500 Club

This was taken from a blog on the Saudi Arabia page of Dave's ESL Cafe on September 11, 2005. It was posted by a blogger known only to us as Bebsi. He writes:
Which of us aspire to membership of the 500 Club? Members must swear an oath of tightfistedness and promise to live on less than 500 Saudi Riyals a month. (15 Riyals = US$4.00)

Living frugally is easy. Just follow our simple steps here, which will allow you to not only have a frugal and therefore financially rewarding life, but to continue this prudence and thrift into the afterlife also:

Items like toilet paper are very expensive, and can be easily acquired free in the workplace or other peoples' houses. Not only are they free this way, but you can make some money when finally leaving KSA by selling accumulated stocks at the Massalamah sale.

-Similarly, bottled water is a way of saving money. Bring a load of plastic water bottles wherever you go, and fill up from those fountains. Some may be inconvenienced by having to wait in the queue behind you, but forget about them, they are just waiting to get a tiny drink. It helps to tell them to go away. You save them a lot of time this way, as by the time you fill all your bottles, there won't be enough water left for them anyway. There are fountains elsewhere, let them go there instead.

-Holidays are a serious expense. Why go on them? If you are living in KSA and you have X number of weeks' vacation, use them to stay in the Kingdom. If for example you live in an out-of-the-way place and feel you need a vacation, you could be wrong! You could explore the desert, find your own favorite spot and return there again and again. Not too far though, as you might have to spend money on sundries like transport.

--Speaking of transport, it appears that many expats purchase vehicles, and others rent. They are costly, as is taking taxis. Forget about running a car or taking expensive cabs; walk to the supermarket and to work. By not having a vehicle, you will find that you are tempted to venture out a lot less. Ditto with taxis: by following an anti-taxi policy, your desire to remain at home will increase.

--Some may balk at the thought of walking distances in extreme heat. However, do not let this deter you. Discomfort will be experienced at first, but then you will get used to it. In any event, you're not in Saudi for comfort; you are here TO SAVE MONEY!! Remember your goal.

--If you DO wish to go somewhere some distance away, you can always seek a favor. Some will frown on this and refer to it as "bumming rides", but that's their opinion. Most people, even if they are not excessively keen on carrying you in their car, will acquiesce out of politeness and a desire to not cause acrimony, perhaps. . A few of them, of a materialistic bent, may insist on "petrol money". Refuse to pay, turn their materialism back on them, and make them feel guilty. If they still insist, and refuse to provide travel in their vehicle, forget about them. Such people are of very little practical use anyway, so you don't need them!

--For entertainment, I would suggest finding another group of like-minded west-pats. They will help you to while away, at no cost, many happy hours discussing the misery of life in Saudi, and generally criticizing everything possible about the Saudis. Like you, they will not have wasted time roaming about exploring the country, wasting money on nebulous concepts such as "fun", "enjoyment' or "happiness". Many of them indeed, will have been in the Kingdom for over twenty years, and will have lots of stories to tell about life behind closed compound doors, and indeed, lots of advice on how to save money. These are people who understand the really important things in life.

--If you have the choice, sharing accommodation can be a really useful pay to avoid spending money. If you are lucky enough to find yourself with generous individuals, who do not mind sharing their food with you, count your blessings. They will also not mind taking responsibility for boring, mundane chores, such as providing the house/apartment with cleaning materials, and common-kitchen staples such as tea, coffee, milk etc.

--While some object to taking these responsibilities seriously, and through their parsimoniousness, expect YOU to pay out also, just dismiss them. The technique of shaking your head in a combination of surprise and resigned sadness will make them feel guilty and realise their fault. You can also get revenge...and save some money too...by helping yourself to their fridge stores. Biscuits, cheese, drinks...just help yourself. Those petty-minded whiners deserve it.