You work hard every single day — under the hot sun in the UAE, in a noisy kitchen in Malaysia, in a cold factory in Japan, or in an office far from home.
Your salary arrives, you promise yourself — “This month I’ll save some money.”
But before the month ends, your balance is almost zero again.
Why does this keep happening?
Because most of us never learned the difference between Need and Want — the most important rule of smart money management.
भाडा, खाना, रेमिट्यान्स — यी हाम्रो जीवनका आवश्यकता हुन्।
तर बारम्बार नयाँ मोबाइल, बाहिर dinner, वा unnecessary खर्च — यी चाहना हुन् जसले भविष्यको बचत खान्छ।
यदि हरेक महिनाको सुरुवातमा ‘पहिले Need → अनि Save → अनि मात्र Want’ भन्ने formula अपनायौं भने,
पसिनाको पैसा पनि भविष्यको सुरक्षामा परिणत हुन्छ।
💡 What Exactly Are “Needs” and “Wants”?
Needs are the essentials — the things you truly must spend money on to live, work, and survive abroad.
Wants are the extras — the things that make life enjoyable but are not truly necessary.
| Needs (Essential) | Wants (Optional) |
|---|---|
| Room rent | New smartphone |
| Groceries & basic food | Eating out frequently |
| Transportation (bus/metro) | Taking taxis often |
| Sending money home | Expensive perfume or gadgets |
| Medical & visa expenses | Netflix, shopping, weekend parties |
👉 Simple Rule:
If you can’t live without it — it’s a Need.
If you just want it to feel good — it’s a Want.
Why So Many Nepalese Abroad Struggle to Save
1️⃣ Emotional Spending – After a long, tiring week, your friends say, “Let’s go to a Nepali restaurant tonight!” You agree — and your savings quietly disappear.
2️⃣ Comparison Trap – Your roommate bought a new phone, so you feel you need one too.
3️⃣ No Clear Plan – Salary comes, but there’s no fixed budget.
4️⃣ No Auto-Savings System – You pay others first, not yourself.
It’s not about how much you earn — it’s about how wisely you manage it.
The 3-Step Formula: Need → Save → Want
Step 1: Cover Your Needs First
List down your must-pay items: rent, food, transport, remittance, and visa expenses.
Handle them immediately after payday — no delay.
Step 2: Automate Your Savings
Transfer at least 20% of your salary to a savings account automatically (via Al Ansari, Lulu Exchange, or your bank app).
You won’t miss the money — but you’ll be surprised how fast it grows.
Step 3: Enjoy Your Wants — Wisely
Use what’s left for small joys — a nice meal, movie, or short trip — but within a set budget.
Enjoy your life abroad, but don’t let Wants take over your Needs.
Golden Formula: Needs → Savings → Wants
Save first, spend later.
A Message for Every Nepali Working Abroad
Whether you’re in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Korea, or the US — the numbers may change, but the principle stays the same:
The person who saves controls their future.
We all work hard under pressure, away from our families.
But real peace of mind comes only when your hard-earned money builds something — not just disappears every month.
Smart Habits for Smart Nepalis
✅ 24-Hour Rule: Before buying anything non-essential, wait 24 hours. Most of the time, you’ll realize you don’t actually need it.
✅ Swap & Save: Use metro instead of taxis. Cook twice a week instead of ordering daily.
✅ Track Your Money: Use a budget app or even a simple notebook.
✅ Limit Credit Cards: Remember — reward points can’t replace financial freedom.
Your salary may be limited, but your choices decide your wealth.
Final Thought
Every dirham, yen, or dollar you earn abroad carries sweat, sacrifice, and dreams.
Don’t let unnecessary Wants steal your future.
Take 5 minutes tonight.
Write down two columns: Needs | Wants.
Start with awareness — and in 30 days, your life will start to feel lighter, freer, and more in control.