Comments on: Finding Inspiration for Financial Change

By: Sally Villarreal

Sally Villarreal — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:23:02 +0000

For me,the inspiration was me. I was talking to an NLP practitioner and started realizing all my problems,came back to money and all my hopes and dreams seemed impossible because of a lack of money. But the main thing was it was about what I wanted, not what someone else said I should do.

By: Sara

Sara — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:46:41 +0000

My spouse is a major source of inspiration. Every dollar we save together now buys us more time together both now and in the future.

Sure, the future is uncertain. We could indulge all of whims now since we might not be around long enough to enjoy them all (and end up broke).

Or, we could savor every accomplishment that brings us closer to our dream, relish every second of the journey, and bask in the simple pleasures of planning a long and happy life together. It’s an easy choice for us.

And I love your reader’s idea of using the wedding ring as a tangible symbol of that. Great idea.

By: Larry

Larry — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 12:37:10 +0000

Another great post. It’s always important to remember that the best things in life (time with our loved ones) are free.

By: paula d.

paula d. — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 04:32:49 +0000

Great post Trent. All too often its easy to forget why I’ve tightened the belt and your strategies are a great way to help me remember.

Thanks for the tips.

By: deepali

deepali — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 01:24:29 +0000

Great post. Your child (and others like him) are the reasons why I hope for real change for a sustainable future. It’s not the material or the emotional – it’s also about a world worth living in.

By: John

John — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:17:25 +0000

Compelling stuff, straight from the heart, thanks for writing this. I recently found your blog via a linked post on Maoxian.com.

I took the Dale Carnegie course some years ago, and they taught to have “earned the right” to make a talk (or write an article, for that matter). You’ve certainly done that, and in an inspirational way.

By: Cathy Braun

Cathy Braun — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:55:00 +0000

Great article! The bit about ability to change careers rang home especially with me. I had got myself into a tangle with debt about 6 years ago, and poured every bit that I could into getting out. In the between phase, though, I was stuck in a job where I was mistreated and hated every day. Despite several attempts to change jobs, I was stuck with the one I hated. I couldn’t just walk away because I still had the debt to pay.

Finally, about 3 months ago – I succeeded in paying off my debts AND changing to a newer, higher paying job where I am treated with respect. And the thing is, I’m floating around with a spring in my step and freedom I never knew before. Economic downturn? Job loss? Budget cuts? Lay offs? No problem. All I have to pay for in the case of job loss is rent, food, and gas to the new interview.

By: Benjmain

Benjmain — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 20:16:26 +0000

Thanks Trent! My wife and I shared a similar experience during the birth of our daughter (now two).

To many, giving your children the world speaks only of material things. To us, giving your children “the world” means equipping them with unconditional love, realistic expectations, and the tools to succeed in life!

Fancy birthday parties with ponies and magicians are nice, but as you mentioned in an earlier post, that is setting a pretty high standard for that child as he transitions into a responsible adult.

By: Trev

Trev — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:28:05 +0000

What a great post, Trent. Reminded me of my inspiration — less debt = more time to build my dreams into a reality.

Keep up the inspiring work!

By: Recritique.com

Recritique.com — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:21:58 +0000

Great Article. We love reading your stuff everyday.

Suzy

WhatMillionairesBuy.com

By: Shanel Yang

Shanel Yang — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 17:50:48 +0000

I never had enough motivation to really become frugal till I found a way to that could make my dream of becoming a writer come true — through blogging first. It meant a 180-degree turnaround from the way I had been living for all of my adult life up to that point, finishing paying off over $150K in debts, and working my butt off, which I’m still doing. But, yes, it’s all worth it! : )

By: Chad @ Sentient Money

Chad @ Sentient Money — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 17:24:17 +0000

The big dreams part is so true. We don’t try hard enough because we think we will fail no matter what. This is what winnows down the competition for the people that really dream.

By: Kate

Kate — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 17:23:53 +0000

My spouse and our dreams are my inspiration. He’s the breadwinner, I’m the homemaker. We both work hard. Every dollar I save, and every dollar I don’t spend get us closer to having the mortgage paid off, and him closer to being able to walk away from it all. We also dream of building our house in the country. Anything I can do to get us closer to that is worth doing, in my book. That’s my inspiration for Living the Frugal Life (the name of my blog).