Christopher Lee

So I seem to be the only one in my group of friends who can manage my budget effectively. Too many times have I heard ‘I’m having financial issues, I have so many bills to pay, rent, credit card bills, phone bills, personal loans etc’. I can never understand how some people can’t save and spend more than what they earn, ending up looking for debt consolidation loans to pay off their debts.

All my friends ask me how I manage my budget and I tell them the same thing:

• Only spend what you can afford. It’s simple, don’t spend more than what you earn! If the price looks bigger than your weekly pay check, WALK AWAY.
• Credit Cards: same theory applies when using credit cards – just because it’s a credit card, it doesn’t mean you can start buying $4,000 Gucci hand bags. You must change your perspective, the sole purpose of a credit card is the convinience of being able to purchase without having to carry money. You can also earn points which essentially means you are getting a small percentage back from every purchase, almost like a discount.
  • Always pay your credit card bill on the due date to avoid any late fees & interest rate charges. Try and set up an automated monthly payment (direct debit) from your streamline or savings account. If you do this, you will only need to pay the annual credit card fee which isn’t much considering how much you get back from the credit card rewards.
  • This leaves me to the final point on credit cards. Only apply for a credit card if you believe you will spend enough (to earn enough points) that will be more than what the annual fee is. Otherwise you are at a loss, just get a debit card with $0 annual fee which works just like a credit card but you’re spending your own money.

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Universal Studios Osaka

The first theme park we went to in Japan was Universal Studios in Osaka. We caught a bus from Osaka Airport which took roughly 30 minutes. Having been to the theme parks in Gold Coast Australia (Dream World, Movie World, Wet n Wild), this is why far one of the best theme parks we have ever been to. Read more…

Fantastic customer service, budget accommodation from $100AUD per night (for a twin room), 10min walk from Shinjuku train station – situated in a quiet area of Shinjuku, away from the hustle and bustle which is perfect after a tiring day from traveling! Definitely value for money for decent rooms & facilities.

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Now let’s be honest, there really isn’t much to do at the Blue Mountains besides bush walking and……well that’s about it actually. However, there is a place where you can go caving at Jenolan Caves which is just an hour and a half drive from Katoomba. It’s really easy to get to, one straight road to the caves, simply follow the signs “Jenolan Caves’ and you’ll be fine. Unfortunately there’s no address, so just enter Jenolan Caves into your GPS or print out the directions from whereis.

They have tours for everyone, from easy 1hr tours for family’s with children under 6 to strenuous 3hr tours that take you to the deepest areas of the caves. And for the adventurous travelers, there’s the “Plughole” & “Aladin” tours where you abseil, wear overalls, a hard hat and find your way by the light of a miner’s lamp!

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The great thing about the clubs and bars in Hong Kong is that they’re all located in one spot called Lan Kwai Fong, which is only a minute walk away from Central Station. Central station is located on the blue line on the MTR Map.

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