Rich Yet Broke

For the past 20 months where I've been unemployed (by choice), finances were never an issue, even after the munchkins arrived. Somehow we just survived. Di's single income has to feed 5 mouths including his own. Well, there was the baby bonus from MCYS which is hardly sufficient to cover the cost of formula milk powder and the kiddos' diapers. But we made it this far by God's grace, and of course with much support from our lovely family members. Where else do you think the branded clothes, shoes and toys for different ages/phases came from? Hee... And not forgetting the fresh groceries my dad and in laws bring along to us whenever they drop by to visit the kiddos. :)

I must stressed that we're financially sound at this moment. However, just last week, that notorious "Insecurity" demon touched down quietly in the tiny, tranquil base of mine, fondly known as the "Heart". Why did I allow this demon to checked in? Its not as though our bank account had hit rock bottom. Di is, in fact, doing very well at his job, we're expecting him to receive a big bonus package this year. So why am I feeling disturbed?

Well, I did a rough calculation and our expected expenditure in 2009 is sky high! I brought the girls to check out My Little Campus, a childcare centre which I plan to enrol them in Jan 2009 (gosh, can you believe they'll be starting Nursery 1 next year?). But even before classes actually commence, we've to fork out a hefty $3K for registration, deposit, uniforms, insurance, etc. Subsequently $1K every month goes to this childcare facility. Then, in order to obtain the baby bonus in the CDA (Child Development Account), we've got to throw in $6K before MCYS would match the savings dollar to dollar. @!#$%^&

And even with the kiddos going to daycare, we're planning to extend Ya-Ya's service for another 2 years, so it all adds up. Plus there is the cost of the various immunisation/vaccination the girls had to be given prior to enrolment. How scary??!!! Erm, I mean the $ amount, not the needles...

I've friends asking if I'm keen to enrol En & Xuan in enrichment classes or even just activities in the kids gym. Well, I won't for 2 reasons. Firstly, the 4 of us (En, Xuan, Ya-Ya and me) already make up a class and a gym, so there's no demand for enrichment classes at the moment. Plus all the playdates we go to (or held at our place) is almost like E.C.A. (extra curriculum activities) in school. Hahaha... Secondly, I may be richly blessed at this moment, I wouldn't want to be deadly broke next. So I shall carefully manage our little pool of finances now until I'm back to work again, hopefully early next year.

Dear Lord, I pray we'll always be richly blessed, never broke. Amen. Kekeke...