Money is one of those subjects people avoid—yet it quietly shapes nearly every decision we make. In this episode, Saleh Family explores how two people’s relationships with money were formed long before adulthood: one childhood rooted in off-grid living in the British Columbia interior, and another rooted in stability, savings, and a bank account opened early.
Two childhoods, two “money minds”
Will grew up off-grid in the interior of British Columbia. For several years, he says there was “no electricity,” “no running water,” and “no indoor plumbing.” He describes it as a real way of life—hunting for food, relying on the land, and preparing through the seasons. Importantly, this wasn’t chosen because his family couldn’t afford city comforts; it was a deliberate decision by his parents to leave hustle and bustle behind.
Sana’s childhood was different. She lived in the same house throughout most of her upbringing and had early financial structure around her—most notably, a bank account opened by her dad and an early lesson in saving. While Will remembers money without really having a concept of it, Sana describes the opposite: a childhood where financial routines existed, even if no deeper financial education was ever taught.
Why Will’s family chose off-grid living
Will explains that his father’s past played a role in the family’s decision. His dad grew up around outlaw motorcycle gangs in the Vancouver/Haney Maple Ridge area, and later decided he didn’t want that environment for his children. As a result, the family moved far into the interior—“the boonies,” as they put it—around the Cherryville area of British Columbia.
They started their family there, and Will says his parents saw city society as a “bad place.” His mother, he adds, was especially strict about not raising kids in a “party life” or around the wrong people.
Living off the land (and planning for winter)
Will describes practical survival rhythms: a greenhouse for growing, and the need to work during summer to prepare for winter. He recalls his dad returning from hunting with meat such as moose and deer. He also mentions that food sources were local and seasonal, and basic supplies were gathered when they could—remembering an “emporium” that served as a kind of grocery store in the area.
He notes something striking: he didn’t have the usual consumer experiences—like walking into large stores and seeing things he wanted. For him, money didn’t feel like something to manage; it was simply not part of the day-to-day equation.
Sana’s upbringing: stable income, stable home, early saving
Sana explains that her family never appeared to struggle. From her perspective, there was always food available and bills could be paid. Her father had income coming in after injury—she references possibilities like settlement or compensation and points out that, even if something was coming in, the details weren’t something they were taught about.
Still, Sana says she didn’t grow up in hardship. The stability mattered, especially because her dad opened a bank account for her and taught her to save early. That created a foundation where money could be “held,” not only spent.
The shared gap: no real financial education
Despite their different backgrounds, both speakers connect to the same problem: they never received real financial education. Will puts it plainly—he didn’t have any financial “IQ” to speak of. He reflects on how school teaches certain academic skills, but not the practical money knowledge people need in real life: taxes, investing, what to set aside, and how to make money decisions with confidence.
Sana echoes this mindset gap from the other side. Even with routines like saving, neither of them were given the deeper instruction that makes adulthood easier—so financial understanding had to be learned later, often through trial and error.
“Count money” but not how to spend it
Will recalls that school taught counting money—what it is, and how to handle amounts—without teaching how to use it wisely. As a child, he didn’t save; he spent. He says when he got a dollar, he would buy candy. It’s a simple memory, but it captures the larger theme: without guidance, money becomes something to use in the moment.
How becoming Muslim reshaped their view of wealth
A powerful turning point in the episode is the shift that comes with becoming Muslim. Both speakers explain that Islamic teachings changed how they think about wealth—not just as personal security, but as something connected to purpose, responsibility, and generosity.
Will shares a story about seeing generosity in action. In the transcript, Sana mentions a moment where friends gave money back after an exchange—highlighting the idea that when you give in the path of Allah, Allah returns it either in this life or the hereafter. The story underlines a core theme: wealth isn’t only about accumulation; it can be about trust and giving.
An historical perspective on need, patience, and trust
The episode also references Islamic history, including the story of Umar ibn al-Khattab and a mother boiling water to quiet hungry children. While the full details aren’t expanded in the transcript provided, the reference reinforces the emotional and spiritual context of wealth: hardship, restraint, and the belief that sustenance and relief come from Allah.
Ready to turn mindset into action?
This episode isn’t about money tips in the usual sense—it’s about where your mindset comes from. Whether you grow up off-grid with no electricity, or with a stable home and an early bank account, the same question remains: what did you learn—or not learn—about money?
If you’re ready to explore faith-led, values-driven travel and experiences, why not pair reflection with adventure? At Sakina Tours, we specialise in curated journeys designed to inspire—helping you create space for learning, gratitude, and meaningful memories.
Why this story matters
- Childhood shapes adult choices: your early relationship with money can follow you into adulthood.
- Stability isn’t the same as education: even with a bank account, you still may lack practical guidance.
- Faith can reframe wealth: Islamic teachings highlighted in the episode shift the “why” behind money.
- Giving becomes a mindset: generosity is presented as trust in Allah’s return.
If you’d like, tell us where you’re dreaming of going next—whether it’s a quiet retreat, a nature-filled escape, or a community-focused journey—and we’ll help you plan an itinerary with Sakina Tours that matches your pace and values.
