There exists a quiz referred to as “The Charles Schultz Philosophy” although there is some debate as to whether or not Schultz actually came up with it. For those who may not know, Schultz created the popular “Peanuts” comic strip.

I’d originally read this philosophy years ago and just came across it again the other day. I wanted to pass this along to you because I really feel that this short philosophy is what success and life is all about.

It’s very easy for each of us to lose sight of the really important things in life. As we get all caught up in achieving and accumulating things we tend to forget what’s most important.

The following is a great reminder.

Here’s the quiz although you do not have to actually answer any of these questions to get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
3. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
4. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
5. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is; none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care and make a difference for others.

“Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It’s already tomorrow in Australia.”

I’d like to remind you of the free resource library I’ve placed right here on my blog. Although I most likely do not know you personally I’d still like to make a positive difference in your life. This resource library is my way of doing it. Just click the “free resources” tab above.

Have you ever heard the name Jeff Foxworthy? He’s host of the popular game show “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” He originally gained his popularity as a standup comic using his signature one liners which began with the statement, “you know you’re a redneck when…”

I hope Jeff Foxworthy won’t mind if I borrow his idea for this article. The title of this post is “You know you’re broke when…” because there are some telltale signs which indicate whether or not you’re broke and more importantly, whether or not you’ll stay that way.

I think you’ll find this piece interesting so, without further ado, let’s get right to it.

You know you’re broke when…

you talk with others about wages, not profits. Broke people rely upon this antiquated thing called a job to maintain their lifestyle. When you have a job you’re an employee and employees are wage driven.

A wealthy person on the other hand is more than likely a business owner. Entrepreneurs strive for business profits and see wages for what they are; a dead end.

Broke people work for wages, wealthy people work for profits.

You know you’re broke when…

you have a person in your life called a boss deciding how much income you’ll receive. Wealthy people have themselves deciding how much income they’ll receive.

Broke people get a raise in wages because their boss decides to give them one. Wealthy people get a raise in their profits because they’ve decided to make it happen.

You know you’re broke when…

you file your tax return as soon after January 1st as possible. When you do so you’re gleefully waiting to see how much of your own money the government is going to give back to you…interest free of course.

Wealthy people file their tax return as close to the April 15th filing deadline as possible. Wealthy people almost always owe taxes and they do not want to give the government their money a day sooner than they have to.

You know you’re broke when…

you’re spending more time every week watching TV than reading books. Wealthy people know that time is the most valuable asset they have and choose not to waste any of it on watching TV excessively. Rather, they invest their time wisely into good quality business and personal development books.

You know you’re broke when…

you’re making payments toward credit card balances every month. Wealthy people pay off the entire credit card balance every month.

Broke people make credit card payments just trying to manage their debt from month to month. Wealthy people do not carry credit card debt forward.

You know you’re broke when…

you spend more time planning your annual two weeks of vacation than planning how to grow your bank account. Wealthy people love to take vacations just as much as anybody else. But, they also know that when they put a sufficient amount of time into planning how to grow their bank account, they can then take more vacations…many, many, many more vacations.

If you’ve just read this somewhat sardonic article and it’s made you a bit uncomfortable, then, guess what, you’re broke.

On the other hand, if you’ve read it and it’s made you chuckle then congratulations, chances are real good you’re wealthy. Or, you’re at least well on your way to becoming wealthy.

If you did not get a chuckle out of this article then it’s time for you to fix your situation. You’ve only got one shot at this lifetime of yours. Do you want to waste it on being something less then you’re capable of?

Or would you rather live the life of freedom and abundance that you so richly deserve? The choice is entirely yours.

You can go to sleep tonight and wake up tomorrow morning and start your routine all over again. Or, you can make this your turning point. You can use what you’ve just read to make now the time for a positive transformation. Nobody’s gonna do it for you, only you can do it for yourself.

Reading a good quality book is the very best way to get started down the road to your transformation from being broke to becoming wealthy. How to become wealthy all starts with you. For free, immediate access to my personal development success book please visit http://www.APlumInTheSyrup.com/