Money पैसा anti-money
Living in two very different financial environments taught me lessons no classroom ever could. Last year, I spent a year in Canada with my father, who was financially well off, where money seemed abundant and spending freely felt natural. Returning to Korea to live with my mother, whose budget was limited, I quickly realized how precious each won (korean money) could be. This experience taught me to save deliberately, make thoughtful financial decisions, and truly appreciate the value of money. More importantly, I discovered that moving between countries did more than reshape my understanding of finance-it transformed the way I view responsibility, choices, and priorities in everyday life.
When Money Feels Worthless
In Canada, my fathers financial security meant I never had to worry about money, allowing me to explore a wide range of activities without restriction. I could buy small pleasures, like snacks with friends, or invest in hobbies I wanted to try. Money gave me a sense of freedom and comfort, making it feel as if there were no limits to what I could enjoy to some extent. Yet, this abundance also taught me an important lesson: easy access to resources can lead to taking them for granted. It’s natural to ask for more-more money, more experiences, more possessions-but this mindset can diminish appreciation for what one already has. I realized that wealth, while liberating, requires self-discipline and gratitude to be truly meaningful.
Finding Value In Every Dollar
Returning to Korea, the situation was very different. Living with my mum, I faced a tighter budget, and I quickly learned the importance of careful financial planning. Money was no longer something that came easily; it had limits. I had to save my weekly allowances, carefully decide which luxuries to indulge in, and cut down on unnecessary spendings. I even took on part time jobs during the summer to contribute in small ways. Suddenly, every decision about money carried more meaning, and I began to understand that financial health is not about how much money you have, but about how wisely you use it. Learning to save gave me a sense of stability and independence that I had never experienced in Canada. It was a lesson in responsibility, patience, and the value of working for what I wanted.
When Freedom Meets Reality
The contrast between freedom in Canada and discipline in Korea is reinforced by real statistics that highlight the financial pressures many students face. In South Korea, the ratio of students that are not redeemed reached 16.4% in 2023, meaning young people struggle to repay their student debt, partly because of an unstable job market. Also, a recent survey from the Korean times show that more than 70% of graduating college seniors in Korea carry debt-with an average of about 11.3 million won. These financial burdens underscore how significant it is to learn to live within one’s means-even small habits like saving allowance or reducing luxury purchases add up. Another finance fact that strikes me as relevant; experts generally recommend having an emergency fund that covers up to three to six months worth of living expenses. Having something saved for unexpected costs like medical, travel, or job loss-offers stability and peace of mind. When I was living in Korea and had less budget flexibility, I realized that even saving a small cushion made me feel safer and more in control.
Lessons Worth Sharing
If I were to give advice to students like me, the first thing I would say is not to take money for granted. Even if you have plenty now, circumstances can change, and the habits you form today will determine your future financial stability. Adaptability is also crucial. Sometimes you may have a lot, and other times, very little, and lessons are not limited to one’s country or culture. By observing and combining approaches from different environments, students can develop a broader, more effective understanding of money management.
Finding Harmony Between Saving and Spending
For instance, I learned in Canada that it is important to seize opportunities and embrace freedom to explore interests, while in Korea, I learned that careful planning and disciplined saving are crucial. By blending these two approaches, students can enjoy the benefits of both worlds: this global perspective is especially important in today’s interconnected world, where students may study, work, or live in different countries throughout their lives.
Two Lessons, One Framework
Writing this essay has helped me realize that a student’s financial success depends far less on how much money they start with and more on how they respond to their environment. My life between Canada and Korea showed me both sides of money: freedom and discipline. As I mentioned, this experience helped me to become financially smarter, and If it weren’t for the experience I had living with two different views, I wouldn’t be the way I am now with handling my money. Without those experiences, I might have grown up with a limited perspective-either spending too freely without discipline or saving rigidly without understanding the value of freedom. Instead, I was able to learn balance, and that balance is what continues to guide me today.
Redefining Wealth: Lessons Beyond Money
Ultimately, financial success as a student is about more than accumulating wealth; it is about cultivating habits, making informed choices, and learning from your surroundings. By observing and reflecting on how different environments influence financial behavior, students can develop resilience, adaptability, and foresight-qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives. My journey from Canada to Korea has shown me that wealth is not simply measured in money but in the knowledge, skills, and habits we develop along the way. I believe that every student can find financial success by learning from their environment, balancing freedom with discipline, and using each experience to grow-while also recognizing how systemic factors like poverty, education access, and the cycle of wealth inequality shape our opportunities and must be addressed to create a fairer path for all.
By: Hannah Cho
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