Amazing how ppl think being frugal = miserable.

Some people feel happy coz they are able to buy something or use something. You might be happy while driving the brand new car.

Some, like me in cases, feel happy just with the knowledge of knowing we can afford it with money still in bank. We don’t need to own it or use it. And we are happy with it 24 hours a day with that knowledge

Been following this thread for few days. Don’t want to comment much cos like so forummers said, we don’t know the whole truth.

But specifically for the car case.
If you need 2 cars how, make senses to buy smaller car and cheaper car since you already own a people carrier aka livina. And need to maintain two cars now. So saga make some sense.

But if you only need one car. Make sense to buy an suv or mpv since you are already driving one and I assume you need the space. So you need to take in consideration to sell the livina which will help your down payment.


If you decide to continue driving the livina. Like you did. Make sure you also do your part in keeping the car tip top and presentable so not to “malukan” your wife. Eg. keep car clean, make sure paint is good else go for repaint. Install entertainment system if you don’t have any and your wife or you desire it, change absorber suspension for comfort and less creaking. You need to be willing to spend 1 or 2 months of your supposingly monthly installment a year to upkeep it.

I'm with you on this.

i agree with what you said, on another spectrum.
i done nothing on your list, I've never been to Europe.

but if i die tomorrow, i have no regrets. apart from being sad that i can't provide more and be there for my family.
but I'm already dead then, what's being sad or regret going to matter?

it really depends on what's important for you.
i don't see a mention of kids so i assume you don't have any.

at this stage its only you and your wife and if you are worried and willingly move around, it might be best to rent, as the cost should be lower. of course it could be higher if you choose to rent high end dwelling but all in all, like above said its the renters market now. to put in context, one of my house, I'm paying 3.3k installment and I'm only renting out 1.3k ish.

having said that, your wife is not wrong as well.

for me, your stage you might think you want to move around so renting is better. but be smart about it, as in, even if you are renting, save and invest for your future home.

but when you have kids, since you need to think about their school, etc, it might be better to settle down and have your own house.
there is also a psychology edge to know you have a home at any stage of life, instead of renting.

all in all, there is nothing wrong with renting or owning a home.
you just need to live within your means.

This post has been edited by cempedaklife: Jan 24 2025, 11:57 AM

lol. 100k usd ke?