In the quest to be successful and acquire more, we can forget about
the things we should value the most. It is a common misconception in our
society that we have to earn more money in order to live a better life,
and for some of us, it may take years to realize that the most precious
and valuable things in life, are indeed free!
At the very core of attaining a better life, lies this simple
question...
What are Our Priorities?
More money? More things? Bigger houses? More quality time with our
families? Time spent with friends? Giving more time or money to
charities that are dear to us? Spending time with nature? Travel?
Personal or business dreams? Early Retirement?
Make Room for Them
Once you determine what your top priorities are, start making room in
your life for them! You may be surprised that if you cut back on some of
the not so important things, you can often create more time and money
for some of the things that actually matter most to you…
We all have a purpose for being here, in fact, we have many! Is it to
have a bigger house, a newer car, or more money in the bank? I doubt it!
Some of the people that I admire the most in this world finished their
life with practically nothing in the bank. It's just not about the money
folks, though money can do a lot of good in this world too. Do what you
love, do what you're here for... and make the time for them!
Whether you have children or aging parents to care for, whether you're a
young student, married or on your own, rich or poor, take a good look at
your life and try to work more towards achieving those things that are
most important to you and your true purpose for being here, whatever
they might be!
Financial Goals
Everyone has financial goals they'd like to achieve, what are yours?
* Paying for college.
* Getting out of debt (paying off credit cards, student loans, medical
bills, etc...)
* Purchasing a car or home of your own.
* Saving and investing for retirement.
* Funding a college education for your children.
* Paying for special activities for your children (sports, dance, art,
music, or even private education)
* Family vacations and travel.
* And a gazillion other things that can drain our bank accounts!
Our dreams and hopes can be endless, but by prioritizing them and
setting goals they have a better chance of becoming a reality.
Sit down and really think about where you're headed. What are you
working for, and are you working so hard that you're not enjoying the
beauty and blessings that are already all around you--that free stuff
I'm always talking about!
Then write down on a piece of paper what your dreams and goals are, and
then prioritize them. There should also be a several goals on your list
that don't require any money at all, as I said earlier, the BEST things
in life really are free.
Know Where Your Money is Going
Whether you have $100,000.00 in savings or less than $100.00 to your
name, it's important that you know where your money is going. Then you
can compare that to your goals and make adjustments where needed.
If you are not sure where all of your money is going, I encourage you to
take the next 30 days to find out and keep a journal or log of every
penny you spend. Then at the end of 30 days, start looking for the
changes you can make in order to create a surplus for your goals.
DEBT
If you have unsecured debts (credit cards, credit lines, medical bills,
etc...) paying those off should be one of your top priorities. You may
also need to make some changes in your lifestyle to get those debts paid
off, but I promise you it will be worth it.
Take a quick inventory of your bills, how much are you paying each month
in finance charges? Think of interest as money you are losing!
And What About that Bigger house, New Car, and Summer Vacation in
Tahiti?
Moving up and up just seems to be the normal way of life, at least for
many of us here in the USA. The houses are getting bigger and bigger,
and the costs are going through the roof!
It just seems normal to increase our living standards as far as we can
go. We not only want bigger and better houses, we want bigger and newer
cars, furniture, appliances, clothes, and vacations too. The list can go
on and on. But just because we want it, doesn't mean it's the best thing
for us. Can you just see the bills rising, the debt snowballing? That is
certainly NOT what we want!
What about those priorities and real purposes for being here? Surely
they have little to do with these types of things.
Focus on Your Priorities!
Maybe it would be a good idea to keep that list handy and review it
every year.
Remember? PRIORITIES!
have
the courage to question & challenge the status quo... refuse to
accept "traditional" thinking and answers as fact....
~Kimlee
