Off-Day Thoughts: RTD Summons & Obligations

I just used my Raya 'bonus' to pay a traffic summons from 2015.

Why didn't I pay it earlier? Because I didn't have the money for it and felt too embarrassed to ask my father to lend me his money for a third summons that I received *laughs*

Instead, I vowed to myself that I would pay it with my own money once I worked; funnily enough, I kept forgetting to do it until today. And I thought, "What better way to use the extra money the government gave me, than to fulfill what is due to said government?"

So... Yeah.

Why did I get the summon? Honestly, I didn't know the speed limit changed in that area, and suddenly there was a flash of light. It wasn't an area I frequented. Oops. I think I was even talking to a friend at that time, so I was preoccupied.

Anyway... This is a weird topic to blog about, it seems, but my message is this: If you have something pending, and you have the money to pay for it, then pay for that first instead of things that you want. Like, I could have used the RM 300+ for extra books, which I always want, but I didn't. I also wanted to save the money for my wedding, but I couldn't.

Don't talk about baju raya; I won't get new clothes unless I really have to, and it's not like I can really celebrate raya this year. Haha.

Plus... When Raya season comes, there will be a barrage of things I feel that I need, especially now that I'm earning my own money. Kuih raya (like I would even have open houses, those things are for ME), raya apparel, Corelle dinnerware... Whut?

It's very difficult to be on social media and abstain myself from looking through various shopping catalogues- when I have the time, that is. Even gaming laptops have special prices this season! If I had the money, I'm not entirely sure I would be able to resist!

But you know. All I need to do is close the tab for that particular product, and think to myself: Do I really need a Corelle dinnerware set to survive when I can buy plates, bowls and mugs for a small fraction of the price in the supermarket? Sure Corelle sets are famed for their resistance to breakage, but how often do I break my plates or mugs? The answer is probably once in a few years. And replacing them is still cheaper.

Same goes for baju raya- once I wear it often enough, the novelty wears off and it becomes just another piece of clothing.

And books... Well, books are another different thing entirely. I can't say the same about them, but I can talk myself out of splurging for them online most of the time.

Instead, how about being responsible, or using the money for other people?

Being charitable is something that never gets old. There will always be people who need help, and that satisfaction you get doing charity, that is a feeling normal humans will rarely get enough of. Not to mention, it is an investment for the afterlife, and every little bit helps. But even if you don't believe in such things, think of how you would want the world to be for your children and grandchildren. If there was an important lesson I learned in my life, it is the fact that law of attraction does exist. When I do good and feel good, good things tend to come my way sooner rather than later. Different beliefs and languages just have different names for it.

Giving to your parents: Social obligation where I'm from, AND a form of charity. Double yay!

Fulfill your obligations.

The rewards will come your way soon enough!

Slip Gaji/Payslip

Here you go. This is how your payslip would look like without any increments yet, including the amount deducted for KWSP.

That is not a small amount.

The Elaun Sara Hidup, if I'm not mistaken, can be more or less depending on where you work. Actually, just bear in mind this may vary depending on where you work.


Work hard.
And budget your spending wisely!

Tipster

In the midst of the financial kerfuffle going around, I know most people feel pinched for cash. Many started doing second and even third jobs to have more cash to support themselves. Almost each cent is lovingly counted and considered before being parted with. Or something like that.

GST and service charges in eateries are not necessarily mutually inclusive, and have now become a major deciding factor in many middle- to low-income families when deciding upon a makan place. Most places charge a 10% service charge on the total bill, and for larger groups this is rather the hefty sum.

So, the question goes: Do you tip?
Because generally, I do.

This is not a bragging post but merely my take on this issue in particular.


Most Malaysians are loathe to tip- that is a well-known fact. We are used to service charges. I do not know if service charges were the result of Malaysians' tendency to not tip, or the reason we do not. In any case, cause or effect, this is the widest reason most people don't tip: "Service charge got already meh."

Alright, understandable.
Though in all honesty, if the service is very good, it doesn't hurt to show your appreciation by throwing down a few ringgit, right?

But what about places that do not have service charge?

I really like this concept because ultimately you are not required to pay extra, but when you do pay something amounting to a normal service charge you feel even more fulfilled- and usually your gesture will be greatly appreciated by the staff.

Most people argue that it's wasteful, especially now that penny-pinching is really required. I think of it as a form of sedekah, and that makes it all the more easier for me. I am not wealthy, but I find that making tips part of the cost for my meals before I even place my order to be highly economical. If you look at the prices of the meals before the charges, you are bound to feel dissatisfied when the bill comes and the extra charges are added to the cost of your meal. However, if you look at the prices and immediately factor in the amount you have to add on to them, you will have mentally prepared yourself to feel more at peace with what you are paying later; and this can apply for tipping too. Several restaurants- like Sushi King- have convenient menus, where they display the prices of the meals and even include the amount of each item after the extra charges are added to your bill later.

As a general rule, more because of awkwardness, I do not tip if you have to pay at the counter and there is no tip box. I do not have it in me to pay the cashier and go 'Oh, here's a few ringgit for tips.' If they have a tip box, and I like the service, I would shove in some tips into the box very hastily. Usually, when they bring me the cheque, I will pay, wait for the balance and leave some, all, or add-on to the balance- depending on the amount. Like I said, I am not wealthy.

I usually will leave about the amount of 10% of the bill or more if there is no service charge. In a certain chain that I really like with very efficient service, I tend to give them 20% each meal, maybe more. If the service is deplorable I might consider not tipping. Coincidentally, the places I go to without a service charge give very good service, perhaps because they rely on tips. Even then, several Arab restaurants I have frequented do not have service charges, and jovially but vehemently refuse tips!

If there is a service charge, I will leave my balance- at least RM 1 for very normal to sub-par service. Sometimes if the restaurant workers are downright rude I will of course refuse to leave them anything. Other times I don't have small change- I will try to pay so that there will be some balance if the service is decent. If it really can't be helped, then it's just not my day for tipping.

So I'm not a particularly huge tipper. I do not have a special part of my coin purse/wallet where I keep smaller denominations of my currency specifically to tip, but I make it a point to try to do so, even when I'm eating with other people. It gets hard when someone else is using their card to pay for your meal, though. How do you insist on tipping that way? But when no cards are involved it's easy to just leave some balance with the cheque. Even when no one else wants to tip, there is some from me.

Now as I said, this is my take. Some may say that rather than tipping, you could better use the balance money to put into donation boxes, or to be collected into your savings jar. That is entirely up to you. But to me, having known people who have worked in the service industry such as these, the gesture- no matter how small- goes a long way. And if you frequent the place, it might mean an even better service and warmer smiles for you! Now isn't that wonderful for everyone involved? :)

Being frugal is necessary, but giving really goes a long way!