Despite not making money herself, Samar Kubeissi, 46, knows how to manage it. The Lebanese homemaker, who has lived in the UAE since 2001, has overseen the family budget for many years and raised two sons who left home in 2007 to pursue their education in Canada. Now an empty nester, she spends her time reading and taking self-development and energy healing courses as she considers starting a career for the first time.
Describe your financial journey?
As a homemaker, despite not earning money myself, I was always good at managing it. Family financial management and budgeting are common responsibilities of homemakers. This usually includes bills, groceries, clothing, activities, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses. For instance during the holiday season, I always save money by buying online deals, like air ticket and holidays packages through websites like Travelocity, Expedia and so on. I am also a fan of online deals, like massage therapy, beauty salons, and fitness classes. For unwanted old gadgets and electronics, I sell those online so that I keep my house clutter-free and make a bit of cash in the process.
Are you a spender or a saver?
I am not a spender. I spend what is necessary for a decent life. Spending should be in moderation, bearing in mind that sometimes in life, rainy days are inevitable. It’s good not to feel deprived, I think. Having some savings helps; you avoid borrowing and a person can live with dignity this way.
Is money important to you?
Money is important to live comfortably but it is not everything in life. It is just a tool to have a comfortable life but not necessarily to lead a happy life.
Have you made any financial mistakes?
The financial mistake I have made is that I never had my own income nor my financial independence. I was never a career woman. I don’t know if this is a curse or a blessing, as a lot of women who work would love to have the freedom without the daily job commitment. And a lot of homemakers like me, always wished to have the busy life outside the house within the workforce. I would love to earn money and feel productive and now I am taking various courses with the intention to become a moneymaker. Another financial mistake that my husband and I made was buying a property in Beirut back in 1996 and then selling it in 2006 when the country was politically unstable and security was an issue; the price of this property later appreciated and the property’s value doubled after political conditions later became a bit more stable. However, when we sent our two sons to Canada a few years later, we decided to take a mortgage and buy a property there. This way we would not waste money on rent.
What is your philosophy towards money?
To be honest, I don’t know how I would feel about money if I was the main provider at home. Being a homemaker since the age of 20, I feel that money is important for raising children, for providing them with a good education, a decent life and a good lifestyle. But personally now, as an empty nester, I don’t think money is everything in life. In fact, a lot of rich people have everything and can buy the whole world but still feel empty and disconnected. Money was never the main reason of happiness. It can provide comfort when used in a proper way, but it can also be a bad asset for people who become a slave for money, or for people who misuse it.
What has been your biggest financial lesson?
Never depend financially on another human being for the sake of feeling productive, independent and free.
What do you enjoy spending money on?
I love spending money on technology and self-development things like books, workshops, and energy healing courses. And I also love spending money on travelling and exploring new places.
selgazzar@thenational.ae
