Choose to Afford - it's always a choice

People all around us choose to afford things. Largely, our purchases are made as choices, and rarely out of necessity.

We hear people say, "I can't afford this" or "I wouldn't be able to afford that." For the most part, it's just people talking.

Imagine your neighbor telling you about the hard economy times and the possibility of a layoff at work. All the while holding a beer and smoking. Imagine he tells you how difficult it is to make ends meet with the high price of this and that.

That "poor mouth" scenario isn’t so hard to imagine.

How many people do you know that indulge in luxuries like drinks and cigarettes and vacations, but tell you that they are having a hard time affording essentials? I have met plenty.

They must "get away" on vacation, but they're behind on their utility payments.

The truth is that people make choices about what they will or will not afford themselves. Rarely is anyone forced into a situation, through no fault of their own, where they have no choice in how they must spend their money.

Many of us sacrifice what we need for long term financial freedom to get what we want for short-lived pleasure. Again, it's what we choose to afford.

Financial advice from people who are making poor choices is worth just about what you pay for it - nothing. Remember to consider the source.

Most people make near-term choices as to what they are going to afford, and can’t see the long-term financial security they are giving up. Their idea of money management might not be well thought out, but they follow it anyway.

Likewise, don’t look at what others have and imagine, "If they can afford that, then I can too." They might choose to afford flashy stuff, but could be having financial turmoil behind closed doors. If only you knew their entire financial picture, you might not look upon them with such envy, and you certainly wouldn’t look to them for financial advice.

I knew a millionaire once that drove an old International pickup truck. It was hand painted. He looked like a man on a budget that didn’t have two dimes to rub together, and that was exactly why he was wealthy. He made choices not to waste money on a new vehicle, and many other things – instead he bought land and buildings as investments.

His thrifty living paid off very nicely. He would be a much better source of financial advice than your average person.

Again, consider the source.

Done with Choose to Afford, back to Mindset of Frugality