Have you ever wondered what really makes you rich? You ask a poor guy, he may tell you about a permanent shelter and regular food would make him happy. You and I have shelter and we get our regular meals, are we happy? We may think a paid off mortgage, enough money in retirement saving would make us happy. But, are we really happy?
Why do we want to be rich? To enjoy our life, isn’t it? And to get richer we sacrifice many god things on earth, like quality time with family, long planned vacation, children’s school ceremony, etc.
Why?
To become richer one day and be happy ever after!
To get richer by earning money, in order to become happier, we need to be disciplined and use our limited time effectively. There’s no shortcut. Unless you inherit a fortune by some means, the only way to become rich instantly is by stealing or gambling.
What you can easily do instead is just feel that you are rich and wealthy, do things that make you feel that way. Always remember that ‘being wealthy’ or ‘rich’ is a relative measure. The money I have accumulated in just 6 years of living in America is enough for me to go back to India and live a happy retired life. I would be known as a rich man in my neighborhood.
When I see myself around fellow Americans, I am a middle class non-homeowner. No one can say I am rich. If you ask me whether I feel rich? I would say ‘yes’, I do feel rich. Here are some reasons why I think that way.
I have a different definition of wealth: I’ve elaborated on this already. Richness comes in many forms – emotional, spiritual, social, and monetary. For many, richness only relates to money, but believe me – you don’t need that much money if you are rich from the other three aspects. Through this blog, Twitter, Facebook and in real life (although blogging takes a toll on person-to-person socializing a bit) I do feel richer socially. I am one of the office bearers for a nonprofit organization that organizes events to increase awareness of India and its culture in the USA. Each event we organize gives me a sense of satisfaction.
I have a satisfying job: I have a decent job that I like to do. My job is a fun place and has so many things to learn about finance and technology (weird combo, isn’t it?). I like team environment and doing things together. We treat each other with respect, we celebrate each other’s success. This is a tremendous feeling of fulfillment. I feel richer every day at work. (don’t count off days, please)
My financial future is secure: If I lose my job and the market goes for a toss at the same time, I will have trouble coping (and mental trauma) but I will eventually recover. I have a decent education and enough work experience to secure another job. Also, I have another country to search for jobs in. I am well diversified in the stock market. Not every stock I own would remain depressed for next 20-30 years. Unless a meteor hits us or a bad illness strikes, I feel secure. I have a sufficient emergency fund to take care of me for one year without a job.
I do spend money: Believe it or not, we are oriented in such a way genetically that material pleasure gives us a feeling of richness. I do spend money on a few things and I spend money on self improvement. If you earn well and fulfill all your savings goals, you should give yourself and your family occasional treats. Otherwise life gets boring. We cannot and should not play the carrot and donkey game with those most important to us.
I do eat well: Fortunately my wife is a great cook and she takes special care of my taste. And I do find her cooking much better than the restaurants. This is emotional richness, friends. If your hungry stomach stays happy, your brain doesn’t get too worried about the availability of future meals.
I do take vacation: I use all of my vacation days at work. I live in south Florida, where I can indulge in a lot of activities without travelling far. Last year I took a 21-day road trip around the northern states. That was the experience of a lifetime. Travels are great for learning and feeling richer mentally. When those places or structures from your school text books unfold before your eyes, you do feel that you have achieved something in life!
I satisfy my quest for knowledge: This is a very important aspect of feeling emotionally and spiritually wealthy. Knowledge is wealth! Acquire as much as you can and most of the time this wealth is available for free. If you start building your knowledge, money shall follow. I am not in to books much but, I do read a lot on the net.
I try to look good and dress well: I am not a believer of simple living and high thinking; it doesn’t suit me. God hasn’t given me a spectacular body or looks, but I try to remain well dressed and well mannered whether at the dinner table or during conversation. You will find me clean shaven with hair well done, polished shoes, a nice watch, trendy eyeglasses, and thoroughly ironed clothes. I do try to remain fat free 🙂 . People will judge the way you look, behave and talk before going deeper to look for your knowledge. A good appearance does make us feel richer on others’ eyes.
Readers, since reading this post, don’t you feel good about your situation? Don’t you feel that perhaps you are not doing badly either? Did you get the true message from this post, which is that money is not the only measure of feeling rich and wealthy?
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Well presented SB. There realy is so much more to wealth than money alone. Family is at the top of my list of essential life assets.
Offcourse, the other day I was reading that someone browses iPad on couch while watching TV, now that’s surely a sign of wealthy person, even though the TV is through rabbit ear antennae 🙂
Ha! Rabbit ears are cool, you need to get some and retire that free cable service. I suppose iPad surfing on the couch is one definition of wealth. You got me.
nope its free Hunter!
When I think of rich, I probably need more to identify with that. I have all the things that are important in life, a great wife (43 years), great (adult) children and a wonderful fulfilling life. I got to do all the things I ever wanted to do. I am a wealthy man!
And you are going for a vacation in Italy…I am excited for you KC!
I think you make a great point SB. I definitely feel rich by having a great family and a job I love.
Financially speaking – I lived for so many years always wondering if there would be any money in my checking account the next morning. Having an emergency savings account has made me feel secure and rich in a way I never thought it would…
very well said Kyle. Havign a emergency cushion always gives a good night’s sleep. Come what may I have 1 year to fix things…
Wealth is (at its basic level for me) hot running water, indoor plumbing, a roof over my head and peace in my neighborhood.
Very well said, you are already rich. I am sure your grand kids do bring the maximum richness, right?
Excellent post SB! Rich is a state a mind, not a figure in your bank account. I’m also acquainted with the opposite scenario as well; I know a few rich people that think they are poor.
Till you want more you won’t feel rich. But I am not advocating minimalist lifestyle either, its just insane. I too know a few who never think they are rich, even though they have all the comfort of the world. I take pity on them
I couldn’t agree with you more! And I like that you have plenty of bullet points to prove your wealth.
Am sure you do too 🙂
Family is at the top of my list of essential life assets.If being rich and wealth great family and a job I love is real worth..
well said, any plan to change your profile id?
Money is not the best measure of wealth, but from reading your bullet points, you still mention material things. A job, a vacation, good food and clothing. And sadly, there are some people who do not have those luxuries, so to them, you still seem rich. Money allows you to take a 21 day road trip, money allows you to dress nicely, you are not unemployed like 10% of Americans and you can use that money to buy things that you want and need.
So no, money is not the best measure of wealth, but you named items that require money to enjoy.
Latisha, wealthy is a relative term, so is frugal. A frugal practice by me is someone else’s misery. My 21 days road trip is a symbol of richness for some but for many, it’s just spending 21 days from one door to another.
Very well said. I too believe that your wealth and richness is brought to you by the people in your life and the experiences that you share with them. Money only gives us the ability to enhance these experiences.
money has all the power, no doubt. but what I meant was without money you can feel rich and wealthy as well…glad you liked.
I also believe first impression is everything. Dressing well is not hard even if you don’t have a lot of money and it says a lot about you as a person.
Good observation!
Basic needs… family, health, friends. Everything else is just garnish.
Family, health and friends, the complete list.