Getting Ahead

I meet so many people who feel as if they are on the never-ending treadmill of trying to “get ahead.” My response is: “Ahead of what?”

Ahead of debt accumulated for things they don’t have time to enjoy or for houses that are too expansive? Ahead of some of the unrealistic expectations they may have placed upon their lives? Ahead of others’ opinions of how well they have succeeded?

Getting a clear head is a more liberating alternative to the frantic rhythm of getting ahead. And we would all do well to get a clear head in three areas:

1. Debt gets in the way of freedom.
2. I am where I am, and I’m going to enjoy it.
3. This is my life, and I’ll write the script.

Own or Be Owned
Own or be owned, boy
Own or be owned, girl
If you’re not saving CASH
You’re getting owned in this world.
(from the song “Own or be Owned,”
©2012 Mitch Anthony)

Some of you may be familiar with the financial literacy books I’ve written for children in the 6-12 year range. The first in the series, The Cash in the Hat, presents kids with the realities of credit and debt––and the lure of instant plastic gratification. If you are interested in the idea, you can view the cartoon edition online at youtube.com/watch?v=JzrO5RFdtn0.

As soon as children are old enough to realize that it costs something to get something, it’s time to start teaching them about living within one’s means. One of the great lessons my father taught me early in life was to always attempt to live on half of what I earn. That additional 50% provides a buffer against accidents, rainy days, health issues—against the unpredictability of life. People may say that this is an unrealistic goal, and my response is that maybe it’s our assumed lifestyle entitlement that is unrealistic. What we consider to be a “starter” lifestyle in our culture looks an awful lot like sheer abundance to much of the rest of the world.

Once we clear our head by grasping the reality that unnecessary debt is a major source of stress in our lives, then we will be motivated to eliminate that burden from our lives. Do you remember a time when your money was your money––you could do with it what you wished? That was the richest point of your life. Even if you were making only $1,000 a month––and $750 stayed with you––you were experiencing abundance. I know people who make $500,000 a year and spend every penny. In one respect, they are poor because they do not have options. The decision to “make sure your money is your money indeed” is what motivates people to stop buying things they don’t need with money they don’t have. This “lifestyle” decision pays rich dividends in helping people get back to the place where they “own” their time––and feel like they’ve got their life back.

Two Roads To Rich
“I only know two roads to rich. One, get more. Two, be happy with what I’ve got.”
—The Author