Day 2: The Balancing Act of Finances (and Kid Wants a Drone?)

So, here we are, Day 2 of January, and I’m already in deep with the financial juggling act that is my life. Not the kind of “juggling” I’d like, like balancing a cup of hot chocolate while watching a movie on a lazy Saturday night (which, by the way, has not happened since… I can’t even remember). No, this is the kind of juggling where you’re constantly trying to keep the family finances in check while ensuring your kids don’t run you dry with their gadget wish lists.

First of all, the kids are on a whole new level this year. Wafi is eyeing a drone for his birthday. A drone. He’s 10 years old and already thinks he’s going to be the next Iron Man. I don’t even know where to begin. The drone would probably cost me an arm and a leg, and I’m wondering if he can even manage to land it without crashing into the neighbor’s garden. But no, of course, I’m supposed to look at it like, “Sure, Wafi, let’s just go ahead and bankrupt the family for your drone ambitions.”

Amy, on the other hand, has a much simpler request: a new set of art supplies. “But Dad, the markers are drying out!” she insists, even though half of them are still perfectly usable. I swear, sometimes I wonder if she’s just trying to get me to spend money under the guise of “necessity.”

Dania keeps reminding me that we need to start planning for their school expenses, which, by the way, feels like I’m funding an entire small country’s education system at this point. Between books, uniforms, school trips, and whatever else, we’re already looking at a hefty amount. But hey, the kids are getting an education, right? A noble cause. It’s just that when it feels like the bank account is getting drained faster than I can say “financial forecasting,” it’s hard to keep the noble thoughts flowing.

But before I dive too deep into the year’s budgeting, I have to take a breather and remind myself of our recent Langkawi trip. InshaAllah, I’m still feeling the good vibes from the vacation. The beach, the sunsets, and the fact that for once, I wasn’t fretting over spreadsheets or school fees. The trip was exactly what we needed—our first real family getaway in a long time. It was fun, relaxing, and I managed to leave my work at work. If only I could figure out how to do that every day.

Back to reality: the finances. So, as usual, I’m doing what I do best: trying to create a budget. Yes, it’s my favorite thing in the world. I think I’ve set the bar pretty low for enjoyment, but I do love spreadsheets. I opened up Excel today, started entering all the family expenses, and honestly, it was like watching a slow-motion train wreck. Everything looks fine on paper, but then you add in a surprise expense (like a new toy or a “must-have” tech gadget), and suddenly, my budget is looking like an emergency evacuation plan.

Wafi’s drone request is looming large on the horizon, but hey, I guess it’s his “birthday wish,” right? I promised him a smaller version, which hopefully won’t involve me needing to take out a second mortgage on the house.

Tomorrow, I’ll tackle the bigger financial goals—probably while avoiding any more gadget-related negotiations. But for now, I’m off to bed, hoping that, for just one night, I can sleep without worrying about finances or drone purchases.

Alhamdulillah.