"If you dress well, you'll stay warm."

Rising prices of gasoline, gas, and other consumer goods have impacted many aspects of social life, altering the lifestyles and spending habits of many women. Previously, many women readily purchased desirable items, even if they weren't truly necessary. Now, however, they hesitate before buying something they like. Many are embracing a spirit of saving, balancing their spending, and finding ways to increase their income to provide for their families and support their children's education.

Women skillfully shop at the market, choosing food that fits their family's budget while ensuring it's fresh, delicious, and nutritious. (Illustrative image)

Ms. Kieu Nuong, residing in Thoi An Dong ward, shared that her husband works as a freelance electrician and plumber, earning approximately 10 million VND per month. His income is higher when there are more projects. Ms. Kieu Nuong works as a store employee, earning about 6 million VND per month. They have one young child attending primary school. Given the rising cost of living, Ms. Kieu Nuong is very cautious with her spending, keeping a detailed record of every expense and regularly checking to ensure she doesn't overspend. Ms. Kieu Nuong said: "Although our family's finances are currently stable, I've learned from experience that we must be mindful of our basic needs; at the same time, we must have savings and reserves, rather than spending impulsively like before."

Ms. Hong Hanh, residing in Ninh Kieu ward, shared that she and her husband are both salaried employees. Ms. Hanh is a sales representative, and her husband is an accountant at a travel company, with a combined income of approximately 30 million VND per month. They have a daughter who is in high school. Previously, they shared a common "hobby" of having coffee twice a day, morning and evening, at their favorite cafe. Their daughter, being in high school, enjoys buying fashionable clothes and shoes, so indulging her, they used to let her shop freely. "My husband and I discuss and balance our expenses because this year our daughter is preparing for university entrance exams, and we have to budget a lot, not to mention the difficulties ahead if one of our companies cuts staff. We've minimized expenses for breakfast and coffee outside, instead cooking at home to save money. We've also seriously discussed with our daughter that she should only buy necessary things and not be wasteful," Ms. Hanh confided.

Meanwhile, Ms. Hoang Anh from Cai Rang ward has completely given up her habit of "closing deals" online. Ms. Hoang Anh said: "I work as an accountant for a construction company. Recently, witnessing the workers' salaries and income being cut due to fewer construction projects than before, I realized I needed to adjust my spending habits. Previously, I used to wait for online stores' livestreams to buy fashionable clothes for myself and my children, thinking it wouldn't cost much compared to our family income. But now I've abandoned that habit."

Many working-class families save on even the smallest expenses to ensure a balanced budget. Ms. Kim Em, from Cai Rang ward, recounts: “I live with my third daughter and her husband. Both of them work at the same company, but they usually ride their own motorbikes to work. Since gasoline prices went up, they share a motorbike to save money. As for me, I used to cook at home, using both a gas stove and a wood-burning stove. Since the gas price increase, I've also limited my gas usage, only using it to reheat food. Packing a little bit of everything ensures we don't run out or struggle.”

Ms. Kim Giau, from Cai Rang ward, also carefully planned her shopping to save money while still ensuring proper nutrition for her family and sufficient resources to support her children's education during these difficult times. Ms. Giau said: “I work as a seamstress, and my husband is a driver for a transportation company. Our combined income is about 15 million VND, and we have two children. Our eldest daughter is in university, and our youngest is in third grade. Besides the money spent on our children's education, which we can't cut back on, my husband and I have voluntarily reduced our personal expenses. My husband has cut down on cigarettes and coffee, and I don't eat breakfast at the market or restaurants. In addition, when shopping for food, I choose seasonal and affordable ingredients to ensure our family gets adequate nutrition. If things get too difficult, I'll take on extra sewing work, and my husband can take on additional transportation jobs to make ends meet.”

Balancing household expenses requires skillful management from those in charge of finances. Instead of extreme austerity, women have their own secrets, such as: planning purchases of essentials, choosing seasonal foods, saving for a contingency fund, and taking on extra work to increase income. Furthermore, women shouldn't shoulder the financial burden alone; they should sit down with their husbands and children to discuss common goals. When everyone understands the situation, cutting unnecessary expenses becomes easier and more voluntary.

Text and photos: HAI THU

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/-kheo-co-thi-am--a200032.html