We can all be rich!

Yesterday I filled out an automatic rider increase request for my disability insurance. Wow was that fun. There is a chance it'll be declined due to last year's cardiac issues. Let's hope not. The disability paperwork gave me the opportunity to look at three years of tax returns side-by-side. Ouch. I knew I was making less money but to have the figures in your face -- not so pleasant. Between 2006 and 2007 my income decreased by 10%. Between 2007 and 2008 my income decreased 16%. No wonder things feel tight. If my income keeps dropping at this rate I'll have to pay for the privilege of working. Wait -- I'm already doing that with my student loans!

Despite figures to the contrary our financial decline is not all bad. The decrease in income came with a subsequent decrease in hours which means I have more time. More time to hang with the family, more time to cook, more time to puruse the library and more time to dabble in other pursuits.

And, as my income has been decreasing, my husband's income has been slowly but steadily increasing. So, just like the kitten dangling from the tree in the motivational posters of my childhood, we're hangin' in there. And we've made many changes in our lives. Changes that are here to stay. By golly we're not the only people who have decided to live within their means.

Paper currency is necessary for most folks. Jobs are necessary to create an income for food, shelter and basic comforts. But fancy houses, cars, televisions, phones -- not necessary. Even shampoo is not a necessity!

The older I get the faster years pass. I've come to realize the real currency is time. If a decrease in hours and return to thriftiness gives me more time? Bring it on!

Time is all we have. And I, personally, would rather be rich in time than rich in material possessions.