“Live below your means but within your needs.” -Suze Orman

Throughout my life, I’ve just lived.  Not thinking about money…well, not too much.  In my teens, the focus was gas money…which equaled freedom.  In my 20’s, my money was spent on “international dinner nights” with friends and at coffee houses before Starbucks was cool.  In my 30’s, I didn’t even think about money…so long as I had enough to pay the mortgage and the bills and stop for a shop at Nordstrom…it was just an after thought.  My job, my car, my house…all defined me…  Now, venturing into my 40’s, I’m able to hear Suze’s message…and wished I had heard it a long time ago…because the lesson is priceless. 

But that’s why hind-sight is 20/20 and even though I know that I am worthy of all good things…good things don’t necessarily come with a price tag attached.  Having a great life and being successful doesn’t come from living in the best community, sleeping on 1000 thread count sheets and making a six-figure income.  Those things are not required.  What IS required is knowing who you are and what makes you happy.  Suze tells you to ask yourself, “What are your basic needs?” and “What’s important in my life?”

Once you start looking for the answers, that’s where the “ah-ha” moments live.  On your journey, listen to the answers because that’s the magic that makes a great life happen…somewhere between below your means but within your needs.