Debt

Do you feel like you have control of your money (spending), or does your money have control over you?
Although I am not extremely experienced with managing money or budgeting, I feel as though my parents have raised me with a pretty good understanding of what it means to shop and manage money intelligently. 

"We do not break the bad habit of debt through earning more money, but rather we break any habit by replacing it with a better one."

 What do you think this means? 

This reminds me about the movie "Confessions of a Shop-a-holic". The girl in the movie bought new things to make herself feel better, but soon ran into problems with debt as her money ran out. She eventually had a mentor step in and teach her new things to do when she became upset or stressed instead of shopping or buying things. So if your bad habit it spending that leads to debt, then replace spending with exercising or spending time with family and friends.

Are you worried about getting into financial trouble as you get older? 

Financial trouble is always a possibility for anyone, but if I start making smart decisions about my money now, then I can avoid big problems with debt down the road. That way, even if something out of my control happens that leads to money issues, then I have a habit of making smart decisions and can continue making them instead of having to learn to manage money on the spot.

Does money factor in to your culminating project/or career path you have chosen? If so, how? Should money be a major consideration in choosing your life’s path?

Because my culminating project had to do with the consequences of alcohol abuse, yes. Financial trouble is often one of the worst consequences of alcohol abuse and often one of the reasons people enter Laurelwood for detox. They simply can't afford their addiction anymore. I think that money should play a small factor in your life's path. Obviously, don't choose a career just because of what it pays, or you'll end up in a place like Laurelwood because you're depressed. People should pick careers based on what their passionate about. But if the career you choose can't provide for you or your family, then I think you should explore other possibilities or ways that you can use your gifts and passions that can provide.