Your Largest Investment?

During this economic crisis, I've been listening to CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg and many others who have on their financial counselors, financial advisors, financial planners and more.

And ... there's been a mantra that I've heard them state over and over again over the years and it has always bothered me, but I didn't know why until now.

They continually say, "Your house is usually your single largest investment." Moreover, I heard Bill Ford say the other day on Larry King, "Your car is usually your second largest investment behind your house."

WOW!!! Really? Let's examine that for its significance.

What is an investment? An investment to me is something that you put into a vehicle with some expected return (e.g. to get something of more value out).

What can you put in (e.g. invest) to create your expected return? Time or money. I always tell people, the only two things you can invest are either time or money. And if you don't have the money, invest the time to educate yourself what to do when you do have the money (e.g. financial education).

But let's reexamine the statements: 1) "your house is your single largest investment" and 2) "your car is your second largest investment".

Given my definition of investment, this would translate as: 1) "you invest more time and/or money into your house than anything else" and 2) "you invest more time and/or money into your car than anything else but your house."

My confusion is this, what about "your children", "your family", "your relationships" and "your community"? Where do they fall on the scale of significance in investments of time and/or money.

It's disturbing to say the least that we don't focus more of our time and/or money on our children, but I believe it's probably true. We have a generation of children that feel detached, unengaged, neglected, unloved, unrespected and some even unwanted. But, our houses and cars keeping getting larger, nicer, more gaudy and the like.

We need a change in our priorities as far as where we invest our time and/or money. If we invested it in our children, our family, our relationships and our community, I guarantee you that they wouldn't lose over 40% of their value. It would be almost impossible to be UPSIDE DOWN in your investment into your children, family, relationships or community.

I can also guarantee you that you would see exponential returns on those investments if you prioritize them accordingly.

I hope that this financial crisis leads us back to a stronger emotional and spiritual foundation as a people and reorganizes our priorities.