The last few days of the year 2022 are left. We are here at the end of the year, it is time to look back at the year passed. People’s lives disrupted by the pandemic and lockdown in the last two years, have been restored once again this year. Once again, we all started living our normal life. We Indians celebrate all the festivals with great enthusiasm. Unity in diversity is the identity of our country. Christmas is around and it is that time of the year when we eagerly wait for giving and receiving secret Santa gifts.
Santa Claus is the biggest attraction for all the children. Every child is curious about what gift he/she will get from Santa’s bag. Even though we know that Santa is imaginary, we keep it a secret for our child’s happiness. Then what could be the biggest gift you can give to your child or your loved ones by becoming their secret Santa? The answer is Financial Freedom. Financial freedom is the most precious gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones.
Many of us might have made some financial resolutions at the beginning of the year. Now, it’s time to review those resolutions. You have to analyze how many things you fulfilled successfully or anything left from what we decided at the beginning. Then it’s time to understand those factors which took away from your goal.
Santa is a symbol of happiness. He teaches us that joy is always in giving. By giving financial freedom to yourself and your loved ones you will become a secret Santa in their lives. Then how can you achieve that? Let’s understand them step by step.
Were my financial resolutions clear?
First ask yourself this question. My observation shows that when people come to me for their investment, most of the time they are not clear about their financial goals. When they are asked about the purpose of their investment, the common answer I often receive is that their friend/ relative had started investing and accordingly he/she suggested them. The amount of investment is being your hard-earned money, you have to plan responsibly for your investment. Investment shouldn’t be blind based upon anyone’s suggestion. Your “Purpose” should always be clear. “Why am I making this investment?” is an important question to be asked yourself at every stage of life.
How can I achieve my goals?
After setting financial goals the next question to be asked is “How can I achieve my goals?” You should first learn to live upon less than you earn. Next, you should learn to seek advice from those who are competent through their own studies and experiences. Finally, you have to learn to make your money work for you. You have to learn how to multiply your money, and how to use it. Don’t spend your hard-earned money over the things that you don’t need. The difference between necessity and desire should always be clear. There is one famous quote by Will Smith, “Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy the things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.”
Review your goals:
As I said earlier, many of us made resolutions at the beginning of the year. Till now we discussed non fulfillment of the resolutions made in the beginning. We are here at the end of this year which has been restored after the covid crisis. That pandemic situation left a clear message that we need to pay more attention to our health and finances. By considering this, it’s time to overlook if you have taken enough life insurance and health insurance for yourself and your family this year to secure your future and whether you have taken proper actions in terms of saving, investment and emergency funds to easily handle any situation. Take professional advice if you need help for managing all these things.
As children get happiness from Santa’s gifts, on the same line we should get joy from the various investments we did. By achieving financial freedom for yourself and your loved ones you become a secret Santa in their lives. May the Santa within you give you more joy and happiness in the coming years.
Merry Christmas!