Mogul In Training

Does anyone remember that Lending Tree commercial? You know...the one with the middle aged, Caucasian, family man, riding on his mower with the plastered on smile, who went on and on about his big house, fancy cars, etc; then stated that he affords it all because he's in debt up to his eyeballs--all with the same permanent, fake smile on his face? Come on, you know you remember it....

I thought about this commercial when I thought about doing this post. Is it worth it to have the big house and fancy cars at the expense of your happiness/peace of mind? Do you have any of these symptoms:

* Stuck in a job you hate because you can't afford to leave

* You're working more than one job (not a side business) just to make ends meet in regards to your necessities?

* Are you sacrificing free time, hobbies, volunteer activities in the name of working longer and harder?

* Are you sacrificing quality time with friends and family because you are too tired after a very long day at the job?

* Are you constantly stressed? About the career? Bills? Retirement?

* Are you neglecting your health in the name of the Almighty dollar? Are you overweight because you simply don't have the time to cook nutritious meal or exercise? Do you have stress related stomach problems? What about migraines?

You'd be surprised (or not) at the number of people who are living a life of quiet desperation--and most of them earn a great income. We have all heard the saying, 'It's not what you earn, it's what you spend'. There are so many who are sacrificing their life for material possessions. The book 'Your Money or Your Life' calls this 'making a dying'.

So, the question is, are you making a dying?