Artikel yang bagus dari milis sebelah, mengenai konsep "kekayaan"
Regards, DE -------- Original Message -------- I've re-worked an earlier essay of mine on wealth, taking into account the last six months and my thoughts on future prospects: When people think of wealth, they typically get it backwards. They think of luxuries like huge mansions and expensive sports cars. They think of treasures like fine jewelry, collector cars and paintings by the Old Masters. But these things are the least important aspects of wealth. So what is wealth? I will list the *fourteen *categories of wealth, along with some comments on each. The list is generally in order of importance, with category one being the most important, and category thirteen the least important. If you want to achieve true wealth and the freedom and security that wealth provides, then you need to concentrate your efforts on the lower numbered categories. If you do this, the higher numbered categories will eventually move into your life of their own accord. *REMEMBER: The first rule of wealth is "Have no debt." Wealth is not wealth if you owe it to someone else.* *Health – *Without your health, all is for naught. You will be unable to enjoy any of the other categories. There is a reason the airlines tell parents to take care of themselves first, not their children, in an emergency. The parents have to stay calm and alive if they are going to be of any help to their children. *Relationships –* Having strong healthy relationships is critical for future wealth. Be a relationship builder. Build healthy relationships with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers. For the spiritual minded, build a strong healthy relationship with your God and/or with nature. *Clean Water, Food & Clothing - * We are talking the basics here. Classic clothing, not designer labels or the fad-of-the-day. *Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities –* Material possessions come and go. They can be lost, damaged, used up, stolen or taken from you. Your knowledge, skills and abilities are yours forever (as long as you stay healthy). Be a life long learner. *Land & Basic Shelter –* Not city apartments or mansions in the suburbs. Instead this category is a small home on a plot of land. Land is useful because it can produce food and water, wood for fuel and lumber, and opportunities for exercise and recreation. Healthy soil is important to grow food. *Tools, Equipment, Seeds & Weapons –* Items used to produce or repair things, or are useful for protection. *Cash – *Finally we come to the first category that fits what most people think of as wealth. This category includes money in hand and in checking and savings accounts, CDs, money market accounts, and savings bonds. Note: Not all cash is created equal. You need to consider the stability of the institution holding your cash, as well as the currency your cash is in. *Hard Assets – *Physical assets that you can touch – gold & silver, industrial metals, land, timber, agricultural commodities. This category also includes tools, seeds, and equipment beyond your own needs (for barter or selling at a later time). *Your Own Business –* Being your own boss puts you in charge of your life, instead of someone else. Industries to consider: sustainable agriculture, sustainable forestry, renewable energy, water systems, as well as businesses dealing with energy & resource efficiency. ***** The above nine categories are the most important for building wealth. ***** ***** The below five categories are of low importance for building wealth. ***** *High Quality Mutual Funds/ETFs –* Historically, a fairly safe investment over the very long-term. Provides professional money management, government oversight, and broad diversification. However, in a market crash this category will fall sharply. Do not invest money you cannot afford to lose in this category. * Blue Chip Stocks & Bonds –* Individual stocks and bonds are more risky because they lack the diversification of mutual funds, but also offer more potential upside. However, in a market crash, this category will fall very sharply. Do not invest money you cannot afford to lose in this category. *Treasure *– Gemstones, jewelry, antiques, true works of art and other tangible and lasting luxuries. Since these are real items, they will always have some value if only as objects of beauty, unlike paper wealth (funds, stocks, bonds) which can become totally worthless. *Speculative Stocks, Bonds, and Funds – *These offer more potential wealth, but at much greater risk. Will be among the first and hardest hit in times of economic turmoil. *Luxuries –* Think of these as short-lived treasure. Those designer jeans will wear out. You will eventually wreck or wear out that sports car. That $100 meal at that fancy restaurant will be pooped out of your system in less than 24 hours. --Tim Gamble, Feb. 21, 2009
