‘Why was the dead man not living well? Because he was dead broke!’- You’ve probably heard this joke a hundred times but it’s no longer humorous when you think of the ‘dead man’ in question. Poornima Ajayan, the hodophilic engineer with a finance degree has much to say about how not to be broke. She is a specialist in financial management, and can assist you in planning your most anticipated budget trips.
Poornima is a finance analyst at Rice University’s School of Engineering in the States. Her career has spanned vast from online retail and finance to interior designing and teaching. Not only is she fluent in various Indian languages including English but also French and Spanish. She is passionate about fashion, health and travel and has lived in various nations including Japan, France, Germany, India, and the United States.
During her interview with Storiyaan, Poornima spoke about her journey and her motivations and shared some of her smartest tips and tricks for budget travel. Read on to find out more.
Poornima Ajayan- Smart Money Management!
Interview
Questions and answers
As a finance analyst, what would you say is the most intriguing aspect of your job that keeps you motivated at it?
I enjoy working with numbers and being the watchdog. I know how much money we have and can help assist the decision-makers in deciding where it should be spent and that is perhaps the most intriguing aspect of my job.
What would you say are some of the major shortcomings in the field of teaching Finance in India and how can these areas be improved?
Reforming and constantly updating the educational infrastructure, in my opinion, is vital for progress. Case studies and guest speakers should be incorporated into the curriculum and the curriculum must be updated regularly.
Having traveled to several countries so far, can you provide some tips to travel enthusiasts to manage their expenses better when traveling internationally?
Understand your financial limitations. This doesn’t mean you have to restrict yourself to a particular luxury, but be smart about where your money goes. In my experience, the bulk of spending goes on food and lodging, so I would suggest starting with a budget and then prioritizing your most important expenses. Based on that, you can decide how much to spend on food, lodging, and attractions, and always leave room for unexpected expenses. Do your research beforehand.
You have been a model as well. What gravitated you towards the fashion industry in the first place?
Since I was a child, fashion has always been a huge part of my life. In high school, I used to alter my uniforms to match the latest trends and styles. Modeling was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that allowed me to pursue my passions. It also made me step outside of my comfort zone and test my boundaries.
Given the humid and hot climate of India, can you provide our readers some tips to look more put together during summers?
To be honest, I don’t like a hot and humid climate as my hair gets frizzy and sweat makes me uncomfortable. The most important thing is to wear breathable clothing, nothing beats linen and cotton. Second, apply sunscreen, even if it makes your skin oily. Blotting paper or powder can absorb oil without clogging pores to combat oiliness. Finally, make sure your hair is neat. In summer I like to brush my hair up. Frizzy isn’t a problem for straight hair, but some of us need to smoothen it out.
If you had to choose one country among those you have visited so far to live in forever, which one would you choose and why?
There are so many beautiful countries out there that it’s difficult to choose from, but India will always hold a special place in my heart. Outside of India, I believe the United States is the easiest country to live in. There are no language barriers, the dollar goes a long way, and the country is a melting pot of cultures and races.
Travel with Poornima through her blog Vaga-monde mentioned in the feature below!