In Pakistan we need money. And lot’s of it. Mainly
because like USA we are a capitalist nation. We pay very few taxes, so we are
responsible for our own savings. We have to save for houses, pensions,
unemployment, study and weddings.
Unfortunately we don’t talk about money mostly. It is
considered rude in most families to talk about money with children, no matter
what their age is. We consider it a personal injury to been asked how we spent
the money given to us for errands. Hisaab dena aur lena humare shaan ke khilaaf
hai. This is where we are wrong. Hisaab lena aur dena is not about mistrust and
pride. It about clarity and honesty.
Education
Jab koi bacha bread le ke aata hai use hum bil aur
hisaab lene ke bajae, sirf bread lelete hain. This is wrong. You can give your
children money, as much as you like but tell them, itne ki bread lana aur itne
rupai tumhare. We assume the children know this, but they don’t learn anything than money grows on trees and when
we spend what we have more comes automatically . We need to give the Pocket
money according to their age. And with pocket money we need to give them the
responsibility too, also according to their age. Older children can get
clothing money too. Of course all this is with accountability. It is their money,
but they are still your children so your rules still apply.
Communication
We need to start talking about money to our loved
ones. Give account to your husband when you have gone shopping so he knows
where his hard earned money is being spent. Ask hisaab to your son when he goes
shopping for you. Tell your parents about your dreams and aspirations, so they
can help you accomplish them, by saving for your study. Tell your husband what
birthdays and events are coming up, so your husband knows he needs to provide enough
money for a gift. Etc. Talk about money to your wife in front of your children ,
not just in private. Not just when you
don’t have money, but also when you do have money.
Talk about what you will be saving it for and what you
will be spending it on. Spending money is not just about needs, it is about
choices and responsibility too! Your family needs to understand this. Is liye
kehti hoon ke paisa bolta hai!
Twitter: @Irumnl
www.facebook.com/Pakistanhalkyahai
