Do You Really Want to Become Rich?

For many, the origin of a dream; is the dream of becoming rich. If you seek to become rich, it is worth considering why. What will happen when you get rich? Will money make you happier, healthier or more self reliant?   

Wealth can be defined in several ways. Getting rich can mean gaining knowledge, gaining time to spend with family, or gaining influence, friends or spirituality. To get rich, you don’t necessarily need to get money. Instead of focusing on the goals others set, focus on your own get rich goals. Look at your life. Take stock of what you own – not just your bank account – look at where you live, the people in your life, the things you like and the things you want to change. Money can be part of the equation but it does not have to comprise the whole picture. 

Set goals for what you want to accomplish and set reasonable expectations for when you want to accomplish these goals. Perhaps you want to get a better job and with that job you will become rich, or at least richer than you are now. Do you need more education to get the job? Does your company offer training? Can you get a job in another company to learn what you need to know?  Does your definition of wealth include surrounding yourself with more friends and family and having a wealth of time to spend with them? How can you accomplish that? 

Becoming rich is often a goal people set when they need to feel complete. People think they will be happier if they have a lot of money. The fact is the percentage of people who achieve true financial wealth is less than 5% of the total population.

We can all use more money, but we can also waste a lot of time buying into get rich quick schemes to become rich. Better to set realistic goals to improve your financial health. Save what you can – even if it is only a few dollars a week – charge less on credit cards, buy bonds, or put your money into a diverse portfolio for the long-term. Get a financial advisor to help you figure out what you want and what you can afford. It doesn’t cost you anything to talk and you may discover more about your goals as you answer the questions the advisor will ask. Do not overspend. Set a budget and stick to it. Find a mentor – neighbor, friend or co-worker – who can help you strategize your goals and be there to cheer you on. You may never get rich, but you can earn more, save more and have more.

Once you have a reasonable strategy for financial good health, forget the get rich quick scheme, and focus on becoming rich in your life. Balance your life with friends, family, children, hobbies, volunteer work, spiritual pursuits and the pursuit of knowledge. At the end of the day, the wealthiest man or woman is no happier than you and, depending on the wealth they build in other areas of life; they may be the poorest people in the world.