"To educate improperly," is the definition of miseducation.
As I grow older, my understanding about life and the world around us becomes clearer. One of the topics that rests upon my heart... is about finances. My mind is racing and I've been reading anything and everything about global finance, micro economics and business. I can't get enough, because I feel that we as a people have failed to teach anyone the proper way of doing things. We borrow and spend and it has become such a norm that we should switch out the word "God" on our money with "Debt".
"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. - 1 Corinthians 10:23-24
I'm not one to preach or use scripture but I think it makes a good point about how we ask for things we don't need and how people are willing to sell us things we don't need. The line between our needs and wants have been grayed out and everyone is out for themselves. What good does it do? Why is okay for 90% of the population to only have 10% of the wealth. Shouldn't those at the top look to help others? It's an idea not a solution.
So what is the answer to this economic problem? Are we as a nation running to hard, buying too much and living too fast? Is our standard stand living too high? I believe yes and so many of us have forgotten to stop and smell the roses. We've sailed to far out to sea chasing fishes that in the end hold no nutritional value.
The financial collapse has really crushed people from all economic levels. I nearly cried at work after watching this video.
A Town In Crisis
So one of my new goals for 2009, isn't just about getting my finances in order but also helping others through these difficult times. So bare with me, whenever I post anything about finances or money. I don't know shit, but what I've learned so far... is that its simple. The answer is simple. Things like "spend less then you make" and "save for a rainy day" really do carry more weight then anything else. That your worst enemy is your self, especially if you lack the patience and diligence to do the right thing.
"Shit happens; it's how you clean it up that matters." - Saving Grace
So let's begin the clean up and let's learn something from this. It kind of reminds me of a story...
In a field one summer’s day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart’s content. An Ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest.
“Why not come and chat with me,” said the Grasshopper, “instead of toiling and moiling in that way?"
“I am helping to lay up food for the winter,” said the Ant, “and recommend you to do the same."
“Why bother about winter?” said the Grasshopper; “we have got plenty of food at present.” But the Ant went on its way and continued its toil. When the winter came the Grasshopper had no food, and found itself dying of hunger, while it saw the ants distributing every day corn and grain from the stores they had collected in the summer.
Then the Grasshopper knew: “IT IS BEST TO PREPARE FOR THE DAYS OF NECESSITY.”
