tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post7746714672647659389..comments2024-03-29T22:13:20.913+08:00Comments on BULLy the BEAR: How much do you need to have a family & live comfortably?la papillionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01372278083694506953noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-22036976226256956472010-10-01T23:13:25.958+08:002010-10-01T23:13:25.958+08:00Hi LP,
I think it just happened! Haha, we were bo...Hi LP,<br /><br />I think it just happened! Haha, we were both sort of trying for some time liao, so oh well..... :)<br /><br />Regards,<br />MusicwhizMusicwhizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10950754156386935254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-23825264601560962712010-10-01T17:46:43.372+08:002010-10-01T17:46:43.372+08:00This blog post of yours has described a fundamenta...This blog post of yours has described a fundamental problem of staying in Singapore: high costs.Top Mutual Fundshttp://www.personalfn.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-71872128025106403442010-10-01T07:56:28.393+08:002010-10-01T07:56:28.393+08:00Married with kids or not?
Read? http://createwea...Married with kids or not? <br /><br />Read? http://createwealth8888.blogspot.com/2010/10/married-with-kids-or-not.htmlCreatewealth8888https://www.blogger.com/profile/08563834016250153049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-44868722877902111062010-09-30T23:08:09.947+08:002010-09-30T23:08:09.947+08:00Hi anonymous,
Don't think I would want to ren...Hi anonymous,<br /><br />Don't think I would want to rent my rooms out. But thanks for the suggestion!la papillionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01372278083694506953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-80863174272478785032010-09-30T23:07:37.753+08:002010-09-30T23:07:37.753+08:00Hi PG,
Thks for giving me such a good breakdown o...Hi PG,<br /><br />Thks for giving me such a good breakdown of the figures! I can keep it as reference in the future :)la papillionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01372278083694506953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-79193591765033923302010-09-30T23:06:38.400+08:002010-09-30T23:06:38.400+08:00Hi Bolt,
1000 per month seems do-able :) Actually...Hi Bolt,<br /><br />1000 per month seems do-able :) Actually I'm more worried about the duties and responsibilities than the financial burden. I'm just discussing only the financial part of the eq in my post :)la papillionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01372278083694506953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-78781208495769891672010-09-30T22:41:01.608+08:002010-09-30T22:41:01.608+08:00I rent out two common rooms HDB total S$1300 per ...I rent out two common rooms HDB total S$1300 per month, and basically I saved 100% of my salary as the rental can cover all my expenses .. You may want to think about itAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-35038538778084729992010-09-28T19:59:51.443+08:002010-09-28T19:59:51.443+08:00Hi LP
The costs of having children are high upfro...Hi LP<br /><br />The costs of having children are high upfront. You have to first factor in the maternity charges (assuming is natural birth without caesearean and epidural etc) can be $4-10k depending on what is the package and how many nights you stay.<br /><br />The other big lump sum costs are confinement nanny (typically $1.8k a mth for 1 mth) <br /><br />First two years, costs of diapers, infant formula and infantcare (if you don't have maid/parents to help take care when both spouses work) is astronomical. Costs of infantcare is $1.2 to $1.6 before MCYS subsidy of $0.6k. Hence, have to fork out $0.6k to $0.8k and we are talking about basic run-of-the mill unbranded child/infant care centre.<br /><br />Childcare is net $300-$600 (depending on quality. Mid range is $400ish per mth after MCYS subsidy of $300 for full-time working mother.<br /><br />Medical can be another killer. Pediatric doctor consult is $40-50 + medicines so average bills can be $60-80 range easily each time.<br /><br />Supplements can cost $1 a tab (e.g. certain brand of probiotics) etc.. <br /><br />Bottom line, having children can cost a lot but it's our opportunity to have the next generation live after us :-)<br /><br />Be well and prosper.PanzerGrenadierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15836438378215893219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-13446563397189475182010-09-28T14:29:11.728+08:002010-09-28T14:29:11.728+08:00those who fall in love with their heart will end u...those who fall in love with their heart will end up marrying each other. those who fall in love mentally will probably still thinking the pro and cons about marriage. Having kids is the same. Will I and by husband be $120,000 richer by now if we don't have our set of twins of 9 years old. This is only a budget of $1000 per month for both of them irregardless of their age. a lot of parent will agree that this is a conservative amount.<br /><br />BoltAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-65909229644601333272010-09-28T11:45:04.454+08:002010-09-28T11:45:04.454+08:00Hi mw,
Good advice mw :)
Just want to ask you wh...Hi mw,<br /><br />Good advice mw :)<br /><br />Just want to ask you who wants the baby more? You, your wife or both are equally enthusiastic?la papillionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01372278083694506953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-48749814113861689162010-09-28T11:43:25.773+08:002010-09-28T11:43:25.773+08:00Hi ck,
Perhaps these couples didn't plan too ...Hi ck,<br /><br />Perhaps these couples didn't plan too far ahead? In a way, they are having fun now but will have a harder time in the future? <br /><br />No point speculating on others, I suppose. <br /><br />I think if work doesn't give one the income needed, then perhaps some other means of securing more money had to be sought. Investments? side line? Of course we can also reduce our expectations.la papillionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01372278083694506953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-21749375221705672402010-09-28T11:40:53.009+08:002010-09-28T11:40:53.009+08:00Hi Ali,
I agree, you have to sacrifice something ...Hi Ali,<br /><br />I agree, you have to sacrifice something to get another. I'm just saying some people do not have an inkling of what they are sacrificing before committing.<br /><br />That's utterly irresponsible.la papillionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01372278083694506953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-91941184780701929682010-09-28T11:39:35.130+08:002010-09-28T11:39:35.130+08:00Bro8888,
Ya, definitely before age 35 for me. May...Bro8888,<br /><br />Ya, definitely before age 35 for me. Maybe wait 1 yr or so after marriage, get used to each other then talk about it.la papillionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01372278083694506953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-19017530127915434262010-09-28T11:38:00.320+08:002010-09-28T11:38:00.320+08:00Hi AK,
Sure, np :)Hi AK,<br /><br />Sure, np :)la papillionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01372278083694506953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-55564158256737238582010-09-28T11:34:44.158+08:002010-09-28T11:34:44.158+08:00Hi Jeremy,
Wow, running a business is definitely ...Hi Jeremy,<br /><br />Wow, running a business is definitely not something everyone can do. The risk reward is quite extreme actually.<br /><br />Actually for Malay family, they hve very strong family support network. It's something that we can all learn from. Chinese have very nuclear family and the need to have 'face' prevents us from seeking help around...<br /><br />Stereotypes ya? hahala papillionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01372278083694506953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-31359805159043502612010-09-27T21:58:11.091+08:002010-09-27T21:58:11.091+08:00Having kids is more than the money; as I've he...Having kids is more than the money; as I've heard many say. Well since I've had a kid, it's really true. My girl seems to surprise me in so many ways I cannot even imagine; so this kind of joy and laughter is, to me, priceless.<br /><br />Of course, for those who don't fancy kids, to each his own. But for those who like/love kids but are put off by the $$, I still say please try to find a way somehow to budget; and don't wait till age catches up with you and it's too late.<br /><br />For a family to survive in Singapore, frankly you don't need that much. Unless the person who emailed LP to say he has a condo, cars and maid yey can get by; I think most people can get by without the condo and car (maid I have lah I admit cos I have a child); so a family can really have that much more disposable income and savings should you choose it.<br /><br />It's a matter of choice. We all have to live with our decisions. Just make sure they do not get us into a load of poo.....:)<br /><br />Cheers.<br />MusicwhizMusicwhizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10950754156386935254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-5399631480425196522010-09-27T21:37:32.833+08:002010-09-27T21:37:32.833+08:00i was updating my mthly financial PL sheet and rea...i was updating my mthly financial PL sheet and really felt demoralized over it.... despite i dont travel, dont aim to geta LV bag, dont plan to dine in luxury over the weekend... my mthly salary is just enough to cover household expense, daily allowances which is closedto 65% of my income.. <br /><br />Remaining goes to savings... whihc i really felt it's quite pathetic (especially so when i'm already saving all the luxury items/pleasure yet money still not enough)!! ideally, i want to save half of my salary and split that into investments & etc..... with this, it just dont support my hubby & i to have any kid at the moment ...<br /><br />is it the standard of living in sg has really grown or is just that i dont how to make use of opptnty to grow passive income ? this really beats me.. how does the young couples could plan to have long/multiple long hauls trips, just doing what they like & yet planning for a kid before 30yrs? >cknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-83083999456261917132010-09-27T16:51:39.523+08:002010-09-27T16:51:39.523+08:00LP,
Perhaps the first question anyone who want to...LP,<br /><br />Perhaps the first question anyone who want to have kids is why they want to have kids. The next question is, do you need a reason to have kids ?<br /><br />Then move forward from there. Cost is definitely something that needs to be considered. Each of us will have to adjust to our own earning capabilities. Cannot afford 4 or 5 room HDB, go for 3 room. There will have to be compromises along the way. It's just like some who die die also must have a car. They will have to sacrifice on other things to own the car.<br /><br />Having said all that, my wife and I still decided not to have kids for our own reasons even though we can more than afford to based on your calculations.<br /><br />AliAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-50270735393090760252010-09-27T16:17:31.249+08:002010-09-27T16:17:31.249+08:00If you want to have kids, have them early.If you want to have kids, have them early.Createwealth8888https://www.blogger.com/profile/08563834016250153049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-78012640872056660822010-09-27T14:56:02.547+08:002010-09-27T14:56:02.547+08:00Don't want. Later, you publish here, I die. ;p...Don't want. Later, you publish here, I die. ;p ... haha... kidding.. you are an honourable person, I'm sure.<br /><br />I rather just share with you my thoughts verbally if we do meet up in future but what I have to say is nothing new or exceptional. You would have heard the same thoughts from others before. <br /><br />Not revealing too much, I will say this: To me, having children, you must like children. If you like something, you will never think of it negatively. It's all in the mind anyway. So, it's a matter of perception and rather subjective. I tend to look at it more objectively and take away the fuzzy feelings that might be involved. Such an objective analysis would be unfeeling and might even offend some. :)AK71https://www.blogger.com/profile/16832145412062954289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-56508846577431918562010-09-27T14:32:58.537+08:002010-09-27T14:32:58.537+08:00Dear LP,
If both parents are employees drawing ave...Dear LP,<br />If both parents are employees drawing average income, it is not easy though still possible to raise a small family with their combined income. <br /><br />Running businesses is the best way to go in terms of generating potentially unlimited income. I know of a Malay family whose father of the family is now retired in his fifties and has managed to raise up his 7 children through his courier business income. 3 of his children are still studying and yet he and his wife no longer works anymore since the whole family is living by his accumulated savings from his business which he has already closed down a few years back.<br /><br />He started his business since young so has been able to accumulate much savings through the many years of operating his business that allows him to raise up a large family and retire early as well.<br /><br />Just a few cents of my sharing...<br />:-)Jeremynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-67472172796996649192010-09-27T14:28:05.042+08:002010-09-27T14:28:05.042+08:00Hi AK,
Send me an email. Want to hear your views ...Hi AK,<br /><br />Send me an email. Want to hear your views :)la papillionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01372278083694506953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-58533129725657935862010-09-27T14:15:33.933+08:002010-09-27T14:15:33.933+08:00One of my readers emailed me...I thought I should ...One of my readers emailed me...I thought I should put it up here as well:<br />------------------------<br /><br />Hi LP,<br /><br /><br />If you have $3k while single, and your other half can chip in, say like $2k, that's about enough for 2 kids, at least by my standard.<br />I have 2 kids, elder P5, younger nursery, condo, car, maid, but we keep our expenses in check. I was lucky that my wife can share<br />the expenses, and parents not needing my support. I do pay them, but I am fortunate not to have to support them eg. medically etc.<br />(well at least not for now) I guess every household is different, but among our relatives, we've seen worst cases financially, meaning<br />lower income from both parents and supporting more children, having higher debt etc, and they get by. So my guess is if both<br />of you can allocate $2-3k, then that's about enough for at least 1 kid, IMHO.<br /><br />Children at different stages have different expenses. I find the highest during 0-5 as things like milk power, diapers, doctors, and<br />in some cases nanny/childcare, are unavoidable. When reach primary school, the expenses shift to something else but at least<br />they are controllable.<br /><br />Oh, don't forget to budget in 'house maintenance' as an item in your expense.xls. If you renovate your house or change furniture,<br />that lump sum has to be amortized. HTH.<br /><br />Regardsla papillionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01372278083694506953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37872616.post-39475756993042383222010-09-27T13:53:44.197+08:002010-09-27T13:53:44.197+08:00Hi LP,
I have always felt sorry for married coupl...Hi LP,<br /><br />I have always felt sorry for married couples who are rushed by their elders to have kids. <br /><br />This blog post of yours has described a fundamental problem of staying in Singapore: high costs. <br /><br />I have more to say but I will stop here as my unfeeling analysis might offend some. ;)AK71https://www.blogger.com/profile/16832145412062954289noreply@blogger.com