When you continue investing, you naturally develop a perspective that goes beyond simply "increasing money" to "how to make the most of that money." Before I began managing my assets, I saw dividends as merely a "source of income." However, I have since reconsidered how to use them, leveraging dividends for self-investment and acquiring new knowledge. In this article, I will share how I am using dividends to expand the possibilities for my future.
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Using Dividends: Returns from Self-Investment
Reinvesting dividends is a strategy many investors follow, but I’ve adopted a new perspective by incorporating self-investment into the equation. By using the dividends I earn to improve my skills and acquire new knowledge, I am achieving "future-oriented investments" that extend beyond asset management to encompass my career and life as a whole.
For example, I’ve used dividends to cover the costs of obtaining qualifications such as the Financial Planner Level 3, Hazardous Materials Handling Certification, and IT Passport. While these certifications may not immediately benefit my current job, I pursue them with the hope that they will prove useful in the future. When applying for jobs, it’s impossible to predict which qualification might make the difference. This is why I see obtaining certifications as a "future insurance policy" that holds inherent value.
Expanding Options Through Certification: Lessons from Personal Experience
Obtaining certifications has not only increased my knowledge but also transformed my overall approach to challenges. Managing my time for study amidst the busyness of parenting and work has taught me efficient learning methods.
For instance, committing to "just 30 minutes a day" for study has been instrumental. This habit has allowed me to steadily make progress even on busy days, helping me maintain the pace needed to acquire certifications. Additionally, I’ve used an app called Studyplus to track my progress, visualize my efforts, and stay motivated.
Through these experiences, I’ve come to realize that even if certifications don’t directly lead to higher income or career advancement, they serve as invaluable "assets" that expand my options. The uncertainty of not knowing when or where they’ll be useful is precisely what makes them a source of future potential.
A New Form of Self-Investment: The Gaming PC
My self-investment with dividends isn’t limited to certifications. Recently, I purchased a gaming PC to learn programming. At first glance, spending tens of thousands of yen on a PC might seem extravagant, but for me, it’s another step in preparing for the future.
The PC’s specifications are currently overkill for my needs, but I believe that honing my programming skills will eventually allow me to use it for work, side projects, and even my son’s education. For instance, when my child grows older, we could use the PC together, turning it into a shared tool that offers value far beyond its physical presence.
Additionally, I’m considering using this gaming PC to restart blogging and creating YouTube content. In the past, I’ve run a blog and created videos, but the time commitment made it difficult to continue. This time, however, my goal is to use these platforms not for personal satisfaction but as a means to share knowledge and insights.
The Importance of Habits That Create a Positive Cycle of Money and Knowledge
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned through investing and self-investment is that money can create infinite possibilities depending on how it’s used. By viewing dividends not merely as a source of income but as a tool to shape the future, I’ve discovered more meaningful ways to utilize them.
What I’ve realized through investments, obtaining certifications, and purchasing a gaming PC is that knowledge and skills don’t end with "self-satisfaction." They not only expand my own options but also have the potential to positively impact my family and those around me.
Looking to the Future: How to Make the Most of Money and Knowledge
Moving forward, I plan to continue using dividends for self-investment and learning. For me, it’s not about simply increasing my wealth but about how to make the most of it. One day, I hope to share these efforts through a blog or other medium, in the hope that my experiences can provide insights or inspiration to others.
For those who are investing or considering self-investment, the ways to leverage "money" and "knowledge" are endless. As tools for shaping the future, I encourage you to explore the investment style that best suits you.