Timothy R. Clark: Financial lessons from World War II show principles of thrift, industry

Our postmodern culture is audacious and deceitful. We indulge the illusion that we can be poor stewards of our resources and remain immune from consequence because we deserve it. What we deserve are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

But if you live under the heavy burden of installment credit and other forms of debt, that happiness will elude you. I suggest we re-enthrone the pillars of that World War II campaign: Buy only what is necessary. Salvage what you don’t need. Share what you have.

Timothy R. Clark is the CEO of TRClark LLC, a management consulting and leadership development organization. His newest book, "The Employee Engagement Mindset," has just been released from McGraw-Hill. Email: trclark@trclark.net