Save. Spend. Splurge.
April 3, 2015

What the final number ends up being as my net worth is unimportant

I’ve come to the realization lately (or perhaps earlier but never wrote it down), that whatever my final net worth number ends up being, is totally unimportant.

Just as how it doesn’t matter how many things I have or DON’T have as a minimalist, how much money I accumulate at the end by the time I go to retire (or semi-retire), is not relevant.

I don’t need to have a house full of stuff when I die or retire, just as I don’t need a bank account flowing with millions if my kids or grandkids can’t or won’t come and see me.

What’s more relevant is what I consider to be a comfortable life, every day, for my entire life.

Am I comfortable?

That’s the question I should be asking when I figure out what I need to spend today, and to save for retirement.

How much would I be comfortable with by the time I decide to work less or stop working altogether?

How much do I need today, to feel comfortable?

I don’t really need a big house or a fancy car, so.. what is it that I really need?

If I can exceed that amount spent and/or saved without it being a burden or a detriment to my life, that’s the real goal I am aiming for.

I still don’t want to give up my life today to wait for tomorrow.

I’m young, healthy, active, full of energy, and it makes no sense to end up at 65, older, not as healthy, and unable to do all the things I’ve put off for years, wishing I had done.

Regrets are things you can’t change or ever take back.

Mindful living, I guess, is what you’d call it if you want to get all New-Agey about it.

 

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8 Comments

  • Lila
    April 4, 2015

    I wouldn’t call that New-Agey I think you’re being realistic. This is what I aim for as well. I want to be comfortable. My idea of comfortable might be different from what another person thinks is comfortable and that’s all right. 😉

    Reply
  • StackingCash
    April 3, 2015

    I need to know my numbers or I might spiral out of control. Trying to find the balance of saving and spending is a constant struggle I have mainly because of a low income job. saving is that much more difficult.

    Reply
  • Taylor Lee @ Engineer Cents
    April 3, 2015

    I’m a very “I need to hit X number” but most of that is because there’s just a part of my brain that does not gel well with working. Or at least working for someone else. And having a number is nice because I have a particular goal to accelerate toward. That said, I think your approach is good too.

    Reply
    • save. spend. splurge.
      April 6, 2015

      I’m trying to be more laissez-faire about it so I don’t freak out if I don’t hit it when globally, it isn’t a big deal for X Y and Z reasons (decreased cost of living, inflation went up)..

      Reply
  • Petrish @ Debt Free Martini
    April 3, 2015

    We are on the same team. I have never calculated what my net worth is. I will one day, but just not ready to face that number yet. One day I will….just need more time.

    Reply

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