I guess it is just human nature to want to be able to spend a lot of money and not worry about the supply of money ending. Throughout my life I have taken notice of how my neighbors and other people conduct their lives and finances. I have noticed some people try to make a big splash; often those kind of people will start a business and go deep into debt with all of the newest and best equipment available. I have noticed that usually those kinds of people will have a visit from the local repo man within a year or two. On the other hand I have noticed that the more successful people usually grow their business at a slower rate, they will start out with older used equipment and as they save money they will upgrade and buy better equipment. Usually they will do the harder dirtier work and make the sacrifices necessary to get ahead in life. I understand that borrowing money is often necessary, but the most innovative people try to avoid as much debt as possible. They also understand that wealth is, for the most part, grown over a long period of time. Far too often we are influenced by shiny new paint and new clothes; through personal experience I have found that many times the people that like to make the biggest show don’t have two nickels to rub together while the more practical people with a few patches on their clothes usually have the ability to pay their bills.

Last Monday our federal government reached it’s debt limit of 14.3 trillion dollars. Our government takes in roughly 2 trillion dollars each year but is spending 3.5 trillion. While talking to an individual a couple of days ago, he expressed his opinion that the numbers are so large many Americans just don’t get it. It is the equivalent to someone operating a business that takes in 200 dollars a week but the expenses are running at 350 dollars per week. Even if the business owner has become accustomed to a nice lifestyle, any sane person knows that this scenario cannot continue. Over the next several weeks there will be a huge debate on increasing the debt limit. I do not support increasing the debt limit, we Americans need to stop demanding more government than we can afford. Our government will still be receiving tax dollars from those of us who pay taxes, maybe our leaders need to take a lesson from the people who know how to sacrifice and be willing to wear a few patches.