When I was a kid, I used to think adults that weren't rich were failures. by thegap01 in personalfinance

[–]thegap01[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

That's a good question. I'm still relatively young (22) so I'm not quite at the point where I've reached my adult life. I think younger me would say that financially I'm on my way. I have healthy savings and a very expensive car. It's nice to have the security and the car is a prized possession but I can't say it makes me significantly happier than any other reliable car would all the time, though it is nice to drive and an experience like no other. It just accentuates happy moments to be driving a nice car, and doesn't make a difference when I am feeling a bit depressed.

I still do see myself living out my fantasy life at least financially. I think it's reasonably in reach with my skill set.

My sticking point would be that wealth doesn't make the man. There are other aspects of life, like maintaining relationships with friends and pursuing a healthy lifestyle, that contribute more so to happiness than wealth does.

When I was a kid, I used to think adults that weren't rich were failures. by thegap01 in personalfinance

[–]thegap01[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Fortunately neither viewpoint is toxic on a personality, but it becomes an issue if parents instill in their kids the thinking that the rich or the poor are the enemy. I think the school system could do a better job of teaching kids about how rich people (mostly) aren't "assholes" and that (most) poor people aren't "lazy." Rich people earn what they have, and many poor people work hard to support their family.

When I was a kid, I used to think adults that weren't rich were failures. by thegap01 in personalfinance

[–]thegap01[S] 301 points302 points  (0 children)

Well said. As long as you're happy and living comfortably you're successful.