The Hidden Side of the Cost of Living That Nobody Talks About
No way.
Anyone who spends money on cigarettes is destroying his body and mind. Anyone who owns more shoes than he can wear in a week has made the wrong investment.
But those who “turn” their money into fun have already understood the meaning of money and time and have mastered their personal finances.
Whether you are rich or not rich, with every dollar left over, you have the chance to decide again what it can do for you. Either enjoy every moment or waste time living dogmas.
Life is more valuable than anything that exists. I was finally able to have this experience in the last few days and tried a new “investment”.
A good friend just took me to one of his favorite cities in the south of Portugal. We exchanged money for lives and experienced great adventures, and the summer weather was unparalleled. We took the wind out of everyone’s sails and had a great time with tourists and foreigners. The experiences are a hoot.
The less material things you need, the more money you have to buy material things you don’t need.
That’s how this concept of money works. If you save today, you will soon have more money left over to spend tomorrow. Another vicious cycle of the cost of living.
From a material point of view, you hardly buy a new television every year, much less a smartphone every month. You can save today, but you will necessarily spend it on material goods tomorrow anyway.
Spend Or Save Money?
There are months when I spend more and months when I invest more. If things continue like this, soon I will only have to work Tuesday and Thursday every week or retire in a few years.
Sometimes I am amazed how someone can live so freely and save so much with a modest lifestyle yet still be a corporate worker and celebrate life’s great moments.
On average, with $1,611.14 per month, you can live well. Housing, exercise, food, and fun.
Life Is Bigger Than Things That Cost $$$
The first time I tried to fly a helicopter, and since I am not a fan of heights, my mind was racing.
What happens if something goes wrong and the plane crashes? What happens if something bad happens to me?
After surviving the one-way flight, standing on the beaches and mountains of this world, I had some time to answer these questions and it made me even more aware that our life is bigger than anything else.
It is worth protecting for yourself and for all the people in this world. It’s not about having a big TV or expensive clothes, but about making every moment a good one.
If you can’t have fun, make the best of it. Have fun at home. Have fun at work. Do what you love. Love what you do.
You should always live in the NOW and make a time worth living for yourself and your loved ones.
For me, it means that I can quietly deal with things that don’t allow me to live.
If I don’t want to do something, then I don’t do it anymore. If someone is annoying me, then we can meet in the afterlife.
If I want to do something, then I do it. You don’t always need money. An open ear, a helping hand, or honest feedback is enough.
Being Different Brings Joy
Flying on vacation in times of pandemic was egregious. While the whole nation was stuck in the apartment, I noticed something unusual.
Imagine: you drive to the most beautiful sights in the world and experience them relatively deserted, and you can really relax. And so my appeal.
Be yourself and be different from others.
Whether it is about investments, travel, your dress, or any social convention, as long as you are not violating another human being or breaking the law, you should let off steam and do what you feel is right.
Going with the crowd means a standard interchangeable life.
To sum it all up
In general, I recommend EVERYONE accumulate one or more extra incomes these days so that the pension doesn’t get too tight or there is more capital available to EXPERIMENT the good side of life.
At the end of the day, personal finance is about saving and spending on moments that make you a better person.
To live each moment intensely.
So stop worrying about how much money you have spent or will spend. Live one day at a time. Accumulating wealth and investing in yourself.
This article is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered Financial or Legal Advice. Not all information will be accurate. Consult a financial professional before making any major financial decisions.
Cool post, Paulo, that resonated with me. Investing is not a luxury, it's a necessity these days.