Engineer Rheema Menon splits her life between her home in Ajman and working in Dubai. Born in the UAE, the 32-year-old Indian expatriate sees money as “independence”. Here, she tells WKND about her philosophy on all things financial, including the decision to move from Dubai to Ajman, which halved the family’s outgoings.
Balanced. I don’t do any unnecessary spending.
I was brought up to know the value of money from my parents and realise how important it is to save money early on.
On the good side, my mother taught me to use money wisely and save early but on the bad side, she taught me not to take even a single day’s leave as money would get deducted and when you receive the salary statement, you would regret taking the day off.
I always speak to my husband, who has taught me the most about money. Money is personal and not to be discussed outside [the home] unless you need advice from someone you trust. It’s not necessary to take advice from everybody.
My upbringing has been all about knowing the importance of money as it was key to earning respect. I always fear money might just vanish, so I don’t do any ruthless spending; only buying what is required.
Ever since Covid hit, I am very careful with my expenditure. The cost of living in the UAE has gone up, so it’s necessary to do conscious spending and save [for a rainy day].
Money doesn’t grow on trees. So, you will have to work hard and don’t compromise your worth for the job that you do.
More than half of my income, approximately 60 per cent.
Enough to be living in a community with all the amenities, be an entrepreneur and [help] my daughter [get] settled.
That I am working and contributing to my husband’s income. We made a big move from Dubai to Ajman, and our expenses have halved. This allows us to save more and not compromise on our quality of life.
