What are your 'finer things in life'?
Posted
Aug 07 2008, 05:39 PM
by
Karen Datko
Rating:
Someone asked Jennifer Derrick the other day why she doesn't make more money so she can have the "finer things in life" -- jewelry, fancy cars, big house, expensive vacations. She's talented enough. Doesn't she want these things?
Nope. But that person said: "Everyone wants those things and if you think you don't, you're living in denial. You only say that to make yourself feel better because you can't afford them."
Hold on a second. Why does this person feel the need to judge how she lives? We've been in her shoes. We live simply, but we know people who regularly indulge their love of new jewelry and clothes -- and think we're a bit odd because we don't.
Jennifer explains her response in a thoughtful essay at Saving Advice. Here is a summary of her points:
What amounts to the "finer things" is an individual choice. "What this person (and Madison Avenue) doesn't yet realize or want to admit is that what constitutes 'finer' varies from person to person." she writes. "Or at least it should in people who are able to think for themselves. ..."
She has many of the "finer" things she wants, and she's happy. She has more than adequate income, time for family and hobbies, a manageable amount of stress, and a good savings plan. Working more now just to have more money and things would detract from her quality of life.
She has goals and a plan to pay for them, all in good time. She would like a house with more land, more time and money to travel, and a larger camper to travel in. "If I keep saving at my current rate, I'll be able to afford that land and the camper and be able to travel extensively when I retire (early)," she says.
It's all about balance, she adds. "I'm choosing to put off having my 'finer things' until I'm at a point where I can really enjoy them, while still enjoying the life I have today."
