Create a Rich Life

A rich life is a life measured by memories and milestones and not based on money and stuff. The quicker you can realize this, the faster you will be able to create a rich life for yourself.

Of course you need a certain degree of money to provide for yourself and your family, but the amount is far less than you would expect if you save and spend wisely. As a society we are far too caught up in “keeping up with the Joneses” and this can takes its toll on your happiness as well as your wallet. The bigger house, the newer car, the hottest designer outfits, the latest touch phones, gaming systems and gadgets … all come at a cost.

‘Envy’ is a temporary feeling and the ‘stuff’ that we buy to try and fill the void in our lives is just that … it’s ‘stuff’. And while we may get a rush of joy or excitement over our new purchase, it’s a fleeting feeling. As soon as you buy the new outfit, game or gadget, a newer version is already on the market. And when it comes time to pay the higher mortgage or bigger car loan … buyer’s remorse can hit you hard.

If you read my About page you’ll know that my income is 25% of what it once was. We’ve always lived below our means. Gosh, I’m the girl with the crock pot, hand mixer and blender that were wedding presents that will be 20 years old this May. My poor toaster died after 19 years. While we always lived below our means, when we made more we naturally spent more. So, when I gave up the big job we gave up other things too:

• We downsized our home and chose to put a priority on the location and not the size. After years of do-it-yourself projects we have the home of our dreams.
• My Lexus SUV and the $750.00 monthly payments were traded in for a shiny red Mazda 3 which is paid for.
• Dining out was replaced with staying in, and with more time I realized how much I love to cook.
• I started coloring my own hair which I found so easy. And, because it’s so cheap ($10.00 or less) I do it more frequently than when I was paying $150 at a salon. The net effect … my “natural” blond looks more natural without the roots showing.

The list goes on.

The point is that these ‘things’ were not missed, and the changes that we made in our lives afforded us far more valuable opportunities. Time with each other and time for family and friends. I’m learning about myself, I’m pursuing interests and dreams, and I’m relishing in the little things. I have the time to make memories … and to sit back and reflect on them.

Whether you choose to downsize your life or it happens to you with a job loss or layoff  … focus on what matter most and make it memorable and not material.