25 truths about money, sex and happiness

By Wilson Lee Flores (The Philippine Star) Updated July 24, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (0)

There are two things people want more than sex and money: recognition and praise. Mary Kay Ash First of all, this writer wishes to clarify that money and sex are not my overriding goals or preoccupations, but just topics which I have had much (ahem, ahem) intellectual curiosity about. Here are some of the truths I have learned about money, sex and our pursuit of happiness: 1. Sex is good for long life. This advice was given by a medical doctor friend, who has encouraged me to get married fast. Oprah Winfrey had a book author guest on TV who also said sex is one factor contributing to longevity; thus we can save money on medical expenses with a good sex life, of course ideally within a monogamous marriage. 2. Money makes people sexy. Since time immemorial, money has been deemed a powerful aphrodisiac that makes people seem more attractive. 3. Money is not only for the rich. Ive always believed that poverty or lack of money is not my fate, that any setbacks or problems like my dads early death are only temporary aberrations. I believe all of us here on earth are destined for success and for financial freedom; that it is up to us to strive hard and claim our birthright! 4. The best friends are those we had when we were without money. Examples are true friends when we were still kids in school or in our neighborhood, also the husband or wife we married who stayed with us when we were still struggling. 5. The great thing about money is not creature comforts, but freedom. With money, one has infinitely more options, more freedom to do what we want or to live life as we wish. 6. Money alone cant make a person happy. Being content can make a middle class or even poor person happy, but discontent makes even the richest guy forever unhappy. 7. Money is important, but not the most important. Oscar Wilde once said (though I disagree), When I was young I used to think that money was the most important thing in life and now that I am old, I know it is. Many other things are more important to happiness than money our family, good health, friends, music, arts, a good name, a good relationship with God, love, humor, nature, etc. 8. When money talks, almost all listen. In whatever country, culture or situation, people with money are often more heard or sought after. Money is indeed a universal language! 9. Money is often the root of many relationship problems. Ill never forget sexy actress Ara Mina years ago telling me that even in a lot of showbiz or ordinary relationships, money problems cause so many breakups. 10. Easy come, easy go applies to money, too. This was the comment of a tycoon to me when we both heard news about a persons instant wealth. This can apply to lottery wins, windfall bonanzas and most especially to immoral, ill-gotten wealth.

11. Never marry for money. For true happiness, marry a husband or wife who can help you have a harmonious family life and dont marry for money. A Scottish proverb is correct in saying: Dont marry for money. You can borrow it cheaper. 12. Money cant buy happiness, but it can lessen miseries. True, money cant buy happiness, but decent amounts of money can definitely lessen many of lifes discomforts! 13. Money is like water: it can come fast and can also go away fast. In my life, having gone through childhood vicissitudes and other experiences, Ive learned to develop the attitude that lack or presence of money shouldnt change my attitude and personality. 14. Dont expend your lifes energies only on money. To be happy, I believe we should pause and analyze our priorities in life and the afterlife, so that we can balance our lifestyles to also devote time, energy and talents to things non-financial but mean a lot to us like our loved ones, our passions, our spiritual well-being, friends, health, etc. 15. For kids financial future, do not spoil them. Ive seen children of self-made rich who didnt want them to suffer like they did when they were kids with no money, so they wrongly spoil and overindulge them. Spoiling kids can fatally weaken their character. 16. Death and taxes are lifes only certainties. Whether old, middle-aged or young, it is best to plan your finances now so that your loved ones wont have to pay unnecessary estate taxes. Estate planning isnt only for the rich. Ive known of pragmatic and wise ordinary people who have made sure their relatives know their bank accounts; others even have trusted family members as co-signatories for any contingencies. 17. Borrowing money isnt bad. Getting a loan isnt bad, if it isnt too much or not utilized for useless and unproductive purposes. In fact, getting a loan helps business people or professionals grow their assets. Debt is a positive kind of stress that spurs people to work harder. Getting a loan also helps establish our credit history, for future bigger loans. 18. Its strange, but banks love to lend you money when you dont need it! The opposite is also true: many banks and creditors will pull out credit or not lend to you when you most desperately need money. Bob Hope said: A bank is a place that will lend you money if you prove that you dont need it. 19. Money has no third generation. This is an old Asian saying. In many cases worldwide, the first generation creates wealth, the second generation works to maintain it, and often the clueless, effete or too self-indulgent third-generation fritters away the money! 20. Money is so easy to lose. Be careful. Avoid gambling, philandering or indulging in endeavors one doesnt fully grasp. Lord Amherst said: There are three ways of losing money: racing is the quickest, women the most pleasant, and farming the most certain. 21. A small fortune comes via thrift and hard work, but big money is from the heavens. My late mother said this is an old Chinese proverb, so great wealth often involves Gods blessing or destiny which many others call luck.

22. It is best to bequeath kids education rather than money. The best education cannot be stolen from your kids, but money that just given to your children can easily be lost, stolen, fought over or dissipated. 23. The best way to save money is to first set aside a target amount. Many people, including the wiser showbiz stars like Vilma Santos Recto, told me one good strategy for saving money is to first set aside or separate your targeted savings from every income, then spend only the balance. It shouldnt be spend first and look for savings. 24. Appreciate the magic of compounded interest. Lets make saving money or investing a habit. To find the number of years needed to double your money at a given interest rate, just divide 72 by the interest rate. Thats why its called the Rule of 72! For example, how long to double your money at eight percent interest? Just simply divide 72 by eight and the answer is nine years. This assumes the interest is compounded annually. This rule is accurate, as long as the interest rate is less than 20 percent. Let us all save money! 25. Sex and money equals marital fidelity? I once asked a tycoon why he is faithful to his wife, unlike some rich or powerful guys with mistresses. He replied: To be happy, if I want to eat beef, I just go buy a few kilos of beef, no need to maintain a cow. Wow!