What My Vote Means for Me Financially

The opinions shared on this blog are not influenced by any affiliation with a political party.

Election Day is around the corner (on January 19th in Barbados) and I felt very compelled to share what it means for me to vote, financially.

How fitting that the day to vote would be two days away from Errol Barrow Day. A bank holiday where one of our national heroes is celebrated for his contribution to this country's national development.

One measure he successfully implemented was free education of which I am a beneficiary.

Speaking of being a beneficiary, there would have been countless others who would have gone before us to advocate for the freedoms we have today. One of them being granted the ability to vote in this country. There are other countries which rule by a dictatorship and don't allow citizens to have their say.

Here's a few reasons why I am voting:

1. It is my constitutional right: I'm a citizen so that automatically makes me eligible to vote.

2. I have a stake in this country: I'm a tax payer. As you may know taxes are put toward a country's national development (I hope). My investment may seem "small" in the grand scheme of things, but I don't think I'm too small to have my say.

3. Vote for who gets the job done: I think that is self explanatory. I'm not interested in which party you represent. I am more interested in knowing that you are intent in developing this country and plans/policies you are looking to implement.

But what does my vote means for me financially:

1. Voting does not guarantee my prosperity: I'm not heavily dependent on governments to get me rich. But I do know it is my personal responsibility to nurture and take care of my finances.

2. Voting is not about me: It would be selfish of me to focus only on myself. The policies being put in the place by the newly elected government will take time to bear fruit. So I'm not just voting for me, I'm voting for who's coming behind me.

3. Voting helps me build my confidence as an investor: A government typically should be accountable to the public about their performance. For example, if you end up investing in a company, you as a shareholder should be presented financial statements so you could have an overview of the company's overall performance. Based on the information presented, you could vote on who you re-elect or elect on the board of directors. You could also vote on particular actions, the company is looking to take.

I want to encourage you to go out and vote.

You may not trust politicians.

You many not have liked what this present government is doing or what past governments would have done.

But you're an investor in this country.

I say you have a stake in it.

I'd say you have your say.

Go to the polls on Wednesday.