Hong Kong students tell us their plans for their Lunar New Year red packet money

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  • From donating money to buying books and cooking supplies, Young Post readers explain how they plan to spend the cash they receive for the Year of the Dragon
  • Do you prefer to save your money or spend it right away?
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What do you plan to do with your Lunar New Year money? Photo: Shutterstock

Clarisse Poon, 14, St Paul’s Co-educational College

The standard answer to this question may be to save the money in the bank, but I’d prefer to invest it. I don’t mean literally investing my red pocket money to gain more money, but investing in meaningful things.

Charity comes to mind right away when thinking of meaningful investments. However, instead of directly donating to charity, I will use half of my money to buy some daily necessities – for example, clothes and toothbrushes – for homeless people. This is the time of the year when families gather to express love and blessings for each other. Isn’t it more meaningful to find some time in the holiday to visit the homeless and give them a sense of love and blessings with a little gift that may mean a lot to them?

The other half of the money will go towards books. With this opportunity to finally take a break from my hectic and endless studies, I am more than thrilled to embark on a new journey, be it exploring the wonder of the universe or revisiting historic moments of the past. Immersing myself in books is not only the best way to relax and escape from reality, but also an investment in my future.

There’s no better feeling than spreading the love during Lunar New Year. Photo: Shutterstock

Kishia Chow Tsz-ki, 14, Carmel Pak U Secondary School

I want to spend my red pocket money wisely and practically. I will split it into four equal amounts and save two portions for future use. I’ll spend one portion on necessities, like new stationery for school. If I have money left over, I will buy something I want as a treat. I’ve always believed that getting treats for yourself at the beginning of the year can motivate you to work harder to achieve your goals. I would also use one portion of the money to get something for my family, such as accessories for my mother and grandmother. The smile on their faces would be priceless. By doing this, I hope they will always be happy and wear a smile throughout the year.

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Charlotte Lau Wing-ching, 11, St Paul’s Convent School

When I was younger, my mother used to help me keep my red packet money. Now, as I grow older, I have the freedom to choose how I spend it. Since it’s almost Lunar New Year, I will share how I plan to spend my money this year.

First, I will split my money into two halves: one for saving in the bank and the other for essentials and cooking supplies. My father always taught me not to spend all my money at once, so I started saving. I respect my father very much. He has been working hard lately, often returning home burnt out. That’s why I decided to buy a set of cooking supplies and cook him a nice dinner to make him happy. This is how I will spend my money. Have you thought about how to spend yours?

Some people like to save their money for a rainy day. Photo: Shutterstock

Sophia Ling, German Swiss International School

When I receive red packet money for Lunar New Year, I like to use it in a meaningful way. One idea that resonates with me is to donate the money to charity. Giving back to the community during this festive season aligns with the spirit of compassion and generosity. By donating the money, I can make a positive difference in the lives of those in need. There are charities for a number of causes, such as education, healthcare or environmental conservation. The act of donating not only benefits others but also brings a sense of fulfilment and happiness. It’s a reminder of the abundance in my life and the power to contribute to the well-being of others. Moreover, it sets an example for others, inspiring them to engage in acts of kindness and philanthropy.

Donating the red packet money to charity allows me to make a tangible and positive impact on society. It embodies the true essence of Lunar New Year by spreading love, compassion, and goodwill to those in need.

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Charmaine Wong, 15, St Paul’s Co-educational College

I would save most of the money in the bank, which would go into an account that receives interest. I would use part of the money to buy some wooden boards to print out different designs for wooden keychains, which are really good gifts for birthdays. I can also make money after painting and selling them! I also plan to use them for my volunteer workshops to give children a taste of art creation.

Charis Chan, 14, Malvern College Hong Kong

With the Lunar New Year approaching, I am definitely looking forward to counting how much money I’ll receive this year. I have two plans for the cash: saving it in the bank and spending it on my family members. Whenever it’s someone’s birthday in my family, I struggle to buy a gift and often feel bad. To solve this problem, I either use my parents’ money to get the present or just make something by hand. This year, I’ll consider keeping the red packet money to spend on presents for my family. In this way, I’m responsible for deciding, customising and actually spending money on presents instead of relying on others’ help. It will give me a greater sense of accomplishment, and my family members will sense the effort I put into buying the gift!

One student plans to save their red packet money and use it to buy gifts throughout the year. Photo: Shutterstock

Valerie Chiu, 14, St Mary’s Canossian College

During Lunar New Year, one thing that always catches my eye is the variety of red packets I receive. They contribute to the bliss of the holiday. I prefer to collect the money received in these red packets and keep it in a piggy bank. This habit allows me to have a reserve for emergencies and prevents me from sighing in disappointment when I come across something that I yearn to buy but can’t afford. Additionally, I actively participate in volunteer work and enjoy donating some of my red packet money to those in need. It gives me great satisfaction to be able to help others in any way that I can.

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