There may be times in life when you face financial hardships, unable to afford even a meal for a day. Such experiences can be eye-opening, teaching you valuable lessons and motivating you to ensure that you never face such a situation again. During these tough times, you might start saving diligently, thinking about investments, and even helping those in need without expecting anything in return.
I personally went through a period of six months where I had very little money to spend. I would visit malls and luxury showrooms, not to buy anything, but to fuel my desire to earn more and spend less. I focused on purchasing only what I truly needed, ignoring my wants. For instance, I spent an hour roaming a mall and ended up buying just a bar of dish soap.
There were countless moments when my desires tempted me to spend more, but I constantly reminded myself of my financial constraints. I would ask myself critical questions: Why do I need this? How long will it meet my needs? What specific requirements does it fulfil? This introspection helped me make more rational decisions and avoid unnecessary expenditures.
During my visits to expensive malls and luxury showrooms, I observed the behaviour of other buyers. Many people spent over an hour deciding on a piece of clothing that would last only a few months. Others were enticed by credit offers, willing to buy things they couldn’t afford with their salary. This made me realize how common it is for people to be driven by desires rather than needs.
I’m not suggesting that if you can’t afford luxury items, you should never buy them. Instead, I urge you to reflect on your reasons for purchasing. Ask yourself: Is this fulfilling a requirement or a desire? If it’s the latter, take a moment to reconsider. There’s nothing wrong with fulfilling desires occasionally, but it’s essential to be mindful of your financial situation and priorities.
Going through tough times taught me the importance of distinguishing between needs and desires. It’s a lesson that has stayed with me, guiding my financial decisions and helping me build a more secure and fulfilling life. By focusing on what truly matters and being mindful of our spending, we can navigate through financial challenges and emerge stronger and wiser.

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