16 October 2008

Almost everyone is talking about the global recession. What if it hits badly in Malaysia? Well, if it does, we just have to be prepared to face it.

I would suggest some ways to stretch your hard-earned Ringgit during the crisis. I will illustrate at least two examples for a comparison and better imagination too.

1. Say Bye-Bye to ‘R’ estaurants!

Instead of splashing our cash in fancy restaurants, maybe we should visit our nearby hawker stalls if you are not into cooking.

Example A: 3-course menu RM39.90 in TGIF (if you’re a small-eater, you’d probably share with a friend and ended up paying half the amount) and Bottomless Ice Lemon Tea for RM6.90. Total Bill will cost RM53.80 inclusive of 5% Government tax and 10% service charge (For the small eater, you will pay RM30.90).

Example B: A bowl of Wanton Mee cost RM4.00 and a glass of iced chinese tea for RM0.50, thus you only pay RM4.50 for a meal.

If you love cooking, it would be even better.

Example C: 2 eggs for RM0.60, vegetables for RM1.20, chicken fillet for RM5.20, garlic for RM0.50, 1 yellow onion for RM0.40, 2 cups of rice for RM1.00 (depending which brand u’re using) and you will be cooking for two pax. Total Bill would be RM4.45 per pax (exclusive of electricity & gas). But I am sure it will be healthier to dine at home.

2. Say Bye-Bye to Starbucks or CoffeeBean!

Example A: Ice-blended Mocha (Venti) would probably cost you RM14.00 and you would only drink it once. Even a mug of coffee in Starbucks would be draining RM8.00 – 9.00 away from you.

Example B: For a big packet of Nescafe that cost RM12-RM15, you will find 30 mini packs of 3-in-1 which you could drink for 30 times!

3. Say Bye-Bye to Cinemas, Hello to DVDs or downloads!!

Example A: A movie ticket in GSC 1-Utama would cost you RM9.00 on a weekday and RM11.00 on a weekend. For GSC Midvalley, weekend tickets are sold at RM13.00. Unless you’re free on a Wednesday to get the supersavers ticket at RM6.00 in 1-Utama or RM8.00 in Mid Valley.

Example B: If you have a strong broadband connection at home, download all you can. And exchange with friends!

Example C: Get DVD’s and do DVD’s exchange programs with your friends! In a way you save money and you probably enjoy watching lots of movies at home (without driving your car out).

4. Say Bye-Bye to Clubs & Pubs!

Example A: A bottle of beer in a pub would cost you RM28 while a glass of Jack Daniels or Vodka would probably rob you RM30. If you drink more than a glass, you can do the math yourself. Not forgetting that some clubs do ask for cover charge per entry.

Example B: For those who are living alone without families, you can always offer your home to be a host for your friends. You may get a bottle of Absolut Vodka (Duty free from Airport) cost RM40 and then share it with the amount of friends. Put on some hot music and dim lights. Yea, a Liquor Party at home would definitely save some cost! (Unless you crave for dirty dancing, example B would not be practical to you)

5. Limit Your Phone Calls and Sms

Example A: Depending which telco provider network you’re using. However most of the text messages would be charged at 5 cents per sms while your calls would be charged at 10 cents per minute. Apart from urgent and important calls, limit the chit-chatty conversations as every minute is cashing out on you.

I understand how hard it feels not to keep in touch with friends and relatives.

Example B: That is why the INTERNET was born in the world, to allow us to e-mail our loved ones. I am sure most of your friends these days check their email accounts daily. MSN or Yahoo Messenger or even Google Talk allows you to connect with your friends online. This will help to save your phone bill!!

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In fact, I would go and on and on regarding ways to stretch our Ringgit. Maybe I would love to hear from you.

What will be your ways in stretching your Ringgit?

Tell me now. I would love to compile your ideas!!