Wikipedia defines money as any token or object that functions as a medium of exchange that is socially and legally accepted in payment for goods and services and in settlement of debts.

If you think about it, money is simply defined as a tool that we use to acquire the things that we need or want. It is a non-living thing that is void of emotion or bias. Take a bill out of your wallet right now and look at it. Would you agree with me if I say that you’re simply holding a piece of paper?

However, in most cases, people tend to assign character and value to objects which we see and use everyday. We claim that the pen is mightier than the sword. We say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. We believe that books can take us to far away lands.

So when it comes to money, what belief system do you have? Is money good or is it evil? Do you need money to achieve happiness or not?

The personal value that we assign money usually dictates the direction of our financial lives. We may not immediately realize it, but subconsciously, we often choose the path that leads to the actualization of our beliefs. Read some of the statements below about money and check if your internal compass is leading you to a life of abundant wealth or towards the other direction.

• Money is the root of all evil.
• Money cannot make you happy.

If you believe any of these, then it seems you don’t want money to come in your life. Money is not the root of all evil. If it were, then it means that evil started only when money was invented, but we all know that’s not true. Evil deeds are not always motivated by money (i.e. crimes of passion). Furthermore, I believe that when you have money, then you can easily fulfill your financial responsibilities. Thus, you’ll be able to focus more on achieving your dreams and strengthening your personal relationships, and that leads to happiness.

• Having lots of money is a big responsibility.
• If I have lots of money, I won’t know who my real friends are.

Don’t be afraid to have lots of money. You can always hire an accountant and a financial manager. You don’t have do it alone. Likewise, I believe that our own character is responsible for the people we attract in our life. If you think that the only reason why people would want to be friends with you is because you’re rich, then those types will exactly be the one you’ll have. Offer genuine friendships and chances are, the people that will come into your life are those who will reciprocate your sincerity.

• I would have lots of money if it were not for my family and relatives.
• If there’s no corruption and the economy is good, it would be easy to earn money.

Stop blaming others. Our capability to earn and save money depends on how we manage our finances. Even if we have familial duties, there will always be a way to cope. Furthermore, believe that opportunities exist even amidst political turmoil and bad economy. It’s just a matter of looking in the right places with the proper mindset.

• I have to be good in math to handle money.
• I must work hard if I want lots of money.

Personal finance is not rocket science. How many times have your heard how some of the richest and most successful people on earth are actually school dropouts? Academic excellence helps but it is not a requirement to be rich. Moreover, I believe that hard work alone cannot make you wealthy. You also need to work smart and make your money work for you. Learn how to invest, leverage your resources and create passive income.

• You need money to make money.
• I’m not comfortable with owing anybody money

In my previous article on office income opportunities, I mentioned a colleague who sold homemade soaps in the office. Did you know that she was getting her products on consignment? That’s proof that you don’t always need money to make money. Furthermore, you don’t always need to use your own money, you can opt to invest with OPM or other people’s money. Don’t be afraid to borrow and go under credit specially if you’re going to use the money to buy an asset and make a profit. Simply learn how to minimize risks and leverage on good debts.

Look at that bill once again and ask yourself, “What does money mean to me?” If you find yourself saying some of the perceptions above, then it’s time for you to change your beliefs and prepare to attract more money into your life.

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Photos courtesy of Steve Rhodes and cheapblueguitar

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