Overview

In a candid social media post, a Singaporean woman, earning S$3,600 a month, opened up about her increasing exhaustion from financially supporting her family back home.

Background

Since moving to Singapore seven years ago for her studies, this woman has been self-sufficient, having received a government sponsorship for her education. After securing a job in the healthcare sector four years ago, she began sending money back home to support her family, which includes two brothers still in college and a financially unstable father.

Family Financial Dynamics

Adding to her stress is her older sister, also working in Singapore but with a commission-based, unpredictable income. The sister's irresponsible management of finances has led her to borrow money from the woman frequently, further intensifying her feelings of being financially drained.

Emotional Toll

Expressing her frustrations, she shared, "At first, I was happy to help, but lately, I feel burnt out. My older sister won’t even assist in supporting the family, and I don't want to be their 'banker'." She revealed that despite her careful lifestyle and savings habit, the burden of financial support is starting to wear her down.

Comparative Anxiety

Her financial worries are compounded by what she perceives as a disparity between her earnings and those of her peers. She often finds herself comparing her situation to others online who boast about their lucrative salaries, feeling inadequate and anxious about her own financial trajectory.

Community Support

In response to her plight, many from the Reddit community engaged with her post, encouraging her to take a step back and reassess her priorities. They reminded her that happiness doesn't stem from comparisons of salaries or assets, but rather from contentment with her own achievements.

Advice from Users

One user noted, "Those who claim to earn $10K a month represent a fraction of their age group. Don't let that humblebrag make you feel less than worthy." Others advised her to consider reducing the financial support she offers her family, emphasizing that it's crucial for her to protect her own financial health.

Budgeting Recommendations

Budgeting experts suggest that before sending more money to family, she should calculate her own monthly expenses carefully. This should include both fixed and variable costs so she can understand what she can realistically afford without compromising her financial stability.

Conclusion

By creating a comprehensive monthly budget, she can make informed decisions about what support she can provide, potentially alleviating some of her financial guilt and emotional burden. The struggles of this woman echo a common dilemma faced by many expatriates: the balance between familial obligations and personal financial well-being in an increasingly costly living environment like Singapore.