| We all seek peace of mind, and we all desire security | | | | before, the problem with competing with the Jones' |
| and happiness for ourselves and our families. If we | | | | is that the Jones' are quickly going bankrupt. |
| look for the silver linings in this past year's economic | | | | In order to save ourselves and our families from |
| downturn, perhaps the trials some have faced have | | | | following that road of becoming slaves to debt is to |
| taught us that peace of mind, security, and happiness | | | | learn self-control. We live in a time where so many |
| do not come from buying a home or accumulating | | | | people have fallen victim to the "entitlement |
| possessions for which the debt incurred is larger than | | | | mentality." Why so many of us feel that we are |
| our savings or income can afford. Are you currently | | | | entitled to have so many things before we can |
| in this situation? Wondering what you can do? Or, are | | | | afford them, is beyond me. But, it is reality. And it is |
| you wondering how you can avoid such a | | | | an obstacle that we all have to overcome individually. |
| predicament? Let me give you a tip that can help | | | | What are the first steps? |
| you and your family avoid the financial pitfalls that so | | | | Avoid the excesses of this world, and be temperate |
| many people are experiencing. | | | | in all things. Live within your means and be temperate. |
| We live in an impatient and intemperate world full of | | | | Temperate means exercising restraint. Restrain |
| uncertainty and contention. The one thing that we | | | | yourself from spending money on unnecessary items. |
| can all count on is that life is uncertain. What will | | | | You may think that you need something "right now!" |
| tomorrow bring? For most of us, the uncertainty of | | | | But, the truth is, it can wait! Don't charge everything |
| the future brings real fears or doubts about their | | | | on a credit card just because you have the room on |
| financial survival. It would be nice if there was a way | | | | your card for it now. Instead, exercise restraint and |
| to remove all uncertainty about the future, but this is | | | | start putting a little money away with every |
| not possible. So, what can one do? | | | | paycheck to purchase those things that you want |
| Security for ourselves and our families comes from | | | | later...with cash. |
| learning self-control. We all can see the affects of | | | | So, the tip for success when dealing with your |
| what competing with the Jones' has done to our | | | | personal finances is to learn self-control and be |
| nation. Everyone buying bigger homes, more | | | | temperate with your finances. If you can master |
| expensive cars, and trying to outdo each other with | | | | these things now, you can and will reap the benefits |
| this or that. All of these things have brought on | | | | down the road. |
| tremendous amounts of debt. As we have all heard | | | | |