My experiences with money

 

My experiences with money

As a child, I never truly understood what money meant in the context of society or family. For me, money was something we bought things with- a ubiquitous resource, easily acquired. This basic understanding (or lack of understanding) stuck with me for quite some time.  My parents did attempt to make me understand that money was more than just that. The first face of money they wanted me to see is that it’s worth a day’s work and toil, and not something that grew on trees. 

By being strong in their refusal to buy me the things I wanted, unless they felt that they were really necessary, my parents successfully instilled in me the quality to think twice before spending money on something. After a few years, I learnt to consider the available options myself, before asking my parents to buy them for me. 

I have always felt that minimalism is the way to go for future citizens of the world- arguably a solution for, at least something which hinders the big problem of resource depletion and has the added advantage of reducing the cost of living. But I must confess that I am guilty of going against my beliefs and yearning often for branded bling and outrageously priced products. I have come to understand that when faced with this desire, the act of logically analyzing the true need for it in our lives really helps. Pausing for a moment, looking at the product, and telling myself why I want to buy it will almost automatically make me feel how crazy I am to long for it. If I don’t feel anything wrong about my decision, then it is probably something I truly need, and I proceed to ask my parents to buy it. It does seem like a lot, but it is easier than it sounds, and it really works.

A few years later, I discovered that money had an emotional aspect to it too. I saw many people, most of them old, who couldn’t bear to part with even a part of their savings on any account. They insist on keeping their money safe to a degree we may think unnecessary. But I felt I ought to put myself in their shoes and think from their angle first. After all, it was this money that was going to feed them for the rest of their days. Immediately, their obsession with keeping their savings safe felt completely reasonable. This was, I realized, another critical role money played- people got some solace in knowing that there was money at home, even in the face of dire adversity.

The understanding of these two facets of money led to my valuing money more than I used to earlier. Though people deny the fact, it is quite precious, can solve most problems, and is the only source of relief, an oasis in the cruel desert of life for many. I am still a teenager, so I wouldn’t be able to appreciate it as much as I appreciate and value, say, my marks or the way I look. But this much I have realized- money deserves a good share of my thought and contemplation, and I hope I learn more about it and comprehend it better as I grow up.