Posts Tagged ‘education’

To be honest, not much. I’m not saying that I didn’t gain knowledge. I learned various ideas and expanded my vocabulary in various subjects. I learned how to write papers and express ideas. I learned how to go after a job, do math, read and write, etc. And while it is my diploma that allowed me to move to Japan (because it was required for my visa), work in Tokyo, and eventually lead to me living where I do, it wasn’t because of the skills I learned in school.

I have said this before, but I think we place too much emphasis on certificates and qualifications. Most of us want certain people like doctors, engineers, and mechanics to have certificates, but part of that is because of dishonest people who don’t have the right skills claiming they do. Perhaps more time should have spent teaching honesty and being a good person.

We put all the focus on expensive schools that have prestige and require expensive textbooks, and yet the world has more problems than ever before. The gap between the poor and wealthy has consistently grown and is getting worse each day.

So here is a very inspiring video of another way to do education? What do you think? Is it a good idea?

In part one I talked about measuring wealth in time and freedom. In part two I will be discussing 5 ways to get started. As a quick note, I would like to mention I wrote this post on my itouch while commuting on the Tokyo metro.

1. Assess your bills and eliminate

Learn to live with less. Look over your expenses and eliminate anything that is not a necessity. When you think necessity, think stranded on an island and what you need to survive. You can always add things back later, but after some time without most things you will find they really aren’t that important.

2. Use cash/get rid of credit cards

Some people might disagree with this so let me explain. Credit cards allow you to spend money you don’t have. Stop carrying them with you. Set a monthly budget including lunch, gas, and spending money. Pull this amount out and don’t go over it. If it helps, only keep the daily amount in your pocket.

3. Create a want/dream list

Figuring out what you want and how much it costs will not only help you set some saving goals and focus your efforts, it also brings to light the things you purchase that aren’t important. Check out The Four Hour work Week for a dreamline template.

4. Make your money make money

There are a lot of things to invest in. Find something that interests you and learn about it. Talk to successful people who are investing in the fields you are interested in and learn from them. And don’t forget, one the best investments you can make is in yourself and your own education

5. Find cheap fun

Learn to enjoy life and have fun without spending money. You can find one list on cheap fun here. But don’t limit yourself to that list. Find something you enjoy and then find a way to do it cheaply. Or better yet get paid for it.

Sit back and watch your money grow! It seems difficult at first, but after you do it for a month then it gets much easier…and eventually fun.