In the movie "Under the Greenwood Tree," three attitudes about money -- which can be seen starting at about the 48:55 mark -- can be summarized this way:
At
this point in the movie,
these three
attitudes about
money may be
summarized as follows:
Regarding Dick's father, there is virtue in being content with what one has. But so many factors can affect what we have (or think we have), including job loss, inflation, life-threatening illness, natural disaster, etc.
We cannot protect ourselves from every form or degree of injury or loss.
One
good place to begin is by looking to see how you
came to have your present mind-set.
What "family model" was passed on to you by your parents, friends or mentors?
For example, we previously described the two different models of money management that Mike's parents had.
We also described contrasting attitudes on saving money.
If possible, you may wish to find out how the influencers in your life came to have their own attitudes about money.
After you've identified the attitudes about money you've learned, ask yourself if you're satisfied with those or if there may be a better attitude about money to have.
Your willingness to consider the possibility of a change is crucial. If you aren't willing to change, you won't.
There is a delicate balance between wanting to improve one's circumstances and being consumed with a lust for more.
You can ask yourself questions like these:
If you find that you're not satisfied with your learned or adopted attitudes about money -- and/or where you are financially -- then you are ready to explore the possibility of a change.
We describe on our budgeting page knowing regarding your financial situation:
For most people, the ability to save money is tied directly to how much income they can generate.
As a professional truck driver, you surely must know that your earning potential is limited by numerous factors. You can only work so many hours per week (Hours of Service regulation).
If
you are a professional truck driver who is paid
by the mile, even when everything is going in your favor,
you
can
only drive so many miles in a day.
Various factors, including
can all take a toll on your paycheck after a while.
Are you content with all of that or is there something else you need to consider?
Your attitudes about money should include not only meeting your needs for today but saving up for the future.
Some truckers are forced to retire from trucking. If this happens to you, will you be prepared financially or able to smoothly transition into another occupation or lifestyle?
The action (or inaction) you take today about your income can affect how much money you have (or don't have) in the future. We describe this in greater detail on our page about retirement planning.
Money saving tip:
Answer a few questions:
Plan now for the future. Consider what will happen if you take no action today to change your financial future 5 years from now. Inaction is every bit as much a decision as taking action.
Consider whether increasing your truckers income with a second income is right for you.
Return from Examining Attitudes About Money and Family Model Examples to our Budgeting page or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.