What does it take to build Financial Security?

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So, earlier this month I analyzed my retirement funds (or lack of). It was a kick in the arse and a wake up call.

I still need to figure out how to increase my retirement funds so that they are on track. I figure this will come when my debts are paid down and I have more money to direct towards that goal. “Slow and steady”, should be my motto.

My question is what tools are necessary for a person to save more and increase the net worth? If everyone had these tools than we would all be doing it right?

Well, I found my answers in two very good posts:

Master Your Card writes about, Who wants to be a Millionaire? and offers the steps to achieving such a goal.

Girls Just Wanna Have Funds picks apart the Millionaire Mindset by noting the skills necessary to think like a millionaire.

You know what I learned?

We all have the basic tools to master the goals of saving more and increasing our net worth. Every single one of us!

A few of the skills listed:

– believing in ourself
– living frugally & within our means
– directing our funds to grow

Well, part of my year, for 2009, is realizing that the things that are most important to me are actually frugal in nature. Things like spending time with my family, spending time being artistic, and exploring nature are only some of the frugal, but meaningful things in my life.

I think that media puts in our minds that we need the latest gadgets and services to keep us going. I think we are socially programmed to be a consumer. And that if we don’t we are less than better to the Joneses. I know that I have been raised with the notion of being like the Joneses.

But, who has ever told us that we would be Unhappy if we were not like the Joneses????

No one has ever told me such a thing! I think we are just nutured with that assumption. And feel ‘deprived’ or ‘depressed’ if we don’t have the latest; below the social norm.

(and so my self polital speech continues)
So, I am here to stand up and take a stance against being a Joneses! I am taking a stance by being frugal (not cheap, there is a great difference), invest my money into the proper vessels, and BELIEVE that I can build financial security for myself and my family.

And most important to me, that these lessons of building financial security are nutured into my own children.

Happy Tuesday, y’all. Make it a great day! ~ Money Funk

8 thoughts on “What does it take to build Financial Security?”

  1. Revanche

    Who ARE these Joneses, anyway? They seem awfully judgy to me. 🙂

    Definitely take the retirement savings slow and steady, a sudden shock to the system is just not worth it when you have to scramble to fill the holes it makes in your plan. (Speaking from experience … )

  5. Shtinkykat

    Amen to that, sistah. It’s funny because my former boss told me exasperatedly, “You march to the beat of a different drummer.” I took that as a compliment although he didn’t mean it to be. So I say, “To heck with the Joneses. I’m living life MY way.”

  6. jpkittie

    You are right – we all can do it.

    My family lives in the 'lower' part of an upper class area. I felt like I was trying to keep up with all of the moms that I had come into contact with – but I am finally realizing that it really doesn't matter. (as my pocketbook & credit cards have sighed in relief) I think once we hit that point that we don't feel the need to justify ourselves, it is easier… then we have the $$$ to secure our finanical future!!!!! Get out of that debt & bump up that savings baby! (as I type this, am I even on the right point?!?!)

  7. Money Funk

    @ Revanche: They are awefully judgy.

    Actually, I wonder if the get out of debt bloggers in the world can recreate/remodel the Joneses? Hmmm… food for thought.

    @ Over the Cubicle Wall: thanks! I was feeling inspirational. 🙂

    @ Miss Ajae: definitely broke. And I am definitely tired of that! 🙂

    @ Sharon Rose: Thank you! It’s just trying to maintain the upbeat attitude throughout our journey. 🙂

    @ Shtinkykat: actually it was your post on consumerism that gave me the inspiration for this post.

    And yes, I would have took it as a compliment, too. And I think that you will be much happier living it your way, too. Woo Hoo! 🙂

    @ jpkittie: you are on the right point. And *ugh*. I know what you mean about keeping up with the moms. That is a toughy and some serious peer pressure. But, just realize that when you obtain financial freedom all those moms are seriously going to envy you. 🙂

    What a blissful feeling that will be. March on!

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