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“Perhaps you guys are a little too thrifty. I think you should enjoy a little since you can afford it.”, or so he says.
Sometimes, the obstacle blocking the road to financial freedom isn’t us, but the closest people around us. Although they have the best intentions, a comment like the one above puts, at the very least, a little doubt in our mind regarding our frugal ways.
When was the last time you heard something like this?
- Isn’t it time to change your car?
- Your house is just too small.
- This, that (and everything) needs to be replaced…
Let’s face it. Not everyone is into frugal living like you and me. You may be proud that you aren’t wasting your money on a lease for that new SUV, but not many people will share that view.
“Oh l feel sorry for that guy who can’t afford to replace his car.”
There’s probably a defensive fire inside you when you hear something like that, but actually, they are the people who you should feel sorry for. It’s naive to pass judgment about someone based on their material possession, but it’s incredibly ignorant to even think that material possessions is anything more than decorations.
I’ve been there too. For a few years of my life when I came to California for work, I knew no one, and had no friends to hang out with. Those days were difficult, and I was home sick. I tried to fill the emptiness with buying stuff, but it never worked.
Eventually, I found Emma. Her care and love changed my life. All of a sudden, possessions meant little. It’s not that I stopped appreciating luxury goods, but I realized that it’s insignificant when you find inner peace.
I no longer desire the latest gadgets, because I didn’t need the temporary remedy anymore.
Many people attempt to use money to buy happiness. But if anything, money can only act as a suppressant, like morphine on pain. Money, fortunately, is not the answer.
Next time someone believes you should use your money when there really isn’t a need, calm down. The one who needs to change isn’t you, and try to help those around you get off the addiction of shopping.
Enjoy the holidays, but not because of the presents you received.
Money is NEVER the answer.
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