Financial Literacy

Financial Literacy
One of WPS's core values is Continuous Learning. As part of the learning process, we want all WPSians to be competent in doing tasks as a Payroll Consultant or an IT Consultant and mastering financial literacy in their daily life. We understand it is not how big we earn, but if we cannot manage our spending habits, it can cause financial problems. Moreover, we have many personal goals, such as owning a house and educating our children. Therefore, on June 14th, 2021, we invite Wijantini (Ph.D. in finance) to give an online workshop on how WPSians can manage his/her own money with these topics:
- Understanding finance in general, including preparing the short-term and long-term budget,
- Getting used to save and invest
- Knowing when to have and manage loans
- Managing shopping habits.

Ability to manage finances
As part of the learning process, we want WPSians to be capable and competent in their respective duties as either Payroll Consultants or IT Consultants and able to manage personal finances. We understand it's not only how much money we make, but what we can't manage in shopping can cause problems in our lives. Moreover, we have personal goals such as owning a home and educating children. Therefore, on June 14, 2021, we invited Wijantini Phd in Finance to give an online workshop on how to make WPSians proficient in managing money efficiently.
- know finances in general by making a budget,
- get used to saving and investing,
- knowing when to go into debt and managing debt and
- keep in shopping.
Managing Family Finances During a Pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has devastated various industries around the world. Not surprisingly, many businesses experience a decrease in income and even have to close their business. The impact of course on the finances of the owner's family and workers. A study conducted by the international charity Oxfam specifically states that women in the world affected by this pandemic crisis have lost an income of around $800 billion (Rp 11,525 trillion) in 2020. This is equivalent to a combined total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 98 country. In addition, the Gallup company also released the results of its opinion poll on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in 117 countries. It is said that around 1.6 billion adults experienced a decrease in income. In Indonesia, more than 70% of people surveyed said they carried less cash than before the pandemic.
If there are colleagues, your relatives, including those who have to experience job loss or decreased income, what should be done to save their family's finances during this pandemic?

Prioritize
The first step is to reset expenses. Next is to immediately find a new alternative income. If in the near future, new jobs cannot be obtained, then the main priority that must be done is to select expenses that must be reduced. Try to separate which are classified as mandatory expenses and which are only for additional fun. Examples of the latter expenses include paying for streaming services, cable TV subscriptions, and fitness center memberships. Don't forget to invite family members to take part in making decisions about expenses that must be saved. In this difficult time, family members need to be informed of their financial situation and their support is much needed.
With so much time at home during the pandemic, the spirit of "do it yourself" can have a double impact. Not only can to save expenses but also a way to get new experiences. For example, if all this time we pay for services to change the car oil. There's nothing wrong with starting to do it yourself. Another example is for example when the water pump is humming, then we can learn from social media such as YouTube, the internet to try to fix it ourselves. Likewise costs for cleaning the house, excess time during this pandemic can have the benefit of training family members' responsibilities apart from saving money. The last one is that we can invite family members to help prepare dishes, besides saving money by cooking alone, we also create family bonds by cooking together. Even if we have a hobby of cooking, this can be a new business by offering our cooking results via social media.
Another thing that can help financially during a pandemic is to review your property ownership. Items rarely used can of course be sold. If you have expensive branded bags, jewelry piled up, and other valuable possessions, right now what you need more is cash to pay bills. In order to get the best price, it is highly recommended that you use online media to offer these items. Then if you currently have several cars, then only having 1 car is an alternative way to save money. Thus maintenance costs, insurance and car expenses are also reduced.

Keep in mind that your focus is on what things can be done during this pandemic and not giving up on circumstances. Many success stories of doing business in the midst of this pandemic send messages that all opportunities must be achieved with real plans and actions.
Consider all the Possibilities
Not all businesses have deteriorated due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Crises always open opportunities for those who want to take advantage of them. Who knows this crisis is actually the road to success. Here are some jobs and businesses that are needed right now. The first, of course, relates to health services. The new jobs that have emerged are working at a Covid-19 test service center, or as a health worker and tracking people to be asked to do a virus test. In the future, humans will continue to live with the virus. Work that is in nature to prevent the spread of the virus will continue to be needed.
It can be assumed that requests related to the implementation of 5M (Maintaining distance, Using masks, Washing hands, Avoiding crowds and Reducing mobility) will also continue. Businesses such as installing insulation, providing transparent masks with better designs and production of sanitary fluids will also continue to grow. The work at home policy has made employees lose their social need to gather. Companies don't have time to plan and coordinate virtual activities that can encourage employees to work more and stay productive during this pandemic. Businesses that offer employee refreshment programs that are able to reduce crowds by combining online and offline activities will be promising businesses during this pandemic. With the call to reduce traveling, it is undeniable that jobs or businesses related to online sales are also increasing. With the rise of online transactions, goods delivery services, goods safekeeping and other derivative businesses such as providers of packaging materials have also skyrocketed.
Think positively
Change is not easy but the main thing and the most important thing is to keep thinking positively in going through it. By giving positive energy in difficult times, we have also set an example as a provision for life for children. In fact, we can be role models for colleagues and family who are also experiencing the same thing. Our ability to survive until the pandemic passes is urgently needed. The power of positive thinking attracts many opportunities. This is often referred to as the Law of Attraction. Many people believe that what we imagine and think about can be realized if we make a plan and constantly put our thoughts in that direction. It's one of life's eye-opening mysteries that we can appeal to the universe to support. By directing our thoughts to positive results, the power of our thoughts will help make what we want come true. All thoughts turn into things 
Wijantini
Pengajar Universitas Prasetiya Mulya