Being Generous and Content

Dear Andrew Hingston,

After listening to Part 1 of this course, I think the parts that impacted me the most was on planning to be generous and content. The chunks of the pie were not what I was expecting, because I thought the rule of thumb in money matters is usually: save up and invest. However, the first chunk of the pie focused on being generous. Coming from a typical Chinese background (what more of Hokkien dialect; we are notorious for being tight-fisted), it didn't make too much sense to find advice on financial planning starting off by encouraging spending.

I was taught not to be too frugal with my money by my parents in word, because they understood that such a selfish outlook would only bring unhappiness. However, often their innate nature to spend only for personal benefit would counteract their verbal teachings. In that sense, I was brought up with a healthy respect for the value of money, but never found it particularly easy to be generous with people.

As a Christian however, I gradually realized that being generous with others (especially those who were more in need than I was) would be something God would want. Hence, my commitment to give regularly to the church out of what I have. Yet, in other things, I was seldom generous; but in my defense, I had a limited amount of money to spend on others as a student.

This week, I was given a chance to show generosity to my friends. On the weekend, my friends decided to come over to my new apartment in Brisbane for dinner and I offered to cook. At first, I contemplated asking them to chip in for the cost of the ingredients, but when I thought of the chunks of the pie, I decided against it to try to be more generous. I knew I could afford the $50 for the meal, since I now earn enough in my current job.

We had a great time, and though I felt a little pinch at the sudden drop in my bank account balance (I saved for a whole week, and now in one day $50 is gone!), I did feel good being able to treat my friends to a nice dinner. With Christmas coming up, I think this part of the course will help me understand that balance is important in every aspect of life, particularly in financial matters. I will save where I can, but also be reasonably generous in spending on my loved ones.

The other chunk of the pie that had impact on me was the part on 'being content'. Prior to listening to the slidecasts, I was hoping to purchase several expensive items for personal use; namely pretty working clothes and shoes so that i'd look professional at my new office job. After I listened, however, I thought about the money I had wanted to spend and asked myself if it was really necessary. And the answer was no. I had enough clothes; I didn't really need any more except to satisfy my craving for newer, better possessions.

Therefore, I held off the buying of those items for 2 weeks, to see if I really couldn't live without them. And concluded that those certainly were wants and not needs. Now, I no longer have the urge to run to the shopping mall because I need to look as good as everyone else in the office. I think I can save quite a fair bit by reducing the amount of wants I buy, and being satisfied with what I have. Of course, a realistic budget is key, as Paul Clitheroe advises: a budget that doesn't allow you to enjoy yourself is unrealistic and will be ignored.

So, I take away two valuable lessons from the first part of this course already. Until the next post then!