By
definition I suppose I fit into the “Have Not” population, at least on paper
anyway. My income is low, really low,
and I don’t complain about that. When I
file my taxes I fall into the poverty level and qualify for the Earned Income
Credit. This year I got a $21 credit –
whoo hooo! I get a refund every year,
always have. Despite that, I do not take
advantage of any welfare programs. I
don’t use SNAP or seek food from pantries and food banks. In fact, quite the opposite, I help those in
need.
The
majority of people in higher income brackets, the “Haves”, tend to carry a
large amount of debt to sustain their standard of living. They drive newer automobiles, live in larger
homes in upscale neighborhoods with HOAs, they entertain and frequently go out
to eat and their children are likely to be involved in everything. Also, they typically
aren’t great savers. Emergencies and
vacations are taken care of with credit and retirement savings is far off into
the future. On the whole, the money
going out doesn’t match what is coming in.
Studies also show that the “Haves” tend to have more anxiety, for a
variety of reasons, then the “Have Nots” hence the adage “money doesn’t buy
happiness”.
To the
contrary this “Have Not” feels like she has it all! Everything I have I own outright. I have plenty to eat and everything I need to
live on a daily basis. My utility bills
get paid as soon as I receive them. For
the most part, if I want or need something I can just go out and get it. I have savings and an emergency fund and I
have retirement savings that I am able to invest and allow to grow.
While I
don’t drive a new car with all the bells and whistles and I don’t live in a big
house in an upscale neighborhood I do have a nice car and a nice little truck, a
home that is perfect for me in a nice neighborhood and, most importantly, I am content and happy. I don’t have those financial worries that
plague so many. I’ve always lived within my means, had
something in savings and an emergency fund, taken advantage of my employer’s retirement programs (401k, PERSI and
ESOP) and taken care of the things I own so they last a good long time. As a single person who raised a family on her
own without financial assistance and still managed to retire early I am rather
proud of this. I wouldn’t trade places
with any of the “Haves” if you paid me!
You should be very proud of how you have lived your life. We have always lived within our means as well and spend less than we bring in. I couldn't live with debt; it would cause great anxiety. I was reading this week that the average American is living paycheck to paycheck and has around 10,000.00 of credit card debt. Can you imagine??
ReplyDeleteLike you, debt would cause me great anxiety as well. I cannot imagine carrying around 10K in debt. I'd never sleep.
DeleteYou are an inspiration to everyone who reads your blog and it is always one of the first blogs I read with my morning cuppa Joe. I believe that people are a combination of “have” and “have not”…it is just a matter of what you choose to prioritize in each category. Have a wonderful day! Jenny
ReplyDeleteYou too Jenny!
DeleteI think I fall somewhere in the middle. Having everything that I need and quite a bit of what I want makes me feel like a "Have". I try to save as much as possible and rein in the spending as best I can. I don't live lavishly by any means but I am very aware of my blessings. I am Content, but the goal for me is Happy - the icing on the cake.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on that! :)
DeleteYour blog really is inspirational. We have a similar mindset of careful spending and saving, but I always learn wonderful home management/improvement tips from you, and I appreciate that! You have squeezed maximum value out of every penny you've earned, and that takes tremendous planning and work. Sincerest congratulations for that!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice of you to host this site and share with your like-minded followers as well.
This is a place that encourages frugality and celebrates taking charge of your money.
I don't envy the "haves" either. I think they could be called the "Gotta Haves." Because they gotta have the biggest house, the most expensive cars, the best clothes, the fanciest vacations. And I'm pretty sure they also have the biggest CC debt, the smallest retirement accounts, and the worst night's sleep anyone could have due to all the things they think they "Gotta Haves."
If you have a good sense of self-worth and contentment, you find that you have far fewer "Gotta Haves."
You are so right Sue! :)
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