The quest for financial independence is not really about money. It has much more to do with the quest for meaning in life. When I was still in school, my image of financially independent people had more to do with what my mom would watch on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous or maybe someone like Ebenezer Scrooge hoarding his coins like squirrels.
Truly financially independent people are just that – independent. If that’s the life you want, the first thing you have to do is put money in its proper place. It is a tool that represents your life force. It takes time to make, save, and spend money. As we all know, (but don’t like to think about) our time on earth is finite. How we spend our time and money represents what we truly find important in life. If you have a wonderful job that fills you with energy, love, and meaning, by all means keep working until they won’t let you stay any longer.
Although I love my job, I know there is a lot more life to be had. Is the happiness I would receive from spending $30 at the movie theater on tickets, popcorn, and soda worth the time it took me to make that $30? More importantly, how much did I lose by not investing that same $30 into debt reduction or retirement savings?
Next time you go to spend money on a “want” and not a “need,” ask yourself how much happiness will this really bring you. Is it worth it? We spent a hefty amount of money last summer taking a trip to Kauai, Hawaii. Was it worth it? Absolutely! It was worth double what we paid in the happiness it brought us. I’m not sure I could say the same for the futon I’m sitting on right now.
Comment below on purchases that were “worth it” and ones that left you with buyer’s remorse.
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