Ok, I’m quite sure this will be the post that people will be the most angry about. Hopefully those of you that read this will take it with an open mind and see that its just to open thoughts and not shun.
Don’t spend what you don’t have.
This is a no-brainer for anyone wanting to get ahead in the world. Granted - it is indeed necessary sometimes to borrow money or seek investors to start a company. It goes with the saying “to make money - you have to spend money”. But overall, a lot of the time it turns out that people simply spend money that they will never earn. If you think about it, if you have millions upon millions buying more than they can afford, a government borrowing more money then it is earning, and the combo of the residents and the goverment itself spending money without turning that money around within the borders - you can easily see that some way, some how - the framework will have to eventually crumble. When it does - it will be nearly impossible to regain that super power strength.
Focus on what you need to get by
I’ve noticed in my own experiences and with many of my friends that we always like to buy things we simply don’t need. New video games, computers, cameras, shiny new clothes, and more add up to the purchases that we make on a monthly basis. I’m the most guilty of going to GameStop and buying games that are marked-down or on the $9.99 clearance rack. Do I need them? No. Do I play them and get my money’s worth? Maybe 50% of the time. Do I have the money to cover it? Yes.
The question at the end of the day though - if i cut all of those out… how much would I save each month?
Don’t bite off more than you can chew
This seems entirely like the first point that I made. Believe it or not, it is a different point entirely. Simply with the modern media, people are constantly overwhelmed with the idea of what the American dream is, how we should be living, and more. Sadly the idea has become that EVERYONE should own a big house, have a picket fence, a few pets, children, etc. The fact is - not everyone can afford to “ride the train” as my late grandpa would have put it.
What should one do? Buy what they can afford. Is a 2-bedroom house more affordable? Does it mean cutting off having a family for a few more years? Is it really a big sacrifice if it means there will be more security in the future?
Look for other ways to produce happiness
It is an age-old saying, but money doesn’t always buy happiness. Look for substance in life. Find things that may bring out a part of you that will do nothing more than bring you fufillment or happiness. This could include volunteering, exercising, helping others, taking up a hobby, going for a walk, and more. Be creative - its a wild, widespread, and adventureful life out there.
Although we live in a time of great risk, we’re not going to solve any problems by borrowing money we can’t pay back, spending money we don’t have, and by trying to over-save every dime and nickel that comes through our hands.
America is no longer a producing country and relies heavily on the service industry. Do remember that if there isn’t a money flow, the companies that assist you may not stand a chance of being around tomorrow. Together, if we are careful with our transcations, do our best to help the community and ourselves, and avoid from the doom and gloom picture painted by the media - then we can take the economy to where it needs to be.
And if you must ask…
We can bring the economy back to a point of pride - where Americans are producing for Americans, not worrying about saving a few pennies, and together strengthening the economy on the basis for which this country was founded.
