Money is Not Everything
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My grandfather being in the hospital really puts things into perspective for me. No matter how wealthy we are, it means nothing if we aren’t healthy. Many people, including myself, work so hard at our jobs. We miss lunches, and sometimes sleep just to advance our career a little more. We work late on weekdays and on weekends because we think we can make more money that way. Although I can tell you first hand that the financial reward is there, our health definitely suffers.
Whether it’s the extra stress we put on our bodies or the lack of healthy food we consume, it takes a toll on our bodies over time. When we are young, we don’t feel it but we are slowly and surely degrading our health. We might end up being rich, but we are more likely to end up being sick.
By overworking, we are also likely neglecting our family and friends. Unfortunately, there is only 24 hours in a day. Therefore, we are deciding how best to use our time every minute of our day. When we are working, we cannot be spending time with our family or our friends. My family for instance decided that my dad should work in Hong Kong when we immigrated to Canada. Consequently, I spent most of my teenage years away from my dad. Although this was very hard for me, it was much harder for my father since he was the one making the most sacrifice by living alone in Hong Kong. Although I’m sure our family’s financial situation improved because of the decision made years ago, we all traded many potential family moments for it.
In this blog, we discuss ways to achieve financial freedom. But if we are sick, our finances are usually one of the last things that we think about. For my grandfather, no gold will make him happy. It is our love that he seeks now, and it is love that we will do our best to provide.
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The last resort for people with serious money problems is bankruptcy. Don't let yourself get into serious debt - get debt advice now and choose the best debt solution, like an IVA or a consolidation loan, for a debt free future.15 Responses to “Money is Not Everything”
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The Friday Gathering for 12/7/2007 | Gather Little By Little on December 14th, 2007 at 5:58 am Says:
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Forgetting these 2 rules could cost you millions | On Financial Success on May 26th, 2008 at 10:59 pm Says:
[...] be much better off if you learn to consider tradeoffs. You’re always trading something: time, money, flexibility, or opportunities. Your best decisions will consider all of these [...]
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thanks for your insight. i couldn’t agree with you more. a short prayer for your family is in order. success. “a warm healing light goes with you and surrounds the ones you love.”
My thoughts are with you…
Best wishes to your grandpa!
So true. I recently wrote a post about what it meant to me to have a good life. I made it very clear that none of it was possible without your friends and families. It’s times like that really highlight that.
I hope your grandfather makes it through.
Almost 3 years ago I sat at my Father’s bedside thru the nite with my 2 brothers and 2 sisters waiting for him to take his last breath. At 4 something in the morning I realized that we were really the ones that mattered to him most and the one thing he gave us (that was MOST appreciated) was his time. I have 4 kids age 18 to 6 … I coach every one of their sports, never miss an audition and kiss them to bed every night!
Hopefully, some here will pause to reflect on their desire to acheive financial freedom, like it says on the banner up top “… because the little things matter …”. In my case its my kids that matter the most!
Sorry your grandfather is sick and I hope he pulls thru. You seem to be realizing your health is important, but so is quality time with those you love most!
cool post
Amen. My father always says “If you have your have your health, you have everything. “
moneypro, this post is inappropriate and could use a preface of some human sort! read the feed title and place your ad at an appropriate place. thanks!
Indeed, one of the worthwhile goals in life is to keep things in perspective all the time (as taught in Buddhist study). Striking that balance between relationships and material goods can prove to be a lifelong lesson which continually evolves.
I can tell you care deeply about your family David
Sorry to hear about your grand dad. The striking balance that juggles between work, health and family time isn’t really easy and I’m glad you’re that kind of person David.
Take good care.
Hi Dave,
I understand what you’re going through. My grandfather was very sick and ultimately passed away recently and it threw my financial life plans into a spin for a while. Luckily I was able to pull through and things are better now. Good luck
-Raymond
It’s always good to be reminded of what’s really important in life.
I hope your grandfather gets better soon. I know first-hand how it is to be in his situation. I haven’t yet talked about it (and maybe someday I will) but I’ve been in his position a couple of times because of health problems I can completely attribute to a stressful lifestyle. So I hope your grandfather has a very speedy recovery!