Years ago, I had a client who was in her 70’s who was widowed and had
\ngrown up during the depression. I just loved her…she lived very
\nsimply and frugally, yet was one of the happiest, most contented people I
\nhad ever met. She never used credit cards, her house was paid off, she
\nhad plenty of savings and in her retirement, her one big luxury was to
\ngo out to dinner once a week. <\/p>\n
She loved good food and so we dined together occasionally. Once during a dinner conversation, I asked her if she would share her
\nsecret to being so financially wise and content and this is what she
\nsaid:
\n“My husband and I were so happy that we found each other that it didn’t
\nmatter what we had or did as long as we had each other. We had a little
\naccounting business and our philosophy was simple, but it worked well
\nfor us. This is what was: Every check you get you should spend some,
\nsave some, and give some away<\/i><\/b>. We lived like that quite happily for
\nover 50 years!”<\/p>\n
Quite simply, what she and her husband had mastered is something I see
\nvery few people able to do —- live within their means. <\/p>\n
I’ve been thinking how wonderful it would be if we all could live like
\nthis and wondering why it is that most of us cannot. I realize that
\npart of the reason is that our standard of living<\/i> <\/b>is higher as is the cost of living<\/i>.<\/b>
\nBut, I think perhaps there is another reason which is that it seems we’ve become the ultimate “now” generation. We are driven to have
\nall and do it all “now” as if we don’t trust that we’ll ever get it
\nlater. <\/p>\n
I think the price we’re all paying for this is something we may have
\noverlooked. So here’s something to consider as you go about your
\nweekend. Every time you go to purchase something,stop and check in with your true feelings, and ask yourself these important questions:<\/p>\n
Is this something I really need or is this something I just want?
\nWhy do I want it? What need does it fulfill?
\nIs there something else I can do (without spending money) to take care of that need?
\nAnd lastly, will it give me greater peace to spend this money, save this money or give it away?<\/p>\n
Here’s a blessing for the weekend:<\/p>\n
May <\/p>\n ~ Ancient Tibetan Blessing<\/font><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nyou be filled with loving kindness.
May you be well.
May you be
\npeaceful and at ease.
May you be happy.<\/font><\/p>\n
<\/font><\/p>\n