Money Thoughts

One of the things I have known my entire life is that I have an innate capability for making money.

And that’s probably the reason I’ve gone broke more than once or twice. I’ve never had much fear about wherever I am financially, because I’ve always looked at it like a snapshot in time. Wherever I am is just wherever I am. I totally get that this philosophy may not be for you — but this is my blog and this is my philosophy, so read on if you’re interested. If not, go do something else. Your time is your most valuable asset.

I love to spend money and I don’t mind being in debt. One of my favorite lines from a movie was when Barbra Streisand told Walter Matthau in Hello, Dolly! that “money is like manure — it’s no good unless it’s spread around.” And regarding debt, I’ve always believed that in its simplest form, debt is nothing more than a promise to the future. These two concepts were my North Star regarding money since I was old enough to make my first dollar.

But no more. I’ve changed. I’ve grown. I now have a different perspective on money. First, let me say that I think my previous philosophies were perfectly appropriate for me at the time. I loved the thrill of making money, spending it, losing it, and building it back — the journeys were spectacular and I would not trade them for anything. The insight and perspective I gained were invaluable.

I can speak two money languages.

I can speak the “millionaire” language of money, and I can also speak the “broke” and “poverty” language of money. I have lived and experienced them both. What a unique treat to have lived on both sides of this street.

So what’s my ‘new’ take on money? First and foremost, my desire is to live debt-free. I’m not there yet, but I am moving in that direction. For me, there’s a certain freedom to living debt-free. It means I am in total control of my life. It gives me the ultimate flexibility to live the way I want without worrying about my ‘overhead.’ It means whatever I earn, I can spend without worrying about what I owe. It means all my money is mine.

My second ‘new’ take is that while the manure statement has some truth to it, I no longer feel it’s my responsibility to spread it around. I’ll plant my own financial garden and put my money where I feel it will grow best. In the past, I felt a responsibility to share my wealth. Now I have a different take. I still believe wholeheartedly in philanthropy and generosity — but it now comes from a place of love and desire, versus responsibility, guilt or need. I’m not there yet, but the best way I can describe it: I no longer feel the need to pick people up from wherever they are financially. Each person’s financial journey is their own, and it’s not for me to judge it — the same way I did not judge my own financial path. Everybody should be able to choose wealth or poverty, or somewhere in between.

So I’ll leave you with my final thought. I’ve shared four philosophies on money. I’m not here to suggest one over the other. They have all served me well. I recommend them all.