The Haves & The Have Nots

 

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!