Being in the field of social work, I get an opportunity to meet unusual people across remote locations in India and each of them have something unique to tell me. Most of these stories are of those people who have had very little in life; no education, no access to the basics that we take for granted (food, clothing and shelter) and sometimes what seems to be a bleak future. Yet when my phone rings on a random day with one little girl from the far off land of Taraunkala calls me to tell her excitedly that instead of getting married at 18, her mother has saved enough for her to go to a nursing school, my heart swells in pride.
I have heard “A rupee saved is a rupee earned” all through my childhood but somehow I never believed in this concept. I preferred to live in the moment and enjoy myself to the fullest rather than penny pinch. When I started visiting different places as a part of my studies, I had to interact with a lot of Self Help Groups or Bachat Gat as they were locally called. And here the person who did not believe in saving had to preach exactly that.
I heard stories that moved me to tears. All had a common theme; they all said the same thing to me. So what if I couldn’t study, my children would never suffer for the want of money. My daughter will not be married off at a young age; she will study and do something with her life.
Why should I go as far as villages of Maharashtra? Let me tell you the story of the telecaller in my Dad’s company, Sunita. She is a wonderful lady who has big dreams for her two girls who are academically very strong in school. Yet when one of them managed to get a good score in her SSC exams which would enable her to secure admission in a great college, we could see worry lines creasing her forehead.
My house maid, who comes to our house every day with a big smile had started looking defeated just a few months back. She would smile sometimes but that would not even reach her eyes. She required money, urgently for her mother’s operation.
And me? Well, there has been one instance when I had felt an urgent need for money. I had been invited to go to Malaysia but I could collect enough cash in the week’s time that was given to me for my visa and I had to let go of that opportunity. I remember crying to bed every day for a week.
This is where I feel this beautiful video from Birla Sun Life Insurance would inspire me and these two wonderful ladies with its battle cry of Khud Ko Kar Buland.
Planning our future but at the same time not being obsessed about an unforeseen event is something that we need to incorporate in our daily lives. If I had planned better I am sure I would have come back with a camera full of wonderful memories from Malaysia. But am I going to let this incident affect me? Well, yes because I fully intend to start working towards a structured future which would have a safety net should I ever stumble or fall in life.
I am a 25 year old blogger who believes in the power of story telling and using personal experiences to blog about things close to my heart. I started Munni of all Trades 4 years back to share my ideas, thoughts and views on things that I am passionate about. I blog about things that make me happy and by extension my readers, too..
Very important financial message you're writing here.. Thanks for the tips!
Great message. Financial planning is something Ive ignored in the past and like you, I know how a lack of funds can hold you back from great opportunities.Good post.
indeed, financial planning is very important. but we shouldn't jump cluelessly into insurances (saving plans, endowments etc) either as these products usually greatly limits our liquidity if we didn't plan well enough, or meet a financial planner whose only aim is to earn more commission from us.
A friend taught me that whenever I get my salary, to put at least 30% aside for savings and use the rest as I please and that's what I've been doing ever since.
Planning for saving money is very essential in life, you never know when it is needed.
Glamupgirls
this ia great financial message…..thanks for the great tips..
These are some great financial advise! Thank you! Will keep these in mind! =)
Saving money is always essential. We should always plan for the future as we do no t know what it holds plus sometimes we tend to spend on little little things that are technically unnecessary. Great tip! x
GIG Love,
Siew Hui
it so touching story.
is it based on true story or not? :')
and great tips for life tho
I've not heard of that saying but in a way, it does make sense!
I've heard same thing from my elders too. You definitely shared very important financial message.
Indeed a rupee saved is rupee earned. Every rupee makes a difference when it comes to savings.
– GIG Love – Chai – Style a pastiche – styleapastiche.com
I can kinda relate to you opportunity of malaysia but I also believe everything happens for a good reason! … Other hand, yes saving is definitely good but tuings are so expensive and income is poor! ?
much love… GreenStory
I believe in good deeds and yes! I think it is important to have generous heart 😀
Nice post! ^^
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I agree with you – I am also the type to live for the moment and while I still do, becoming a parent changed that a little in terms of saving more along the way.
slap in my face again. haha i don't have savings honestly. like you I believe in “I preferred to live in the moment and enjoy myself to the fullest rather than penny pinch”. but I have already acquired sun life insurance. 10 years to pay. oh well.
yes saving for the future is really important, this is a great post!
http://popiahc.blogspot.com
Great post dear… Its very important to save for future ?