A group of urban poets known as the Wu-Tang Clan once gave us great insight into our views on money. One of their classic songs was a song called C.R.E.A.M. C.R.E.A.M. is an acronym for “Cash Rules Everything Around Me”. Let’s examine this. Start by asking yourself, “Does cash rule everything around me?” Does it? Does it? Answer me. Sorry.
Anyway. Oftentimes money affects decisions that it shouldn’t. I was talking to a friend the other day who happens to be a physician. We were discussing whether people make medical decisions based on their financial standing. Our conclusion was that they do. (This is not a call for universal health care). Isn’t it sad that your economic standing is affecting your health?
Where else does this problem manifest itself? Have you ever tried to do your taxes yourself when you would have been better off employing an accountant? Have you ever given yourself a prison tattoo? Okay, that was a bad example. I realize that we don’t have an unlimited amount of money, therefore we must make tough choices.
My point is that the Wu-Tang Clan is right…as always. R.I.P ODB.

Peter Dunn a.k.a. Pete the Planner® is an award-winning financial mind and a former comedian. He’s a USA TODAY columnist, author of ten books, and is the host of the popular radio show and podcast, The Pete the Planner Show. Pete is considered one of the foremost experts on financial wellness in the world, but he’s just as likely to talk your ear off about bass fishing.