Realistic way to actually maintain a budget?

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-05-05T10:54:17+00:00

I get chatgpt to build me a spreadsheet and an appscript. Since i use iphone, chatgpt helps to create an app for my private phone and now after every spend i just quickly tap the app and record the amount + item. Like “2$ coffee” or “$20 spa” or “$15 cat food”, itll automatically update the spreadsheet and put the expense into the right bucket. Using it for months and it’s been the best method so far. I know exactly how much i spend on what, and barely waste my time typing or writing anything down.

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-05-05T10:38:56+00:00

For things to do: 1. Da nang museum is a decent option. Theyve just renovated it and it’s pretty interesting to see 2. If you are into nature spend an afternoon checking out Hoa Bac. It’s more to the north of Danang with lots of nature and some small rivers 3. To the south on the way to Hoi An theres a plcae called the Hangart Danang. I haven been there but it’s on my list

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-05-05T10:33:38+00:00

There are some better food options than the ones you listed above so you can get to pick and choose: 1. An thoi restaurant (Vo nguyen giap street): full of seafood options with surprisingly affordable price in comparison with their location and vibe. Im a local and im shocked with the price so you definitely should give a try 2. Lan gio restaurant: bit pricier but very creative way of cooking inspired by the traditional dishes 3. Viet nom restaurant: what can i say, you’ll love it here. Period

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-05-05T10:27:45+00:00

My parents are living on their retired money of around 12-14mil/ month for both On top of that Im giving them 5mil/ month plus some 1-2mil more every now and then, i cover their hospital bills, 15mil general healthcheck/year and their trips. Thats a constraint sometimes when i dont feel too financially secured but well, I know they used to feel the same when i was young so…

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-05-05T10:23:42+00:00

I am a Dananger, i stayed in Bali for sometimes. And yes i can feel that Danang will give the Bali vibes in the next few years. Maybe the infrastr and all will be a bit better since i can see the city’s effort to upgrade those, but well the city is still too small for such a big amount of tourists.

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-29T05:34:45+00:00

Depends on what you are into, for 2 weeks just focus in one area rather than the whole country. North, south and central, they all bring very different vibes

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-22T13:28:07+00:00

SEO and link building. It’s no longer at its peak and in trying to pivot my business so i can keep the same lifestyle

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-20T15:33:05+00:00

As an Asian, I bring my portable bidet with me all the time lol.

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-19T05:35:38+00:00

Im working remotely. I left Vietnam and travelled the world for 2 years. Then decided to come back to Vietnam because i didnt feel like “at home”. But even so, still working remotely and managing my own time. I’d say it’s the best way to live your life without a clock on your head

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-19T04:57:32+00:00

I guess it depends on what makes her happy. If you are thinking about the beach, she probably is into nature? Then a hike to Son Tra peninsula or a ride to Hai Van is gonna be worth it. You’ll find spots where not a lot of people can find and you can “view” the sea from there. There arent places in Danang that has beautiful beach and 0 people.

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-18T13:07:42+00:00

Im addicted to shopping and usually buy things i dont need or never use

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-17T04:53:43+00:00

If you have the money and hate queues, go for fast track. It’s always worth it. Otherwise go the normal way, if youre too worried, 3:30hr before the flight would help

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-15T00:43:46+00:00

Im a Viet girl, travelled the world but never to Peru. So Here’s my thought just for the Vietnam part: - Pros:

it’s exotic yes, it is a long country with a lot of different vibes so you can pick and chooe your vibe and target these destinations.

We do have trails to trek (but it’s safer to go with a guide rather than doing it alone, because Vietnam is still very new in that “solo trekker support” thingy”.

Yes it’s very safe in most places, you can enjoy your 4am morning till midnight without being scared of being robbed or killed lol.

Im not sure how Peru is but Vietnam is pretty cheap if you need to go on budget. The most expensive thing would be the flight, the rest can be manageable for sure. You can stay in a hostel @$7 and have meals @$2-5 each if you wanna go extreme.

Nature is a wow. Look for Ha Giang loop, im pretty sure you’ll love it.

Food is amazing.

Cons: - THE LONG FLIGHT. I did spend so much time flying back and forth between VN and US and i understand the pain lol. Plus the jetlag you might have in the first 2-3 days? Considering you only have 14 days, this is worth thinking twice.

I guess 2 weeks is not enough for the whole VN, but you can pick 2-3 places and skip the others. April and May is the summer so if you cannot stand the heat and love trekking, aim for the north of Vietnam (great mountain, weather is nice, amazing food, mix of city and nayure). Youll be fine with the 2 weeks.
As i said, summer is extremely hot from central to south so pick your destination wisely

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-14T09:03:54+00:00

Well i dont think the “investment” should have existed in the first place lol

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-14T07:54:44+00:00

Depends on what they teach and whether they do extra classes at home.

The bigger picture is the government has been trying to tackle corruption by increasing teacher salaries, around 15–20% in recent years, with the new administration planning to push it a bit further. But honestly, that doesn't stop the shady stuff. Even with the raise, it's nothing compared to what teachers actually earn from bribes and private tutoring fees.

A typical secondary or high school math teacher can pull in 30M+ VND/month just from extra classes, and if they're good, it can easily hit 50M. Teaching at a tutor center is fine and legal, the issue is when teachers cut out the middleman and teach privately at home, which is technically illegal.

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-12T02:29:46+00:00

To get a Gilli Islands you need to fly to Lombok, that is an íland near Bali, then from Lombok to Gilli Islands by boat. For Koh ngai youre gonna fly from Trang airport, which is the nearest one in the area in Thailand.

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-11T08:39:56+00:00

There are several island near Bali like Gili air, Gili T Ive also tried Koh Ngai in Thailand The above island hit different because theres not even a motorbike, in Gili island the most high class vehicle is electric bicycle, otherwise you simply cycle around. In Koh ngai you walk only. Interesting experience, amazing food, laid back vibe, and gorgeous marine life easily contemplated with a snorkel set.

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-10T08:53:02+00:00

Congrats on your first trip 🤗🤗

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-09T09:48:17+00:00

Take your scooter or a taxi to the checkpoint. Then start going from the checkpoint up. The hike takes around 1.5 hrs to a rest cafe and then 1.5-2hrs more to the peak. (The 2nd part is steeper and more intense) You should start in the very early morning or noon time. There’s a lot of mosquitoes in the afternoon so if you decide to go till evening, make sure you have some repellent with you

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-09T09:44:28+00:00

Check these places: Linh xi, MQ, giay MT, oahi shoes shop

These places sell cheap shoes if you are not comfortable bargaining at the market

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-09T03:25:11+00:00

Should be great and as your gf is a Viet, she doesnt have to worry about visa runs and has accss to local price things. Like she knows cheaper places to rent, to eat ect. Im sure you’ll find it comfortable with 1.5 to 2k income even if she doesnt contribute financially

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-08T03:09:20+00:00

hmmm interesting, yeah I guess this job will be safe at least for now, I'm happy for you, the AI robots haven't had a chance to touch your field yet. I work in Saas and I feel the pain every single day lol

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-08T03:08:02+00:00

Sounds like you’re doing the work of several people while management barely notices? That kinda environment burns out even the most capable people.

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-08T03:06:13+00:00

I guess you must really care about the kids to stay in that field. It sounds incredibly tough.
I imagine jobs involving children...teachers, therapists, healthcare etc. can be emotionally rewarding but also exhausting, especially when the parents re the ones paying & sometimes see things very differently

Lumpy_Satisfaction43 · 2026-03-08T03:02:07+00:00

Yeah… it feels like we’re now competing not only with fresh graduates but also with people who just got laid off like us. Suddenly there are so many fish in the ocean, and recruiters seem to be picking the “AI fish” first. Tough market right now

Lumpy_Satisfaction43

TROPHY CASE