What is true wealth? True wealth is comprised of actual assets, money in the bank, and savings. A paid off home is a form of wealth, as is a well balanced stock portfolio, a 401(k), or a substantial savings account. In some cases, you may find that people who live much more simply, in smaller homes, with older vehicles and without the best and newest gadgets are much wealthier than those in lavish homes, with new vehicles and a plasma TV in every room.A balanced financial outlook will allow you to enjoy the fruits of your labor, both now and for years to come.

While financing some major purchases, including homes and cars, might be a reasonable, logical and accepted move, if you are living on credit and financing everything from cars to consumer household goods, it likely is a sign that your wealth is fake. More and more Americans are "fake rich", living comfortably and buying new and improved vehicles, technology, and more on credit. A good credit history and easy access to credit does not make you wealthy, and may well be fleeting if you are using it poorly. Many people expect instant gratification in today's day and age, and use credit to keep up a consumerist lifestyle. Some may even feel that they deserve these consumer goods since they have worked hard, even if they cannot afford to purchase them.

If you find yourself trying to keep up with the Joneses, be aware that the Joneses may themselves be drowning in debt. Many middle class and upper middle class families give the appearance of being in financially better condition than they actually are. They may be struggling to pay the mortgage on a house that was bought on an interest only loan, or having a hard time affording two or three car payments on luxury vehicles that were financed for a full five years each.It is far better to spend less, save more, and live more simply, both financially and personally.

If you, in reading this, are realizing that you are "fake rich", what can you do to reverse the situation? That will depend on the degree of your credit difficulties. Some people may find that simply changing their habits, increasing saving, reducing spending and focusing on the people in their lives that matter, rather than the things in their lives will allow them to change their status from "fake rich" to financially secure and thriving.

Unfortunately, many "fake rich" will realize, when taking an honest look at their finances, that their problems are well beyond what can be solved by simple spending changes and working to pay off debt. If you are juggling bills, using credit to pay living expenses or other credit cards, or choosing which bills to pay on a given month, you are at the point of needing help. If you are ignoring bills, not answering your phone, or leaving your bills unopened, it is time to seek help with your debt, spending, and overall finances. Correcting those sorts of financial problems will likely require not only financial help, but also some sacrifices. You may have to downsize your home, replace those luxury vehicles with affordable ones, and accept that you will not have the biggest and best in new technology.

If you are "fake rich" and have realized that you are really not rich at all, but rather poor, seek help with debt settlement. Provanta Corp can help you settle your debt and work toward being debt free and improving your financial situation. Learning new financial habits and fixing your mistakes is a critical step on the road to a better financial and personal future.