I’m worried about the future because I can’t save any money. I earn around 1–1.3 million yen a month from papa-katsu (compensated dating in Japan), but I spend over 800,000 yen. It’s mainly because I spend so much on cosmetic dermatology and high-end department-store skincare, and sometimes buy clothes and shoes too. I want to cut back on my beauty-related expenses, but I just can’t seem to. How do you think I could reduce them?

As Rin said, if you’re going to a cosmetic dermatology clinic, there’s no need to buy luxury-brand cosmetics or expensive toners and moisturizers. I enjoy cosmetic dermatology too, so I understand the appeal. Still, unless you’re using a full line of products like Zo Skin Health or Environ—products that can only be purchased through clinics—regular drugstore skincare should be more than enough if you’re receiving the usual treatments. Curel Intensive Moisture Care is a good option. You could also use a full line of Korean cica products—the ones with the famous tiger logo. If you spend your money in the wrong places, you won’t become more beautiful. Actually, I think the reason she can’t save money is that she doesn’t genuinely want to save it. Just like the person mentioned earlier, she has no sense of urgency. If she earns one million yen a month, she could easily save 800,000 yen. Maybe she’s just an optimistic type.

If you’re going to a cosmetic dermatology clinic, I don’t think you need to use such expensive department-store cosmetics. A lot of what you’re paying for is the brand, so you could switch to more affordable products with good ingredients. I understand that using brand-name products can really lift your mood, though. Alternatively, since cosmetic dermatology can be expensive, you could reduce how often you go. If you’re truly serious about saving, and you’re earning that much through papa-katsu (compensated dating in Japan), there are plenty of ways to cut back.

I think you’re not worried enough and are being overly optimistic somewhere along the line. If you felt more anxious about it, you’d naturally start cutting back on your spending.