For some reason, there is a negative connotation when it comes to money. Just having a normal discussion about it becomes so uncomfortable for many, and barely makes it through one or two sentences. If not, then it ends up with people just complaining about it.
I know how this article sounds, but give me a few minutes to explain what I mean.
The funny thing is, everyone deep down inside, does indeed care about money. I mean, what other reason is there to go work so hard for it if you don’t realize its importance?
It’s very hard to undervalue the importance of money. To a certain extent, money is indeed everything in this modern society. It’s hard to deny that fact of life, and it’s a hard pill to swallow. Let’s take a second to talk a little bit more about this.
Money is everything
Take a second to imagine a life where you had absolutely no money at all. $0, no credit cards, nada.
Now that you have that in your mind, imagine trying to find shelter, clothes to put on your back, food, a means of transportation. None of these items would be possible without money.
To be honest with you, money can literally buy you almost anything. Almost everything in this physical world has a price tag. I know how that sounds, and how cringy it probably makes you feel, but that is the reality.
Simply put, money can be whatever you want it to be.
For this example, I was simply listing the basics that everyone needs in life. This doesn’t even include any luxuries or consuming any extra things in life. If you want to travel, experience the world, or have amazing experiences, you will need to have money.
I know there are arguments that money is not everything, and you can be just as happy without it, but to survive you need it. It may be just a little, or it may be a lot in your bank account, but you need it nevertheless.
What does money mean to you
Now that we have defined what it is, and how it is used day-to-day, it’s time to ask yourself this question. What does money mean to you?
Money means different things to different people. It can either be something to be worked for, and something that provides life with experiences and comfort.
To others, it might simply mean something that is a necessary evil. Something that has to be worked for, like it or not, and no joy associated with it.
In all honesty, here is what I wholeheartedly believe money means, and what it probably should mean to you:
- Money gives freedom, to do what you want, when you want
- Money gives choices, and it gives you the ability to choose how you want to spend it
- Money gives experiences, to be able to afford to take your family anywhere and do many things
- Money gives sustenance, a roof over you head, food to eat, and clothes for your family
- Money gives you the ability to retire, and live the rest of your life in bliss
- Money gives you medicine when you are sick and need to be taken care of
I could probably go on and on listing the different things money gives you. Depending on which camp you are when it comes to what it means to you, we can all agree that money does indeed provide the things I’ve listed above and more.
You should care about money
More often than not, money is a taboo topic. I can tell you that, other than my own personal household, every other household I’ve ever been in finds talking about money very uncomfortable.
This should not be the case.
If you have a family, you do not want your children to grow up and not be able to save up for day-to-day life and save up for retirement. If you don’t have a family, you don’t want to end up in financial ruin either. Nobody wants that.
Instead, these conversations and topics should always be discussed. This is especially true at home. Unfortunately, the school system does not teach us anything about money. Where else should they learn how to manage their finances? At home.
Talking about and caring about money can only benefit you and your family in the long run. Now, I am not saying that everyone should care about amassing millions of dollars. That is not everyone’s goal, and neither should it be.
All I’m saying is that discussions about debt and retirement should be thinks that everyone should care about and talk about.
How to understand money
Understanding it is not as hard or as difficult as you might think. Money is simply a tool. It is a tool that gives you access to many things in life, and peace of mind.
One thing that a lot of people forget to figure out and keep track of is understanding how much of it going in and how much is going out. It’s easy to figure out exactly how much you earn from your paycheck. It’s much harder to have a clear picture of what do you spend it on every single month.
Spending is so easy. Honestly, it’s too easy. You can walk into a store and end up buying things you really don’t need, and just swipe away. It’s easy not to have a minute thought of just how much exactly you have spent so far in the month.
By budgeting, and making sure you understand exactly where your money is going to every single month, you start to understand it, and in turn, learn to control it.
Don’t let it control you, you control it.
How to talk about money
This one is a hard one and something that I can relate to.
Talking about money is hard. I am not sure why exactly this is the case. Maybe it’s shame? Or maybe it’s just a fear of not having a deep understanding of it. No matter the reason, talking about it is absolutely critical for your family and their future.
It took me a very long time to lighten up and start talking about it with my spouse. Money just seemed like a source of anxiety and stress. Every time I opened my mouth to talk about it, I would get super anxious and sweaty.
It takes time to learn how to properly have these discussions. They should not be limited to just your spouse. If you have children, they also need to be part of the conversations.
Transparency is key when it comes to these discussions. The earlier you start talking about it with them, and the more transparent you are, the easier it will be to understand and to align your financial goals with your family.
Do it! Future you will thank you for it!
Where to learn more about money
If you are wondering where exactly you can start learning more about this taboo topic, then you already have a head start.
The fact that you are on this blog means that you are ready and willing to learn about it. Reading this very article means that you are able to take action and willing to expand your mind. Well done!
If this blog and its contents aren’t enough, there are loads of books out there that can teach you more and to help you understand it better.
Books, Google, YouTube, podcasts, and this very blog are all different ways that you can learn about money. Depending on how you prefer to learn, the internet has leveled the playing field. Go out there and explore!
Final thoughts
Here is the cold hard truth. Money cannot buy you everything, but it can buy you most things in life.
A lot of people like to use the analogy that money can’t buy you love nor can it buy you happiness. True, neither of these things have price tags on them, but do you know what not having any money does?
When it comes to love, the number one reason for divorce in the United States is money. Couples argue and disagree about it all the time, especially when there is a lack there off.
When it comes to happiness, sure, cash itself won’t be able to buy you that. But, the misery of not having the ability to afford taking your children to school, going to the doctor, or living on the streets can certainly make you unhappy.
So please, if there is only one thing you take away from this article, it’s this. Don’t undervalue the importance of money. Appreciate the fact that we live in a world where money is everything, for the most part, and understanding it is paramount.
Like it? Pin it!