Living within your means

Many people think this is a given, but it isn't. Not everyone knows how to do this, or even wants to. It's become SO easy to get whatever we want, whenever we want, that we don't always think of the consequences.

In Kiplinger.com, there is an article written by a 20-something. It's refreshing to see that she "gets it". http://www.kiplinger.com/features/archives/2008/02/savemoney.html

Dave Ramsey http://www.Daveramsey.com "gets it". BUT he didn't understand it til he got "rich" and then lost it all. His is one of the best plans for beginners I think. Really I think EVERY highschooler should have to go through his course.

When we live with our parents, we get accustomed to THEIR standard of living, and when we go out on our own, we feel THIS is reality, THIS is what we "deserve". But it's not true. Even when you earn a LOT of money, you must still be responsible with it.

The BIGGEST lesson is learning the difference between WANTS and NEEDS.

NEEDS are

Shelter, food,... can't think of much else.. And even THOSE have different degrees of needs and wants.

WANTS are everything else.

We don't NEED a cellphone, or a big screen tv, or a fancy new car, a new computer with high speed internet. Without these things, our lives wouldn't grind to a halt..