More than a year ago, in the small kitchen of Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai's family (32 years old, Muong Dong commune, Phu Tho province), the money story began with a very simple proposal.
After dinner, she opened her phone for her husband to see the silver price list that was in the low area at that time.
Ms. Hai said, with a cautious voice: "I see many people buying silver to hoard. If we don't have any surplus, buy less, consider it as savings for our children later".
However, Mr. Tung, Ms. Hai's husband, just looked at the screen and shook his head: "Silver fluctuates erratically. That money is better for family expenses, investing in risk is tiring.
The conversation was only quick and then ended, the story of buying silver for hoarding was also not mentioned further.
As time passed, family life engulfed both of them in familiar worries, young children, living expenses, schooling, and medicine. The story of buying silver was gradually forgotten, until silver prices suddenly increased sharply recently.
News about "peak" silver appears densely on social networks. Many people boast about selling used silver and jewelry silver at high prices.
During dinner, Mr. Tung began to recall the old story, his voice half-jokingly, half-regretful: "Back then, if I had listened to you, I would have gotten quite a bit by now".
Ms. Hai listened, but did not smile. She said that the feeling at this time is not only regret for money, but also a feeling of self-pity that is hard to name.
It's not that I'm saying I'm right, but at that time I hoped my husband would sit down and listen to me finish thinking," she shared.
According to her, the amount of money she proposed to use to buy silver at that time was only a few million VND, just a small accumulation of the family.
If the silver price goes down, it's considered keeping the treasure. But before I could explain clearly, my husband brushed it aside, so I didn't want to talk anymore," she said.
On the contrary, Mr. Tung said that he also had his reasons. At that time, the family had a young child, income was not stable, and expenses arose continuously.
In my head, I always think about keeping cash safe. I am afraid of risk," he admitted.
But when the price of silver increased sharply, he himself began to blame himself for being too cautious.
The regret is even clearer when looking at the current silver price list.
According to daily updates, Phu Quy 999 1 tael silver bars are listed at 4.102 million VND/tael (buying) and 4.229 million VND/tael (selling). Phu Quy 999 fine art silver bars have a selling price of up to 4.826 million VND/tael. For Phu Quy 999 1 kg silver bars, the transaction price ranges from 109.3 - 112.7 million VND/kg.
In other brand silver groups, 999 silver of over 1,500 taels has a selling price of about 4.102 million VND/tael, while 999 silver under 1,500 taels is also approaching this milestone.
Realizing that, Ms. Hai and her husband chose to sit down and talk frankly. They did not mention buying silver as a reproach, but considered it a common lesson.
The two agreed to make a small savings for future savings plans, whether silver, gold or other forms. More importantly, all decisions must be discussed to the end.
Regret is still regret, but I think, what is more valuable is that I learned how to clearly express my wishes, and my husband also learned how to listen," Ms. Hai said.
