Money: How to Make the Best of It

It's no wonder American's are in debt. In a "you can have all" world we are bombarded with anywhere from 1600 to 3000 advertisements a day. These advertisements are designed to target one of three areas in your life. 1) Money. Money. Money. Mainly spending yours on products or services that you so lovingly deserve in order to live the good life. 2) Youth and how to keep yours. Mainly by spending your money to do so. and 3) Love. Mainly how to get some by spending your money. It's no wonder American's are enticed to spend their hard earned dollars. Who doesn't want love, youth, and the good life. The problem arises when you realize that your income simply does not mesh with all the spending necessary to get it. Before you know it, you have spent your way into debt and it seems there is no way out.

There is a way out. Unfortunately, the road out of debt is longer than the road in, and there are very few advertisements to entice you on your journey. You must chart your destination and work steadily towards the light of financial freedom. If you are like most Americans, you have probably already set your sight on one of two solutions. Earn more money or spend less money. You are probably thinking, "if I could only land that coveted job where I could increase my income, I would be okay"; or maybe, you have resolved to cut costs to pay off your debts.

Neither will work without the other. If you continue your current pattern of spending, it will increase proportionally with any increased money you earn. It is the nature of the beast. Americans simply up their spending when they up their income. Why? Because it is comfortable and it is what they know. Spending less money, without increasing your income, will only work for a short period. It is a last resort quick fix to handle the day to day financial obligations. Just like the diet that always fails, once the fat is gone, you will resume the old habits that got you that way the first place.

Set a goal to save enough money to buy higher priced luxury items with cash instead of credit. If you can't save enough to purchase it outright, you can't afford it. Plain and simple.

Credit: Hassle Free Clip Art

Copyright: free clipart