Seven Generational Ruminations

The resources available for personal finance and investment have exploded with the rise of the Internet. What's available? What lessons can one learn from personal finance? What does personal finance mean in our lives?

Like most I had poor education about personal finance while growing up. I had an allowance, a paper route, and various part time jobs, so I had money coming in, but had no clue what role this plays in my life, nor how to manage the money effectively. As a result at one time I had over $35,000 in credit card debt and teetered on the edge of bankruptcy, but came back from that through learning to manage my personal finances and am looking towards creating financial independance.

A core lesson I learned is this: The way you use your money reflects your willingness to have power in your life. And having a pile of money and investments in your back pocket let's you tell the boss "take this job and shove it" more readily when the need arises.

The question I have for you is: If your financial life is poorly aligned, what dream have you not been able to accomplish due to lack of funds?