Its not what you make

It's not what you make, but what you do with what you make.

That is the advice my dad gave me when I was just getting out of high school. I was looking at what I would be when I grew up. I kept trying to find the kind of job that would let me live large. I wanted all kinds of toys, properties and the hottest girl.

He was not rich, we had had our struggles as a family and he is still not rich. However. He has had a good life. I have been using the saying"It's not what you make but what you do with what you make." As a life statement. I do not have a high paying job, but I have in my opinion done very well.

I do not have all the toys I dreamed of as a high school grad. I have made an interesting discovery. Most people seldom use all their toys. They take them out for a few weekends each year, fill them with gas, get the license for them, tow them to their play spot and have a great time. They make a monthly payment, insurance payments, some pay for a place to store them, or build a place to keep them.
I just rent a toy for the weekend. True the week end rental is not cheep. For me it is a huge savings. I use a boat infrequently. I may take a four wheeler for a drive. Paying for the number of days I use the thing is so much cheaper than buying one and also paying for the days I do not use them.

Think about your lawn mower. You use it only during the summer once a week or less. Your tiller for the garden is used 2 or 3 times a year. That chainsaw in the shed maybe one time a year. Just think of the savings if you and a few family, friends or neighbors shared those tools. One get the tiller, one the mower, one the chainsaw or edger. It would save all of you several hundred dollars. The tools would be used much more frequently. Then you could all do something fun, good or provident with the extra cash.

Unfortunately most people want their own thing, they do not trust the other person will take care of their tool. There is pride and satisfaction in owning the biggest, coolest, most macho tools. Well you will never deposit cool in the bank. If you can find even one person to share tools with you will cut the cost of purchasing tools in half.

We all like a night out. Some more than others. Set aside a part of the budget for entertainment. Be sure to include the cost of dinning out, movies, and vacations in that budget. Then when you are deciding to go out ask yourself how much of your budget do you want to spend on dinner and how will that effect your vacation. I like to go on nice vacations. So we generally eat out at less expensive restaurants. See movies when they have been out for a while or rent them. Plan where you want to go on vacation then keep track of how your budget is working to meet that goal. You will find out quickly if you like vacations or nights out more. Then do the thing you like and stay in budget.

Never go into debt for a toy, vacation or tools. Keep control of your money and you will have all you need and frequently the things you want most.

And as to getting the hottest girl? Yup, she is mine.