We all know that times are hard? People are out of work, but come on. Live a little and play. Is this how we see ourselves through the light? Haven't we all been playing? Who has credit cards? Who used their credit cards to pay for their breakfast? So many starving children in this world, so we send billions of dollars out of the United States, yet we can't even take care of ourselves. What drove us to this point where everyone said you have to have a credit card? Now, before you go on about "credit reports". Please take a moment to really think about this. What made us so wrapped up in debt? I was taught by my father that if I don't have the cash, obviously I can't afford it. Alas, I was young once too. I charged everything, and that's what led me to realize sometimes we just can't afford everything we want in this life. Sure you can always pay on those debts, $30.00 - $70.00 a month doesn't sound so bad, but when you have interest rates that can rise every year and believe me I know you have more than one - who only has one credit card right? Your one credit card turns into having five or six credit cards and now you are up to a sizable amount of money going out every month. Who can do the math, roughly $300-$400 a month going out or possibly more.
I have learned this, I can't live in a car, so my house should be worth more than my car right? I need to eat, but do I want to live on peanut butter and jelly for the rest of my life? I have to have descent clothes to put on my kids. So what can I really afford. If I only make approximately $100k a year, in reality, wouldn't it be wise to purchase a house for that same amount? Bills aren't fun. But, living on credit cards is more stressful then living in an asylum to some.
It was difficult at first, but I weaned myself off of credit cards entirely about 6 years ago. I don't even write checks now- unless absolutely necessary. I use cash for everything. It really does change your thought process about money. There is a disconnect when you use plastic- which makes it so tempting as it provides immediate gratification and paying the price is delayed. We cannot look to our government to set any sort of example. Could you imagine explaining to your children how to balance a budget government style? Haha
ReplyDeleteBoot Camp was designed to strip you down to your underwear and build you back up into the military image of Navy, Marines,Air force, and Army, all depending on which branch you went into.
ReplyDeleteI can remember the first morning, waking up to screaming, standing there in my bare feet, jockey shorts and no shirt, feeling naked. That is the idea. They dressed me in there image, taught me how to walk, eat, manage my time, use terminology, and respect the core values of the U.S. Navy and being there for this countries citizens. Yes, there were some that could not handle the transformation, and I will agree with Amber in admitting they were the weaker ones.
There is no shame in being weak and not handling a situation. There is no shame in not being able to understand that boot camp is a head game and a brain reorganizing procedure. Many call it brainwashing; however, I will not. I knew exactly what the deal was and played my hand as well as their's. I played the game so well, that I ended up with one of the easiest jobs in boot camp during work week.
To this day I treat my children and employees the same. There is a job to be done do it. If not, you will suffer the penalties. My kids, well, they are kids and I'm dad... need I say more. The employees, there is the door and I have a 66.3 Percent chance of hiring someone just as good or better than you. If the entire world was run like that, maybe the unions, the get quick rich and the lazy would not have found a way to screw it all up.