Personal Relationship with Money
From a young age, I have always appreciated money. This fascination led me to write about it. As a child, I would diligently save a portion of my allowance in a piggy bank. During my teenage years, I had the opportunity to work for money during two summers at the place where my father worked (not with him, but alongside his colleagues). This experience taught me valuable lessons.
Every two weeks, like all employees, I would receive my “pay envelope” (cash payments were common back then) and carefully stash part of my earnings in a wallet hidden within my sock drawer. I hardly spent anything, as I had no pressing needs.
Upon turning 18, my grandmother gifted me a bank account with 2,000 pesos. I vividly remember accompanying her to the bank to open it, and she said, “Now that you’re an adult, I hope you manage your money responsibly, just as your grandfather always did.”
Although I occasionally spent some of that money, it was always with conscious consideration and care. I also saved diligently. By the time I married at 21, my account had grown to approximately 6,000 pesos.
Financial Role Models
I had a clear idea: I wanted to emulate my grandfather’s financial acumen more than my father’s. My grandfather, in retirement, had a modest but sufficient patrimonial income to maintain his lifestyle (and that of my grandmother, who outlived him by more than a decade) without relying on others. This was all thanks to meticulous money management.
In contrast, at home, every arrival of the credit card statements was a source of drama. My father constantly struggled with stress, juggling payments and occasionally bouncing checks due to poor financial management.
Motivations Beyond Money
I have always liked money, working for it like everyone else. However, my ambition has never been driven by money alone. Instead, I desired stability, a good quality of life, and the ability to provide for my family. Enjoying fine meals at home with quality ingredients was also a goal.
The crucial difference lies in my passion for work. I have always sought executive positions and decision-making roles, not for the money but because they aligned with my aspirations to grow and make a difference. This ambition is not financial but rather about personal and professional development, transformation, and service.
For this reason, I began writing this column over 25 years ago—to share insights and help others view money differently. This journey has allowed me to learn from readers, evolve, and cultivate my unique voice.
I firmly believe that this mindset, the pursuit of making a difference and inspiring others, has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. The financial rewards have been a consequence rather than the primary goal, and I take great pride in this.
Differing Motivations
Many individuals prioritize money as their main ambition. They are driven to achieve professional success through monetary pursuits, and I respect their accomplishments. However, money should not be the ultimate goal or end; instead, it should be a tool to enhance one’s life and create positive change.
Understanding what motivates someone is crucial, as it can significantly impact various contexts—such as negotiations or motivating underperforming employees. Economic incentives are undeniably powerful across different environments.
The True Priorities
In the end, it’s essential to recognize that money should not be the central focus but a means to achieve our genuine priorities. What truly matters most in your life?
