Tag Archives: Jamaican proverbs

Jamaican Style Money Guide: When Cow Ded, Him Lef Trouble

Retirement & Estate Planning, , , , , , , ,

Traditional Jamaican proverbs can be very enlightening. They often express clever anecdotes or dire warnings about life, drawn from years of experience. If you examine many of these adages, you will find a kernel of wisdom that can help you to be smarter in your financial affairs.

While some of our proverbs give clear instructions on the importance of saving or spending wisely, the message in others may not be as obvious. “When cow ded, him lef trouble gi cow-skin,” is one of our lesser-known sayings that can provide a very important lesson about money success.

In standard English, the proverb states, “When the cow dies, it leaves trouble for the cow-skin,” which means that a dead cow’s decaying remains will produce a messy problem. Similarly, many people will pass from this earth and leave behind nothing but trouble for their survivors. Continue reading Jamaican Style Money Guide: When Cow Ded, Him Lef Trouble →

Jamaican Style Money Guide: Who Have Raw Meat Mus Look Fyah

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Many people living in Jamaica today find it almost impossible to make their money stretch to accommodate all their needs, wants and dreams. Even the most frugal person will have difficulty dealing with the constantly rising prices which greet them on their regular supermarket trips.

If you want to achieve more out of life, heed the words of this week’s Jamaican proverb: “Who have raw meat mus look fyah.” A person with uncooked meat must seek fire to prepare it; similarly you need to look for options to earn the money required for you to spark the fire under your goals.

Look within for possibilities

When trying to create extra income, people often make the mistake of choosing earning options that are not relevant to them. For example, some persons believe that setting up a wholesale store is a good business idea just because there are many shoppers who want to buy cheaper groceries.

While replicating a proven concept can be successful, if there are too many of the same types of businesses, the market will become saturated. This approach also does not allow you to exploit your abilities, so you need to be more introspective when thinking of what you can do to earn. Continue reading Jamaican Style Money Guide: Who Have Raw Meat Mus Look Fyah →

Jamaican Style Money Guide: Don’t Hang Yuh Cap Whey Yuh Cyaan Reach

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If you would like to become smarter with money, you can gain tremendous insight by exploring the wisdom in our beloved Jamaican proverbs. As the saying goes, “A word to the wise is sufficient;” and a few astute adages from our rich heritage can help you to increase your financial intelligence.

One smart saying that I have heard many Jamaican old-timers use is, “Don’t hang yuh cap whey yuh cyaan reach.” In Standard English the proverb translates to, “Don’t hang your hat higher than you can reach;” and it cautions persons not to expend more than they can afford.

The concept of ‘living within your means’ is a basic principle to financial success, yet it’s one of the money rules that is easiest to break. Many people have no idea what their ‘means’ really is, so they often find it difficult to remain within the acceptable limits whenever they spend their money. Continue reading Jamaican Style Money Guide: Don’t Hang Yuh Cap Whey Yuh Cyaan Reach →

Jamaican Style Money Guide: Rain a Fall but Dutty Tough

Budgeting, , , , , , , , ,

Traditional Jamaican proverbs are wonderful sources of folk wisdom that can provide people with insight into various aspects of everyday life. I like to use these adages in discussing money matters, as they often reveal essential principles of proper money management.

Recently, the rains have given us a welcome break in the prevailing drought conditions in Jamaica, but we are still experiencing severe water restrictions. This brings to mind the Jamaican saying, “Rain a fall, but dutty tough,” which means that although rain is falling, the ground is still dry and parched.

This proverb has a deeper meaning when applied to a person’s finances, as it could refer to the all-too-familiar situation in which income is being earned, but it is just not enough to cope with all the bills. Your money evaporates as soon as you get it, just like a drizzle of rain in the arid desert.

As prices rise and earnings stagnate, many people are reeling from inflationary pressure on their spending power. If you have been suffering from a prolonged money drought and this Jamaican adage resonates with you, the following strategies may help to revitalise your financial situation. Continue reading Jamaican Style Money Guide: Rain a Fall but Dutty Tough →

Jamaican Style Money Management

Goals, ,

Let’s look at some old-time Jamaican sayings that can help us to understand the basic principles of sound money management:

“Nuh care how tree big, woodpecker know weh fi do wid it” – Begin with a dream

To be successful at managing your money, you must be clear what you want your money to achieve for you. You are much more likely to buy a house, send your children to college, start your own business, or retire in style, if you focus on your dream and establish an action plan to help you accomplish it.

“De more yuh look, de more yuh see” – Know your current financial picture

Being very clear about your present financial position is a crucial step to attaining your dreams. Many people are afraid to be honest with their finances, and pretend that they are not in difficulties. List all your savings and property, and calculate all outstanding debts. Subtract liabilities from assets to get your financial net worth. Whatever your money situation is now, it can be improved with an appropriate plan of action. Continue reading Jamaican Style Money Management →