Posts Tagged ‘budget’

In part one I talked about measuring wealth in time and freedom. In part two I will be discussing 5 ways to get started. As a quick note, I would like to mention I wrote this post on my itouch while commuting on the Tokyo metro.

1. Assess your bills and eliminate

Learn to live with less. Look over your expenses and eliminate anything that is not a necessity. When you think necessity, think stranded on an island and what you need to survive. You can always add things back later, but after some time without most things you will find they really aren’t that important.

2. Use cash/get rid of credit cards

Some people might disagree with this so let me explain. Credit cards allow you to spend money you don’t have. Stop carrying them with you. Set a monthly budget including lunch, gas, and spending money. Pull this amount out and don’t go over it. If it helps, only keep the daily amount in your pocket.

3. Create a want/dream list

Figuring out what you want and how much it costs will not only help you set some saving goals and focus your efforts, it also brings to light the things you purchase that aren’t important. Check out The Four Hour work Week for a dreamline template.

4. Make your money make money

There are a lot of things to invest in. Find something that interests you and learn about it. Talk to successful people who are investing in the fields you are interested in and learn from them. And don’t forget, one the best investments you can make is in yourself and your own education

5. Find cheap fun

Learn to enjoy life and have fun without spending money. You can find one list on cheap fun here. But don’t limit yourself to that list. Find something you enjoy and then find a way to do it cheaply. Or better yet get paid for it.

Sit back and watch your money grow! It seems difficult at first, but after you do it for a month then it gets much easier…and eventually fun.

After a really cool June, we have finally had our first feel of summer here in Tokyo. And while we don’t have a 4th of July weekend like the US, I figured a would give 5 things you can do that will keep you out of the heat, on a small budget, and having fun. The big key is to get out of your own house so you don’t have to run the AC.

1. Go to Karaoke- Most of us love to sing, and if you search around you can even find great deals during the weekend. There is a place near me that costs about 1,000JPY (about $10) for all day on Saturday or sunday) and it comes with a free drink. It would cost that much to run your ac for a couple of hours.

2. Take a train to the Ocean- One of the nice things about living in Japan is you are always close to the ocean. Even if you don’t like to swim, you can get away from the city to relax and enjoy the cooler temperature near the ocean.

3. Activities in the park- Let’s face it, when it gets hot and muggy in Tokyo you are gonna sweat. So why not have some fun and get some exercise out of it.

4. Spend a day visiting art museums and other cultural spots- Most are cheap to enter, they have air conditioning, and is very relaxing. Many also have small cafes where you can have a meal or a cup of tea.

5. Visit the local mountains- Since Japan is made of mostly mountains, there is always one close. You can get to a cooler temperature, get some exercise, and have a great view.

Set a budget to make sure that you don’t overspend and stick to it.