Ask the foodie nation : Money Go Where?

We live in a world where food is revered. With people giving their two cents on where to eat and what, Instagram uploads of food pictures flooding everyone's social media networks, even in the month of Ramadan where food bazaars are at the focal point of the season; our culture may have evolved to the point where food has become not just a necessity, but a trendy way of life.
While there is nothing wrong with indulging in these activities if we can afford it, the trouble with this particular trend, is that most of us tend to become a little too into the whole experience without thinking too much about the financial ramifications of constantly eating out or overspending on that unnecessary amount of traditional kuih we know will end up in the trash can.
A question of lifestyle
It can be argued that any act that goes beyond basic necessity can be seen as a luxury, and luxuries cost money. Herein lies the problem that most of us need to address. Is subscribing to this foodie lifestyle a luxury financially sound? If one takes a look at how much the average Malaysian makes and weighs that against the cost of regularly dining or take out, one does not need specific facts and figures in order to conclude that there will be a discrepancy in funding come month's end.
The point, from a financial point of view
Being able to afford the foodie lifestyle is really not the issue here. Middle class to above middle class individuals can surely enjoy the lifestyle as much as the ones that belong in higher places of society. The issue from a financial perspective here is not the money being spent on sustaining the lifestyle, but the money that is not being set aside for other financial pursuits. With the current state of the country's economy, the rising cost of living, along with other financial concerns the country has, this may be the best time for one to seriously consider a frugal lifestyle.
Being a foodie, in all honesty and without any form of criticism, is not a frugal way of life. This is why the popularity of the lifestyle can be unsettling for people who take an outsider's point of view on the trend. While the gratification of finding a satisfactory meal and indulging the palate may be great, the long-term benefits of being careful with one's personal finances may be even greater.
Toeing the line
Not to dismiss the foodie lifestyle—something almost inherent in most Malaysians—but to emphasize the value of moderation, something that sadly can be lost among a lot of people when caught in the fever pitch of something new and exciting. By learning when and when not to indulge is a very valuable trait, not just when it comes to food and not just when it comes to money.
Know your own personal financial limitations in order to avoid certain ramifications like debt and a lack of a financially secure future. By honestly assessing your own financial capacities and your financial responsibilities, you can better assess which lifestyle choices you can afford without affecting other aspects of your life.
Andreas Ghani Weiler is a money-saving expert with Malaysian financial comparison platform, CompareHero, aimed at helping Malaysians save time and money. Visit CompareHero at www.comparehero.my for more personal finance.