Section 1.1: Am I Earning Enough?

I often ponder why I keep questioning my earnings. My work holds significant value to me, yet I sometimes yearn for a comfortable lifestyle, complete with a nice apartment and a reliable car. Living in a metropolitan area means that housing prices are steep, and my primary focus is on investing wisely to secure valuable returns.

This investment strategy might pave the way toward acquiring my ideal apartment down the line. I strive to avoid volatile assets, ensuring my investments are grounded in solid research and understanding.

When I ask myself, “Am I earning enough?”, the answer is perplexing. My honest response is simply, “I have no clue if I'm earning enough.”

Despite this uncertainty, I can confidently say that 35% of my income suffices for my lifestyle, covering my expenses and allowing for some leisure activities. This leaves me with 65% of my income, which I save and invest systematically. Yet, when faced with the question, “Are you earning enough, mate?”, I find myself in a fog of confusion.

Sometimes, I feel like I'm stuck in a perpetual cycle, akin to a hamster on a wheel.

Section 1.2: What Lies Ahead?

As previously mentioned, I plan to buy an apartment in a bustling city within the next three years. However, I sometimes worry that my savings and investments might fall short of making this dream a reality. When I say “dream apartment,” I don’t envision a mansion with a pool; rather, I seek a cozy space where I can unwind, regardless of size.

Many would suggest, “Consider a home loan.” While this option works for those with stable incomes who can manage regular payments, I have a different approach. If I ever require a mortgage, I aim to keep it between 35% and 45% of the total price.

You might think me overly cautious, but I’ve committed to minimizing my loan as much as possible. I feel a strong aversion to high monthly payments that linger for years. Moreover, I want to save for three key areas:

1. An Emergency Fund
2. Major future expenses
3. Life after marriage

Section 1.3: Will My Future Self Be Proud?

I often wonder if my future self will take pride in my current decisions. A book once warned that overthinking about the future can lead to anxiety. I resonate with the wise words of Master Oogway from Kung Fu Panda: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift.”

Additionally, numerous anime series emphasize the importance of self-belief, a principle I hold dear. I firmly believe in myself, and this belief fuels my dedication to self-improvement.

Though I can’t predict my future self’s feelings, I am content with the choices I make today. If asked whether I am proud of my past self, my answer is a resounding yes. That younger version of me put in tremendous effort to pave the way for my current situation, and I am grateful for the lessons learned from past failures, which will undoubtedly guide me forward.

I will prioritize my present self, focusing on both financial and personal growth. No matter the challenges I face, I will confront them with determination and resilience.