Future Before Present

Carpe Diem. I've noticed that this phrase has greatly influenced the young generation today. People spend money to "seize the day" not realizing how much it could affect their future. Money is future. Money is the common factor in all nations in this world and the nations' well-being and conditions are determined by their economy. 

People ought to think about their future before present. What they buy or do today is what determines their tomorrow. For instance, deciding not to buy the new iPhone 4S can help one to save and invest the money, and that money can grow into twice as much or triple as much in the future. This doesn't mean 'don't buy anything'. People just need to be smart with their decisions. They need to do research on what they are going to buy, plan ahead, and study the benefits. 

I've recently read an article, 10 Ways Americans Waste Money. The number one way Americans waste money is "buying new". People spend twice as much money as the original price buying new products, when they could either wait or get from eBay. It's stated that people frequently buy bigger houses than they need. In 2001, people spent 12% of their income on residential and transportation energy. This year, 2011, the percentage drastically increased to 20%. People are paying energy for unused spaces. 

People today are short sighted and narrow their vision to present only. What they need to foresee is their future, how today will affect their future. Kobe Bryant should stop with his Zoom Kobe Carpe Diem editions.