Focussing on Financial Freedom #AtoZChallenge

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LOOKING FOR FINANCIAL FREEDOM_

A common concern most people have in these trying times, is the economic fallout of the coronavirus global lockdown. Many of my salaried friends are worried about getting laid off, business-owners about the adverse effects of the forced break from work, and yet others about the state of their stocks and mutual funds. Added to this are the numerous hardships faced by migrant workers, the homeless and poor. Our global economy and financial systems are set to face the biggest setback in decades. For many, finding ways to pay off outstanding debts has become increasingly important. SoFi offers a wide range of credit card options that can help people to save, invest, and pay off debts. You can hop over to this website to learn more about some of these options. And if you want more in-depth information on wealth generation, read on:

At the beginning of this year, which seems like eons ago, I had made a silent resolution that I would take my finances into my own hands. These matters never interested me earlier, and I would blindly depend on my father, husband or a CA to get everything done (despite their entreaties that I take more of an interest in the subject!). On New Year’s Eve, however, I finally resolved to free myself from this dependence, by saving and growing my money correctly. Sometimes, all one needs to do is form an intent and things fall strangely into place.

For International Women’s Day in March, I was invited to speak at an event hosted by a group of ladies known as the Queen’s Brigade. One of my fellow panelists was Priyanka Bhatia, who runs a startup known as ‘Women on Wealth’, where she educates women on dealing with their money. She’s not a broker or financial advisor, but a qualified professional who teaches the language of money and investments to women, enabling them to make informed decisions on their own.

After a quick chat with her, I signed up for a 10 week online financial education course, where classes take place once a week. We are given homework that helps us understand our existing finances. It’s only been two weeks, but I’ve already learnt a lot.

Like everyone else, I’m worried about the financial situation in the future, but equipped with the knowledge I gain through this course, I hope to mitigate the damage as much as possible or avoid it completely.

Taking inspiration from this, here’s my tip for you to beat the lockdown blues today:

Sign up for an online course to learn a subject or a skill you’ve always wanted to pursue but never found the time for earlier. It could be something related to blogging, or something more fun. There are plenty of free courses available online. Equipped with diverse skills, you may even be able to look for new or different jobs when things get back to normal.

TV show recommendations with the letter F were the easiest to think of, so far:

“Friends” on Netflix is the ultimate feel-good comedy series about six friends navigating their 20s and 30s in New York. I’m sure you’ve watched and re-watched every episode, but it never grows old, does it?

Another favourite show from my growing years is “Full House”, also available on Netflix. This was about three young girls brought up by their father, uncle and father’s friend, after their mother dies. Funny and heartwarming in equal parts, it is a fabulous family show.

Where the TV shows were easy to recommend, the book was decidedly difficult! There are many books that begin with the letter F, but I’m only recommending ones I’ve read and loved personally. Unable to find one that fit this category after going through my books, I thought I would have to recommend a book on the basis of author’s names such as Elena Ferrante or F. Scott Fitzgerald, but then Goodreads came to my rescue. I found a book I’d read last year that I had absolutely loved, and gifted to my nephew after reading it.

My book recommendation with the letter F:

Flyaway Boy” by Jane De Suza, is a children’s book that I was sent to review. I loved the simple beauty of its writing and wonderful message. The protagonist is a boy with a learning disorder, who attempts to find his own path in a world obsessed with curriculum and proper order. I highly recommend this one for children, as well as for adults.

That’s all for today folks.

Do check out my daily update videos on Instagram Stories for #LockdownWithTheLadyLawyer and follow me there to stay better connected. Also tell me your favourite TV Shows/ movies/ books/ bloggers with the letter F?

Farewell till tomorrow!

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This post has been written for the #AtoZChallenge 2020. My theme this year is #LockdownWithTheLadyLawyer, where I’m journaling my thoughts during the coronavirus lockdown, and sharing numerous recommendations that will help keep your spirits up.

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*This is not a sponsored post.

**Copyright in pictures and content belongs to nooranandchawla.com and cannot be republished or repurposed without express permission of the author. As I am a copyright lawyer by profession, infringement of any kind will invite strict legal action.

73 comments

  1. I am a homemaker with a degree in Finance. From the very beginning, me and my husband both discuss where to invest our savings and how to deal with all our finances. I feel it is extremely important for both partners to be involved in this.
    There are so many women, educated women who have no idea where the household income is going. Its not acceptable!

    And I’ve seen both Friends and Full House. Love them both!

  2. Oh yes to Financial Freedom and Friends!!
    I actually did a Pinterest course and the results are amazing. I’m kinda proud too that I put in all the hardwork every single day. 🙂

      1. For handling your finances by yourself. I was so sleepy when I wrote this comment that I didn’t realize I have not finished the whole sentence 🙂

  3. Handling and getting myself acquainted with my own finances is one thing I have been putting off. I used to read Priyanka’s website on the hope that something would rub off. Can you share the course you have signed up for?

    1. It’s called the “Money Gym”- basics course. I’ve linked their website in this post, so you can check there for more details. It’s linked where I’ve mention their name- Women on Wealth.
      Hope this helps!

  4. Noor you are correct. Women are not very much into knowing the financial details. They are often dependent on their spouses but ideally they should also atlas the basics. Coming to the shows then recently, I read about Full House as one of the recommendations parents can watch with their kids. I am getting confused between Full House and Fuller House. Do you ave any idea?

  5. Financial freedom is very important, especially in women. We often relay for major expenses on our husband or other head of the family. Recommendations are awesome as always.

  6. Great post! ‘Finance’ an important aspect very aptly presented. And of course ‘Friends’ almost everyone’s favorite! 😊

  7. Have watched friends often. I am creating etùtoring videos to while away my time. Will read the books you have mentioned.

  8. Financial independence is something I’m only about to enter. So the difficulties of it are quite foreign to me. It’s s great step to have taken up that course. Would love to know how it goes. 🙂

  9. I am very keen to do this course and will ping you after the A to Z and take details. Thanks for the recommendations as always.

  10. I used to be a Banker and I still can’t stop iteriating on the need for women to understand finance. Well done on your first steps towards a new field. It is going to inspire many more.

  11. It was a much needed post Noor. As I am also struggling to become financially independent, you sparked the fire once again. Thanks and I like the recommendations. We need distractions never than before. Thanks friend.

    1. I remember seeing your stories a few weeks ago where you talked about this course. Then the lockdown happenee and I just occupied with other work. My father and grandfather are advocates, so I never did any took care of my finances 🙈but it is really important for women to know how to take care of their own finances.

      I remember watching Full House.itvwas so much fun .Anothee Show which I like with letter F is Sharaukh’s fauji 😊

  12. Financial planning of my wealth is my weak area too but now I feel I should take up a similar course, at least know the basics and yes Friends is my fav too 😊

  13. Signing up for online classes seems like a very productive way to manage boredom. Friends is one of the best sitcoms to be ever created. It’s the best! Ever since I started earning, I have been managing my finances but an online class with someone to guide seems like a great idea. Can you include a link? Thank you for the recommendation. 🙂

  14. Noor what a fantastic post. My mother is 65. She will be retiring from the post of school principal this year and all her finances were handled by my father. He always insisted she learn but she refused. My parents have a huge age gap and at this stage of their lives they look at me to take over her finances. I’ve been telling my mom to learn it now…To do it now. I am passing on your recommendation to her.

  15. Financial independence! How I wish I had got to read this when i was 30! I went thru hell after my husband passed away. Joint business and finances..I was made to sign away everything the next day and I was penniless with 2 kids to support! Hope many women learn from ur posts and adapt Noor.

  16. Yes actually the situation is grim from life sustenance point and from the financial angle. But nevertheless we need to have faith and optimism.

  17. This pandemic will derail the entire economy like never before and in such times, it is important to manage your finances well. Glad that you are finding the course fruitful. Aah! FRIENDS… it’s my favorite show and I never get tired of watching the re-runs.

  18. Such an excellent post Noor, and I agree women ignored the financial aspect and often depends on their husband or other family member. you post is inspiring me to look into it.

  19. I was like you with zero financial interest or how to manage my portfolio and accounts. But I have changed a lot in last few years. I was forced to learn and I did. Wonderful recommendations. Yet again you have set the bar very high for this blogging challenge. Three cheers to you

  20. Financial freedom is much needed and essential these days. I’ve been planning mine ever since I got married and I’m quite satisfied with what I’ve done so far. The online course is something I have to work on. Great post

  21. I strongly agree that financial independence n freedom should be kept at the top priority to feel secure in true way, it is very important for us as a woman to educate ourselves about financial market from tip to toe.

  22. There is no better time that women start taking part and understanding finance and financial decisions. It’s important for everyone.
    My bff is so mad for friends she has watched all seasons atleast 5 times.

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