My Personal Relationship with Money

When it comes to our lives, few things are as ever-present and deeply personal as our relationship with money. From the moment we start earning an allowance as kids to managing bills and investments as adults, it has always held a significant role in our lives. Yet, our feeling towards it can be gravitated towards our individual personalities. It determines the choices we make, the opportunities we pursue and the lifestyle we lead.

It’s funny how money, just pieces of paper or numbers on a screen, can hold so much power in our lives. Whether it’s deciding to invest in education, buy a home, start a business, or plan for retirement, our financial decisions are a reflection of our priorities and aspirations. Ultimately, understanding and managing our relationship with money is crucial for achieving both personal satisfaction and financial stability.

I was lucky to come from a family where money wasn’t a constant worry, thanks to my dad’s job as a banker. I never had to think twice about having what i needed, whether it was the latest gadgets, adventure trips or quality education. Money was just there, quietly doing its thing in the background, providing comfort and security.

A lot of people may or may not relate to this : when money isn’t a constant concern, it’s easy to take things for granted. You don’t really think about the cost of things. Craving the newest iPhone model? It’s easily attainable. Prefer dining out over cooking at home? Absolutely, indulge yourself. Life resembles an ongoing Amazon Prime experience, where desires are fulfilled effortlessly with a simple click, and gratification arrives swiftly.

At the same time, I never really got anything for free unless I did well in school or helped others. It was like my parents had this rewards system where I had to earn them by working hard, and let me tell you, it wasn’t easy! Had it been about becoming the Einstein of the classroom or the Mother Teresa of the neighborhood just to score a new game. But hey, I guess it taught me the value of hard work and the art of negotiation. I’m pretty sure it must have been the same for many other kids growing up as well.

When college started, it felt like a whole new ball game. By being super frugal meticulously tracking every penny in my notes app, the obsession with saving for investments consumed me entirely. Budgeting was a constant challenge, and I became an expert at making every penny count, turning thriftiness into a way of life. The financial strain was intense until my sophomore year of college, when circumstances shifted.

Suddenly, there was this magical influx of free money—scholarship and stipend. I had more money than I knew what to do with. It was akin to striking gold, and I may have let loose and splurged a bit. From reckless spending and indulging in vices that shall remain unnamed (let’s just say they didn’t contribute to my GPA). Now there were also moments when I would run out of bread and asking my parents felt increasingly awkward. It was high time to get my act together.

I ultimately decided to delve into freelancing, accepting projects in graphic design and content writing (which inspired me to start this blog). Eventually did a few side hustles too which was an exhilarating and immensely rewarding experience. Not only did I have the opportunity to interact with diverse individuals, but the process of earning my own income became an enjoyable pursuit. It became quite addictive, to put it mildly.

At the end of the day, it is not merely about being frugal or hoarding every penny but about being more prudent with your resources, making them work for you, and setting yourself up for a secure and prosperous future. There’s immense satisfaction in knowing you have your finances in order and that you are the master of your financial domain.

Amidst all the hustle and bustle of making and managing money, there were moments when I found myself pausing to ponder the deeper purpose behind it all. While it felt nice to have sufficient for myself, a nagging sense persisted that our existence should hold greater meaning beyond mere self-indulgence. It felt akin to gazing upon a blank canvas, contemplating the profound masterpiece we are destined to create with the brushstrokes of our lives.

I have these vivid memories of witnessing my father’s generosity during my childhood which left an indelible mark on me. He had a habit of giving away portions of his hard-earned money to those in need, whether they were family members, friends, or complete strangers struggling to make ends meet. Remarkably, he never expected anything in return, not even a simple expression of gratitude. For him, the true joy stemmed from knowing that he had brightened someone’s day and helped them move closer to their aspirations. My father’s compassion towards those facing hardships has been a guiding beacon, reminding me that empathy and human connections are the genuine riches that enrich our lives beyond measure.

The insatiable pursuit of wealth can obscure the true essence of our existence. Instead of gauging success solely through financial gains, consider the profound impact you’ve had on others: the lives you’ve touched, the kindness you’ve extended, and the positive transformations you’ve catalyzed. At times, it seems that empathy and connections are the genuine currencies that enrich our lives.

Achieving financial security is a common aspiration, yet it often leaves an underlying sense of emptiness. The true challenge lies in striking a harmonious equilibrium between economic stability and utilizing wealth as a catalyst for joy, personal growth, and making a positive impact on society.

In the end, maybe the true measure of a person’s worth isn’t found in their bank account but in the depth of their heart and the breadth of their generosity.