Most people think that money can and will buy happiness.  But happiness is a temporary state based on circumstances.  Contentment is the state of mind for which you should strive.  Why?  Because those who are content with their lives and what they have are less inclined to pursue money as a means to happiness.  The endless pursuit of money and things will leave a person lonely, desperate and without a sense of hope.

This does not mean that money should not be a part of your goals and dreams, however.  We goal set in order to attain improvement in position, or prominence.  A financial goal is but a step in a broader set of goals that includes things like family, health and future.  The focus of your goals should not be about gaining more and more things or money.  One who does often is portrayed as shallow and unbecoming.

Contentment is evident in one who is not ashamed to say “I have enough.”  And, then follow through by refusing indulgences that tend to wear away at a person over time.  Things we allow into our lives cloud our vision of what is important.  A good example of this is one who purchases a large recreational vehicle.  While there is nothing wrong with such an object or the purchase thereof, simply owning one brings with it a set of requirements and responsibilities.  Which, in turn, can crowd out other things that are more important like family relationships.

So, how does one distinguish between what is necessary and what is an indulgence?  This is subjective, but one test can help.  When faced with a decision it is a good idea to ask “will this object or purchase help me realize my goals, or satisfy a feeling?”  Another good test is to allow time to pass without taking action.  Indulgences for temporary good feelings are those that demand us to take action immediately.  Whereas those that add to our goals and dreams are not so.

Immediate gratification is an indicator of maturity level.  But, with temperance and a view towards long term goals one can realize the positive vibe of contentment.  And that vibe can and will provide a sense of direction and stability for a long time to come.

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This is a guest article written by James Neely, a student of MakeMoneyFromWriting.com.  James is learning how to create consistent income through freelance writing.

After earning lower salaries for fewer years women’s social security benefits are about half of men’s . Women had CD’s(Certificates of Deposit) in their retirement savings account when a more aggressive approach would have been beneficial.

Here are some more startling statistics to ponder:

• 1 in 4 women go broke just two months after their husband’s death. 75% of women are widowed . The average age it happens is 56. 87% of poverty stricken elderly are women.
• The facts are surprising, but it points out the need to take control of your financial future. More women are becoming informed, but many still leave it to the men or ignore it all together. Now is not the time to stand on the sidelines. Follow these steps to make sure your financial future looks brighter.
• Determine where you are financially before you make any decisions. You can’t embark on an ambitious investing plan if the funds are not available or you’re in debt.
• Organize all your financial records and statements before you embark on a financial plan. This includes :checking, savings, joint and non joint, non retirement,(other investments) retirement,(401k) credit cards including gas and store credit cards. Insurance statements, tax returns and the kids’ accounts and retirement as well. If you don’t have one already, set up a filing system. Usually a separate folder for reach account works best. Most institutions issue an annual statement, once you receive it discard your monthly ones. Keep your tax returns, state and federal, and supporting documentation for 7 years.

Track your spending for several weeks. Record every dime you spend. How much and on what. Don’t just record the withdrawals record what you spent it on. What are your monthly expenses fixed and variable? This list should include; housing, food utilities, car, insurance, personal care, education. Once your current financial picture is clear, it will be easier to set short term and long term financial goals with a financial advisor. Take charge it’s your financial health.

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This is a guest post written by Carol Traulsen, a student of MakeMoneyFromWriting.com.  Carol is learning how to turn her writing skills into a freelance writing business.

However, what amount of money are we talking about here?  Maybe to millionaires, a few thousand dollars more or less per year doesn’t make much difference to their level of happiness… but to a person living near the poverty line, it certainly does. 

Let’s take Japan, for example. Usually people believe that Japan is a
rich country where all people enjoy a high standard of life and are
able to buy everything they need. Aren’t the Japanese those people
who travel with expensive cameras around their necks and drive big
Toyotas?

Yes, some people enjoy a high standard of life but the income gap is
widening and the number of homeless people is increasing. The time
where everybody enjoyed lifetime employment is over.

After the bubble economy of the 1980s, companies dropped the lifetime
employment system and put a freeze on hiring full timers. Young
people who graduated from university in the 90′s found themselves
locked out of full time employment and became what is here known as
“freeters” – free-lancers aka part-timers who can be hired and fired
at will.

Now these freeters are in their 30′s and many of them still
live with their parents for the simple reason that their income does
not allow them to rent a place of their own. Consequently, on their
low incomes they can’t afford to go dating let alone get married and
start a family. Hence the birthrate in Japan is among the lowest in
the world at 1.18 and the Japanese government is seriously worried
about the aging of the population and the looming shortage of workers
and taxpayers to keep the social security and pension system going.

Maybe money cannot buy happiness but… it certainly can help avoiding a
lot of problems and unhappiness.

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This is a guest post written by Julian Hebbrecht, a student of MakeMoneyFromWriting.com.  Julian is learning how to turn writing skills into a successful freelance writing business with consistent income.