THE SECRET OF MONEY

is (shh… its a secret)… the secret of money is to “Spend less than you make”!

To WIN the MONEY GAME, you must (at some point in your life) choose to accumulate earnings.  No matter what your income is, to win the money game, you must choose to spend less.  Anyone who choses spend more than he earns, also choses the “SLAVERY of DEBT”.  Don’t take my word for it.  Listen to these experts.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1736

If you would know the value of money, go and try to borrow some; for he that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing.

SHAKESPEARE, (Polonius, Hamlet Act 1, scene 3)

Neither a borrower nor a lender be, For loan oft loses both itself and friend, And Borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.

SOCRATES, (Shortly before dying)

Socrates spoke his last words to Crito saying, “Crito, we owe a cock to Asclepius. Please, don’t forget to pay the debt.”

GOD, (Solomon, Proverbs 22:7)

“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”

THE SECRET OF MONEY

Young adults (ages 15-25) are perhaps best poised to accumulate earnings (wealth), long before they submit themselves to a Life of Slavery and Indebtedness.  It is in those years of good health and few long-term commitments that the individual will first encounter critical decision points.  Their choice between the “Rust Bucket Car” and the “Shiny new Monthly Payment” (or similar decisions) points the individual strategically down one path or another.  Once committed to a life of slavery a full recovery is most difficult.

So, is it nobler to use the simplest of Cell Phones or is it better to have the Latest and Greatest “something G” gadget?  That decision depends on the constant “accumulation of wealth” of that individual.

Is the cost of attending this Friday night’s bash worth the struggle next Monday to financially squeak through the week?  It is the accumulation of bad decisions that commit the individual to a life of slavery.

YES!  YES!  Stuff happens!  Sometimes we all need a little help from our friends.  There are weeks and even years when the “cost of life” can overwhelm any individual.  Whether it be the broken down car or the lousy dishwasher, your next surprise is (most certainly) just around the corner.  The question is: Did you already choose to make the next “Emergency Purchase” as a “Slave to the Creditor” or as an “Empowered Individual” with the “Cash in Hand” you already saved?

“Yes Virginia”, there is a Santa Claus and “he be you”.  You can spend your time and energy following the path of the crowd or lead the crowd by inventing the next fad.

Winning the Money Game doesn’t just happen.  You must be trustworthy, humble, vigilant, cautious and daring.  Somewhere, good luck will find you and reward your efforts, while bad luck will be overcome by your persistence.

And then, when all is said and done, life is worth living.  Be grateful for all that you have achieved and enjoy yourself along the way.

Because when you’re dead,

THE ONLY THING YOU TAKE WITH YOU ARE THE MEMORIES !

Opinion by Rock Kuchenmeister (originally posted to the RomeoAreaTeaParty.org web site, August 2011)