All the Money in the World

All the Money in the World by Laura Vanderkam            Hardback Book:  248 pages                

Laura Vanderkam poses the question, “What would you do if you had all the money in the world?”    She notes that o.k. folks want to pay off their house and other debt, but, what she hears mostly is:

                I would travel.

                I would have fun.

                I would help all the charities I believe in.

                I would start my own business.

                I would help out all the people I know and make them happy.

               

Predominantly people want to follow their dreams.    They want to give back to their families, friends and charities.   They do want to take care of their responsibilities but the major theme is fun and making others happy.   Funny thing about prosperity it feels better when we are gifting others.   Strange, huh?   It is not all about self.   Everyone she polled described how much happier they would be if they could do something for someone else of course, they also mentioned taking dream vacations but everyone talks about if I had all the money in the world…and after Disneyworld or a Carribean Cruise, buying a house in the Bahamas, they want to take their family, too, or their friends.    They want to make a difference in the world.     Such good things.    I wish we all had all we need and then some for fun and philanthropy.    Laura Vanderkam thinks we look at money incorrectly.    She says that we shouldn’t see money as this elusive scarce thing we have to scrimp and try to squeeze every dollar we can to get by.    She thinks we ought to look at our finances as a tool.    A tool to make ourselves or someone else happy which comes back to us with the joy of giving and makes us feel good.   She discusses how people tend to put things off and work to hard and miss too much chasing that elusive someday when we are all financially solid.    She thinks people let too much go by waiting for someday when I can afford it.   She is adamant that someday seldom if ever comes.    There will always be something going wonky holding us back from what happiness we could have if only we would allow ourselves.    Her philosophy is go for it.    If taking the kids out on a fun adventure would make everyone happier do it.   Do it now.   Don’t wait.    What happens if you scrimp and save avoiding strawberry milkshakes and a picnic at the park or a stroll to the Zoo or take in a matinee because in 6 more years you might be better off financially.   Her theory is we will be happier and more content in our lives if we do the things that will make us happy and spend time with our loved ones laughing – grab the memories – that is what will sustain you through the tough times.   You might not be able to buy everyone you know presents every day but spend time with them, don’t lose touch, do hide behind your lack of finances and stay home when you could splurge on a bottled water and a walk with a friend where you could talk and laugh and go home feeling life isn’t so bad.    Laura cherishes the memories and how we make each other feel.   Stack up the memories for a saner, more fulfilled, and yes, happier life.   All things will come in their time but do stop and count the petals on a flower with your little ones now and then, you’ll all be glad you did and not having a million bucks in your bank account won’t bother you like it would if that was your only goal in life to chase dollars.   Experience life don’t waste it crunching numbers or blowing everything you have on an elaborate wedding when you could use those thousands of dollars to have a great honeymoon,  or keep in the bank till you decide just how you could use it to create cherished memories.    They last a lifetime.   So does stresss if you let it.   Live now don’t put it off = no one is promised tomorrow.   GO FOR IT!     The author makes a lot of good points and the book is very reader friendly.    She cites many examples throughout and will inspire the reader to stop for pizza on the way home and treat your family so you don’t have to lose family time slaving over the stove and missing out on all the funny stories and heart to hearts you could be enjoying.    Money is a tool to use however it brings the most pleasure.    I like how she thinks.    I did stop for a pizza on the way home and had a lot more evening time to devote to hugging my cats.   Hey, they qualify as family, too.