Money Management

Money is the last enemy that shall never be subdued. While there is flesh there is money—or the want of money, but money is always on the brain so long as there is a brain in reasonable order.
- Samuel Butler (1835–1902), British author

With the US financial "crisis" there are many articles appearing online with monetary advice. I recommend this one: Money Management and the Next Great Depression – Protecting Your Money. The advice is simple and to me quite obvious but I have a background in math and management so budget planning comes easy. Not so with everyone. Last night on "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader" one contestant struck out on the first question - "True or False the sum of the digits in 678 equals 22." She said she was "bad at math" and could not say what a "sum" was. If you are math impaired get professional help in financial planning. (And for the math impaired the answer to the question is False. 6+7+8=21)

Returning to the Money Management article, here are the suggestions...

1. Use CASH Not Credit
   Try to get a cash discount. Vendors must pay a fee of 3 to 9% to credit card companies.
2. Don't Spend More Than You Earn
3. Money Must Be MADE Before It Gets Spent
   Set money aside a little each month to save up for large purchases.
4. Put Away Some Cash for Emergencies and Living Expenses

Bottom Line

"Perhaps you'll have to cut expenses AND work an extra job to build your cushion of cash. Now, no moaning about how you can't, JUST DO IT! As the weeks and months roll by you'll find you are sleeping better and are walking through life with a lot more confidence knowing you are on your way to financial freedom and have protected yourself from The Great Depression looming on the horizon." - Protecting Your Money