Like I’ve mentioned a few times before, I lived a
comfortable life in my parent’s home for the first 26 years of my life. I did
my schooling, graduation and then MBA from the city of Nawabs and lived like a
princess! I was fortunate enough to be born in a well-to-do family and always
had the luxury of a driver or my own car to move around. Life was easy and
thankfully, still is.
Even then, my parents always taught me how to value money. I
was given a meager pocket money and had to bear all my expenses through it. I
was given Rs. 5000 a month to spend on my outings, do any shopping if needed, recharge my cell phone and
refuel the car. My college was really far so most of the money was spent on
petrol.
There was a time when the Boy had gone for a student
exchange program to France for three months. The call rates were really high
and had to be borne by me since he had already spent a lot of money in
traveling abroad. I remember keeping the windows of my car open just so the
vehicle will give a higher mileage and I will be able to buy extra recharge for
my cell phone!
I was so afraid of being caught by my family that I was
dating this guy that I used to get this recharge from several places. I was
afraid that the recharge wala uncle
will call my parents and let them know! Oh boy, I was scared of my family
knowing!
We always dated at the most discreet of places. There was
this restaurant at a remote location where none of my family members, friends
or relatives could ever come. The location also suited the Boy because his
college bus had a stop near-by and he could easily come there. The chicken biryani
was modestly priced at Rs. 70 and made for the most sumptuous meal. We were
students and living a cheap life!
I started writing this post because I wanted to tell about
one particular incident which involved money. Since my father is a businessman, he
hardly ever uses any debit/credit card, whereas the Boy and his family don’t
use any cash. One time the Boy had to withdraw some money. The ATM was located
right outside his college gate and so we stopped there for a bit. My eyes shone
when I saw money coming out of a machine – it was such a new and exciting
experience for me! The Boy started laughing and still reminds me of the
incident. What’s more, I still have the receipt from my first time ever at the
ATM!
I am still a princess though who uses the husband’s credit card
and asks him to withdraw money whenever I have the need. I am still careful
with money whenever we need to save. I still splurge on priorities and
compromise on luxuries if I have to. I am grateful to God that He has given us
enough, but I am more grateful that He has taught me to value my privileges.
We too face this money related issue! Since it's long distance, we spend close to 3000 on our phone recharges every month :( But I try to ensure our expenditure are equal and he is not the only one bearing all the expenses...
ReplyDeleteWith rising expenses, you have to value your money... :)
Long distance sucks!! I've lived that life for a bit and absolutely hated it. Money definitely comes between love!!
DeleteDitto ! I was also taught how to value every penny from a very small age. And I still do so. Whether it is mine or someone else's I treat it the same way, because money doesn't come easily !
ReplyDeleteThe only time it comes easily is by a lucky draw ;)
Deletefor someone who has lived like a princess, you certainly have your head screwed on tight. Not many people I know like that, Nisha, kudos to you :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting post! You sure are a level-headed person. I like the attitude of 'splurge on priorities and compromise on luxuries if I have to"... Have I missed any entry from this dating diary? I must check it out :)
ReplyDelete