I have a friend I've known since pre-kids, and she's recently had her third child. She's been on maternity but is due to go back soon. She made a comment to me recently about how this is the first time she's had regrets about going back to work. I said it's good for her. She loves what she does.
But she admitted she start looking at downsizing her house. That she wondered if they could do it on her husband's very generous salary $200k, but she shook her head and said no. She said "i'm too in love with my stuff." She's got $100k in cars sitting in her driveway probably paid cash for. And another $100k in student loans. She is pretty sure she wouldn't be happy staying at home. But she did question whether she would be happier if she moved to a cheaper house? Or drove a cheaper car?
Working/staying at home, kids/no kids, early retirement/or not; it doesn't matter. I guess what is the saddest part is that fact that no matter what you earn, knowing you are dependent on that paycheck can be depressing. Realizing that to fund your lifestyle (whatever you choose it to be) is at risk because you need to work. Not that you are choosing to work.
Now we're not at that position to be financially independent. We do need an income, but at the same time I know we are moving towards not needing it and not worrying. I wonder if it's not more stressful knowing you make a lot, but have to make that much because you are used to living very well? In the sense that if you don't make much perhaps you are just used to living on less? And it's never on your radar that you'll be able to drive a mercedes SUV. But for some who could afford it and do, perhaps that's your one indulgence.
Working for stuff
August 28th, 2014 at 01:57 am
August 28th, 2014 at 05:15 am 1409202955
August 28th, 2014 at 02:46 pm 1409237205
But I don't waste my money on stuff I don't need. I get my enjoyment out of saving money, not shopping!
August 28th, 2014 at 03:11 pm 1409238679
Also, even if they spend everything they make, if prior to that they set max retirement contributions to come out of paycheck before getting it, in the long run they should be ok.
August 29th, 2014 at 02:45 am 1409280354
ImaSaver, it's not about working versus staying at home, but rather just stuff. Liking buying designer clothes, or never worrying about what you buy because you make enough.
Nika so earning more and spending less is the least stressful. But once you are used to spending money it's hard to curb.