Chapter 6: Financial Fitness

"Financial freedom is a part of the ground happy people stand on". -James Christiansen

Understanding how to effectively manage our financial resources has been a critical component to all our successes. 

James Ritchie: Financial Fitness

Wealth is a tool of service and sharing, be the most meaningful and productive. Self-reliance is the true goal, not being rich. Maintaining a healthy attitude toward money also makes it easier to recognize and take advantage of opportunities to serve others; this is the true joy of financial independence. 

The Richest Man in Babylon, by George Clason, summarizes the principle of Financial Fitness. 

The first principle: hard work. Without sustained and consistent hard work, nothing else is possible.

Independence Account, Second principle: pay yourself first. Pay ourselves a portion of everything we earn, at least 10%  

Third principle: a part of all you earn is yours to keep. The Golden Account (Investments and Assets)

Budget Account, something like a checkbook that receives barely enough to cover the frugal written budget from paycheck to paycheck. 

Savings Account, to covering any irregular expenses such as holidays, birthdays, insurance, and emergencies, "wish list". Never takes higher priority that the Budget Account or Independence Account. 

Knowing you are in control of your life and are working to maximize your opportunities; self-worth, self-esteem, and productivity will expand. Also, serve others will also become greater. Self-reliance will bring you the true purpose of life and the source of greatest happiness: giving back and building a better world.