The Hand that Rocks the Cradle...

 

William Ross Wallace wrote: “the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world….” This is a powerful statement and a very powerful position to hold.  This statement is much deeper and more important than the poem that Mr. Wallace wrote.  Imagine for a moment that we take this statement to heart just when it comes to the financial education of our children: the children that we rock, guide, and watch over!

 These 13 words should be read slowly and allowed to be absorbed into our souls and minds.   Take a moment and close your eyes -- and realize that you have the power not only to create financially smart children, but future generations by empowering your children to pass down better habits and financial information.  “The Hand that rocks the cradle – is the hand that rules the world…”  Do you want to raise children that will spend a life time living with debt or children who understand the power of their financial choices?  Children who are raised with the understanding that their income level is not as important as the financial choices that they make - will make wiser choices. 

Most women are raised to view money as a way to create a better lifestyle for themselves and their family.  We tend to spend money on items that will enhance our day-to-day living with little thought for the future.  I spent a few weeks recently hanging out at different stores watching the spending habits of men and women.  What I witnessed was that women spent hundreds of dollars on items that will have little or no value in the future.  Women were buying items such as: designer/non-designer clothes, knick- knacks, toys, shoes, pictures, items to decorate the home, comforters, pillows, cute mugs, pretty drinking glasses, candles, perfumed soaps, gifts for baby showers, gifts for birthdays, gifts for teachers, wrapping paper, gift bags, or just shopping therapy!

     It is time for us to take our roles seriously and break the paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle and consumerism mentality.  To break the cycle someone must be willingly to do the work, are you?

A Dose of Reality

I have spent the past few years begging, pleading, encouraging, and talking to people about the importance of saving money, reducing debt, and coming up with a financial plan. Most of the people that I meet, smile, nod their heads in agreement, but continue on the same path. Some people get angry when I give them my card. My business cards read "Sick and Tired of Being Broke" which is the title of my book. The title insults some people because they mistakenly believe that I am insinuating - that they are broke. I actually chose the title because I woke up one morning and "I" was sick and tired of living paycheck to paycheck and "I" was sick and tired of being broke!

Earlier this evening I received another dose of reality. I went to the store to purchase a new coloring book and a box of crayons for my granddaughter. In the store I met a young woman in line and gave her my card. Outside of the store we started talking and she shared her story with me. This beautiful young woman was homeless and planning to sleep in the car with her husband and child. I hear heart breaking stories like hers almost daily. So I am begging, pleading, and encouraging you to take charge of your finances, reduce your debt, and come up with a financial plan. Most of us are only a few paychecks away from being homeless.  Start a family emergency account today, no amount is to small.

Lucille Tyler Baldwin
Author of "Sick and Tired of Being Broke"

Saving Money: Make It Automatic

Let's be honest, most of us do not think twice about saving money until we need money.  The problem is that when we need money there is no extra money available -WHY? - because...
Lucille Tyler Baldwin
http://www.thejourneytowealth.blogspot.com/