Is Money the Only Way to True Happiness?

In this time here in the United States it is harder and harder to live the American Dream.  It feels like the rich keep getting richer and the poor well keep getting poorer.  The clients I see on a daily basis struggle daily to put food on the table as well as pay the bills.   I have often heard them say "do we pay this bill this month or that bill."  Some are taking out loans just to keep alive during these times.  I know many of them struggle with working multiple jobs just to keep the money flowing in.  Some do not even have insurance.  I thought the Affordable Healthcare Act was supposed to resolve that issue.  I have spoken to them about this resource and I have been told by several that they still cannot afford the payments for insurance.  Many of my clients are more than willing to take the penalty instead of paying for the insurance.  So what did the Affordable Healthcare Act do?  How is it possible there are still people without insurance because it is still out of their reach? 

One of the top five things my clients say that will make them happier is if they had more financial stability.  They worry constantly they will not have a job or may lose one.  The constant financial burden they say is draining on them.  I know some of these financial woes are their own making.  If not most of them are.  I know many of my clients are very impulsive with their spending and their "needs."  If they would better manage their finances they would have a much better situation however many of them had a life event that placed them in a rut.  With how things are right now it is harder than ever for them to fill that rut back in.  With financial institutions sending out so much junk mail offering loan consolidation and the promise of low payments it is even easier to get buried with more debt.  

So as the saying used to go, "Being in debt is the American way."  Well maybe we as a country need to rethink that.  Especially the federal Government.  

Money does not buy happiness but not having money sure makes you unhappy!  So word to the wise be smart with your money, make a sound budget, stay away from credit cards, set up a savings, and live well within your means.  

I will be writing more on this subject so stay tuned for more information.