Ignorance and Fear

I think a lot of us are afraid. We're afraid because the economy is in the tank, people are losing jobs, there are multiple wars that we're engaged in, there are shootings where we live, and we don't know how the problem is going to be solved. We are afraid because we cannot see a solution to a problem we have a hard time defining.

But why are we afraid? What are we afraid of? Are we afraid that we might lose our job, and not be able to afford rent? Are we afraid that we won't have enough money to pay all the bills? Are we afraid for what our bank account might look like five years from now, or ten? Are we afraid of that looming debt, afraid that we might never pay it off? Are we afraid of the sacrifices we might be forced to make just in order to survive?

A lot of the time, I believe that we are merely afraid of the unknown. We fear the possibility of evil, the chance of adversity, the potential of pain. Take our finances for example. It is feasible that we might lose our jobs. We could run out of money, and not be able to pay all of our bills. We might not be able to afford to give a rent cheque next month.

These are problems, and all problems have solutions. The dilemma comes not from the problem, but from the reaction we have to the problem. Does the unknown scare you? Does that fear keep you from action? Do you know where your money is going?

The best response to this financial fear is abolishing the ignorance surrounding your money situation. If you are so afraid of your finances that you are scared to open up your bank account, or rip open the credit card envelope, then you need to take action now. Sometimes the truth will be better than what you thought, and sometimes it will be worse. Regardless, the only way to overcome the problem is by properly identifying what it is. Only then can you begin to come up with a solution. You can't solve a problem you don't understand.

Are you afraid? Don't delay. Don't think the problem will solve itself, or that someone will bail you out. Its time for us to grow up, own our money, and take responsibility for ourselves. Don't know where to start? Try keeping track of your spending with a spending record. Can't keep from spending every dollar that you earn? Try automatically putting it into a high interest online bank account. Face your financial fear. Understand and accept your situation, and from there, we can work on a solution.