Being Wealthy Without Using Debt

Written by Mondo Humboldt Friday, 13 May 2011 06:16

People are said to be wealthy when they are able to accumulate many valuable resources or goods. Still, the concept of wealth is relative and varies not only between societies but also between different groups or classes. One of the most common goals of Americans is to get rich. This goal is harder for some to achieve than others, especially for those who are starting with nothing. A lot of people will end up climbing under a pile of debt instead of reaching this goal. Many people simply do not know that they can get rich without using debt. Instead of relying on credit cards, people should instead use prepaid cash cards. Not spending money you don't have is always a safe and sensible financial method.

People are said to be wealthy when they are able to accumulate many valuable resources or goods. Still, the concept of wealth is relative and varies not only between societies but also between different groups or classes. One of the most common goals of Americans is to get rich. This goal is harder for some to achieve than others, especially for those who are starting with nothing. A lot of people will end up climbing under a pile of debt instead of reaching this goal. Many people simply do not know that they can get rich without using debt. Instead of relying on credit cards, people should instead use prepaid cash cards. Not spending money you don't have is always a safe and sensible financial method.

First let's address the myth, "debt is a tool and should be used to help create prosperity." Debt isn't used by wealthy people nearly as much as we are led to believe. Also, debt doesn't always make sense. Most normal people are just plain broke because they are in debt over their heads. This myth has been sold to us so that we will think we need to use other people's money (OPM) to prosper. However, those who sell this myth are profiting from our interest rates, our foreclosures, repossessions, and late fees. When we blindly believe in debt, we fail to acknowledge its risks that will destroy the perceived returns. It might take losing everything you owned and finding yourself bankrupt to put it into perspective.

Advertisements and marketing ploys by corporations are carefully constructed to make us think we need more things. This has left a lot of people unable determine the difference between what they want and what they need. Making people believe they need things they really just want only pushes them further into debt trying to acquire those things. The idea of debt is easy to sale because it gives us instant gratification. We can have the home we can't afford, we can buy the clothes we can't afford, and we can buy that flashy new car we really can't afford. Best of all we can have it NOW! Otherwise known as instant gratification. The questions are, what do we do after we get the bills we can't afford? How long can we hang on those things we can't afford before they are foreclosed, returned, or repossessed?

There are a lot of reasons behind what makes us think we need to be rich. For the some it is achieving their idea of prestige amongst their society. Some think the only way to be respected to have wealth, others are just trying to mimicking the images of the rich and famous they see at movies and on TV. Some people think the only way to have power is to have a lot of money. Others are just tired of working and they want to stack up enough money be able to retire comfortably.

Are you in debt and having trouble paying your bills? Getting dunning notices from creditors? Are your accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car? If so then it is time to take control of your finances and pursue the American dream. Are you willing to make the sacrifices it takes now, in order to reap the benefits later without having to worry about repossessions, returns or foreclosures? There are a few things that will help you get on the right path. First of all STOP spending money you don't have! Cut up all of your credit cards and only shop using a prepaid credit or debit card. Second, start saving!! Put aside a little money each check and don't touch it!! You can also save by looking for sales, using coupons, and cutting back on things you don't need! Try to cut out at least one unnecessary purchase per week.