There can be a feeling of embarrassment in connection with doing things differently than others in order to win with money.
We've had to fight this - and continue to fight this - to win as we have been.
I drive an eleven year old paid for car. Christina's financed car is getting paid off so fast some executive at Scotiabank is probably worried about the profitability of our ongoing relationship. I live multi-generationally. Working through our scars, my wife and I have become advocates for a debt-free lifestyle. We get asked personal questions once a week about our lifestyle and don’t mind - we’re not defensive at all. We’re blessed and not stressed.
We talk to people all the time, and Tina and I have this conversation amongst ourselves - why do people feel that they have to measure up to other people in their culture, their community or their family?
Why do we worry about judgement?
As far as culture and community, I guess that’s just us being neurotic - pandering to an imaginary audience.
But if you feel you have to “keep up with” members of your family or somehow compete (i.e. keeping up with the Joneses) or play games of comparison, you’re broken, or you’ve been lied to.
Guys, this is your money and your life. Sell that financed car and drive a 2009 Altima with almost a quarter million kilometers on it. Turn in your leased car. Take the bus. Stop borrowing against your home to renovate. Redefine “emergency”. Live on less than you make. Have an emergency fund.
Take borrowing out of your toolbox, a lying salesperson put it in there to begin with, it’s not yours.
You "deserve" what you have cash to purchase.
More than any other words out there, “normal” and “deserve” have cost me the most.
Be wierd.
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