a day ago
I've started dreaming bigger ever since I came here: Indian expat in UAE
Indian expatriate Roota Mittal, 31, has been in the UAE for little more than a year, but says it is 'a land of big dreams'. The Dubai resident and founder of she says that money is transformative, with the power to change your life, your lifestyle, your mindset and how you show up for life.
If you had to write a letter to money, what would you say?
I'll just be grateful. 'Thank you for being freely available to me. And thank you for helping me get paid doing what I love while helping my clients. Thank you for giving me the ability to enjoy life, travel, rejuvenate with spa experiences, and for taking care of my loved ones.'
How would you describe your relationship to money?
My relationship to money has evolved with time. It went from being stressed about money, to spending extravagantly when I made little money, to now where I enjoy my money and also make sure to invest it so it keeps working for me.
How do you think this relationship was formed?
I come from a simple middle-class family, so at the start, I felt restricted that money wasn't available freely to people like us. I didn't want to let the middle-class money mindset stop me from living my best life though. So, I worked on my wealth mindset - by reading books, attending conferences, learning from mentors, and trying to be better at business daily.
What lessons about money management did you learn from your mother?
My mum has the biggest heart, and that's what she has taught me by example. She's taught me to help people to my best ability - whether financially or otherwise.
Who do you speak to about money matters and is it something you consider 'taboo'?
Growing up in an Indian society, talking about money was and still is taboo. But that's why I've spoken freely for the past nine years about how much I've made with our business and my wealth principle. The intention is not to brag, but so it inspires other women and men to stop making it a taboo topic.
Who has taught you the most about financial management?
Reading books and blogs of people who inspire me has taught me the most.
What has been the most profound experience you've had so far in relation to money, and what has it taught you ?
There have been many which I share in my book Wealthy Moves, released in April. The one that comes to the top of mind was when I manifested investing in a cool startup, and how the universe helped me make it happen in a few short months.
How do you think living in the UAE has changed your relationship with money?
The UAE is a land of big dreams. I've started dreaming bigger since I came here. The best part is that the country is open to expats and provides opportunities like no other place.
If you could give your child or your younger self one piece of advice about money what would that be and why?
Money is abundant, it's freely available and you deserve you get paid really well.
What do you value spending money on?
Comfort while travelling. And getting a spa done every couple of weeks.
What do you consider splashing out?
Once in a while, I like to splurge on a jewellery item that becomes a staple in my daily wardrobe.
Do you long-term plan your finances, and if so, how?
I plan three-five years in advance.
What is your long-term goal pegged to your finances?
Owning land and turning it into a farmhouse amid the forest and mountains has been a dream of mine for a long time. A simple life to retreat to once we're done with our big city dreams.
How much do you save each month?
I prefer to save and invest at least 50 per cent of my earnings every single month.
What is your greatest financial decision?
Betting on myself. To quit my job and start my own education company. And becoming a startup investor.
Listening to financial advice and implementing it blindly without understanding the reason or logic behind it.
