Capping 2020: A Final look At The Year That Has Been
By: Dean Hezekiah
Tags: Money, 2020, Finance, Growth, 2021

Capping 2020: A Final look At The Year That Has Been

Here’s the view of Sydney from the Airbnb I’m currently staying in. Despite being on the 15th floor in this St Leonard’s apartment block, the low hanging cloud impedes visibility of the city. The overcast weather serves a poetic reminder of the year that’s been 2020 — ironically the same phrase used to reference perfect vision.

About 2020

But what can we learn from this rather unpredictable year that pushed many of us to the end of ourselves, and kept pushing?

March saw me transition to a “working from home” arrangement, as it did many others. The experience was new for exactly two weeks. Being a first for me, I learned that crisis does not only test character, but also convention. The phrase new normal serves an indictment on our very sense of normalcy — often rooted in unchecked traditions and ideas that don’t belong in the present day.

Speaking of crises, we have seen our fair share of it this year.

One noteworthy crisis that I’d be remiss not to mention is the black lives matter movement that started in the US and reverberated globally. It brought me to reflect on the reality that in 2020 we are still struggling to grasp the concepts of coexistence and equality, at an enormous human expense. I challenged myself to be part of the solution by spreading awareness. But it’s such a difficult and delicate topic to broach. And I’m still learning.

A final point of definition for the year that has been was the US presidential race. Being outside of the US myself, I only wish to acknowledge the significance of this election, without attempting to characterize or define it in any way. Enough said.

And Financially

The finance realm has seen its fair share of challenges. Stock markets have since rallied back quite well from what felt like a historic low point. And while a sense of optimism about the future abounds, it hardly translates into bold strategies for the year ahead. The so-called, cautious optimism.

On a personal level, despite setback and uncertainty, I took the plunge and invested my savings. To be sure, this has not taken away any of the uncertainty. But it’s been a rewarding decision all the same. I appreciate receiving a dividend notice in 2020. No objections there. On a more serious note, I did it to challenge myself more. An ideal I’m taking with me into the new year.

Other highlights are significantly less personal debt and growth in passive income. Two reasons to stay hopeful really.

Looking Ahead

When I started writing this article earlier today there was a thick cloud over the Sydney skies making it hard to see the horizon, let alone beyond it. Hardly a delightful or inspiring picture.

But time has passed and it’s a different picture now.

I see clear blue skies with lots of sunlight coming through. The horizon is well within sight. And it’s a sight to see.

I hope this imagery depicts the new year and that it brings much-needed respite and recovery.

Take it for what it’s worth.

Over To You

So what did the year 2020 mean to you? And how has it informed your approach to the new year?