Wednesday, September 9, 2009

ECONOMIC CHOICES


Where we spend our money is a reflection of that which we value. We may say one thing or another, but to where the funds fall is more telling than we often realize. The truth of economics is estimated in costs and benefits. We find our selves making economic choices every day. We find our selves revealing the elements of our heart in the costs and benefits we choose to esteem. It is not that making purchases is an act of selfishness, although it can be. It is not a question of materialism being right or wrong. It is a matter of quality. Does this item or experience ultimately add quality to my life? Does it enhance the lives of the persons around me? If a thing is a benefit to the persons around me, is that then a benefit to me?

These questions mull around in our minds and hearts as we consider whether we wish to spend the money. To the degree that we fully fathom the consequence of our choices is obvious in that we often spend on emotion rather than reason. Marketing depends on our disposition to conclude emotional, in the moment decisions rather than concise estimating of the cost and benefits. It is evident that we experience a learning curve in the matter of choices. Often bad choices and the resulting consequences effect in us a more sober and reflective consideration as we face new choices.

It is at this point, where in a prudent thought towards purchases requires a greater weight to our choices. That burden is value. Where by we assign another form of importance beyond immediate gratification. In this way our thinking is more mature. More realized. So that what choices invariably reflect us as people are choices which are more carefully made. As we decide who it is we want or don't want to be. Where by the idea of investment becomes more meaningful.

SO THAT WHICH WE PLACE VALUE IN IS THAT TO WHICH WE INVEST.

The Websters dictionary defines "invest" as : - the commitment of money and/or (time, energy, or effort) to a project with the expectation of some worthwhile result.

As we look for quality in the results of our efforts, as we look to secure a measure of satisfaction that does not seem to come short of our expectations, the question of cost to our selves grows, the investment of our finances weighs more heavily in the balances.

Is the gainfulness of our effort realized when results come to fruition? Is the burden and cost of investment matched in the stability and excellence of a thing obtained?

When considering the cost of things that will be with us for years to come, things which our children may inherit, are we satisfied when we were able to obtain some thing cheaply, at minimal cost ? Or do we believe that the long term substance of an investment will outlast what cost we bare today ?


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