Investing For Financial Security

The word "security" has a comfortable connotation, but a large majority of families would be placed in an awkward position if they were asked to define their own relative security. They might feel that a home, food and clothing, and some of the so-called "luxuries" of life constitute security, and that if they had all of these now, they would be quite secure. They overlook the fact that the basic idea behind security in a fast-moving and rapidly changing world has become not merely the few necessities and the few luxuries that life may offer, but something even beyond these-complete financial security.

We must emphasize that "financial security" does not mean simply the ability to buy enough meat and bread, enough clothes and shelter, a car and a television set. Quite the contrary, because for many these are usually unplanned and part of vague so-called "needs." Because of a lack of knowledge of the underlying principles of financial security, many people are lulled into a false security and feel that they are secure when they really are not. Others have an attitude of resignation, feeling that such security is something they cannot attain. Still others are completely indifferent.

Many of these people are buying a home and life insurance, both of which are good first steps toward ultimate financial security; but they fail to realize that to be able to combat unexpected reverses is a difficult and worrisome matter and that they have not come face to face with this problem.

Is it possible to attain a fair measure of financial independence? The answer is definitely "yes," as is amply shown by the thousands who have realized that they were getting nowhere fast and have succeeded in doing something about it. Let us make clear, however, that those persons who merely have good intentions-those who talk about saving but never save-will not achieve real security.

How may financial security be obtained? All authorities agree that careful planning is necessary for financial success; all agree that financial success is necessary for financial peace of mind. This means that if you wish to get "off the treadmill" and partake of a richer life, you must be willing to undertake such a plan wholeheartedly.