For many, money management begins at home — often shaped by quiet lessons from parents who make the most of limited resources. For one Dubai-based chartered accountant, those early lessons from her mother became the foundation of her financial philosophy and, ultimately, her pursuit of financial independence.
“I inherited my disciplined saving habits from my mother, a truly humble woman,” she says with pride. “My father always called her his lucky charm. Even though he never questioned her household spending, she always managed to save a portion before spending. That’s a legacy I proudly continue.”
Her mother’s approach to saving taught her that discipline and prudence are timeless virtues. But, as she candidly admits, the same caution sometimes made her hesitant to invest. “That overly cautious mindset held me back from taking smart risks. I used to fear losing money instead of seeing opportunities for growth,” she reflects.
Today, financial discussions are a regular part of her life — not something to be avoided. “My husband and I talk about money all the time,” she says. “We believe money isn’t a taboo subject. Open conversations help us stay aligned on goals, learn from past mistakes, and make smarter choices.”
While her formal education — five years of studying to become a chartered accountant — provided a strong foundation, she insists that her real learning came from hands-on experience. “Working directly with clients for the past seven years taught me more than any textbook. Each client’s situation was unique, and every challenge was a new lesson in financial management.”
Her most profound money lesson, however, came after her wedding. “We were so caught up in the excitement that we forgot to plan financially. We struggled at first, which taught us the value of budgeting and planning ahead,” she recalls.
Since then, she and her husband have held weekly financial check-ins and consistently saved each month — a routine that now provides peace of mind and a sense of control.
Living in Dubai has also reshaped her relationship with money. “The tax-free environment shows how much you can grow with smart planning,” she explains. “But living here is expensive — everything from rent to weekend brunch comes at a premium. That pushed me to build a solid emergency fund.”
When it comes to advice for the next generation, she keeps it simple: start early. “Invest as soon as you can, even if it’s a small amount. I wasted years thinking small sums didn’t matter, forgetting the incredible power of compounding.”
Her financial goals are crystal clear: “I plan to achieve financial independence by 35 — enough savings to own a farmhouse in my hometown, travel freely, and retire comfortably by 45.”
For her, money isn’t just about wealth — it’s about freedom, security, and the satisfaction of seeing discipline pay off over time.