Once upon a time, there was a little girl. The little girl was smart and had a loving family, but not a lot of money. She wore hand me downs and when she wore new clothes they were never name brand. This caused the little girl to be teased and laughed at. Crying, she made a vow to herself that she would never wear second hand or off brand clothes, only clothes with a designer label. That little girl grew up to be what seemed to be a successful young woman. She is well educated and has a good job. But most importantly, she is known in circles for always wearing the latest couture and always having the finest designer handbags with expensive shoes. But at the end of the day this young woman is deep in credit card debt and doesn’t have a penny in savings. She is miserable and she can’t figure out why.

Most of us did not grow up with a silver spoon in our mouths. Many of us feel we are forced to compensate for not growing up with the “finest” things. So we become adults and we find ourselves spending more than we make. This is something that needs to stop fast. Don’t let your past dictate your future. Your past is something that needs to be put away. Learn from it and put it away. Pray or hope for healing. Healing will led to a change in your attitudes and thoughts. Tell yourself that I don’t have to wear second hand clothes but when I do buy clothes they will be quality and in my price range. Recently I had to tell myself, “Yes, I have a Masters degree, but a Lexus is not in my price range.” As long as you think that you have to make up for your past by throwing your money away to impress others, you will never build wealth or happiness.

"I bargained with Life for a penny,
And Life would pay no more,
However I begged at evening
When I counted my scanty store.

For Life is a just employer,
He gives you what you ask,
But once you have set the wages,
Why, you must bear the task.

I worked for a menial's hire,
Only to learn, dismayed,
That any wage I had asked of Life,
Life would have willingly paid."

Taken from "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill.

Many people don’t think that they can be wealthy one day. They feel inadequate. Don’t worry, you’re not. You can have whatever you put your mind to. Require the best from yourself and you will get the best. Do not think that you have to settle for what life gives you. You control your life and destiny. You make the ultimate decision, chose to build wealth and not to live in lack. Ask for wisdom to know how to wisely spend, save, and invest your money. Don’t go through life wondering how much you could have had.

Ask yourself; what are my attitudes and thoughts toward money? Many people have never sat down to evaluate their feelings about money. If it is too hurtful to think about financial issues or if you become flustered when it comes to dealing with money, seek help. Maybe your past needs to be handled with the help of a counselor. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, seek the help you need now for a better future. The most important advice I can give you, from a Christian perspective, is to seek God’s face. I had a lot of issues from my past that interfere with the way I dealt with money in the past that only God could take away. God healed my heart and gave me the wisdom and courage to build wealth. He also showed me that true wealth goes beyond the material things. My true value comes from Him and not my Louis Vuitton purse. He is willing to do the same for you.



Contact Shavon for all your building wealth questions at SMagee@b-now.com