As migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong, finding ways to save money can be challenging as the living expenses are high in the city. The most common answers to saving money, such as using public transport or eating at home, may be unhelpful as you are doing these already. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of ways you can save money in Hong Kong.
From museum and gallery hopping to abandoned villages and country parks, Hong Kong Tourism Board has a guide for free things to do in Hong Kong. When running out of ideas for affordable ways to spend your Sundays, you can always refer to that.
Buying necessities also consumes a part of your income, whether the portion is big or small. Consumer Council’s price comparison tool can help you. The site features the highlights of everyday grocery products’ prices, items with the top price differences, and products with recent price drops – this can help you save money on groceries.
Sending money back home is a common practice for migrant domestic workers. Using a remittance service with low fees can help you save money on transaction costs. Here is a website by the World Bank that helps you find and compare prices for remittance service, so you are just a click away from finding the services that best matches your needs.
Saving money is difficult, and it may be harder to do it for yourself when you have family members who ask for financial assistance beyond your capacity to give. This is why establishing boundaries is important.
We have discussed how to clarify expectations with your family when it comes to money, we understand that it is difficult to refuse a friend or family member’s request, but it is sometimes necessary to protect your own financial well-being when what they are asking for is more than you can give.
Remember to be kind and polite – maybe the friend or family member is already feeling humiliated and agonized to be in this position – but also be firm. It is important to prioritize your own financial health and if you reluctantly say yes to their request every time, they may continue asking you for money. You can offer them advice (especially if you or someone you know has been in similar situations before – your experience is valuable) or time instead so that they will know that you are still here for them and want to help through non-monetary means.
Saving money is an important aspect of achieving financial stability and security. Though living in Hong Kong may make it more difficult and take more determination, it is not impossible. With both tools to help you find the best deals and affordable entertainment and established and enforced boundaries, your financial well-being can be improved!
References
Consumer Council. (n.d.). Price Comparison Tools. https://www.consumer.org.hk/en/price-comparison-tools
Leung, J. (2023, April 11). 20+ Amazing free things to do in Hong Kong. Time Out. https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/things-to-do/free-things-to-do-in-hong-kong
The World Bank Group. (2023, March 14). Remittance Prices Worldwide | Making Markets More Transparent. The World Bank. https://remittanceprices.worldbank.org/
Williams, G. (2014, September 2). How To Gracefully Turn Down A Friend’s Request For Money. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/refuse-a-friends-request-for-money-2014-8
