Everyone desires to escape poverty, but there are many definitions of 'the good life'. Those who want financial and emotional stability can do more than hope to buy a winning ticket or find the mythical pot of gold. However, the goals of people who want to learn how to live a prosperous life will vary according to individual standards and cultural beliefs.
Some live in luxury, while others struggle to get food, shelter, and clothing. Status symbols like fashionable clothes, estate homes, and late-model cars are important to many, while others either have to or choose to drive cars that are paid for, live in modest homes, and wear clothes until they wear out. Others, of course, may not even get enough food, no matter how hard they try.
Personal values enter into the picture. Many feel they should spend enough on themselves to be comfortable without being ostentatious. If popular literature is to be believed, Native American cultures describe a person flaunting more than the basics as 'living like they have no relatives.' The idea is that a person should share what they have with those less fortunate. Christianity teaches that those with the equivalent of two coats should give one away.
Others believe that charity begins at home and spending money on themselves and their families is fine. After all, the money is theirs. This viewpoint is less altruistic, but it does make the world go round. Conspicuous consumption is what over 60% of the American economy is based on. What would all the shopping malls, restaurants, car dealerships, and resorts do if everyone began to hoard their pennies?
No matter where you live, or how, being able to manage what money you have is key. It's a fact that setting up a budget works. Most people hate the idea of such discipline, but studies show that adhering to a spending plan that puts fixed expenses first and then apportions the residue to such things as food, gas, clothing, and recreation is good practice. People often don't really know where their money goes, and many are addicted to impulse buying - a fatal flaw.
It is amazing how far the income goes when a budget is strictly followed. Those who feel they simply don't have enough money find that even saving a little is possible. Husbands and wives who battle over money - the single greatest cause of marital discord - can live in harmony again. You may feel the pinch, but you won't be able to deny the benefits of such programs.
Avoiding debt is another precept which much of the world ignores. Buying on credit adds interest and fees to every purchase. Peace of mind is lost when monthly bills mount up and due dates are missed. Buying on credit makes no financial sense whatever, whether it's a government or a household. Save money for emergencies rather than looking to a credit card to bail you out.
Other things enter in. Christians advocate tithing, saying that God blesses the 90% left in such a way that you are better off after giving than before. Hard work is still a great tool. People who have a good life have often labored hard when young in order to enjoy their golden years. Working to your strengths, investing as you go, understanding tax breaks, and resisting the human craving to have ever more stuff help make dreams come true.
Some live in luxury, while others struggle to get food, shelter, and clothing. Status symbols like fashionable clothes, estate homes, and late-model cars are important to many, while others either have to or choose to drive cars that are paid for, live in modest homes, and wear clothes until they wear out. Others, of course, may not even get enough food, no matter how hard they try.
Personal values enter into the picture. Many feel they should spend enough on themselves to be comfortable without being ostentatious. If popular literature is to be believed, Native American cultures describe a person flaunting more than the basics as 'living like they have no relatives.' The idea is that a person should share what they have with those less fortunate. Christianity teaches that those with the equivalent of two coats should give one away.
Others believe that charity begins at home and spending money on themselves and their families is fine. After all, the money is theirs. This viewpoint is less altruistic, but it does make the world go round. Conspicuous consumption is what over 60% of the American economy is based on. What would all the shopping malls, restaurants, car dealerships, and resorts do if everyone began to hoard their pennies?
No matter where you live, or how, being able to manage what money you have is key. It's a fact that setting up a budget works. Most people hate the idea of such discipline, but studies show that adhering to a spending plan that puts fixed expenses first and then apportions the residue to such things as food, gas, clothing, and recreation is good practice. People often don't really know where their money goes, and many are addicted to impulse buying - a fatal flaw.
It is amazing how far the income goes when a budget is strictly followed. Those who feel they simply don't have enough money find that even saving a little is possible. Husbands and wives who battle over money - the single greatest cause of marital discord - can live in harmony again. You may feel the pinch, but you won't be able to deny the benefits of such programs.
Avoiding debt is another precept which much of the world ignores. Buying on credit adds interest and fees to every purchase. Peace of mind is lost when monthly bills mount up and due dates are missed. Buying on credit makes no financial sense whatever, whether it's a government or a household. Save money for emergencies rather than looking to a credit card to bail you out.
Other things enter in. Christians advocate tithing, saying that God blesses the 90% left in such a way that you are better off after giving than before. Hard work is still a great tool. People who have a good life have often labored hard when young in order to enjoy their golden years. Working to your strengths, investing as you go, understanding tax breaks, and resisting the human craving to have ever more stuff help make dreams come true.
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