ACE Money Transfer - Blog

Saving Vs Sending: Balancing Remittances & Expenses For Bangladeshis In Belgium

Saving Vs Sending: Balancing Remittances & Expenses For Bangladeshis In Belgium

12 May 2025


Living in Belgium as a Bangladeshi immigrant, expat, or international student often means juggling multiple responsibilities. On one hand, you need to cover your own living expenses like rent, food, and transport. On the other hand, there's a heartfelt duty to send money home regularly. But how do you strike the right balance between saving for your future and supporting your loved ones through remittances?

In this guide, we’ll explore how to manage your finances in a way that doesn’t leave you struggling in Belgium while ensuring your family in Bangladesh gets the support they need. Whether you're working part-time, full-time, or studying, these tips are tailored for your situation.

Understanding The Financial Landscape In Belgium

Belgium offers a relatively high standard of living, but it also comes with a cost. For Bangladeshi expats living in cities like Brussels or Antwerp, managing monthly expenses is crucial. Housing, public transport, groceries, and insurance can eat into your income fast.

Here’s a quick overview of average monthly expenses:

  • Accommodation (shared): €400–€600
  • Food & groceries: €200–€300
  • Transport: €49 for a monthly public transport pass
  • Utilities & phone: €100–€150

So, if you earn €1,500–€2,000 monthly, you’re left with limited room for savings or remittances unless you plan smartly.

For current living costs, you can refer to Numbeo’s cost of living in Belgium.

Why Sending Money Home Is So Important

For many Bangladeshi families, remittances are a financial lifeline. Your ability to send money to Bangladesh from Belgium helps with:

  • Household expenses like rent and food
  • Education of children or siblings
  • Medical bills for parents or elderly relatives
  • Investments in land, business, or housing

But constantly sending a large portion of your earnings without a savings plan can leave you vulnerable to emergencies or limit your future opportunities.

Striking The Right Balance: Saving Vs Sending

You don’t have to choose one over the other. With a little planning, you can do both — save for yourself and send money to Bangladesh from Belgium regularly.

Tips To Create A Balanced Financial Plan:

1. Track Your Income And Expenses

Understanding where your money goes is the first step. Use a budgeting app or a simple spreadsheet to record everything from rent to small snacks.

2. Set A Monthly Remittance Limit

Instead of sending random amounts based on requests, plan how much you can afford to send each month. This keeps you from overspending.

3. Automate Your Savings

Set up automatic transfers to your savings account as soon as you receive your income. Aim to save at least 10-20%, even if it’s a small amount.

4. Choose Cost-Effective Transfer Methods

Use reliable platforms that offer online money transfer to Bangladesh from Belgium at low cost and good exchange rates — like ACE Money Transfer.

5. Budget For Yourself First

It may sound selfish, but your financial health is just as important. Make sure your rent, food, and basic needs are covered before you remit.

Smart Ways To Save While Living In Belgium

If you want to increase your savings while still being generous with remittances, here are some practical habits to adopt:

Money-Saving Hacks:

  • Cook at home instead of eating out.
  • Share accommodation to reduce rent.
  • Use student or expat discount cards for transport and shopping.
  • Buy groceries in bulk or shop at budget-friendly stores like Lidl or Aldi.
  • Avoid unnecessary subscriptions and impulse purchases.

A little saving here and there can go a long way — especially when you’re also planning a money transfer to Bangladesh from Belgium every month.

Choosing The Right Platform To Send Funds

Sending money home shouldn’t cost you a fortune. Traditional banks often charge high fees and offer poor exchange rates. That’s why many Bangladeshi expats prefer to send money to Bangladesh from Belgium online using trusted remittance platforms.

What To Look For In A Money Transfer Service:

  • Low transfer fees
  • Real-time exchange rates
  • Fast processing time
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Easy mobile or web access

ACE Money Transfer checks all these boxes and is tailored for the needs of Bangladeshi senders in Europe.

Long-Term Financial Goals For Bangladeshi Expats

While sending money to family is a priority, don’t lose sight of your own long-term financial goals.

Plan For The Future By:

  • Building an emergency fund (3–6 months of expenses).
  • Saving for career development courses or education.
  • Considering investment opportunities either in Belgium or Bangladesh.
  • Preparing for retirement, especially if you plan to return home.

Being financially stable allows you to send consistent remittances and support your family without compromising your well-being.

Balancing Expenses and Remittances

Balancing remittances and personal expenses isn’t always easy, especially when you’re far from home and living on a tight budget. But with a bit of planning and smart choices, you can send money to Bangladesh from Belgium online while also saving for your future. Platforms like ACE Money Transfer make it even easier by offering affordable, secure, and instant services to your loved ones back home. Rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot by more than 129,000 users, ACE Money Transfer stands out as a trusted name in global remittance services.

By managing your money wisely today, you’ll be able to build a stronger tomorrow — both for you and your family.

FAQs

1. How much money should I send home every month?

There’s no fixed amount. It depends on your income, expenses, and your family’s needs. Always budget and ensure your own essential costs are covered first.

2. What is the cheapest way to send money to Bangladesh from Belgium?

Using a digital service like ACE Money Transfer often provides the best combination of low fees, good rates, and fast delivery.

3. Can I send money to Bangladesh instantly from Belgium?

Yes. Many online platforms offer real-time or same-day transfers depending on the payout method and time of transaction.

4. Is it better to save in Belgium or send everything home?

A balance is best. Saving in Belgium helps with emergencies and future plans, while remittances support your family’s current needs.

5. Are online money transfers to Bangladesh secure?

Yes, as long as you use licensed and reputable providers with proper encryption and security features.


Tips for Expatriates Business & Finance Working Abroad

PREVNEXT
ACE Money Transfer Secure an Investment of 1.5 Million Pounds
Why Ghanaian Tourists in Ireland Always Overpay – And How to Travel Like a Local
  • Categories
  • Country