9 Ways to Kick the Spending Habit! A Mindset Shift Guide from Shopaholic to Doubled Savings
In this article, you'll learn:
The Old Me: Spending Without Limits
Back in 2015, I entered the stock market for the second time. The stock market is essentially a near-zero-sum game — in plain terms: either you make money, or you lose money. On top of that, the “government” takes its cut in taxes, and the “banks” collect transaction fees as middlemen.
This time around, I used a tool called “warrants” (權證, a type of leveraged derivative popular in Taiwan) — marketed as a way to win big with small stakes, essentially trading with leverage. I went from small bets for fun to big bets for profit, with my capital growing from NT$50,000 to NT$500,000 to NT$1.5 million. Some of it was profit; some was additional money I put in.
Back then, whenever I made money, I’d go out for fancy meals, buy nice things — I even took my first-ever flight across Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range. It wasn’t really about whether I chose to drive or fly; it’s just that the old me believed earning money was all about enjoying it. In the end, I lost all NT$1.5 million — easy come, easy go.
The Current Me: Steady Financial Management
Today, I don’t have NT$1 million to my name, but I have far more responsibilities and goals:
- Family: A wife, 2 kids, and multiple family members.
- Assets: 1 house, 2 scooters, 1 car.
- Work: 1 business, 2 business partners, and multiple team members.
- Life: 1 hobby, 2 goals.
You might say, “No luxury car, no mansion — how can you teach people about money? Who’s going to believe you?” The point isn’t about how much money the person teaching you has. It’s about whether you believe in the principles or not.
Financial Planning: The Science of Peace of Mind
Financial planning was never about teaching people to get rich — it’s about helping people reach their goals so they stop worrying about money, and understanding that money isn’t meant to be squandered. It’s a scientific approach.
Just like me, I’m on this train heading toward my goals. How about you? Ready to hop on?
The 9 Key Principles of Financial Planning
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Set Your Goals | Define specific, achievable financial goals covering short-term, mid-term, and long-term needs. |
| Analyze Your Current Status | Understand your income, expenses, debts, and assets. |
| Create a Budget | Develop a detailed monthly budget to ensure balance, with surplus for savings and investments. |
| Savings Plan | Build an emergency fund covering at least 3–6 months of living expenses. |
| Risk Management | Purchase health, life, and property insurance to protect your financial security. |
| Investment Planning | Choose appropriate investment tools based on your risk tolerance and financial goals. |
| Tax Planning | Use legal methods to reduce your tax burden and increase actual income. |
| Retirement Planning | Start early; determine how much to save annually and choose the right investment vehicles. |
| Maintain Good Credit Records | Pay all debts and bills on time. |
Further Reading
Lazy Conclusion
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