We all have plans in life – whether that’s going on holiday, buying a car or a house, going abroad to live or buying the latest fashion – but most of the things we wish for cost money!
Wouldn’t it be nice if we all had a money tree which provided us with the funds to do what we wanted? I have a money tree at home and, unfortunately, the funds are still not materialising.
Living costs too are so expensive – ever increasing bills and prices makes it very difficult to save anything.
But, there are ways – small changes you can make – to save money for something big.
Make a list of your outgoings and whatever you have left that’s your spending money. Transfer that to a separate bank account and that’s how much you have to spend each month. This strategy works for me because I know that I have enough money for bills and I can easily see what I am spending my money on.
Depending on how much spending money you have each month, work out how much you have on a weekly basis. If you don’t spend it all, transfer it to a savings account each week.
However tempting this might be, try not to dip into your savings. You have worked hard to build it up. There are many times when I have thought to myself, “oh well it’s only £20,” but that’s the danger – before you know it, that £20 has turned into £100.
Remind yourself why you are trying to save money, regularly, and if you are tempted to buy things such as new clothes or magazines, ask yourself, do you really need the thing you are about to buy? I almost guarantee that your answer will be “no.”
This depends on whether you have enough time to fit extra work in, but if saving for something big is your main goal, then getting a part time job might work for you. I sometimes write in my spare time and the extra income is very welcome.
When I was saving to return to Thailand a few years ago, I sacrificed many nights out and became a bit of a recluse, preferring to stay in rather than going out all the time. I made saving my priority because I knew I really wanted to travel and settle abroad again.
This is the one I struggle with the most! Being in debt is stressful and it can be impossible to save anything when your credit card bill is looming every month. Cut those cards up! Resist spending that £20! Do your best to reduce your debt! That way, you’ll have money to put aside for that important plan in your life.
When I was moving back to Thailand, I sold books, DVDs and CDs on Music Magpie. The items have to be in pristine condition and you won’t earn that much, but it’s a simple and easy way to raise cash (even a small amount will help). These days, there are other many other ways to sell your stuff – EBay, car boot sales, Facebook marketplace – you just have to choose the most suitable way for you.
If you are able to save even the smallest amount of money, it’ll do wonders for your motivation (and stress levels) and you will be one step closer to making your plans a reality!
I don’t purport to be an expert on any of these topics, I just want to share some of the things that have worked (or are working) for me.
One thing you learn when you live in a city is how to get around it. I lived in Bangkok – one of the busiest and seemingly chaotic cities in the world and, when I first moved there, I thought it would be impossible to find my way around. But, with a little determination and persistence, I ended up knowing it like the back of my hand. Here are my tips for being able to navigate a city like a boss!
Research things to do
If you plan to get to know a city, the first thing you may want to do is to find out what there is to see and do there. For me, I have a nice collection of “Rough Guides” and I will add to this if I know I am going to a particular destination. There are plenty of resources online too – you can buy a tourist map or look at things to do. You might also find newsagents or souvenir shops that sell maps once you have arrived. Once you know what you want to see and do, you can then plan your day (s).
Most cities are huge and it would be impossible to see everything in one day, so don’t even try! Bangkok has over 50 districts, London has 32 boroughs, New York has 62 counties – you get my point! Choose one area depending on time allowing, what you want to do, and how you will get there and back. Then, really get to know that area before moving on to the next one.
Central London
Use public transport
It might be easier to take a taxi, I did this myself before I moved to Bangkok, but it’s not the best way to navigate a city. The best way to ‘get your bearings’ is to make use of other modes of transport – I’m talking buses or metros or subways! I was introduced to Bangkok’s BTS (Skytrain) – the city’s elevated train system – and the MRT – Bangkok’s underground trains. Both perfect and easy ways to traverse the city. If you’ve done your research and know where things are, trains have maps in the carriages, so all you have to do is get off at the correct station.
Bangkok BTS – Ratchathewi
Walk
The alternative to public transport is to take to your own feet and walk. For me, this has to be the ultimate way to navigate a city. Over the years, I walked all over Bangkok and that’s why I got to know where everything was, knew exactly how to get there, and what there was to do once I got there. I make a point of walking wherever I go, it’s a great way to find your bearings. Plus, if you have no sense of direction, walking will definitely change that.
Walking
Get lost on purpose
If you are not restricted to time, another good way to navigate a city is to get lost – on purpose! Take a taxi and get dropped off anywhere and then make your way back. Hop on the bus, metro or subway and get off at a random station. Walk (without following a map) taking random left or right turns and see where you end up!
Get lost – on purpose
Use Google maps
As one who prefers paper maps, for a long time I refused to use Google maps when I was out and about. But, even I have to admit, it’s a handy resource to use when you are navigating your way around. Most attractions are listed as well as bars and restaurants (for that all important break from navigating) and you will know how long it takes to get to your destination. I defy you to try and beat Google’s time! Me and Chris can do it 2 minutes quicker! (just for fun!)
Finding your way with Google
Know the basic language
If you think you know where you are going or not, it’s always useful to know a little of the language. You never know when you might need the help of a local resident. Many times in the past, I have had to ask someone the way and it’s so much easier if you can do this in a language they understand. I say understand, my Thai was never that good, but I always got my question answered – amid lots of laughs and banter! If nothing else, you’ll have a smile on your face as you carry on!
Preparing for big changes, especially if you know they’re coming takes some planning – not just physically but mentally and emotionally too. My big change was leaving Thailand for a new life in Spain, so here’s how I prepared for it.
Change is good
We all know change is good for us, but when it comes down to it, it’s sometimes easier to remain in our comfort zones. That warm place where everything is hunky dory, you’re having a ball and living your life happily. Why upset the apple cart when it’s like this? For me, change is a challenge and something that will give me new opportunities to help me develop and grow into the best version of myself.
Delapre Park, Northampton – Summer
Delapre Park, Northampton – Winter
That’s why I decided to leave my Thai life for a new life in Spain. It hasn’t quite worked out how I planned and I find myself back in my hometown but everything happens for the best, for a reason – right?
What it’s all about
Get out of your comfort zone and make some changes, particularly if you’re not happy with your current situation
If it doesn’t work, take a step sideways to reassess before you make your first move
Decide if this is what you want
I finally made the decision to leave my home in Bangkok. It’s a decision that didn’t come easy, Thailand was my home for almost 10 years and I honestly thought I’d stay there forever. I was vocal about this move a year before I left and I told my family and closest friends that I was planning on leaving, but I had to be sure that it was what I wanted.
It was a massive step for me, I never thought I would hear myself actually say that I wanted to leave, but I want to be closer to my family and friends and to be able to see them more regularly. Although everyone loves me being close and I love seeing them, I could not have moved just for this reason. I simply have to follow my own path. It’s my life and I intend to live it the way I want, so I’m happy. Life is far too short to be anything else.
Follow your own path in life
What it’s all about
Make
sure it’s what YOU want. It’s your life and you must do what makes YOU happy
Save money
For me, this was an obvious must-do when I was planning to leave Thailand. There were flights to book, things to ship home, hotels to book, and the list goes on. I frantically saved my money for almost a year before I left, so when I arrived in Spain, I could take time to explore before starting work again.
Save your cash
Living in Thailand, it’s a lot cheaper to live, so saving money each month was easier for me, but wherever you are there are ways to put aside money for your bigger plans. And that’s the key thing. If you’re planning a big move that should be bigger and more important than buying clothes, going out all the time or whatever else you spend money on. Work out how much money you realistically need to survive each month and as soon as you get paid, put the rest away and don’t be tempted to spend it. If you do, ask yourself, do you really need the thing you are about to buy? Probably not! Plus, another advantage from saving is that if anything unexpected happens, you’ll have money in your bank to deal with it.
What it’s all about
Think
of your end goal and imagine your new life
Make a pros and cons list
If you’re like me, you’ll love making lists. I have to-do lists, shopping lists, lists of blog posts I’m going to write about – I just love a good list. There weren’t any exceptions before I moved countries – I made a pros and cons list.
Pros and cons list
These kind
of lists are great if you’re unsure about something. They help you focus and to
see whether you have more things in favour of your decision or more things
against.
Some of my
pros:
New
start
New
places/country to explore
New
job
New
people
Closer
to friends and family
Good
weather (pleasant days rather than profusely sweating from the humidity)
Some of my
cons:
More
expensive
No
Chris ( a really good friend of mine who I’ll miss terribly because for the
past 4 years he has been such an influence and a big part of my life)
The
unknown (also exciting)
No
job
If your cons list is bigger than your pros list, then it may be wise to rethink your decision (or add a few more pros) 😉
What it’s all about
Think
about your decision by making a pros and cons list. It may help to make things
clearer – either way
Do your research
Unless you’re returning to your home country, it really does pay to do some research about your new destination, even if you’re just going on holiday it’s good to know about what you can see and do in a country.
But, moving
to a new country requires more research into things like the cost of living, accommodation,
visa requirements, schools, career prospects etc.
Do your research
I decided I
was moving to Spain, but I’d only been to Marbella and Ibiza before, so I
really didn’t know which region I was going to go to. I found Valencia and the
more I read about it I realised that this might be the place for me. For one, it’s still very Spanish,
unlike its more touristy neighbours of Barcelona and Alicante. There are
hundreds of museums, art exhibitions, and an impressive arts and science
centre. There’s an old river bed that runs through the centre of the city which
has been turned in a park, and there are miles of coastline with stunning
beaches. Plus, hiking and skiing in the mountains, natural swimming pools and
an efficient metro system to get around. Sounds idyllic, right?
It was! Valencia is a beautiful country and I can still see myself living there, but knowing what I know now, I probably should have gone and did my research there. Yes, I looked into accommodation before I got there, but it wasn’t until I was in the city that I found out it was much more difficult to find somewhere to live.
Valencia
I also
found out that hardly anyone speaks English which only added to my stress levels
when I was there. I learned a few words of Spanish, but not to the level that I
needed it. The fact that people don’t speak English usually presents itself as
an exciting challenge for me, but I guess this time it was just too much on top
of the emotional strain of moving to a new country.
Learn the language
What it’s all about
Do
extensive research about the ins and outs of your chosen destination
Learn
the language to ease you into the way of life
Have a plan B (and C and D)
Planning is
good, it helps us to prepare or look forward to things. However, it’s all very
well having a plan in the first place, but what if something unforeseen happens
and your plans go out of the window?
I’ve always
been a planner! Whether that’s planning a holiday, something to do at the
weekend, or moving countries – I simply love planning.
I planned to leave Thailand at the end of last year and I planned to make a new life in Spain. I left Thailand, as planned, 🙂 spent 10 days in Hikkaduwa, 10 days in the UK, and I was soon on my merry way to Valencia.
Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
I stayed at
a hotel for a week and I hoped that I would find an apartment within that time.
I didn’t! Because I don’t have income in Spain, the landlords were asking for a
lot of money up front, so I came back to the UK to reassess things and rethink
my next move.
However, even before I arrived in Valencia, there was something else that prompted me to make a plan B – BREXIT! Who knows what will happen with that, I think even the people in charge are clueless! In any case, when the UK leaves the EU next month maybe I (and countless others) won’t be able to live in Europe as easy as we can now. I prefer to remain positive and think that not much will change, but let’s see!
Be positive
So, my plan
B was (is) to live in the UK and make my base here. Then, if I work remotely I
can still travel to other countries to visit and/or work from time to time.
What it’s all about
Always
make a plan B, C…… in case your first plan doesn’t work out the way you thought
it would
Keep
a positive mind that everything will work out just fine – it’s worked for me on
several occasions in the past
Pack well in advance
I’ve had a lot of practice with packing. I’ve done it several times – I went travelling for 10 months, I left for a life in Thailand, I left Thailand to return to the UK for 2 years, I returned to Thailand, and more recently, I left Thailand for a life in Spain. Surprisingly, I find packing for short holidays more difficult that full-on “moving to another country” packing!
But, each
time, I started packing well in advance of my departure date. It was stressful
enough making all these moves, so the earlier you start to pack the less
stressed you will feel with this part of the process.
Pack well in advance
It’s not
just about packing your suitcase (s). It’s also about getting rid of all the
stuff you accumulate and it’s astonishing how much of it you actually collect!
Of course, it’s a joy to put roots down in your chosen home, but when it comes
to leaving, you can’t take it all with you however much you want to. So, you
have to be as ruthless as you can – a skill I have honed over the years.
When I
started packing up for my departure from Thailand, I began with throwing things
away as I moved about my apartment – little things like jewellery, clothes, and
things in my drawers that hadn’t seen the light of day since I put them in
there. The bigger things took a bit more thought and planning.
I wasn’t getting rid of my books this time! I’ve done this before and I regretted it. I love my books and I’d built up a small collection since I’d arrived back in Thailand in 2014. So, my ruthlessness waned somewhat! I wondered how I was going to take them with me, especially with the restricting weight allowance that airlines give you. A friend told me about Send My Bag – a worldwide luggage shipping service. Their website is easy to use and you can find out up front how much it is going to cost to transport your stuff between countries. I shipped 2 boxes full weighing around 22 kg each filled with my prized possessions. It cost much less than if I’d sent them through the postal service and my boxes arrived home within 3 days!
My prized possessions
Then there were my clothes. It was easier to be merciless and I happily chucked away items that I hadn’t worn in a long time, those that didn’t fit anymore, or simply because many were not suitable for the European weather. I found a second hand shop in Bangkok that takes old clothing and recreates them into unique products. This provides employment opportunities for the people who live in the slums of Bangkok and financial help to the second hand shop.
Book bags
Pencil cases
Toy elephants
What it’s all about
Start
packing with plenty of time to spare
Use
Send my bag for cheaper shipping costs
Find
a local charity shop to donate old clothing items
The little
things
When you’re moving to a new country, you need to take care of the little things too.
To do checklist
All the planning and preparation to leave Thailand served me well. Now, I’m in the throes of preparing for my next move! 🙂
What measures have you taken to prepare for a big move in your life?
