Science was my first favourite subject in school, followed by Maths. Was never really a big fan of the social sciences. Then as many of the average sheep in India, went for engineering. Here as well had a few favourites and quite a few that were not so much. After this point as far as law and most of the people are concerned, I had become an adult. Naturally, as a grownup, I had to have my own so-called ‘hard-earned’ money for which had to get a job. But after a few years, I again followed the flock and entered the MBA classroom. This is where I was introduced to some different species of subjects. Micro and Macroeconomics, Marketing and for the first time ever, Accounting and Corporate Finance.
Now I ask this question, of all the things I crammed into my head (later vomited onto the exam answer sheets) which are of use to me in my daily life? I’m also asking about my favourite subjects here. How many times will I need to remember elements of the periodic table? Or in a normal working day use derivatives, integrals or 3.1416 which as we know is the famous pi? There are so many neurons in my mind that are probably anxiously waiting to be called upon. Or maybe by now, they are cursing me. Saying something like “You could’ve wasted us on some movie. At least we would have had some fun along the way!”
So getting to the point now. Why is it that until I became an adult, and even way after that, I wasn’t really ever taught about money? Yes, we are taught about money as a currency. As something, you buy things with. As something you get when you’re paid or in some cases when you’re married. But why is it that no one is teaching about managing this very essential concept in our lives?
Having some bankers in the family, gave me some basic ideas. And when RDs and FDs were discussed at the dinner table, I got to know at least some things more than my peers. This makes me think that Personal Finance is not something we should learn as a speciality. It is “Personal” isn’t it? It is something we need to be taught throughout our lives. I am not saying that you make your 5-year-old create a balance sheet of their pocket money. But why not explain to them about expenses, and about managing those expenses? Then slowly incorporate into their daily lives the basics of managing and growing money.
This is the idea of this blog on personal wealth. Jenga comes from a Swahili word that means ‘To Build’. I have been reading, learning and experimenting on this for a while now. I have certainly made mistakes. But as mistakes often do, they taught me the most. So would like to share these ideas and put them out there. In case someone reads them and finds them helpful. Also, in case someone feels like sharing things from their side and help me learn in return.
Wealth Jenga 