Efficient Money

I'm not entirely sure how it became a part of my life but after being introduced to it, I was very curious about the idea of frugality. I subscribed to many blogs and started changing the way I look at money.

As I read on, I realized I didn't really have a problem with spending money. Money, by itself, means nothing. It is a symbol of potential, potential security, potential happiness, etc. So stockpiling it underneath my bed was a meaningless gesture. I came to the conclusion that I was frustrated with my inefficiency of money.

I look around and I see piles of DVDs and games. Individually they don't cost very much but at the volume at which I buy, I'm spending hundreds, potentially thousands, of dollars on these toys. In return, I'm not receiving thousands of dollars worth of enjoyment. So, I went about changing the way I spent my money.

Now, I don't want to take anything away from the tragedy that happened at Haiti. Tens of thousands of people were affected, thousands of families lost loved ones and their livelihood disappeared at a blink of an eye. But when everyone and the media preaches that we need to dig deep and donate generously, I scoff. These people will sleep comfortably tonight and go on with their lives tomorrow. There is suffering and injustice in the world every day but they don't receive a passing interest because it doesn't draw headlines.

So, please forgive me when I didn't jump at the opportunity to donate to Haiti. Especially, in light of the fact that I had already donated to the Red Cross a month prior. But, when the government committed to matching every dollar I donated, I softened up. And when the company I work for committed to matching every dollar I donated, two for one, I changed my tune. For every dollar I donate, I'm really donating four dollars? How could I pass up an opportunity to be so efficient with my money? How could I sleep at night if I didn't?

So, I sucked up my pride and donated again. I may have to wait a little longer for financial freedom but I think I did what is right. May peace come to those that were affected in Haiti.