14/07/2019
“In financial planning, always put ahead your children's basic needs — primarily nutrition, healthcare, and education — ahead of your wants. They are your responsibility and your asset at the same time.
At some point, one should also realise that mental preparation for children is as important as financial preparation. Being mentally prepared means that we are psychologically ready to face challenges that come in child upbringing and being equipped to raise and educate children to become decent individuals. Some affluent parents may assume that money can buy their children all kinds of success, but oftentimes actual cases, as reported by school teachers, show that some of these children fall short of a basic decent character. I think mental preparation is key to addressing this.
Marriage isn't just the union of two people; it's the union of two families. So, it is important in marriage to give thought to our family members. Often, the organic reciprocity in being considerate to each other is a recipe for family happiness. The love and support from them is crucial, especially in, but not limited to, the early stages of building a family. In our case, particularly, having parents who support our child upbringing when we have tutorials to attend is an immense blessing that we are truly grateful for, something we cannot valuate in monetary terms.
To me, success is fulfilling my responsibilities as a husband, father, and son, on top being a good student. That means that I provide for the family, and I am there when they need me. As for student responsibilities, success is when I participate in class willingly, enquire when I don't understand, and give my best in the work I submit. The outcome (i.e. grades), as I have learned, is often not in my control. I also strive to observe good relations with my lecturers and tutors.
As a family person, one should always strive to make decisions level-headedly. Have a leap of faith but measure your capacity before that leap.”
- Muhammad 'Arif Bin Muhammad Khairul Tan
Read More: https://dollarsandsense.sg/successful-singaporeans-undergrad-dad-funds-education-raises-family/
