4. Independence

It's far better than to give than to receive;
because being needy sucks ass, and being a giver
means you are in control in the driver's seat.


When you are in a position to have people come to
you in order to benefit them with your abilities,
monies, connections, etc., it is not only an emotional
high to cement the influence you have over others,
it is a financial power. It is success.


If people have need of you, then you are in a position
of power. If you hold the keys to someone else's joy
with the ability to say 'yes' or 'no,' that translates into
money power.


Being in control of your own wealth so that you can do
for others--because you can already handle your own--
is a great blessing.


To be dependent on another person or institution for
economic well-being means being at the whim and mercy
of fate, attitudes, moods, circumstance, and personalities.


Being dependent means that when you have no one in your
immediate circle, you are on your own. There is no
guarantee that having family members and friends will
give you a leg up in a hardship anyway. You don't want to
find out the hard way who's for real and who's faking being
willing to help.


Financial independence means that animals can be treated
when sick, fed when hungry, and kept comfortable when
housed. It means that you can eat, have a place to sleep,
use electricity, and stay showered and medicated. You might
even get to receive adequate medical treatment so you can live.


Beyond the essentials, financial freedom means the ability
to do what you want, when you want...the very definition of
success. It is immensely empowering to be able to compete
and succeed in the rat race. It is a dizzying accomplishment.

Conversely, dependence means having to kow-tow and lose
self in order to just eek by. It means being a follower instead
of a leader. Dependence is a high price to pay for being alive.

Independence is the key to the kingdom; being able to do
for self and not having to ask anyone for help is the height
of money's power, and it is a very desirable status.