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January 10, 2008

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Wow, I love the the idea of looking at our budget this way. Thank you!

Money is a tool. Like any tool, it can be used for good or ill. We can also confuse the tool and the goal. A good outcome comes from striking the proper balance between dreams and means, balancing present and future.

Two extreme examples: My parents are poor money managers. They are also selfless and generous. Consequently, they have a lot of successful, well-educated, well-loved children (and now grandchildren), but very few retirement assets. It is a stressful place to be, although I believe they would make the same choices again.

My mother-in-law is frugal to a fault. She was poor for many years, but by watching every single penny accumulated significant assets. However, her children don't particularly like each other or her. She spend a lot of time worrying about asset preservation and passing them on to the next generation without realizing that spending the money NOW would create priceless memories. She can't take the money with her, but she could take some mended family relationships into eternity.

If I had to pick a model, I would pick my parents. Fortunately, I have sufficient means to create memories while also providing for my future.

The challenge that many face today is excess. How do we teach our children that money does not buy happiness or love? (It can buy the experiences that may deepen happiness and love, but it's a fine and tricky distinction.)

This is something that we all need to think about. Thank you for the post. The trick is a balance between garnering personal wealth while we watch our family, church or charity suffer and giving it all away, leaving ourselves the one needing help. If I, personally, were to come down on one side or the other I would choose generosity within my reach. It seems that in this universe, generosity is a success in and of itself.

Thank you for you comment Whitney. I cannot tell you how I appreciate your support.

b

thanks for the idea.

Great post , but that life get, money recycle.


Good luck ,

Tracy Ho
wisdomgettingloaded

Brilliant as always!!
We all need to embrace these conversations and encourage each other to do fun activities that cost only our time with family and friends.............and not always be out there breaking the bank for a good time!
;)
Thanks for the great post!
Stephanie
www.TheFunEnergyClub.com

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About this blog

  • When I took a sabbatical from Wall Street to pursue a different dream and help others live theirs, I learned that women in the U.S. may be placated, even pampered, but because we aren't dreaming, we are also desperate and depressed. Drawing on a variety of sources, ranging from academic studies to pop culture, dare to dream encourages us to dream. And then to act on our dreams.

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