About the Author

I am a 26 year old Captain in the United States Army.  My work is communication and IT related.  My education includes a Masters of Science in IT Management and Bachelors in General Studies (Communication emphasis). I have been deployed in Iraq since October of 2006 and hope to return in early 2008.  I am married to an incredible woman and will eventually have a family.

The Tao shows that the brightest path is not necessarily the best path while the duller path may be the better choice. I’ve had a variety of experiences in life that didn’t seem to “connect” at first. As time went on I was able to apply these varied skills to specific goals and made significant progress in my career and personal life by learning new things.

In hindsight I recognize the many forms a teacher takes. The lessons they give may seem dull but often lead to the right path. Fun is also part of that path and I spend mine running, going different places with my wife, and fixing (or breaking) whatever I get my hands on around the house.

Why the Tao of Cash?

Why NOT the Tao of Cash! No one ever said the journey to financial prosperity is easy, but it can be a simple act and certainly less dreadful when you have the right mindset from the start. The following are the stages I went through before beginning my journey.

Desire. You might say that the Tao does not place importance on wealth or material things. True, but it does address desire, “send your desires away and you will see the mystery.” Desire leads most people to act irrationally with their personal finances – ignoring their problems or spending on credit to acquire luxury goods. As Yoda might say “greed…desire leads to.”

Attachment. Take a step back a moment and you will see the comical nature of this irrationality. Some of us are able to feel this large burden being removed - we are no longer required to spend to fit an “image” of success. We are now able to see the importance of building wealth to provide a stable income, home, and family.

When we recognize and let go of our attachment to money – either carelessly spending or hoarding it, we can use it as intended for our own prosperity and the community.

Beginning the journey. This blog is about that journey to prosperity. As Lao Tzu once said, “a journey of a thousand miles begins under your feet.” Letting go of our attachments and burdens with money certainly won’t make the journey simple – but it will make the journey much more pleasant. After starting my financial journey, I was able to recognize how necessary this change in mindset was. At best, this will help many of you out there “get it” or at worst take away that urge to grab that second latte…