Making the most of Thanksgiving
October 4, 2018
Have you ever wondered why so many people are stressed about money and material things?
The almighty dollar seems to be front and centre in people’s everyday lives. We all seem to want more.
This weekend we celebrate Thanksgiving. A time to look back and be thankful for all we have.
For some, the occasion will be marked by time spent with family and friends. Others might reflect on how lucky we are.
This is a good time to look at our lives and express gratitude for all we enjoy.
It may also be a good time to ask ourselves how we prioritize what we want versus what we need.
A stark reality of modern-day life is that many of us are living far beyond our financial means. To some extent, it seems everybody wants more than they can afford.
Historically, Canadians were fiscally responsible but that is no more. We are in debt up to our eyeballs.
Household debt caused by overconsumption is regarded by the Bank of Canada as one of the big three economic risks for our country.
Many have more debt than they can afford. Quite simply, from a financial perspective, we are out of control.
This topic came up in a recent conversation where money management author and radio personality, Dave Ramsey, was quoted:
“We buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like.”
Thanksgiving weekend is an excellent time to reflect on life, and possibly an opportunity to rethink our priorities. It could also be a time to commit to a lifestyle not defined by consumption.
I have often heard people during their final days of life talk about their values and what has been most important to them. Spending time with family and friends is something many wish they had done more often.
Overspending on “stuff” is not part of that conversation.
Live the life you want to live. Direct your priorities to those special things that are most important.
Relax, breathe, and take time to smell the roses.
Happy Thanksgiving.