We all want our lives to be financially secure. Have good bank balance, savings, and no worries about the future. But have you ever thought that if all the happiness of life goes into savings, then what is the use of that money? The story of a Japanese man Suzuki answers this question, he saved on every small thing for 40 years, so much so that he has wealth worth about Rs 4 crore. But today, at the age of 67, he has everything that money can buy, just not what his heart desires.
I learned this lesson in childhood
Actually, Suzuki was born in an ordinary family, he had learned in his childhood itself how important it is to save money. He used to work part-time since his school days and spent every expense thoughtfully. The only mantra of his life was ‘Earn less, save more.’ Neither expensive clothes, nor eating out, nor travelling, just simple life, high thoughts and increasing money in the bank account were his objectives.
Job, marriage and a strict lifestyle
Even after getting the job, he never spent wastefully. Took a cheap rented room away from the office, did not buy a car, traveled by bus or bicycle. He did not even use AC at home so that the electricity bill could be reduced. After marriage, his wife also adopted this simplicity. Both of them lived a simple life together, but they always postponed the joys of life in the name of savings.
Bank balance of Rs 4 crore
Years of hard work and frugality also paid off, by the time of retirement Suzuki had saved approximately 65 million yen i.e. approximately Rs 4 crore. He had thought that now he will live peacefully in his old age, see the world, do everything with his wife which he never did. But fate had written something else for him. Just a few months after his retirement, his wife fell seriously ill and then at the age of 66, he left this world forever.
After the death of his wife, Suzuki said that now he understood that money is not everything. I wish I had traveled more with my wife, eaten in good restaurants. Now I have money but not with whom I spend it. This story of a Japanese elder has touched the hearts of people on social media and thousands of people are reacting to it. Most people say that this story reminds us that time and relationships are most precious.
The lesson that every Indian should understand?
Even in India, many people consider savings to be the most important thing, but Suzuki’s story teaches that time, relationships and memories are more valuable than money. Money is important, but when it becomes bigger than your happiness. Are you also making the same mistake that Suzuki did?
—- End —-
