While there are plenty of books and websites dedicated to financial education, sometimes the most powerful inspiration for achieving our goals can be gained from the words of a wise person. From Aristotle and Voltaire to Benjamin Franklin and Elizabeth Warren, many experienced people have shared fascinating insights on personal finance management. On your way to financial independence, a well-placed quote can help bring your thoughts into focus and provide great inspiration.
Most of these quotes have a similar message: saving more than you spend leads to freedom and autonomy. We’ve gathered 13 powerful quotes about money management, wealth and personal finances that will motivate you to start keeping track of your money today:
“The way to wealth is as plain as the way to market. It depends chiefly on two words, industry and frugality: that is, waste neither time nor money, but make the best use of both. Without industry and frugality nothing will do, and with them everything.”
“Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people that they don’t like.”
“Frugality is one of the most beautiful and joyful words in the English language, and yet one that we are culturally cut off from understanding and enjoying. The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things.”
“Don’t think money does everything, or you are going to end up doing everything for money.”
― Voltaire
“A penny here, and a dollar there, placed at interest, goes on accumulating, and in this way the desired result is attained. It requires some training, perhaps, to accomplish this economy, but when once used to it, you will find there is more satisfaction in rational saving than in irrational spending.”
“Money is a guarantee that we may have what we want in the future. Though we need nothing at the moment it insures the possibility of satisfying a new desire when it arises.”
“Resolve not to be poor: whatever you have, spend less. Poverty is a great enemy to human happiness; it certainly destroys liberty, and it makes some virtues impracticable, and others extremely difficult.”
“Getting straight with your money is as complicated as a trip to the grocery store: You need a comparison shop, add and subtract, stick with a plan, and ask questions — nothing more.”
“If we command our wealth, we shall be rich and free. If our wealth commands us, we are poor indeed.”
“Don’t tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your money and I’ll tell you what they are.”
“Money, like emotions, is something you must control to keep your life on the right track.”
“Being frugal does not mean being cheap! It means being economical and avoiding waste.”
“The habit of saving is itself an education; it fosters every virtue, teaches self-denial, cultivates the sense of order, trains to forethought, and so broadens the mind.”
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