Responding to @clixmoney's DCC theme of the week. Read all about it here: DCC tag contest - Let's support #money
Money has always been a very important factor and need in human life and living. It is a means of exchange for almost everything needed on earth. You need money to feed, to live healthy, to achieve your goals, to build a family and many more good things of life.
For a country, money makes the economy run smoothly. A country in debt will suffer and it's citizens will even suffer more. A rich individual with more money than he needs may end up with financial challenges if he gets stuck in a country with bad economy.
Money matters to us as individuals as much as it matters to our society, country and factors surrounding us.
As individuals we study at different states and level of education and work hard to enable us fit for the labour market so that we can earn money and live a good life. Some people learn a trade or craft all in a bid to earn and make money. Parents and guardians struggle to get their children educated all in a bid to acquire knowledge which can later be exchanged for money.
In the past, when the economy iof various countries hadn't taken a blow, doing all of these is enough to help you become rich, not lacking money.
However, today, all of these do not guarantee a good life anymore. Infact the more money you make , the more money you need.
I read @doitvoluntarily 's Post about money. What hit me most about his post where he explained that even in America a university degree doesn't ensure a good life.
What about the fact that someone without a university degree and an average salary only a few decades ago would be able to afford a home comfortably, but today even with families where 2 individuals are university educated and working full time it is still a struggle for families to afford many real estate areas. Wages as far as median household income are not keeping up with what we see in home values. Having a good job or a degree doesn't mean you will be able to afford a home.
For how long will humans continue to chase after money? In most societies the first sign or consequences of economy problems is inflation. Money problems becomes inevitable when everything from food to housing faces inflation. Sadly this is the current condition of most developing countries and even some developed countries in the world today. For how long will people continue to grow broke or move on in the cycle of lack and scarcity?
It would have been easier to conclude that money is generally scarce and individuals should just continue to struggle and live life as it comes. But we can not say that, this is because there are few individuals all over the world who have conquered poverty and money problems. The likes of Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Aliko Dangote, Richard Branson and many more.
How then can we overcome rampant money problems and at least live comfortably if not extremely wealthy in a bad economy?
Although several scholars have discussed several tips that can help one live in a financial freedom not lacking money but the challenges of earning and making more than one needs remains. However here are a few tips:
Avoid becoming overwhelmed and frustrated
It can be frustrating and overwhelming to lack money but as individuals you will have to avoid situations that pushes you to worry or become frustrated. Avoid comparing yourself to others,it won't stop you from being poor, it will only make you continually jealous over what they have.
Don't live above your means
Even if others or those you believe are in your category or circle seem able to afford some luxuries, if your present earnings can't afford it don't force it. Give yourself time to grow your finances.
Focus on you and how you can learn more to earn more.
Move with those who make smart financial decisions
You become like those you spend time with. So if your circle of friends are not making intelligent financial decisions, or spending recklessly then you should change your circle.
In a terrible economy grow your food
Food is one of the things great affected by inflation in any country. Chances are that if you become a subsistence farmer you will save more on food.
Pay your debts and avoid more
Acquiring debts will never help you overcome money challenges. Money will just continue to act like a visitor around you if you are too addicted to debts. Break the cycle!
Finally saving and investing have always been financially wise. Don't focus on just one, do both. Have savings and have investments even if they seem small at the moment, they will yield great things in the future.
