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Priceless Things That Money Cannot Buy

The world may revolve around money but, it cannot buy everything. There are some things in one’s life that are more important than money itself. The most valuable things found on this capitalist world do not come with a price tag. Many people lose sight of that!

#1: TIME

We race against time. No matter how rich you are, you cannot get back lost time. It is given free for everyone and we only have 24 hours to maximize one day. Each passing second can never be replayed again. Despite all the medical advances and scientific efforts, there is no surefire way to extend one’s life significantly. Our time will pass. Hence, we must be grateful for everything that we are experiencing.

#2: PURPOSE

Your life’s purpose in life is beyond the pages written by Psychologists, Philosophers, and Scholars. You may perceive that “having all the money in the world” is the ultimate goal in life. However, money is just a tool to help you achieve your purpose. You can never get all the money in the world. If that drives you, your life may be meaningless once you get rich. Greediness can brew as you strive to make more money.

#3: LOVE

You can buy sex and intimacy. Some people have hired workers for the “boyfriend or girlfriend” experience. No matter how much you pay for intimacy, you can never buy true love. In many cases, money makes finding genuine love more difficult. It may bring suitors that are only after the depth of your pockets. The same goes for finding true friends. Having a hefty amount of money can bring out the worst in people.

#4: HEALTH

Health is one of the crucial things in life that money cannot buy. We all know that by now.

As Dalai Lama once said: ”What surprises me most is “man” sacrifices his/her health to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health.” Maintaining good health throughout your life is ideal. You should not become powerful at the expense of your health. Paying medical bills and expenses are things money can buy, but it can never bring back your vibrant health.

#5: MANNERS

Manners are deeply ingrained in one’s character. Manners and class cannot be bought by money alone. You may seek the aide of professionals to help you shape your behaviors, but your attitude will remain the same if you are not willing to put the effort in.

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Being on top of the world may make you feel that you do not gave to answer to anyone. Notice how some people act after winning the lottery. It is a great feeling to be respected by someone, and money cannot buy it.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Stop Procrastinating And Start Accomplishing Goal$

One of the greatest English novelists, Charles Dickens, encapsulated the unpleasant prowess of procrastination. His advice was “to never do tomorrow what you can do today. Procrastination is the thief of time.” Procrastination feeds into your weakness by following immediate gratification.

You are aware that it affects some areas of your life such as being late for a meeting or missing the billing deadline. However, you might not realize that constantly avoiding responsibilities can cost you money. Start changing your ways! It may seem trivial now, but keeping your financial goals on hold will affect your long-term savings plan.

LEARN TO ACCEPT YOUR BOUNDS

“I do not feel like doing it right now!”
“I will be more prepared tomorrow.”

How often have you used these excuses to put off the tasks that you can easily accomplish today? For some people, avoiding the difficult tasks by making excuses became a form of coping (i.e., an unhealthy response). It is time to face the music! You will never be fully ready to tackle your financial goals.

The best thing that you can do right now is to examine your financial situation. Identify the amount of cash that comes in and goes out. You may either download money tracker apps or seek the help of the professionals.

CONSIDER THE PRESENT TIME

A study from the University of Chicago found that participants were more likely to initiate action if they view that the task happens at the present. Apply this thought by determining what phase you are on.

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It is easier to track your tasks by making a simple “to-do list” that even includes the tasks you are avoiding to pursue. Then, write the deadlines together with every task. Even if the deadlines you set are sooner that necessary, it will help your cause.

BREAK IT DOWN INTO SMALL CHUNKS

One of the reasons why individuals put goals aside is its intimidating and overwhelming nature. Listing vague or huge goals can immediately discourage you. Breaking down your financial goals into action items is a good idea. Make these items realistic, manageable, and concrete.

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For instance, you aim to make S$2,000 by Christmas instead of saying that you envision having S$500,000 by retirement. Set up a reward system after you finish an action item.

Sources: 1 & 2

Time Is Money: Importance Of Punctuality In The Workplace

One cannot simply deny that time is among the most valuable commodities on Earth. The idiomatic expression of “time is money” was first recorded in 1572. Time was seen as a finite resource that shall not be wasted since then. We must complete tasks as quickly as possible because time is irreplaceable. You can always stream shows online but, you can never bring back time.

The nature of time is understood in diverse ways by different cultures. Generally speaking, the manner that the Southern Europeans perceive time opposes how Americans and Asians perceive it. Southern Europeans put more weight on multi-activity. They will feel more fulfilled if they accomplished more things simultaneously. Setting appointments is less important than living in the present moment.

On the other end of the spectrum, Americans put more weight on linear activity. In a capitalistic society, time is considered as a fast flowing and precious currency. You have to take immediate actions if you want to benefit from its passing.

For Asians, I am only focusing on the Japanese and Singaporeans. Japanese are globally renowned for their punctuality and ability to commit. They have a high degree of predictability and consistency. This is why you must not bring “surprises” (e.g., hidden costs) during a business deal.

Lastly, Singaporeans practice courtesy most of the times. One of the cultural values we possess is the potent adherence to hierarchical relationships in the society. This is partly influenced by the Confucian teaching. A good way to maintain courtesy and respect toward our superiors is by honoring their time.

Fortifying Timekeeping In The Workplace

Timekeeping is an important skill to practice in the workplace. A dimension of timekeeping is punctuality. What is special about punctuality is that it can communicate a basket of positive characteristics to your superiors, subordinates, and peers. It creates initial and long-lasting impressions.

At first glance, it manifests that you are dedicated to your position and that you controlled the responsibility handed over to you. Punctuality is crucial to efficiently finishing assignments and projects. Sticking with the deadlines assures your clients that they can depend on you to get the job done.

In the long run, punctuality acts as a sign of professionalism. In an interdependent working environment (seen in many Singaporean firms), you must do your own part so that things can run smoothly. Can you imagine how many patients will suffer if the resident Physicians were an hour late to the hospital? The nurses are not equipped to do some of their tasks.

Aside from the impressions, punctuality has team and personal effects. You can display that you are a great team-player when you arrive on time for meetings and shifts. The way that you value your time demonstrates your respect for your colleagues and clients. Let us be honest! It is usually frustrating to cover for someone’s shift with no valid reasons.

Lastly, punctuality is beneficial due to its personal effects of building discipline and self-confidence. Discipline is a result of constantly paying attention to your tasks and organizing your time based on your priorities. While self-confidence is shaped by mastery. The more promises and tasks you fulfill, the more you will believe in your own capabilities.

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May you begin to realize that timekeeping is essential in the workplace. Stand out from the crowd and assure your employer that you are worth keeping by being punctual!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

10 Wonderful Treasures That Money Cannot Buy

1. RESPECT

Genuine respect from your partner, your workplace, and yourself is something that almost everyone desires to achieve. One gains respect not by paying for it, rather it is gained through humility, hard work, and nobility.

2. WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge and education are acquired through time and effort. While, wisdom comes from the knowing how little you actually know. Submitting yourself to updated books and new experiences can fuel the lifelong learning process.

3. FULFILLMENT OF DREAMS

Whether you call it dreams or passions, dedicating your life to something you love and value can help you unlock happiness. However, arriving at your true calling takes a complicated and a highly personal route of self discovery.

4. GOOD HEALTH

Although we are aware of the benefits of physical activity to our health, most of us do little of it. Instead of getting consumed by earning, lead a healthy lifestyle packed with exercise and balanced diet.

5. AFFECTIONATE RELATIONSHIPS

Since our time here is limited, we must constantly put effort into making our loved ones feel that they are appreciated. Show affection by your presence, hugs, and kisses. Help one another in the time of need as this will only keep the bond stronger.

6. SECURITY

Security is defined as freedom from risks and danger. Aside from keeping piles of wealth to secure your future, prevent the harmful attacks from people and diseases by employing overall security and preventive measures.

7. INNER PEACE

The state of being mentally and spiritually at peace is achieved when one accepts everything that life has to throw at him or her. Positivism even in the most negative circumstances are attained due to knowledge and understanding of oneself. This is one thing that I personally want to attain without the help of wealth.

8. TIME

If there is something money cannot buy, it is absolutely time! Time is one of the most important commodities on Earth. It is limited. Once it is gone, you cannot take it back.

9. CLOSE-KNIT FAMILY

The true closeness of a family cannot be bought by money even if you combine all the wealth in the world. It comes from spending quality time, giving adequate attention, and pouring unconditional love to each family member.

10. STRONG WORK ETHIC

Building strong work ethic is a matter of becoming an action-oriented person that steers to the direction of self-development. Boost it by practicing hard work, wielding self-discipline, and embracing responsibility.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

The Age-Old Relationship Of Money And Time

If you lived in Singapore long enough, you will realize that time is money! Not in the literal sense. In a fast-paced work driven environment, time is seen as a valuable and finite resource. Since time is irreplaceable, we must accomplish tasks as quickly as possible. You can always make money but you can never bring back time.

Time and money’s dynamic relationship is manifested in different daily scenarios such as these:

a. HAVING TOO MUCH TIME

Experts say that the unrealistic expectations people have with time outweigh their irrationality with money. It is because measuring our lifespan is a complex task. In a study, participants placed more bets when they gambled with their time than when they gambled with their money. Time is such an ambiguous currency that people cannot see its actual worth.

b. HANGING OUT WITH THE CROWD

Financial psychologist Brad Klontz said that: “It’s the herd instinct that influences each of us, particularly when it comes to our wallets.” Generally, we surround ourselves with people with the same monetary habits. If you frequently hang-out with a cautious buyer, you are more likely to learn a thing or two about the importance of budgeting. And that is not a bad thing!

c. POWER OF COMPOUND INTEREST

As an investor, the longer you keep your money on the account, the more you will make out of it. Elevation of your wealth each year is possible because of Compound Interest. This is why it is advantageous if you started young. And if your “younger years” passed, the next best thing is to start now.

d. BUYING A CAR

When purchasing a car, the present value of your money may not be enough. And you will have to make several financial strategies to increase your future value of money. Watch this short video to grasp its idea:

According to Investopedia, “Time Value of Money is the idea that money available at the present time is worth more in the future due to its potential earning capacity”. Provided that money can earn interest, any amount of money is worth more as time passes. Thus, it is important to calculate the Time Value of Money before you start investing.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

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