(This piece is written by Bianca, one of the readers of MoneySmarts who has been chosen for the one-year Money Makeover challenge by INQUIRER.net. Bianca’s real identity is confidential, so that MoneySmarts can share her family’s financials and the lessons she has learned with the rest of the world. Read more about Money Makeover here.)
I am stumped.
I had been meaning to write about our recent family trip to Hongkong and Macau. As a matter of fact, my computer bears the digital imprints of so many lines and pages written. But for the life of me, I could not strike the “send” key. It struck me why one night. I never could justify – even to myself – why we did it. A family undergoing financial overhaul simply does not go on trips. What example would I be? What message would I send? The shudders would not stop (even as I grin at the memories).
But, hey, we did it. And it, oh, set us back a few months. But there were valuable lessons we learned along the way.
Joe and Salve knew about the trip. I was shaking when I told them – partly because of wanting, partly because of fear, partly because I thought I would have to defend myself, partly because I was wracked by the guilt that is the genetic imprint of my mother. But, lo. Joe and Salve said we could turn the trip into a challenge. They asked what budget I wanted to set. Eyes blinking, I said P30,000, all in, for a family of three. I was almost sure that I will make it, having done it the year before during our trip to Malaysia and Singapore, a welcome retreat after the grueling bar exams.
Of course, I overshot the target. When that Canon 400D at a small Hongkong shop with an over-attentive salesman flashed those power lenses at my husband, that P30,000 budget went up in smoke. He had to buy it. For business (I chimed, miserably, in my head).
With the camera, which catapulted us toward the edge and beyond, we spent P70,000.
But hey, it included a trip to Disneyland and Macau and several authentic Chinese meals, some in quaint little hideaways after climbing rows upon rows of escalators upon elevators, and, as my daughter said, priceless time of running hot baths, walking hand in hand, using chopsticks and twirling in Dumbo’s cups (okay, this is Disneyland talk). Our daughter actually expects that we will do it again this year.
Oddly enough, I am unperturbed. Shaken, defensive, yes, but unperturbed. After all, theories must be tested in the bed of reality, lessons must be learned and burn deep, so that it will linger and be remembered.
Until the next time.
May 28th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
I agree with leela.
I was expecting to find the lessons learned not the feeble attempt at justifying the unjustifiable expensive trip.
My two cents. Sorry.
May 28th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
is it just me or there’s nothing inspiring about this article? i get that we all need to unwind, take a break, and enjoy a job well done but when an HK/macau trip more than doubles, you know there’s something wrong somewhere. yes, memories will last a lifetime but try telling yourself that when you’re in deep debt again.
May 27th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
I, too, believe that experiences and travel are worth more than what money can buy - BUT I save up for these things and can’t go overbudget. It’s one’s way of showing discipline and restraint. Plus, if I have to go overbudget or use my credit card or borrow money to pay for something, it simply means one thing - I can’t afford it.
Don’t get me wrong, I ‘pamper’ myself at least once a month, and have a couple of hobbies that cost money, but I spend on them AFTER I pay myself (set aside money for retirement and my emergency fund), and after I’ve set aside some money for my household budget, including utilities. I’m not wealthy, but I don’t live like a pauper either - but I take everything into account and add even intentionally overestimate my budget sometimes just to make sure that I won’t be broke.
If you’re going to overspend on this thing now, what will you overspend on tomorrow?
PS. That same camera (original) is being sold in some Hidalgo shops at P33k-P39k
May 27th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Travel abroad, for me, is an enjoyable but expensive experience. It’s just so tempting with all the budget fares available now but, like you, I’ve learned my lessons as well. Planning in advance is really very important if you want to keep travel costs reasonable. Also, I’m very conscious with sticking to my budget when I travel, making sure that I don’t ruin the entire experience with headaches on how to pay the bills that I’ve run up during my vacation. Or, if my budget’s gonna be too tight, I just cut the travel abroad and find other ways for my family to bond and enjoy each other’s company.
In your case, though, what’s done is done and just be glad that it was an enjoyable experience for you and your family. As you said, you’ve learned a lot of lessons from that trip and just take those into consideration when you next have another family vacation.
May 27th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
You should plan your trip carefully, and make clear what is the purpose of your trip. Is it shopping trip or a sight seeing trip or a both?
If it is a shopping trip, then you must set a budget for yourself. Window shop online for things you wanted to buy from that place you are going to to get an idea of how much it costs. If you know a few people from that place, then ask them where you can get a good bargain of whatever latest gadget or shoes or dress you wanted to buy.
If it is a sightseeing trip, then book the tours ahead. If you have booked online and paid via credit card, then I suggest you pay balances on your credit card before leaving for the trip. If you are meeting friends or relatives during your trip, email them a list beforehand of places you wanted to see and they may offer to drive you there.
If you are doing both, I suggest that you do sight seeing first before shopping. So even if you’ve run out or left with a few bucks at hand, at least you’ve already done the beautiful part. I guess that’s what an overseas trip should be about, witnessing and experiencing things that will take your breath away.
Also, when dining out, well I won’t suggest having McDonald’s meal everyday. I suggest those places where the food is cheap but goooooddddd!!! How do you know this, again research! There are so many web sites offering restaurant reviews or even a glimpse at their menu and prices wouldn’t hurt. Even where to eat should be planned. If you have kids and you are taking them on the trip, then ask if there is a kids’ menu or check out if the place is a child friendly one.
It’s all about planning….but then again, it doesn’t always turn out the way you planned it. There may be a few diversions from your plan, but that’s what makes the trip exciting. But I hope that diversion is not buying the latest DSLR that would have cost an arm and a leg.