Singapore Social Spending Solutions

by | Nov 23, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

A Practical Action Plan to Stop Overspending While Maintaining Relationships

Phase 1: Immediate Actions (Week 1-4)

Action 1: The 7-Day Spending Audit

What to Do:

  • For the next 7 days, record EVERY social expense
  • Use your phone’s notes app or a simple spreadsheet
  • Categories to track:
    • Coffee/drinks with friends
    • Meals out
    • Snacks/treats you bought for others
    • Entertainment/events
    • Transport to social events
    • Any “extras” (cover charges, tips, etc.)

Why It Works: Most people underestimate social spending by 40-60%. Seeing actual numbers creates immediate awareness and motivation to change.

Singapore Tools:

  • DBS/OCBC/UOB mobile banking (auto-categorization)
  • Seedly app (expense tracking)
  • Simple Google Sheets template

Expected Outcome: You’ll identify 2-3 specific spending patterns that surprised you.

Action 2: Calculate Your “Social Spending Percentage”

The Formula:

(Monthly Social Spending ÷ Monthly Take-Home Income) × 100 = Your %

Healthy Benchmarks:

  • 10-15%: Sustainable and balanced
  • 15-20%: Manageable but tight
  • 20-30%: Concerning, limits other goals
  • 30%+: Crisis level, immediate action needed

Example:

  • Take-home income: S$3,500/month
  • Social spending: S$1,050/month
  • Percentage: 30% (too high!)
  • Target: Reduce to S$525 (15%)
  • Monthly savings: S$525

Action Step: Calculate yours today. Write it down. This is your baseline.

Action 3: The “Pause Button” Technique

How It Works: When you’re about to pay for something social, pause for 10 seconds and ask:

  1. Is it my turn? (Have others paid recently?)
  2. Can I afford this right now? (Will it stress my budget?)
  3. Am I doing this out of obligation or genuine desire?
  4. What am I giving up by spending this? (Savings goal? Bill payment?)

Script for Declining:

  • “Let me sit this round out, but I’ll get the next one!”
  • “I’m watching my budget this month, but I’d love to hang out at [free activity]”
  • “I’m saving for [specific goal], so I need to be careful right now”

Practice This Week: Use the pause button at least 3 times. Notice how it feels. Most people find saying no gets easier with practice.

Action 4: Set Up a Dedicated Social Spending Account

The System:

  1. Open a separate savings account (most banks offer free accounts)
  2. Calculate your monthly social budget (10-15% of income)
  3. Transfer this amount at the start of each month
  4. Use ONLY this account/card for social spending
  5. When it’s empty, you’re done for the month

Singapore Options:

  • DBS Multiplier Savings Account: Link debit card
  • OCBC 360 Account: Set up with separate card
  • Digital banks: GXS, Trust Bank (easy tracking)
  • GrabPay/PayNow Wallet: Load monthly amount

Why This Works: Physical/psychological barrier. When the account shows S$50 left and it’s mid-month, you naturally become more selective.

Phase 2: Short-Term Solutions (Month 1-3)

Solution 1: The Wedding Ang Bao Strategy

Before You RSVP:

Step 1: Calculate True Cost

  • Venue research: Check wedding details to estimate tier
  • Ang bao: S$150-S$300 (based on relationship + venue)
  • Outfit: S$50-S$150 (if new clothes needed)
  • Transport: S$20-S$80 (depending on location)
  • Opportunity cost: 4-6 hours of your time
  • Total: S$220-S$530 per wedding

Step 2: Decision Matrix

Relationship LevelBudget StatusDecisionBest friend/FamilyComfortableAttend, give generouslyClose friendComfortableAttend, standard rateCasual friendComfortableAttend, minimum rateAcquaintanceTightPolitely declineAny levelFinancial stressDecline, send gift/wishes

Step 3: The Polite Decline

Template Messages:

"Thank you so much for inviting me to your special day! Unfortunately, 
I won't be able to attend, but I'm sending you both my warmest wishes 
and lots of love. Let's celebrate together another time! ❤️"
"I'm honored to be invited! Due to prior commitments/budget constraints 
this season, I won't be able to make it, but I'm thinking of you and 
wish you a beautiful celebration!"

Key Tips:

  • Respond promptly (shows respect)
  • Don’t over-explain finances
  • Offer alternative celebration (coffee date later)
  • Send small gift if very close (S$30-S$50)

The Ang Bao Fund:

  • Open separate account in January
  • Estimate: 4 weddings × S$250 = S$1,000 needed
  • Divide by 12 months = S$84/month
  • Automate monthly transfer
  • Never scramble last-minute again

Solution 2: Restructure Your Social Calendar

The New Approach:

Tier 1: Core Relationships (5-10 people)

  • Weekly/bi-weekly contact
  • Worth spending on occasionally
  • These are your “yes” people

Tier 2: Good Friends (10-20 people)

  • Monthly contact
  • Budget-friendly activities only
  • Alternative ways to connect

Tier 3: Acquaintances (Everyone else)

  • Occasional contact
  • Free activities or decline
  • No financial pressure

Weekly Schedule Example:

Monday-Thursday (Weekdays):

  • Budget: S$0-S$20/week
  • Activities: Free/cheap only
  • Home cooking, walks, video calls

Friday (Social Night):

  • Budget: S$30-S$60
  • Activities: Dinner or drinks with Tier 1/2
  • Hawker centers or happy hour deals

Saturday:

  • Budget: S$20-S$50
  • Activities: Mixed (some free, some paid)
  • Parks, beaches, affordable entertainment

Sunday:

  • Budget: S$0-S$30
  • Activities: Mostly free
  • Recovery day, meal prep, free events

Monthly Total: S$200-S$400 (manageable)

Solution 3: Master the Art of Suggesting Alternatives

Instead of Expensive Restaurants:

Say This: “I’ve been wanting to try [hawker center/food court]. Want to check it out together?”

Budget-Friendly Options:

  • Lau Pa Sat (central, variety)
  • Maxwell Food Centre (tourist-friendly for mixed groups)
  • Chomp Chomp (excellent variety)
  • Old Airport Road (massive selection)
  • Cost: S$5-S$12 per person vs S$30-S$60

Instead of Bars/Clubs:

Say This: “Want to grab some drinks and chill at [East Coast/Marina Bay]?”

Alternatives:

  • BYOB at beaches (legal after 10:30 PM)
  • Rooftop gathering at someone’s HDB
  • Happy hour deals (50% off: 5-8 PM)
  • House parties (rotate hosting)
  • Cost: S$10-S$20 vs S$80-S$150

Instead of Expensive Events:

Say This: “I found this cool [free/cheap event]. Interested?”

Free/Cheap Singapore Activities:

  • Gardens by the Bay (free outdoor)
  • Jurong Lake Gardens
  • Esplanade outdoor concerts
  • National Gallery (citizens/PR get discounts)
  • MacRitchie hikes
  • Beach days (Sentosa, East Coast)
  • Community centers (classes, events)
  • Library events and exhibitions
  • Free museum days
  • Cost: S$0-S$10 vs S$50-S$200

Solution 4: The Bill-Splitting Conversation

The Problem: You order economical (S$15), they order premium (S$45), bill split equally (you pay S$30).

Solution A: Speak Up Immediately

When Ordering: “Hey, let’s just pay for our own orders today? Easier for everyone!”

When Bill Comes: “I’ll just cover mine separately if that’s okay?”

Most people will agree—they know it’s fairer.

Solution B: Use Technology

PayLah/PayNow Split Bills:

  • Request exact amounts from each person
  • No awkwardness about cash
  • Clear itemization
  • Everyone sees what they ordered

Apps:

  • Splitwise (tracks ongoing balances)
  • PayLah (built-in split function)
  • Google Pay (split request)

Solution C: Rotation System

For Regular Groups: “Instead of splitting every time, let’s take turns treating? More generous and easier.”

Benefits:

  • One person pays each time
  • Rotates predictably
  • When it’s your turn, you pay for everyone
  • When it’s not, you pay nothing
  • Over time, balances out
  • Feels more generous than nickel-and-diming

Solution 5: Holiday Spending Boundaries

Chinese New Year Strategy:

Before CNY:

  1. List all people you’d typically give to
  2. Assign budget to each (be realistic, not idealistic)
  3. Total it up
  4. If too high, cut strategically

The Cuts:

  • Extended family: Suggest family gift exchange (draw names, 1 gift each)
  • Colleagues: Propose S$10-S$20 limit
  • Casual friends: Skip or homemade treats
  • Children ang baos: S$8-S$10 is perfectly acceptable

CNY Ang Bao Guide:

RecipientStandardClose RelationshipParents/In-lawsS$88-S$188S$188-S$388GrandparentsS$88-S$188S$188-S$288SiblingsS$50-S$88S$88-S$168Nieces/NephewsS$8-S$20S$20-S$50EmployeesS$8-S$88Based on salaryChildren (general)S$6-S$12S$12-S$20

Money-Saving CNY Ideas:

  • Homemade cookies/snacks (cost: S$20-S$40, feeds 20+ people)
  • Host potluck reunion dinner (everyone brings dish)
  • Digital ang baos (same gesture, flexible amounts)
  • Experiential gifts: “IOU for helping you move/babysitting/etc.”

Christmas/Other Holidays:

  • Secret Santa: Set S$30-S$50 limit
  • Experience gifts: “Movie night IOU” “Coffee date voucher”
  • Handmade: Photo albums, baked goods, crafts
  • Service: Car wash, house cleaning help, meal prep

Phase 3: Medium-Term Strategies (Month 3-12)

Strategy 1: The “Social Obligations Fund” Automation

Setup Process:

Month 1:

  • Review past year’s social spending
  • Calculate: Weddings, birthdays, holidays, events
  • Average it: Total ÷ 12 months

Example Calculation:

  • 3 weddings: S$750
  • 8 birthdays: S$400
  • CNY: S$500
  • Christmas: S$300
  • Other holidays: S$200
  • Events/concerts: S$600
  • Total: S$2,750/year
  • Monthly: S$229

Month 2:

  • Open dedicated savings account: “Social Fund”
  • Set up automatic monthly transfer: S$230
  • Use this fund ONLY for planned social obligations
  • Adjust amount quarterly based on actual spending

The System:

Paycheck arrives → Automated transfers happen:
├─ Emergency fund: 10%
├─ Retirement (SRS/CPF top-up): 10%
├─ Social obligations fund: 5-7%
└─ Regular savings: 10-15%

Benefits:

  • No panic when wedding invitation arrives
  • Guilt-free celebration participation
  • Clear boundary: fund empty = can’t attend
  • Treats obligations like any other bill

Strategy 2: Communicate Boundaries with Your Circle

The Honest Conversation:

Most people avoid this talk, but it’s essential. True friends will understand and support you.

Script for Close Friends:

“Hey, I wanted to be honest with you about something. I’m working on my financial goals this year [buying HDB/building savings/paying off debt], so I need to be more careful about spending. I might not be able to say yes to everything, but I still really value our friendship. Can we try to do more budget-friendly activities together?”

Most Common Responses:

  • “That makes sense! I should do that too.”
  • “What if we alternate between cheap and expensive activities?”
  • “Let me know what works for you!”

For Acquaintances/Groups:

When invited to expensive activities:

“Thanks for thinking of me! This is a bit beyond my budget right now, but I’d love to join for [alternative activity] instead?”

Key Principles:

  • Be honest but brief (don’t over-explain finances)
  • Offer alternatives (shows you want to connect)
  • Stay positive (focus on what you CAN do)
  • Don’t apologize excessively (you’re being responsible)

Dealing with Pushback:

If someone says: “Come on, just this once!” or “You can afford it!”

Respond: “I appreciate you want me there, but I’m sticking to my budget goals. Let’s plan something else together soon!”

Red Flag Friends:

  • Make you feel guilty for budget boundaries
  • Pressure you repeatedly after you’ve declined
  • Make jokes about your financial choices
  • Only want to hang out if money is spent

These aren’t real friends. It’s okay to let these relationships fade.

Strategy 3: Build Alternative Social Patterns

The Problem: Your current social life is built around spending. You need new patterns.

New Pattern 1: Host Gatherings

Potluck Dinner Parties:

  • Everyone brings one dish
  • You provide venue + drinks
  • Your cost: S$20-S$40 vs restaurant S$80-S$150
  • More intimate, longer conversations
  • Bonus: Leftover food

Game Nights:

  • One-time board game purchase: S$30-S$80
  • Unlimited entertainment
  • Simple snacks from FairPrice: S$15-S$25
  • Better than bar/club: S$80-S$150

Movie Marathons:

  • Netflix/Disney+: S$12-S$20/month (split cost)
  • Homemade popcorn: S$3
  • vs Cinema: S$15/ticket + S$12 snacks

New Pattern 2: Active Social Life

Free/Cheap Activities:

Sports/Fitness:

  • ActiveSG facilities: S$3.50 per session
  • Beach volleyball at Sentosa: Free
  • Running/walking groups: Free
  • Public pools: S$2-S$3
  • Badminton court rental: S$7-S$15/hour

Nature/Outdoors:

  • Hiking trails: Free (MacRitchie, Bukit Timah, Southern Ridges)
  • Cycling around island: Free (rent bikes S$8-S$15)
  • Beach days: Free
  • Botanical Gardens: Free
  • Park picnics: S$10-S$20 (simple food)

Cultural:

  • Free museum days (check schedules)
  • Esplanade outdoor performances: Free
  • Community center classes: S$5-S$20
  • Library events: Free
  • Art galleries: Many free

New Pattern 3: One-on-One Quality Time

Instead of group dinners (S$50-S$100), try:

  • Coffee dates (S$5-S$10, 1-2 hours meaningful conversation)
  • Walk and talk (S$0, fresh air and focus)
  • Breakfast meets (S$5-S$15, hawker centers)
  • Video calls while doing activities (cooking, walking, crafts)

Benefits:

  • Deeper conversations
  • Actual connection vs performative socializing
  • 90% cost reduction
  • More memorable

Strategy 4: The “Event FOMO” Framework

Singapore’s Problem: Constant events: concerts, F1, festivals, exhibitions. You CAN’T attend everything.

The Decision Framework:

Step 1: Rate the Event (1-10)

Score these factors:

□ Interest level (1-10): How much do I genuinely want this?
□ Value for money (1-10): Worth the cost?
□ Unique opportunity (1-10): Will I regret missing this?
□ Social importance (1-10): Critical for relationships?
□ Budget impact (1-10): Can I comfortably afford this?

Total: ___/50

Step 2: Use Scoring Guide

  • 40-50: YES – Attend
  • 30-39: MAYBE – Wait for discount/group deal
  • 20-29: PROBABLY NOT – Find alternative
  • 0-19: DEFINITELY NO – Skip it

Step 3: Apply the “3-Event Rule”

Choose 3 major events per quarter:

  • 1 big splurge (S$200-S$500): Concert/F1/major festival
  • 1 medium event (S$50-S$150): Exhibition/show/experience
  • 1 small event (S$20-S$50): Community event/museum/activity

Everything else: Skip or find free alternatives.

Example Quarter:

  • Q1: Taylor Swift concert (splurge) + Art gallery (medium) + Community festival (small)
  • Total: S$370
  • Declined: 8 other events that would’ve cost S$1,200+
  • Savings: S$830

FOMO Management:

When you feel FOMO:

  1. Remember your chosen 3 events
  2. Check your financial goals progress
  3. Ask: “In 6 months, will I remember missing this?”
  4. Find free alternative (watch livestream, see photos later)
  5. Practice gratitude for what you ARE doing

Strategy 5: Optimize Ang Bao Strategy

Advanced Wedding Ang Bao Tactics:

Tactic 1: Venue Research

Before committing:

  1. Google the venue
  2. Check reviews on forums (HardwareZone, Reddit Singapore)
  3. Look at past wedding menus/prices
  4. Estimate appropriate ang bao range

Tactic 2: The “Covers Meal” Rule

Calculation:

  • Budget venue: S$120-S$150 covers meal
  • Mid-tier: S$180-S$250 covers meal
  • Premium: S$280-S$450 covers meal

For casual friends: Give minimum (covers meal) For close friends: Add 20-30% (shows extra care) For best friends/family: 50%+ above meal cost

Tactic 3: Strategic RSVP

Attend:

  • Family weddings (non-negotiable)
  • Best friends (worth the investment)
  • Strategic work relationships (career benefit)

Consider Declining:

  • Back-to-back wedding months (3+ in one month)
  • Destination weddings (S$2,000-S$5,000 total cost)
  • Colleagues you’re not close with
  • Friends you’ve lost touch with
  • Any wedding when you’re in financial distress

Tactic 4: Couple Strategy

If attending with partner:

  • Double the ang bao amount
  • Split cost with partner (each pays half)
  • Reduces individual burden
  • One envelope, shared contribution

Tactic 5: Credit Card Optimization

Use rewards card for ang bao:

  • Withdraw cash from savings account
  • Pay with credit card at dinner (get points)
  • Immediately pay off credit card
  • Gain: 1-2% cashback/points
  • On S$250 ang bao: Save S$2.50-S$5
  • Over 4 weddings: Save S$10-S$20 + points for travel/shopping

Recommended Cards:

  • DBS Woman’s World Card: 4% cashback dining
  • OCBC 365: 3-6% cashback
  • UOB One: Up to 5% cashback
  • Check for dining/entertainment bonuses

Phase 4: Long-Term Solutions (Month 12+)

Solution 1: Increase Your Income Capacity

Why This Matters: Sometimes the issue isn’t just spending—it’s insufficient income for your lifestyle and goals.

Option 1: Career Advancement

Skill Development:

  • SkillsFuture credits: S$500-S$1,000 free training
  • Online certifications: Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning
  • Industry-specific courses
  • Target: 10-30% salary increase

Focus areas with high ROI:

  • Tech skills: Data analytics, coding, AI/ML
  • Marketing: Digital marketing, SEO, social media
  • Finance: CFA, financial modeling, Excel mastery
  • Soft skills: Leadership, communication, project management

Timeline: 6-18 months to certification → apply for promotions/new jobs

Option 2: Side Hustles

High-Earning Singapore Side Hustles:

Tutoring:

  • Subjects in demand: Math, Science, English, Chinese
  • Rates: S$40-S$150/hour depending on level
  • Platform: SmileTutor, ChampionTutor, Carousell
  • Potential: S$400-S$1,600/month (4-8 hours weekly)

Freelancing:

  • Writing/Content: S$50-S$200/article
  • Graphic design: S$30-S$150/design
  • Web development: S$50-S$200/hour
  • Platform: Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.sg
  • Potential: S$500-S$2,000/month

E-commerce/Reselling:

  • Carousell reselling: S$200-S$800/month
  • Shopee/Lazada stores: S$300-S$1,500/month
  • Requires: Initial capital, time, storage
  • Potential: S$500-S$2,000/month

Food Delivery:

  • GrabFood, Foodpanda, Deliveroo
  • Earnings: S$8-S$15/hour during peak
  • Flexible hours, immediate pay
  • Potential: S$400-S$800/month (10 hours weekly)

Target: Add S$500-S$1,500/month → S$6,000-S$18,000/year

This alone can cover ALL social spending.

Solution 2: Restructure Your Major Expenses

The 50/30/20 Rule:

  • 50% Needs (housing, food, transport, utilities)
  • 30% Wants (entertainment, shopping, hobbies)
  • 20% Savings (emergency fund, investments, retirement)

If social spending is breaking your budget, optimize your needs:

Housing (Biggest Expense):

Current: Living in prime location, high rent

  • City center 1BR: S$2,500-S$3,500/month
  • Annual: S$30,000-S$42,000

Optimized: Move to HDB heartland

  • HDB room: S$600-S$1,000/month
  • HDB flat with roommates: S$800-S$1,500/month
  • Annual: S$7,200-S$18,000
  • Savings: S$12,000-S$35,000/year

Transport:

Current: Own car

  • Car loan: S$1,000/month
  • Insurance: S$100-S$200/month
  • Parking: S$150-S$300/month
  • Petrol: S$200-S$300/month
  • Maintenance: S$100/month
  • Total: S$1,550-S$1,900/month
  • Annual: S$18,600-S$22,800

Optimized: Public transport + occasional Grab

  • Monthly pass: S$128
  • Grab/taxis: S$100-S$200/month
  • Total: S$228-S$328/month
  • Annual: S$2,736-S$3,936
  • Savings: S$14,800-S$19,000/year

Combined Savings: S$26,800-S$54,000/year

This is more than enough for active social life + savings goals.

Solution 3: Build Comprehensive Financial Buffer

The Three-Fund System:

Fund 1: Emergency Fund

  • Goal: 6 months of expenses
  • Amount: S$12,000-S$24,000 (depending on lifestyle)
  • Where: High-yield savings (2-3% p.a.)
  • Purpose: Job loss, medical emergencies, unexpected crises

Fund 2: Social Obligations Fund

  • Goal: 1 year of predictable social costs
  • Amount: S$2,000-S$4,000
  • Where: Separate savings account
  • Purpose: Weddings, birthdays, holidays, events
  • Replenish: Monthly automatic transfer

Fund 3: Opportunity Fund

  • Goal: Special experiences
  • Amount: S$1,000-S$3,000
  • Where: Accessible savings
  • Purpose: Spontaneous travel, unique events, special occasions

Building Timeline:

Aggressive Plan (18-24 months):

  • Month 1-12: Emergency fund priority (S$1,000-S$2,000/month)
  • Month 13-18: Social fund (S$300-S$500/month)
  • Month 19-24: Opportunity fund (S$200-S$400/month)

Moderate Plan (24-36 months):

  • Month 1-24: Emergency fund (S$500-S$1,000/month)
  • Month 13-30: Social fund (S$200-S$300/month)
  • Month 25-36: Opportunity fund (S$150-S$250/month)

Once built, you’ll have: ✓ Financial security (emergency fund) ✓ Guilt-free social participation (obligations fund) ✓ Flexibility for special moments (opportunity fund)

Solution 4: Invest in Relationship Quality Over Quantity

The Pyramid of Friendships:

          Level 1: Inner Circle (3-5 people)
          ↑ Worth significant investment
          
        Level 2: Close Friends (5-10 people)
        ↑ Regular contact, moderate investment
        
      Level 3: Good Friends (10-20 people)
      ↑ Occasional contact, minimal investment
      
    Level 4: Acquaintances (Everyone else)
    ↑ Free activities only, no financial pressure

Time and Money Allocation:

Level 1 (Inner Circle):

  • Investment: 50% of social budget
  • Frequency: Weekly contact
  • Activities: Mix of free and paid
  • Willingness: Say yes to important events
  • Example: Best friend’s wedding (S$300), monthly dinners (S$50 each)

Level 2 (Close Friends):

  • Investment: 30% of social budget
  • Frequency: Bi-weekly to monthly
  • Activities: Mostly budget-friendly
  • Willingness: Selective yes
  • Example: Birthday dinners (S$40), occasional events (S$30)

Level 3 (Good Friends):

  • Investment: 15% of social budget
  • Frequency: Monthly to quarterly
  • Activities: Free or very cheap
  • Willingness: Rare yes, mostly alternatives
  • Example: Hawker meetups (S$8), free events (S$0)

Level 4 (Acquaintances):

  • Investment: 5% of social budget
  • Frequency: Few times per year
  • Activities: Free only
  • Willingness: Polite declines
  • Example: Group hikes (S$0), community events (S$0)

The Quality Shift:

Instead of:

  • 40 friends, shallow connections
  • Expensive group activities
  • Transactional relationships
  • Financial stress

Move to:

  • 15-20 meaningful connections
  • Intentional time together
  • Reciprocal relationships
  • Financial peace

Activities for Deep Connection (Low Cost):

  • Long walks and talks (S$0)
  • Home-cooked meals together (S$10-S$20)
  • Shared hobbies (hiking, sports, crafts)
  • Vulnerable conversations (priceless)
  • Supporting each other through challenges

The Test: “If I lost my job tomorrow, would this person still want to hang out?”

If yes → Inner circle If no → Reconsider investment

Phase 5: Maintenance & Adjustment

Monthly Review Ritual (30 minutes)

First Sunday of Each Month:

Review Questions:

  1. Did I stay within my social spending budget? (Yes/No)
  2. If no, what caused overspending?
  3. Which social events brought genuine joy?
  4. Which events felt obligatory or stressful?
  5. Are my relationships deepening or staying surface-level?

Metrics to Track:

  • Total social spending: S$______
  • Budget: S$______
  • Difference: S$______ (over/under)
  • Number of events attended: ______
  • Number of events declined: ______
  • Satisfaction rating (1-10): ______

Adjustments:

  • If consistently under budget: Reallocate to savings or increase budget slightly
  • If consistently over budget: Identify patterns, tighten boundaries
  • If low satisfaction: Focus on quality over quantity

Quarterly Deep Dive (2 hours)

Every 3 Months:

Financial Analysis:

  • Review past 3 months of spending
  • Calculate social spending as % of income
  • Check progress on emergency fund
  • Review social obligations fund balance
  • Assess any debt increase/decrease

Relationship Audit:

  • List top 10 people you spent time with
  • Rate relationship quality (1-10)
  • Identify relationships to deepen
  • Identify relationships to reduce
  • Note toxic/draining relationships to exit

Pattern Recognition:

  • Which months had highest spending? (Wedding season? December?)
  • Which activities gave best value?
  • Which expenses felt wasteful in hindsight?
  • What boundaries worked well?
  • Where did you struggle to say no?

Goal Adjustment:

  • Are current budgets realistic?
  • Do social spending limits need tweaking?
  • Are you sacrificing too much or too little?
  • What’s working? Do more.
  • What’s not working? Stop.

Annual Planning (Half day)

Every January:

Year-End Financial Snapshot:

  • Total social spending previous year: S$______
  • Target for this year: S$______
  • Projected major expenses:
    • Weddings expected: ______ × S$250 = S$______
    • CNY: S$______
    • Other holidays: S$______
    • Events/trips: S$______
    • Gifts: S$______
  • Total projected: S$______
  • Monthly allocation needed: S______ ÷ 12 = S ______

Strategic Planning:

Known Events:

  • Mark wedding dates in calendar
  • Note holiday seasons
  • Plan ahead for big birthdays
  • Anticipate baby showers, housewarmings

Financial Goals:

  • Emergency fund target: S$______
  • Savings target: S$______
  • Debt payoff: S$______
  • Investment goal: S$______

Relationship Intentions:

  • Who do you want to deepen connection with?
  • Which relationships need boundaries?
  • What new connections do you want?
  • What toxic relationships need ending?

Personal Boundaries:

  • Maximum ang bao per event: S$______
  • Maximum monthly social spending: S$______
  • Automatic “no” categories: ______
  • Events you’ll prioritize: ______

Emergency Protocols

When You’ve Overspent This Month

Don’t panic. Follow this recovery plan:

Immediate Actions (Today):

  1. Stop all non-essential spending immediately
  2. Check remaining budget categories (food, transport)
  3. Calculate deficit: How much over budget?
  4. Review upcoming week’s