Embracing the Value of Money: A Personal Journey

Understanding Money at a Young Age

Do you recall the first time you realized the value of money? I began to grasp the concept when I was around 8 years old. At this age, my parents started to verify certain choices in my life, particularly after completing my Class 12 education. The marks I scored in subjects during Class 12 not only set the path for my future but also determined the direction in which my life would go.

Financial Milestones in Life

Once I entered the workforce, I had more freedom to decide where to live. Whether to stay with family or move to another city was a decision that came with its own set of challenges. Once my expenses became more stable, I started saving money from my first job. This period was crucial in teaching me the value of saving, especially with fewer expenses to worry about.

Many people start their careers by buying a car and perhaps even a house. These decisions can be smart investments, as a small car can significantly reduce transportation costs, and a house provides financial stability and a sense of security.

Early Lessons in Financial Responsibility

One of my earliest experiences with financial responsibility was when my dad began giving me a weekly allowance in 1956, when I was just 7 years old. He allowed me to keep any money I saved by making my own sandwiches for lunch instead of buying them. We lived a short block from Mainstreet and the local movie theater. On weekends, I could afford a matinee, a bag of popcorn, and a coke with the money I earned. This was the highlight of my week.

It was during my solo film experience, witnessing The King and Four Queens with Clark Gable, that I felt truly living it up. However, at that age, I was blissfully unaware of the challenges ahead. My first solo encounter with reality came when I realized I needed to be more careful with my money and change my habits, or face homelessness or a dire need for financial help.

This 'oh-snap' moment is a hallmark of the college years, when many face the harsh realities of life for the first time. For some, this is a lesson learned through years of eating cheaply (rice ramen and sugar water) or even worse, through health issues that make work difficult, accidents that require constant financial support, or living in constant uncertainty due to the lack of basic necessities.

Ultimately, money is an effect that can bring about freedom. While money alone does not guarantee happiness, having it can greatly alleviate the existential uncertainty we often face. This financial awareness and the lessons learned at a young age have guided me throughout my life, helping me to make wise choices and build a stable future.