Gone are the days when frugality was seen as the only ticket to financial independence. As our supportive buddy Ramit Sethi (of the “I Will Teach You To Be Rich” fame) would say, there’s more to building wealth than counting every penny. This insight comes from a candid chat between Sethi and Mindy and Carl, a couple who’ve aced the Financial Independence/Retire Early (FIRE) game, but now find themselves caught in a wealth paradox.
This dynamic duo saved an impressive $4.3 million to join the FIRE club, mostly from savvy real estate investments. Their road to riches involved stringent budgeting and fierce commitment to their savings goals. But having achieved financial independence, the couple’s facing a new kind of challenge: they’re afraid to spend what they’ve earned.
In their chat with Sethi, Mindy and Carl touched on their financial journey, citing an incident where a $99 breakfast bill brought on financial anxiety. Although the amount was a mere drop in their wealth ocean, the experience showed how their frugal mindset, formed from years of saving, had them in a bind.
Sethi, an advocate of a rich life, does not completely buy into the FIRE philosophy. He argues that there’s more to wealth than just not spending. Instead, he encourages focusing on things that bring joy, thereby establishing a balance between saving and spending. Sethi’s vision revolves around eliminating guilt associated with spending, something that he believes to be a downside of the FIRE lifestyle.
Indeed, the FIRE journey, which surged in popularity post the Great Recession, may not be as flawless as it seems. Take early retiree Charmagne Chi’s words for it. She calls out the avocado-toast-advice as “bullshit,” attributing her own financial independence more to the absence of student debt and privilege. Or Sam Dogen, who, despite retiring with a cool $3 million, is contemplating a return to the workforce to fund his child’s college education.
The real kicker came from Carl, who after achieving his financial goal, felt no happier. He discovered that happiness is more internal than external. He admitted that although he won’t “downplay the money,” he acknowledged that once he reached his goal, he realized that wealth doesn’t guarantee instant gratification.
The real takeaway here? Financial independence and a rich life needn’t be polar opposites. It’s time we rethink our approach to money, letting go of constant financial anxiety and allowing ourselves to enjoy the fruits of our hard work.
So, here’s a warm welcome to a new-age financial freedom mantra, where it’s not just about pinching pennies but also about harnessing the power of joyful spending. Let Wellthi be your supportive friend on this journey, encouraging you to share your financial goals with your buddies, and making the process more fun and less daunting. Remember, there’s more to life than just piling money. Don’t let the fear of spending paralyze you. Enjoy a cup of fancy coffee now and then just not everyday! The key here is the “enjoy” part.
Go Deeper
https://www.moneyunder30.com/the-cult-of-frugality: A money under 30 article explaining the cost of frugality
https://www.financialsamurai.com/stop-frugality-from-leading-to-lifestyle-deflation/: A financial samurai article providing insights on frugality and lifestyle deflation
https://thephysicianphilosopher.com/drop-in-the-bucket/: ThePhysicianPhilosopher article discussing whether frugality is worth it
