Today Matters, Decision #7: FINANCES

7. Decision #7: FINANCES: “Today’s finances give me options”
Make and properly manage money daily.

O. Donald Olson: “The average American today is spending money he doesn’t have to buy things he doesn’t need to impress people he doesn’t like.”

Finances touch every area of our lives and causes a lot of problems if not handled properly on a daily basis.

Three simple truths:
1. Money won’t make you happy. Henry Ford: “Money doesn’t change men, it merely unmasks them. If a man is naturally selfish or arrogant, money brings it out, that’s all. You are what you are no matter how much or little you have.”
2. Debt will make you unhappy.
3. Having a financial margin gives you options. Money is only a tool for achieving your goals. Getting money for its own sake is ultimately hollow.

“We will sacrifice today so we can have options today.”

10% to God, 10% to savings, 80% to living expenses.

Practice the following:
1. Put the value of things into perspective. Ask:
1) Am I occupied with things?
2) Am I envious of others?
3) Do I find my personal value in possessions?
4) Do I think that money will make me happy?
5) Do I continually want more?
Materialism is a mindset; its not about possessions but obsessions.
2. Recognize your season in life.
Ideal: Learning to Earning to Returning.
3. Reduce your debt. Dept is one of the leading causes of divorce, lack of sleep and poor work performance. Leads to depression. Robs you of your self-worth and from fulfilling your goals. Get out of debt:
1) Stop incurring debt.
2) Track your cash (spending)
3) Plan for the future.
4) Don’t expect instant miracles.
5) Seek professional help.
Don’t let your possessions possess you.

Steps to building a right daily attitude:
1. Become a good earner. You need something to manage. Maximize your earning potential.
2. Be grateful every day. Rudyard Kipling: “Don’t pay too much attention to fame, power or money. Some day you will meet someone who cares nothing for these things and you will realize how poor you really are.”
3. Don’t compare yourself to others.