Dearest Ashley,
We had a heated argument few mornings ago when you demanded a handphone to key in your homework and the list of things to bring to school. You even accused your Mother of not giving you anything. I wanted to share this news article I read yesterday.
The headline says, "She had 200 pairs of shoes, 80 bags. Woman convicted of forging S$1M worth of cheques, defence says she has compulsive-impulse disorder."
Extract from the news article:
Chiam's mitigation plea also told of her desire to elevate her social status among her peers, by buying branded goods, some of which she kept or gave away to friends and colleagues.
"Without my branded goods, I am nothing," she said in her plea.
Material things do not define who you are. Your values and the way you treat others and how you carry yourself define who you are. Do you think if you carry a handphone or Gameboy, you will make your friends like you more? Do you really need a handphone now? Do you think it is right to cheat to get what you want?
Mum and Dad had our 1st handphone when we were started working. We were in our mid 20s when we owned our 1st handphone. Time changed and technology has advanced so much that handphone is so common nowadays. Even Primary school kids have handphones.
Can you live without a handphone for now? Do you know the cost of owing a handphone? A handphone set costs about $400. The monthly subscription fee is $40/mth. Your monthly pocket money and school bus add up to $100/mth. Not to mention your monthly favourite treats at Pizza Hut, Bakerzin, Cafe cartel, Mac, Swensens etc which add up to about $200/mth. Also, your singing, swimming and wushu class add up to about $300/mth. If you add everything up, your monthly expense is $600/mth. Is this alot of money?
Money does not grow on trees. If we are not frugal, money will run out very soon. Still remember the story of how Aunty Pat's mum brought up 9 children by selling noodles? It is not how much you earned but how much you saved that makes the difference.
Having said that, we always obliged to your request to buy story books, nice food, nice shirts and Justin Bieber CD, etc and the pricey piano of course.
If you look harder at your Mum and Dad, we live a simple life with simple needs. We will save money so that we could all go for a nice holiday in Dec which costs a bomb. Remember we stayed in the 5-star DisneyLand hotel instead of some cheap hotels? Each night is S$350. Remember the Waterfall hotel we stayed in Shengzhen? So unique and comfy right? Each night is over S$200. Think? Where does the money come from? From our saving. We save everyday for our 5-star holidays. Do we feel we less happy? No. Conversely, we feel very contented and happy. We have everything we need.
I urge you please ask yourself one question before you want to buy anything: Do I really need it?
Love you forever,
Mum & Dad
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