I don’t know about you but I love quotes. They say so much in just a few words.
Here are 10 of my favorite money-related quotes and how you can use them to guide you on your life’s journey.
This one cuts both ways.
It illustrates the power of compound interest to help you build wealth.
It also illustrates how the power of compound interest works against you when you accumulate debt.
I love this because it redefines the definition of “wealth.” Is one wealthy just because they have a lot of money? Or, can you be wealthy if you don’t have much money but few wants?
I’ve worked with people who have tons of money, more money than they know what to do with, and they are miserable.
I’ve worked with people living on income just over the poverty line and they were richer than those who made 5, 10, 20 times more than they do.
They’re wealthy because they even though they have little, they want for nothing, and that has made all the difference in the world.
In our hyper-connected society, where everyone has a front-row seat into the perfect lives of others, it’s hard not to fall into the comparison trap.
The funny thing is we often try to impress people we don’t really like or care about. After all, the people we like and know best don’t care how much money we make or how much stuff we have.
Seems backward, doesn’t it? I mean, why do we even care about what the not-important people think about us?
The older I get, the more I buy into this. Sure, college and formal education pay well. Investing in the stock market also has its place. But, I’m convinced continuing to build one’s knowledge and skill set gives you the biggest bang for your buck.
Having an “always improving” mindset is the dividing line between average and exceptional.
There are two parts to this.
- Stop saying ‘yes’ to everything that comes your way
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- Your time – and therefore, your talents – are valuable. Too valuable to give away or underutilize out of fear of saying “no” or being judged.
- One of the most important skills you’ll ever learn is how to set priorities and saying NO!
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- Accepting less than you’re worth
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- The best know what they bring to the table and charge accordingly
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate for a higher salary or charge what you’re really worth
- Remember, talent is always in short supply. Know where you fall on the continuum and don’t be bashful about asking to be paid accordingly.
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People would be far better off if they lived by these two quotes. When you take on debt, you are robbing your future self. You force your future self to pay for something you bought in the past.
Sometimes this is a necessary evil such as buying a house. But, for far too many, having debt on the books is a way of life. It’s a way to fuel their unsustainable lifestyle.
If you value your future self as much as you value your current self – which you should given they are the same person – then you should be very cautious about ever taking on debt. That shiny object you buy today will long be gone tomorrow and you’ll still be paying for it.
I find this quote poignant and amusing. It’s a little dated because the price of big tv’s are so cheap these days but the point remains.
Rich people spend far more on knowledge and education (i.e. libraries) than those who aren’t rich. Those who aren’t rich often spend more on the latest entertainment gadgets (i.e. big tv’s) but spend less on the attainment of knowledge (i.e. small libraries).
Amusing and insightful.
I love this, especially for kids. If you can instill the savings habit into someone when they’re young, it’s proven to be a gateway for positive habits in the future. Interestingly enough, making your bed every morning is also a gateway for positive behaviors (look it up).
Saving money means you need to delay gratification, this teaches patience.
It trains forethought as it doesn’t make any sense to save if there isn’t something to be gained in the future.
It cultivates a sense of order by prioritizing savings above spending.
In order for someone to buy into the idea of “saving,” it takes an open and thoughtful mind. Which is why it’s so hard for people to do and also why its virtues are so far-reaching.
What We Gain By Living Through These Quotes
Put them all together and here’s what you get:
- Building the habit of saving helps build other positive habits. The virtues of saving money go far beyond money.
- Your time is valuable. Be careful not to give it away indiscriminately. Don’t sell yourself short and don’t be afraid to ask for what you’re worth.
- Compound interest is either your best friend or your worst enemy. Know the difference and impact of each.
- Investing in yourself is often the best investment you can make. Even more powerful than compound interest (which is amazing in its own right).
- Your future self is just as important as your current self. Don’t put an anchor around your future self’s neck, an anchor called debt.
- Spending to impress people you don’t like or who are unimportant in your life is toxic. Don’t let these people hold power over you. The people who matter don’t care about superficial things. Spend with them in mind.
- Redefine wealth beyond money. You can be wealthy and not have a lot of money. You can have tons of money but be poor beyond measure. Have fewer wants and see how much your life improves.
Distilled further…
You can be immeasurably wealthy if you have few wants.
You can be unendingly poor if you always want more.
Debt robs your future.
Spending to impress robs your soul.
Saving money builds keystone habits.
Saving can harness the power of compound interest to fuel your future.
Investing in yourself pays the best interest.
Your time is more valuable than money.
So, what do you think? Which of the quotes above is your favorite? Do you have a favorite money-related quote not on this list? Please drop some knowledge below and leave a comment!