True Wealth: Words to Live By

When I travel, I take the opportunity to catch up on my reading. Recently, I was reading the August issue of Ebony magazine. The issue is focused on Wealth and provides some valuable information on financial freedom and security. The editor is Amy DuBois Barnett and I enjoy reading her editor's column. She gave some profound comments that I want to share here about wealth because they are words to live by.

"True wealth isn't about the stuff you collect; its about your ability to enjoy the wonderful experiences that life has to offer. Some of those experiences may require more resources than others. Sending your child off to college is an experience that will require significant funds. Taking a long walk at sunset with someone you love will not. And take it from me: Your personal contentment won't increase relative to the number of red-bottomed shoes in your closet. But if you wear any pair of shoes to a restaurant to meet good friends or night of great conversation, that's pricesless." Amy DuBois Barnett

Ms. Barnett gave 5 tips that will help you create a rich and layered life:

1. Give your time to someone who needs it.Help a friend in need of a shoulder, mentor a youth, etc.
2. Make it a point to travel to somewhere you have never been before, whether it is a nearby park or trip to South America
3. Talk to a loved one about an issue that has been brewing the two of you. Apologize if you need to in order to clear the air and move on.
4. Go get some culture, ie see a play, visit a museum, read a book, listen to music
5. Love your own body, move around till you sweat, then buy healthy vegetables and cook yourself a good meal.