MONEY DOESN'T GROW ON TREES by Craig Lock
"Money isn't everything - but a lack of it is."
INTRODUCTION
These thoughts are
extracted from Oprah Winfrey's fine show. which I watch regularly
(enough free advertising for her - she doesn't need it!). I've
written this piece in point form for brevity.
*
Like it or not, money makes the world go round. Plan for the
future. Service a business. House trading is good in a recession.
Be financially cautious. Buy for investment and not personal
happiness. You will be taxed, if you trade too frequently. Think
ahead. Don't invest money that you can't afford to lose.
Ask yourself WHAT you really want? Then sketch a path to take you
there. Phantasize what you'd like to be doing in ten years time.
Require education capital. Put on a wall chart. Also what do you
want for the rest of your family? Ask yourself: How does your
family's present life prepare them for what you want?
What can you change to make your life better?... (especially in
the area of finances)
5 ways of protecting the family: Make a vow to stop criticizing
yourself. Begin to learn to like yourself. When we change our
thinking, we are changing our reality. Allow prosperity to enter
your life. Move away from poverty to PROSPERITY THINKING. Be at
one with God, the Power that created us, ie. act in faith and
trust the outcomes. (Enough spirituality for a money article
here, Craig!).
More on Money:
A lot depends on how you view money, as you are growing up. Are
you are a saver or a spender? Some people like to spend, others
love to save. Studies with identical twins have shown that your
emotional attachment to money as a child will determine how you
spend it. However, it's never too late to change your childhood
impressions of money - that is what might be holding you back to
attain true happiness.
You have to have the happiness for the money to do anything.
Happiness, like wealth or poverty is very much a state of mind.
Happiness, I believe, is who you are, and how you feel about
yourself. I don't believe there is anything like a "money making
gene" - you are not born with it. No one is born genetically with
the ability to become rich. It all depends on our desire and
dedication (ie. how motivated we are) to become financially
independent or even wealthy (I far prefer that word to rich,
btw).
Ask yourself, Does money buy me FREEDOM?... or perhaps envy, love
or recognition. Ask yourself and be totally honest. Saving small
amounts of money all adds up - it's never too late to start.
People have become multi-millionaires by putting away small
amounts of money over a long period of time. Even $35 per week
can be meaningful...IN TIME. (I had to say those words after
being in life assurance all those years!).
Don't focus on what other people have...and your "lack". "It's
easy to get in a hole trying to keep up with the Jones's". Just
think about what it is really important to you. Instill the value
of the work ethic in your family. Make your children a part of
the financial situation. Teach your children to save a portion of
their pocket money and spend some. Let them know their parent's
income and how a budget works. We are very secretive about
money...and kids easily pick up our values. Most millionaires
have been fired, bankkrupt, suicidal at some times in their life:
it's not what happened to them; but how they REACTED to the
situation. Most people who make big money try to buy the very
best. Buy ONE good share, buy ONE good shirt, rather than many.
"Money not made properly does not stick."
"By giving you get."
"Money doesn't grow on trees."
BELIEVE, really BELIEVE you can make money, no matter where you are in the
continium ("cycle of life"). Even if "deep in the smelly brown stuff (like most writers). Remind yourself that you deserve it.
Money is not a solution to all your problems. A single minded
drive for money at any cost does not make you feel like a
millionaire. Fear of failure/success/rejection is important here:
Fear of the unknown, fear of loss, shame of wanting money -
nothing wrong with that! However, being motivated in your work
solely by money provides no satisfaction whatsoever. Money is a
game - it represents freedom and gives one CHOICES in life. Find
work that you love, then sell yourself vigorously, deliver
quality service. Ask fair prices. Money is a form of self
expression. Having money isn't bad - it's the way you use it
that's vitally important. How much is enough to make me really
happy? Only YOU can answer that question.
NB: Most people want more and more money and are never satisfied
...but few people are prepared to do anything about it. There is
no creative training at school in money management. Perhaps a
niche for me there?
Ask yourself : WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE? Attitudes to money
are the number one factor...and are also a prime cause of
divorce...together with financial pressures, of course. Are you
financially compatible or incompatible with your partner (or
spouse - like that word!): are you a spender-saver-phobic,
shopper or hoarder? a: phobic
dreamer
or perhaps even a
miser.
"I am what I am, hoard...or save". Your parents make an indelible
mark on your savings habits, as well as our attitudes to money
management. Be assertive, communicate honestly about your
finances with your spouse (partner). Is there any denial of your
financial situation?
Develop a money consciousness...then a prosperity consciousness.
Follow these money management hints and you are sure to be well
on the way to financial security/prosperity.
Good luck*
Craig Lock
http://www.craiglock.com
* "luck", as they say, is where preparedness (is there such a
word?) meets opportunity.
About the Author:
Craig has worked for "many moons" in the
financial services industry. He has studied and written
extensively on money matters: articles, brochures for financial institutions and books (including money books).
The various books that Craig "felt inspired to write" are
available at: http://www.bridgeniche.com
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