Welcome the Year of the Tiger: Personal Finance Tips for 2022 from Marguerita Cheng, CFP® Pro

By Marguerita Cheng, CFP® Pro, CEO, Blue Ocean Global Wealth

The Chinese New Year is upon us, and it’s time to reflect on financial and career lessons we could learn from 2022’s animal, the Tiger.

Tigers possess power, strength, bravery, self-confidence, and competitiveness traits.

We have lived through 2021, the year of massive uncertainty as the Covid-19 pandemic was managed using vaccines. However, the virus mutated to Delta and Omicron variants, pushing people to get booster vaccines. Regardless, there is positive energy in the air to tap and live better.

The Chinese use the lunar calendar for festive occasions, including the New Year, between late January and early February. Chinese New Year 2022 falls on Tuesday, February 1^st, 2022. The lunar calendar outlines the 12-year repetitive cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese Lunar Year animal of 2022 is the Tiger.

According to the Chinese cultural beliefs, the Tiger is a sign of power, strength, and competitiveness, self-assured with a strong moral compass and belief system. However, on the negative side, they can be rebellious and outspoken, preferring to give orders, leading to conflict.

The Chinese Zodiac dates back to the Qin Dynasty over 200 years ago. It is rooted in a system of zoolatry or animal worship. Emperor Jade organized a Great Race for animals. The race winner would receive his favor, but the Ox and the cunning Rat defeated the Tiger.

How to Use the Personality of the Tiger to Be Successful in Finances and Life

Competitiveness

Last year, people had to embrace vaccination to counter the pandemic. The Tiger has a competitive trait since it is novelty seeking. As jobs and businesses reopen, the competitive spirit of the Tiger will help us to attain our financial goals in terms of saving and investing. Therefore, you must be willing and positive in embracing and learning skills that can help you get ahead to the best job in the market. For example, if you are investing in real estate or stocks, ensure that you get the best financial advice to increase your competitive advantage over other investors.

Power and Strength

The Tiger has extreme power and strength when it makes its moves. These traits will enable you to create effective decisions to take you to the next financial level. You must apply your strength with both skill and tactic to ensure that you identify the ideal solution to your finances. In the financial world, power translates to money. Therefore, you should seek personal financial advice and invest your money wisely. However, it would be best to be careful when using money; do not misuse your money just like power. Always spend mindfully and differentiate between needs and wants. For example, you should manage your wealth and lifestyle. Also, consider that inflation also erodes your net worth, lowering your financial power.

Self-Assurance/Confidence

The Tiger has a strong self-assurance system. As a result, they got a high level of adaptability and resiliency. You will need to get the best programs and plans in the financial world. While examining the financial goals and advice, it is significant to embrace flexibility and adaptability. For example, the Covid-19 pandemic pushed people to high levels of uncertainty. You went through the period because you embraced high flexibility and compliance levels. You should have confidence and learn about new products and technologies that will enable you to meet your personal financial goals. For example, you can get a personal financial advisor and read books on personal finance.

Bravery/Courage

The Tiger is a brave animal given its power and strength. The animal trusts its instincts and goes for the goal. You can embrace the bravery and seek advice from financial advisors to ensure that your decisions are solid. You should be all brave and go out for the best personal savings and investments. Some people have courage and easily risk their money as they look to their future. It would be best to understand that courage and risk intertwine when creating the best financial planning strategy. For example, you should assess your risk tolerance and level of courage when making personal finance and investment choices. Always learn to remove emotions because they play a role in decision-making.

Strong Moral Compass and Belief System

The moral compass system enables the Tiger to judge right and wrong and act accordingly. In personal finances, you must define values that will guide your decisions. Your moral compass should point you in the right direction that will enable you to meet your goals. The moral compass will guide you to see the best things for your personal finance. For example, avoid using shortcuts such as bribes, dishonesty, and force to get ahead of others at the workplace. Instead, work hard and smart and push for your success. There is no need for undercutting to get a salary raise or promotion.

Outspoken and Rebellious

Tigers can be rebellious and outspoken when they get into new and unfamiliar environments. For example, old workmates may have changed jobs as offices reopened, and the company could have restructured. Also, during the pandemic, companies restructured and made new changes at the workplace. You do not have to resist that recent change. You can also use the opportunity to restructure your financial goals to meet the new conditions. The rebellious Tiger personality may prompt you to push new financial plans and maintain a status quo. You cannot achieve new things by maintaining the same worldview.

Achieving your personal finance goals will need a personality that embraces change and sacrifices. Learning new personal finance information is key to ensuring that you will embrace change. If you feel stuck in adjusting your personal finance goals, ensure that you seek advice from a professional financial advisor. They can break things down for you and make them understandable. You can also try exercising and taking yoga classes. Do not get stuck in the past goals; open your mind, read books, and learn new things in personal finance. It is advisable to get out and interact with nature and people; it is good to know how others are coping and pushing towards their financial goals in 2022. Change your mindset, and everything will be well.