But All Must Learn
There is an old saying that you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink. Of course, there are a lot of interpretations of what that means. Here is mine. We are offered a lot of help in our lifetime. However, it is our choice to learn from good advice.
You must seek to learn and recognize wisdom. Your life will greatly benefit from less stress because you recognize that trouble will come and be easier to handle when you are prepared to deal with it.
We all like a smooth road. And bumps in the road can be unsettling. Stay calm and keep a firm grip on the wheel!
Since I blog with the hope of helping you build a better mindset for money, I want you to perceive how important a good savings plan is to your financial road.
Choices Are Made
Some are raised by parents that live and teach a good financial model. But most of us were not raised in that fashion. We are forced to learn by study or by our mistakes. I am trying to help you learn by studying and helping you learn from my own mistakes.
We make choices based on what we know. What do you know? You need to study to verify what you hear and read, including this blog.
To have a good mindset for money, you need to understand the importance of financial decisions and how the effects accumulate.
With the availability of credit, spending can get out of line with your income very quickly. That is why you should value savings and the practice of paying cash (debit card) over credit cards.
The Value Must Be Seen
We would all like to live carefree lives. But even lotto winners end up in bankruptcy because they fail to see the value of long-term money management.
It is your money to use as you see fit, yes. But can you see what is fit for you to do to make it useful after today?
Money is only an exchange for things we need or want. However, time is an element we often lose sight of.
My business education taught me that inflation will cause your money to lose value over time, unless it is invested. That doesn’t mean you should spend it fast before it loses value. Things you buy will lose value even faster. Shopping at yard sales will prove that point.
Find a Path to Move Forward
You will come to a lot of financial “forks in the road”. Those are decision points that require some thought and some study. Taking some time to draw up a basis for those decisions will help you make the right choice more often.
You will make mistakes. Some will come from letting emotions override reason. Some will just come out of ignorance. And others will come out of haste, not allowing time to think on the decision factors.
You need a plan and some goals. Ignorance should be feared, and knowledge is something to treasure. I suggest you go to a library occasionally, not to stare at the books but to drink in as much knowledge as possible to make better life decisions.
If you work to design a plan, though it may change with added input, you will find a path forward to a better future.
Climb the Hill
If you were not raised to make financial decisions your learning experiences may prove difficult. Some of us take longer to thirst for knowledge.
The climb for financial independence will not be easy. But the view at the top of that hill will be worth it!
Most financial advisors define financial independence as being debt free and having assets that earn enough income which makes having a job optional. Personally, I like that definition and find it a worthy goal.
The plan, the path, and the steps to get there are what cause most to settle for less. And many tire without even trying as they seek an easier downhill path to financial destruction.
A House with a View
In our travel around the country, we have seen many houses built on hills, even on low mountains. You may ask why until you drive by and get a glimpse of the view they get every day they are at home!
My hope for you is that you will make the effort to climb your financial hill to enjoy the view from the top!
There is a lot to learn. Keep a steady effort. Walk to learn every step and know the hazards to avoid. Rest when you need to but remember taking steps is what gets you closer to your goals.
Be Thankful and Teach
It is hard to be thankful for hardships. But hardships have lessons to be learned. Specifically, how to avoid those hardships, or how to prepare to make them less difficult.
We accumulate our learning. That is why it takes twelve years to get a high school diploma. That point may be debatable. However, learning is an accumulation of knowledge. If you want to know more, you must study more.
I know that most of us have plenty to do when we are not working. However, watching that streaming series on TV does not build your financial knowledge and understanding of what to include in your planning. Rest a little but set aside time for planning.
Once you experience hardships and learn steps to avoid future hardships, then you can accumulate enough understanding to teach others, including family, about decision options and the potential for good decision results.
Pass the Love
Love is an action, not just a word. We show love by helping where we can make life a little more pleasant for those we love.
Building a better mindset for money is a process. Unless you were raised by parents who were good examples for managing money and who share what the basis is for good financial decisions, you are left to learn on your own.
Don’t allow yourself to be frustrated with the financial success of others.
You can get there if you make the effort, though it may take you longer than you want. Love yourself enough to make the effort. It will be more valuable to you over time.
Once you learn, you can teach by example and reflect on your own experiences. Lessons learned personally are easier to teach!