Why save money?

Shivneel Chandar, Tavua

As a concerned citizen of this beautiful country, I would like to talk about the importance of saving money from an individual perspective, but with an open view.

The majority of households in the country have a source of income, which is earned to finance the daily expenditure of life. But is there any strict source of savings?

Numerous prudent and wise individuals would energetically answer, yes, to the above question as they do have a sources of saving. People cannot only save in piggy banks or just to hold back a bit of money from shopping but can use other fundamental approaches such as buying insurance policies, having fixed deposits or capital investment can be adopted to enhance the quantity of savings, and also not forgetting the compulsory deductions of the Fiji National Provident Fund.

Moreover, saving at large would help the individuals prioritise the basic needs and wants and enable them to achieve short term, middle term, and long term financial goals (such as funding education, health treatment, buying a laptop, building or expanding properties for both residential and rental purposes which may even give a return in future).

Fundamentally, increase in savings would give people a greater sense of independence because it provides a financial cushion for emergencies such as a death in a family, sudden accident or a devastating natural disaster (cyclone, flood, tsunami and drought). To add on, without savings, unexpected events can become a financial burden. Therefore, savings pave the way for financial security and prepares individuals for a comfortable retirement.

However, from an economic point of view, savings by households is regarded as a leakage from the economy as funds are withdrawn from the circular flow of income, which eventually may lead a decrease in output and employment. Therefore, for economic viability people also need to look at the figures of consumption if the decision of saving is made. Thus the best technique of conquering this dilemma is to prepare a personal or family budget.

In conclusion, a humble request is bestowed upon the people, especially the youths and the fresh labour force of the economy, to make practical and rational decisions pertaining to their financial life for a secure future. Probably a period of financial literacy or economics class is needed!

Work the criminals

Suresh Chand, Nadi

We all know that in this world, there are good people and bad people. Thankfully, the good are in the majority.

We also know that crimes are committed every day by and against people of all races and religions. They include vandalism, fraud, theft and even murder.

We have to depend on our law enforcement agencies to make sure there is accountability for these crimes. We need to see and hear that justice is done without looking at the criminal’s face and colour.

I also think that simply putting convicts behind bars unless the offence really warrants it is no deterrence and a waste of taxpayers’ money.

Instead of feeding and sheltering them for free, I seriously think that they be put to such works that helps society at large and teaches them a tough lesson at the same time.

Hardened criminals of course should be locked up for as long as it takes to make them law abiding individuals.

Football ranking

Sukha Singh, Labasa

I think the World soccer ranking for Fiji is wrong. We can’t be 181!

We have to tell the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) that we want to play any of its top 10 teams. We can also tell FIFA we have four competitions every year while they only have a World Cup once in four years. If they don’t agree we can always pull out.

Vodafone Hibiscus Festival

Spencer Robinson, Suva

Everyone is excited about the Vodafone Hibiscus Festival 2017 and what it has to offer in a week.

The Suva weather is unpredictable and perhaps it is advisable that one should carry an umbrella or rain coat in case there is a sudden heavy downpour.

Nevertheless, rain or sunshine the pageant will always be the ‘Mother of all Festivals’.

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