The Importance of Financial Literacy: Why Just Having Money Isn’t Enough
It’s no secret that money is important. In fact, most people would agree that having a lot of money is one of the keys to happiness and success. However, what many people don’t realize is that simply having money isn’t enough.
A lot of people think that if they just hit the jackpot or sign a big contract, their financial troubles will be over. Unfortunately this isn’t the case.
Financial literacy forms the backbone of financial independence.
Most lottery winners end up broke – or worse
Winning the lottery is often seen as THE life-changing event, I admit I’ve spent a lot of time day-dreaming about I’d do if I ever win the jackpot. However, for many lottery winners, their dreams end up turning into nightmares.
“Believe it or not, statistics show 70% of lottery winners end up broke and a third go on to declare bankruptcy, according to the National Endowment for Financial Education. Runaway spending, toxic investments and poor accounting can burn through a lucrative windfall in next to no time.”
Lovemoney.com
Professional athletes aren’t immune from this
We always hear about the obscene amounts of money professional athletes make – surely, they’re set for life right?
A 2009 Sports Illustrated report estimated that 78% of National Football League (NFL) players file for bankruptcy or are experiencing financial stress only two years after retiring, and 60% of National Basketball Association (NBA) players suffer the same fate after five years of retirement.
Investopedia.com
The National Bureau of Economic Research found in a 2015 study that close to 16% of NFL players filed for bankruptcy within just 12 years of retirement.”
High earners too, fall for the same trap
A lot of high earners fall for the same traps that athletes and lottery winners do.
Ever wonder why Directors or VP’s or CEO’s who can sometimes take home millions of pounds per year, still continue working into their 50’s and 60’s?
Lifestyle creep, also known as lifestyle inflation, occurs when people increase their spending in proportion to their income rise over time. Many individuals fall victim to this trap, which can lead to financial strain if not managed properly. This can happen for several reasons; some people may find it difficult to resist the temptation of buying things they don’t need with increased disposable income, while others might feel pressure from social norms or materialistic peers.
Final words
By understanding why individuals may fall into such traps and taking proactive steps to avoid them, one can set themselves up for a secure financial future. With proper planning and self-control, anyone can manage their money in a way that will lead to lasting prosperity no matter what their income level may be.
Despite the temptations of instant gratification or short-term gains, maintaining sound fiscal habits for the long-run is the only way to financial independence.
