As someone who uses the tools and techniques of Personal Safety Nets you no doubt see the value of friends, family and neighbors. A PSN is about putting life’s resources into place in preparation for the inevitable challenges that arise.

You know from experience that there is value in being prepared and could not put a price on the sense of security gained; nor would you want to.

This month’s column focuses on wealth and therefore poses the following question. What is true wealth and where does it come from?

Wealth is most commonly described as “abundance of valuable material possessions or resources” and generally related to money. However, most of us know that the real wealth in life is far beyond anything you can buy, sell or own.

The Beatles got it right with their hit song "Can’t Buy Me Love." As we search for meaning in our lives we know that true wealth comes not only from our material possessions and bank accounts but also (and more importantly) from our relationships, sense of well-being and health.

A recently released article titled, Study of the American Dream, suggested that the “dream” is shifting away from the accumulation of classically defined wealth to a more pragmatic outlook that values restraint and satisfaction with what you’ve got.

The economic downturn is prompting us to reevaluate our priorities as individuals and as a nation.

Our hope is that all of this suggests that we, as a nation, are growing up. We’ve seen the emptiness of excess and are moving towards a paradigm that values restraint, common sense, community and the intrinsic value of each of us.

What we is the early stage of the New American Dream that emphasizes the bounty of true wealth.