Money,  Travel

How to End Your Travel-or-Save Dilemma

To travel or to save? It’s a question many people have, especially when it’s the holiday season and airlines are giving special prices for flight tickets.

If you’re an office worker who wasn’t born with a silver spoon like me, it’s normal to think that it’s better to save for emergency and retirement than to travel.

However, what if you’re born with wanderlust and travelling and both are considered as needs? I personally don’t want to live in resentment. Chasing my dream keeps me motivated and passionate in life.

After all, what’s the purpose of saving all the money if (touch wood) I’m gonna die tomorrow? #dilemma

Travel Without Guilt

to travel or to save how to end the dilemma
Hungary, Budapest

I don’t feel guilty whenever I buy a return flight ticket or book a dream trip because I’ve put aside some money for saving and investing every month.

Honestly, I spent more money on travel than what I have in my bank account, but I have no regret! You may think that it’s not a wise action, but at least I’m not stressing myself.

The only thing that I regret is not investing earlier.

Try to count how much money you should have to be able to retire comfortably, plus the inflation. Unless you earn a lot monthly, the amount that you’ve saved may still not be enough even if you don’t travel.

Why live in resentment?

travel the world or save money
Ba Na Hills, Vietnam

I got to know about investment not long ago from my best friend. She shared how her diligence in investing for 20 years finally came to fruition, enabling her to buy a new condo and a new car.

When it comes to investing, I feel that it’s best to invest in something that you fully understand else you’ll get burnt.

Unit Trust or Stock?

For beginners who have no clue or interest in investment but still want to invest (like me), a unit trust is a safe option. You’ll have an experienced fund manager to take care of your fund, so you don’t have to do your own research.

*This article is first published in The Jakarta Post. Click here to read the full article.

Also read: Tony Robbins’ Investing Rules of Thumb – Simplified
Also read: Investing for a Bucket List, Tony Robbins’ Way

2 Comments

  • Suhas

    Clara, really nice article. People always regret not iinvesting early. You know what? We have a wise saying here. #To plant a coconut tree, 20years ago was the right time. Next best time is NOW! (Because our trees grow taller and take lot of time to bear fruits But once started, no end to it till very long time!). So you invest now because you are too young and will qualify. Health insurance tip is really good All the best wishes. Suhas

    • theresiaclara

      Glad to know that you enjoy the article, also to share the wise quote. Hopefully, we can meet again so I can learn more from you hehe… Thank you and all the best to you too 🙂

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