I grew up "poor," but I never really caught on, since I seldom talked to other kids about money.( I was taught to be a polite Presbyterian minister's daughter.) Plus,my family loved me (when they weren't complaining how much everything cost to raise us kids.) I always had nice clothes that mom got at the discount store. Food was limited, but we never starved. Most of all,we were taught to take very good care of everything we owned. However, i could have benefited from some advice on investing in an education, but let's not get into that. Now, in my mid-adult years, I have continued to be frugal and save most of my income in bank investments, etc. However, I am amazed that I actually get flack from my mom for buying myself some nice things or even taking a vacation once a year, instead of just working day after day at the DQ. I have to convince her that there is something called "enjoying the fruits of one's labour." She is still in the mind set that I somehow do not deserve anything nice, as I just work at a fast-food place. (My brothers are both scentists and make lots of moneyAnyway, there is no moral in a life of lack, but it sure can be a source of creative inspiration to figure out how to make due without luxuries. Personally, I believe the worst poverty is in the mind: feeling lost and uncertain on how to use the resources all around, and thus remaining in a prison on ones own creation.  |