Dear readers, Chinese New Year is coming in less than a month’s time and for individuals eligible to give Hong Baos, it is the time once again of the year to give Hong Baos. Similarly, for individuals eligible to receive Hong Baos, it is the time once again to receive Hong Baos. I am sorry if Hong Bao giving or receiving becomes the first thing that comes to my mind when talking about Chinese New Year. This is genuinely because, I have really become older over the years and no longer think about the candies and sweets one eats during Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year next year will coincide with the increase of GST from 7% to 8% and everyone should feel some effect of the GST increase on their wallets. So, I am not sure whether Hong Bao givers next year will factor in a smaller Hong Bao dollar size next year due to the need to save more or instead give a bigger Hong Bao dollar size next year to the recipient to offset the effect of higher GST. I think it is everyone’s choice and I really believe the kind thought behind every Hong Bao is more important than the Hong Bao quantum itself. Really, retaining the quantum of the Hong Bao on the backdrop of higher GST, is to me, already an applaudable act.
Sorry, if I have digressed a bit, the main topic of today’s post is on how to save monies for Chinese New Year. And what better way is to buy some vouchers at a discount now for products and items that will be bought during Chinese New Year period.
This is precisely, why I have bought vouchers at a discount from famous Bak Kwa and cake shops , that I will normally patronise during Chinese New Year, in advance before Chinese New Year next year. These vouchers will not just come in handy but will be happy spent by me, knowing that they help me with saving on the back of rising cost of daily living.