Automate your savings, darling
If you treat your income like an investment portfolio, saving becomes effortless, explains Sreekanth Pillai Financial Advisor, Continental Group. Automate a slice of your salary—say 20 per cent—directly into savings the day you’re paid. Think of it as paying your future self first. Out of sight, out of mind, and out of impulse-spending territory. By making savings automatic, you remove the mental struggle and make wealth-building the default.
Think in dirhams, not dollars
Here’s a classic rookie trap: converting every price into your home currency. Pillai warns, it’s a mental trap. Things suddenly seem either way too expensive or deceptively cheap.” The trick: Live where you earn. Budget in dirhams, invest globally.
Invest in experiences, not stuff
Loyalty apps are a goldmine
Download every retail app you can. From Centrepoint to Sephora to Carrefour, these apps give you points, cashback, exclusive discounts, and birthday surprises. Your shopping habit just got strategic.
Plan your week around food deals
Sushi Mondays, Ladies Nights, Taco Tuesdays, Steak Thursdays, there’s a deal every day if you know where to look. With the right calendar, your social life stays active and your budget stays intact.
Download the discount apps
Install The Entertainer, Smiles, Zomato Pro, and Privilee. These will help behind two-for-one dinners, spa discounts, and beach day access without the resort price tag.
Choose the right credit card
Pro tip: Grab a card that gives you buy-one-get-one-free movie tickets at Vox or Novo cinemas. That’s two tickets for the price of one, instantly making you the friend everyone wants as a movie friend—with a built-in plus one.
Affordable fuel lets you live the dream drive
Hummer? Patrol? That dream ride isn’t just a fantasy anymore. With petrol prices still reasonable, it’s the perfect time to channel your inner movie villain—and own the road in style.
Lakshana is an entertainment and lifestyle journalist with over a decade of experience. She covers a wide range of stories—from community and health to mental health and inspiring people features.
A passionate K-pop enthusiast, she also enjoys exploring the cultural impact of music and fandoms through her writing.