Category: Life in Japan

Emergencies, Life and Money, Life in Japan, Productivity, Risk, The Psychology of Money, Time vs. Money, Work-Life Balance

Coronavirus

Okay, I’m jumping on the bandwagon. It’s just inescapable. I’m inundated everyday on the news about the coronavirus and its spread all over Japan. Everyday, new cases are reported. The worrying thing is that it’s affecting even those who had no direct contact with people from China’s Wuhan province. There’s a lack of masks in Japan and all around the world. People are stocking up … Continue reading Coronavirus

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Careers, Life in Japan, Personal Development, Personal finance in Japan, Time vs. Money, Work, Work-Life Balance

Catching Up

It’s funny how work always gets in the way of the things I want to do. The last few weeks have been very busy for me. As an English teacher here in Japan, I had to prepare for our special Christmas lessons at school as well as other End-of-Year activities. I think every educator knows that preparation is key when you’re in the teaching field. … Continue reading Catching Up

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Cash Payments, Credit Cards, Debt, Financial Independence, Gratitude, Life and Money, Life in Japan, Money, money mistakes, Personal Development, Personal Finance, Personal finance in Japan, Spending Money, The Psychology of Money, Time vs. Money

Black Friday, Japan

Things that make you go, hmm… Last week was Thanksgiving in the US, but I live here in Japan and there was hardly any mention of the holiday except from fellow Americans. However, the big thing that was on people’s minds was Black Friday–which made me go, “Huh?” Black Friday is such an American thing: Lining up at Walmart, people getting trampled just so they … Continue reading Black Friday, Japan

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Budgeting, Cash Payments, Life and Money, Life in Japan, Money, Money Tools, Personal finance in Japan, Point Cards and Stamp Cards, Products, Saving Money, Spending Money, The Psychology of Money

Point Cards and Stamp Cards in Japan

I am at Fujiya, our local cake place, choosing which cake to eat for dessert tonight. I make my choice and take out the money for this purchase. The lady pauses for a moment before she rings up my order. She seemed to be waiting for something. And then, “Do you have your point card?” Oh! Whoops! With an embarrassed laugh, I whip it out … Continue reading Point Cards and Stamp Cards in Japan

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Careers, Financial Independence, Life and Money, Life in Japan, Personal Development, Personal finance in Japan, Retirement, The Psychology of Money, Work, Work-Life Balance

Hanging On

Hubby is going through a crisis right now. He’s thinking about quitting his job, mostly because there are things that he just can’t deal with at his workplace. Unfortunately, the bulk of the comforting and the encouragement falls onto me. Frankly, it’s a little draining sometimes. Though I’m usually very supportive, I’m a little tired of the conversation. We’ve had this discussion so many times. … Continue reading Hanging On

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Business Dealings in Japanese, Cash Payments, Life and Money, Life in Japan, Money, Personal finance in Japan, Spending Money, Taxes

Consumption Tax Hike Japan 2019

So it’s been more than a week since the consumption tax hike here in Japan. I haven’t experienced anything earth shattering since then. Considering all the media attention and the panic that ran rampant in the streets regarding this issue before October 1st, I find the second week really underwhelming. But let me back track a little. Essentially, the Japanese government, under Abe’s leadership, needs … Continue reading Consumption Tax Hike Japan 2019

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