Friday, February 26, 2016

How To Live A Prosperous Life

By Joseph Thompson


Everyone desires to escape poverty, but there are many definitions of 'the good life'. Those who want financial and emotional stability can do more than hope to buy a winning ticket or find the mythical pot of gold. However, the goals of people who want to learn how to live a prosperous life will vary according to individual standards and cultural beliefs.

Many people want the simple basics of enough wholesome food, adequate shelter, and suitable clothing. Others want to dress in designer clothes, drive late-model cars, and live in a house just a little better than the Jones'. Some pride themselves on having no debt, with even their car and home paid for, while others enjoy all that credit can buy.

Personal values enter into the picture. Many feel they should spend enough on themselves to be comfortable without being ostentatious. If popular literature is to be believed, Native American cultures describe a person flaunting more than the basics as 'living like they have no relatives.' The idea is that a person should share what they have with those less fortunate. Christianity teaches that those with the equivalent of two coats should give one away.

Others believe that charity begins at home and spending money on themselves and their families is fine. After all, the money is theirs. This viewpoint is less altruistic, but it does make the world go round. Conspicuous consumption is what over 60% of the American economy is based on. What would all the shopping malls, restaurants, car dealerships, and resorts do if everyone began to hoard their pennies?

On an individual level, experts say a budget is crucial to good money management. Most of us hate the idea of a strict spending plan, but studies show that this discipline is good for everyone. Fixed expenses come first; what is left over is carefully portioned out. This eliminates impulse buying and restores balance to lifestyles that may be out of whack.

Studies support the truth that sticking to a budget is the best way to manage household income. People, who previously had no idea where their money went and would swear to having not enough to make ends meet, began to save. Marital discord - most arguments are over money - declined. There are many tips on how to set up a budget; find one that appeals to you and try it for three months.

Avoiding debt is another precept which much of the world ignores. Buying on credit adds interest and fees to every purchase. Peace of mind is lost when monthly bills mount up and due dates are missed. Buying on credit makes no financial sense whatever, whether it's a government or a household. Save money for emergencies rather than looking to a credit card to bail you out.

There are other proven ways to succeed. Christians swear that giving ten percent brings blessings that make the rest go farther than before; things are better off rather than more strained. Hard work still pays off. Those who work long and smart in their youth can enjoy their golden years. Explore your strengths and talents, save and invest as you go, and know what is truly important; this is real prosperity on all levels.




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