How Does Debt Affect People?

This is a common question for anyone who is thinking about borrowing money. The reason for this is that debt can have a major impact on a the life of a person. It can determine whether or not someone succeeds in life or struggles all the way through it. Debt is the amount of money any person owes. They go into debt when they borrow money in the present while promising to pay it off in the future. There are a couple of different variations of debt, and they affect people in different ways. Hav...

The Real Green Thumb and The 4 Simple Laws to Growing a Magic Garden of Wealth

It is said America has more millionaires that any other country. If this is true why are so many of us so poor? Why do so many Americans suffer with debt? Why are we as a society so overextended and buried under mortgages we can’t pay and live in homes we can’t afford in the first place? The answers are simple, yet must be explained carefully. Let’s examine rule one. Rule one: Never try to keep up with the Joneses. Each day we are exposed to a plethora of images of wealth and possessions. ...

Four Simple Steps to Follow When You Say “I Do”

Marriage is a happy and exciting time for two people that have decided they want to spend the rest of their lives together. But money and the handling of it is one of the leading causes of dissension between newly married couples. Putting your cards on the table before the rings and vows are exchanged is the best way to ensure that money will not come between you. (more…)

Money and Marriage

Marriage is supposed to be an equal partnership. There should always be a fair division of labor. When it comes to finances, it is usually just one person that handles the bills, the distribution of funds and all investments and insurance policies. This is a fine arrangement as having two people trying to run the show can lead to bounced checks, bills paid twice and many other types of misunderstandings. But the spouse not in charge of the money should be kept abreast of all financial matters so...

Educating Young Children about Money

My mother-in-law is very generous when it comes to giving my children money. It usually comes in the form of $5 or $10 bills inserted into holiday cards or in person during the twice-a-year visits, at which time she chooses to hand them money in a covert way; a sheepish attempt to hide the fact that she's spoiling them. During a recent visit to the local grocery store, my 5-year-old, carrying one of these $5 bills, passed in front of this display of miniature cars that read "4 for $5." He was...

Money as Debt

Many people find the current level of debt to be at an unbelievable level. It is difficult to see how an economy can survive when the majority of money spent is actually owed to someone else. So much so, that if there was no debt, there would be no money. If you're not sure what I mean, check out the following animated financial documentary entitled "Money as Debt". Paul Grignon's 47-minute presentation of "Money as Debt" tells in very simple and effective graphic terms what money is and ...

Spending Money: Needs vs. Wants

Let’s face it: Most people spend way too much money on things they don’t really need. The more money we make, the more we tend to spend. This endless cycle of materialism has led many people to confuse the word “need” with the word “want.” As in, “we need a big-screen TV for our new home theater.” Or, “I need a new pair of shoes to go with my new outfit.” (more…)

Top 10 Richest Men Of All Time

Rankings of some of the most influential men in the history of humanity, as ranked by wealth in 2001 US Dollars (some figures are approximate as they take into consideration inflation, GDP growth, currency exchange rates, and fluctuations in share prices). 10. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan -- $ 23 billion The United Arab Emirates Sheikh has considerable holdings in oil, property and various investments,. 9. Paul Allen -- $25 billion Microsoft co-founder and Vulcan Ventures founder ...