Lam: I used to do a data entry job. I'm now giving private tuition to a Primary Six student.

YP: How much time do you spend on it and how do you use the money you earn?

L: The tuition takes up four to five hours a week and I make HK$2,000 a month. I use the money for food, travelling, clothes and daily expenses. But I don't spend it all. How much I spend depends on the time of year. I spend more during Christmas and when there are birthday celebrations. Sometimes I save up to 50 per cent of my earnings.

YP: Have you ever bought stocks or made other investments?

L: No, I haven't, because I don't know much about investment and I think it's too risky.

My family invests in foreign currency, but I'm not interested at the moment.

Besides, I don't have enough capital to invest.

YP: Do you have any tips on saving?

L: There is no need to buy brand-name products. Clothes from Fa Yuen Street in Mongkok can also be trendy and stylish. They will save you a lot of money.

I have two bank accounts. My earnings and allowances go into the 'smaller' account.

My savings go into the 'bigger' account.

No matter how broke I am, I will never withdraw from the bigger account. This way, I'll be able to control my expenses.

But this method is only suitable for those who have self-control.