Materialism

Note: Before reading My Thoughts, please read My Disclaimer!

Materialism is an illness, and almost all of us are infected. For some reason, we seem to have tied our self-worth to our net worth. Most of us are noticeably impressed when we see someone's big house or expensive car. Why? It's just money. More typically, it isn't even a measure of the person's hard work, but rather just the person's willingness to go deep into debt -- pushing their family to the edge of financial disaster.

What's more important in a family member, friend, or coworker: a supportive person you can trust or the size of their bank account?

Who needs a 5,000 square foot house or a $50,000 car? Think of the truly worthwhile things that can be done with money. And, I don't mean just handing it out to those who didn't earn it. Think about using money to provide opportunities to those who may not have them, such as providing academic scholarships or job training through recognized charities. Or, just take care of things at home: save money for your kid's college education and for your retirement -- so you won't be a burden to your children or to society when you can no longer work.

How about spending less time making money to buy things we don't need and more time making a difference in people's lives, especially the lives of our own family members?

What do kids truly NEED more: a bigger, fancier house, a new video game system, their own cell phone, a new car for their 16th birthday, or consistent, loving involvement from their parents?