Money

 Money is often a point of comparison amongst people and organizations. People consider how one another make money, spend money, and save money, and in general, everyone makes, spends, and uses money in somewhat different ways. 

I agree mostly with the wise advice that it's not a good idea to discuss money with others. Yet, I do think it's important to understand your financial situation in comparison to others as one way to understand the money you make, spend, and save. 

I've learned a lot about money from wise family members and friends who've made good financial decisions. Mostly, I've learned the lesson that it is wise to live beneath your means. Yet I do have a few friends who have lived much higher than their income; and did see their early seemingly too-big investments in real estate pay off in the end. I'm not a risk taker like them. 

Everyone spends their money differently and most people identify a few areas of life where they spend the extra dollars they may make. Some spend it on travel, others choose real estate, and many spend their extra dollars in their area of passion which could be music, sports, the arts, adventure or more. 

We all spend money on life's necessary needs such as food, shelter, clothing, health care, and education. And even in those essential areas we likely spend our money differently. Buying quality products in these areas generally results in a good use of your money when it comes to your essential needs as well as your areas of passion and interest. 

Over time, I've learned the following lessons about money which have helped:

• Find ways to make money that are positive, uplifting, manageable and fit into the healthy lifestyle you choose. 
• Obtain the credentials, skills, and knowledge you need to increase your income in positive ways
• Study money so that you understand how to spend and save your money wisely
• Know that the choices you make about money will impact who you are and who you spend time with--money choices are ultimately lifestyle choices
• In general, it's best to live a bit below your means so that you have money for a rainy day
• If you make more money than you need, be generous

I believe that our world should strive for the kind of minimum income for every person that pays for their essential needs and includes a little more for recreation and choice. I also believe we need to tax in ways that make everyone pay their fair share towards creating a happy, healthy country, and I do believe we have to close the too-great wage/money gap that exists in society as that doesn't serve us well as a people. 

It's good to understand your personal finances as much as possible and it's important to be wise about money. Also, for the most part, it's good to use discretion when discussing money and important to understand that people will spend their money differently, and what they invest in says a lot about who they are, what they want, and what they enjoy. Onward.