On wealth

I subscribe to a really great daily newsletter called The Little Pink Book that touches upon a variety of topics in a short email to begin each day.

From office attire, to highlighting influential women in business and offering tips on how to make intelligent financial decisions - The Little Pink Book is a great read and I highly recommend it!

Today's email was about wealth - and the line the stood out to me most was "Wealth means you have options."  It made me start to think about the financial choices I have made so far and has made me think of new ways to approach my personal finances as I grow older.

I was fortunate enough that my parents established a credit union account for me when I was a child.  For most of the big events in my life (ie, First Communion, Confirmation, graduations, etc.)  my parents always insisted that  most of the monetary gifts I received would go straight into that account.  While I did not understand the value of saving money then as a young adult, I am so thankful my parents had that "rule."  Having a savings has provided me the opportunity for options in my life.

The first big purchase I ever made was my Jetta.  Looking back on it now, it was a great decision and at the same time, it was a not-so-good decision.  I have very positive memories from leasing my car because my Dad and I went together to pick it out.  I loved that car (as did he!) and all its bells and whistles (the sun roof and heated seats most especially) but in the financial realm, it was a little expensive for a soon-to-be college grad and perhaps if I had known that I was one day going to move to New York, I would not have purchased it - but you live and you learn, right!?

While they are not purchases exactly, renting apartments over the last two years has been the next largest chunk of where my money goes these days.  Finding enough "bang for my buck" has been a little challenging but in the end, I would say I have done pretty well so far and am pleased with my choices.  And of course, with apartments comes new furniture.  With stores like Ikea and Target, I have gotten some great pieces without denting my wallet too much so that has been a plus as well!

And of course, I am trying to take advantage of being in New York so I go to dinners, happy hours and shows - but all within moderation and never going beyond my means.

Therefore, if having wealth means having options, I think I am on my way to being a "wealthy person" thanks to the guidance of my parents who taught me both the value of a dollar as well as the importance of saving from a very young age!