Welcome to newsletter 46 of 2022.
Kindly excuse the late arrival of the newsletter in your mailbox; it took the snail route this week.
Last week, we commenced our countdown to the end of the year by discussing some of the major lessons I have learnt during the course of this year.
Today, we will look at lesson number 2 – Anything can happen!
You will agree with me that the world over, things just haven’t been the same. From the oil and food crisis occasioned by the Russian invasion of Ukraine to the sudden wave of retrenchments by big names in the tech sector; this year has been eventful.
Over here in Nigeria, the less we talk of the “palongo” dance the Naira has been doing with US Dollar, the better.
For those who do a lot of risk analysis for a living, I am almost certain very few of us foresaw the negative impact oil prices will have on African countries or even the finances of households in both developed and developing countries.
By these events, I am reminded of the unpredictability of life and the fact that many times we cannot control the outcome of things even when we’ve done all we are expected to do.
The positive side is that these happenings have actually made some prudent countries and companies smile all the way to the bank.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the Norwegian Sovereign Trust & Aramco have been some of the biggest financial beneficiaries of this war-induced crisis. One common feature they all share is the sensible stewardship or management of their resources.
So for me, the mantra “Anything can happen” is not just a phrase but a statement of fact and a reminder that to make the best out of any circumstance – I must consistently do the right things in season and out.
Therefore, I am recommending that we remember some of these tried and tested principles – frugal living and spending, saving for the rainy day as well as refusing to take hasty decisions.
Of course, the God factor is one that I personally can never fail to recommend.
On this note, I take my leave for now. I look to reading your views on the above.
Till next week, here’s wishing you all a fantastic week.
Toyin Oguntuyi