Focussing on Financial Freedom #AtoZChallenge

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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