Your Empty Nest :: A Mommy Blog » Blog Archive » It’s Not All About the Money

October 2nd 2009 by admin

I just got off the phone with my daughter Julie. From the sound of her voice, I can sense how much she enjoyed her stay in the university; her new home. I was almost in the verge of tears when she talked about how she cooked her lunch all by herself. I just can’t hide how much I’ve missed her. I wanted to talk to her some more but she was in a hurry to go to her next class. There was so much to say, yet so little time. I tell myself, how quickly time flies. Just when you were just catching up with her, then there she goes to college.

It’s been a week since she left the house. I’ve sobbed a couple of times. I’ve taken longer walks. At the grocery store, I often stop at the meat tray and ask myself how much should I buy? Now that she’s gone, I’ll only need half as much food. Then unconsciously I start bugging myself with so many questions. Does she eat on time? Does she drink clean water? Who are her friends? What is she doing by now? It’s never easy to be a mother. But I also know that this not easy for her. Now that she’s on her own, I have to be strong and she has to be brave. How I wish I could have talked to her more about life, relationships and about money.
I have some concepts about money that I’d like to teach her. I’m no expert on this as I, myself, experience financial troubles but I’m sure she’ll learn a thing or two from my experiences. When she gets back, this is what I’m going to tell her, just so I won’t forget.
Money is neither good nor bad. It’s only a tool. We cannot judge a person based on his bank account but money can tell a person’s true nature. It all depends on how we use it.
Money can’t buy you happiness. Rich people aren’t necessarily happy just because they have more money than the rest of us. More often than not, they’re more stressed. It’s all a matter of perspective. If you always want more, you’ll always be struggling. The happiest people are those who are satisfied with what they have.
Companies want your money! All those advertisements and promotional campaigns are used by companies who spend so much just to get you to spend your money on them. Don’t believe everything you see, in the internet, even in the news! Be critical before making any decision. If you find something confusing, I’ll always be a phone call away.
Pay attention to your money. Now that you receive your allowance monthly, you should start making a budget. Save a part of your money and spend the rest as you see fit. Track everything you buy.
Save as much as you can for later. It won’t hurt to put off buying the latest pair of shoes and putting the money in your savings account. It may be hard at first since I know you adore shoes but you have to hear me on this. Even just for emergency reasons, please, start saving.
Avoid borrowing money, unless it’s really important; like a matter of life and death!
Don’t envy other people’s money! It won’t do you no good because there will always be other people who have more than you do. But remember that there are also more people who have less. You’re probably better off than most of them who just pretend to have a lot. My mother always told us to use our money properly and live within our means.
If you are in the position to help, you have an obligation to help. You are lucky to be born in a rich country where a lot of opportunities are within your reach. If given a chance, don’t hesitate to give back to those who need your help. Handling your own money will give you a sense of independence but remember that it is also a responsibility, so handle it with care.
Finally, don’t forget that “it’s not all about the money”. There was once a woman in her mid-twenties who worked for a multi-national company and was about to be promoted. That time, she found out she was about to be a mother. It was either she could lose her job or lose the baby. Eight months later, she gave birth to a beautiful girl and named her Julie. It was one of the wisest decisions I’ve ever made. You will always be my most precious treasure.
To all the mothers out there, if you have any more tips for my Julie, I’ll be glad to add it on my list.
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