The concept of choice or choosing is one we would be wise to learn at a young age. Yet time and time again, we blame external forces for our own bad behavior.

How many times have you said or heard one or all of the following (or some similar version) throughout the course of your life?

“You made me get angry by not doing what I asked.”

“You forced me to behave badly by doing what you did.”

“I wouldn’t be in this mess if it weren’t for you.”

The truth is, whether or not we recognize it, we are in control of our own destinies. We choose to become angry. We choose to act in destructive manners. More times than not, we are the cause of our own misfortune. True, there are times when forces beyond our control create difficult situations or unfortunate challenges; however, reacting to misfortune in a positive or negative manner is entirely up to us. Choices have consequences, both good and bad. Recognizing how personal choice leads to or helps bring about negative consequences is half the battle.

In a free society, personal choice necessitates a higher degree of responsibility. What’s to stop out of control spending habits or unsustainable lifestyles other than an internalized sense of self-control? Mommy? Daddy? Uh, sorry folks, but I’m here to say the buck stops with you.

Whenever I open a discussion about personal finances, I like to start at the beginning. Sounds silly, I know, but many people view their financial problems from a skewed perspective somewhere in the middle. Twenty plus years as a bankruptcy attorney, believe me, I’ve heard all the stories. You’d be surprised how many people are unable to admit responsibility for their financial demise. Yet, this is precisely where people must start if they truly want to get out of debt and become financially self-sufficient.

So, let’s all step back and take a look at our personal spending habits. Do we brown bag to work or buy lunch at the local cafeteria? Do we buy lottery tickets, magazines, or Starbucks coffee we could do without? Do we take cabs when we could just as easily walk? Do we purchase junk food from vending machines when we could just as easily buy in bulk?

Two dollars here, three dollars there, what’s the big deal, right? Wrong. These “throw away” spending decisions add up over time, sometimes resulting in the waste of thousands of dollars each year without any conscious regard.

For the most part, creation of wealth is no accident. With proper planning and sound consumer behavior, anyone can amass enough wealth to live comfortably over time. The power lies within. People just need to learn how to exercise it wisely.