The Fox And The Hen

The Fox And The Hen

There once lived a Mother Hen. A plump and conceited creature, she was the great Matriarch of the family farm. From dawn to dusk she looked over the chicklets under her care. Under her guidance, a great nest of eggs lay hidden in a corner of the barn. They were all collected into one great heap--the pride and joy of the Mother Hen.

One day, the Mother Hen, in her pride at her offspring's strength, decided to have a tally of her chicklets. Squawking and flapping her feathers, she led her horde into the sunlight to be counted.

As the chicklets were forming into ranks, a fox observed them from the shadows. His eyes narrowed to slits as he reasoned with himself:

"This Mother Hen is far too arrogant. She takes too much pride in her achievements. While she is basking in the glory of her leadership, I will take a look at this fabled nest of hers."

Licking his lips, the fox crept into the barn. For as they say:

The Mother Hen gathers her eggs

Into one big nest;

But the crafty fox sneaks inside

An uninvited guest.

Are You A Chicken Or A Pig?

coins in my pocket

a pot bellied pig lounges

in the open air

Imagine yourself as a chicken living in the country. Your feathers are all ruffled and in disarray, and you peck at any little morsels you can find. As you hunt for food, you hear the little chirps and tweets of the chicklets trailing behind you. The sadness in their innocent eyes haunt you. And so you spend your days scratching here and there, trying to make ends meet.

On a big farm lives a plump porker. He lounges in the mud, enjoying the golden sunlight that bathes on his bloated body. From time to time, he lets out a contented squeal as he rolls in the mud, waiting for the farmer to bring out his next meal. Life is good to the pig.

There are many chickens in the world. They scratch for their food because they have not learned how to save. If they only knew the importance of saving, they would see how one gold coin can be turned into a mountain of money.

But how do we do this? How do we save? How do we even begin? You begin by making yourself a promise-- every time you are paid, you will promptly take out a certain percentage (5-10% of your paycheck) and put it somewhere safe, where you will not be tempted to spend it.

Keep doing this every time you are paid. No matter what happens, always deduct that same amount and save it. Pay yourself first. The world and its demands can wait--after you have taken care of your needs. For if you do not, no one else will. That is the difference between a pig and a chicken.

Stop being a chicken and save your money. Keep putting more coins into your hoard. Nurture it. Make it grow. And one day you too will be a pig, as you watch the chickens peck away what little they have. The choice is yours. Will you be a chicken or a pig?

Are You A Penny Pincher?

pennies

in a fountain

goldmine

Are you a penny pincher? If not, you are cheating yourself from a happy financial future. Your success depends on being a strict jailer to the money in your pocket. Do not let the thief escape. Guard him well with these suggestions.

Do not be seduced by products on the market. Crafty merchants will suck the money from your wallet if you listen to their silver tongued promises. Instead, ask yourself if you really need this product or service. Is it a life or death situation? Must you have this item at all costs? Wait a bit, and your money will thank you, as your desire to purchase that must have item diminishes.

Pocket the extra money that you do not spend. Put it in a bank account, a mutual fund, a piggy bank, or anywhere you feel it will be safe. Promise yourself that you will not touch your Golden Horde. As time passes, you will be surprised that the money you put away is slowly growing under your care.

Remember the lesson of this haiku. Pennies will turn into a goldmine with a little frugal decision making. Be a penny pincher. And watch your gold flow in.