So, I think I've uncovered the root of most people's financial problems...and it all comes back to a popular cliche. I was talking to one of my neighbors the other weekend who just had an in-ground sprinkler system installed. He was really pumped about it, so much that he felt the need to tell me that it cost him $4000. What got my attention was his next comment..."of course, I had to rob Peter to pay Paul to get it." I had no idea an in-ground sprinkler system was so important!
Our society isn't geared towards being debt free...to do so requires you bucking pressures of American life. We are in this "keeping up with the Joneses" era where you don't necessarily want something (much less need it), but since your neighbors or friends have it, you MUST have it. I've watched 8 houses on our street get in-ground sprinkler systems in the past two years...and only a couple of the lawns look better than mine, which is watered the old fashioned way.
I'm sure there are scenarios where someone would really have to rob Peter to pay Paul. However, to buy something you really don't need doesn't fit the bill. And when it gets down to it, this is the big problem. You think you need it, but you really don't. You don't need the bigger house, you don't need the fancier car, you don't need the in-ground sprinkler system.
If you really are robbing Peter to pay Paul, just make sure it's worth it. Peter is going to come looking for you at some point.
