Why Financial Clarity Matters Now More Than Ever
We need to talk about something that’s becoming increasingly urgent for so many families, the rising cost of simply staying where you live!
I’m seeing this with many of my historical and new clients. They’re not living luxurious lives. They are earning salaries they are happy with and feel should be enough! They’re using their income in the same way many of us are; investing heavily in their children’s futures through quality education, extracurriculars, sports, tutoring, language classes, religious studies, all the things they believe will give their children a strong foundation for their future.
It’s not all handbags, brunches and 5 star resorts…not that it would be bad if it was, but for the majority, they are living your average lifestyle with a keen focus on family and their children.
In Dubai there is a recent phenonom that I don’t see in other countries, the frequency at which my clients are receiving eviction notices from their landlord. Or if they are luckly, it’s a notice of a large rent increase. If they get evicted and want to stay in the same area they currenty live, it can be up to double of the rent the are currently paying for essentially the same home in the same area.
And suddenly, that previously solid financial foundation starts to crack.
For many families, relocating isn’t just about packing up boxes and moving to a new neighbourhood. It’s a complete upheaval of their lives as they know it, of school runs, support systems, friendships, routines.
Shifting to a more affordable neighbourhood can create ripple effects: longer commutes, more time on the road, extra fuel costs, wear and tear on the car, perhaps even having to hire help just to manage the logistics.
And the emotional toll? It’s huge. They say moving house is one of the three most stressful things to do. And doing it when forced and not by choise, well it’s extremely stressful and often heartbreaking.
The hard truth is that many people who felt financially comfortable just a year ago are now under immense pressure. And it’s not because they’ve made bad decisions, it’s simply the result of rising costs that are beyond their control.
This is where financial clarity becomes essential.
When circumstances shift, your finances need to shift with them. Not just in a panic-driven, slash-and-burn way that might bring short term relieve but doesn’t feel good nor is sustainable, but with intention and awareness.
If you find yourself in a situation where you can no longer afford to live the way you have previously, ask yourself:
What do I really value?
What am I willing to protect, even if it means letting go of other things?
Where am I spending without intention or without real benefit?
Can I adjust or reduce without sacrificing the things that matter most?
Clarity isn’t just about cutting back, it's about making conscious, values-based decisions. It’s also about exploring all your options. For some families, this might include increasing income, maybe a partner returning to work part-time, freelancing, or creating an additional income stream. For others, it might mean negotiating differently, or asking for support during this time.
In my case, when I had to move house recently due to my landlord selling the house we were in, I knew I wanted to be in the neighbourhood we love so much, where my children can scoot to school, where most of their friends live, where I feel happiest and am surrounded by nature so I decided I was happy to downsize hugely to be able to prioritise being in that location. This was the right choise for us, someone else may have decided house size was more important than location for them. There is no one-size fits all answer to to this. It’s deeply personal, and a combination of your values, goals and financial situation.
And if you feel like you’re earning a good salary but still struggling, you’re not alone. This is more common than most people realise, definitely in high inflationary locations right now (which feels like most of the world tbh!).
Because financial clarity doesn’t mean giving up joy, it’s taking back control, it means protecting what matters, cutting the waste, and building a life that supports you through all seasons, even the tough ones.
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