Eta Qereqeretabua, an 84-year-old former Hibiscus Queen, recently emphasized the significance of financial discipline and early investments for Fijians looking to secure their financial future. In a conversation with FBC News, Qereqeretabua highlighted her personal experience and the proactive steps she and her husband took in the early 1990s to prioritize saving.
She conveyed that the earlier one starts saving, the greater the benefits they will reap over time, underscoring the notion that small savings may not lead to significant financial security. Qereqeretabua pointed out that life’s challenges, including emergencies and supporting family members, can impose financial strain, making it crucial to have a solid saving strategy in place.
“The biggest lesson I learned is that time and commitment matter,” she stated, stressing the importance of making sacrifices for investments. Her philosophy is shared by retired banker Tom Ricketts, who also spoke about the advantages of long-term investments. Ricketts, a veteran participant in the Unit Trust of Fiji, noted that recent dividend payouts have highlighted how savings schemes can be vital for families, especially as they navigate rising living costs and seasonal expenses like back-to-school shopping.
The ability to withdraw funds as needed while still maintaining a long-term saving strategy makes structured investment options particularly beneficial for Fijians. Through their collective insights, both Qereqeretabua and Ricketts advocate for financial planning that includes early and meaningful investments, inspiring hope for a more secure and stable financial future for all Fijians.
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