Some of my colleagues at my new workplace are very into shopping and brand names. As I hear them chat, I was a little surprised at how behind I am in the world of Gucci and Armani. Hey.. I work and live in a city, in an industry where many are into branded goods, fast cars and fine wine..
Yet for some reason... my knowledge of these have always been... ahem.. behind times.
But having more fashionably in-tuned colleagues had me starting to pay a little more attention to those around.
And I noticed something rather strange. Sometimes, those who can probably least afford such items are the ones who are most willing to pour all their money into them. Those who can very comfortably afford such items, especially more elderly ladies, are more likely to scrimp and save all their money safely away.
Seeing these 2 groups of individuals around me had me arrive at this conclusion - I don't want to grow old and be penniless before I die... and yet the last thing I want to do is to just save and save and have lots of money in my bank account when I die.
The question is then - how do we balance between spending and saving?
easy.
ReplyDeletelike = buy. dun like = no buy. =)))
i din spend on branded stuff when i was in my corporate days too.
Buy property!! Buy shares!! Buy things that grow and appreciate!! Travel! All the stuff you've been doing till now.
ReplyDeleteAnd then when you die, and have lots left over... give it to the poor. Heh!
ReplyDeleteI do not Prada but I occasionally Kenzo, Celine and Armani. But when I do, it is because of their quality and that they are my style, not because it is fashionable. They are treasured pieces. I do not try to follow fashion...can't afford to or want to! But its nice to invest in quality clothing and bags when I can. That's how I justify my spending on these things anyway!
ReplyDeleteFry and Yin Mei - yes, I think you are right... Buy what you like and enjoy them! Petunia, I so agree on the travel part!
ReplyDeleteIt's probably becos of the industry you are in that you see these brand-obsessed colleagues.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to handbags and shoes (and food), I would advocate quality over brand. You're a sensible person, you'll do great.
Ting, you are probably right. There's nothing wrong though with rewarding oneself! I was just amazed at the extreme shopping behaviours of different people around me :)
ReplyDeleteI'm way on the other extreme. Will probably die with a lotta money in the bank 'cos I scrimp and save so much... But you see, I enjoy the money in the bank... like a dragon who sleeps on his hoard of treasure you know. Fella dies and the hoard is still there and someone else comes to spend it.
ReplyDeleteThe thrill is in the hoarding. Mwahahahahahahaha! Graor!
Ok! Ok! I'm getting a bit nutsy here.
LOL. You are too funny Petunia.. but you know.. you travel and enjoy good food.. so you are not THAT dragon-like..
ReplyDelete