The Value of the Money Matrix

As you can see, with money as with time, the Quadrant Matrix is powerfully descriptive. “I can see it now! I am totally caught up in impulse buying and consumer debt! (Quadrant III) I’m always feeling pressured by payments that are due (Quadrants I and III). There are times when I want to go out and buy something totally frivolous and unnecessary (Quadrant IV) just to preserve my sanity!” Even those who invest time and money in Quadrant II are happy to dis- cover a visual image that captures the wisdom of Quadrant II choices and suggests even greater opportunities for effective investment.

It also shows the importance of proactivity. It gives context to our financial choices and highlights the wisdom of choosing to invest money, as well as time, where it will bring the greatest returns. It empowers us to see through the “buy now, pay later” philosophies that flood our environment.

It also carries with it the spirit of investment and continuous improvement. It helps us understand that rather than spending our future, we can invest in it.

Finally, it shows us where we waste our money “below the line” in Quadrants III and IV—money we could be investing in Quadrant
II. In many cases, we don’t need to earn more money, we simply need to manage well the money we have.