Let's talk truthfully about money for a moment or two. How do you think of money? How often do you think of it? In our society money has virtually developed a life of its own. But, although it's often spoken of as an all-powerful concept, the truth is that money is nothing more than a thing; a commodity to be used as the owner thereof sees fit (and not the other way around). Let's consider some of the core common notions that people have about money.
Money is the root of all evil. We might as well start at the beginning. This phrase is not even the correct wording of the famous Biblical saying, and the part that's left out makes all the difference. The axiom actually reads: 'The love of money is the root of all evil," teaching that a covetous and greedy attitude for money can drive a person to any evil length. The money itself is not evil; it can (and should) just as easily be used for good. The heart of the person wielding the money is what determines the outcome.
Money can buy happiness. If that's the case, then why have so many people with money suffered from so many types of unhappiness, such as anxiety, depression, paranoia and all other the woes up to and including suicide? The truth is that money can do little (if anything at all) to satisfy our basic inner selves, other than its use for the good of others. The acquisition of material things will only provide temporary solace at best, eventually wearing off and leaving the owner with the same desire to acquire more in the vain attempt to find happiness. 'Things' cannot create happiness; who you are inside and the relationships you develop throughout your life are much better suited for that purpose.
My wealth (or lack thereof) defines who I am. If so, then you're missing the whole point of life, and quite likely life's greatest treasures that are all around you. Do you really think that your loved ones view you only in terms of your bank account and what you've been able to amass? Don't make the mistake of getting caught up in the 'all-powerful' attitude that so many have toward money. There are much more important things to experience and enjoy; don't let your concern for money cause you to miss out on them.
Much as I'd like to, I simply can't afford to save money. Yes, you can. Do you spend any money at all on superfluous things during the week? Do you buy a cup of coffee on the way to work each morning, or perhaps a soft drink at lunch? There alone is $10 weekly that you could divert to a savings account, and we haven't even gotten creative yet! The first thing you that have to do is change your way of thinking; in other words, develop a mindset for saving.
Again, money is nothing more than a commodity, a medium of exchange that we use to operate in this present society. If you don't allow it to, money can neither define, limit nor control your life. Put it, and keep it, in its place with a clear and accurate attitude, and you'll be richer for it.
