Millennials have a bad reputation when it comes to money and wealth.
As a twenty-something, I personally have peers who have no prospects nor intention to buy a house, pay back their own student loans, or become monetarily self-sufficient.
That's sad and reflects poorly on my generation, as it should.
Part of what is driving this lack of responsibility and aspirations regarding money is a view by many millennials that money is inherently evil, and therefore a lack of interest in creating wealth. Other factors certainly contribute as well.
This is my message to my fellow millennials:
You're at your job to make money. You're in business to make money. Stop pretending you aren't.
I am a firm believer that your work should ultimately make the world a better place. You can (and should) have a passion for your work and career goals beyond money, but I can almost guarantee most of you are not working for free.
In case no one around you is, allow me to give you permission to ALSO place importance on building wealth.
Money is nothing more than a tool that can be used for good or bad.
The beautiful thing is that when you are in control of your life and your money habits, you can choose to use your money for GOOD. Every single time.
For those who already understand this, I have another message:
Sometimes money can cost too much.
You can work adamantly to grow your wealth at the expense of your relationships, health, personal fulfillment and happiness, or your spiritual life.
If you work for someone else, imagine you were hit by a bus tomorrow morning. The organization would not skip a beat. You would be replaced within a couple of weeks, and business as usual would continue.
Your family on the other hand can never replace you at home. You cannot buy back your lost health, and no you cannot buy true happiness (I would rather be sad in a Ferrari though).
Money's importance should never be ignored, but money isn't everything.
How much is your money costing you?