A form of exchange

Money is nothing more than a form of exchange. It’s not that money isn’t important, it is. However, it’s critical that we understand money for what it is. It is:  a method of exchange for goods and services. For example, I need bread, you sell bread; I give you money in exchange for the bread I need. I need a job, you are an employer; you give me money in exchange for my labour.

That is all money is: a means of exchange. Money is NOT happiness, security, love, independence, or any other state-of-being that money has mistakenly come to symbolize or represent for us. That’s not to say we can ignore money issues or that money isn’t important. Of course, money matters and of course we need to pay attention to it. However, we need to adjust our mindset about it. Accept it for what it is, a means of exchange. We need to learn how to manage our money in the same way we manage our household chores or any other of our responsibilities. Those responsibilities may not be fun, but they’re part of the determinants of adulthood. When we can separate our emotions from money, we can then be free to lead fulfilling and satisfying lives.

Happiness research shows that your level of income is not an indicator of happiness – people’s level of happiness has not changed significantly despite  increased standards of living.We live in one of the most consumer –oriented parts of the world. We spend 3-4 times more hours shopping than our Western European counter parts. In most parts of the world shopping is a chore. But in North America it is recreation.

With the increase in life expectancy many people are returning to work after retirement  for one of  two reasons, they are bored and do not think they can stay at home for 20 years. The other, but much more disturbing, is they have not got the money need to live. After 30-35 years in the work force and thinking of the golden years that dream is gone because of an inability to save, overspending or poor planning. Women are spending about 98% of what they earn and saving about 3%. Well below the 10% savings recommended for men and no where near the 12% for women.

Money is a form of exchange that we are required to use responsibly as we require our children to be responsible with their belongings. The problem is old habits and beliefs get in the way.