As the year draws to a close, it’s time for reflection and to gear up for stepping into the new year on the right path.
A year of hard work has quite probably been dedicated to building your portfolio, but in all the hustle, have you paused to contemplate its true purpose?
A life well lived encompasses more than just financial gains; it’s about embracing a holistic perspective.
This means achieving four key pillars: health, freedom, purpose and love – universal elements that transcend cultural and belief boundaries.
Regardless of background, every individual aspires for good health, freedom (be it through wealth or ideology), a sense of purpose and love.
These pillars collectively form a compass guiding everyone on their life journey.
However, these aspects aren’t binary; they exist on a spectrum.
Health, for instance, isn’t as simple as being healthy or not; it involves varying degrees. Similarly, freedom can manifest differently in different facets of life.
Picture these four factors as dials on a control panel, rarely at a perfect 100 per cent or zero per cent.
Life experiences and diverse factors contribute to their positions, with money being a significant factor in adjusting these dials.
Money often takes centre stage in our lives because we believe it has the power to enhance all aspects of life satisfaction simultaneously.
Yet, the truth is that money can influence only some of these life dials.
While it is crucial where it can make a difference, relying on money alone is not the solution for every aspect.
Take the impact of money on health and freedom. Money can, indeed, have a substantial impact on health by providing resources for a wellness journey – hiring a trainer, improving diet with quality produce and supplements.
However, without commitment and discipline, you’re simply multiplying a significant number by zero.
Now, consider freedom, which comes in two forms: personal; and enabling the lives of loved ones.
Money can boost personal freedom by allowing focus on meaningful pursuits rather than constantly chasing more or settling for something when it’s not a true passion.
Additionally, it plays a crucial role in providing a better environment for loved ones.
So, money not only affects personal freedom, but also the freedom of those you care about.
The key question is this: Is money the key to a good life?
The answer is complex, as we often forget the simple truth that not everything important comes with a price tag.
For example, essentials such as food, shelter and financial rewards for our time contribute to our well-being, but the underlying “why” behind these needs a closer look.
Now, let’s explore the aspects of purpose and love, where money’s impact is limited.
Purpose, derived from exploration and discovering interests, can’t be solely influenced by money.
While money opens and closes doors, it can’t provide the intrinsic reason behind your interests.
Purpose stems from personal drive, the development of skills and overcoming challenges.
Love, standing out as the most significant dial, also can’t be replaced, or bought, with money.
Providing material wealth to loved ones, like a deposit on a home or money towards education, is valuable, but it can’t substitute for genuine love.
Untangling the intricate relationship between money and self worth is challenging, but understanding these four life dials – health, freedom, purpose, and love – provides clarity.
This enables one to shine light on the quality of decisions, prevent drift, optimise your affairs, overcome challenges and help ensure you achieve your ideal future pathway.
In essence, while money plays a vital role, it is just one part of life’s journey.
Understanding the dynamics between money and these crucial life factors ensures you stay on course and live a life well aligned with your goals.
Sam Instone is co-chief executive of wealth management company AES
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
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The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
Dolittle
Director: Stephen Gaghan
Stars: Robert Downey Jr, Michael Sheen
One-and-a-half out of five stars
THE CARD
2pm: Maiden Dh 60,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
2.30pm: Handicap Dh 76,000 (D) 1,400m
3pm: Handicap Dh 64,000 (D) 1,200m
3.30pm: Shadwell Farm Conditions Dh 100,000 (D) 1,000m
4pm: Maiden Dh 60,000 (D) 1,000m
4.30pm: Handicap 64,000 (D) 1,950m
TV: World Cup Qualifier 2018 matches will be aired on on OSN Sports HD Cricket channel
Naga
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Fifa Club World Cup quarter-final
Esperance de Tunis 0
Al Ain 3 (Ahmed 02’, El Shahat 17’, Al Ahbabi 60’)
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
TO A LAND UNKNOWN
Director: Mahdi Fleifel
Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa
Rating: 4.5/5
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Price, base / as tested Dh274,000 (estimate)
Engine 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder
Gearbox Nine-speed automatic
Power 245hp @ 4,200rpm
Torque 500Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined 6.4L / 100km
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Lamsa
Founder: Badr Ward
Launched: 2014
Employees: 60
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: EdTech
Funding to date: $15 million
