We think so much about the future — but will we even be there in that future? Before starting a job, ten or twenty people already offer advice: save a big part of your income for the future. Without questioning or reasoning, we start saving too. Life becomes tougher, yet we tighten our expenses even more to stash money away for that uncertain tomorrow. We see everyone around investing in DPS accounts, contributing to GPF funds — and gradually we get infected by this mindset. We cannot break free from society’s prevailing system. Many suffer from the ailments of this ‘ten-person syndrome.’
Our future, our children’s security — so many worries seep into our minds from society. Before enjoying a good meal, buying beautiful clothes, or planning a trip, the future stands right in front of us, questioning: What are you doing? Are you spending it all? Your future will be over!
In only thinking about the future, the present becomes squandered. The incessant pressure to save kills every desire. Tastes and hobbies change with age: at one point you crave stylish shoes; later, a Punjabi kurta. The love for sarees, bangles, or nail polish fades. The time to climb a mountain peak, to dip in the ocean, or to ride a Ferris wheel won’t return when the body and support aren’t there anymore. Desires must be fulfilled at the right time. But we kill those desires in the name of saving. The age for flying kites never comes twice.
Sometimes we long for a special treat but suppress that urge fearing the expense. We waste time in clothes we dislike, in work we detest. The very future we crave with such preparation — is it truly guaranteed for us? In the haze of worldly allure, we exchange joyous moments for hardship. We sell all pleasures in the name of saving. Yet, there was room to enjoy the present more fully.
Life without saving is impossible, of course. The primary purpose of earning is spending. To live happily, we must do and buy what we need and want. The surplus must be saved. But saving to build a towering mansion or just for the glory of being called wealthy is unnecessary. One should save moderately for medical emergencies, to educate children well, to nurture them as responsible human beings. Investment must start now — and this investment is the true saving.
Children should be shaped into assets. Only then will wealth be of use. If, after a person’s death, heirs quarrel over dividing assets before the funeral — then such saving has no real value. Children must be raised so that when their elderly parents fall ill, they call the doctor — not a lawyer.
Buying books is saving too; they illuminate the reader’s future. Traveling and celebrating special moments — these are also savings. Beautiful times create fresh memories for future happiness. Money lying idle in the bank, obsessing over land buying, or hunger for possessions without inner satisfaction — these are not savings but illnesses. Fulfilling the positive cravings of the mind is more important than just feeding the belly.
Society plays many tricks to discourage people! Renting a house means you shouldn’t use expensive beds and sofas! You shouldn’t garden on someone else’s balcony! Why? Because none of it is truly yours! Who guarantees that in the future, for which you’re so intoxicated, your desires will be fulfilled or your wishes come true? Don’t let the mist of the future make you lose the present.
Like the ancient Charvakas, naked hedonism is rejected — but the mistake of living a meager life only to be buried in the future’s lap is also unacceptable. With uncertainty in mind, do not sell your personality for money and power. Develop wisdom to avoid injustice to others when in power. Every moment is uncertain. So celebrate time wisely. Leave golden memories to the past — I am not indebted to the past, but I want the past to be indebted to my coming.
Saving most of one’s income for the future turns a person stingy. Excessive saving deprives rightful beneficiaries of present pleasures. One can save at most 20% of income; never more. Those obsessed with over-saving sometimes turn dishonest.
What does one do with all that saved money? Buy land and build grand houses. Most of life’s desires get sacrificed behind one house. Many expatriates from our country do the same — after working abroad for fifteen to twenty years, they spend the bulk of their earnings on building homes. Then the cycle repeats.
I’m not saying we don’t need homes. But Bengalis often end all their wealth behind their homes. Keep some money for the future, yes, but also keep beautiful memories. Remember that the present was once your ally and you were joyful in the past — keep that as your proof.
Don’t just deposit salary in banks hoping for interest. Travel within Canada and abroad as per your means. Fulfill reasonable desires. The future will come prepared — unnecessary preparations for the future are needless.
We get only one life. Think deeply and find its meaning.
Here in Canada, we live in a society that values balance — work and life, saving and spending, planning and enjoying. While the northern winters remind us of life’s unpredictability, the changing seasons encourage us to savor the moment. We have access to public healthcare and social supports, which relieve some burdens of “saving for emergencies,” but the cost of living and education is high, requiring prudent financial planning.
The Canadian way often encourages investing not just in material wealth but in experiences — camping in national parks, enjoying multicultural festivals, exploring our vast landscapes. Our diverse society reminds us to cherish both our heritage and the present day. Just as you said, saving is necessary, but so is living — and sometimes, the best investment is making memories with loved ones, exploring the outdoors, or simply enjoying a maple syrup-topped pancake breakfast on a lazy Sunday morning.
So, may we all learn to balance the wisdom of saving with the joy of living — to build not only wealth but also a life worth remembering.
