You give money to a young undergrad and she’s going to be wide eyed and greedy about how to use the money.
I’ve recently received some cheques and let’s just say I’m thinking of finally getting an iPod nano for myself. Should I or should I not?
It’s money that I know that will sit in my bank and then eventually be used on clothes and food. So miscellaneous. Every time I buy something solid with my own money like my hand phone(well, technically) and my camera, there’s this sense of achievement and happiness that is so hard to describe, but I really love the feeling. And I still love my toys to this day! I’m just worried that I will chuck my ‘items of great desire’ aside after playing with it for a month of two.
Do I really need an ipod? I’ve recently rekindled my love for music(it comes and goes) and crave for the sweet tunes whenever I’m bored(read:away from the computer). Is it worth it? Some friends have noted before, “Jo, you’re the type who doesn’t really listen to music right?” I guess I’m not but I do enjoy the stuff on mainstream. Ipods don’t come with FM radio right? Bummer. I love the screen though. I know I am probably one of the last to hop on the bandwagon. It seems like such a staple now, something so essential.
Or how about a new camera? It’s cheaper than a thousand bucks these days and my zoom button is threatening to snap(it’s like a flicking kind of button) and the scroll to change the modes is SO loose that it just swings around if I don’t insert a piece of paper to hold it there. By the way, it irks me that whoever who touches my camera tend to pick at the paper and I would have to go and cut another strip from an A4 paper and insert it in. ;\ And I’m not sure if my OIS(Optical Image Stabilizer) function is still good and I don’t know if my camera has been overexposed to the sun because sometimes the pictures comes out too hazy-bright.
If I saved all the money I’ve ever made(not counting allowances ya, that’s for me to stay alive), even though it’s not much but it comes up to an amount which is slightly better than a fresh grad’s monthly salary, it’s nice to have a fair amount of money in the bank, knowing that you made it yourself. Then comes the ability to spend it on whatever you want.
There are no bills for me to pay yet, there are no responsibilities for me to tend to. The money is like shouting at me, “hey buy something nice and make yourself happy for a loooooong time to come.”
Obviously I’m not so daft because I do know that there’s this thing people do called “saving for a rainy day”. My father will have SO much more material to nag me about when he reads this post. But oh well, *shrugs*.
I might consider that. I might..hm, this is a big moment here, I might just open another bank account to put all the money that I earn into it. Somewhere where I don’t have an ATM card to.
But I want an iPod.
But I should practice good money habits.
Hm. Music or an attitude towards a better future?
Which is why I need this money to be away from me. As I’ll definitely definitely be tempted to withdraw it from an ATM to buy something that I will wear once or twice before I get fatter again.
I admit that I’m not exactly very money-wise. Am I right to believe that I’m allowed to be a little more frivolous with (the slight)money I earn now that I have no EPF or taxes to bother with and definitely no retirement plan to work towards as I’m not working yet? A way to be happy in my final years of uni life before I throw myself completely into the cruel realms of the working world?
Let me do something irresponsible, something I will love with this money that I have made from my pen.
I know lah, as the saying goes, sikit sikit jadi bukit. Or is it lama-lama? Oh patience is such a pain.
I don’t know if I’m making any sense but my rationale is that it would be better to buy something big, solid and long lasting than spending it on many mini senseless things that I won’t treasure or tote around for many many years.
HAIH.
I’ve heard of bonds and stuff and those financial yadayada and my best friend and my boyfriend have got something like that too. Something to see them into their old age. But is this a monthly installment thing or do you pay it just once and let it grow and grow? (then at least I’ll have some money to buy porridge in my old age. :)) I know my dad said that I’ll need to pay for my own insurance once I start working. Fair enough. But are insurances and other financial bonds -whatever terms they use, forgive me- the same thing?
I don’t know why I’m making so much fuss over an amount that is barely even a thousand. But you know, it’s still money.
Save it? Maybe.
Okaylah, problem solved. I’ll save it until I see something that I will die for. No iPod for me. Maybe a trip when some friends suggest a place to go to?(Bangkok anyone!?)
See? Blogging IS good therapy. It helps me make decisions.
While I’m at it, I should even open a separate bank account so that I won’t touch this money unnecessarily.
Or does anybody want to go all evangelistic about the iPod? I’d appreciate some advice!
It’s a good thing you decided against buying the iPod. I was once like you, lusting over the iPod day and night, especially in the first few months after it was released. I was very close to buying one. But it didn’t happen and trust me, you don’t need one. It’s the hype that’s throwing you at it. iPods are evil. Hehe.
ON your camera, try cleaning the lens with a clean cloth (pref. like those you use to clean glasses… those micro-fiber cloth). Sometimes dirty/fog on the lens will cause the pics to turn out hazily bright.
jo: hahaha..yeah it’s the damn hype. but it’s too sexy to resist;(
you sure it’s dust? sunlight won’t damage it?
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I *heart* my iPod!
Apart from being a portable music player, I can download podcasts(video/audio). I use these to learn Japanese and Latin(the suffixes are killng me already!). And you can get BBC 10 o’clock news if you’re connected to the web everyday 🙂 Comedy Central also does video podcasting, but I don’t really like it. And loading all these into my iPod allows me to listen to them wherever I go, and it’s particularly useful for long trips…
And I have music videos and photos on my iPod. Looking at them once in a while is fun, especially with friends.
Loading all those is a cinch, just “sync” them and I’m done!
I do have radio on my iPod, by buying an accessory to plug into my iPod. I don’t use it that much though.
There are some drawbacks though, my last iPod had a battery that became faultly. The replacement is expensive, and quite impossible to find. So I got a new one, at RM1055(i think…I forgot the price). It’ll be a nightmare when the battery starts to die…
And charging them with the computer takes a long time. I got a travel charger that comes free so that I can just plug it intoa power supply.
These are just my experience in using an iPod, never got a nano before…
jo: lol…ah, i think i can live without the videos:D .. wow is it that expensive for the batteries? die la like that. T_T..
hm..thanks for the information…. can help me consider abit..
Hmm …
If you are not “disciplined” in keeping money (but you know you should) I would suggest you do what I do:
Put it in Fixed Deposit on an auto-renewal basis. You will have to go physically to the bank (most rather) to uplift it if you want it. You may be too lazy to do so (like me).
Or … be “wise” and invest in stocks, properties etc… “forced savings” but of a higher risk …
Mmmm I still think put in FD wil be best for a student …
I had a FD that I totally forgot I had (placed when I was in my late teens) and next thing i knew … it has doubled ….. (ok this takes a veryyyyyyyyy long time)
jo: wah..fixed deposit is taking it a little too far….:) but it makes sense too… coz i *might* need the money. just not on an ipod.. you know?
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I remember posting something about “Gadget Procurement Tip” sometime 2 years back…and I still live by it:
http://www.meshio.com/index.php/2005/09/new-gadget-procurement-tips/
Guess what, I still DON’T have a 3G-enabled device…
Also, it’s important to trust your own gut feel. The fact that you are actually thinking twice before you buy that delicious looking i-Pod is a sign. Had you been impulsive and emotional about it, you would have exchanged those cheques with the i-Pod. Maybe you’ve been really thinking of something much more longer term in the future, rather than something that can satisfy an immediate gratification.
And don’t feel bad if you end up buying the i-Pod, there’s always 2 sides to a coin. Or practice diversification, buy something similar that’s half-price of the i-Pod and invest the other 50% into something else.
Just my 2 sen. (you can keep the receipt)
jo: hahaha that’s pretty handy:) thanks. yeah actually i’m thinking of a new camera. hahahaha. ;P … i’ll think about it. thanks.
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compromise – u reli just want music right? So go for a cheapar alternative. Any MP3 player nowadays have FM function and is a lot cheaper than Ipod lo.. But obviously not as nice lo.. But u get what u want and save at the same time.. it’s a even better feeling.. (in my opinion anyway – feels like I earned something.. lol)
jo: 😛 then i might as well continue with my handphone only..!
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hmm.. okay.. look, honestly? I was contemplating like you whether to get an iPod or not.. As you’ve mentioned, you’re an on off music lover right? I’m a bit like that as well. So, instead.. I got a multi-functional phone.
NO doubt, it ain’t as flash as an iPod, it probably doesn’t sound as good.. nor keep as many music files…
but heck, it serves its function. I am able to store x amount of music on it, I have FM radio ^.^ and well, it’s a phone.. and i’m not exactly wasting money cuz i er.. don’t use it.. lol.
sooo.. if you’re an on-off music lover.. might as well get something multi-functional..
That’s my thought on the iPod..
however, I do think it’s wise that you saved that money! hehehe. START THAT NEW BANK ACCOUNT!!! and like your other reader has suggested.. an FD if you’re thinking long term.. get higher returns.. lol.”
jo: sounds like my phone. ^_^ just that my phone doesn’t have FM.i’ll think about it.. really…haih:D
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I grew to love my iPod (1st generation shuffle); I won mine in the States. Thought about selling it at first, but kept it in the end. It’s great for loners like myself when you’re on public transport or whatever.
But hey, it’s your money.
investing’s a good idea too.
jo: woww..that’s very fortunate….:D yeah.. but i’m not on public transport often..maybe like..those long rides to and fro from kedah..;\
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go creative!!!!!
because i use one. and i love it to bits! got fm radio ok, dont play play. voice recorder somore in case you’re not in the mood to listen to lectures and stuff. haha. and wwwwwaaaaayyyyyy cheaper than ipod.
but of course, it doesnt look as swanky as an ipod la… though the new creative ones coming out dont look too bad. or hey, what about a sony? i’ve a f ew friends who use em and they’ve abt the same functions (or maybe more) as an ipod.
err.. but gosh.. ipod looks so.. yummy 😛
anyhoo, since you’ve decided not to buy an ipod, good on you! i wanted to buy something with my pay from my miserable job i had, but so far, resisted and its quite a nice feeling to know that all that money in the bank is yours, and yours alone. hooray for savings!!! hee..
jo: hahaha yeah! i did think of that, abit regret coz i bought a recorder that i hardly use now…and it’s only function is to record and it cost RM600!! =( …
yeah..i’ll think about it…:) Sony? my dad has. dowan. too small. want something different.
🙂 we’ll seeeeee..
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i dont know what ipod is all the fuss about. my dad practically forced me to buy one and now i do, i hardly use it. -_- i can hear alot of ppl screaming at me. haha!
but i think the bangkok trip is better. I would love to go bangkok too. Well that’s my opinion, i love traveling more than having to get an ipod.
But if u really want one, i think my dad can get it cheaper when hes off to taiwan or something. oh wait, maybe its cheaper in singapore too. 😀
jo: haha yeah, i’m one of those screaming at you. -_-… yeah, singapore…if anything:)
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Well, I am planning to invest in Public Mutual Fund that my bank is affliliated to. I’m using Standard Chartered. Just bank aggresively.
The iPod’s pretty good, I hated it because of its cult status, but now I find it pretty useful. That aside, I don’t use it much this semester because I don’t have any breaks.
jo: bank aggressively eh? …Â mmmm..i’ll think about it.
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save the iPod… hear my sing instead!!!
jo: Dau waaan
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i stole my sis’s ipod nano off her and i love the fact that its so light weight and i can use it when i travel to work and all. handy thing.
but the creative mp3s have better sound quality…altho bulkier. depends on which you savour more i guess. i have the best speakers for my music already so i’m not complaining.
jo: lol creative vs. ipod.;P i love the menu of ipod.Â
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Dear, I was told by my brother that my mp3 player (Sony) has better sound quality than the iPod. He uses the iPOd video. Sure, it’s the in thing and all. But I say better sound quality over the in item.
Of course, there’s the bad part, where scrolling and searching for an artist isn’t as easy as the iPod. And it’s dificult to find toys for it because it’s a Sony and doesn’t have the majority market the way the iPod does.
You’d want one to consider a noise cancellation function. Because you realize that you’d rather save your ears than blast the music. And if you were to bus to Spore, it REALLY helps. On top of that, studying in a noisy environment, it helps block out a lot of the sound. And if you were to buy a noise cancellation earphones separately, it’s incredibly expensive. My bro’s gf just got new earphones because she needed one that cancels noise. It’s good to have one that comes with the option.
The battery life is also something you might want to think about. How it transfers files. Sony is a bit ma fan but I got used to it. Furthermore, the newer versions are more user friendly.
Creative is very cute too. They are selling at 200-300+ in Singapore. The new Zen one is so extremely cute I want one simply because. The 30gb one was about 400+ here. And that new model which is uber tiny but plays videos, records stuff (say your lectures), and i think comes in 1,2 and 4gb is about 200-300 something. And that was in Tangs mall. So I suppose you can get one cheaper at a different place.
I don’t know how their sound quality compares to Sony la. But if you really want an mp3 player, do your research before you buy one. I read a ton of reviews even though I was already sold on the one I intended to buy.
jo: yeah, my brother bought sony ear phones for his ipod. saying that he prefers it or something…. ..noise cancellation function? what’st that? i’ll look into that.:D
not going to get a sony la since i already have the handphone;)
30gb 400?! as in ringgit or singapore? ..
actually you know i kind of regret not buying that necklace with you. since i had quite alot of sing bucks left over and gave them all back to my mum;(
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Upon reading your entire post, bonds and insurance are entirely separate. Bonds is like, very simply put, you’re lending money to a company for a span of time and then they pay you back (with interest). Insurance is insurance. Life insurance, house insurance. That sort of thing. Like if when people travel overseas, they insure their luggage in case something happens to their luggage, they get a compensation for each day they were “traumatized” and the extra expenses.
Fixed deposits are good. It sits there for like a long time before it matures. And by then you’ll be more than a couple of years older. In Malaysia the interest isn’t much but if you don’t have any other savings, it might be a good idea to start. You shouldn’t take the rainy day too lightly.
Compromise is a good idea, or work for it (toys). Maybe it’s easier for me coz I’m in KL, but I worked for a number of my “luxury” items. My camera, my mp3 player, and my Oaks. Big cash doesn’t come often. So spend incredibly wisely on this.
jo: wah bonds seem quite risky then;\ ….mmmmmm…. mmm.. bonds. quite interested in it. .. thanks for the advice:)
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Hi.
Well, I’m assuming you have enough money between the Rm1000 to Rm2000 range, considering that you want to buy an IPOD NANO.
If you foresee yourself doing the following things :
1) commuting a lot on public transport
2) jogging, walking
3) driving a lot (buy accessory to play IPOD in your car)
Then you should consider getting an IPOD or something similiar because you will actually use it. If you don’t do any of those then don’t get one because you wont use your IPOD, except during the exam period when everybody in the library uses one.
Interest rates on your savings account in Malaysia are crap. Don’t save. Public bank Funds like a user mentioned earlier are good, but do your research before hand. Its all about risks and returns.
Risks : stock market crash (just recently)
Returns : depending on the risk. Anything less than 8% per year is a waste of time for Rm1000 (arbitrary, in my opinion only)
oh btw, i won a brand new IPOD SHuffle 2 nights ago in a raffle. cheers!
jo: er not that much la.
and i don’t do all those activities alot:) … but it’s tempting.. it really is.
hahaha damn i’m getting financial advice from my blog. gotta love doing these things..ahhaha:D but thanks for the advice ya. really appreciate it.
and damnnnn.. congratulations.
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