As a working mom with a full-time job and two young children, I face the challenges of balancing work and family every single day. Sometimes I feel exhausted. Sometimes I doubt myself and my decision to work. Should I become a stay-at-home mom to take […]
I recently wrote a post about how Mr. FAF and I bought a house in Washington DC. I brought up the fact that my in-laws helped us with the down payment as they considered it their responsibility to help their son, Mr. FAF, buy a […]
If you are Asian, you probably are not surprised that many young couples live with their parents even after they get married. It happens a lot in Asia and still does in America. I have Asian American friends who have lived and are planning to […]
Growing up poor in a low-income family in Vietnam has had a tremendous impact on my personality and outlook on life. I remember those days when I succumbed to my insecurities in high school and kept wishing my parents were wealthy. I was sitting next […]
It’s been almost 5 months since I first discovered the world of computer programming. I can only describe those 5 months with two words: Time flies! It started with me forcing myself to learn Python to get a new job and progressed to me marveling […]
After we paid off the mortgage in November 2018, Ikea became our new place to hang out on the weekends besides Home Depot and Costco. I know Ikea furniture is considered average for a lot of people. But when hubby and I were paying off […]
It’s official. Mr. FAF and I have celebrated our 5th year anniversary this year. Our budget was $100, and we spent $75 in total (including tip) at a seafood restaurant called Hot N Juicy in Falls Church, Virginia. It sounds simple and happy enough. But […]
One thing Mr. FAF and I have been discussing lately is how we want to celebrate our 5th year anniversary, which is coming up in less than a month. Our tradition over the past year has been going to a steak house that’s close to […]
It’s been almost two months since I announced the birth of our baby girl. As I am typing this post, she’s sleeping in a vibrating bouncy chair right next to me. The weather in DC is getting colder to prepare for the winter and the […]
As I am typing this post, my father-in-law (FIL) is preparing to get on a plane to fly from China to the US to help us with our baby. Mr. FAF and his dad made the decision just a week ago, and now our plans […]
Before our second baby’s arrival, Mr. FAF and I prepared ourselves mentally and financially for big expenses whether it’s a medical bill, Chinese take-out, or baby-related items. Although we wanted to save money, we also understood that our spending might go through the roof, at […]
I am writing this post after staying at home with my baby on maternity leave for three weeks. It makes me feel like I’m already retired early and financial independent (FIRE), at least for the time being. I don’t have to go to work, which […]
