ksmom's recent post about what do you consider "poor" prompted me to dust off my soapbox again!

When I created this Money Matters forum, I was excited to get people thinking about money. Money is the number one reason why couples divorce. It's why people argue. The average household carries some $7,000 as a credit card balance every month. If financial security can bring about a less stressful environment in your home, plus bring you opportunities that you might not otherwise have, why not strive for that? It would be my goal for EACH OF YOU to rid yourselves of consumer debt.


However, having said that, it's not about how MUCH money you have. We can get into trouble when we start projecting what's right for ourselves onto others. The amount each of us "need" can be very different depending on where we live, our fixed expenses and what our personal goals are. Someome may be very content on a small income, while others with big aspirations or goals may be prompted to "go for the gold". There's nothing wrong with either philosophy. Different strokes for different folks.


Rich, poor, incomes, net worth, etc. they're all numbers. The government defines poverty lines according to income, but I think we've all seen examples of families on very small incomes do better with their money than those who make six figures. A net worth calculator can be a valuable tool in letting you know if you're on track in achieving your goals, but they're just that: YOUR GOALS. Not your neighbor's goals. It's up to each and every individual to define that for him or herself.

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Amen Kim! I'm so glad you posted that!

Isn't that the truth!! Thank you!!

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I've grown certain that the root of all fear is that we've been forced to deny who we are. ~ Frances Moore Lappe

Thank you for the reminder. It's definately one I needed to hear.

Nicely put, Kim. Thanks!

Yeah, Kim!!!! Thank you so much! I, for one, am getting tired of all these numbers being thrown out there and people feeling great or less than great about themselves as a result.

Thank you!

Very well said, Kim!!!!!

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~Happiness is a large family~

So true!

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I think everyone needs to be reminded every so often. We can all get bogged down in the figures at one point or another.

Personally, I feel very rich because of the love my family has, the opportunities my children will have in this country, my friends, and my mommysavers network. Funny that none of those things that make me feel rich have any numbers tied to them.

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Amen. Remember the hymn words, "Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessing, see what God has done." Money is just not as important when you look at all you have in your life. Don't forget that!

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