Rich Mom’s Guide to Wealth
Can’t ignore the signs when it’s blinking and shining so brightly. It’s practically screaming!
Have you ever read Paolo Coelho’s, The Alchemist? The underlying theme of the book is: “When you want something, all the world conspires in helping you to achieve it.” And, you are to recognize and follow the “omens” presented to you in everyday life–this is how the world helps you to achieve your dreams.
One morning last week, I turned our plasma on a rare occasion to find an image of an enraged mother protesting Cigna Healthcare Insurance for denying her 17-year old daughter coverage for a liver transplant (this is Cigna’s side of the story), crucial for her survival. Intrigued, I continued watching to learn that they considered the young woman’s case “experimental”, and that the chances of her recovering successfully from such a procedure would be minimal. Doctors had given the young woman a 65% success rate. The mother fought for her daughter’s life, as she brought nurses and friends to Cigna’s local offices, rallying for an overturn in their decision, and raised attention in the media. Finally, Cigna agreed in this “rare and unusual case” to provide coverage for the transplant, and her daughter’s aftercare. Turns out, the decision was made too little, too late. Just a few hours after the decision overturn was made, the 17-year old passed away.
I thought, this could be Justin one day, laying in that hospital bed in a medically induced coma, awaiting a transplant. His life would depend on it. But, the insurance companies or medical professionals would say, No!, he’s not worthy of it.
That night, as Loi was putting Nathan to sleep, and Justin laid soundly in his crib, I flipped through the channels to find a special on PBS about Rich Dad’s Guide to Wealth, hosted by author, mentor, and millionaire, Robert Kiyosaki. Intrigued, I watched as he gave simplified tips on how to build our financial statements with assets. Property would be an asset if it generated income for us, whether we worked or not. Equity is not an asset if you’re making mortgage payments; this would be a liability to you, asset to the bank. Simple things like that. Understanding and applying concepts such as these, according to Kiyosaki, would allow us financial independence with accumulated wealth.
Next morning, I told Loi about the 17-year-old girl. He responded with, “See, that’s why we need to be rich!” so that we can pay for the transplant ourselves if it came down to it.I thought about it. More than ever, money had value to me. I want to have lots of it. “Not want,” Loi said, “We need it.”
My dream has always been to be the best mom. As much for women’s rights and closing the gender gap as I am, I have never strayed from my traditional views about women and motherhood. We’ve been empowered by this ability to bring another life into this world–we need to step up to it! This is one more way of becoming the ultimate caregiver and provider to my children–to generate a substantial income. Not six digits, ladies and gentlemen. No, that would not be enough in this money is power world. Millions is the goal.
I looked at Justin that night and told him, “I’m going to be rich, for YOU!” I told him to keep giving me those squinty-eyed, open-mouthed smiles to remind me why I need to keep pushing…for HIM! Should he leave me before my goal is reached, there will be a foundation opened in his name. He will live on.
The plan is to invest in some real estate during this economic downturn with hopes of future returns…among others that I will not discuss until it actually materializes. I can be silly, I know. My dreams can be far fetched. And, perhaps my reasoning doesn’t even make sense to some of you. But, the signs are there…and, I’ll take what I can get.
To you all, follow your dreams!