Always wanting more…
We get a raise in our job. We realize, “Oh, wow I’m making a lot more money now than I previously was.” We have two decisions to make. We’re either going to save/invest the raise that we received, or we’re going to spend it.
I don’t remember who told me this, but this statement always stuck with me.
“If you can make $40K per year, and then make $140K per year and still live like you’re making $40K, then you’re on your way to financial freedom.”
We all have a limit on how much money we can save and invest each month. But, what we have control over is how we maximize our income. People think, “Oh, this raise is great. I can’t wait to buy the luxury car I’ve always wanted.” The financial choices we make today are going to have a big effect on what our future holds for us when it comes to our money and how we use it.
I’ve been following Grant Cardone for years now. Grant is a real estate investor who owns real estate all over the country and has a sales training company as well. He’s big into public speaking and wants people to 10X everything in their lives. Grant had a difficult upbringing. He was addicted to drugs and had a rough childhood with his parents growing up. Grant always touches upon that when he turned thirty-five years old he was a millionaire, and still driving a Toyota Corolla. The next year I believe he bought a Bentley. No one had any idea who he was or how much money he had. The story isn’t about the car, but about living below your means even though you know you have the money to buy something. Grant always says don’t start buying things until you have your business or assets (meaning real estate in this case) pay for them. Have your assets pay for your liabilities.
Why do we always want more money?
I remember when I got my first job when I was seventeen. I was working at a golf course making pretty good money for a seventeen-year-old. I got cash tips too. We made great tips. To this day it was one of the best jobs I ever had. I remember getting that cash as a teenager, and thinking, “Oh boy, I want more of this.” The feel of the money, I just wanted it. I don’t know why. I realized years later that it wasn’t actually receiving the physical money for the work I did I was after, but the freedom and choices that the money gave me at such a young age. That job taught me a very powerful lesson.
“Having money gives us options in life. It’s a tool that’s used to get us where we want to go.” -Will Fulton
I’m not after money, I’m after the freedom that money provides me. It gives me options. I don’t care about fancy clothes, fancy cars, etc. Maybe one day I’ll have that. But for now, at this point in my life, I don’t need it. I want experiences. I want good food and drinks. I want to help people. I want to spend time with and do the things I enjoy with the people I love. I want to develop myself as a human being. I want to give it. That’s why I want more money. It’s almost as if money gives us some sort of power. Good power though. Power in which you’re doing what you want, when you want, with who you want. That’s true power. That’s freedom.
Final Thoughts
Know your why, as Simon Sinek preaches. With anything you do in life, know why you’re doing it. Why do you want more money? Well, that’s for you to decide.
This article is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered Financial or Legal Advice. Not all information will be accurate. Consult a financial professional before making any significant financial decisions.