The love of money is the root of all evil.
From both personal experience and personal observation, I believe that statement to be true. Many a man or woman in love with money has compromised principle in order to obtain wealth. No doubt you have seen it as well.
There is just one problem with this helpful proverb: We’re quite sure the warning doesn’t apply to us. I mean, we’d never lie, cheat, or steal to gain more money. Therefore, the warning must be for someone else—probably the wealthy.
Herein lies the problem. Nobody ever admits to loving money. Everybody just wants more of it. (tweet that)
In America, if you ask a roomful of people who wants to be rich, almost every hand gets raised. The desire for wealth is almost a forgone conclusion in our society. So much so, in fact, anybody who claims they don’t want more is quickly labeled a madman, a liar, or misinformed.
But I don’t think this assumption concerning our relentless pursuit of money should go unchallenged. It might be a helpful exercise to measure our desires and weigh them against the alternative.
So let me pose a question.
What if the desire for money could be entirely removed from our lives? What riches might stand on the other side? What benefits would we discover?
Allow me to offer seven.
1. Happiness can be discovered. The studies always come out the same. Once our most basic physical needs are met, money adds very little happiness to our lives—even though we always assume it will. Zig Ziglar said it like this, “Money won’t make you happy. But everybody wants to find out for themselves.” Once we remove the desire for money, we are freed to discover happiness has been available to us all along.
2. Security can be found elsewhere. Research from Margaret Clark, a professor of Psychology at Yale, tells us that human beings look for security in two places: possessions and relationships. When one is abundant, the other receives less priority. As we shift the focus of our lives away from the accumulation of more and more money, we may just find that genuine relationships with other people provide far more security and fulfillment than possessions ever can.
3. The negative influence of wealth becomes more apparent. Most of us fear poverty. But very few ever consider the negative consequences of wealth: pride, arrogance, isolation, lack of empathy, and the clouding of moral judgment (just to name a few). Again, we are quick to dismiss the notion that money would ever have that type of influence on us. Because we imagine our life would only be better with more money, we never stop to even consider if that’s true.
4. Work would take on a new focus. If the pursuit of wealth was removed from our affections, we may change our career entirely and choose to do something more fulfilling for 40 hours/week… doesn’t that sound nice? But even if we didn’t change our work assignment, our focus would still change. We may care less about the paycheck and care more about doing a good job for the sake of doing a good job—or maybe for the sake of the person we are serving in our occupation. Work would no longer be selfish, it would become selfless.
5. Generosity could begin today. Generosity benefits the receiver, but it also rewards the giver. Those who are generous with their money and their time take hold of the life that is fully life. They make the world better and their lives fuller. Too often we fall into the thinking if we made more money we would become more generous. But the statistics don’t support that presumption. Generosity is more about priorities than it is about income.
6. Contentment would become attainable. Those who have all they need (food, clothing, shelter) but still constantly desire more, prove their discontent. It is displayed in the items they pursue. I realize that removing the desire for wealth does not necessarily result in contentment, passions can still be directed elsewhere. But it is a great start.
7. Regret is more easily avoided. People who want to get rich fall into a trap that often leads to ruin and regret. They make sacrifices with their time and energy to secure more wealth. They are quick to neglect their family, their health, or their soul. They make small sacrifices every day in order to make more money. But in the end, they will discover they traded the most important for the least. Rejecting an unquenchable desire for more opens up our life to regain focus on the things that truly matter.
This post is not a chastisement of those with money—that would include most of us. And this is also not an argument against hard work, compensation, or earning money.
Instead, this is a post designed to open up a conversation on this blog and in our minds—a conversation about the role of money in our lives. And it is a call to reevaluate our seemingly insatiable desire for more of it.
About Joshua Becker
Great post Joshua. I have been an entrepreneur for twelve years the thirst for more money has been a part of that whole journey. It has been a very recent heart change that has caused me to sell it all and take a job. I will be making half the amount and I couldn’t be more at peace.
Great article, Joshua! I haven’t always been a great steward over my finances but I’m learning. I don’t make much but there are others who make less. I really wonder how they can make it. I’m sure they must be great stewards. Currently, I only spend money paying my bills and getting necessities and I can’t seem to get ahead (and savings is out of the question). I pay my tithes and my bills…after that…there’s nothing left. Barely, can get gas and food. I owe IRS (can’t understand how with the small amount I make, but, yes I owe), have a student loan payment from one semester of college, just replaced my washer & dryer and my car which all gave out around the same time. I live in an apartment because I can’t afford a home. However, I’m grateful because God has supplied all my needs.
Happy Easter everybody!!! So glad Christ loved us enough to make the ultimate sacrifice!!! So glad He is Risen, He’s Alive and He’s coming back again!!!
Love of money is indeed an evil path which leads to no good.
There are so many examples to look at to prove that.
But discarding money or saying you don’t need it not right to me either
You do need money, and een you have met all your needs, give. Give. Increase your giving not your spending. It will purify you and remove your greed. Of you still deel stingy or selfish and greedy. Give again.
i like the idea of saving money and then putting it to work for me. For example, dividend paying equities. That eventually frees up my time for what i want to spend it on.
The Fiat money system in the United States, which is propped up by our outrageous taxation system and fed by all advertising media is a tough nut to crack for anyone who wants to step outside the main stream consumerism box. We have become slaves because we are a debtor nation…as The Scriptures say, “The borrower is servant to the lender.” Even if we totally live off the grid, if we “own” property, that property is still taxed and we still have to have some way to pay that debt. Toss in the fear of the government, which most of us live under, and it is a perfect Catch 22 for Americans.
All that said, living truly “free” means we must live responsibly and independently and fear God rather than man. We must also be willing to risk all to truly live freely…and most of us don’t have the moral stamina of the martyrs to do that.
Does all of this sound harsh and extreme? It isn’t, really. “And ye shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free.”
I completely agree with this article.I don’t think nobody doesn’t need money.Its a necessity .It really doesnt matter how much money you have or how much money you earned. It’s the way you spend it and save it.Overspending makes your life miserable ..believe it or not!!!?
What an incredible post. I agree 100% with this. It seems that it isn’t money that is a problem but the constant want of money that causes problems. I found your blog back in March and it has lead me to minimalism. I am so much happier now. I got rid of about 80% of my stuff and I feel like I can finally think clearly. It’s odd how I never read when I owned hundreds of books, but now that I only have forty or so, I read every day. Incredible.
I have to respectfully disagree with this article. “What if the desire for money could be entirely removed from our lives?”.
If tomorrow all the money in the world would disappear in puff of smoke, we, as a race, would not be left any better than we are today. We would still be greedy, aggressive, manipulative, unhappy. Also, we would still be generous, caring, loving and understanding.
I am trying to say that we are flawed, and the search for money is an example of those flaws and if we stopped caring about money we would find something else to fixate on. (Fame for example)
You can a perfect bastard without trying to make more money. For example, you can decide that money is not important in your life, that you will not pursue it as a goal, but also, be self-centered in your relationships with others – for example not taking responsibility for your kids.
My path to minimalism includes not reading every comment on here. ?
Hi Joshua – this is why Becoming Minimalist is such an incredible blog. Your articles go way beyond any minimalist/simple living agenda. I decided a long time ago that I simply had no desire to be wealthy and that acquiring money beyond my basic needs held no interest for me. This wasn’t in a smug, holier-than-thou way, simply a revelation about my basic character – money does nothing for my overall happiness and I believe this is true for most people. Of course we need enough money for our basic needs, but as you said so memorably in ‘we are wealthy and why it matters’, most of us, including me are already wealthy. Maybe not wealthy beyond our wildest dreams, but maybe it’s the dreams that need changing, not the wealth.
Freedom from the myth of “security” is one of the greatest freedoms there is. Two years ago, I made the break from a job I didn’t love, and I’ve found that I didn’t need that money and security that had kept me trapped for so long. Here is an article I’ve written, along the same lines: http://www.onlinetherapyandcoaching.org/blog/2015/6/15/rethinking-failure .
Great Post Joshua! Money is definitely not the root of happiness. I have experienced that in my own life.
Well timed post. I am struggling with this right now. My job brings more stress to my life than the money alleviates, however, I am struggling to decide to quit for 2 reasons: 1) fear of not having enough money if some admittedly unlikely circumstance presented itself (going down to 1 income is scary) 2) fear of my husband being resentful that he has to work and I don’t. Our daughter is in school so it is not about being “home with the kids” for me. It’s about bringing calm to our home life that is being sacrificed for money.
I put my ENTIRE paycheck into savings and live off my husbands income. You’d be surprised how quickly it adds up. This nest egg keeps me working. If I were not minimalistic, I wouldn’t be able to do this.
I am really disheartened by this post. I agree with every word, would love to implement these into my life, but I am 50 years old, have a big house full of stuff and growing by the day. My wife and kids are used to the “finer” things in life.. We have all the crap that society told us to buy.
How do you stop the addiction? I tried going solo on this and gave away over $5000 worth of clothes to charity. It felt great and wanted to keep it going, but a year later, it appears that I just made space for the new stuff….
I can’t force my wife and kids to take this on if they don’t believe in it. It is like living in a crack house and trying to stay clean.
I am the worst type of wealthy, I make a ton of money, but don’t save any of it. How do you break the cycle, when no one is willing to help or work with you?
Bob Pepe—I would suggest checking out the Dave Ramsey Website. He has the plan to get out of debt (not sure you are even in debt which includes a mortgage). He will also guide you in how to invest, save and give. You will get your life in balance and feel blessed to have a good income. There is nothing wrong with wealth and living well if you are also giving. Some of the richest people in America are also the most generous. They also own the companies that give others jobs.
Bob – have a look at the Mr Money Mustache blog as well if you haven’t already, lots of really interesting perspectives that you may be able to share with your family.
I will Sally. Thank you…. I hope I didn’t come across as whining about having too much money. I just am frustrated at my own decisions and choices. I just know that with my income, I could be doing much better things with my money than spending it on crap I don’t need
No excuses! It’s a personal decision. Lead by example and take charge of your household.
Lead by example as someone else has said. You’ve got to start somewhere and as Josh has said, make your relationships more important than the stuff. I have a daughter that learned all my bad behaviors with money. Over the last ten years, I’ve slowly had an impact on her. She’s started to look at money differently and stopped using it to replace other unmet needs. That’s what over indulgence, over spending is – it’s a replacement for all the unmet needs of your family. Start to figure out what you really need, what they really need and you’ll be breaking through the cycle you’ve created.
Your post reminds me of a book I once read, The Hunger for More, by Lawrence Shames. Subtitle: Searching for Values in an Age of Greed. Also brings to mind a brother who I have witnessed over the course of a 30-year career transition from a college graduate of modest means to a corporate executive earning well into six figures. This seems to make him happy, but I have seen grow in him all the qualities you mention under ‘the negative influences of wealth’: pride, arrogance, isolation, lack of empathy, and the clouding of moral judgment. In his case, I believe a principal part of his motivation behind essentially turning over 30 years of his life to corporations is gaining respect. Maybe wealth is the currency of respect among his peers, but not sure he quite grasps that it makes no difference to much of the world, including me.
I find when I attain contentment that even happiness is not really needed so much – just a little here and there. Contentment seems to be a foundational core need for me.
I tend to take the approach of “everything in moderation.” I don’t eat sweets everyday to avoid weight gain, but will sometimes indulge. I work hard to have a decent home, health and dental, and a sense of security. My father worked until he was 79 as a Judge and invested in long term care for himself and my mother. They both ended up needing it, and without it they probably would have lost their home. Money and wealth are not evil. Worshipping wealth, keeping up with the Joneses, failing to help others, worrying about fame and status…these are the things that lead to unhappiness. Everything in moderation.
Well said John
I agree completely with Maureen. There needs to be a balance between care of and for money and finding wealth in other things. Money still is important, even though it is not the only way to be rich. I have achieved good success in my career but it is finite – at any time the way you bring money into your life can change, either by choice or circumstance. I know people who have been laid off or fallen ill and struggle to replace their income needs. I feel the differences in my own aging body and know I can’t push as hard or long. Most importantly, recent events mean I’ve brought my senior mother to live with me. She affords me a lesson every day in the value of having a cushion for the day when working is no longer possible. They managed to save $500K on a lower middle class salary over the course of their lives, and it makes the difference in her being able to live with dignity. So this post is a good reflection that money isn’t all that matters, but it does indeed matter.
Kudos to your mom! What a great gift she’s given you to see how well she managed her money. Cheers!
Well said! This post really speaks to me because this is the journey I’ve been on for the past year or so!
I will be one of those who do admit that I love money along with everything it can provide. I don’t think I have ever stolen it, cheated to get it or harmed anyone in my accumulation of if. I don’t think it is wrong to love it if you don’t let it lead to those evils. Until we get to the Star Trek future, where everything, including food, is by replicator and people work for the love of the job because there is no money then, we all need money to one extent or another. We are a ways away from that seeming Utopia.
Joshua—I agree with your post 100%. I know that money is the root of all evil. I know, that I know, that I know!!!
First let me say I do agree with you that money is NOT as important as relationships. With that being said, we live in a world where money is important. You can’t pay your mortgage without it, or buy food without it, or do any philanthropic work without it, so although the concept is nice, we don’t live in that world and probably won’t see it in our life time. Money is important if for nothing more than meeting basic needs.
I don’t believe money in an of itself is the root of all evil. Money is just another form of energy and it’s what we attach to it that becomes the problem. Money just sitting there is just money sitting there.
We as human beings do need to be careful. I know lots of people who are multi-millionaires. Some are the most generous people I’ve ever known. They are generous with their time, resources, their friendship. They are not focused on the collection of wealth, but wealth has easily come into their lives.
I also know people who are broke and struggling and their resentment of those who have more I believe prevents them from every breaking out of the chains of poverty. Their attitude is their roadblock in even getting their basic needs met.
There’s many sides to this and the best anyone can do is to keep their relationship with money in check. To not make the acquiring of it more important than anything else. And, if you’re fortunate to have more than the average person has, to do good deeds with it and make the world a better place.
I don’t think money changes you. I think if your a good person, money will only enhance that as stated above. If on the other hand you’re a jerk, you’ll be a jerk with money.
Well said!
Maureen, I just went to your website and it looks amazing. I am in HUGE debt and my house of cards could be tumbling. I look forward to learning from you. You really struck a nerve with me.. You are exactly what I need (and I also love Dirty Martinis)
Hey Bob! Glad to have you join me over at my site. Look forward to getting to know you. If there’s anything I can do to help you on your journey don’t hesitate to drop me an email. Cheers!
Once again enlightening and exactly what I needed.
I also liked your interaction in the comment section Joshua.
I am trying to make of my full time job a safe place for personal growth and a platform to bless others. The job in itself is not something I’m passionate about and I feel that I’m there ‘cos God wants me there now and that’s what gets me through the days.
I find joy in writing and being creative. I am praying and asking God to open doors for me in a place that I can find more fulfillment and use my gifts to full potential.
I want work to be fulfilling and I want to do the best I can, always. Today, work is just work for me, but I’m praying and hoping for better opportunities.
Beautifully crafted post! I can really resonate with number 4. I’m trying to get all my basic needs met as simply as possible such as growing my own food, walking or using a bike for transport etc. so that I can have more time for the things I want to do rather than have to do. Our society places far too much emphasis on money when really it is a fabrication of our own doing!
Such a conversation, indeed!
Well, to put it simply, to me, it’s Freedom + Contentment.
Without contentment, one will look for more, and then more. It won’t stop. In a sense, you will be content when you’re “rich” if you’re already content when you’re not.
Money is just a means ….but it could be a menace or turn your future to a ‘mean’ one.
nicely penned article…
When I was in high school my grandparents passed away and left myself and my sister to split all of their wealth they left behind. They were farmers and teachers, so they did not leave an excessive amount, but still a large amount for an 18 year old boy to receive. I feared that having far more money than any of my acquaintances would fill me with arrogance and a love of money, but I actually found the opposite. I have found that everyone else around me is always talking about how they want more money or wish to be rich, but I do not share those feelings. Through getting a large amount of money I quickly realized that more money was not going to make me happier, and I shifted the focus of my life onto things that I knew would bring me true happiness without just being motivated by money. I work as hard for my money as I ever have, and I have enough money so that I can live comfortably and have quality possessions, but I understand that I should not lead myself astray by chasing money. I was able to decide to become a teacher and commit to worldly travels and live my life the way I believe is best simply because I was able to understand what it is like to have enough money. I understand that my situation is not the norm, but I am extremely grateful for being able to realize the true value of money early on in life.
Not interested in vast wealth, but would like security for retirement and no debt.
My husband and I retired when I was 53 and he was 55. We didn’t need our full pensions because the kids were done with college and we had always lived simply. We volunteer, take classes, I do crafts and we travel. When you don’t care what the Joneses do life can be very simple.
When we were poor I thought that when we had enough money to be more than comfortable we would be very charitable. Instead, I worry about having enough to get life long care for my aging mind and body. I am not happy with that. I don’t love money but I do fear being poor again without the physical and mental resources we had back then to help ourselves out of the hole. We do give now but not as much as I would like. It’s a challenge to find the right balance.
I agree with all of these, Josh, but especially with #2. Two years ago, we let it all go and left “security” to follow our dreams. We’ve been happy and overall it’s worked out well.
However, I remember a time when things were really tight, financially. One unfortunate thing happened after another, and we got to the point where we had to choose between having a home and eating.
I was a member of a mothers’ group in my community. We were relatively new here, and I was not very active in the group. I asked about local food pantries, and if there were any that could help people in our situation. They gave me answers right away, but–unbeknownst to me at the time–a member of the group had organized a food drive, and I received my first care package of many the next morning! These strangers who became new friends kept my family fed until we were able to resolve our situation and prevent it from happening in the future.
Of course, we have paid it forward, many times. ;-)
The greatest source of happiness that a person can have is a strong community.
A great post – it’s a message that I certainly agree with.
I hope to accumulative a moderate amount of wealth before bowing out of my profession about 20-25 years early so that I can focus on more rewarding things in life.
A career as a partner in a big firm gets old very quickly and I jus can’t bear the thought of hanging around longer than I really need to. Otherwise I will just be missing out on all of the other great things that life has to offer.
What perfect timing to address the topic of wealth when billionaires are buying politicians and American Democracy is at stake.
I have riches that the Koch Brothers can’t imagine.
I always enjoy and appreciate the things you write, but this is my favorite post of yours yet, by far. So much truth and wisdom here. It is not money that is the root of all evil, but it is the love of money that is the root of all evil. When I read this, I thought of Jesus and how He said how hard it was for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God. He didn’t say it was impossible for wealthy people to serve Him but that it would be hard. I believe He said this because He knew how strong the propensity to LOVE our riches really is. The closer we draw to Him and His mindset and way of life, the less our riches even mean to us, and the more we long to bless others with them as much as possible. The joy that comes from giving them away and seeing the needs of others’ met far surpasses any joy that comes from holding on to them. Thank you for speaking such profound truth here. So thankful for this post. :)
Generosity can start earlier– yes. I’m tired of hearing people who say that they’ll be generous “one day” when they’re financially secure. The truth is, generosity is always dangerous, and always worth it. If we can cultivate these other attitudes sooner, and not waiting for the day when we “have enough”, then we could collectively change the world for the better. Such a good post Joshua!
I competely agree with that.
Money? Always a good topic to spark conversation. Recently, my husband and I have agreed to NOT discuss money with anyone but ourselves. As soon as someone wants to tell us about THEIR money, we create a diversion. We do not want to hear it. This has made a huge difference in our life and our relationships. When you lose everything, you find out who your friends are. We went from a very comfortable corporate lifestyle to poverty in an extremely fast amount of time (job loss/medical bills). I experienced first hand how fleeting security can be. I still struggle with lifelong Midwest concepts about ownership, but realize much of that is delusional. ( i.e., If you have a mortgage; you do not own your home; the bank does) If your basic needs are not met, money is a huge worry and ever present focus (negative) in your life. The irony is only if you have money can it not be a focus. The freedom to bow out of the employment system is a goal for many, however, without focusing on money, they won’t get there.
That is exactly where I am now. I do want to do the bow and bid the grind farewell. My conflict with money impedes that. Right now I am trying to find a easy going, positive, and loving relationship with money to replace the pain that has existed around it. It is happening and I am finding that the more I stay in a place of positive neutrality, I know positive and neutral, with money it makes it easier to love money while still knowing that my goal is to acquire it for freedom, not a bunch of stuff and junk.
It has been a challenge as I was raised in a house where money was scarce and the fear, worry, and confusion from that lack in my parents rubbed off on me. In essence I am dealing with their own issues in my self.
Number 7 definitely strikes a chord with me. Often we do not realise what it is we are sacrificing until we stop to look back upon our past decisions. It’s those small choices we make along the way that, when added together can have a huge impact upon our lives.
As the author of a book titled, Redefine Rich, I greatly appreciate your words. Being rich has far more to do with your heart than your wallet. Thanks, Joshua.
I certainly believe the Bible’s warning about the LOVE of money, but there is a certain amount of security in having more than enough for the basics. My husband and I are now in our 60’s and live very comfortably. At our age, we are beginning to have more health issues which are costly even with health insurance. Last week, my husband went to the emergency room thinking he might be having a heart attack. He ended up staying overnight for tests and turns out his heart is fine. I had just had my gall bladder removed the week before. He commented that his hospital stay was for nothing, and I reminded him that we are fortunate that we can afford it. We never sought after lots of money, being 2 school teachers, but we inherited money. There is a measure of comfort in knowing we’ll most likely never have to worry about finances in our last years.
Other than that, I agree with your article.
Great article. I love your points, and I have been trying to convince my husband of this for our entire marriage. I grew up very poor, but never felt that poor because life was still good. As an adult, I can see we need money for basic needs and that really all. I don’t stress that we need anything extra or whatever. But he does, and that stresses me, stresses our marriage.
I also grew up poor but with a loving family so I never felt poor. I’m about to graduate with a graduate degree and constantly feel the tug from society to find a high paying job instead if staying with the small company I have grown to love. My husband is my biggest supporter and a huge reminder that happiness doesn’t come from the size of our paychecks.
I just left an 11-year job with the best pay and benefits in the transportation industry. My decision to do this was in the midst of years of prayerfully discerning God’s direction. Finally, only 10 days before I was to be married to my bride, I accepted a job offer to be a High School teacher at a Christian school that pays me very little. And, I am learning much about #2–security through money versus through a relationship. With my old job, I didn’t have to answer to anyone if I felt confronted or uncomfortable. With my new job, my willingness to work through my relationship with God and with my new bride (we just married in June) have become my new sense of security. Yet, I find that I have finally answered God’s calling to trust in His promise to never forsake me. I no longer trust in myself or in an employer. My new job starts in two days, and I feel like I am in a tension between anxiety (not trusting God) and feeling content that I will be putting in work that is worth while.
Happy new life :) Blessing and peace to you and I feel very joyful for you. What an exciting time in your life. Keep the straight and narrow :)
No doubt, I believe, you will find all of your needs continually met.
O Dears :) This leads me to remember today how GRATEFUL I am that we are filthy rich. Considering my age my health is pretty good, a life-long companion (26 years married) and who just survived open heart surgery in June 2015 and going strong, a huge family and beautiful friends. We worked hard towards having zero debt except for week to week and monthly living expense. We have good food, a roof over our heads and land, paid for transportation. I am rich and blessed and wish the same for all. Our things may not be perfect and shoddy to others and we may have rotten wood and things falling down but it’s perfect for us and it is ours. We have a peaceful life. An old man once told my hubby and I, “It’s not what you make, it’s what you spend.” Chew on that!! Love to you all.
I have been considering these same things, not only with wealth, but also with fame. To say we do not want explosive growth in our ministry/church/blog/platform is viewed as “small-minded” or “lacking faith” or “lazy.” But I wonder if the desire for more and big is really a result of our cultural influence and not God’s leading, at all.
To whom much is given, much is required. There is a level of responsibility, temptation and distraction that comes with excessive wealth and fame. I’m not sure most of us consider that when we set these things as our ministry-life goals.
Thanks for this post!
Number 2. I think this one is huge, and I have witnessed it in my own life. Our generation (millennials) are so quick to place value in things like wealth, a career, notoriety, in search of fulfillment, ignoring (or forgetting?) the fact that having a healthy, successful relationship is just as fulfilling, probably more, than any of the others.
Just my 2 cents.
Dylan
I have no great love of money and part of me can feel that working against me because I want money. I want it not for the stuff, but to finally be free of having to think about it. Freedom is the core of what I truly want and it seems, and I may be wrong, in this culture you need money to get free i.e no mortgage, no debt, bills, etc.
I enjoy living simple and I do not chase after things. I broke that idea a long time ago. But I do want a pile of cash to get mostly free of this system that strongly compels me to participate in it in order to live.
Having an ample amount of money allows one to pursue other things in life instead of grinding away 40 hours a week at a job that one may totally despises just to get a paycheck.
If freedom could be achieved without money, I would be the first to sign up.
I replied to a similar comment above.
Great piece – I completely agree that it is so important to evaluate the role of money in our lives. As I’ve thought more about money over the years, I’ve come to see that I actually don’t want to be rich, I just want enough money that I never have to think about money. Money is a means to an end, but figuring out what the desired end is (and funding it!) is the tricky part.
Exactly Ali. I do not want to be rich, but there is something that is compelling to become what may be called rich in order to be free. Freedom is the core experience/feeling behind money accumulation I think. Not money itself.
Thanks for the comment Ali. Personally, I might wonder what the exact dollar amount is that would allow you to “never have to think about money.” My guess is that number doesn’t exist. It simply changes as our income and net worth changes.
Somebody may think, “If I had 1 million dollars in the bank, I would never have to worry about money. That’s the number.” But once they achieve that goal, they realize they still worry about money. And so the target gets moved—maybe this time it gets moved to 2 million dollars.
I understand that sentiment. However, similar to happiness and security, I’m just not sure money ever solves that problem. We don’t freedom in the money itself, we find freedom in how we think about money.
I would agree. For myself, being content with what I have is the mindset I am learning. For us at this time, paying attention to the money we are making is enabling us to work towards paying off our house in three years. I do not think, though, that there will ever be a time when we won’t budget and tell our money where to go. Thus. I think we will always have to think about money.
Joshua, I think you hit the nail on the head with the statement that “we don’t find freedom in the money itself, we find freedom in how we think about money.”
As someone who is mid 40’s and recently retired/FI, I struggled with the exact scenario you described for a few years before finding the courage to retire and pursue my travel dreams.
What is “enough” money? Will I always think about money and lead a miserly life? What if “x” happens? What if I run out when I am old and can’t work?
While plagued with those thoughts, no amount of money would have been enough. I finally had to accept the fact that absolute security is an illusion. No amount of money can guarantee you won’t be impoverished in old age. Once I accepted that I would have to be comfortable with the discomfort of living with a degree of uncertainty, I was able to “take the plunge.”
For me personally, I don’t excessively think about money, but I do have to manage it and periodically check that I am still on track. I also don’t love the money per se, but do love the freedom it affords me…I call it “frugally free.”
I also think that money can not buy happiness, but can give you the time and resources to work out any issues that may stand in the way of happiness. It also gives you more time for relationships and to find things you enjoy doing.
I appreciate the message of this post so much. It seems we sometimes think we should make more money just because we’re indoctrinated with high income as a goal our whole lives. Maybe we don’t even want to increase our lifestyle, but like the idea of having more saved or invested to gain status or “feel safe.” But if this leads us to neglect our relationships and souls, we are actually in grave danger of ruin.
I would add that the original quote says the love of money leads to all kinds of evil, rather than all evil. But either way, it is a danger to watch out for!
Well put
I appreciate the article and agree with the sentiments. There are those, like myself, who are stuck in the middle somewhere. I love money in that it brings comfort and I want more money, more money, more money… But not to buy a better home or car or whatever. I want to pay off my debts accrued with my spouse and before my spouse before we learned better, and some from when we had unforseen circumstances that set us back yet again. Wanting a simpler life coupled with paring down (“simplifying”) possessions and expectations coupled with hundreds in excess debt monthly… That puts you in an odd spot of self-loathing sometimes. You’re always firmly straddling, “F monetary wealth” and “dear God, bring me more money so I don’t drown”.
What Carrie said echoes my sentiment exactly!
I think in cases of paying off debt, the motivation is not necessarily to get rich. The motivation is to earn the money that rightfully belongs to someone else so you can remove yourself from that burden.
I think you should work as hard as you can to pay off your debt as soon as possible. In so doing, you’ll need to be overly mindful of lifestyle creep—it’s so incredibly easy to fall into spending more just because you are making more.
When you are out of debt, re-evaluate your time commitments and your pursuits in this new season of life to ensure they are focused on the best things.
Great point Joshua. I feel we (my family) are quite money obsessed at the moment – however we have just set an ambitious goal to have our mortgage paid in 8 years. Freedom is our aim, rather than riches.
We were mindful in setting this goal of our other lifestyle objectives – we could pay it off even quicker if I returned to work but that would not be conducive to a slower pace of life and a desire for me and my husband to spend as much time as possible with our son before he starts school.
We needed an ambitious goal or else we would squander our money on frivolous stuff. We certainly intend to re-evaluate the situation once our mortgage is paid. I get excited just thinking about it!
Fantastic post! I couldn’t agree more.
Thank you! I should show this to all the people who told me when I was 19 and a dance teacher (making next to nothing) that I needed a “real job” because this wasn’t paying me “enough”. No, they weren’t paying me much money, but the joy I got from doing it was payment enough.
Thank you for posting this!
Kay