Six Simple Things you can do to Change your Relationship to Money & Make the World a Better Place.

The Lack of Money is the root of all evil ~ Mark Twain

Money is a tool that enables us to meet our individual needs. An oxymoron, it is ubiquitous while becoming non-physical. It is a kind of potential energy that empowers us to generate change. Money is neither good or evil. It's our relationship to money and how it's used that makes it one or the other.

Why is it individuals who possess gifts, like high intelligence, a beautiful voice or athletic abilities are acknowledged for their positive traits while those who have acquired material riches or aspire to become wealthy are frequently judged harshly? How wealthy a person is, tells us nothing about how a person lives, what they believe in, whom they care for, or the scope of their values.

The love of money coupled with self-centered thinking is greed. Greed doesn't reflect a quantity of money. It is the action of "taking" without limits, motivated by a scarcity mentality. By not perpetuating and participating in activities which feed greed and enabling the "taking" the world will be a better place.

Here are six simple actions everyone can do:

1.  Don't Judge Based on Money: Turn a blind eye toward both wealth and poverty when interacting with others and instead focus on the individual in front of you.

2.  Shift your Perspective: Stop equating financial prosperity with happiness, power, security, independence, and self-indulgence. Money is none of these things.

3.   Barter & Trade: Whenever possible share and trade goods & services to fulfill your life's needs without the exchange of any currency.

4.  Buy Direct: When purchasing with currency do so directly from the manufacturer, producer or provider of the service. "You get more than you expect when you buy direct".

5.  Use Cash for Everyday Expenses: Make a budget and stick to it, don't spend beyond your means. If you use credits cards for the security they provided, be sure to pay off the balance monthly & automatically.

6.  Use Credit Cards for Travel & Travel Often: As people visit other places and engage in different cultures, things different and odd becomes familiar and appreciated, turning fear to love. Credit cards (not debit) provide the protection needed when purchasing travel.