Cost vs Comfort?

I’ve seen a lot of write-ups explaining the cost of comfort and on how expensive it can be to get the life you want; not having to worry about the amount that gets deducted from your paycheck.

It has always appeared that in order to get the comfort that we need, we must have a huge sum of money to feed that need.

Then I I frequently come to a place where I ask, is it OK to want comfort in my life?

As a child, I wouldn’t really care that much on what my life would be. I have a roof to live in, the food in the table is there and I have a steady source of income, my allowance. I was a bit thrifty growing up, so I never really had the want to ask for a raise in allowance or negotiate on my expenses since I thought it was indeed enough.

Yes, I didn’t have the latest in everything, my phone was outdated, I was only given a laptop during my 18th birthday because I really did need a laptop for school (I’m a computer major btw). I also couldn’t afford to go to a fast food chain and order Jollibee Chicken Joy Meal (Seriously this was a big deal for me to spend 70 pesos when my allowance was 100 per day <laughs>). I always put it into perspective that I was in a scholarship and that I was lucky enough to go to school, complete my exams on time and sometimes join in trips with friends. I felt blessed.

After work, when I was on my own, living alone, getting a place, feeding myself, paying the bills and sending money back home, I come back to that want: how do I get a comfort with want I do now? Boy, there are times that I just want to pack my bags and go back home because it was easier. My biggest struggle was finding a decent place to stay to cater to my needs.

Yes. I called it a need. Not a want. Because in a heartbeat it was a want to get comfort. But for me, I need the comfort to avoid getting sick all the time. I remember the first place I got. It was a year contract, it was nearby, has its own bathroom inside and I have my privacy. It was pricey for a person who recently got a job. It cost a third of what I earn a month. Why did I get it you ask? Being alone in a new town where you absolutely don’t know anyone, when you find a place that was OK for your objectives, you tend to get it quickly because others might get it before you. It was my biggest regret because not only did I have a very strict and “maldita” land lord, the place was crawling with cockroaches and mosquitoes and, it had no signal inside the room! My oh my! I laugh at myself for getting that room to rent for a year.

After finally getting out of that lease, I made a vow to myself to find a home not a room. I should be able to enjoy my life here in the city. I should be able to sleep soundly not feeling claustrophobic because of the very small space.

Few years have passed, I’m still looking for that home feeling. A comfort space that you have live harmoniously and can remove your stress from a long day’s work. Answering the question Cost vs. Comfort, I’ll leave you with three points.

• Money/Budget: As much as I want to ignore this factor, it will forever be a part in our daily lives. Don’t overspend but don’t forget yourself. Money comes and it goes. Your health and memory will leave a mark if you don’t treasure it. Plan it properly. Don’t do it at the same time. We can’t have comfort in an instant. Check rates and compare notes. We’ll get a hang of it soon.

• Purpose: If you’re willing to spend too much, make sure it’s for the right reason. If buying an apartment to live in is an investment for the future, research for it. Ask advises who have the same experience as you. Don’t get something you thing is for comfort but it only lasted during your trend timeline. Make sure it is worth it.

• Timing and Duration: As mentioned above, you can’t get comfort in an instant. It happens gradually. Buy a new phone for better communication with family living far away. Get new stuff if there’s sale or discount. As Ted Mosby will say it, “have you used it in the last year? Will you use it if you buy it? How many times a month?” If it’s less than 2, better check before getting it in the first place.

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I think my perception of comfort will always come into thinking of the money to achieve it. But it has been proven that in order to get the life you need, you have to be able to work for it as well. Nothing good ever happens overnight. Keep on fighting for your dreams. If you don’t get it for now, make sure to learn how to compensate.

We will get it someday. Don’t stop believing!

Cost vs. Comfort: Comfort all the way! Getting it through smart choices and wise decisions!

XOXO,

Frances