Komal Vriddhi, a 40-year-old Indian expatriate based in Abu Dhabi, has spent 12 years traveling the globe as part of the cabin crew. She shares her insights on how working in the UAE has cultivated a spiritual sense of gratitude towards money.
If asked to pen a letter to money, Komal would express her profound thanks, highlighting its crucial role in her life's various stages. She would recount how money has benevolently supported her during unforeseen circumstances, teaching her valuable lessons and the importance of appreciating it. However, she acknowledges money's potential to obscure life's truths.
Komal confides in her father about financial matters, viewing him as a confidant, mentor, and teacher. He has imparted all he knows about money, fostering an open dialogue.
Her most profound experience with money involves its unpredictable inflow and outflow, teaching her the importance of gratitude for the present. Living in the UAE, known for its affluence, has further influenced her perception of wealth, visible not just in possessions but in lifestyle.
Reflecting on her past, Komal would advise her younger self to begin saving early to build assets. She prioritizes spending on health, considering it the most significant investment.
Komal does not meticulously plan her finances, choosing instead to live joyfully and spend wisely, ensuring she enjoys her purchases without regrets. Her ultimate dream is to own a grand home with a large garden and a care facility for the abandoned.
Her greatest financial achievement is developing a balanced and prudent relationship with money over the years.