever. Seeing the Running Man cast in person was an incredible experience that I will never forget.
Moreover, the concert took place during a time when I had some extra money to spare. So, I didn’t have to worry about the cost of the ticket and could fully enjoy the show without any financial worries. It was an experience that fulfilled my dream and exceeded my expectations.
I also gave my eldest sister and youngest sister tickets to Ang Huling El Bimbo Musical, which was one of the trending musicals last year. This was my first time watching a theater production, and I was blown away by the talent and creativity on display. The musical was a nostalgic journey that took us through the ups and downs of friendship, love, and life. The music was catchy and emotional, and the performances were top-notch.
The concert and musical tickets came at a cost, the experiences they provided were truly priceless.
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30th Birthday Weekend Trip
Last year, I turned 30 and had an amazing weekend trip with my siblings and their families. We stayed at Kevin’s Farm in Pilar, Bataan, which was surrounded by beautiful nature. We were able to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse ourselves in the farm.
One of the highlights of our 3 Nights and 4 Days trip was our day trip to Sinagtala Farm Resort and Adventure Park. We had an amazing time swimming in the pool and trying out the different activities the resort had to offer.
Before we left the resort we had my birthday dinner at the Duyan Restaurant, which served delicious food and had a homey atmosphere. I can’t forget how my siblings surprised me by singing happy birthday.
I feel incredibly grateful that I was able to treat my family to a wonderful accommodation during our trip. Thank you as well to my siblings not just for chipping in but also for spending their precious time for the weekend trip.
Being able to share these experiences with my loved ones is truly a blessing, and I will always treasure these memories.
Holiday with parents in Eastern Samar
After two long years, I was able to spend the holidays with my family in the province, Eastern Samar. I am honored to call Eastern Samar my province as it’s such a great province surrounded by pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush green landscapes.
The entire trip was an expensive one, considering the grocery shopping I had to do, the accommodation expenses for the trip after New Year, and other miscellaneous expenses. I also gifted some extra cash to my parents and bought them a DJ Powerbox to go with their new TV. It’s always nice to give back to our loved ones, especially during the holiday season.
While it may seem like a big expense, the memories and quality time spent with family are always priceless.
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March 2024 Singapore Trip
One of the biggest expenses I had towards the end of 2023 was for my upcoming trip to Singapore in March 2024. I’m going there to attend Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour which is the only South-east Asian venue for the tour. Since we knew that prices for both flight tickets and accommodation would be expensive during that time, we decided to book everything ahead of time to save some money. Luckily, I had some extra money saved up, which allowed me to splurge a bit on the VIP 4 concert ticket, flight, and accommodation.
Other Notable Splurges of 2023
Upgraded to Macbook Air M1
In 2017, I purchased my sister’s second-hand MacBook Air, which served me well for a few years. However, in 2022, I started noticing some performance issues, such as slow processing speeds. I knew I needed an upgrade.
As I was already familiar with and comfortable using the MacBook, I decided to purchase a new one – MacBook Air M1. I am happy to announce that I was able to pay for the laptop in full using cash and received a substantial discount as a result. I saved almost Php 14,000, which made the purchase even more satisfying.
DJI Osmo 1 Vlogging Camera
One of the best second-hand purchases I have ever made is the DJI Osmo 1 Pocket Camera. I was in search of a vlogging camera that is compact and could be easily carried during my trip to Seoul. When I stumbled upon the DJI Osmo 1 Pocket Camera, I knew it was the perfect fit for me.
The camera is incredibly small and lightweight, making it the ideal travel companion. Despite its small size, the camera produces high-quality videos and images, and I have no regrets about my purchase. I got it also for a way better price since it’s not the latest version at Php 10,000 only with lots of freebies from the previous owner.
Haircut and color
Now, this was an impulsive splurge I have to admit. I had been contemplating it for a while before my trip to Seoul. While staying with my sister, she suggested that I visit a newly opened Korean salon in Quezon City. I decided to go for it, even though it was the first time I had spent so much on a haircut. The results were amazing, and I received numerous compliments from people. However, due to the high cost, I don’t think I can do it again (ever!) But we’ll never know, right?
Longchamp Bag
I must confess that I have a special fondness for Longchamp bags. Longchamp is my “malayo na, pero malayo pa” item. They have always been my ultimate “dream purchase” since my college days, and I promised myself that I would buy one once I had enough money. However, it’s surprising how I’ve managed to accumulate three of them within just a year and a half. My latest addition to the collection is the Le Pliage Energy XS in Hawthorn, which I bought on the same day as my Macbook Air M1. Needless to say, I went a little overboard with my spending that day.
Reflections and Lessons Learned
Looking back, I can say without a doubt that 2023 was a year of significant spending for me. While I may not be able to change the past, I’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on the lessons I’ve learned and share some insights.
1. One of the main themes that emerged from my spending habits last year was a focus on experiences. I realized that spending money on experiences provided me with a sense of fulfillment and joy that material possessions couldn’t offer. However, I also recognize that I could have been more intentional with my spending in 2023. I still spent a significant amount of money on activities that were not necessarily essential or budget-friendly.
As I look ahead to 2024, I plan to continue prioritizing experiences while also being more mindful of my spending. I want to be more intentional with my money and make sure that I am getting the most out of every peso I spend. This means being more deliberate about my choices and taking the time to research and plan ahead for trips and events. I also want to focus on finding ways to enjoy experiences that are more budget-friendly, such as seeking out free or low-cost activities to save on travel expenses.
2. My biggest weakness was using the “I deserve this” card for my purchases. I would often convince myself that I deserved to treat myself to something nice, regardless of whether it was actually necessary or within my budget. While it’s important to reward ourselves and enjoy the fruits of our labor, I recognize that this mentality can be dangerous if it becomes a habit.
I know that breaking the “I deserve this” habit will take time and effort, but I believe it’s an important step in becoming more financially responsible and mindful. I want to focus on making informed decisions based on my values and priorities, as well as my financial goals. I also plan to set aside a specific amount of money each month for discretionary spending, so that I can still enjoy treats and rewards without going overboard.
3. Saving money on our biggest expenses is always a great feeling. And I was fortunate enough to experience this a few times last year. Looking back, I can recall three or four instances where I was able to save money unexpectedly, which was a pleasant surprise.
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- When I returned from my trip to Seoul, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I had earned 100,000 credit card points, which were equivalent to Php 10,000 worth of rewards. I had not been aware of a promotion that was running, and I was grateful that the friends I’m with during the trip had helped me take advantage of it. I used my card to swipe most of my shopping spree and sometimes they also let me use it and they paid in cash.
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- When I purchased my Macbook Air M1, I found that paying in cash upfront, rather than opting for installment payments, helped me save money in the long run. While it was initially more damaging to my finances to pay for the laptop all at once, I realized that I had a full month before my credit card due date to make the payment. This allowed me to take advantage of the cash discount that was being offered, without having to pay any interest or fees associated with installment payments. This gave me the flexibility to allocate the money I saved towards other expenses, such as a Longchamp bag that I had been eyeing for some time.
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- When it comes to purchasing the latest technology, it can be tempting to want the newest and most advanced version. However, last year I learned that opting for the previous version of a product can save a significant amount of money without sacrificing quality. Instead of buying the latest version of the DJI Osmo Pocket, I opted for the past version. By doing this, I was able to purchase it at a significantly reduced price, from the original Php 23,300 down to Php 10,000. Despite not having the latest features, the previous version of the DJI Osmo Pocket still provided me with the high-quality footage and ease of use that I needed.
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Final Notes from SavingsPinay
Ultimately, my goal for 2024 is to strike a balance between enjoying life’s pleasures while also being responsible with my money. I plan to take a more proactive approach to managing my finances. This means creating a budget that aligns with my income and expenses, and regularly tracking my spending to ensure that I am staying on track.
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