Knowing a person extremely well does not guarantee that you know their personal attitudes toward money. Many fiscal attitudes are framed in our youth. If you grew up poor, chances are you will never forget it, even into your 70s and 80s. Growing up comfortable or even rich does not guarantee a rational view of your fiscal outlook of the world. Irrationality prevails.

Money is a reward. How else can a boss show gratitude to his employee, other than a raise in salary? Raising the worker's position is worthless unless it is done with some sort of financial recompense.

It has been pointed out that many Wall Street brokers suffer depression when the market tumbles. They grade themselves on making money. In this type of thinking, "losses are more important than wins." Bad days count more than good days. This irrational aspect of thinking states that "negatives win." Many good days do not cancel out one bad day.

The invisible line between being frugal and/or conservative with money versus being a cheapskate and a miser is in the eye of the beholder. Those who reach very slowly and carefully into their pockets to help a friend or pay a restaurant tab are well noted by their friends and acquaintances. The charitable and generous among us are also duly recorded. It is very difficult to regain financial respectability once you have faltered and looked miserly.

From the 1960's song Little Things Mean a Lot, it is evident that flowers, candy, and moonlight dinners carry more weight than houses and cars. Knowing how to use money to your advantage is very important.

How much is enough money? "Just a little bit more, " said David Rockefeller.

A savings account is money you don't touch. Checking accounts allow us to live daily on this not so inexpensive island called Long Island. The two are very different.

Our homes vary in worth on a daily or weekly basis. A high home value makes many people think they are wealthy. It is self-delusional because if you sell your home, you will have to move and start all over.

Changing one's "money habits" is truly difficult.

They are inside us, just as are our vital organs.

I have tried to touch on a few points to let us examine and possibly alter our view of our life and our money.