When I graduated college, at 21 years old, I really only had one goal for myself in regards to my personal finances.
GET FILTHY FREAKING RICH
But here I am, seven years later, realizing that I don’t actually care about being wealthy.
I know, I know. You’re probably thinking, “Ninja, you’re a hypocrite. Some of your posts definitely seem like you’re all about building wealth.”
After all, I haven’t been shy about sharing how we’ve…
…averaged a 50%+ savings/investing rate since we’ve been married.
…rented out a room in our home to help bring in extra income.
…increased our net worth a silly amount each year (up $70k in 2013)
Meh, you say tomato, I say to-MAH-to.
You see, we aren’t saving an obscene amount of our income, living frugally, or investing in our retirement accounts so we can reach the coveted millionaire status. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
AN EXAMPLE:
Instead of talking about money, let’s talk about physical appearance as related to fitness. At 6’2 and 175-ish pounds, I tend to be a little leaner than most other men my height.
But make no mistake, I don’t ski, take Nova on walks, or coach high school tennis so that I can be in better shape. Instead, I’m fortunate to be in decent shape because I have a proclivity to do active things; like ski, go on walks, and play tennis.
I care more about the cause, less about the effect.
The same is true for our money. I never want to lose sight of what is important. I have an innate desire to live well below my means, and save or give away my excess. This was true when my household income was $38,000 a year, and is still true today at $120,000. I don’t measure my value by my net worth, square footage, or income.
So while yes, I do think I’ll be a millionaire one day, please let me make it clear: I don’t care to be a millionaire.
I just want to be a good steward of the resources God’s given us. It just so happens stewardship often begets wealth building.
I played tennis for 6 years, jr. high thru high school, everyday for about 4 hours a day. Wish I still played tennis like that, cause I’m 5’10” and now weigh 195 pounds…
I was just at the Mercedes Benz dealership looking at a new GLK 350, but could not look away from all the $100k+ cars and suvs there. I want to be filthy rich, but I am limited with my skills and education. Of course a little luck wouldn’t hurt either.
“A little luck wouldn’t hurt”
You do live in Vegas 😉
Exactly! However, I do prefer the lottery which we do not have here in Nevada. Even a lucky job opportunity I would be happy with, I don’t mind working hard for decent money. BTW, any luck with Manteresting lately?
I agree with you on everything, but there is one specific effect that I care about and that I’m aiming for in my wealth building – freedom. Debt keeps you chained to things – typically, a certain type of job that generates a certain level of income. And high paying jobs almost invariably impinge on the things that I find most valuable, like my time and my energy. I don’t want a job dictating my life choices, so, while I want to be a good steward and financial freedom tends to be an effect of that, I’m also seeking freedom as an end in itself.
I’d be lying if I said becoming a millionaire wasn’t my fiscal focus. I want my wife and I to have the option of retiring early, and comfortably. These things require that we become what most would consider wealthy. We do live on less than half of our income as well.
Month after month we see similar polls being run that show most of the US is living paycheck to paycheck, and the older generations aren’t sure how they’re going to make it through their “retired” years. They can’t find jobs, even when they want to work.
In summary, the dire state of people going before me make this a real concern, and a focus when it comes to my finances.
Hmmm….I’m not to this point yet. Maybe when I find a job that I enjoy? But for right now financial independence would be great.
Being a millionaire should not the goal. Being financially independent should be. A million would not last if you were not FI.
Google the “Parable of the Mexican fisherman”. That is a story that tells you what you are wishing for may already be in your hands.
I don’t think that I would be a millionaire, all I want is to be financially independent someday. To have a good health, to help my family and to prepared for my daughter’s future.