Money Doesn't Buy Happiness

“None of those material possessions do anything to make your life any better…. I know a lot of people who have a lot of everything, and they’re absolutely the most miserable people in the world. So it won’t do anything for you unless you’re a happy person and can have peace with yourself.”

 ~ Lenny Kravitz

In today's economy it is ever increasingly important to spend your money wisely. It amazes me sometimes how creative we can get when our dollars are few. We find ways to stretch those few dollars to make them last as long as we can. And then when we have one or two dollars more than what the bills amount to we go right back into our old habits of buying "things" - things that we don't really need but things we crave because they make us "feel" better, or look better.

We buy designer jeans and fancy things because we view them, and hope that others who see us view them, as status symbols. The fancier the car, the bigger the bank account, some think. The problem is that most of the time, you are paying for a label, instead of just buying quality clothing. And not to mention that times and fashions change so quickly. That pair of $100 jeans you bought, that everyone was wearing last month, will be out of style by spring. Clothes are only made to last until next season, when the next fall or spring line comes out.

There was a time when we packed away the winter sweaters and jackets, and dusted off our spring dresses and short outfits, maybe only buying something new for a special occasion. We also spend way too much money on new clothes, when there are hidden treasures just waiting to be purchased cheaply at local thrift store. Some pass this money saving opportunity up because their pride won't let them but something "previously worn" by someone else. I bet if your ass was cold and didn't have any clothes, then you would jump in that used, slightly worn coat without hesitation. But that's just my point, we can if we had to. We should live each day as if we have only a few dollars to live off of. Then, invest your money in quality purchases and spend locally as frequently as possible.

I have learned that money well earned should be money well spent. And, I am also learning that my dollars have more than just the economical value printed on the coin or paper; there is value and a chance to make a difference in your community. 

Instead of buying fruits and vegetables from the large grocery stores, who by the way charge more for their products because they have huge overhead demands to meet, we should patronize local small business and farmer's markets. Instead of large fast-food chains and restaurants, we should support the local family owned diners and eateries. I'm not saying don't go to In-N-Out burger or skip a good Sizzler salad, I'm just saying that we should spend the majority of our money in the hood, where it can do the most good.

I recently became introduced to a financial expert by the name of Suze Orman, who broke down some things for me plain and simple. For more information on all things financial please visit her website or check out her weekly show focusing on financial counseling. She has your best financial interest at heart and gives advice to live by not just for today and tomorrow, but information on how to secure your financial future.

Make the money, don't let the money make you. A part of this economy has been designed to keep you in debt and distracted from reality for a various number of reasons. Most of them beyond our control. What you currently have the opportunity to do is find ways to make your money make money for you. When people think of investing, they think of complicated stock market transactions or risky real estate investments.

The truth of the matter is you can grow your own food and sew more of your own clothing, curtains, towels, etc. Invest in a sewing machine and make something creative like custom pillows to sell to friends. Purchase the materials to make candles and soaps at home, for personal use or to sell to family and friends. They also make great gifts.

Invest in seeds and grow a garden, plant fruit trees, grow your own herbs for cooking. Eating at home more often, cutting out fast-food and limiting restaurant meals saves a ton of money. Eating out saves time, not money.

It's time to get wise about these things people. Gas and food prices are at an all time high, and so is unemployment. One day we could wake up and find ourselves in real trouble. Be prepared for natural disasters as well as financial ones. Start the financial emergency kit by growing and consuming as much of your own food as possible and invest money like you grow your garden, in hopes of a plentiful harvest, that just keeps giving.