How to save up on money? MAJOR EDIT
Well, I recently visited my local anime store (which is EXTREMELY expensive in a way). I saw these beautiful golden framed posters of many anime and I really want some. Except....
Except each one costes $30 T_T I have $26 as a monthly allowance and it's definitely not enough to buy anime merchandise (which is why I always go on a shopping spree whenever there is an anime convention here as an excuse that it's an EVENT and these are SOUVENIRS).
The worst is that GSC scale figures cost $106 :< It really makes me angry that there is an anime figure store right beside my house that just opened up but I still can't buy anything D: There is even Death note figures (want Misa's figure haha) and they are $93 each. My father doesn't believe in my anime collecting and says it's a waste of money. My brother also agrees. They just can't understand that waking up in the morning to see your anime merchandise in your room makes you UNBELIEVABLY HAPPY (don't you agree?)
I really want these posters (maybe 3 of them? They're big enough to cover up some places in my room! Want my walls 100% anime! Haha)
And (sadly) I only have 2 scale figures, 3 figmas, 1 nendoroid, and 1 revoltech figure, 2 nendoroid puchis, in my figures collection. Other than that I do have a lot of other anime merchandise :P
So, my main question is... How can I save up for money? I can't get a part time job at the moment because of lots of things (if you're wondering, I turned down the maid cafe offer. I just did not have the time to do that).
or... how can I convince my parents that anime merchandise collecting is something I REALLY love and want to continue to do?
Thank youu :)
EDIT:
we don't own a credit card and I'm 15 years old ^^ Haha, just some additional info :) Do you guys know how to CONVINCE your parents that buying anime merchandise is something I love and want to continue to do? :)
MAJOR IMPORTANT UPDATE
I seriously love you guys :') Thanks to your advice I sat down with my father and had an extensive talk about an allowance increase, and that at these days $26 as a monthly allowance is not enough for a teenager, especially if I'll have to use it to:
1. Spend is when I go out with my friends
and
2. Spend it on things when I go out with my friends (ex. When we go out to eat, if we go to theme parks, shopping for clothes, etc.).
My father somehow was EXTREMELY nice about it. I was a bit scared then to say this: "When I get my allowance can I use it any way I want?" and he replied yes. I then took a deep breath and asked "Is it ok if I spend a portion of it on anime?". Without hesitation he replied "Of course, it's your money and it's something you love". So YIPEEEEEE :'D And guess what?!?!?! He asked me how much increase I want on my allowance, and I told him $30 would be a good start. He disagreed and said...
from now on you shall get $80. Can you BELIEVE THAT?! A Leap from $26 to $80?! 0_o I was astounded. Seriously. I think the fact I promised I'd help around the house, babysit my siblings, and do better in school made my father feel like I deserved it, and I intend to keep my promises and fulfill them! This is the most money allowance I've ever gotten (I used to get $15 then $26 and now... $80?!) Thanks to you guys!
Thank you guys soooo much :) If I save up for 2 months I'd be able to get some anime figures and merchandise~ Hurray for Figure.fm users!
did you say you turned down a maid cafe job? Then can I assume you look the part? If you're not underage (below 18) maybe you can do part time modeling or if your are good at programming do freelance work. Otherwise you're at the mercy of your parents' decision, if you earned your own money then you can buy whatever you want.
dw you actually own more than I do!
I can't really fund anything much atm as i was laid off work and finding a job in England is like finding treasure in the middle of the pacific.
However there is a way to solve these satisfactory needs and that's EBAY/AMAZON ;)
if you cant afford the big posters buy loads of little ones!
i have about 12 spread about on just one of my walls in my room and it suits me just fine at the moment!
I wish you the best of luck convincing your parents!
believe you me it was hard enough convincing mine.
GAMBATTE!
I'm 15 years old and so modeling is not a question x) And I don't think I'm pretty at all, I actually look younger than I do and I'm pretty short to be a model (155 cm).
Also, I forgot to mention that I don't have a credit card and neither do my parents D: It got cancelled *cries in a corner* xD
well than, I guess the only thing I can think of are part-time jobs. Because ultimately, money talks....
I've never seen anyone who really needs a credit card... And people can be models at 15, you just need parents' consent for it, I think. I'm not sure how far the realism in OreImo goes when it comes to Kirino's modelling career.
5'2" isn't that short, it's just short to tall people. And if you don't think you're pretty, change that thought! Listen to some JAM Project, boost your confidence a bit, then punch the nearest person across the room and through the wall (if you get where I'm going here).
This is advice-dog talking; it has little to do with saving money. You just need a job to earn the stuff, but if you have enough volunteer work under your belt, you could give more jobs a shot. Helping the community decreases guilt levels and boosts your public image. By word of mouth, employers have a higher chance of hiring you.
Wew, at least you've more figures than me. I can't afford myself to buy scaled figure. I know the temptation to buy more but, to save money,perhaps you can adjust you meal portion?? So eat less but not to make you sick??
It seems like I have an answer here xD It's the fact that my parents don't want me to buy anime :< Sadly... I already don't eat a lot actually and I'm underweight (15 years old, 155 cm, 39 KG. Very underweight genetically).
:S I think the only answer is my parents... but HOW to convince them is the question D:
DUDEE That's very underweight!!!! Err maybe you can ask your parents to give more money in order for you to gain more weight??? I really thinks this is a serious problem, as yes and that you mentioned it, It seem that I eat a lot that I couldn't save up my money for figure, but nevermind since food is also my life
:D I don't look underweight, and it's a family thing. All my family are skinny haha. And for my height it's not so underweight (I should be around 43 - 45 KG for my height averagely). :) And I love food too x3 But I don't eat a lot for some reason haha
errrr......I'm kinda speechless hahaha..... Actually I start focus more on collecting figures, especially for me are nendoroids since I graduated from high school, my allowance on my middle high school is as the same as your, so I don't expect too much.
anyway good luck on finding solutions
Artemis has a point. If you want to get serious with this thing, you're gonna need to have a job. I leech off my college fund (bad thing if you as me), but I can balance all of it nicely. But since temptation is closer to you..well, you get the idea.
Try to at least find time for that maid cafe. It's a stellar job if you ask me. Plus, pay will probably be good. I believe minimum hours are 8-12 right? You should have 4 hours each on weekends, and maybe on a Wednesday or anytime you're free. Point is, you have to find time for it.
couple of questions:
what part of asia are you in?
how rich are your parents?
are you asking us advice on how to save? or how to convince your parents that your wonderful dreamland hobby is worth funding by THEM?
1. East Asia
2. Nope, we're middle class
3. BOTH :) haha sorry for being unclear
1. wouldve preferred a specific country as an answer but WTH.
2. Well then, you have to consider your parents' plight. As a someone who's basically at their charge you can't always get what you want.
3.) Sorry Im not getting enough info here to make a good suggestion. But perhaps you can strike a deal with them? maybe get extra incentives for good work in school or whatever. And as others have already pointed out, there's always WORK :3 and if that's not viable because of age,school, etc then....
the last (and realistic) approach would just to tough it up, wait, get stabilized (complete education, get job, spending money) and SPLURGE
1. That's classified information (does mikuru pose) :) I'm very protective
2. yes I agree here
3. :)
LOL I can't wait till I graduate xD
Convincing others is hard to impossible because of different mindset/priorities and 26$ a month of allowance is again too little to save for anything you want. In the end I think taking up part time job is the only way for you. You just need to choose one that do not interfere with your life (study and stuffs). Do you have other talent to put to use, like part time translation work, freelance programming, or writing articles for some youth magazine for example, not to mention you can brush up your experience for future work by doing any of those.
I down't know a way on how to save money, but on the "getting your parents to not think you
are a total retard wasting your money"......I would say:
1) get a job
2) save up a lot of money(200~300)
3) show it to your parents(or just mention it)
4) buy some merc
5) show it to your parents with all the joy and happiness(if you are having problems with that, just think of Mio at here "Moe Moe kyu" moment ^_^)
6) ???
7) profit
Optional:
Make some kick ass/awesome/beautiful photo's of your figure's and show these to your parents
1. Getting a job is actually impossible for me at the moment D: I have after school activities, and I attend another school after I finish my regular one to cram for exams. So a job is kind of out of the question :<
5. xD
I actually got some amazing photos and they like it... but my parents don't want me "wasting" money even though D:
This might have already been said but here's my opinion on this:
1. Try getting a job if possible now or when you can in the future.
2. Save up all of your allowance and avoid spending it beforehand.
3. The purchasing part, since you don't have a credit card, it's possible to get a prepaid VISA, there may be some offered in your country or you can look into an online virtual VISA. This should allow you to buy figures online if your local store doesn't have them. (I first used prepaid VISA's when I was 15 a to purchase my first figures).
4. If your figures get sold out before you get your chance to purchase them, theres always mandarake and other second hand stores.
Also my parents and family initially disliked what I was spending my money on, but they've accepted what my hobbies are now, hah although I haven't told them how much money I've spent :} I'd be dead if I did.
Good luck with everything!
Saving allowences is the only real way of doin it. Cos i'm 17 and I started collecting when i was round ur age. The best way would be to just save. I never asked my parents as they wouldn't never let me buy stuff with their card due to fraud and what not.
Plus, when u save up for the stuff ur self, u feel a much greater sence of achievement and u'd appriciet it even more! ;D
Being the same age as you I can understand where you're coming from when you say that your parents think that it's a waste of money. It used to take me ages to convice them that what I was spending money on wasn't a waste and that in fact it wasn't too different from collecting things like music records, pottery or even art.
Of course it's important to save up yourself and buy stuff that you really want. You could consider a part time job as many people here have recommended, then you'd be buying with your own money and you'd understand the true value of the stuff you're buying. Your parents have to understand that you're your own person and that you should be free to enjoy your hobbies. You'll only get to be a teenager during these years and therefore they should let you enjoy your youth and be yourself!
well...for me i get pocket money from doing choirs around the house, mowing the lawn, washing dishes, clothes and takin out the trash etc...
btw, xmas is in 2 days, mayb ask for presents? and...if ur chinese, CNY coming up soon so save up those red pockets!
Do well at school and use it to persuade your parents to give you money to buy anime figurines. This is what I did when I was 15, though my grades weren't exactly the best haha. I think this is the best option, it is beneficial for you now and the future. Right now I'm 17 and I have 1 year left of high school before I take my uni entrance exams. I motivate myself by telling myself if I get into a good course, I will be able to work in Japan one day and buy alllllllllllll the figurines I've wanted!
Anyway, good luck with your hobby!
Best advice :) I actually got my first scale figure by getting a 100% on a math test, something I've never done before (always was a D student in math T_T). Now I'm doing horribly at school (Cs, Bs and As, while I'm an A student) so getting good grades will probably help :)
try gift cards if you're under 15, thats what I did when I was 17^^"
I can understand how you feel, as mine say that too but hey it's not like I complain about what they purchase. At least you have some figures, and what not, some people have nothing^^" appreciate what you have~
Honestly your best bet is probably to save that allowance you get for a month and buy something you really like. If you can get a job, work, which you say it's not a option. I'm sure most people can work, it's just some people don't have " time management" I juggled highschool + work 3-4 days a week. If you really love something, then you can put the extra effort.
I bought all my figures and what not with my own money lol and never asked for money from my parents for doing chores, getting good grades and what not
best of luck to you~
One thing you can do is ask if the store manager will do a lay away on an item for you. Explain your situation to him/her and see if he will hold an item while you make regular payments on it. Be sure to get a receipt every time you give them money too.
0_0 my situation's a little like yours except that I save up like crazy & can only buy figures with my parent's approval... so far I have 3 scale figures + 1 mini figure,5 nendoroids & 12 nendo puchis(it came as a set) @_@ well, perhaps you could help your parents do some chores in exchange for $$? or maybe use only part of your allowance & use the rest for buying anime stuff? I'm 13 BTW, so I can't/have no time for a job.. figures in the shops I go to cost a bomb! a nendo is usually $65+ & scale figures are about $120-490!... well, good luck on getting some extra $$!! oh, & about your parens: They actually get irritated with me for talking/getting new figures, but they know that I'm really happy getting them..so, I guess you could make a deal with them? like, maybe you wouldnt buy any figure above $150/200? or that you wouldnt buy anything innapropriate??
well, anyways, good luck~
Get a job. Unless stealing is ya forte, there's no workaround :3 Not that I recommend you to steal though. Stealing is wrong! Nishishi~
Jokes aside. Plenty of sound advices here, can't go wrong with any :3 Oh, and don't go asking around questions like these, and not do anything in the end.
Remember kids, procrastination is a silent killer. :)
well in the past I found it easy to save money..... that changed when I got my licence and bought my first car..... now a lot of my money goes on fuel and car insurance and car tax ;;
then any other bills(not meany) after that.... most of my money goes on anime, figures, music and comic books
how ever if I stop spending for a few months I can easly make 2k or more.....
Since you are only 15, and it seems you're sincerely interested in the hobby, then I can understand your situation. Normally, I'd scoff and say "zombie consumer".
Convincing your parents is usually a no-go. They want you to save money and use it for something "practical".
You basically have to prove to them that this is your hobby, that you're not just buying merchandise like a mindless teenager. As long as you continue to appreciate the few anime merchandise you own, they will see that.
Since getting a job is not really an option for another couple of years, then you need to literally not spend your money to save up. I don't recommend this. You're at a growing age, so eating the right amount of food is important (otherwise, no oppai for you!)
There ARE jobs that you can do though - deliver newspapers, mow lawns for $20/hr (oh wait, SE Asia has no lawns), tutor, babysit, hand out flyers, etc. If you're serious about your hobby, you'll have to earn the money to support it. Just don't do anything illegal.
If your parents see you working hard for your hobby, it can work both ways - they could understand your hobby more and maybe give you more allowance (not likely, but possible) or they could scold you for wasting your money on "garbage like that" (more likely, since your parents are probably asian). It's your job to make them understand.
Good luck!
I can give you some of my unopened anime figures, no cost for you. And do you want a dollfie with a few custom peices for your growing collection? -wipes off the blood leaking from his mouth- And I can give you a list of anime figures that you might like. And don't do no hard labor like what I do. (Wake up 4 AM each morning and don't quit until 8 PM, every single day)
I'm too damaged, I can't work anymore... *falls over with severe injuries*
This made me LOL xD
Actually I am damaged severely to my body. I am damaged from bargaining with your father as well. So your welcome. -falls over and spits out blood-
*go gets medicine* Don't die fellow comrade D: Think of all the 2011 anime waiting for you!
*takes medicine* call me Ojiisan if you want, since I'm older than you. and looks like I won't be getting at Christmas as always. *shrugs and keeps a bokken beside him*
It's not about the number of figures you have, it's about how much you enjoy each of them. So no "unfortunately", be fortunate you even have any.
The best way to save is not to spend. As for convincing your parents, you probably can't. If they think that it's a waste of money then that's what they will think, just like if you don't think it's a waste of money then that's what you will think. You have to consider their point of view as well.
Just be smart about it. If you want to continue loving anime, then go ahead. Your parents will eventually see that that's what you want to do. Be careful not to go overboard though, it could become a huge trouble. Be considerate of them.
Just wait is all I can say. The 'rents were pretty strict on what came into the house until I got out of school and got my own money. Wasn't until I moved out when my collecting started to take off, but now I got bills. :(
Tastes can change quite a bit by the time you save up enough cash, you might me interested in something else. Plus collecting is a flaky hobby, best to take your time and not get buyer's remorse.
^ Flawless EXA took the words right out of my mouth.
Parents will be parents. You may disagree with their point of view sometimes but you have to admit that their intentions are good at heart.
I think the best thing you can do right now is be frugal with your spending and save up. Focus on school for now until you can get a healthy paying job in the future. :p That's what I'm planning to do.
One thing to remember, these are materialistic objects.
I would just wait it out, it's much more of a rewarding feeling if you saved up money yourself instead of asking for money from your parents.
Unless they're limited edition and only a few of them are out in limited quantities, I don't regret it because I don't get anything from most people.
Like what all the others have said before, convincing your parents that you need their money to fuel your wants will be difficult to say the least. There's a reason why they started you off with such an allowance anyways, asking for more won't cross their minds one bit.
Instead of convincing your parents to increase your allowance, work for it. Sit them down and tell them straight that you want more money, but at the same time you'll earn it. Set goals for yourself such as getting better grades in school, doing more chores, helping around the house, accompanying your parents on outings to help them out, etc... Bargain the terms of your allowance so that everybody gets something out of it, not just you. You'll be earning money on your own time instead of having the burden of an actual job. Your work will be your family.
The key to getting something you really want is to give something that they really want. You'll be showing your parents that you will work hard and develop a strong work ethic. In time they'll be more open to helping you when you need it because of what you showed.
I sat down and talked to my father and he agreed to raise my allowance.... from $26 to $80 a month! How awesome is that? I love how understanding my parents are <3 :)
lol, i just kinda ignore my parents, and they just somehow give in. anyway, $80 a month, dat's alota dough. Lately, i just feel sorry for my father so i just let him give me allowance pretty much whenever, which is like practically never.