There's no nobility in poverty. No romance in being broke. No joy in struggle. I really really really like being able to afford to:
- Heat my home
- Visit the dentist
- Eat dinner out
- Wear real leather
- Buy 3-ply TP
- Donate to charity
Call me mercenary, but in my life, money has directly correlated to quality of life and happiness without exception.
Literally every area of my life has improved thanks to money. Not saying I'm on a never-ending chase for more above everything else (especially since I hit the so-called ideal salary for happiness) but earning more is certainly a goal. As long as I can grow my income while maintaining enjoyment in what I do, why wouldn't I?
Fewer dollars = fewer options. Life has only gotten easier as my income increased.I eat better. I am healthier (because I live in a house that isn't damp and cold). I have a reliable vehicle. Pets. I'm a hell of a lot less stressed and feel less vulnerable to the bottom falling out of my life.
When you're going through a period of life that's defined by scarcity, it's incredibly stressful. You're panicked and constantly worried, living on the edge. You make poorer decisions because you're just not in the best frame of mind and/or have fewer choices available to you. You simply don't think about the long term future because you have to focus on getting through today, tomorrow and maybe next week. How can you possibly think about retirement when you lack decent housing today?
Whatever the reasons for money being tight (and they can be oh-so-complex - acute, chronic, unfortunate, deliberate) the outcome is the same. And in the moment, that's all that matters.
Money stress has a way of keeping you up at night, not to mention tainting your waking hours with its sneaky way of spilling into every moment.The first day in 2016 that I felt truly free from financial stress - for the first time in, oh, just about a full year - was amazing. There are no words for the lightness that brings.
I've spent far too much time in misery for lack of money. On the other hand, I've never been miserable with money.
I cannot relate to the 'broke but happy' brigade. YMMV.
I've lived through times where I've had enough, and times without enough - and I'd take the money every single time.
