Lessons from my mum and dad.

From as early as I can remember, I have been brought up in a single parent family. My mum and dad have separated due to personal reasons, and I have been with my mum since 6 years old.

Growing up in a single parent family comes with challenges: my mum has to play both the role of a breadwinner and a caretaker. I remember a period when she was taking her part time masters, working from 7am – 9pm and taking care of me all at the same time. She has always been a prudent individual, and thus we managed to get by without any financial problems despite the single parenthood. Living within our means, this is lesson 1.

“The most important thing to learn, is how to manage your finances. Don’t be like me, learning how to only in my late 40s.”

This is what my dad told me when I turned 18. He told me to handle my money right, to learn about financial planning and implement it as early as I can. Financial planning was never a priority for him till he reached his late 40s, and he regarded that as one of his biggest mistakes. He encouraged me to buy my own insurance, start investing and stick to a proper budget. As I am in my mid-twenties writing this, I am beyond grateful for his advice that set me on the right track. The importance of proper financial planning, this is lesson 2.

Perhaps a blessing in disguise, growing up in such an environment meant that I have to grow up faster than everyone else around me. I need to be independent to ease the burden off my mum’s shoulders. I need to be capable ASAP to take care of my loved ones. I am truly blessed to have found a career that allows me to achieve all these.

Now, I help many of my clients and loved ones with their own financial planning, by making use of the lessons imparted to me. The journey of life is a long and exciting one, and I can’t wait to walk it with you.