For more than 40 years that I have been in business, I have found that striving to acquire a greater net worth, to become wealthy, can be elusive and costly. I came across a little vignette that I like. It’s called the Corsican Fisherman.

A lone fisherman sat on a stretch of beach. His single fishing pole was planted in the sand. Along came a businessman on vacation. “Why don’t you have two poles so you can catch more fish?” the businessman asked.

“Then what would I do?” asked the Corsican.

“Then you take the extra money, buy a boat, get nets and a crew, and catch even more fish.

“Then what would I do?”

“Then,” said the businessman, “you move up to a fleet of large ships, go wholesale, and become very rich.

“Then what would I do?” asked the Corsican.

“Do whatever you want!” shouted the businessman.

And the Corsican replied, “I am.”

The grass often looks pretty green on the other side of the fence. More money, more property, more wealth sounds pretty good, but more money may mean more taxes. More property may mean more headaches.

It can be illusive because when is enough enough? Usually never is the answer. How many houses can you own? Life is not just about acquiring. Some folks keep score of their life by acquiring stuff. This may not a very good scoring system.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not against wealth, making money and keeping what you’ve earned. I have spent my whole career helping people grow and preserve their assets.

It’s the obsession I see in some that worries me. Acquiring money and wealth at all costs often does just that: it may cost you everything. Look around and see the ruinous lives of the so-called wealthy. It is the “all costs” part that is troublesome.

So what’s the message? Avoiding being poor is different from obsessing about being rich.

Keep your perspective about money. Money, property and personal comfort are good things. The endless and debilitating pursuit of wealth at all cost is not.

You know this, but you also probably know of ruined marriages, messed-up kids and unhealthy individuals who in the name of “I’m doing this all for you” have destroyed themselves.

Make your changes today. Keep life simple. Make your life balanced and your personal relationships No. 1.

Notable Quote: “Dig your well before you are thirsty.” — Anonymous

Contact Tom at 1030 Seminary St. Ste. D, Napa CA 94559, 254-0155, fax 254-0158 or e-mail suntrm@aol.com.