Money Money Money

I often find myself fixated on the money I lack, rather than appreciating what I possess.

As Haruki Maurkami (村上春樹) once said, "To think. To understand.I have to write things down to feel I fully comprehend them."

Now, let's write about and comprehend - money.

Why Money Matters

The first and obvious question is - why money matters.

Money does not guarantee happiness, but it could definitely buy nice experience. With financial resources, we can treat ourselves with finer things. You can go to better restaurants, buy the newest iPhone and a backpack, or go on a vacation. It is undeniable that these feel nice.

Money affords you the luxury of time. By outsourcing certain tasks or utilizing services, such as that of a cleaner or Uber driver, we can reclaim valuable moments for activities we genuinely enjoy or simply to relax. This freedom allows us to make the most of our days without being overwhelmed by mundane responsibilities.

Money gives you choices. It empowers us to pursue fulfilling careers, quit draining jobs, and explore new opportunities without worrying about immediate financial responsibilities.  

What Money Can't Buy

Next question that naturally arises is, what money can't buy.

As the saying goes and Michel Sandel argued, the most important things in life could not be bought.

Love, friendship, and genuine connections cannot be quantified nor bought. Other intangibles, such as a good night's sleep, the warmth of companionship, and the joy of seeing our families and pets happy, remain priceless.

Let's be clear. Money does not prevent us from experiencing these invaluable aspects of life. However, it is crucial to remember that the pursuit of money should not compromise or overshadow them.

Relationship with Money

With these in mind, let's think of some rule of thumbs in building a healthy relationship with money: -

1. Setting aside a specific portion of my earnings and investing it wisely. By putting your money into good stocks, you allow your hard work to transform into tangible growth and provide a sense of achievement and financial security. Instead of obsessively monitoring stock prices, adopt a long-term mindset. Consider yourself a small shareholder of the top 500 companies in the United States or any companies your believe in. By doing so, you can enjoy the growth produced by the hard work of these companies' employees without the need to constantly scrutinize the market.
2. While being cautious with spending habits, do not be paralyzed. After setting aside the portion of earnings for investment, enjoy life (responsibly). Treat yourself to an occasional Uber ride, hire a coach to learn something, and enjoy quality dinners with loved ones. The freedom to make these choices is one of the reasons you work hard.
3. Be generous. Happiness derived from spending quality time and resources with loved ones surpasses any figure displayed in your bank account. It takes practices to be generous. When you are spending time with people you like, treat them. If you happen to know organisations which are doing real works, contributing to the causes and extending a helping hand to those in need. (However, be careful, there are a lot of fake charities, especially the enormous ones.) By embracing gratitude for what you have, you'll discover an abundance of joy in your life.
4. Money can be a sensitive topic, but it's essential to discuss it openly with your family and loved ones. Encourage honest conversations about financial goals, responsibilities, and aspirations. Share the burden of financial decision-making and work together to create a harmonious and financially secure environment.

Don't Worry Too Much

Do not worry excessively about money. Many individuals struggle with financial management—some overspend, others fail to invest wisely, and a few make questionable investment choices. While we could definitely do better, but from people I personally know who aren't super intelligent about money, they seem fine. They have a roof over their heads and food on their plates. From what I could tell, they are happy.

Money is a tool that should serve us, but not a terrorist who dictates us.

I am glad to write and share this article. While I do not "fully comprehend" the issue as suggested by Haruki Maurkami, I do have a chance to think better about it. It's not that complicated afterall.

Now, let's apply these principles and try to build a better relationship with money. Comment below if you have any financial tips or interesting spending habits!