If They Can Predict the Weather, Why Not the Stock Market?
Way back in the day, when you’d hear that someone bought a ‘million dollar home’, it’d probably conjure up images of incredible-looking mansions, like this iconic homestead.
^recognize the image above? If you were alive and breathing in the 90s, you’ll probably know the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air mansion anywhere.
Now, you probably know that the housing market looks very different, thanks to inflation. That means when someone brags that they have a “million dollar home,” it might not be as luxe as you’d think.
In fact, this article from Business Insider shows you what a cool mill will get you in several major cities across the country. The article is a bit dated, but it illustrates that context is everything.
Homes are worth more in different locations, and bragging about the cost of a home isn’t the flex that they think it is.
Why am I bringing this up?
Well, I’ve seen many people get struck by the green-eyed monster when they think someone else has ‘more’ than them. Life becomes a competition, and it can bring up some not-so-good feelings.
After all, you work just as hard as those who live a lavish lifestyle, right? Why shouldn’t you be just as richly rewarded?
Here are a few things to remember:
- You don’t need a huge, glamorous house to be happy. That comes from what you do with your time and the people you surround yourself with – not where you call home.
- You don’t know what other people’s finances look like or if they can truly afford their lifestyle. For all you know, they could be drowning in debt with no emergency or retirement savings to their name.
- You don’t have the same priorities and goals that others do, and that’s okay. Someone might prioritize a large home, where you might have recognized the need to put saving, investing, and your financial well-being first. Let others make their own choices, and you make yours.
- Life is simply not ‘fair’. There will always be people that have more than you and me. It’s unavoidable. As long as you have what you need and are happy, you are truly fine. Let that be enough, and stop trying to beat everyone else at life.
That said, there’s nothing wrong with having dreams and goals. Just make sure they’re yours, not someone else’s.
If one of your goals is to make sure you’re getting the most out of your money, a financial advisor can help you achieve it.
If you’d like to talk about what my holistic approach to financial planning can do for you, book a 15 minute consultation with my office by calling (843) 475-3038 (or clicking here to access my online calendar).
