When was the last time we did our personal budgeting? And if you have pretty recently, its easy to notice that one of the big chunks which we have to deduct from our monthly income goes to the monthly car loan. As a fresh graduate who have started a career and earning that very first paycheck, I've conducted a thorough analysis on this matter.
We all know that in our country, the average household has at least two cars or more. That said, there are those who are paying for more than one cars a month, considering that he/she is earning from a high-paying job, and those who only financed for one car, the ones that he/she primarily uses for work or leisure. In my case, I'm categorized in the latter.
Having realized that I have to pay close to half of my monthly income for my car loan, I thought to myself what it's like to live without having to pay for my car, and break myself away from monthly deductions on my income statement. But considering the lack of proper and efficient public transportation services here (we only have purple buses and motorboats), I don't think anyone here could live without at least one vehicle to get to work, to send and pick up the kids, shopping for groceries or visit distant relatives in another district.
But after several research I've made on the internet on alternative commuting, I've discovered interesting insights on bicycles! Wouldn't it be great if we all commute with bicycles? Think of all the money you save annually from the costs of cars (including the payments, insurance, gas, maintenance, tickets & fines, parking, car washes, supplies, and after-market parts & upgrades). Would you like to not have to spend that money?
Cycling to work. A cheaper, 'greener' trend? Why not.
I know this sounds crazy, and I'm sure gonna get a backlash on this, but think about the benefits of cycling in the long run:
- For most town commutes, a bicycle is quickest door-to-door.
- Cycling gives you the energy and enthusiasm for your work and study.
- Cycling boosts your brain power, makes you mentally sharper, re-focuses your mind and improves your concentration.
- Cycling is healthy because it protects you from heart disease, obesity and much more.
- Cycling helps to prevent weight-gain. You will build healthy, lean muscle, lose fat and pump up your metabolism.
- Cycling is inexpensive. All you need is a bicycle and some bits of equipment.
- Cycling does not pollute. The only fuel you will need is a healthy meal.
- At times it is possible to reach your destination faster with a bike rather than a car, during those traffic jam moments.
- So what if it takes a little longer to reach your destination? It's definitely faster and far less tiring then getting there by foot.
- Statistics have shown that the number of deaths from cycling are very low compared to the staggering figures of deaths of car drivers.
As I've mentioned above, living without a car can be pretty tough, especially in the Brunei, where public transportation is frequently lacking and I'm sure everyone don't like the idea of getting soaked from the rain. That said, it's certainly possible, as long as you're willing to change your lifestyle. After all, bicycles are dirt cheap, and there are no added cost to it (unless if you're thinking of pimpin' it). Best of all, you don't have to pay that monthly car loan anymore. Yay!
Interesting fact: Most millionaires leave well below their means. Maybe this could be a good start of a debt-free life. Of course, you still need to be more precautious when cycling on the road, because you don't wanna end up like this guy:
Happy cycling!
FORTY ONE participants from the Brunei-Muara District competed in the preliminary round of this year's Al-Quran reading competition organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. Held at the Youth Centre in the capital last week, the Musabaqah Tilawatil Al-Quran or the Al-Quran Reading Competition for Youths saw 15 qari and 26 qariah from different schools, colleges and institutes competing in the preliminary round. Ten qari and 11 qariah have competed on Friday's session and the remaining half of the participants competed yesterday.
