The grey areas

How we we get stuck chasing infinity...

"Stupidity begins with thinking the optimum is the maximum (money) or minimum (time)."

Gunter Dueck, Goto Conference,

I find Gunter's right in the question of money. The minimum cost item is often a stupid purchase. Read enough Amazon reviews, and you'll probably agree that saving ten dollars isn't worth potentially burning your house to the foundation.

Maximizing wealth has dangers too. I know folks who did crazy things, endured unhealthy jobs for a chance at riches. I've also read about plenty of rich folks who obsess about having the largest yacht or highest estimated net worth. Some folks earn and earn and earn but never learn or live.

When it comes to wealth, knowing how much you need will help you. It's not that you have to retire when you have enough money. No, that's silly if you enjoy your work. Knowing how much wealth you need helps you make better decisions and plan for what you want.

Most folks don't want wealth. They want what wealth buys. Maybe it's the freedom to tinker, read, or write without worrying about paying rent. Perhaps it's a home in a safe neighborhood for kids. Maybe you want to start a business, a charity, or learn to paint. You can estimate exactly how much money you need to achieve these things. You can set a goal and then stop coveting every penny.

Do you think folks who only seek more wealth might not know what they truly want?

John