Don’t let THE MAN Steal Your Money
Posted by MarkO on July 2, 2008
Typically I try and stay away from things that take your money and focus only on the things that make you money. However, it is important to have a foundation of good principles regarding general money matters. This foundation is crucial in freeing up capital so that you can pursue the things that are your money makers without restrictions.
One of the best ways to keep your money in your pocket is to think of anyone and everyone as wanting to steal your money from you, aka the Man. When you go to the grocery store, they want your money so they strategically place items along the isles to steal as much of your money as possible. When you buy a new car, the dealership is designed to get you to bend over while they steal your money. When you turn on your AC in the summer and your heater in the winter, living in comfort is a way for the utility companies to steal your money. Every time your money exchanges hands, the government steals your money in the form of taxes.
By having the mindset that everyone is out to steal your money, you will quickly find ways to keep your money in your own pocket. Maybe you’ll drive less because you don’t want the gas stations stealing your money. Maybe you’ll tell your friends that you would rather rent a movie then go to the movie theater. Whatever it is that you decide to do that helps keep your money in your pocket, the more money you will have as capital when you need it.
So remember that everyone is out to steal your money. The question is, are you going to let them?
Shanel Yang said
So true! The lengths that the retailers go to get separate us from our hard-earned dollars is unbelievably frightening! I wrote about some of their tactics I learned from an expert who studies exactly how we shop and why and then sells that information to the retailers. That post is at http://shanelyang.com/2008/05/02/why-we-buy-it-even-if-we-dont-need-it/
I also saw a documentary called “The Corporation” which reveals that retailers also hire psychologists to conduct studies to discover, among other things, when, why, and how parents finally give in to their children’s constant nagging for purchases. Then, those corporations “teach” the youngsters to nag more efficiently and effectively via commercials, etc., so that their parents will succumb more often to their manipulated begging efforts. The corporations also pay attractive/cool actors to walk around in crowded places posing as normal people but who job it is to planting positive buzz about new products and services. It’s an easy battle to lose unless you get informed and stay vigilant!
chris said
Never saw it like this before. Awesome! Can I think like this with my children also?