Cash Rules Everything Around Me

As the four people who still read this blog are aware, I'm the poster boy for finishing college and finding zero success in the real world. Whether I'm conversing with acquaintances or colleagues, they often ask what I'm up to, I explain and at some point they rattle off, "See, that's not bad. Money isn't everything." To some extent they are correct. Money isn't everything, but money makes everything astonishingly easier.

I come from a phenomenal family, who has provided me with everything I have ever needed, while still teaching me the value of money how to work for it. However, we were never financially well-off. I've worked since I was in 5th grade, and even now I still go paycheck to paycheck. When I tell friends I can't do something, because I don't have money they will say, "Yeah, man, I'm running low too." I'll have to respond with a blunt, "No, seriously, I literally only have $10.00 in my account."

When someone says, "money isn't everything," I'll put my last $10 down betting this person has never lived with much financial difficulty. Money isn't everything when you have a spouse who pays the bills -- allowing you to pick a low capital accumulating career. Money isn't everything when your wealthy parents have continually and comfortably provided you anything you've ever wanted. Money isn't everything when you are so financially secure, shopping or spending decent hunks of cash at the bars isn't bothersome.

Sadly, for many people, money is everything - not in the sense it is an obsession but rather a necessity. Money is what holds you over while you take your career in a different direction. Money allows you to comfortable pursue your dreams. Money can take worries of paying bills on time, feeding your family and counting your hours up every week to make sure you get buy and kick them in the teeth. Money creates a sense of composure and relaxation, allowing you to accomplish the things you want to do.

If money isn't everything, then I wouldn't be here right now. If I had the money, I would have moved to Los Angeles or New York on a limb one year ago and attempted to make it as an actor. I would never have written half of these blogs; I wouldn't have to use 3/4 of my savings to fix my car; I wouldn't have to work three jobs making a maximum of $300/week. The lack of money holds people back. The lack of money keeps good families from moving out of bad areas, yields plans of retirement and stops individuals from accomplishing life goals.

This is not saying some people don't live on bare minimum and are still happy. Every person holds different ambitions, and for some the simplicity is what they need to be happy. In fact, sometimes the lack of opportunity is what you need to have the audacity to take a leap of faith. When opportunity is at a halt, perhaps the correct move forward is a jeopardous but bold decision covered in uncertainty. The idea of making yourself completely vulnerable is obviously terrifying but can have it's pay offs. I was conversing with a friend about the same subject recently, who said, "The universe has a way of balancing things out, and when you have that much working against you, there should be a lot coming your way." Wise and hopeful -- a lot of good can come from a weak start. Still, substantial capital and responsible use of it can create better things quicker and with lower stress.

I'm outrageously envious of friends and others who have the capabilities to never have to legitimentally worry about money. I only hope the individuals lucky enough to be in those positions take advantage of their privileges to accomplish great things. However, many don't and never have a true understanding of the value of a dollar, and later tell those less off then them, "Hey, money isn't everything."