THE TOMORROW OF YESTERDAY IS NOW!
Build Financial Awareness Part I
If you don’t need any convincing arguments as to why you should become financially aware, then feel free to skip this blog and go straight to Part II – ‘How’ (with a similar title).
This first part is a collection of quotes and slogans that explain the reasoning behind many of the daily decisions people make. Regardless of how practical, common-sense, or wise some of those decisions appear, we cannot deny the truth contained in most of these quotes.
Yes, we live a short and uncertain life with no guarantee we will be here tomorrow.
Yes, it is important to live in the present and appreciate every blessing and positive moment that comes our way.
Yes, many successful people, on their deathbeds, have shared the same basic conclusion: that in the end, life is about giving and receiving time, energy, and love — about family relationships and true friendships.
This is the complete opposite of what most people expect after spending decades chasing career success, entrepreneurial wins, wealth, assets, and a healthy bank balance.
Unfortunately, many only reach this realisation when it’s too late — because they sacrificed the most valuable things in pursuit of material success.
But does this mean money should have no importance or priority in our lives?
Should we completely shun financial awareness and live as if there is no tomorrow?
After deciding to split this into two parts, I felt the first blog should focus on the ‘Why’ of financial awareness, while the second will focus on the ‘How’ — and a few important warnings along the way.
So here is my attempt to answer that question with more questions:
- Does living fully in the “now” mean you must never sacrifice any present time to prepare for yourself and your loved ones tomorrow?
- What exactly is the full definition of “tomorrow”? 24 hours? A week? A month? A year? Or could it span several years — even decades?
- Are we so certain we will be dead by then that it’s pointless to make any preparations or sacrifices today?
Did you notice the slight contradiction between the first and last quote?
Your life experiences will remain very limited if you don’t have money.
Many of us betray ourselves without even admitting it. We already sacrifice a large portion of our “now” moments by working full-time just to cover tomorrow’s necessities (food, clothing, shelter). The way we spend whatever money is left over reveals our true attitude toward money. Our personal definition of “necessities” often exposes even deeper self-betrayal. Sometimes that leftover money is already spent before it hits our account — or never shows up positively at all.
We live in the age of instant gratification because we believe we “deserve it.” Thanks to constant advertising and social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.), we’ve become convinced that everyone else is living their best life. So we create endless bucket lists of things we must do, see, and experience before we “kick the bucket.”
A few honest questions for those who recognise themselves in this description:
- How long have you been living this way — one year, two, or five?
- How many items have you actually ticked off your bucket list?
- How did those experiences make you feel at the time? How do you feel about them now?
- Have they made you a better person? Are you giving more love and giving back? Do you feel more loved?
- Have they improved your overall life — including your finances?
And what about right now?
Has your carefree, happy-go-lucky life suddenly been interrupted by an unexpected event — illness, accident, relationship issue, or an unplanned family addition?
Well, here we all are…
living in the tomorrow of yesterday, still alive and still kicking (and no, I’m not talking about that bucket).
P.S.
After rereading this, I realised it was way too long, so I’ve split it into two parts. Take a break, digest this first one, and come back in a day or two for Part II.
Christopher
