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UNPLANNED EXPENSES! I BOUGHT A SMART TV & REF | Micro-Living in the Philippines

By Jonathan Orbuda @ilovetansyong
Adulting is full of unexpected decisions—some practical, some impulsive, and some that make you question, "Did I really need this?" That’s exactly what happened on my recent trip to the appliance store!
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The Plan: Buy a Personal Refrigerator for Micro-Living

Living solo in a micro-living setup means maximizing space and choosing appliances wisely. I initially planned to buy a compact personal refrigerator—just the right size for my small condo unit. After all, having a fridge is essential for storing fresh food, reducing food waste, and saving money on takeout.
But little did I know… the universe (and a tempting sale) had other plans for me!

The Reality: Walking Out with a Smart TV Too! đŸ¤Ż

While browsing for a fridge, I casually wandered into the electronics section, and there it was—a sleek Smart TV on sale! At that moment, I had an internal debate:
  • ✅ Pro: A Smart TV would be perfect for unwinding after long workdays. No more watching Netflix on my laptop!
  • ❌ Con: It wasn’t in my budget plan, and I didn’t need it immediately.
  • ✅ Pro: It was on sale. A deal like this doesn’t come often!
  • ❌ Con: Do I really have space for it?
Long story short—I caved. đŸ¤Ś‍♂️ I walked out with both a fridge and a Smart TV. Now, the question is: Was this a smart decision or an impulsive splurge?

Budgeting & Smart Spending for Yuppies in the City

If you’re living alone and trying to balance adulting, budgeting, and small-space living, here are some lessons from my unexpected purchase:
1. Wants vs. Needs – Be Honest With YourselfBefore buying, ask yourself:
  • đŸ”š Do I need this now, or can it wait?
  • đŸ”š Will it add value to my daily life?
  • đŸ”š Is it within my budget, or will I struggle financially?
2. Always Set a Spending Limit (and Stick to It!)I went to the store without a firm budget in mind, which led to an impulse buy. Lesson learned: Set a limit before shopping.
3. Take Advantage of Sales—But Only for EssentialsThe Smart TV was on sale, but a discount isn’t a good deal if you weren’t planning to buy it in the first place. Be mindful of “SALE” traps!
4. Space Matters in Micro-LivingLiving in a small condo means every inch counts. Before buying appliances, measure your space and make sure everything fits without making your home feel cramped.
5. Think Long-Term ValueDespite being an unplanned expense, I justified my purchases because:
  • ✔ The fridge is an essential investment.
  • ✔ The Smart TV is for entertainment and relaxation, which is also important for mental health.
  • ✔ Both appliances increase the value of my living space.