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Money Doesn't Grow on Trees
by Craig Lock
"Money isn't everything - but a lack
of it is."
"Money is a terrible master, but an
excellent servant." - PT Barnum (American circus showman)
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 do
want?
What can you change to make your life better (especially in the area of
finances)?...
Five 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, the Source 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 (well I wasn't born with it,
anyway!). 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 (ie give me choices regarding
lifestyle)?... 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!).
The "magical" effect of compound interest!
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 tend to be 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...and got out of the deep hole. 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, the 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 - though a very serious and personal subject, look
at it that way. It represents freedom and gives one CHOICES in the 'game of
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- not short for 'spastic mouse'!): are you a
spender-saver-phobic, shopper or hoarder? a: phobic...or
a miser
perhaps even a a dreamer!
*
"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*
"dreamer" Craig Lock (Eagle Productions)
* " 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 (in the
days when he had a "proper job")...before becoming a writer. He has studied and
written extensively on money matters: articles, brochures for financial
institutions and books.
The various books that Craig "felt inspired to write" are available at
http://www.webng.com/writernz/index.html
http://www.creativekiwis.com/books.html
and www.lulu.com/craiglock
"The task ahead of you can always be
overcome by the power within you...and the often seemingly difficult or even
"impassible") path ahead of you is never as steep with the great spirit
that lies within you."
- me (a bit "airey-farey now for a money article now, craig)
"Money can't buy you happiness. But it
helps you to be miserable in comfort." - Woody Allen (I think)
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