Our financial values should reflect what we think about money, how we value it, or what it can provide. While money doesn’t have to control us or impact our happiness, it’s easier to do nothing because change can be hard or very uncomfortable. Also, if we are truly thankful for what we have, rather than focusing on what we don’t have or want, many of us might be more committed to learning about good money management choices. Unfortunately, many of us get caught up in a selfish agenda, worrying about ourselves and what we want. It can be a great exercise to write down everything that we are thankful for, such as your family, friends, food on the table, a roof over your head, a job, God, etc. While money doesn’t necessarily buy those things, it can help us realize how much more important they are to our lives. Our paycheck takes on greater importance than simply getting paid to perform a task, but a means to help the many other people in our lives.
Our lifetime earnings can amount to millions of dollars and that should translate into easily covering our expenses, being financially comfortable, and making more than enough to be financially fit. Chances are that most of us would be just fine if we were handed one big check for everything that we were going to make over our working years. We could conquer any financial challenges so why do we still hear stories like these?
78% of NFL & 60% of NBA players go bankrupt 5 years after they retire, according to Sport Illustrated. Numerous movie stars and famous athletes have gone broke, like Mike Tyson and his estimated $300 million of earnings; Nicolas Cage, who made over $40 million in 2009 alone; or Wesley Snipes and his 3 years of tax evasion. 70% of lotteries winners go bankrupt. 20% of Americans are counting on winning the lottery for their retirement.
