Money has different meaning for different people. Investopedia says money is a medium of exchange. While money is universally recognized as a medium of exchange, its significance and interpretation vary greatly among individuals. For some, money represents security and stability, providing a means to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Others view money as a symbol of success and status, equating financial wealth with personal achievement and societal recognition. Additionally, money holds emotional value for many, influencing feelings of self-worth, confidence, and fulfillment.

However, for us, it could mean any of them and more :

1. Money gives me FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE
2. Money helps me financially SUPPORT my parents
3. Money helps me INDULGE
4. Money allows me to create lasting MEMORIES and strengthen RELATIONSHIPS
5. I had STRUGGLES with money when I grew up, my children should not face the same
6. Money allows me to TRAVEL, DINE and be ENTERTAINED
7. Money PROVIDES opportunities for me to STUDY and ADVANCE in my career
8. Money being present GIVES me a sense of RELIEF
9. Money helps me GIVE BACK to the community
10. Money allows me to PURSUE my passion

All of these can be encapsulated as your pursuit to achieve your financial goals.

Once we come to a conclusion that money helps achieve our goals, we need to put spotlight on our behaviour and our habits which have changed over the years.

Reflecting on the journey of my culinary evolution, it’s fascinating to see how my dietary habits have transformed over the decades. In the cherished memories of my 1980s and 1990s childhood, the simplicity of purchasing milk stands out, a humble ingredient that formed the basis of homemade delights like curd, butter, and ghee, each carrying the nostalgic flavors of yesteryears. Brands like Amul, though established long before, entered my world gradually, making occasional appearances in my school lunchbox alongside the comforting companionship of bread and jam.

Before the 2000s unfolded, cream was collected over a period and then when slowly cooked would give us homemade ghee, a process steeped in tradition and flavor. This stopped. We purchased unsalted butter , cooked it and made it into ghee. (We still had a hand in making ghee, we didn’t buy directly.) The introduction of pizza sparked a culinary adventure, accompanied by the delightful discovery of cheese varieties like mozzarella and cheddar, enriching my gastronomic experiences. Nestle Curd, conveniently packaged in 200gm portions, found its way into my kitchen, adding a touch of convenience to my culinary endeavors.

The 2010s brought about a seismic shift in my shopping habits, as I embraced a one-stop approach, procuring all essentials including milk, butter, ghee, cheese, and curd. The rise of dining-out culture, fueled by frequent restaurant visits, became an integral part of my modern lifestyle, offering a tantalizing array of culinary delights.

Fast forward to the 2020s, and the landscape of food consumption underwent yet another transformation with the emergence of food delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy. While I still cherish home-cooked meals, the convenience of ordering in from a diverse selection of eateries via these platforms has become an integral aspect of my dining experience. Contemplating the future, I wonder if the next decade will witness a departure from traditional staples like milk, curd, butter, ghee, and cheese, in favor of ready-made breakfast, lunch, and dinner options delivered straight to my doorstep. As I navigate the ever-changing culinary landscape, only time will unveil the answer.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, my lifestyle has undergone a profound transformation, reflecting a sea change in my behaviors and habits. While I’ve primarily discussed the evolution of dairy consumption, it’s evident that similar shifts have occurred across various aspects of daily life. Therefore my expenses has also gone up, which eventually will affect my retirement planning.

From sourcing vegetables to managing household chores, from troubleshooting electrical appliances to addressing plumbing issues, every facet of domestic life has witnessed subtle yet significant alterations. Even in areas like medication management and caregiving for children and elders, the way we approach and execute tasks has evolved over time.

These changes, though gradual, signify a monumental metamorphosis within the dynamics of an individual’s role within the family unit. Have you experienced similar transformations? I invite you to share your own journey and insights into these evolving paradigms.

References

1. Investopedia