I Asked About Money!!

Money.
Something paid as compensation for something else.
My younger sister and I had assigned chores from a young age.
I would sweep the entryway.
I would put all the sandals and shoes into the shoe cabinet and sweep with a broom.
My sister would go to get the newspaper and the Yakult.
I think we continued those chores until we were about to enter junior high school.
But, however.
I don't remember ever getting any special pocket money for that.
I also don't remember ever getting a fixed allowance once a month.


Why?

Because our family is poor.
…………

That was a phrase my mother would say at every opportunity.

This had a huge impact on my childhood mind.

I have to be patient.
I must not say I want pocket money.
So I have been patient all this time.
When I was in elementary school, faux fur blousons were in fashion.
The friends who wore those white, fluffy things looked cute, like idols.
Blouses with large collars, like the detachable collars worn by French dolls, were also in fashion at one time.
They were displayed in local clothing stores and the clothing sections of supermarkets.
I wanted one so, so badly.
I could only stare at them for a long time, never even able to pick one up.
Hey, we're going home!!
In my mother's slightly hurried voice, I could sense the anger of 'I'm not buying you something like that!', and I couldn't say anything.
I still remember the sadness of looking back again and again, dragging my feet as I headed home.

My mother was right.

You know, saving is hard.
But, money that took decades to save can be spent in an instant.
So don't spend it without thinking; just save it no matter what.

After I got married, I had to somehow save my husband's salary—savings, savings, savings.
I started saving as if I were wringing it out.
As I did that, my savings gradually increased. Days spent grinning while looking at my bankbook.
However, one day my husband said to me:
Every day isn't fun. It's not interesting.
Living like this, I don't know what I'm working for.

Even so, we owned a home, owned a car, and were able to send our son to university without saddling him with debt.
I didn't forget about fashion, either. We went on family trips.

This time, it's about my own money.

So, I participated in a workshop held at the Dream☆Consultation Room called 'Let's Ask About Money'.
Participants ask questions about money to the instructor, Pepeshi-san (a Financial Planner).
An eye-opening change in consciousness where adults can also think about money, starting from the framework of children's allowances!!

The counselors also become participants and talk about the various ways they handle money education for their own children.
Ah, did I make a mistake?
Pepeshi-san carefully responds to the laments of the participants who are holding their heads in their hands, explaining in an easy-to-understand way like 'You can do it this way,' or 'That's a good idea,' and offering encouragement.

In the end, I get too passionate about my anxieties and can't stop talking.
I went over time.
Kumashina-san apologetically interjects, saying it's about time...
It's funny to see the look of surprise on everyone's faces.

I still haven't talked enough.
I left the Zoom meeting with that lingering regret and a strange sense of accomplishment.

Everyone is worried about similar things.
Just knowing that was enough.