:: its all about the money ::

Getting by with the weekly lunch meet-ups and for one who finds 'busy' a lame excuse to not catch up, I am definitely eating my words now.
So my man, I will do some payback after the exams. I promise.
Usually when you don't get to meet often, there's so much to talk about.
And considering the man is a rare breed (one who doesn't like to talk on the phone), I'd say meeting him is like a 'therapy' session - pouring out the whole week of happenings -vice versa.

I began to realize that once you have established love in a relationship, the next step forward is to discuss the most 'dreaded' and 'loved' (depending on how much you have) topic of all time - MONEY.
Financial planning - an issue couples have to face sooner or later.
Not so much about worrying if you have enough on a movie date or fine dining.
Rather here we are talking about thousand and thousand and thousand of dollars (note how many thousands I mentioned) ; one that pretty much involves the fate of your future.
Between planning a wedding and purchasing a house, my main concern (and area of interest) had always been towards the latter.
Anyway I know Dad will make a reliable wedding planner since he has more creative ideas (and creative also mean weird - which dad has a banquet-stall-like wedding in mind and who proposes a racial harmony theme on your big night?) and lots of contacts (means higher chance of getting discount).
Yes, I can be that cheapskate.

I guess my habit of frequenting the HDB and interior design websites really got to me.
The current housing price has doubled up since a decade ago.
Now a 4-room cost a minimum of 200k. And yes, it is that A LOT of money.
Its true, our CPF contribution should be sufficient to provide us a roof over our heads.
But a house has to come with a preferred and comfortable interior - which means more money pumped into designing a nice abode.
(I picture black and white. Dur)
And random checks with married friends say a renovation could cost up to a minimum of 15k.
That is A LOT of money too.

And now that Dad got us a car and I will be taking over the monthly installments next year, I have to accept the fact that I have to be responsible for my finances now.
Basic needs and saving for rainy days, something that don't bother me then, has now become one of my top priorities.
I'd stick to my favorite labels though (but with careful consideration).
Time really flies.
The man's graduating soon.
Another two semesters for me.
Since both of us intend to further our studies, there's other sacrifices we have to make.

Let's just say.
For now, the man and I are still enjoying our 'ten-dollar' pocket money.
Remember those days, when you only think of just buying food.
Now - there's the monthly mobile/internet/cable bills, insurances, road tax-es, parkings (and many more to come) to think about.

Love comes with a price.

Indeed.