The weather's great for laundry or a walk in the park. There are jobs opportunities _ better than during Covid lockdown era. There isn’t any major pandemic. Cafes are mushrooming. Pickleball sport is booming. Another malls are opening (roll eyes). Travelers are travelling. Consumers are consuming.
On the stock market side, it did a nosedive but made a historical comeback (shrugs). Congrats if you managed to buy in, I didn’t. That’s why they said never to time the market but just DCA. I digressed.
My point is, things are generally good now. (I pray it’s the same for everyone!)
And so this post is simply a PSA to remind you to prepare for the rainy days and give back however you can.
Table of Contents
#1 Taste a little bitter
I came across Allen’s How to Get Rich the Chinese Way and love this quote. It’s a reminder that real rewards often come after some hardship—something like delayed gratification.
Maybe you want your future self to be financially secure. That might mean cutting back on everyday luxuries like frequent takeout, food delivery, or impulse shopping.
Maybe you want to earn more. Then it’s time to lean into the uncomfortable _ learn new skills, apply for better jobs, put yourself out there.
#2 Giving back
I wouldn’t call myself a philanthropist, but I strongly believe in giving to causes you care about. It doesn’t have to be monetary _ your time, effort, or skills can make just as much of an impact. Give what you can afford, in whatever form that takes.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as helping those close to you—family, friends, or even a stranger who needs a hand.
I’ve come across content that talks about how in the past, wealthy individuals often gave back openly by building schools, funding public works, or supporting their communities. These days, it feels like the trend has shifted. Some (not all) seem more focused on showcasing wealth, avoiding taxes, or keeping their riches quiet.
Wealth isn’t just about what you keep—it’s also about what you contribute.
#3 Leave behind an Environmental legacy
You’d often hear me advocating about environmental sustainability. For good reasons.
To those who say, “I’d be long gone before the earth dies” think again. In just the past 2 years, we’ve seen country after country suffer the worst floods in decades. And remember how it happened right here, too?
Typhoons, quakes, wildfires are getting more intense and frequent!
Yet we keep consuming more than we need, only to throw things away. We keep cutting down trees to make room for empty new malls, "Insta-worthy" spots or ghost towns.
And you might ask, “What does the environment have to do with personal finance?” The answer: Everything.
Today you’d better have a tabung bencana alam (natural disasters emergency fund) for repairs, evacuations, or medical needs.
Just a few years ago, we were suddenly spending on masks, air purifiers, and health essentials. In the not-so-distant future, who knows—maybe even oxygen won't be free🤷🏻♀️
I’ve said this before, and I’ll keep saying it: Preservation and conservation are always more affordable than restoration.
It starts with small, conscious choices—recycling, buying only what we need, and using our collective voice to say no when nature is being destroyed in the name of "progress."
#4 Leave behind a financial legacy
I haven’t read Die With Zero by Bill Perkins, but the premise seems clear: spend your money while you’re alive, and don’t worry about leaving anything behind. That may make sense for some—especially those without children or close dependents as more people are choosing child-free lives.
But in my opinion, there’s a small trace of selfishness in that mindset, particularly from where I stand. Then again, this idea likely comes from a more Western perspective, where children are expected to become financially independent after they turn 18.
In today’s economy, a financial stepping stone isn’t just helpful (it’s a privilege!). For many, not being part of the sandwich generation is a luxury. In families where money is tight, generational struggles repeat themselves.
This might sound blunt, but I’ve heard too many stories of people growing up in poverty, carrying trauma because their parents had them without being financially ready. It’s heartbreaking.
So if you're thinking about legacy, maybe it’s not just about dying with money or dying with zero.
Maybe it's about making intentional financial decisions that prevent cycles of hardship whether for your future children, your family, or your community.
Conclusion
the first point stays with me the most. I keep asking myself: What bitter things am I willing to make today for the sake of my future self?
It’s easy to forget, especially when life feels good. Which is why a reminder every now and then is so important. So here’s to making thoughtful choices in the good times, so we’re better prepared for whatever comes next.
May the good times persist and may we not waste them. Cheers!
Comments
Post a Comment