DON';T LET FINANCES RULE OVER YOUR SELF-ESTEEM
Adsense TagHow many times do you find you are having to create worksheets, or resources and then they just remain on your own computer, or in a resource source for ..... ...... family came to his shop after hours, as they often did. He was so overcome with worry and stress that he verbally threw them out. Then he went home, closed his bedroom door and considered how he might end his life without destroying his family or disappointing his God. As it turned out, only thoughts of God and family keep him from doing the unthinkable.
As you might guess, I know the fellow's story so well because I'm the fellow. Today, I'm pleased to say that, because I obtained the help I needed emotionally and financially, I'm well on the way to being completely debt free in few years (except for a home mortgage). And, I lead a happier, fuller life than ever. However, I've been left with some lessons I'll never forget.
The first lesson is: 'Debt robs a man of his self-respect, and makes him almost despise himself.' (P.T. Barnum). Thus, there's a need to use credit wisely. Self-esteem is at stake. And, while you might buy things on credit that you can't afford, because it temporarily lifts your spirits or gives you something to show to others, it's not worth the shame and loathing when debt becomes overwhelming. Learn to live within your means even if it involves doing without!
The second lesson is how a loss of respect due to financial woes affects one's attitude toward others. Sherry can always tell when I'm not happy with myself. That's when I'm unkind to her. I'm the same way with customers. In fact, there's no telling how much business I ran off while I was drowning financially and emotionally. I could easily have lost both my family and my business.
The third lesson I will pass along is that ''there is more satisfaction in rational saving, than in irrational spending.' (P.T. Barnum). As per the financial advice I received for turning our circumstances around, Sherry and I began a consistent, well-planned investment, retirement program. That, combined with the fact that the barbershop is now paid for, is very satisfying. It's much more satisfying than new, showy things that we don't need or can't afford. I'm no longer interested in a big hat. I want the cattle!
33 Essential Year-End Financial TasksThe end of the year is a traditional time of celebration, excitement, reflection and planning ' not withstanding the hectic holiday shopping of course. However, the .....
Lesson number four is to learn from others. Experience (the school of hard knocks) is a great teacher, but not the best. That's because much of its value is lost in the time it takes to learn the lessons. Time-tested principles are the best teachers, and they can be discovered in writings, seminars, counseling and advice from those who have been there.
Yet, it still takes time to learn these things. And, as John Wayne said, 'We're burnin' daylight.'
BARBER-OSOPHY: Control your money or it will control you.
Advertise Google Relevant AdsenseThe aftermath of Katrina has affected more that just New Orleans and the surrounding gulf coast. There are huge financial implications associated with the catastrophe, from the ..... Copyright 2004, Sumerlin Enterprises.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Terry L. Sumerlin, known as the Barber-osopher, is the author of "Barber-osophy," is a columnist for the San Antonio Business Journal and speaks nationally as a humorist/motivational speaker.
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