News Clipping: Redefining the Good Life

I’d call it harping. That’s what I’ve been doing lately. Harping that people must save money for the tough times ahead. Because tough times are coming. And a lot of people have their heads in the sand.

Please click here to read a brilliant piece that includes some of my (also brilliant) harping.

It’s time to redefine the good life. Those people who relate the good life to the size of a house or car or closet or refrigerator are swimming in the shallow end of the pool. They may have banged their heads. The good life should relate to reduced spending, lower debt, more savings. And helping others.


["Save some; spend some on others": photo GH]

I do not harp alone. Another writer and financial planner (I’m not a financial planner; I’m a financial harper) recently made some excellent points in the local paper.

Cahill said, for example:

Avoid the temptation to spend.

“We have shifted from a producing society to a consuming society. People borrow to the maximum on big-ticket items, such as an expensive vehicle or house. Save up significant down payments first.”

Live under your means.

“It's not unusual to find couples who make $200,000 a year or more living paycheque-to-paycheque.”

Seek good advice.

“Engage the services of an accountant, lawyer and financial planner... educate yourself. You cannot rely on the government or others to bail you out.”

Be a philanthropist.

“Finally, give back... Investigate how 3 billion people on this planet live on less then $2 a day. Spending all of our resources on ourselves, or hoarding them for the future, only leads to self-absorption.” (July 26, The London Free Press)

I thought Mr. Cahill’s article was very timely.

Yes, more harping may be needed, but timely nonetheless.

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Are you trying to reduce spending?

Are you saving money?

Paying down debt?

Helping others? In what way(s)? (Here’s one way.)

Harping to members of your family? Ain’t it fun?

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