We’ve explored obstacles, hardships, and the journey of continuous self-development. Now, in the next few posts, our focus will shift to something just as significant: money.
Our financial situation plays a crucial role in the process of self-discovery—just as much as emotional or mental well-being. As the Irish writer Jonathan Swift wisely said:
“A wise person should have money in their head, but not in their heart.”
Have you ever been strapped for cash? Faced financial hardship?
Even just reflecting on your answer reveals how deeply our financial state can affect our psychology, life choices, and personal goals.
When you have responsibilities toward others—family, for instance—it’s easy to lose sight of yourself. But the essence of this self-awareness journey is just that: carving out even ten minutes for yourself now and then, and holding on to your confidence, your goals, and your belief in yourself, even in the toughest conditions. If money were everything, 80% of the world wouldn’t be unhappy.
Another important question:
How does your cash flow look at the beginning of the month? Is it positive or negative?
If it’s negative, how do you emotionally respond? Do you feel responsible for organizing your monthly or yearly budget?
Are you frugal or spendthrift? What would your friends say? And can you be honest with yourself about it?
Throughout our education, we take dozens of classes and shape our way of thinking, but one thing we rarely learn is how to manage money. Once you’re financially independent from your family, reality hits hard. At first, you may feel like you can buy anything. Maybe you overinvest in things you couldn’t access before, trying to feed your ego or satisfy a craving. But soon enough, reality catches up.
That’s why it’s vital to understand not just how the global economy works—but also where you, as an individual, fit into it. Take saving money, for example. Families often advise saving, and while that’s useful, you eventually realize saving alone doesn’t grow your wealth. Or look at investments like buying a house or car. These may be smart, quick-return strategies in developing or emerging countries. But in developed nations, it’s not always so straightforward. You might find yourself locked into 20- or 30-year loans, stuck in jobs you dislike just to maintain steady cash flow, and enviously watching others live with more freedom.
Just like in earlier topics, when it comes to money, writing things down, analyzing them, and acting based on insight can make a huge difference. That begins with improving your financial literacy: calculating your budget, tracking your income and expenses, saving, looking for smart investment opportunities, restructuring debts, and understanding risks. No matter your age, planning for retirement and developing a comprehensive financial roadmap will place you in a much stronger, safer, and more successful position.
Before you rent or sell your time to the highest bidder, take a moment—think it through, and plan wisely.
bahadirhancicek 
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