A Financial Philosophy That Buys a Good Life: Less is More
Life has always been something that I want to enjoy and I base all my decisions on that goal. When I say, “enjoy,” I mean spending quality time with my family and friends, spending time doing anything outdoors, and just plain relaxing.
Ask anyone else and they will have a different definition of the word “enjoy.”
Regardless of whether or not your definition differs from mine, typically there is one thing that stands in the way of us enjoying life the way that we want to.
This one thing can save disease ridden countries in Africa or South American, it can construct the world’s tallest building, it can send the first person to Mars, it can even start a war, or kill millions of people.
If you haven’t guessed by now, I am talking about money.
You work hard for money. We all take jobs for money. It’s the main driving factor in most people’s career path.
When you get some of it you want more and when you have more you still want more.
So when is enough, enough?
Will there ever come a time in your life when you will say, “alright, I have enough money.”?
I hope I can say that right before I retire but in the mean time we all just have to keep working and try to enjoy life.
Why is Less More?
Now that we are back to enjoying life, I have come up with a simple guideline to follow in life and that is “less is more.” When this guideline is applied to money it can do wonders! Before I buy anything I stop and think one more time, do I really NEED this?
For example, I drive a 14-year-old car with close to 200k miles. Would I love to have a newer car? Yes! Can I afford a newer car? Probably. The reason I am happy with the car I drive is because I own it, meaning I don’t make payments to anyone.
Less is more!
Now that I don’t have a car payment I have more money to do other things. I could use that money to have fun and spend time with my family or I could use that money to pay off other debts, mortgage, and student loans. I can also use that money to save for the future.
The Financial 4-Letter Word that Starts With ‘S’
If you didn’t notice I used a 4-letter word in that last sentence. Trust me, the word I am talking about is not bad at all. It is actually very good believe it or not.
The word is SAVE.
Why do we save?
Emergencies, peace of mind, to help our children with college, and most importantly retirement.
If you have ever listened to Dave Ramsey he has a saying that sums up the point I am trying to get across. Dave says, “if you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.” Meaning your penny pinching and less is more attitude now will enable you to truly enjoy your later years. Imagine being retired and not thinking twice about the cost to fly across country to see the birth of your grandchild, or taking the vacation you have always wanted in that remote part of the world!
So remember, when it comes to smart money management, “Less is More.”
Trevor Hansen
Finance Manager at Your Employment Solutions
Your Employment Solutions
