Wealth Is Like a Toilet

"Personal Finance Is More Philosophy Than Technical."

In the bustling heart of Akpakpa, Ayo’s sleek car crawled through the congested streets, a droplet in the incessant traffic. The sun blazed down with a vengeance, adding to the frustration of the waiting game. With his windows open and the AC out of commission since last week, the 36-degree heat became a tangible presence inside the car, wrapping around him like a thick blanket.

He reached for the radio dial, seeking distraction. The host's voice floated through the speakers, discussing the age-old adage, "Money isn't everything."

Ayo scoffed. Easy for you to say, he thought. Here he was, in his expensive yet depreciating asset with wheels, utterly at the mercy of a broken AC and a traffic jam.

The radio show moved on to callers sharing their experiences, their voices agreeing that life's true riches were found in the typical cliches: love, health, and happiness. Ayo pondered this as he sipped from his water bottle, the cool liquid a brief respite from the heat. But as the minutes ticked by, a new discomfort grew. He was too hydrated, and the lack of sweat meant only one thing: he needed a toilet. Bad.

The irony wasn't lost on him. Here he was, a man who had a car (with a malfunctioning AC) in a country where most of the population didn’t have a car, yet all he could think about was finding a toilet. As the pressure mounted, a caller on the show recounted a lesson he learned from the renowned Sheikh Ibn Taymiyyah,

[Money] should be viewed just like the toilet, in that you need it and resort to it when necessary, but it has no place in your heart.

Upon hearing these words, Ayo passed by a service station sign, maneuvered his car out of the traffic, and made a beeline for the restroom. Relief washed over him, and as he returned to his car, the essence of the Sheikh's words settled in his soul. Money, like the fleeting need for a toilet, was a part of life but not the center of it.

Did you know squatting toilets are better for you than today's modern toilets?

With an empty bladder and a clear mind, Ayo rejoined the traffic flow, the radio host's words now a gentle reminder rather than a taunt. He realized that wealth was not the car or the comfort (even without a functioning AC) it provided but the ability to navigate life.

In the narrative of Ayo's experience, we find a profound lesson that extends beyond the confines of a traffic jam and into personal finance.

Here's some practical advice inspired by Ayo's story:

Money is a Tool, Not a Goal

Money, much like a tool, is meant to serve us, not to be served. Just as a hammer can build or destroy depending on the wielder’s intentions, money can either empower or enslave us. It's a means to an end, not the end itself. We don't want money for the mere sake of having it; we want it to enhance our lives and enable us to do things that truly matter.

Saving and Investing with Purpose

Saving and investing are fundamental practices in personal finance, but they must be done with intention. We save not just to accumulate a safety net but to provide ourselves with the freedom to make choices that align with our values and aspirations. We invest to grow our wealth, not just for growth's sake, but to expand our ability to contribute to our communities, support our families, and pursue passions that bring us joy. Like a wise man once said:

You can have a pile of bricks, but if you don't plan to use them or have the knowledge to do so, they will not form a house. They'll just be a pile of bricks.

Taking Calculated Risks

Life is inherently risky, and so is managing money. Taking calculated risks with money—whether it's starting a business, investing in the stock market, or pursuing higher education—is essential for growth. However, these risks should be measured and aligned with one's personal goals and risk tolerance. The key is to take risks that have the potential to improve your quality of life, not just your bank balance.

Money is a Need, Not Everything

Yes, money is a need. It's essential for survival in the modern world. But it is not everything. True wealth comes from experiences, relationships, and our impact on the world. Money can facilitate these things, but it should never replace them.

Let Ayo's story remind us that while money is a crucial aspect of our lives, it should remain in its rightful place—as a tool that serves our greater purpose, not as a master that dictates our happiness and self-worth.