Zeroing in on an Existential Crisis

By: Neerja Caprihan

Looks like we might be inching closer to a resolution to the middle-east conflict after all. A war that has already tested the economy, the resources, the inter-dependence, the limitations, and the patience of a number of nations and their people. It would seem like existential crises hit nations as much as they tend to hit humans. When all is said and done, one is not even sure how and why it started. The crises, or even the wars for that matter.

An individual’s existential crisis occurs when we begin to question our very existence. There is a feeling of doubt regarding our identity, our purpose and our functioning in the grand scheme of the universe. Where the notion of a ‘pale blue dot’¹ was meant to humble us, an existential misgiving is less generous in spirit. It leaves us feeling, well more blue, really. It can be frightfully demotivating, unless one takes stock and channels the condition, very intentionally, into positivity and productivity. How does one snap out of that state? 

Cue, do more of what you like. Do more of what others you like, like. Give generously – give a hand, give material help, give yourself. More importantly, give your life a purpose. Create or find the passions that bring joy. Keep your cup full. There are plenty of social media posts that now urge people to savor each moment in real life, instead of only looking to capture it in the most creative way with the best camera.

But what has all that got to do with personal finance?

The book ‘Die with Zero’² sparked off interesting debates in this area. It encourages living life to the fullest at each moment as opposed to only thinking of saving money, the summary of which is captured in this piece³ as:

Spend your money intentionally — whether it’s on yourself, your loved ones or charity — while you’re alive to maximize life experiences.  

While this underlying idea holds merit and can hopefully mitigate any impending emotions of existential crisis, the ability to do so is still dependent on your financial wherewithal in the first place. All said and done, one needs to still plan finances prudently for this joyful idea of experiential enjoyment of life to happen. And more importantly, plan it well enough for it to continue to last through retirement years. Because enjoying a fulfilling life should be possible at all stages of life, even if the exact specifics of what that entails change with age.

So whether you invest now and spend now, or invest now and spend later, you should still invest now! We offer you diverse options for how to go about it. Have a browse today, and make sure that cup stays full.

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