A Horse, a Horse, My Kingdom For a Horse . . .
That's Shakespeare, Richard III to be exact. Sometimes you can have everything, but not the right thing, at the right time. I think of that line quite a bit lately, as I hear people complain they don't have cash.
These same people have over-sized houses, high-end autos, big screen TVs, and jumbo expenses that they can't cover (Have You Noticed the Giant Toy Sale Going on Lately?). These same people looked at me funny when I explained about a year ago that I was looking for more ways to cut or limit expenses.
They don't understand why I would want to pay a car note off (Capture Your Dream Car), why I got rid of my landline, the reasons I like to do as much as I can myself, and the reasons I am so hellbent on self-sufficiency (What Happened to Self-Sufficiency?). They are starting to understand now . . .
Many of them are struggling to meet their over-sized monthly nuts (Busting Your Monthly Nut). They are starting to turn to me for advice, but it is hard to help them, because they are underwater on their loans and now isn't the time to sell.
Many of my views and ways of doing things are quite fashionable now. My ex and her family used to laugh at my desire to put the cheapest gas in my car 20 years ago. I understand from my kids that they are very aware of cheap gas in their town now-- I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks. I also understand that a place I shopped at and was ridiculed for is now a common destination in that household That household was the inspiration for one of my favorite posts, Spendthrift Manor and Frugal Homestead. Apparently, my approaches aren't so funny anymore.
Things are certainly changing . . . aren't they?
Morale of this post is twofold: Set your priorities right and have what you really need, when you really need it.
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Related posts:
Another Look: What If We Had Less, But Better?
Be Careful in Choosing Your Life Partner . . .
Is Your Financial House in Order?
Just Because You Can-- Should You?
Categories: Consumerism, Personal Finance, Self Sufficiency, Frugality, Personal Philosophy
Tags: Consumerism Personal Finance Self Sufficiency Frugal Frugality Personal Philosophy
Your comments generally point to a "live now" and "we can afford it" mentality that is backfiring for many because it can be completely devoid of looking into the future, being prepared, "taking and holding ground," and generally being responsible with all manner of decision-making.
The bottom line is that we get what we deserve. If we think clearly, plan well, and are responsible about our lives, we'll be successful and we'll deserve it. If we don't, then we won't, and we'll deserve that too.
For me, nothing is more telling of a person's attitude about themselves than when they look at the success of another and says "you're lucky" because you have this or that. I'm always quick to point out "luck had nothing to do with it."
Clair
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Many people are just a few paychecks away from humility . . .
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