How often do you hear the words, “I can’t afford it” come out of your mouth? Think about some of those amazing opportunities that cross your path: A chance to attend a legendary business conference where you can grow your skills and make great connections…or a reservation finally becomes available on the dream vacation to Italy you and your spouse have been talking about forever. You’re all over these opportunities, right? No…so, what’s keeping you from seizing these moments? Could it be just four little words: “I can’t afford it.

So, let me ask you this…how often do you go to the mall and charge a couple of hundred bucks on your credit card for that ADORABLE pair of shoes, the jazzed-up hot new “2014 special preview model” lawnmower, that “hot-off-the-runway” outfit, or some new “whiz-bang" gadget that you’ve just GOT to have? In an average week, how many times are you popping into “Fru-Fru Coffee Shop” or to a fast-food place because you’re on the run?

Have you ever REALLY added it all up – $20 here, $50 there? It can add up quickly! But in our consumer-driven culture, we don’t even give it a second thought. We just charge it and then don’t think about it until the credit card bill comes…and MAYBE not even then!

Now let me ask you this: do you REALLY need those cool boots you just picked up on sale? Or how about that iPhone you just couldn’t live without? Was this simply impulse shopping or what I like to call “Keeping up with the Jones’” purchase? Hey, listen, I was the absolute WORST with money…the biggest shopaholic financial idiot around! I was a walking, talking, spending example of everything NOT to do.

But then I figured out that life is all about CHOICES. We make choices about how we spend our money, our time, our resources. For example, you can CHOOSE to invest your money wisely in education or blow it on a gaming system that will just waste your time and money giving you no lasting benefit. Or you can CHOOSE to make a donation to help free sex slaves instead of purchasing clothes that’ll just end up sitting in your closet collecting dust. You can CHOOSE to blow a ton of money eating out at restaurants or you can start saving for an investment property. What kind of return on your money are those things going to bring you? Do you live a more luxurious lifestyle than you can actually afford, all the while drowning in a mountain of debt?

The truth is, you have the CHOICE to use your money for the things you value. How would it impact your relationships and your business if you made better choices about your money? Imagine what it would mean to you and your family if you banished that “I can’t afford it” poverty mindset and started building REAL wealth! Imagine what it would be like to support the causes you believe in because you’re truly motivated to make a difference in your community.

Take a good look at your bank account and see where your money really goes. It will show you what you REALLY value…not just what you SAY you value. If you don’t like what you see, CHANGE IT! If your goals are to get out of debt and start investing, stop wasting your money on useless stuff. If you want to go on that trip with your spouse, stop going for the “instant feel-good fix” and save for that LASTING gratification.

Now, I am sure you are probably making great decisions about your money, kicking debt in the butt, building true wealth and I would love to hear about it! (So, please leave your comments below) However, maybe someone you know might need some encouragement and inspiration to declare their OWN freedom. Why don’t you share this message with them or better yet tell EVERYONE by posting this link on Facebook and Twitter.

Remember, we will have our nationally syndicated Dani Johnson Show Sunday night broadcast. Due to our family’s travel schedule, the Wednesday edition of The Dani Johnson Show and Spiritual Equipping broadcasts will also be on “vacation.” Check out the sidebar for more info on where you can tune in.

In great faith,

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