A Little of Everything

When was the last time I had fun in the outdoor theme park of Genting Highlands? Hmmm, let me see…. my final year in the university? That was like… 12 years ago! Our class organized a two-day ‘graduation’ trip to Genting. Can you imagine a bunch of adult graduates-to-be trying out the different games and behaving like kids? ;P

There was no entrance fee required during those days. One would just need to buy tickets for the games or rides he or she wanted to take part in. Today, one entrance ticket, which is not cheap, will entitle you to some of the main rides the outdoor, indoor and wet parks. For other signature attractions and activities, purchase of separate tickets are required. So, in total it’s rather costly.

As an adult who is no longer interested in (in fact, very scared of~) riding in the Flying Coaster or experiencing rapid vertical ascent and descent in the Space Shot, I will not spend that kind of money on myself. But I suppose all parents are willing to bring their kids to this place that is full of fun and excitement for, well, at least once annually. You know, something happy and fun for them to remember about when they grow up.

I believe many of us would love to start our own business. It’s not only about earning big bucks from the business (that depends very much on your business running skill and other environmental factors), it’s also a personal achievement - doing what you have passion for and excel in it.

If you wish to run your own business, but are worried about the capitol you can afford, then I will suggest that you run to the newsstand now and get a copy of June’s issue Personal Money.

In this issue of the magazine, you will read about a few types of business that need a capitol of less than RM10K to start with. Whether it’s selling products or services, running it physically or through the internet, I’m sure you will be inspired by the interviewed entrepreneurs and learn from them.

As for me, I have to start thinking how to get RM10K into my bank account.

Can I describe the current situation as a time of adversities?

Petrol prices just went up, electricity rates to be increased next month, and later we’ll find that prices of food, transport, garments, and even haircut service rise accordingly, too. The cost of living has been going one and only one direction - that is up, up and up. It will never ever come down. (Is there a year without inflation?)

Funnily, salaries and pay checks are never raised at the same rate as inflation is going!

So, this is the time where one really needs to look into his or her financial health, if it is strong enough to survive the current adversities, which is in fact a global problem - petrol crisis, food shortage, environmental damage.

Tightening our belts and adjust our spending habits are definitely the necessary steps to prevent leaking of financial resources. But these are ‘defensive’ measures. Actually we could be proactive - why not think of ways to expand our financial horizon?

Saving habit is good. Better still, increase our income! Whether it’s a blogger writing paid posts (like me :P), a teacher getting into direct selling, or an office lady selling home made cookies during weekends, freelance writers trading clothes online (like me, :P) …. they are all opportunities for supplemental income, as well as to help create a better life for ourselves (don’t ever depend on the government to help you!).

True, time is tough now. But it is during these tough times opportunities are the most abundance, provided you are ready for it. So, open your eyes and look around!