Meet a Hong Kong/Maine Reader | Trish
Hey everyone! For our first reader interview in the new year, we're meeting a nurse who recently moved back to the U.S. from Hong Kong.
(You may remember we met another reader from Hong Kong in November!)
Here's Trish:
1.Tell us a little about yourself
I am a 53 year old wife, mom and gramma. My husband is a teacher and I am nurse and in June we moved back to my home state of Maine after being in Hong Kong for 9 years.
Before that, we lived in North Carolina for 16 years and in Indiana for 4 years. Even though this (Maine) is the area I grew up in, I haven't lived here full time since I graduated from high school.
To go from a metropolitan city like Hong Kong with a population of nearly 8 million to a very, very rural town of 104 takes a bit of adjusting, but I am loving it.
I am convinced that you can make a "home" anywhere in this beautiful world, and you can live a frugal or extravagant lifestyle no matter the surroundings. It's all up to you!
The house we live in now was actually my great grandfather's barn, and we are also building a log cabin about a mile from our home on a small lake.
Our neighbor helped us the first couple of years, but now my husband is doing most all of the work himself.
We never wanted to go in debt, so we are taking it slowly, but it's so worth it.
Our children are all grown and the youngest will graduate from college in May (he took multiple gap years and got married in between). We managed 4 college degrees and 3 weddings with no debt...my kids all got the frugal gene from their mom!
I have 2 beautiful grandchildren and 1 on the way. The kids are scattered around the country and that was a big reason for my wanting to move back to the US. I missed them so much and Covid was making travel difficult.
I'm very frugal by nature and love to get a good deal. While we lived in HK, we traveled extensively, and my budgeting was focused on finding great travel deals.
We visited 27 countries while we were there and didn't even touch our "salary." How?
The school where we worked gave a housing stipend on top of our salary, and if we didn't use it all, we got to keep the difference. That difference in our case varied over the years, as we moved several times and rents changed, but it was between $800 and $1200 USD a month.
The school also paid for our flights back to the US every other year, and you could choose the cash over reimbursement for a ticket.
You can bet I found the cheapest flights available, so that money almost always paid for several other flights. Using these two strategies, I made it my mission to use that extra money for our travel fund. It was a good run.
Now, my hobbies are foraging, taking long walks/hikes, gardening (didn't get to do much last summer, but I'll be ready next year), reading and being with my wonderful family.
I do have a youtube channel (haven't posted since leaving HK, but plan to start sometime) and a blog, which I started the year after Kristen, but mine is more of a family/hobby blog, so again, I'm not very consistent.
I enjoy it when I do post though.
I am currently taking a bit of a break from nursing so that I can spend some time with my family. My husband is working part time as a teacher. Fun fact: we are bringing home ⅙th of what we were making in Hong Kong!
2.How long have you been reading The Frugal Girl?
I found Kristen shortly after I started my blog, so probably 2010-ish, but I wasn't a consistent reader until we moved to Hong Kong in 2012.
Now I rarely miss a day, although I usually only comment on "five frugal things." I LOVE reading all the comments and learning from others, and we all know The Frugal Girl is the nicest blog out there!
3.How did you get interested in saving money?
I am definitely hard wired that way. I remember using a coupon when I was 12 years old in a drugstore that was pioneer in double coupons and I got the item for free. It was like a light bulb moment. I remember thinking, "I won't ever have to pay for anything!" I still love those deals.
We didn't have much money when I was growing up, but not many people in this area did (do), so I never really felt any pressure to conform to a higher standard.
4.What's the "why" behind your money-saving efforts?
Debt gives me cold chills and puts my stomach in knots. I married a man who has the same philosophy; we've always made it our goal to avoid debt and live below our means. It's not drudgery if you enjoy it.
We want to be financially secure when we retire (not rich, but secure) and the only way we know to do that is to save. Also, I like to help other people/charities/missionaries, and the more I save, the more I can give, so that keeps me motivated.
5.What's your best frugal win?
Being debt free.
We've been married 29 years, and we've marched to the beat of a different drummer. To have our home, cabin, vehicles and college expenses (our own and our kids) all behind us with zero debt feels wonderful. It wasn't one big thing; it was a million little choices.
If you are out there grinding right now, DON'T GIVE UP! It is so worth it.
6.What's a dumb money mistake you've made?
Even though we didn't have much money when I was growing up, my mom really wasn't a saver. She also believed that if someone gifted you money, you should spend it on something you wanted, and I adopted this philosophy from her.
Granted, I was never really gifted much until I graduated from high school/college (still not a huge amount, but a lot for me at the time), and I spent it all.
I have no idea what I bought. That was stupid and I wasn't challenged on this until our honeymoon.
I remember we brought our cards with us and we were opening them one night and I started talking about the new furniture/appliances/stuff we could buy with our "gift" money and my husband very matter-of-factly said, "We don't need anything new. We can buy second hand furniture and use the money for your tuition."
(I was in my sophomore year of nursing school when we married; he had just graduated.)
Epiphany moment. He was right. Wedding gifts paid for my junior year.
7.What's one thing you splurge on?
My kids and gifts/charity for others. That's been the hardest thing about the decrease in salary. I got accustomed to being a bit more generous...like the year we flew all kids to Hong Kong for Christmas (Covid hit a month later!)
8.What's one thing you aren't remotely tempted to splurge on?
Clothes, jewelry, make-up, new cars, big houses, trendy food....
9.If $1000 was dropped into your lap today, what would you do with it?
Gift some, invest some.
10.Share a frugal tip with other Frugal Girl readers
Little foxes spoil the vines. Live below your means.
11.Is there anything unique about frugal living in your area?
Like the Colorado readers who shared recently, I would say Maine's biggest draw is her natural beauty. If you are a creation lover, this is your place.
There are so many free outdoor resources here, from hiking and canoeing to more productive hobbies like hunting, fishing and foraging.
Also, as I mentioned above, the area we live in is still quite economically depressed, so there isn't a lot of pressure to "keep up with the Joneses" because, well, the Joneses don't have much either!
You can find super cheap land here still. Come visit!
Thanks for reading!
_________
Trish, thank you so much for participating! I find your story very inspiring, and I love your attitude about making a home anywhere.
Also, that photo looking up at your cabin in the woods? SO beautiful!
I have a question too: when you say you are not tempted to spend on trendy food, what types of foods are you thinking of? I'm wondering if you are thinking of foods that become popular as health trends, like goji berries or turmeric latte mixes, or if it's something else entirely.
Oh, and I am also curious to know what type of nursing you've done in your career.
________
Hi Trish!
These are beautiful pictures of you and your husband, the grandchildren and the landscape.
I agree with you - you can make your home just about anywhere as long as you are with the right bunch of people. Money actually has very, very little to do with it. I know this because I had many different places and circumstances in my life.
Lovely how generous you are and how you regret that your now lower income does not allow for gifts and charity the way you are used to. So many would complain that the lower income means less ability for consumerism....
@Lea, Thank you for your kind words. And for certain, home is what you make it. Contentment is a learned skill.
It’s nice to meet you, Trish. It must have been a huge adjustment to leave Hong Kong for a much quieter life in Maine. Maine is a beautiful state and one that I love to visit.
You wrote something that stuck me as being extremely wise. Frugality is not necessarily about the big win. It is “a million little choices” as you have said. Pennies add up to dimes, dimes to dollars, dollars to financial security.
I appreciate the reminder this time of year as I set my financial goals in 2022. There are always choices. Happy New Year!
@Bee, Thanks for commenting, Bee. It really is all about small decisions. Every bag lunch, every yard sale gift, every meal made at home....it all adds up! Here's to your 2022 financial goals. I know you'll accomplish much.
"Creation lover" is a great phrase. I may acquire that one! 🙂 You have led a very interesting life with varied experiences. Looks like you have landed in a beautiful spot. I enjoyed reading your story!
@Kris, Thanks Kris! It's been quite a ride, but I am very content here in Maine.
Thanks for sharing, Trish! Fun to read bits of your story. I love your heart for generosity. And your frugal travel wins made my heart smile! Way to go!
I was thinking about the question of what to do with funds gifted -- when to save and when to splurge. I usually either splurge on something somewhat practical or save it way too long!
My eighth grade graduation money bought a tape/radio alarm clock (that I still have). My high school graduation money bought a laptop for college use. And my college graduation money bought my Bosch kitchen mixer (which I also still have). But I just found $300 of wedding gift cards that we haven't used yet after 12 years of marriage! I need to watch for a right time to use those! (Thankful they aren't the kind that dock your balance after inactivity.)
@Dorinda, You made a good point, Dorinda. I didn't mean to imply that gifted money should never be spent on a "splurge" or on something we want. I definitely do that sometimes! It sounds like you were super smart with your gift money and are thoughtful about your purchases. I can't imagine having $300 in gift cards unused!! I think I used to feel like I had to spend gift money right away, whether I needed/wanted something or not, which led to not-so-smart purchases.
Thanks for having me, Kristen. (I feel famous now, ha!) I really like that picture of our cabin also.
I guess by I "trendy foods" meant both the latest/greatest "health" trend (kale smoothies, elderberry syrup, avo toast, etc.) and also the newest restaurants. I noticed this mostly in HK. Friends would pretty much count down the days of new restaurants coming to town. Not that I never eat "trendy" foods or go to new restaurants--but I do try to avoid jumping on every bandwagon that goes by just for the sake of doing so.
Most of my nursing career has been spent in general med-surg units, with an emphasis on orthopedics/joint replacement. Most recently, in HK, I was a school nurse (k-12 school of 1200 kids) for the 9 years we were there. But I've also spent a little time in L&D, psych, home health and nursing homes, some during my student nurse years. Your options really are endless.
@Tricia, here in the Hamptons too, people are simply desperate to be the first people to patronize a new restaurant. Just something else to be competitive over.
@Rose, Yes, I'm sure it's true in any area.
Ahh, ok. That makes sense. I was thinking that a lot of the health trends are expensive if you buy them at a little shop, but not so expensive if you make a DIY version. Like, avocado toast is pretty cheap at home. And turmeric lattes can be very cheap at home too, but the mixes are super expensive!
What's been your favorite type of nursing so far?
@Kristen, I love working with the elderly and with veterans. When I go back to work, it will likely be in a VA related setting.
You are so correct on making "expensive" things at home being so much cheaper. Maybe that's really at the heart of my dislike of the trends? I know it shouldn't bother me that others spend $10 on avocado toast or $7 on coffee, but it feels so pretentious to me. (I have to work on being judgy pretty much ALL the time!!HA!)
@Tricia, And probably competitive in having new clothes to wear to the new place as well!
Another advantage of cooking at home is one doesn't have to dress over the top, unless it is to make an occasion at home.
@Heidi Louise, Very true! Do a lot of cooking in my pjs. 🙂
Hi, Trish,
I'm back from being out of touch much of last week, and this was a very pleasant post to come back to!
I love that little cabin in the woods. That must be so exciting to build! Will you move to that one day or do you have other plans for it?
I love your attitudes as well. Generosity is a wonderful trait, one I took too long to develop - I used to be stingy. Good for you for always being generous!
@JD, Thanks so much JD. Generosity is something I still work on. I think we are all selfish at heart. It took me awhile to realize that the more I gave, the more I received---and the people I admire most in this world are generous of heart, whether they have much or little to share.
We will probably never live in the cabin full time, but will probably spend weeks at a time in the summer once we get the inside finished. We really wanted lake access, which was the main reason we bought a lot so close to home. We also want to use it as a "retreat" for friends/family who need a place to getaway.
Aww, I love your plans for your cabin!
@Kristen, Thank you! Need a getaway???
Oh man, I'd love to when the cabin is done!
I'll keep you posted. 🙂
Hi Trish! Great photos, and welcome back to the US!
@Julie, Thank you! It's great to be home!
I have always wanted to visit Maine! One of these days...
Thanks for sharing!
@Tammy, You should definitely come. I doubt you'll regret it.
Cheap land in economically depressed rural areas are definitely an untapped resource for a lot of people, I suspect. I do know that when Covid really started going a lot of people from the city moved into my rural area but many then have moved out as they found rural life to be a lot less rewarding for them. Personally I'm okay with them leaving.
@Battra92, Yes, Maine has seen a great influx of people since the start of the pandemic also, even in our area. Like you, though, I don't think that many of them will have what it takes to stay here. It's a tough place, especially in the winter.
I see a trend in what the guest writers say they are not tempted to spend on: fashion. Almost everyone says expensive clothing, make up, jewelry, purses.
This is not a group full of Louis Vuitton bags, for sure! Ha.
Any fashionistas out there want to volunteer to round things out? We did have Jodie, who is definitely into fashion. https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/meet-a-reader-jodie/
@Ava, I noticed that also!
@Kristen, I am retired but I STILL love to wear nice clothes! Always have. But I come from a family of thrift store/consignment shop shoppers and I LOVE my local consignment shops.I find quality brands and even some European boutique clothes for so cheap. In great condition. Women seem to like to change up their wardrobes often enough that the resale stores are ALWAYS fully stocked.No “supply chain” issues and also no cheaply made goods (at the stores I go to.) So..I lost 22 pounds during Covid (I EXERCISED my way out of boredom!!) and needed new clothes..I bought 5 new tops, all very fun quality items, for $9 to 11.50 (Marc Jacobs). A friend GAVE ME 3 pair of almost new jeans that she can’t wear since she also lost weight. I have a whole new winter wardrobe! For very few dollars.Soo—I am reader who loves to “splurge” on fashion, but never ever at retail prices, and not in excess.
@Madeline, I love this. If I were a fashionista, consignment shops would be my jam! When we lived in NC, I had to buy several nicer dresses for my daughter, and there were a few second shops in nicer areas that we always frequented. You can definitely find quality for way less if you know where to look.
@Kristen, I have, and always will, enjoy clothes. I don't spend a lot on my wardrobe--I'm definitely a clearance shopper--and I don't live in an urban area where people are likely to be label-conscious. I also don't go crazy with trends but I will purchase a couple of new tops each year to make my wardrobe look updated, while sticking with classic pieces for mixing and matching (think: straight black skirt, etc.). It gives me a mental lift to look pulled together and I think it can be accomplished frugally.
So nice to meet you!!
@Stephanie, Thank you!
Trish, I really enjoyed your fascinating story and gorgeous photos. Living below your means while being generous makes for a great life.
@MB in MN, Indeed!
Thank you for sharing your life - I love Maine, read a blog based there and have visited once (hope to again). I agree, it is the small things that add up to large ones. Hubs and I have lived a very frugal life, but have never wanted for anything, and have been able to travel the US extensively. We are entering a different stage, and will be spending more the next year or two, but are fortunate to have the portfolio to do so. Thanks again for sharing!
@Jennifer, Thanks for reading. You nailed it: "never wanted for anything." That's truly the key, and taming your wants makes the key fit the lock every time.
Thank you so much for sharing, Trish! Your story is so interesting to me because of a number of parallels to my in-laws. They lived in HK from 2016-August 2021. My father-in-law was a pastor at an international church in Kowloon and my MIL is a nurse, but didn't work in HK as she didn't think she'd enjoy the difference in Asian nursing culture compared to here in the US. Your job as a school nurse sounds like it would have been an easier transition, though! They also paid for our flights to HK to visit because they are frugal people. 🙂 And they had a similar adjustment from busy HK to living in a very rural area in PA. So your story gives me lots of warm fuzzies because I have a soft spot for HK and I love my in-laws.
I am super impressed that you managed 4 college degrees and 3 weddings with no debt!!
Maine looks and sounds beautiful and your post definitely makes me want to visit sometime.
Thanks for the encouragement to not give up! I think this may be a little tighter year for us financially and I appreciate the encouragement. It's a million little choices.
@Ruth T, Thanks for commenting. Which church did he pastor? I'm probably familiar with it. I would not have worked as a "traditional" nurse in HK...it would have been much too difficult. I didn't actually want to work. The school nurse quit right after my husband started teaching, and I kinda fell into the job.
Before we became debt free (the year we moved to HK), the tediousness of the "million little choices" sometimes got to me (not often, because I am frugal by nature, but feeling like we would never be debt free could be discouraging at times). Encouragement via people who had "been there-done that-succeeded" helped me so much.
Onward and Upward in 2022!
@Tricia, Alliance International Church. He wasn't the lead pastor but another pastor on staff.
@Ruth T, Ah yes, I remember that name. We worked at International Christian School, so I am familiar with many of the area churches. Hong Kong is truly an amazing, beautiful city.
@Tricia, and Ruth. Now you have me curious about Asian nursing practices that would be so different from American. Can you elaborate on that?
@Anne, Hi Anne, I can't speak to all of Asia, but in HK, in order to practice in a traditional setting, you have to pass the the HK licensing exam (like our board exam here in the US). They only give it once a year, and apparently it is quite difficult. Also, in many settings, you need to speak Cantonese and English, and Mandarin is a plus. I don't think the actually nursing practice is that much different.
I was able to work as a school nurse with a work around of sorts. I was hired as a "health officer," not an RN, which is a common practice in international schools. Our school was an all English school, so language wasn't an issue. I had to maintain my license in the US, but did not need to be certified in HK. From my chats with US friends who are school nurses, I think my experience was very similar.
Your first photo is just lovely! Might that be a parents-of-the-bridal-couple shot? And do you get told you don't look old enough to have children through with college?
@Heidi Louise, Nailed it! You are too kind.
Hi Trish,
This was fascinating reading! I hopped over to your blog, LOVED all the pictures, esp the Chicken of the Woods! I took a picture of some last fall and couldn't identify them. I was really excited to learn about them, so thanks a bunch!
@Bobi, Glad I could be of assistance. Enjoy your mushroom foraging!
Your cabin is beautiful--I like the Appeal to Heaven flag. I enjoyed reading about your "frugal & full life"
@Ann, Thank you, Ann. I had to google "appeal to heaven" flag. I've never heard of it. I can see why you thought that, but this flag was actually the original State of Maine flag.
Delightful read, Trish! Great images of you and your family. Love both of your houses and the surrounding scenery. My favorite shot is the one of the inviting Adirondack chair at the end of the pier. I would relax there for hours!
Had you already known anyone in your new town and how did you choose it?
@Erika JS, Thanks, Erica. I grew up here, so it was really coming home for me. My home is my great grandfather's barn. I still have many, many family and friends in the area.
This was delightful to read, Trish! You're beautiful, and your pictures are so lovely. Maine looks gorgeous!
@BJS, Ditto on Trish. I think she is beautiful too, in an amazingly natural, clean, way!
Loved reading about your life, and want to emulate your can-do, energetic, joyful spirit.
@st, @BJS, Thank you both for those kind words. I have to give Christ all the credit for any joy I have!
(And my husband always says you can't take a bad picture of Maine. It is a beautiful place! )
@Tricia, I love that phrase!!! I think I may steal it! I am a New England girl who spent 8 years in Texas who recently moved to very rural Maine. It’s been an adjustment, but I love it here. ❤️
@Tricia, I am laughing at myself now because I thought (about this time last year) that I was probably unique living in such a beautiful place, but today (and many times before today) I have seen how many frugal readers live in other gorgeous places. So fun!
@Faith, I'm so glad you like it here!
@Jody S., It's so true, isn't it? Every state has it's own natural beauty!
Nice to meet you Trish,
Your photos are so beautiful, and only make me want to visit Maine more than before! Depending on the covid/borders situation, I might go in September 2022 - it'll be either Maine or Massachusetts, my mind isn't made up yet but both are on my list 😉
Your cabin looks AMAZING, and seems very peaceful, perfect for spending a few days here and there whenever you feel like it. My very urban self wonders about the upkeep of the "backyard/frontyard" though, how do you manage the trees/vegetation? Do you just let them be, or can the plant situation go out of control?
I'm always very impressed by people uprooting their life to go live on another continent and in a very different culture. I've never been to Asia but your post made me want to visit HK. Despite being very populated, you made it seem like it was a welcoming place. Also impressive that you managed to work, nursing doesn't seem that easily transferable from one country to the next. Kudos to you!
I totally agree with you about the trendy foods & restaurants: that's an issue in Paris as well, some of my friends will spend dozens of euros for a cocktail or a fusion burrito, I don't think I'll ever get the hype 😀 Not sure this is the case in HK but in Paris, one very annoying thing about these places is that some/half of them do not take reservations: not only are these restaurants overpriced, but you need to queue for 1hr or more to grab a table.
It was lovely reading your story, thank you for sharing!
@F from Paris, Oh, Paris! I've only been once but would love to return!
You could easily visit Maine and Mass in one visit! Boston is my favorite city, and as much as I love Maine, I would still recommend you take in Boston on the way.
As far as our "yard," you are correct in noting that it can get out of hand quickly. The cabin actually sits on almost 8 acres, so it takes hours of upkeep, but for the most part, we let nature take its course. My husband does have many trails throughout and we do plan to put in some naturalized flower beds near the cabin, with all native, low maintenance plants. But it is a lot of work.
Hong Kong is a remarkable city, and because it was a British colony, English is widely spoken, so it is very easy to get around for native English speakers. You should visit! Singapore is very similar.
Late, but . . . Hi Trish! So many stories you told here, so many more you could tell. It sounds like your hometown is a lovely town to come home to.
@kristin @ going country, For sure. I love small towns.
Trish, I loved everything about your story! Congratulations on living such a deliberate life! I especially loved the first photo. Whoever took it has a great eye and wonderful timing.
I have one tiny concern after drooling over your cabin photos. Those side stairs look a bit steep. Universal Building Code requires a hand rail for three steps or more. I hope you have something planned that just hasn't been built yet. I'm almost ten years older than you and still quite spry, but those steps instantly gave me enough pause to comment. In my mind's eye, I see you and your friends using this delightful haven for many years and I want you all to enjoy it safely 😉
Thanks for sharing your story!
@Dicey, Good catch on the stairs! Universal building codes haven't made it to our little town. Crazy, I know, but all that was required was a gray water system and an outhouse or bathroom. They don't inspect anything on the actual building, BUT, I do think my husband plans to put a rail on eventually. 🙂
@Dicey, I should also clarify that if we ever sell, insurance companies and lenders have requirements that would need to be met.
My mom has the same opinion about gifted money! Even when she had credit card debt, she would buy things she didn't need rather than use the money for something practical. I can thank her though because I watched her struggle and have no qualms about using gifted money towards practical things like groceries and diapers!
@Jenni, It was such a turning point in my thinking when my husband mentioned it because I'd never even thought about using gift money for a "need." But I do understand both sides, I think. My mom rarely had anything nice, and I think this was her only way of having a rare treat. It's a balance, for sure.
I'm curious about how you and your husband came to live in Hong Kong. I have been getting into foraging too. It meshes well with my frugalness. I've only foraged a few things, rose hips, blackberries, mushrooms. Any free food is a win.
@Linda, We had thought about being missionaries when we first married, then life happened and we set aside those thoughts until years later we had some friends who were teaching in international Christian schools and encouraged my husband to apply. It took awhile for the seed to take root, but my husband finally applied and ended up getting 4 offers. Hong Kong seemed the best of the four, and we loved it!
I’m two days behind in my reading but did want to jump in and say how much I enjoyed knowing about another frugal person’s life! Yours is especially interesting and unique- gorgeous photos, too!
@Jenny, Thanks for reading!
What wonderful results you are reaping from the choices you've made along the way! Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
@Jem, Thanks for your comment. It's so true, we all eventually reap what we sow.