If you want to live a life that is as debt free as possible, avoid the following two mistakes. They are very common problems, or should I say ways of thinking, that lead to increased debt. Don’t get caught in these traps.
The first mistake is to believe that money or things equal happiness, beauty, popularity, etc. Things are just thing. Now, we may all say that money doesn’t equal happiness as a philosophy, but just how much does that hold up when you are staring at ads for the latest high definition television, video game system, new car, shoes, book, or beauty treatment? If we just moved into a bigger house, we would be happier, our kids would make better grades and we would have more friends. It sounds silly, but somewhere in our subconscious, messages like these are playing out. We are constantly surrounded by advertising that tell us that if we just buy one more thing, the right thing, or try one more pill. we will be happy. Don’t believe it.
Sure, money can make things easier, but it can also make things more difficult. Real happiness comes with satisfaction with your life and appreciation for what you have.
The second mistake is in thinking that having debt is the modern or American way. Everyone is in debt, right? Large mortgages are normal. Racking up credit card debt is normal. Two car payments is normal. Even the government spends money it doesn’t have. But, just because something seems normal doesn’t mean that it is good. You know that old saying, “If everyone jumped off the bridge, would you jump too?” Even if everyone else is in debt, it doesn’t make it right. There is nothing wrong with saying no to debt and all of the problems that go with it.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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