Is Money Important?

DOLLAR$ AND $EN$E, August 2008, by Brian Bogaert

Is Money
IMPORTANT?

Good question!
Well, in the big picture when compared to things like having a home, family, friends, love and being happy and healthy, money really isn’t all that important. The thing is, some of those things can be greatly affected by money... positively or negatively. You’ll hear people say that ‘money isn’t important’ or ‘people who have money are just greedy’ and often the people who say that are always broke!

A Lack of Money
You’ve heard of ‘Third World’ countries. They are places like parts of India, Africa, Asia and South America, to name a few. The people in these places don’t have very much money, and they survive on very little, often not having their basic needs met. Do you think money is important to them? My point is, money can help you have things in life that keep you happy and healthy, like basic needs and luxuries. We sometimes take for granted all the things we have, especially if we’ve never gone without – and I know there are some of you that have experienced going hungry or had to miss out on things because there was no money. Many of you have heard your parents fighting about money. So does that make money a bad thing, or is it the lack of money that causes challenges?

So Is Money Important?
My answer is yes, money is very important. As we’ve talked about before, money is just a tool, but it is a tool that can help you achieve the things you want in life. Money will not make you happy – it’s YOU, your attitude and perceptions that make you happy – but we also know that not having any money can really make you miserable!

The other side of this is focusing TOO much on money, like an obsession. Some people make money the most important thing in their lives, and if you’ve noticed, it doesn’t lead to their happiness either. Do you know someone that seems to only ever do something that is going to make them money? Maybe they are working all the time and never see you or they are always coming up with the next money-making scheme. These people may one day become very rich but they never feel satisfied. What’s the point of having money if you aren’t going to spend it? Money is important because of what you can do with it, the actual money itself isn’t worth anything if it just sits and is never used.

What Money Can Do
Having lots of money or being rich will open many doors and give you wonderful opportunities. Wealthy people are very generous and they tithe (give away) lots of money to support those in need. Money can take you places, give you an incredible education, get you special training, support your family and provide beautiful and safe surroundings.

If you don’t believe that money is important, try going without it – don’t spend any money for 2 months. Oh, and give all the money you have away. Work every day for your food and your room (your shelter) you can do the dishes, make dinner, clean the garage, walk the dog every day JUST to pay for your food and room – no allowance, no extra. No shopping, no movies or entertainment, no candy or drinks. Most of you are now thinking, “NO WAY”, and I don’t blame you. It would not be easy. Money really is important. Just like Dr. Jay says: ‘Balance is key’. Same for money... find balance in it being not important and it being too important.

Money Tip #8
Money is kinda like air. It doesn't seem very important until you don't have any. If you have lots but never use it wisely, it doesn't help you very much.

~ Brian

Girls Can Do Anything Magazine

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