insider:

Think kids cost me the most when they were in preschools before tertiary.


When both elder kids in preschools - fees at $500/month each. No need pocket money but drank milk, ate 三餐, bought toys, etc. Estimate about $300/child per month. Youngest son school fee is 'free' since he attended my own school and so maintaining him is about $300/month.

When all were in primary schools, pocket money was/is about average $30/month. Elder two kids walked to school and so no transport cost. Youngest fetched by dad so far and so transport cost is 'embeded'. Monthly 'maintenance' charges are also about $300/month/child, incl school fees.

When both elder kids in sec school, pocket money was about average $120 per month (incl their 'entertainment' expenses). Youngest son is likely to get $5/day when he hits sec schools. Transport bus / MRT to school / play about $30/month. Monthly maintenance is about $350/month, incl school fees and handphone charges.

When both elder kids in poly, pocket money was about $180 for daughter and $350 for son at their final year though both started off with about $150/month (incl their entertainment expenses. Different amount subsequently coz daughter almost everyday returned for dinner and son stayed out for dinner). School fees about $200/month. Transport about $50/month. Monthly maintenance about $350/month incl handphone charges. Both work/worked during their poly holidays to earn extra pocket money.

Now daughter in UK Uni, cost is about $5000/month, incl fees and everything.

Above exclude family holidays, outings, insurance, festival costs of more expensive meals and gifts, and their clothing (that they don't need many and so don't have many. I thrive well with the principle of 'Simplicity is Beauty'.). I 'saved' on bare minimum amount of tuition and enrichment, electronic gadgets and games, expensive toys, etc.

$5000 / month is no joke. Is it better for parents to sponsor kid's university or better for them to seek their own venture?

For me, I did not have the luxury of sponsored education from my parents.

Though having kids is a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience. Having kids means:


- Financially trapped.
- Emotionally trapped.
- Time trapped.

Worry for these!

How do you overcome it?

Hi guys!


Do you remember in your younger primary school days when you have to freeze when the recess bell goes off? Freeze for 5 seconds before assemble back at the concourse?

Its funny when we are thinking back now.

Haha. We are definitely not prepared for it but the government is trying to adapt to that standard by improving our amenities and infrastructure!

Please don’t go to Hotels.com


I book through them for my bali trip. I paid for 4 person / 1 room to realise that they only helped me book 2 pax / 1 room.

Fortunately, its Marriott and the staff was really understanding about my situation and decided to upgrade our room. Otherwise, I would have paid more than what I am suppose to.

Anyone got good bargain from the SITEX 2013?


Personally, I didn’t attend because I find that the price is almost similar the normal price. If there is discount, the price can be found at some promotion in heartland mall…

Agree? Share your experience. Let us learn for next year!