Frugal Expat

Potential Income Streams and Business Ideas

Who does not want to increase their cash flow? For average expat worker, extra income means the opportunity to buy your wants but for a financially literate worker, it means additional money for investment. For couples with dependents, it is always beneficial to have an extra source of income.

As for me, I am actually looking for opportunities to increase my cash flow because I want to create fast my emergency fund. At the same time, I am on a look out for potential business that I can do back home.

Last weekend, I browsed the You Tube and I watched the previous episodes of my fave TV shows that tackle potential business opportunities back home. Then I realized that this is not actually the kind of business that I am keen to have. I noticed that business owners are still there in their shops day in and day out. They supervise the operation and are involved in every aspect of the business.

If I will take on such form of business, it means I am self-employed.

I am actually looking for a business that will give me passive income. It means that even if I will detach myself from the business, its operation continues and it will still give me income. I have identified few ideas but it will require substantial fund to start and I do not have that.

Do you have any passive incomes? Care to share..

Rumicah: Thank You

Rumicah's last days with her family

I posted a blog post earlier regarding my niece, Rumicah.

For update, my family and I would like to express our heartfelt thanks for those who have offered their prayers and financial assistance to my 7 years old niece, Rumicah, who was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer known as MLM.

Unfortunately, Rumicah’s young and fragile body could not stand the chemo sessions which she had undergone in the last few months. It was a tormenting experience not only for her but more to her parents (My brother and sister in law) too.

Rumicah passed away last 30th September 2010 afternoon at the age of seven. Sadly, my brother didn’t make it. He was on the way to the airport when Rumicah died.

We know that Rumicah is happy and at peace wherever she is now and for sure, it is also her wish to thank each one of you who had prayed for her recovery and extended their generosity.
Once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Though we didn’t reach the amount needed for the bone marrow transplant, your prayers and financial assistance had definitely helped to prolong her stay here on earth. Those few days though limited and painful were cherished by her family.

Thank you again and hopefully we can return that favor to you soon. God bless.

A Visit in Abu Dhabi Corniche

Beautiful sandy beach in Abu Dhabi Corniche

I just visited last Friday the Abu Dhabi Corniche and I was amazed to see the improvements. My last visit was more than a year ago. That time, there were many ongoing constructions in the Corniche Area.
Now, the place is totally converted into a recreation venue where people can enjoy various activities. There is no wonder that it is swarmed everyday particularly on weekends with people from all walks of life.

Abu Dhabi Corniche has a beautiful white sandy beach which is stretched along the Corniche area but segmented into small portions with different entrance gate. The entrance fee is AED 10 (approx $3). Try to keep the ticket stab so you can access all the beach sections without paying again the entrance fee.

A pair of sun bed in the front row costs AED 55 (approx $15) and the rest of the rows is AED 35 (approx $10). According to the beach attendant, the throng of beach goers starts to arrive at 10 o’clock in the morning on weekends (Friday & Saturday) and at 12 noon on weekdays.

While strolling, it is inevitable to notice a great number of health buffs loitering in Abu Dhabi Corniche. Its paved pathways make it an ideal place to walk or cycle. Also, bikes for kids and adults are available for rent.

These available recreation facilities are complemented with great a range of restaurants and coffee shops with outdoor dining area. In fact, this is what I like most in Abu Dhabi Corniche.

Last Friday we arrived at past eight in the morning and the weather was really pleasant. Then we decided to stop in Seattle’s Best for coffee and to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the beach. The shop attendant offered us to try their combo breakfast for AED 15 (approx $4). It was a mug of coffee and a choice of sandwich (beef or turkey). I suggest you try the turkey because it tastes really good.

The beachfront coffee shop made us enjoy not only the delectable breakfast sandwich and coffee but also the scenic view of the beach.

Here are few photos to convince you that the Abu Dhabi Corniche is worth a visit.

A beautiful sandy beach

Beachfront restuarants to satisfy your taste palate

A hearty breakfast for only AED15

Isn't it inspiring to see a family exercising together?

The underpass tunnel in Corniche Road

Great paved pathways for walking and cycling

Welcome 2010

Wishing you all a year of abundance and success all throughout 2010!

May this year be a more intellectually, emotionally, financially and spiritually rewarding to you and your family!